Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/9/25)
The Glamour VS…?
Who steps up for a golden opportunity?
Blake Monroe wants to prove she is a fighting champion, so she’s holding her first-ever Open Challenge! Who goes after her for NXT Women’s North American Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kelani Jordan VS Jordynne Grace; Kelani wins.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship Open Challenge: Blake Monroe VS ???; No Contest.
- Shiloh Hill VS Lexis King; Shiloh wins.
- Sol Ruca VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey; Sol wins.
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Je’Von Evans; Oba wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Oba Femi is here!
The fans fire up as The Ruler returns the NEW, TWO-TIME NXT Champion! Oba struts to the ring, struts in the ring, then grabs a mic. The fans cheer him on, and Oba says, “Power… True power. It doesn’t bend. It doesn’t break. It doesn’t beg. It stands still and it watches the world revolve around it. THIS is true power! Two-time NXT Champion. THIS is true power! And fair play to Ricky Saints. The stars aligned for him and he did exactly what he said he was going to do at No Mercy. He momentarily knocked The Ruler off his throne. But let’s be real! NXT was not the same without The Ruler on top!” The fans cheer that!
Oba says the universe did what it does best: it corrected itself. And at Deadline, The Ruler rose from the ashes and reclaimed his title! The fans cheer, and Oba says this title belongs here, to him! It is on his shoulder because this is the way it is supposed to be! So now, Oba is done with Ricky Saints. Saturday Night’s Main Event, Oba will stand across the ring from Cody Rhodes! “And he will look me in my eyes. And he will not see ‘potential,’ he will not see the future, he will see the NOW! He will see the inevitable! The Ruler! The Destroyer! The Bringer of War! In all my glory! OBA FEMI!” The fans cheer that, too!
Oba says now to talk about the end of Deadline- Wait! Ricky Saints interrupts! Ricky has a mic, and he tells Oba, “Let me be the first to congratulate you. Prophecy fulfilled. My bag is lighter because of you, because you did exactly what you said what you were gonna do. And that’s the reason why I shook your hand, because I am man enough to admit that Oba Femi was the better man after Deadline.” The fans applaud that. And Ricky says on the drive home that night, he got to thinking: What is next for Absolute Ricky? The Absolute Era came and went, and he sees Oba with the title, and it really does make Ricky feel like that was all. There ain’t ever gonna be another chance.
but then, Ricky remembered who the hell he is! HE IS Absolute Ricky Saints! And if you think he’s gonna bow down and just fade to the back, you got another thing coming. Ricky will step right back up, putting all bets right on his heart, and coming after what is his. Oba talks about the universe correcting itself? Nah, Ricky is steering back on course, undoing all mistakes, and let the record show it is 1-1! So by those standards, Ricky gave Oba his shot, so now he’s demanding his! But now Je’Von Evans joins in! The Young OG says hold on hold on hold on. YURT~! He ain’t gonna lie, he didn’t meant to interrupt…
But Je’Von has been watching Deadline over and over and over and over, and over, again. But like, the Young OG survived the Iron Survivor Challenge. The fans cheer that! And because of that… That means Je’Von just earned his NXT Championship opportunity at New Year’s Evil~! The fans cheer that, too! But then… Then that made Je’Von wonder. Why wait until January for the match? Je’Von is on fire. He’s locked in. He’s ready right now! And ain’t nobody gonna dictate his moment. So if Oba’s picking up with Je’Von’s putting down, how about they have that match tonight? The fans really like the sound of that!
Ricky says whoa, whoa, Je’Von, hold on! What’s the rush? No, for real. Je’Von is on fire, banger after banger, what is the rush? If Ricky gets his rematch, then it is Ricky VS Je’Von, and that’s a way better play than this! And Je’Von has been there for Ricky every step of the way. It is totally Je’Von’s call, sure, but is this really- Je’Von stops Ricky because yeah, all these question. “Are you sure, Je’Von? Let’s not rush it, Je’Von. Je’Von, you’re the future.” Is he or not? No, Je’Von is the right now! Je’Von doesn’t need stars to align, he’ll line up for himself. So how to say this? Not to be cocky or nothing, but no one is touching him at the age of 21!
Je’Von been going crazy! AAA! NXT! Raw! SmackDown! You want more? Hell, NXT LIVE! Ain’t nobody touching Je’Von, this IS the play. Plus, Je’Von’s got beef with Oba. If there is anyone Je’Von puts money on tonight, it’s The Young OG. Ricky says okay, okay, he’s with it now! It IS Je’Von’s time! Go get yours! Oba says so these beltless, title-less, championship-less guys wanna run their mouths? Ricky says pump the brakes, big man. But isn’t Oba DA RULA? Isn’t Je’Von the Iron Survivor? Je’Von says nah, this looks like Oba’s scared as hell. Oba knows for a fact the Young OG’s got his number.
Oba says he has never been afraid of Je’Von. In fact, every single time they’ve locked up, Je’Von’s never beaten him, Oba’s always beaten Je’Von. So it will be no different tonight. Y’know what? GAME ON! The fans fire up for that! Oba wants it, Je’Von wants it, the fans all want it, but will we all get it? Will Christmas come early when Je’Von gets his title match with Oba Femi?
Tatum Paxley speaks.
“Izzi… You said you were gonna end this hopeless and pathetic version of myself that just refuses to evolve. And you know what? You did. She’s all gone now. And I have nothing left to lose. But you do…” Tatum shows off her Shawn Spears & Niko Vance action figures! “You stabbed me in my back, separated my heart from my mind, all because I didn’t wanna play your way. Well now, we are gonna play my game! One by one, two will go, and then it’s just gonna be you and me, Izzi. Alone, together.” Tatum has a twisted smile, will Izzi regret everything she ever did?
Kelani Jordan VS Jordynne Grace!
The Standout won the Knockouts Championship, got rejected by most of the NXT Women’s Division, but then lashed out at the one who stood by her. And now that bad attitude is coming back to haunt her as The Juggernaut is ready to bulldoze right through her! Will someone learn how to lose with Grace? Or will no one do it like Lani?
Grace makes her entrance, and Lani rushes her! The fans fire up as the brawl is on at the ramp! Grace LARIATS Lani down, then drags her up and into the ring. Lani runs up, Grace RAMS her, then jumps in! The bell rings as Lani dodges, but Grace hits a THESZ PRESS! Grace rains down fists, and the fans fire up as Grace roars. Grace scoops and SLAMS Lani! Then scoops and SLAMS again! And then another scoop, but Lani slips free! Lani shoves Grace, dodges her, but Grace scoops to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Lani survives but Grace brings her up. Grace SLAPS Lani, Lani SLAPS back, and then they fire fists!
Grace reels Lani in, Canadian Rack, but Lani slips free. Lani BOOTS Grace from the corner, then storms up to whip, but Grace reverses! Lani hits buckles hard, and Grace runs back in! DOUBLE KNEES to the back! Lani sits down, Grace ELBOWS her down! The fans fire up and Grace runs corner to corner. Grace goes up, up, GRACE UNDER PRESSURE FLOPS! Lani runs and DROPKICKS the legs! Lani stomps away on the leg, then drops KNEES on the knee! The fans rally for Grace but Lani drags her around. ELBOW DROP on the knee! ELBOW DROP on the knee! And another ELBOW DROP on the knee!
The fans rally and Lani stalks Grace. Grace kicks Lani away, skins the cat, but Lani avoids the shoulder tackle! Lani KICKS Grace, reels her in, but Grace backdrops free! Lani lands on the apron, and they start throwing forearms and CHPOS! The fans rally, Grace reels Lani back in! Lani holds ropes to stop the suplex! Lani fires elbows, then a BOOT! Grace wobbles, Lani clinches, but now Grace holds ropes! Grace fires headbutts! Grace Alabama Lifts, but Lani clicks her heels! Lani sunset flips, but Grace jumps! Lani YANKS her down, knee hitting the apron! The fans boo while Lani talks trash, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Lani SMACKS Grace off the mat! Then she SMASHES Grace’s knee into the mat! Lani stalks Grace to a corner, and wraps the leg around ropes! The ref counts, Lani stops to ROCK Grace, but then she drops KNEES on the knee! The fans duel, Lani drags Grace up, and SMACKS her off the mat again! Lani has the leg, stomps it, then YANKS it! Lani circles, drags Grace around, but Grace UP KICKS! Grace goes to a corner, Lani runs up, but Grace puts her on the apron! Lani drops before Grace throws hands, and Lani YANKS Grace into the post! Lani SLAMS Grace’s leg against the post, ties the legs up, but Grace fights the leglock!
The ref counts, Lani lets go at 4, but then she ties the leglock again! Lani stops, goes in and covers, TWO! Lani is annoyed but she drags Grace up. Grace fires body shots, the fans rally, and Grace reels Lani in. But Lani turns that into a dragon sleeper! Grace powers up to facelock, Lani turns things around again, but Grace powers it back to a suplex! Both women are down, the fans fire up, and Grace pounds the mat. Grace reels Lani back in, but Lani wrenches the arm to KICK out the leg! Lani drags Grace up, scoops her again, and puts her in the Tree of Woe! Lani stomps away on the bad leg!
The ref counts, Lani stops, and Lani goes up the corner. The fans boo but Lani stands on Grace’s leg! Grace sits up to THROW Lani away! The fans fire up while Grace is free of the Tree! Grace crawls, drags Lani up, and the fans rally. Lani fires forearms but so does Grace! Grace shoves Lani to a corner, rolls her up, TWO! Into the STRETCH MUFFLER! Lani endures, fights up, but Grace turns her for a MUFFLER PLEX! Lani flounders out of the ring, Grace pursues, and Grace hooks Lani up in a Reverse Gory Especial! But Lani flips free, and she CHOP BLOCKS the leg out! The fans boo but Lani drags Grace up and SMACKS her off steps!
Lani goes looking under the ring, and she brings out a chair! The ref reprimands, but Lani takes a swing! Grace avoids the shot and the chair hits steel steps! Lani is disarmed, Grace puts her in the ring, and she SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Grace is frustrated, but she ties Lani’s legs up in a BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! But Lani endures, turns things over, and the legs are hooked up! They fight for control in this wild surfboard duel! They both power up, and bridge upside-down! They start slapping each other and the fans fire up! The two break free, hobble, and Lani runs up, but into a BOOT! Grace dodges Lani, RAMS her into the buckle again and again!
The fans cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” as Grace hits the backslide. Lani rolls through, but Grace LARIATS! And short arm LARIATS again! Lani ducks the third, but Grace wrenches. Lani BOOTS the punch, ducks another, but Grace ducks the kick! Grace waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, and CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, TWO! Lani survives and Grace is beside herself! The fans duel, Lani TOSSES Grace, but Grace trips Lani! Grace reels Lani into a gut wrench, but Lani turns it around! Grace turns it back around! Lani slips free, goes for the steps, but Grace blocks! Grace SMACKS Lani off the steel! GRACE UNDER PRESSURE on the floor!
The fans agree, “This is Awesome!” Grace puts Lani in the ring, but she grabs the chair! The ref reprimands again, and he takes the chair away this time! Lani BOOTS Grace off the steps, and Grace crashes through barriers!! Lani puts Grace in the ring, goes up, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Lani wins!
Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall
Grace let her anger get the better of her, and then Lani got the better of her, too! Will Lani and her bad attitude get back to gold soon enough? Will Grace ever figure out what she has to do to be on top in NXT?
The entire Women’s Division warms up.
Stars from NXT and Evolve are all getting ready, because they all know about Blake Monroe’s Open Challenge. But Jordynne returns backstage and says she’s sick and tired of this. Everything was perfect when she first showed up, and now she can’t even beat rookies?! She can’t even beat Kelani Jordan?! But Thea Hail steps in and says Grace shouldn’t be so hard on herself. Take it from someone whose emotions are constantly all over the place, this is not the time to be doubting yourself but to believe in yourself even more! Grace has everything it takes to be where she wants to be, and do you know why?
Because she is JORDYNNE GRACE! Do NOT doubt yourself! Wow, is Grace really getting life advice from a 16 year old? Thea’s 22… But she’s been here since she was 18, so some might say she’s pretty grizzled. Oh, everyone else already left. Thea apologizes but she’s gotta get going, too. Hopefully she’ll talk with Grace again after becoming champion! Thea runs after the others, but who will make it to the ring first?
NXT Women’s North American Championship Open Challenge: Blake Monroe VS ???
As intense as Ilja Dragunov. As beloved as Sami Zayn. As talented and admired as John Cena! This is how The Glamour sees herself, but we might all know better. Even so, she wants to prove she can be as much the fighting champion as they are, hence this opportunity. We saw the locker room all abuzz, but who will share the spotlight with Blake Monroe?
Blake takes the mic to say, “As your NXT Women’s North American Champion, I know how much the women in that locker room idolize me. And how they look up to me as something of a role model. And with the holidays coming up, I’m finding myself in a giving mood, wanting to bless those less fortunate, give back. After all, who doesn’t want a little bit of Glamour in their lives? So being the ferocious competitor that I am, I have decided to host an Open Challenge! And of course, Ava agreed, so without further ado, let’s see which lucky lady gets the opportunity of a lifetime.” The entire locker room rushes out!
Blake panics a bit, saying one at a time, she only has two hands. She can’t possibly face them all! There’s only so much room in this ring! Blake shouts for Ava to sort this out, but THEA HAIL jumps in from the other side! KIMURA!! Blake TAPS!! Thea thinks she won, but the bell didn’t ring! Blake scrambles out of the ring, only to be surrounded by the rest! Blake tells them all to back off! It seems we’ll have to try this another night. But did the Grown-Ass Woman just prove she can overcome The Woman From Hell?
Backstage interview with Shiloh Hill.
Kelly Kincaid is with the newest LFG talent signed to NXT, and says we’ve certainly learned a lot of… interesting facts about him over the past few weeks. Now he is moments away from his NXT debut! Shiloh says yes, he’s very nervous. But y’know what they say about nervousness, right? It’s just the body activating the hyperthymic pituitary adrenal access from the nervous system. He’s good! All this pent up energy gets to be unleashed, and he can be all smashmouth on Lexis King! Time to show the world why no one sleeps on Shiloh Hill. Oh, almost forgot his lucky tooth! Shiloh puts his smile on, literally, will he make waves in his NXT debut?
Shiloh Hill VS Lexis King!
NXT returns as Shiloh makes his entrance to the ring. But then Lexis runs up on him! Shiloh TOSSES Lexis, then goes out after him! Shiloh fires hands on Lexis, SMACKS him off the apron, then off the desk! Shiloh puts Lexis in, the bell finally rings, and Shiloh RAMS Lexis into a corner! Then he reels Lexis in so he can RAM him into the other corner! Shiloh TOSSES Lexis across the ring, then runs to SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up, but Lexis YANKS Shiloh into buckles! Lexis runs to DROPKICK, then he covers, TWO! The fans boo Lexis but he KNEES Shiloh in the side! “Welcome to the big leagues, kid!”
Lexis CHOPS Shiloh, CLUBS him, then pie faces him! Lexis CHOPS again, then whips! Lexis kitchen sink KNEES Shiloh, then KICKS! And basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans boo Lexis but he stalks Shiloh to ump off buckles. The fans rally for Shiloh but Lexis digs his boots in! The ref counts, Lexis stops at 4, and he runs corner to corner, only to fake the dropkick and SLAP Shiloh! Lexis struts, but Shiloh is getting mad. Lexis runs, but Shiloh gets up, DOUBLE LARIATS knock both men down! The fans fire up for Shiloh as he rises. Shiloh takes the tooth out! Time to go smashmouth! He ROCKS Lexis, fires body shots and haymakers, then runs to CLOBBER Lexis!
Shiloh LARIATS, then wrenches to reel Lexis in! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Lexis survives but the fans chant “TOOTHLESS WRESTLING!” Lexis UP KICKS Shiloh, then runs up to SUPERKICK! Shiloh staggers, but he just fires up for it! Lexis is freaking out a bit, but he runs up, into a BACKDROP! Then a BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER! Cover, Shiloh wins!
Winner: Shiloh Hill, by pinfall
“The Whisper to the Beast” just slayed the Drama King! Will Shiloh and his “toothless aggression” take over NXT soon enough?
Backstage interview with Oba Femi.
Kelly Kincaid is with The Ruler to bring up that anything can happen on NXT. Tonight, Oba thought he was going to celebrate being NXT Champion again, and look forward to Saturday Night’s Main Event against Cody Rhodes. But now, he is defending the title against Iron Survivor, Je’Von Evans. Oba says when you are champion, you learn to expect the unexpected. Because when surprises run into dominance, the end result is typically predictable. It always ends with gold hoisted above Oba’s head. Oba hopes Cody Rhodes is watching tonight, because Cody knows what Je’Von is all about. But he has no idea what The Ruler is capable of.
Oba will step up to Cody in his own territory as Face of the Company, Quarterback Number One, the man who carries WEW. But Cody, who is going to carry you when Oba puts you through the ground? That is what awaits Cody, that is what awaits Je’Von Evans! Oba will break the Iron Survivor! And then on Saturday, Oba will break the American Nightmare! Now, he must prepare. Oba leaves to prepare for yet another title fight, but will it all go as he expects? Or will the inevitable be shocked by the unexpected?
Ethan Page is here!
The fans are torn as All Ego carries both his NXT North American & AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships to the ring. Ethan gets a mic and tries to talk over the song of “A-HOLE~!” Ethan says, “Superstars, legends, reptiles, insiders, outsiders, it truly doesn’t matter when it comes to my North American Championship. Folks, I came to NXT to drink from the Fountain of Youth and soak up as much knowledge as humanly possible. But it turns out, I was the only guy willing to ask the questions that nobody else had the balls to ask. No, it’s true. While athletes asked how to perform the best dropkick, I asked, ‘How do I break that guy’s jaw?’
“And when no one was willing to answer, I did it their way anyways. Old school, trial and error, using whatever warm body this company wants to call a professional wrestler! So now, these said wrestlers seem to be a bit preoccupied with their TikToks, with their social media, trying to aim for that finger point photo with their childhood favorite. Bit these were the same man I was asking these questions to, so that these athletes could stay in the back and stare at ME out here with THESE!” Ethan holds up the belts and the fans boo. Ethan says now collectively, they’ll all have to watch. They’ll watch John Cena have his last match in a few days…
And after that, we get to watch John Cena walk away for good. What Ethan learned, though, is that a week after Cena is gone, he will become a distant memory, leaving behind a giant void to be filled. “A void to be filled by a man with a giant ego! The same man who won the NXT Championship in record time! Now, when I couldn’t find my path back to that championship, well, that’s when I won this, turning the North American Championship into the most sought after, prestigious prize in ALL of NXT! By the way, that’s not just a cliche or a catchphrase, it’s true. Just check my resumé.
“Every locker room, brand, company, amalgamation of letters, has sent their very best to try and take this championship away from me, and they couldn’t. Now a man with that many accomplishments truly deserves a break. No break for All Ego, I decided to keep conquering, and I did. I went on while defending this championship to win the AAA Mixed Tag Team titles! Making me one-of-one, unlike anyone else in this entire company!” The fans are again torn, but Ethan says there are three days most important to everyone: The day they’re brought into this world, the day they leave this world, and the day they realize ETHAN PAGE IS THE BIGGEST STAR THE WWE HAS!
And going forward, under Ethan’s supervision, NXT will be perfectly- Oh, wait, the lights go out! And walking on that bridge… TONY D appears from the crowd side! Ethan knows it a moment too late, and he turns around into the SPINEBUSTER! Tony sprinkles the black rose petals, but who will the former Don of NXT hit next?
DarkState talks backstage.
The others talk about Dion’s great highlights from Deadline, but Dion says he has to take care of something real quick. They head on without him, and Dion sees Ava talking with the other Iron Survivor Challenge competitors that lost out. He asks what this is about, and Ava says now that they’re all here, we all know now that Oba VS Je’Von for the title is happening tonight. That means there still needs to be a New Year’s Evil challenger. Myles says if she needs a challenge, say no more. He’s right here. Dion says hell nah, no one is jumping him in line. Hendry says just say his name, but Ava has them all calm down. She’s already put thought into this.
Since they were all tied during Iron Survivor, there is going to be a traditional Fatal 4 Way, first fall to a finish. The winner then moves on to New Year’s Evil to face the NXT Champion, whoever that is after tonight. They all agree to that, but then Ethan storms into the office in a rage! What the absolute HELL is going on with Tony D?! How is Ava supposed to know? No one’s seen him in months! Oh, amazing GM skills. Is she on goofball pills? A reptile steals Ethan’s car, nothing happens. A guy who’s been on vacation for six months is back, and who does he attack? Ethan! Who gets the short end of the stick? Why is it always him, Ava?!
Myles says look out, Tony’s right there! Gottee! Oh, real funny! Deaf guy’s gut jokes. Ethan storms off in a rage, will he and Tony just have to settle this in the ring? And who will be the NEW #1 contender headed to New Year’s Evil?
Sol Ruca VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey!
Speaking of Iron Survivor, the Soul Surfer got taken out at the knees quite literally, but now she has to shake that off and be ready for the Role Model, Bayley, at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Will Sol recover from that wipeout by taking her frustrations out on #WrenQCC? Or will Wren prove there’s no use in making excuses?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Sol powers Wren to a corner, and the fans duel. Wren waistlocks, spins Sol, but Sol shoves Wren away. Wren rushes back in, Sol avoids the leg pick, and then Sol jumps the next. Sol waistlocks, Wren trips Sol and turns her over using the leg! CALF KILLER! Sol reaches back to headlock, the fans duel as they sing, “SOL~ OH OH OH, SOL~!” “WREN!” and Wren fights up. Wren powers up and out, drops down, but sol redirects! Wren ducks the kick, rolls Sol up, TWO! Wren goes for a leg, Sol steps over, but Wren shoves her away. Sol comes back to wrench and FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Wren stays in this, but wait! Zaria is in the crowd! Sol sheepishly waves hi, but Wren rolls her up! TWO, Wren ghost pins, TWO! Sol Oklahoma Rolls Wren, TWO! Wren slips around, waistlocks, then headlocks, but Sol powers up and out. Wren grabs ropes, then spins to SOBAT and LEG SWEEP! Then BASEMENT BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Wren SMASHES Sol’s leg, then ties the leg up for a TWIST! And a TWEAK! Sol endures, fires elbows, but Wren stomps the leg and CLUBS the other! Sol fires elbows, Wren fires some in return, and Wren stands to- NO, Sol stands out of the knee smash and ROUNDHOUSES Wren!
Sol then ELBOWS Wren down! And ELBOWS her again! The fans rally and duel, Sol whips but Wren reverses. Sol goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Then she mule kicks, CLUBS and SUPER- NO, Wren blocks and spins Sol! CHOP! And CHOP! And DOUBLE CHOP! Sol stagers around, Wren underhooks, BUTTERFLY PLEX! The fans rally with Wren, she runs up, but Sol goes up and over! Sol hits a SURFBOARD BACKSTABBER! Then the SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Zaria somewhat applauds her friend’s victory, though it is hard to say if they’re still that friendly. Zaria almost goes to ringside, but then decides to just go backstage. Sol hurries after Zaria, can she fix the fractured relationship? Will Sol ride her wave of momentum all the way to DC when she faces Bayley?
Oh wait, Fatal Influence is here…! What do Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid have planned? We’ll see, after the break.
NXT returns and…
Fatal Influence now stands in the ring with Kendal & Wren, mics in hand. The Toxic Rockstar says, “Look at you, Kendal! You’re living the Cinderella story, aren’t you? Going from relatively unknown to being the Iron Survivor? I mean, that’s quite the accomplishment, and you should be extremely proud of yourself.” The fans cheer, and Jacy says to take a piece of advice from the locker room leader, this feeling that you have, this moment, this is as good as it’s gonna get. Think about it: Kendal has all of the people hyping her up and supporting her. The fans do cheer that, and Jacy says the Kendal stock has never been higher.
Kendal isn’t the future, she’s the now! Truly, Kendal is living the dream. This is exactly why people say they wanna do this: So they can feel that love and support Kendal is getting right now. The fans cheer again, and Jacy says she hates to be the one to say it… But Kendal’s reality is gonna smack her in the face come New Year’s Evil! Kendal’s 15 minutes of fame will be up the moment she loses, and she WILL lose. This crash, this downward spiral that Jacy sends Kendal on, will be catastrophic. And these people will do what they always do, and move on to the next new favorite, the next new flavor of the month.
Where does that leave Kendal? Where? See, no one else is gonna tell you the truth, but Jacy has no problem being the bad guy. Potential doesn’t win championships! Kendal may have her Evolve Women’s Championship, but holding THE NXT Women’s Championship, the prestigious title, is a whole different level. And Kendal may have spent all year trying to make a name for herself, but Jacy OWNED 2025! This was the Year of Jacy Freakin’ Jayne! She went from being “underappreciated” and “overlooked” to being the most dominant woman in the deepest division in wrestling history!
And speaking of history, she’s also a history maker! The first woman to ever hold the TNA Knockouts World Championship AND The NXT Women’s Championship at the same time! She is a TWO-TIME NXT Women’s Champion! See, everybody realized this year what Jacy’s known all along: That Jacy IS a Rockstar in the ring! She IS the foundation, the glue that holds NXT together! In what world does Kendal think Jacy is gonna let some flash in pan, bootleg Kurt Angle with a ponytail steal her spotlight?! Wren is heated, but Jacy tells Kendal, “rookie,” you don’t stand a chance in Hell at beating me. LOSER!
Kendal says wow, that was a lot. Can she talk now? She’ll talk now. Jacy is right, she’s had a ton of momentum this year. But look who has it now. And she gets it, Kendal’s the rookie, still up-and-coming, still so much to learn. But no one expected her to win Iron Survivor, and she did! She even shocked herself! And now, no one expects Kendal to beat Jacy, but now that Kendal thinks about it… No one expected Jacy to beat Stephanie Vaquer, did they? No. And that’s what Kendal loves about wrestling: When you get in the ring, anything can happen! This past Saturday, Kendal showed she can rise to the occasion.
So if Jacy wants to treat their match at New Year’s Evil as a joke, go ahead. But do you know what’s the best part about being the underdog? The face people make when the underdog bites back! The fans cheer that! Jacy says how cute. Kendal wins one big match and now she thinks she belongs in the ring with the most dominant female faction in the game today? What a joke! Wren says okay, the #WrenQCC is just getting started, but they already have a title. And then they’ll have two titles. That’ll leave them with one, but who knows? Fallon, maybe the WrenQCC will make this a clean sweep. Lainey says that is enough out of Wren.
Lainey tells Wren to listen. Matching jackets doesn’t make their little “project” better than Fatal Influence. And they have no problem showing them that. But don’t worry, they’ll leave just enough left so Jacy can show the rookie exactly where she belongs. Then Fallon sucker punches Kendal! The fans boo as Fatal Influence mugs Kendal 3v1! Wren gets up, she DECKS Lainey! And she drags Jacy back to CHOP her down! Wren dodges Fallon to CHOP her now! Lainey is back to SUPERKICK! The mugging continues 3v2 now, and the fans boo as the three stand tall. Will NXT be stuck under the Influence, even in the New Year?
Backstage interview with Hank ‘n’ Tank.
Kelly is now with the Big Belly Boys, still in their finest yukatas from their visit to Japan. They hung out with Yoshiki Inamura, he did right by your boys. Then Kelly speaks for everyone when she says that we’re all excited to have the Belly Boys back stateside. Arigato gozaimasu, Kelly-san. It was bodacious, in a sense. It was great to get into another culture, learn a thing or two, and add some tools to the toolbox. Plus, winning gold, slapping bellies, long that gold, all in all, a great experience. But now they’re ready to do what they do best, and that is make some noise. And it sounds a little bit like-
OTM interrupts, and Bronco Nima criticizes these two in Espanol. They’re back, so what? Oh, konichiwa, “Bronc” and “Lush.” Let’s not act like they forgot what OTM did to Hank ‘n’ Tank, okay? Yeah, they were hoping the same. But also hoping Hank ‘n’ Tank were smart enough to stay away. Guess not. Sounds like they wanna tussle with the tummies, Tank. Well, if they wanna tussle with the tummies, Hank, then let’s get the hockey jerseys back on and meet them in the ring! OTM’s up for that. These teams head out, but will Bronco Nima & Lucien Price learn just why Hank ‘n’ Tank became GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Champions? Or will Hank ‘n’ Tank fail to get out the mud?
Blake Monroe meets with Ava in her office.
Blake says they need to talk. Ava figured. How’d the open challenge go? That’s the thing! It didn’t! All thanks to Ava! What? This was Blake’s idea and Ava was trying to talk her out of it! Oh, don’t backtrack now! Blake cannot believe Ava would set her up for that embarrassment! Blake told Ava she’d be a glamorous champion, but Ava took it too far! Blake was like a piece of meat in shark infested waters! How many women are in this division? Ava mockingly starts counting on her fingers, but Blake says don’t even get her started on that lil’ blonde banshee, Thea Hail! But that’s it! Ava’s creation of the Glamour Open Challenge is DONE!
Blake, this was your idea! But fine, whatever, no more open challenges ever. And an apology wouldn’t kill Ava. It might. But Ava’s not apologizing for tonight, or for making Blake defend the title against, how’d she put it? “That blonde banshee,” Thea Hail. Blake says Ava has some nerve. Blake storms out of Ava’s office, and Ava mockingly says she hopes the arm feels better. But will Blake be even more embarrassed and humiliated after the loses to Thea Hail?
Sol catches up to Zaria.
Sol asks why Zaria was in the crowd, and Zaria says they haven’t had their chat yet, but she figured she should support Sol. Sol says that means a lot. Well, you’re welcome. And good luck against Bayley on Saturday. Wait, Zaria, Sol would love it if you were there, too. Really? Duh! They both say they’re sorry, and they hug it out! Friends fight, it is normal, but… Zaria’s never had a friend like Sol. Sol says same for Zaria. Now, to get some sweets! But will everything be just as it was for #ZaRuca? Or is this just a patch fix on a bigger problem?
NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Je’Von Evans!
The Ruler says he is inevitable, but even he was thrown a curveball when The Young OG decided to take his shot tonight, not a month from now! But will the Iron Survivor make good on playing his hot hand now? Or will he regret being in such a hurry to have his moment?
NXT returns and Oba makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly has the other’s number!
The bell rings and the two tie right up. Oba powers Je’Von to a corner, the ref counts, but Oba backs off. Oba eggs Je’Von on, the fans rally, and the two reset. They tie up, Oba again powers Je’Von back to a corner, and the ref again counts. Oba again lets off cleanly, but with a smirk on his face. Je’Von SUPERKICKS the smirk off his face! Je’Von then springboards and O G- NO! Oba stops the cutter, shoves Je’Von away and then runs up, but Je’Von dodges the uppercut! BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives Je’Von pulling out the Yes Movement and the fans are thunderous! Oba THROWS Je’Von to a corner, CLUBS him, but Je’Von slips free!
Je’Von fires body shots and fast hands! The fans fire up but Oba TOSSES Je’Von to another corner! Je’Von dodges a boot to fire more fists! Oba ROCKS Je’Von! Je’Von staggers, the fans fire up, and Oba storms up on Je’Von again. Oba whips Je’Von to ropes, but Je’Von ducks ‘n’ dodges and RED DOT KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Another close call but Oba is still in this! Je’Von goes to a corner, the fans fire up again, and Je’Von runs up again, but into a lift! Oba RAMS Je’Von into the corner, UPPERCUTS and ROCKS Je’Von, then brings him around. Oba whips Je’Von, Je’Von bounces off buckles, and Oba scoops with one hand! Shh… BACKBREAKER!
Je’Von writhes, the fans fire up, and Oba drags Je’Von to the ropes. Oba stands on Je’Von, steps off as the ref counts 4, and the fans rally as hard as they can. Oba drags Je’Von around, clamps on a chinlock, but Je’Von endures. Je’Von kicks and flails, reaches out, and fights up as the fans cheer him on with all they’ve got! Je’Von fires body shots, elbows free, but Oba clamps back on! Je’Von runs for the corner to HOTSHOT Oba! And then he DROPKICKS Oba down! Oba falls out of the ring, and Je’Von hurries to the apron! Je’Von avoids the swat, mule kicks back, and then jumps, but Oba YANKS him down!
Oba snarls as he looms over Je’Von. The fans rally, Oba stands Je’Von up, and Oba whips Je’Von at the ring. Je’Von leaps to ASAI MOONSAULT, but he gets caught! But then he slips free, and he RAMS Oba into the apron! Je’Von runs up, but Oba pops him up, and SWATS him down! Oba is practically foaming at the mouth while NXT goes picture in picture.
The ref checks Je’Von, Je’Von is somehow in this, so Oba drags him up. Oba scoops, and SNAKE EYES off the apron! Je’Von flounders around, Oba drags him back up, and he puts Je’Von in the ring. Oba paces, reaches down, but Je’Von snatches Oba into a cradle! TWO, and Oba LARIATS Je’Von right down! Oba stomps away on Je’Von, takes a leg, and SMASHES it on the mat! Je’Von hobbles and scrambles away, clutching the knee, but Oba stalks him to a corner. The ref again wants to check Je’Von, but Je’Von insists he can continue. Oba stomps Je’Von, then looms over him in the corner. Oba drags Je’Von up and reels him in.
Je’Von fights the suplex with body shots, but Oba CLUBS him down! Oba grins as he brings Je’Von back up, suplexes again, and SLAMS Je’Von down hard! Oba does sit-ups just to show off, then he stalks Je’Von to the ropes. Oba drags Je’Von up, brings him around, but Je’Von again fights the lift. NXT returns to single picture as Je’Von fires hands and the fans fire up! But Oba clinches for the URENAGE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Je’Von writhes, but Oba stalks him to the ropes. Oba drags Je’Von up and reels him in. But Je’Von flops down! Oba is amused, and he mocks Je’Von’s pain. Oba stands Je’Von up, talks trash, but Je’Von fires body shots!
Oba is more annoyed now, but the fans still rally for Je’Von as he fires hands! Je’Von ROCKS Oba! Oba CLUBS Je’Von down! Oba drags Je’Von up, and hoists him up, only for Je’Von to fight and RANA! Oba tumbles out, Je’Von rises, but Oba YANKS Je’Von off the apron! Je’Von fires hands, and he RANAS Oba away! The fans rally up again as Je’Von drags himself up with the desk. Je’Von sees Oba is up, Oba runs in, but Je’Von dodges! Oba FLIES over the desk, and almost takes Booker T out with him!! The fans go nuts, but the ring count is climbing! Je’Von rolls in at 5, and Oba rises at 7! But he’s very wobbly as he drags hismelf over teh desk!
Oba is in at 9, but Je’Von goes COAST2COAST to FROG SPLASH!! Oba writhes, Je’Von goes up! FIVE STAR FROG SPALSH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Oba survives and no one can believe it! Je’Von shrugs it off, fires back up, and he runs up to bob ‘n’ weave and fire hands! “This is Awesome!” as Je’Von keeps Oba wobbling! SPIN KICK! Oba staggers all the way out of the ring! Je’Von just FLIES! Down goes Oba and the fans are thunderous! Je’Von hurries to get Oba up and into the ring, then he springboards in! But Oba DECKS him outta the sky! Oba runs up to SPLASH in the corner! But Je’Von gets around?! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Oba’s right back up!!
Oba runs, but into a CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Oba survives, but Je’Von springboards! RED- UPPERCUT!!! Cover, TWO!!!! Je’Von survives and the fans are electric! The fans are loving this, but Oba hoists Je’Von up! SHOTPUT BOMB! Oba says it is over now! FALL FROM- CUTTER!!! Je’Von goes up, up, SUPER O G CUTTER!!! Cover, SOMEONE YANKS THE REF OUT!!! IT’S RICKY!!! The Absolute couldn’t let Je’Von have his moment after all! So Je’Von DIVES onto Ricky!! The fans boo Ricky, Je’Von hurries into the ring, and he dodges Oba to RED DOT! Je’Von runs again, but Oba LARIATS! And UPPERCUT!
Oba keeps moving, he UPPERCUTS again! Oba reels Je’Von in, but Je’Von fights the lift! Oba still POWERBOMBS him down! Cover, Oba wins!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
The fans are furious with Ricky, but it seems if he can’t beat Oba, no one else can. Will Je’Von have justice by going after The Absolute? Will Oba prove he is not just The Ruler of NXT, but ALL of WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT to follow Deadline, but I can’t be sure the point of undercutting Je’Von like this. Granted, they could’ve easily done this same move of Ricky betraying Je’Von and screwing him over in January, but the timing of this being so soon after Je’Von’s incredible win at Deadline just feels awful. Je’Von VS Ricky is clearly set for New Year’s Evil now, and we might still get Oba VS Dion now that there’s a Fatal 4 Way. Though even with that, I suppose DarkState could cheat the others to help Dion win, and maybe even help Dion against Oba, but with New Year’s Evil apparently just being in Orlando, I don’t see a major title change like that happening.
They set up some interesting things with the Men’s and Women’s North American Championships, but still can’t be sure either title changes hands. Tony D going after Ethan Page outta nowhere, maybe Tony reclaims the NA title. As for Blake, I was a little disappointed we didn’t get a match from the Open Challenge, but that was a pretty hilarious way to get OUT of an open challenge. Blake VS Thea will be a great match, but I feel like Blake retains. Blake might even cheat to keep Thea strong in defeat. But at the same time, Thea really needs to get a title win, and it’d be so great if she got one humbling Blake.
But at the same time, Grace might pull a Ricky Saints and screw Thea over. Grace’s newest loss to Kelani, though a great match, is clearly grinding down her last nerve. Lani herself might be in a holding pattern for titles, as Blake is Heel and Jacy Jayne is Heel, but that could change after New Year’s Evil. Though that’d only be if Kendal Grey got her newest title shocker. Good promo from Kendal & Wren with Fatal Influence, but of course Influence beats down the Faces 3v2. I wonder if #WrenQCC adds a new member to even things out against The Influence, like Carlee Bright since she’s Kendal’s Evolve bestie.
Wren VS Sol was good but certainly quick, and it was mostly to also give us more ZaRuca story. They’ve made up for now, but I feel like something could make Zaria snap and Spear Sol right on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Shiloh had a solid debut against Lexis King, and I like that the false tooth is his version of bringing down straps or whatever other powerup. Very good promo from Tatum to call out Izzi & The Culling and promising to have her revenge. A little surprised she isn’t getting reinforcements this time, but I suppose that’s because Hank ‘n’ Tank are back to their feud with OTM. Really good promo from those two teams, they’ll have a great match.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Who heads for Montreal?
To determine a challenger to the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, SmackDown holds qualifying matches for a #1 contender’s match! Who wins tonight to advance to Saturday Night’s Main Event?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Randy Orton VS The Miz; Orton wins and advances.
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Giulia & Kiana James; Charlotte & Alexa win.
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Trick Williams VS Matt Cardona; Trick wins and advances.
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa; Priest wins and advances.
- WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Leon Slater; Melo wins and retains the title.
- Jordynne Grace VS Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre; Grace wins.
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Sami Zayn VS Ilja Dragunov; Sami wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bagpipes play for Drew McIntyre!
A troupe of six play the music of the Scottish Terminator’s people before the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion officially makes his entrance. London cheers as Drew steps on stage, belt around his waist, and they sing for “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” as he takes his time walking down the ramp. Drew gets his pyro, the fans cheer more, and Drew continues to the ring. Drew looks at the championship while he hears the fans cheering, and he goes up the corner to raise the belt up high! The fans cheer as Drew gets more pyro! And a lot of it! The fans cheer again, and Drew puts the belt on his shoulder, but then he goes back out to join the front row in cheering!
Drew goes back to the ring, grabs the mic, and the singing for “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” continues. Drew says, “I prayed for this and it happened.” The fans cheer that, then chant, “You Deserve It!” Drew says, “I know it’s been a rough few years in the UK here, but if there’s somebody that can bring us together, it’s our Undisputed WWE Champion. It’s the first-and-only-ever BRITISH WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre!” The fans cheer that! Drew says the love he’s been shown the past week is incredible. Texts, social media posts, the cheers all across Europe, including tonight, “you bunch of mentalists.”
And Drew just wants to say to each and every one out there… “Screw you.” The fans laugh at that, but Drew says no, this isn’t even being a bad guy wrestler. Seriously, screw you! When he got FIRED from WWE, where were they? They wanna jump on the bandwagon now? 99% of them weren’t there for him! When he was being screwed over by Roman Reigns and the Bloodline, there was no uprising for him, huh? How’d they help him out? When CM Punk screwed Drew, the fans cheered Roman and Punk and doing the YEET with Jey Uso! The fans do chant those things now, and then Drew brings up Cody and the corrupt refs!
Was there a hashtag for Drew? NO! There is only one person Drew needs to thank, that ever believed in Drew, and that person… is Drew! So thank you, Drew! If you wanna chant, chant “Thank You, Drew!” The fans do chant, “Thank You, Drew!” Well, there’s one more person Drew must address: The former… Oh, that feels good to say. Drew knows Cody Rhodes is here, and it must cut like a knife to say FORMER WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes! The fans now sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” Yes, Drew knows Cody’s crack team is trying to figure out a title rematch. Drew admits to having Nick Aldis add a little extra clause.
Since 99% of Americans can’t read, Drew will tell us what it is: There is NO rematch clause! Cody must start at the bottom, work his way back up. The Vanilla QB1 Era is over! The Dangerous Drew Era begins tonight! The fans cheer that! But then here comes Randy Orton! The fans also cheer for The Viper, they sing along with Voices, and Orton goes right to the ring. Orton grabs himself a mic while the fans finish singing, and then the fans cheer as Orton and Drew are face to face. Drew says this must be Orton out here to congratulate him. The fans chant “R K O!” while Orton chuckles. Orton says Drew and the fans in London all know that they don’t like each other one bit.
So no, this is not Orton here to congratulate Drew. Orton is here to remind Drew that a few months ago, Drew had the chance to kick Orton through the table and declined. The fans again chant “R K O! R K O!” Orton says he wanted to tell Drew that when Orton has the opportunity to return the favor, he won’t hesitate. he beat Drew for that title before, he’ll do it again, and it’ll be courtesy of the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment: R K O! The fans cheer that, but Drew smirks. Only for JACOB FATU to show up! The fans cheer the Samoan Werewolf as he storms his way down the ramp and to the ring.
Drew wants Fatu to hold on, but Orton steps aside so Fatu can DECK Drew! Fatu goes out after Drew, DRIBBLES him off the desk, then whips again! Drew reverses to POST Fatu, but Fatu isn’t even bothered! Drew hurries away, Fatu chases him into the crowd! Orton is more amused than anything, will Drew get out of London in one piece? But then The Miz slithers in! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE on Orton!! The Hollywood A-Lister strikes outta nowhere, but will he soon regret that? We find out, after the break!
WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Randy Orton VS The Miz!
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Orton fires body shots and a HEADBUTT! But Miz kicks the leg out and BASEMENT DDTS! Cover, TWO! Orton survives then bails out, then throws his shirt off. The fans rally, but Miz pursues. Orton ROCKS Miz, then brings him up for the DESK BACK- NO, Miz lands out to then CLUB Orton! Miz hits the DESK BACK SUPLEX! The fans boo as Miz mocks Orton’s signature pose, then Miz puts Orton in the ring. Miz stomps Orton, but the fans taunt Miz with, “OH~ Miz is a Wanker~!” Miz throws hands, Orton fires back, and they go back and forth.
Orton fires off haymakers, whips Miz to a corner, but Miz reverses. Miz soaks up heat, runs in at Orton, but Orton LARIATS first! And LARIATS again! Then a dodge and SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up for Orton while Miz scrambles to the apron. Orton goes after Miz, brings him through the ropes, but Miz fights free! Miz hurries away while the fans boo, but Orton pursues. Orton finds Miz at the desk! Kick and DESK BACK SUPLEX! Miz sputters and writhes while the fans fire up. They want that “One More Time!” Orton obliges, another DESK BACK SUPLEX for Miz! The fans rally, they still want that “One More Time!”
Orton gets Miz up again, a third DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton refreshes the count while Miz slumps off the desk. The fans cheer Orton, he puts Miz in the ring, and he has Miz in the ropes! The fans fire up again and Orton smiles as he drags Miz in, DRAPING DDT! The fans cheer again, and Orton hears those voices! Miz slowly rises, R K- FINALE!?! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans cheer! Miz is beside himself as Orton survives his finisher again! The fans rally behind Orton but Miz storms up to full nelson again. But Orton arm-drags free, RK- NO, Miz rolls him up, TWO! Miz scrambles, RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)
The fans cheer as The Viper strikes, and now punches his ticket to Montreal! But will Orton truly be the Apex Predator when he battles three others for that #1 contender’s spot?
Drew returns backstage.
He grumbles about crazy Fatu, but Ilja Dragunov finds him. The Mad Russian is glad they are finally talking face to face. Obviously, Drew has some problems, so Ilja will get to the point: Tonight, Ilja will beat Sami Zayn and be one step closer to the championship. Ilja won a championship his first night back, simply because he doesn’t fight like a sane man! Drew says yeah, he doesn’t care, there’s a crazy person after him! Go ahead, win your match, win the Fatal 4 Way, and we’ll see him at the Royal Rumble. Drew swears he did NOT knock Fatu’s teeth out, but he sure will do that to Ilja! Drew runs off, but is that true? If Drew didn’t sideline Fatu, who did?
The Wyatts speak.
Bo Dallas says, “Solo… You think you stole our light. But you’ve just inherited the weight of what it really means. The lantern has never been a weapon. We carry it in the dark, so the dark doesn’t carry us. It does not belong int he hands of someone who believes taking it is more powerful than its true purpose. It will come back to us. Like a moth to a flame, we will not rest until it’s home.” The warning has been issued, will MFT heed it?
Charlotte Flair finds Alexa Bliss backstage.
The Queen hip bumps Lil’ Miss Bliss to cheer her up, but it doesn’t really work. Alexa says last week sucked: She lost to Giulia, Nia & Lash messed with her before the match and then beat her up after. It was a complete numbers game, Alexa was alone, so was Charlotte actually sick? Or was she just “cough cough” sick? No, it was not a “cough cough,” it was a “barf barf.” And Alexa’s the one that got a title opportunity without Charlotte, but Alexa has no idea how many title opportunities Charlotte turned down because she put the team first. Really? Yes, really. Name them. Not the point. Well, does Charlotte have Alexa’s back? Does Alexa have Charlotte’s back?
Bottomline is, Alexa is Charlotte’s person. Charlotte was sick. Heart hands, and Charlotte says she’ll finish warming up. But then Nia & Lash walk in saying that was so cute. Charlotte has no reason to trust Nia, but this is typical Alexa. She makes you feel guilty then plays victim. She’s really good at it. Yeah, Charlotte has no reason to trust Nia. And they won’t like her response. As for this charade, Charlotte gets why Alexa isn’t friends with Nia. And Lash has changed. Charlotte heads out, will #Charlexa be able to focus on the match before them? Or will the Irresistible Force & Bougie Bully make sure all eyes are on them again?
Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Giulia & Kiana James!
SmackDown returns and the Beautiful Madness and Miss Management are already waiting in the ring. Charlotte makes her entrance, followed by Alexa. The teams sort out and Alexa starts with Kiana. The fans “WOO~” for Charlotte while Kiana talks some trash on Alexa. Kiana shoves Alexa, but Alexa SLAPS back! The fans cheer that! Alexa then ducks a shot to SLAP, ROCK, KNEE, and DROPKICK Kiana! Alexa runs, but Kiana gets up to KNEE low! Kiana brings Alexa around, suplexes, but Alexa tags out to Charlotte. The fans “WOO~” again and Kiana talks more trash. Charlotte slips around her, Kiana ELBOWS free, then whips, but Charlotte reverses!
Kiana hits buckles, but she ELBOWS back again! Kiana goes up and over Charlotte, then SUPERKICKS! Charlotte wobbles, Kiana runs, but into Charlotte’s BOOT! Tag to Alexa, and she gets a hand in the spin and DROPKICK! Giulia tags in, Alexa dodges but Giulia ROCKS Charlotte! Alexa ROCKS Giulia! Alexa ROCKS Kiana! But then Giulia SHOTGUNS Alexa! Giulia taunts Alexa, the ref keeps Charlotte back, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
The ref reprimands but Kiana backs off. Giulia wrenches Alexa’s hair to THROW her to the corner. Giulia stomps away on Alexa in the corner, the ref counts, but Giulia stops at 4. Giulia tags Kiana, Kiana stomps Alexa, then Kiana CLUBS Alexa. Alexa goes to another corner, Kiana whips corner to corner, and Alexa hits buckles hard! Kiana grins as she storms back up, and she bumps Alexa off buckles. Tag to Giulia and Giulia brings Alexa onto the ropes. Giulia hooks Alexa up in the ropes, and fishhooks the face! The ref counts, Giulia stops and sucker punches Charlotte! The ref stops Charlotte, Giulia DROPKICKS Alexa and Kiana BOOTS Alexa down!
Giulia ELBOW DROPS Alexa, covers, TWO! Giulia is already annoyed with the count, but she stomps away on Alexa. Giulia CLUBS Alexa, HEADBUTTS her, and HEADBUTTS again! Giulia bumps Alexa off buckles, tags Kiana, and Kiana brings Alexa around to kick a leg. Kiana taunts Alexa, but she sucker punches Charlotte! The fans give thumbs down, but Kiana snap suplexes! Charlotte protests, that distracts the ref! The ref is late to the cover, TWO! Kiana fireman’s carries Alexa, but Alexa fights to a sunset flip! TWO! Kiana stops Alexa, but she still reaches out! Kiana RAMS Alexa into the corner! And RAMS her again and again!
Kiana handsprings, runs back in, and she RAMS Alexa again! The ref counts, Giulia tags in, and Kiana snapmares Alexa to BOOT her! Giulia is up top, she MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa survives, but Giulia HEADBUTTS her to the cover! Charlotte again distracts, another late count, TWO! Giulia is annoyed but she tags Kiana as SmackDown returns to single picture. Kiana sends Giulia in, but Alexa dodges! Giulia hits buckles, Alexa DUMPS Kiana out, and the fans fire up! Kiana hurries back in, she anchors Alexa’s foot, then she drags her back! Alexa ENZIGIRIS free, hot tag to Charlotte!
The fans fire up as The Queen RUNS Kiana over! And RUNS her over again! CHOP and CHOP for Kiana, CHOP and CHOP for Giulia! CHOP after CHOP, “WOO~” after “WOO~,” and then Charlotte CHOPS Giulia down! Charlotte runs up, Kiana dodges, but Charlotte keeps moving! WALK OVER LARIAT! The fans fire up again and Charlotte stalks Kiana to a corner. Charlotte whips, Kiana reverses, but Charlotte goes up and out. BOOT for Giulia, BOOT for Kiana, and then Charlotte goes up! CROSSBODY on Kiana! Cover, TWO! Kiana is tougher than that, but Charlotte stays focused. The fans rally up as Charlotte runs in, but into a BOOT!
Kiana runs up, but into a BOOT! Charlotte steps on Kiana to a corner, she and Giulia scrap, and Kiana YANKS her down! The fans boo but Charlotte still wrenches Kiana to a NECKBREAKER! Charlotte runs, but into a SIPNEBUSTER! Kiana shows her power, and she tags Giulia! Giulia KNEES Charlotte down! Cover, Alexa breaks it! The fans fire up but Giulia is furious! Kiana whips, Alexa reverses and TOSSES Kiana out! But Kiana trips Alexa! Giulia has Charlotte, Charlotte shoves free, but Giulia BOOTS her! And KICKS her! And KICKS her again! Charlotte snarls, she ducks the buzzsaw!
Charlotte shoves and ROCKS Giulia! Charlotte runs, but Giulia follows to HEADBUTT! Giulia runs, but into a BOOT! Charlotte has Giulia but Kiana tags in! Charlotte runs, Kiana KNEES her first! But Alexa tags in! Kiana runs, but into the clinch! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Charlexa wins!
Winners: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
Bliss proved she does have Charlotte’s back! But then Nia & Lash attack after all! They BLAST Giulia, DECK Alexa, and HEADBUTT Charlotte! And HEADBUTT her again! Nia POSTS Charlotte while the fans boo! Nia & Lash soak up the heat, but Giulia is back up! Kiana says hold on, hold on, they’re good. Giuila says she is NOT good, she wants after Nia! Miss Management has her client back off, if just for now. Will the Beautiful Madness make sure no one disrespects her and gets away with it?
Solo Sikoa speaks.
“Bo. You’re absolutely right. This is just more than a lantern. I can see the millions of fireflies across the world. They are now in my possession. Your legacy is in my hands. And if you want this lantern back, I suggest you put those tag team titles on the line. But that’s just the beginning. You see, my family is going to take back all the gold. But until then… I’m going to take real, real good care of this. And he is going to be with me when I take out Damian Priest and bring back the WWE Undisputed title to the family.” Solo then blows out the lantern, but will it be lights out for the Archer of Infamy? Or will Priest be the one headed to Saturday Night’s Main Event?
Cody Rhodes is here!
London sings along with Kingdom as The American Nightmare makes his entrance. There’s a bit more smoke than usual, but we still get “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro! Cody takes a moment to take in the crowd before he goes down the ramp and to the ring. Cody then stands on the corner for the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro, but even that seems different without the Undisputed Championship on his arm or around his waist. Cody grabs the mic, the fans cheer, and Cody takes a moment to hear them singing, “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” Cody then says, “Well, that sounds a bit different. That’s okay. That’s okay.
“Because if anything, I guess it was becoming a bit… episodic. I would come out here, I would tap my fist three times, we’d all say ‘Whoa,’ I’d walk to the ring, and I’d ask you, ‘Whaddya wanna talk about?'” The fans are a bit torn there, and Cody takes a moment. The fans now sing for “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Cody says don’t worry, they will discuss the NEW WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre. Cody never broke down why the name of his podcast is Whaddya Wanna Talk About. It was quite simple: He wasn’t just the company’s champion, he was the people’s champion. The fans are again torn, but Cody says he didn’t want the fans to be spectators, he wanted them to be teammates.
But perhaps Cody got comfortable with the episodic, with the predictable. He didn’t see all the eventualities, all the ways in which he could lose. Or, is Drew just that good? The fans agree there! Cody says he could ask himself that, or he could ask what HBK, Hogan, and Stone Cold have in common with Cody. Simple: they’re the only ones to go back-to-back in Royal Rumble wins. And only one of those names won it three times, that’s how a near impossible feat that is. And they all know Cody loves a gamble, he loves a long shot. Here in WWE, where we have the best men’s and women’s divisions, sometimes the best power you can have is self-belief.
So here and now, in a city that means a great deal to Cody, a city he wrestled in every weekend for WhatCulture Pro-Wrestling to sharpen his skills and became the American Nightmare, a city that DOES deserve a WrestleMania (the fans erupt for that!), let Cody make it official! Drew says there’s no rematch clause, good! They’ll do this the old fashioned way! Cody is officially declaring for the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match!! The fans love that, too! “So, London, what DO you wanna talk about?! Let’s talk about Jacob Fatu!” The fans are torn on that name, and Cody says he met Fatu backstage at APW, you know he’s a thoroughbred!
Cody saw Fatu VS Solo Sikoa, and you could tell Fatu was on the come up. Fatu is a young veteran in their industry. But as such, Cody is aware and positive that Fatu knows what a receipt means! And Fatu has the largest receipt coming from Cody! Fatu is all gas, no brakes, come down here and collect. Or Cody can find Fatu first and beat the brakes off his ass! The fans are fired up with Cody, but is this gambler going to bust even before we reach the Royal Rumble? Or will a fight with Fatu be just the momentum Cody needs to have his threepeat?
Backstage interview with Matt Cardona.
Cathy Kelley is with The Complete, saying he is moments away from his match with Trick Williams to qualify for the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way. What would it mean to not only come back to the WWE but to win that title? Cardona says the way Cody lost was a shame, and Cardona was really looking forward to facing his friend for that belt. But now that it’ll be Drew McIntyre. They go way back, too. Drew’s first WWE match was with Zack Ryder. And just like Cody and Drew, Cardona left WWE to find himself, and he’s back, But while Cody and Drew are each former world champions, Cardona is not. Yet.
Cardona isn’t back just to be back, he wants his time at the top. The journey, the ups and downs, the grind, it all led back here for Cardona to be Undisputed Champion! Cardona is #AlwayZReady, but will he be able to #WhoopDatTrick? Or will the former NXT & TNA World Champion soon be headed for another top title in his young career?
WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Trick Williams VS Matt Cardona!
SmackDown returns as Trick continues to vibe with London. Then the fans cheer as Cardona makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally and duel already. The two circle, tie up, then break. Cardona smirks, Trick flexes, and the two go again. Trick waistlocks, spins Cardona, then pie faces Cardona! Trick talks trash, but Cardona RAMS him into a corner! Trick bobs ‘n’ weaves, then he pie faces again! Trick says he runs this house, dawg! But Cardona ROCKS Trick, ROCKS him again, then fires hands in the corner! The ref counts, Cardona backs off, but Trick KNEES low! Trick scoops and SLAMS, then snarls as he checks his chin.
Trick tells Cardona not to mess with him! Trick RUNS Cardona over! The fans are torn but Trick talks trash. Cardona rises up, he dodges the tackle, but Trick CLUBS the backdrop away. Trick pie faces, then runs, but Cardona DROPKICKS him! Then clinch and FLATLINER! Trick staggers up, Cardona LARIATS him up and out! The fans fire up with Cardona, and he builds speed to WRECK Trick with a dropkick! Cardona then aims from the apron, MISSILE DROPKICK to the floor! The fans rally up again and Cardona grits his teeth while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Cardona drags Trick up, puts him in the ring, but Trick bails back out. Cardona goes to the ropes, and he drags Trick up by his hair! But Trick trips Cardona up! Trick drags Cardona out to THROW him into barriers! Trick talks trash, then FLAPJACKS Cardona off the apron! Trick fires up, then he brings Cardona up to put him in the ring. Cardona goes to a corner, Trick storms up on him, and he ROCKS Cardona. The ref reprimands, but Trick CHOPS Cardona. Then ROCKS him again! Trick hears the fans cheer and jeer, and he talks some smack on them now. Trick UPPERCUTS Cardona and Cardona slumps against ropes.
Trick whips Cardona, FLAPJACKS again, then kips up! Trick says he runs this house, then he storms up on Cardona at the ropes. Trick CHOKES Cardona, the ref counts, but Trick stops at 4. Cardona coughs and goes to a corner, Trick digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Trick stops at 4, snarls, then he whips Cardona corner to corner! Then a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Trick keeps Cardona down with a chinlock, but the fans rally while Cardona endures. Cardona fights up, fires body shots and CHOPS, but Trick LEG LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Trick rains down forearms and Cardona can barely guard!
Trick drags Cardona back into the chinlock and he squeezes tight. The fans rally as Cardona endures again, and Cardona fights up. JAWBREAKAER! Trick rebounds, but Cardona dodges to then ROLLING ELBOW! Trick pushes Cardona back, Cardona avoids the sweep but not the EDDY GORDO KICK! Cardona wobbles, but he comes back to BOOT Trick! Trick comes back, but Cardona catches the leg lariat to SAIDO! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Trick crawls, Cardona rises, and the fans duel. Trick is in a corner, Cardona runs up, forearm SMASH! Cardona fires shots, soaks up cheers and jeers, then goes side to side for the BROSKI BOOT!
Cardona then ZIGZAGS! Shoutout to his pal, Nic Nemeth, then covers, TWO! Trick survives but Cardona underhooks him! Trick fights the lift, BACKDROPS, but Cardona sunset flips it to high stack! TWO!! Trick escapes, runs up, but the splash misses! Trick slumps down, Cardona goes for another, but Trick avoids the boot! Trick wags his finger, but then Cardona just WRECKS him with another dropkick! Cardona hurries to fetch Trick into the ring while the fans still duel. Trick runs back up, SLINGSHOTS Cardona into the ring, then TRICK KICK! Cover, TWO!! Cardona survives but Trick gets the arm.
The fans rally up, Trick cartwheels to RIPCORD, and BOOK- DDT!! Cardona turns things around, goes to the corner, and he runs up, ROUGH- NO, Trick pops free! Trick runs up, but into KNEES! Cardona goes up, lines up the shot, but Trick avoids another one! Both men run, and Trick POUNCES Cardona?! The fans fire up and Trick takes aim again! Cardona staggers up, TRICK SHOT!! Cover, Trick wins!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)
A hard fought match for the first-time-ever, and Mr. Whoop Dat punches his ticket to Montreal! Will Trick soon win his first Saturday Night’s Main Event to- “Hey, Kit. Are you there?” The fans fire up for Mr. Masculinity Detox! Kit steps past Trick and Cardona, to then BLINDSIDE Cardona! The fans boo as Kit sends Cardona into the steel steps! Kit says, “TOXIC! TOXIC! TOXIC!” London goes back to cheering as the song continues, but will Kit make himself the topic no matter where he goes?
Backstage interview with Damian Priest.
Cathy Kelley is now with the Archer of Infamy, and brings up his chance at Drew McIntyre and the Undisputed Championship. But that means going through Solo Sikoa first. How do you prepare for such an opportunity? Priest says he could go on and on about Drew, there’s a lot of history there. He won’t get ahead of himself, tonight is about Solo. Facing Solo 1v1 isn’t an issue. But is it going to be 1v1? Priest doesn’t think so. But Priest will remind us that in London, he became Senor Money in the Bank. So tonight, Solo, MFT, if Priest has to do 1vALL again, he’ll do it. Priest has to get past this and get at Drew. So tonight, it’s whatever it takes.
Priest heads out, will he make sure no one stops him on his path back to the top? Or will Solo use The Outlaw as an example to all of the WWE Universe?
SmackDown returns and…
Kit is still in the ring with a mic,. “You all know that I’m right! You know there’s a problem! And I’m the solution. So I will say it again. I will let the whole world know. you all need reassurance, you all need leadership. you all need ME!” The fans cheer that, but then FATU slips in behind Kit! Kit says he is the tonic to the toxic masculinity, he is KIT! WIL-SON! But he turns around into a SUPERKICK! The Samoan Werewolf is raging, the fans are torn, but Fatu dares Cody and/or Drew to show up! SENTON on Kit, then a MIGHTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Kit flounders away, the fans are still torn, but now Fatu grabs a mic.
“YADADA MEAN!?” The fans cheer that! Fatu tells Cody, “You got something to say about me?! You have something to say TO me? Well check this out! Bring your punk ass out here right now!” Fatu throws off his vest, and Cody makes his entrance again! Cody is in his tracksuit but that comes off pretty quick, too! The American Nightmare and Samoan Werewolf start throwing hands and the fans fire up! Cody hammers away in the corner, but Fatu RAMS him into another corner! Security rushes out here but fans boo! “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Aldis hurries out here, and he wants them both to stop!
The fans cheer as Cody breaks free! Cody CLOBBERS Fatu, everyone falls over, and SmackDown goes back to break! What must Aldis do to restore order?
BREAKING NEWS!
Now set for Saturday Night’s Main Event, it will be Cody Rhodes VS Jacob Fatu! Will Montreal survive the American Nightmare and Samoan Werewolf tearing it up?
WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa w/ MFT!
The Archer of Infamy and the would-be Tribal Chief have said their piece, and now they must back those words up with actions. Will Priest defy the odds as Solo isn’t solo out here? Or will Solo, waving the Wyatt lantern as he walks out here, lead by example for his family?
The bell rings and Solo circles with Priest. They tie up, Solo headlocks, and Solo talks trash. Priest powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, and Priest rebounds to RAM Solo! Solo staggers, but he and Priest reset. They tie up, but Solo kicks low! And HEADBUTTS! Solo ROCKS Priest, whips him to ropes, but Priest reverses to BACK ELBOW! Priest mule kicks Solo, reels him in, but Solo fights the lift. Solo UPPERCUTS, but Priest SUPERKICKS! Solo tumbles out, MFT is there to check on him, but Priest pursues. The fans fire up as Priest runs up, but MFT stands in the way! The fans boo, the ref tells MFT tos tay back, and Priest goes back tot he apron.
Solo runs up,b ut Priest dodges! Solo still avoids the roundhouse and he BOOTS Priest down! The ref wants Solo to back off, but now MFT mugs Priest! The fans boo, JC Mateo pretends to be shocked, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Solo goes out to fetch Priest, SMACK him off the desk, and put him in the ring. Solo soaks up heat, HEADBUTTS Priest down, then HEADBUTTS him again and again! Solo stalks Priest to ropes, kicks him out, then pursues. MFT backs up so Solo can SMACK Priest off the desk again! Solo soaks up more heat, winds up, but Priest clinches! FLATLINER on the desk! The ring count is climbing but Priest puts Solo in at 5 of 10. Priest then winds up to UPPERCUT! Solo wobbles, Priest powers up the arm, and he runs to COME- NO, Solo ducks, shoves, and SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Priest survives and Solo frowns.
Solo motions that he’s gonna be champion, and he rains down fists in the corner. The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, and he soaks up more heat. Solo runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Priest sputters in the corner, Solo soaks up more heat, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Solo aims again, he runs back in, and HIP ATTACKS! Priest sputters again and the fans duel. Solo smirks as he goes corner to corner again, and mocks Jey Uso with the “Run it back” motion. Solo runs back in, but Priest is up! WHEEL KICK! Priest hits that just in time, and JC shields the imaginary eyes of the lantern from that collision.
Solo and Priest go back to corners while the fans rally up. Priest huffs ‘n’ puffs and fires up! Priest and Solo stare down, run up, and they RAM shoulders! Then they fire haymakers back and forth! The fans duel, Priest KICKS, Solo ROCKS, and the hands keep firing off! Solo gets the edge, but Priest avoids the last shot to BELL CLAP! Then he KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! ROLLING ELBOW! Priest then winds up again, but Solo HEADBUTTS! Priest ROUNDHOUSES! Solo rebounds to SUPERKICK! Priest staggers, but he SPIN KICKS! Solo stays up, Priest SPIN KICKS again! Solo rebounds, Priest ducks ‘n’ dodges, then LEAPING LARIATS!
The fans fire up with Priest while Solo goes to a corner. Priest runs up, BACK ELBOW! Priest keeps moving, but Solo fireman’s carries! Priest slips free, ELEVATED FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up, MFT coaches Solo, but Priest goes to the corner. Priest climbs up, but Solo distracts the ref. Talla reaches out to trip Priest up! The fans boo but the ref wonders what happened. The ref puts two and two together, and he EJECTS Talla! The fans cheer, Talla is mad, but Solo hurries up after Priest! Fireman’s carry, but Priest slips free! Priest has the crucifix! RAZOR’S EDGE on Solo! Cover, TWO!! Solo survives and MFT is relieved.
Priest sighs but he just brings down the straps. The fans fire up as Priest aims, but Tama Tonga distracts! The fans boo, but Loa gets on the apron! Priest runs Loa off, but Solo prepares his own right hand! Priest avoids the spike, COMEBACK- SPINNING SOLO!! Solo goes up the corner, FLYING SOLO!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Priest survives, but Solo- OH NO! The Wyatts are here!! The lights go out, the fans go nuts, and when the lights are back, the Wyatts are BEHIND MFT! JC, Loa and Tama turn around, and then Howdy, Gacy & Lumis JUMP on them! The fans fire up as the factions fight all around ringside, Nikki Cross cheering her brothers on!
Things spill out into the crowd, Howdy RAMS JC into the post, then TOSSES JC into security staff! Howdy sees the lantern, but Solo CLOBBERS Howdy first! The fans boo, but Solo brings the lantern to the ring. The ref reprimands, Solo sets the lantern down, but Priest guzels! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)
Solo’s obsession with tearing down the Wyatt legacy just cost him his own chance at glory! Saturday Night’s Main Event is now wepa, but will The Archer of Infamy hit the mark in Montreal? Meanwhile, Howdy laughs as he takes the lantern back. But TALLA is back! And he BOOTS Howdy down! The fans boo but Talla takes the lantern back for MFT. Will the Wyatts have no choice but to put those titles on the line in exchange?
Sami Zayn heads for gorilla.
And on the way, he crosses paths with Drew McIntyre. Drew tells Sami that he heard what Sami said last week. Sami hoped that Drew would win, but thought Cody would? Well, lucky Sami isn’t a betting man, or he’d lose big, as usual. Sami says he meant what he said, a part of him did want Drew to win, and that part of him is happy Drew did win. Because now, Sami is going to go to war with Ilja Dragunov, and win. Then next week, in Sami’s hometown of Montreal, Sami will become #1 contender. And then at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, they’ll see each other again.
Oh, really inspiring, Sami, but here’s the truth: Drew has beaten Sami ELEVEN times, Sami has beaten Drew ZERO times. And if Sami does happen to make it to the Rumble, absolutely nothing changes. Sami says, “We’ll see.” Sami continues on, will he be able to defeat the Mad Russian and head home to Montreal? Or will he fall short of his world championship dreams yet again?
WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS ???
Speaking of championship dreams, it is another opportunity for someone, anyone, to step up to H1M! Who will go for gold in London? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns, London cheers on “MEL~O! MEL~O!” But who is answering the call? It’s TNA X-Division Champion and the star of Bradford, England, LEON SLATER! The fans fire up for their guy, but will the Youngest In Charge soon be a double champion? The introductions are made, the US title is raised, and we see who hits the game winner!
The bell rings and the two run up! They tie up, go around, and Melo headlocks. Melo hits the headlock takeover, Leon headscissors, Melo kips free. Roles reverse as Leon hits the headlock takeover for Melo to headscissor. Leon kips free, Melo turns things back around with another headlock, but Leon powers up and puts Melo in the corner. The ref counts, Leon backs off, and the fans applaud as Leon whips. Melo reverses, Leon goes up and over, but Melo turns hip toss into hip toss and lateral press! TWO and Leon has the ghost pin! TWO, Leon stands, dodges Melo, but Melo blocks! Melo dodges, then hits the FADE AWAY JUMPER!
The fans fire up as Melo then brings Leon up. Melo CHOPS, ROCKS, and CHOPS again. Leon ROCKS Melo back! The fans rally up as Leon runs to CHOP Melo in the corner! Leon shakes out his hand, that’s how hard he hit Melo! But Melo kicks Leon, CHOPS again, and the fans fire up. Melo whips, Leon reverses, but Melo rolls off the back. But Melo’s leg jams! Leon hesitates, but Melo says bring it. Leon runs up, Melo dodges to waistlock, but Leon bucks the O’Conner! Melo blocks one kick, ducks the enzigiri, but that REWIND HEEL hits! The fans fire up, Leon whips but Melo reverses, only for Leon to handspring back elbow!
Melo bails out, Leon aims, PLANCHA! Down goes Melo and the fans fire up! Leon puts Melo in, he goes up the corner, and Melo hobbles up into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this, but the fans sing, “Leon Slater, DOO DOO DOODOO!” Leon is feeling it, Melo applauds, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Leon and Melo circle, though that bad leg is still a problem. Melo shakes it out, he and Leon go again, and Melo waistlocks. Leon switches, they go to the mat, and Leon body scissors for a GEDO CLUTCH! TWO, and Melo is up! Leon hurries after him, but Melo ELBOWS Leon away. Melo reels Leon in, suplexes, then floats to a cover, TWO! Melo takes his kneepad down to check his knee, and Leon crawls to ropes while the fans rally up. Melo stalks Leon, has him in a corner, and he climbs up. Melo rains down fists, gives a little forearm grind instead of the six-seven, then he snapmares Leon. But Leon’s right up to CHOP!
Melo flops to the apron, Leon brings him up, but Melo RAMS Leon! Melo hobbles but runs, only for Leon to blow past him! Melo hurdles, ducks, and then DROPKICKS! But even that wasn’t the best, and he shakes the leg out. Leon slowly rises, the fans rally more, and both men stand. Melo hobbles over to Leon, brings him up, and reels him in again. Leon fights the suplex, Melo still tries, but Leon pops free! Leon shoves and DROPKICKS Melo down! Cover, TWO! Melo is toughing it out but Leon still has the fans behind him. Leon stands Melo up, whips him to ropes, but Melo reveres. Leon handsprings, but Melo dodges!
Leon avoids the Jumper again, then he follows Melo! INVERTED SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up while both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as SmackDown returns to single picture and both men slowly rise. Melo is up first, he gets Leon to his feet, and he CHOPS! Leon snarls and he CHOPS again! Leon then brings Melo up, but Melo ROCKS Leon! Leon staggers, comes back, and he ROCKS Melo! Melo CHOPS, whips, but Leon reverses to BOOT! Melo is at the ropes, but he avoids the sweep! LA MYSTICA! And then the suplex, LAYUP CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Leon survives and the fans rally up while Melo grits his teeth.
Melo waits on Leon to rise up, then he storms up in the corner. Melo whips, Leon stops himself, and he stops the First 48! Melo fights the crab, reels Leon in, TWO! But then Leon LEG LARIATS Melo down! Cover, TWO! Melo survives the sudden turnaround but Leon stays cool. Leon drags Melo to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Melo goes to the apron. Leon just adjusts, then leaps, but Melo dodges! Melo CHOPS Leon, but Leon fireman’s carries! Melo slips free, the leg jams, and Leon avoids the shoulder! GUILLOTINE LEG DROP in the ropes! Leon then goes back to the corner, springboards, but Melo slips around! Sunset flip, TWO!
Leon sits on the cover, TWO! Melo has it, TWO! Leon has it, TWO! ONE! ONE! And repeat! both men stand, the fans fi reup, and Leon SPIKE-RANAS! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and the fans fire up again! Then Melo SUPERKICKS! Leon goes to the corner, Melo runs up, but Leon puts him on the apron. Melo’s leg jams again! Leon just builds speed corner to corner! Leon FLIES over the post!! Down goes Melo and the fans are thunderous! Leon puts Melo in fast, goes up the corner, and the fans are on his side! SWANTON- NO, Melo moves and Leon FLOPS! Melo hits the FIRST 48! Cover, TWO!! Leon survives and the fans fire up again!
Melo is frustrated, his leg is hurting, but he elbows Leon off him. “This is Awesome!” as Melo goes back up the corner. Leon hurries to anchor a foot, but Melo CLUBS away on Leon. Leon UPPERCUTS Melo, then climbs back up. Leon and Melo fight for control up there, and they’re on the very top! Melo hits a SUPER LAYUP CUTTER!! Cover, MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Championship)
A standing ovation as two young icons just put on an instant classic, and Melo gives respect to Leon. This was the first time they’ve fought, will there be many more in the years to come?
Shinsuke Nakamura watches this backsatge.
But then Tama Tonga calls him out. Tama says Nakamura is looking at the US title, but the next chance doesn’t belong to him. Nakamura took his shot, and he blew it. Once MFT takes the tag titles, that US Championship is Tama’s. Nakamura and Tama do go way back, so this is Nakamura’s one and only warning: Stay out of Tama’s way. Nakamura tells Tama in Japanese that he knows their history, but he warns Tama in return that he better be ready to fight for what he wants. Will the Good Bad Guy bring the US title to MFT? Or will the King of Strong Style get another chance?
Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae walk ‘n’ talk backstage.
Johnny Wrestling looks at the Axiom mask he stole and he still can’t believe “those dorks” fell for it last week. Who even wears turtlenecks? But Axiom steps in and says he’ll be the better man. He wants to save Gargano from a beating, so just hand the mask over. Oh, Gargano doesn’t have the mask. He hands it to Candice, she hurries off, and Axiom tells Gargano to grow up. Gargano says if Axiom will excuse them, they’re gonna do married people things. Laters. Wait, another Axiom? This one DECKS Gargano, and surprise! It was Frazer! Oh, another surprise is that Frazer talked with Aldis. Next week, it is Gargano VS Frazer, 1v1.
And after Frazer beats Gargano, his amigo will do the same and take that mask back. So enjoy it while you still can. Fraxiom high-fives and heads out, will they get their revenge on Gargano one way or another?
Jordynne Grace VS Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre!
The Juggernaut chose SmackDown because of all the names she’d love to beat down. She already handled “Slaygent A,” will she bring down The Hot Mess next? Or will even she have to pledge her allegiance to Chelsea Green?
SmackDown returns and Jade Cargill is ringside to watch this. The Storm has put Chelsea and Jordynne on notice, will her presence do that tonight? Jordynne makes her entrance now, and the bell rings. Chelsea runs up to tie up with Grace, but she SHOVES Cheslea away! Chelsea gets up to SLAP Grace, and SLAP and SLAP again! Grace just brushes those off, then SLAPS back! Chelsea wobbles, Grace whips her, and then SPINEBUSTER! Grace hauls Chelsea up, reels her in, and the fans rally as Grace claps using chelsea’s back. Grace hits a stalling suplex, then she SLAMS Chelsea down! The fans cheer, Grace covers, TWO!
Grace clamps onto Chelsea, fireman’s carries, but Chelsea slips free to RAM her into buckles! Chelsea salutes, BOOTS Grace into the corner, then Alba SUPERKICKS Grace behind the ref’s back! Chelsea runs, slides, and THROWS Grace down! Cover, ONE!! Chelsea is furious already, and she drags Grace up. Chelsea whips Grace to the corner, salutes again, and the fans are torn as she runs in. Grace slips around to RAM Chelsea into buckles! ANd again, and again! Backslide, roll through, and short arm LARIAT! Short arm LARIAT! And- NO, Chelsea slips aroudn to waistlock. Grace ELBOWS free, then she ROCKS Cheslea!
Grace ELBOWS, LARIATS, then roars! the fans fire up and Grace runs in, but she blocks a boto firsT! Then a wrench and MUFFLER PLEX! Grace shouts fo rChelsea to ger up. Chelase stands, Grace fireman’s carries, DIRECT EFFECT! Jackknife bridge, Grace wins!
Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall
A new move for her new win streak, but Jade just golf claps Grace’s win. Grace grabs a mic, and she says, “Hey, champ. I’m glad that you came out here tonight to watch me. It’s extremely important that you know exactlly waht’s coming fo ryou.” The fans are torn, but Grace says if watching was just enough, that’s fine. But if Jade’s tired of babysitting that title, then step into the ring right here, right now! The fans fire up as Jade stands up! Jade goes to the ring and says Grace msut be stupid. But then Chelsea runs up! Grace dodges, Cheslea BLASTS Jade!! Chelsea is shocked, but also dazed, and Grace picks up the belt.
Grace smiles as she holds up THE WWE Women’s Championship, before she throws it back to Jade. Jade says, “Bet!” When and where will these forces of nature battle it out?
Backstage interview with Trick Williams.
Cathy congratulates him on his win tonight, and says he didn’t just ease his way onto SmackDown, he jumped into the deep end. What does this mean to him that he is headed to Saturday Night’s Main Event for a #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way? Trick says let this be a warning: he is putting all of SmackDown on notice! All you bums, bobbleheads and bootlickers, know that Trick is that dawg! Trick looks like money, he feels like money, because Trick IS money. And he wants a special shoutout to Randy Orton and Damian Priest! Congrats, you have a match with the future of this business, let’s talk about it! And hold on. He might be Whoop Dat Trick, but on Saturday, he whoops dat ass.
Cathy says yes, she was going to add- Oh, Priest steps in. Trick is the guy who does a lot of talking. Priest doesn’t. You already know what’s up on SNME. But Trick’s free on Friday, right? So is Priest. And Priest is ready to whoop dat Trick. Priest heads out, will he have quite the appetizer with Trick when SmackDown arrives in Montreal?
WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Sami Zayn VS Ilja Dragunov!
We saw these two battle over the United States Championship, and #BigMatchSami lost the title to the returning Mad Russian Dragon. But now, they fight for a much bigger prize on this Road to WrestleMania! Will Sami make up for that loss and join that Fatal 4 Way? Or will Ilja continue to rise up the ranks and be one match away from taking over the world?
SmackDown returns as Sami makes his entrance. The fans sing along with the song and Sami high-fives the front row along the ramp. The bell rings and the fans fire up as Sami and Ilja stare down. They step up, and they start firing forearms! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Sami fires a flurry, but then Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Then SPIN CHOP! CHOP to the leg! BOOT! Ilja runs, but into a LARIAT! The fans fire up while Ilja goes to ropes and Sami catches his breath. Sami storms up on Ilja to CHOP! Ilja just eggs him on! Sami CHOPS, fire more forearms, then stops as the ref counts.
Ilja KNEES low, fires more forearms, then whips. Sami reverses, Ilja reverses back, but Sami goes up and over! Sami runs up, Ilja BOOTS him, then JUMP KICKS! The fans fire up with Ilja, and he stands Sami up to bump him off buckles. Ilja CHOPS, then runs corner to corner. Ilja KNEES low, keeps moving, and he BOOT WASHES! Ilja snapmares Sami down, then hops up, KING KONG KNEE DROP! The fans fire up and Ilja goes up again! KING KONIG- NO, Sami dodges! Sami then kicks Iljia and suplexes, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO! Ilja is still fighting and the fans rally back up.
Sami stands Ilja up to CHOP! Ilja goes to a corner, Sami ROCKS him, and the fans cheer. Sami ROCKS Ilja again, has him in a corner, and CHOPS! Sami reels Ilja in, whips him to ropes, but Ilja KNEES Sami! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds on and he talks some smack while the fans rally. Sami stands, switches, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja headlocks in return as Sami stands him back up. Ilja then pries the waistlock open, switches, but Sami switches. They switch and switch and switch, then Ilja SNAP GERMANS! The fans cheer, Ilja goes back to the corner, and Ilja rises up, only for Sami to CHOP!
The fans cheer and sing for “Sami, Sami Zayn~!” but Ilja fires body shots. Sami CLUBS Ilja again and again, then goes up to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and the fans cheer again while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Sami and Ilja both stir, and Sami crawls over to Ilja. Sami brings Ilja up with a facelock, but Ilja wrenches out to waistlock. Sami fights the lift, but Ilja CLUBS him and HAMMERS him, then pump handles for an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives, but Ilja SLIDING FOREARMS in the back! Ilja ELBOWS and CLUBS Sami again and again, then stalks him to ropes. The fans rally up, and Ilja stomps Sami at the ropes. The ref counts, Ilja BOOTS Sami, then SLAPS him! Sami sputters, but he comes back to SLAP Ilja! Ilja and Sami make it a SLAP fight, then Sami fires haymakers! DDT! Cover, TWO! Ilja stays in this, but Sami stays cool.
Sami checks his teeth, they’re all there. Sami stands, Ilja crawls to ropes, but it’s Ilja who eggs Sami on! Sami stomps a mudhole into Ilja at the ropes! The ref counts, Sami stops at 4, but the fans rally up again. Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and brings Ilja around. Sami goes for the corner but Ilja wants the leg! Ilja eggs Sami on, Sami HAMMERS Ilja down! Sami busts Ilja’s eyebrow open! Ilja sputters, Sami goes to the apron, and the fans rally up again. SmackDown returns to single picture as Sami rises, but Ilja SLAPS him! Ilja SLAPS again, climbs up, and he fires up again! The fans are with Ilja on that, but Sami gets some shots to the chin!
Sami CLUBS Ilja, then adjusts position, SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ilja survives and the fans fire up again! Sami is beside himself, but he hurries to get after Ilja at the ropes. Sami drags Ilja up, around, but Ilja stops the Blue Thunder with elbows! Ilja runs, but Sami reels him back in! Ilja slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! The fans fire up while both men flounder! Ilja goes to a corner, goes up top, and he aims to go COAST2COAST! Sami falls, Ilja covers, TWO!! Sami survives and now Ilja is stunned! The fans rally again while Sami is down. Ilja winds up, H-BOMB- BOOT!!
The fans fire up as Sami counters the falling forearm! Both men stagger to their feet, then Sami clinches! But Ilja fights off the exploder! Sami ROCKS Ilja, Ilja springs up to ENZIGIRI! Ilja has Sami in the corner, he runs corner to corner and LARIATS! Ilja runs corne rto ocrner again, another LARIAT! Ilja goes for a third, but he ducks Sami’s Helluva Kick! Ilja knew that trick and Sami crashes into buckle! They both go to the apron, and Ilja fireman’s carries. Sami fights free, HEADBUTTS Ilja, and Ilja staggers back. But then TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Both men fall to the floor! The fans rally while the ring count climbs!
Ilja rises at 5 of 10, rolls in at 7, and Sami sputters at 8. Sami rises at 9, and leaps in at 9.99! But Ilja is on him! POWERBOMB! Ilja goes up, up, and SUPER SENTONS but onto KNEES! Not the cleanest counter, but Sami clinches Ilja! BUCKLE EXPLODER! The fans fire up with Sami, he runs corner to corner, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)
And with that, our #1 contender’s Fatal 4 is set! Orton, Trick, Priest, and Sami! But then Trick CLOBBERS Sami from behind! The fans boo but Trick lets his hair down and goes wild! Trick aims again, TRICK SHOT!! Sami is down, Trick stands over him, and he soaks up all that heat. But will Trick be able to whoop three decorated superstars at once? Or will Sami’s journey to the top finally be fulfilled in Montreal?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for SmackDown, a lot of action that also helped in the various story builds. Drew McIntyre had a great opening promo, but they also segued really well into Orton VS Miz as the opener. We also got a very good promo from Cody, and of course he wants to threepeat at the Royal Rumble. It was wild for Kit Wilson to go after Matt Cardona to give Fatu an opening to attack and then call out Cody in return. Very good brawl from Fatu and Cody, and Cody VS Fatu for Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be great. If Drew didn’t do the attack, will Cody win against Fatu and reveal it was him all along?
Good promo from Charlexa with Nia & Lash, and then a very good tag match. Good win for Charlexa, but at least Giulia and Kiana got a bit better of a showing. But of course Lash & Nia attacked after, and now all three teams have beef. With Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez as contenders from Raw, we’ll definitely get separate contenders for SmackDown now to parallel. Then it’ll be about Rhea & Iyo trying to survive both challenges, perhaps to build up the go-home week to Royal Rumble. If Liv & Roxie actually win, then the SmackDown team stands no chance, no matter who it is, because Liv & Roxie wouldn’t be transitional champions.
Very good stuff from Grace, Chelsea, and Jade, and I wonder if they’d give us a Triple Threat of Jade VS Grace VS Chelsea. Chelsea would definitely be the one to take the loss to keep both Jade and Grace strong, regardless of who wins. But at the same time, we’d still need a proper 1v1 of Jade VS Grace for the title to settle the feud. Good promo with Fraxiom getting payback on Gargano and setting up Frazer VS Gargano and Axiom VS Gargano. Absolutely awesome US Championship from Melo VS Leon, I did not think they’d go that hard, but it was greatly appreciated. Melo selling bad leg is definitely foreshadowing how he eventually loses that title, though it might not be for some time.
And of course, great stuff in all four SNME qualifier matches, even with all the results being how I expected. As I said last week, a shame that Cardona had to lose here, but Trick is getting on a roll already. Orton VS Miz was a great opening, and Sami VS Ilja was an awesome main event. Trick going after Sami kinda foreshadows Sami winning out in the end, as Sami VS Drew is definitely a great choice for the Royal Rumble, too. It really is a story of “Something’s gotta give.” Drew pointed out the 11-0 record between him and Sami, but Drew has/wants to make it through his first title defense, it could come down to Drew using shenanigans like he did to dethrone Cody.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.15.26
TNA had some time to cook up their big debut. Did they burn it, or make a succulent feast?
AMC era has begun! Granted it’s not without a big loss, being The Rascalz seem to be headed to AEW. Which honestly I’m conflicted. If it was their decision because the money was astronomical, then I can’t fault TNA for not being able to compete with the TK Bank Account. But if TNA didn’t even try and let them walk for money that could’ve been negotiated…then TNA fumbled harder than CJ Stroud. Jake Something is a non-factor, but The Rascalz could be a big mistake.
WOAH! @AJStylesOrg and @FrankieKazarian come face to face on #TNAiMPACT on @AMC_TV! pic.twitter.com/CSh7IpV5ex
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 16, 2026
Ratings:
- Elijah & The Hardyz vs Order 4: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – *
- TNA Knockouts Tag Titles: The IInspiration (c) vs The Elegance Brand: Maggie wins via pinfall – (-) *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!
- TNA World Championship: Frankie Kazarian (c) vs Mike Santana: Santana wins via Spin the Block – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!
Results:
AJ Styles comes out to kick off TNA episodes on a new network. He walks out to the WWE theme, makes a quick hype promo, doesn’t interact with anyone aside from the crowd. Definitely feels like more could’ve been done with AJ, but it was nice to see him.
Elijah & The Hardyz vs Order 4
The Hardyz come out with some guitar guy, Justin Lyonz or something…BDE and another streamer buddy? Definitely already feels overbooked just on the intro.
Order 4 tries to start fast but things back fire quickly and…this is starting off like an old episode of like WCW Thunder. Just messy overbooked intros, hot start into a commercial. 13 minutes in and it’s not a good start. Coming back from the commercial, Ali had the advantage but then Jeff Hardy is turning it around, all the apron dwellers are down. Ali tries the Rolling Neckbreaker, Jeff catches him with a Twist of Fate. Tasha tries to get in the way, Ali gets shoved into her, Matt hits the Twist of Tasha draped over Ali…shmoz spot. The Great Hands actually turn things around after the pinfall break, but Elijah stops them with some Mule Kick action, into a Twist from Matt and Swanton from Jeff. I think we saw maybe 3 minutes of this and it was all just cliche chaos crap.
Loser Agent Zero attacks after the fact…even though Elijah laid him out last week and the luster is off of Zero. He’s a joke. The Righteous come out to make a…Save? Dutch hits Death Walks on Matt and Vincent pulls out…a pad lock or something and then chains Jeff to the post via his eat gauge. This is…an embarrassing mess of crap just happening. If this is anyone’s first episode, I apologize for the Crash TV whiplash effect of this so far.
20 minutes of worthless D List Star spotting that leads to a comedy spot with Ryan Nemeth (which is fine, I love Ryan) but then it goes into Santino finding a new General Manager type because he’s been compromised. And it’s…Sonya Deville with Daria Rae as her new gimmick name. She comes out as the heel “management” type who wants to get rid of Santino. And…she apparently signed Elayna Black. Yikes, back to back no one cares reveals. Sonya Deville and Cora Jade. Cora’s hot, but wrestling competence…ya that’s non-existent.
I can almost tolerate Sonya since she’s supposed to come out and be a heel immediately, so the lack of current love, buzz and pop, is fine. But bringing Cora Jade along like she’s anything more than eye candy is…pathetic. It has been 30 minutes since the last actual wrestling match happened.
WHY DO WE GO INTO ANOTHER GOOFBALL TALK SEGMENT?!?!? The Elegance Brand, with Perez Hilton…has he even been relevant since like 2008? What is this? I get that it’s a dumb shtick before the match but STOP TALKING. This…Mr Elegance thing is complete garbage.
TNA Knockouts Tag Titles: The IInspiration (c) vs The Elegance Brand
The IInspiration comes down to stop the awful segment and as soon as things start we cut to commercial again. WHY. M has control cause of course the heels are in control until Cassie gets the knees up and M crashes and burns on the Moonsault. Jessie hot tag, lays out both Elegance members. She dispatches of M, Armbar Suplex on Heather but the Concierge pulls out Jessie. Jessie blocks the numbers game but eats combination kicks from Heather. They go for their Bow and Arrow, Stomp combo but Cassie shoves off Heather, IInspiration double teams M, Mr Elegance hops on the apron and gets slapped.
This is a sloppy mess of over booked gimmicked garbage. Idolizer on Maggie but interference for days and Maggie gets the pin and the…I don’t care. Get rid of these titles. I love Maggie, but this is pathetic and the fact we need NXT tag teams to flesh out a contender bracket is sad. What the actual FUCK is this episode? This feels like a fever dream.
TNA International Champion @Stacks_WWE and @AriannaGraceWWE take plenty of shots at @milanmiracle ahead of #TNAGenesis! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/9V2wMk3zlk
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 16, 2026
Jesus, okay the Visa issue is legit because I know there’s problems in e-sports and other professional mediums. But now Lei Ying Lee comes out because her title match becomes an Open Challenge because Dani can’t compete at Genesis. ZaRuca comes out, and I don’t care who challenge Lei, but I swear if TNA makes Lei drop the title to an NXT wrestler again. Sol actually says Zaria deserves the shot, which surprises Zaria…kind of a nice moment. But still…I swear, no more NXT wrestlers taking TNA gold.
Christ on a crutch, another talking segment. The System has to say stuff because Dango is retiring on Saturday, but come the hell on. So far there have been 2 matches, we saw 3 minutes of the first one, some people missed the entire second match because AMC ran back to back commercial breaks. But even seeing it, there’s was about 4 minutes of interference in that match. 90 minutes so far, and there’s been 7 minutes of visible wrestling. They’ve done garbage shows like this before, but I was hoping they would know better than to give us some gum flapping imbecile show. But NOOO.
TNA World Championship: Frankie Kazarian (c) vs Mike Santana
Collar and Elbow tie up, Kaz tries the early Chicken Wing, but Santana fights it off and tries to catch him with a Spin the Block, but easily dodged and we reset. Santana hits the Shoulder Tackle and the crowd pops probably because it’s actually wrestling for what feels like the first time all night. Frankensteiner sends Frankie to the floor, Escalera Plancha from Santana keeps Kaz on the receiving end. Santana launches off the steps but misses and Kaz connects with a Belly to Belly.
Back from yet another terribly timed commercial, we see Kaz get shoved off the ropes, Santana tries the Rolling Buck Fifty, but Kaz connects with a Backstabber. He then decides to talk smack to Santana and big brother him. Santana absorbs Kaz’s shots, fires and then throws his own haymakers. Santana going a little Sting with a big Woo, catches Kaz’s foot and then Gamengiri. Kaz cuts him off, Santana cuts off Kaz, Rolling Buck Fifty out of the up and over, but only a 2 count.
Kaz claws the eyes, shoves Santana away, but Santana climbs the buckles again, Spanish Fly, no sell, into a struggle for signature moves when Santana snaps off a Code Red for another near fall. Santana takes too long to go for the Cannonball, knees up, Kaz hits the Angel’s Wings for two. Chicken Wing attempt two, but Santana rolls over into the pinfall, Kaz kicks out. A little cat and mouse on the Guillotine, but Slingshot Cutter into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop for two again!
Frankie tries to bring in the belt, it gets taken away, finisher counters, Fighting Spirit, Spin the Block misses, Kaz goes for a Shotgun Kick but ref bump. Santana hits the Spin the Block but the ref is dead. Kaz looks for the discarded belt, clocks Santana with it while the referee is still dead. Kaz aims for Fade to Black on the apron and connects! Throws Santana back into the ring, cover, Santana kicks out at two and fires! Kaz with the Canadian Destroyer but Santana no sells, Spin the Block! 1-2-2.999. Kaz kicked out of it. Kaz dodges the next STB, tries one of his own, but then Santana connects with another!
Overall Score: 2.5/10
This was an awful trainwreck of a fever dream. The Main Event was the only thing worth watching, and if you’re not a TNA fan, I wouldn’t expect people to have stuck around that long. The Main Event is 2 of the 2.5 points, the only other slightly decent part was utilizing Sonya Deville’s relative lack of interest and expected lack of pop, to just make her a heel out of the gates.
Everything else about this show was complete unadulterated dogshit. Mr Elegance talks like young Chris Jericho, Ryan Nemeth and Peter Brady did a failed fusion dance. The concept was cringe the execution is worse. The constant commercials at the start of matches and coming back for 2-3 minutes of trash is a 90s formula that doesn’t work nowadays. 80% of this show was useless talking, highlight segments of the history of TNA and running around to fix Genesis matches because all the UK wrestlers can’t make the show.
This was pathetic. If this was people’s first time watching TNA, it probably will be their last. This show made WCW Thunder look competent. I yearn for the days of Disco Inferno vs Lodi. Van Hammer vs Mike Awesome during his fat chick thriller era, would be better writing and television than whatever this was.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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