This past week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, before Monday’s Raw.
Dexter Lumis defeated Akira Tozawa (4:11)
As always, Tozawa and Lumis were good together with Lumis getting the win and a handshake.
Lumis is certainly due a storyline having worked Main Event a lot over the last few months. There is definitely a portion of the WWE Universe who likes him, but his character is confusing now, having gone from menacing to essentially quite comical.
Tozawa managed to get Lumis off his feet with a hurricanrana, but he then no sold some of his chops and stared him down. This is where working Main Event makes no sense. If he’s so dominant, why not give him a program on Raw?
Lumis used a delayed suplex which the crowd enjoyed before using a nerve rest hold to lead in to the hope spot for Tozawa who used a rana and running high knee before going up top.
Ultimately, Tozawa took too long as he went up top for his senton finisher and thus, Lumis got out of the way. He caught Tozawa on the charge, nailing him with a side slam for the win.
Lumis did his slithering gimmick after the bell and offered Tozawa a handshake, which was accepted.
This was a little too long with too much heat, but Nox and LeRae worked well together.
Nox took most of this one with LeRae basically selling for most of it. With Cross cheerleading from the sidelines, it felt like a bigger pop when LeRae finally got her hand raised.
Before the break, Nox was in control as commentary focused on Cross. Her character is just a little bit too zany for my taste, but she does seem to be over with a certain segment of the crowd.
They ended up on the apron and Nox used a flapjack on LeRae as they went to the break.
Cross never really featured in this one, other than Nox calling her a psycho from the ring. Alas, she was there in full ring gear and did absolutely nothing other than support LeRae from the outside.
In the end, LeRae came up off the top rope with a missile dropick and a moonsault off the second rope for the win. Cross hugged LaRae after the bell, but she didn’t seem too keen on the idea.
Final Thoughts:
These were two matches that were perfectly fine with the babyfaces going over. It had been better when they were giving NXT workers the chance to work against main roster talent, but Tozawa and Lumis are always entertaining together. The women’s match at the top of the show was fine, but focused way too much on Cross’ wackiness.
The Octagon is back inside Las Vegas’ UFC Apex this weekend with UFC on ESPN 46, kicking off a busy summer stretch which will see events every Saturday through August as of now.
Kai Kara-France vs. Amir Albazi headlines in a five-round clash of top ten flyweights — the first non-title flyweight bout to headline a UFC card since 2017. Kara-France is fighting for the first time since July as he looks to get back into the win column after suffering a loss to Brendan Moreno in an interim title fight. Albazi looks to remain undefeated in the UFC and extend his five-fight win streak.
Also on the main card is a featherweight clash between Alex Caceres and Daniel Pineda, a lightweight bout that sees Jim Miller add to his all-timer record of most UFC fights when he takes on newcomer Jesse Butler, a flyweight battle between Tim Elliott and Victor Altamirano, as well as a welterweight bout pitting Abubakar Nurmagomedov against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.
Lins throwing the left hand and calf kick right away. Lins lands a left hand and they clinch back to the fence. They separate. Grishin lands a leg kick. Lins lands before they tie up and push to the fence. Grishin with a few foot stomps. They reverse position and Lins lands an uppercut. Lins is dropping down and looking for a takedown. They break and Lins lands a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. They clinch back up against the fence. Lins backs away and lands some big punches including a big uppercut that stunned Grishin. Grishin lands a body kick. Grishin lands a spinning elbow and Lins lands some big shots at the end. 10-9 Lins.
They’re trading big shots to start the second. They’re clinched against the fence and Lins tries for a takedown but Grishin defends and is attacking the arm for a kimura. Lins gets them down to their knees. They get up and Grishin lands a big elbow as they separate. They both land big right hands. Grishin lands a body kick. Lins tries a takedown but they break and clinch once again at the fence. Lins lands a knee and Grishin lands more foot stomps. Lins lands a right hand as they break. Lins lands a body kick. 10-9 Lins, 20-18 Lins.
They trade to start the third and Grishin lands some leg kicks. Lins lands a big punch. Grishin lands an elbow as they’re in close range and they tie up. They’re leaning on each other and not a lot is happening. They break and Lins lands some big punches before they clinch back up. They separate. They clinch back up as Lins is attacking the leg. They end the fight there. 10-9 Lins, 30-27 Lins.
Official Result- Philipe Lins def. Maxim Grishin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
They’re trading to start before tying up against the fence. They sprawl to the ground as Lacerda is attacking the leg. They get to their feet and Blackshear lands a flurry. They trade right hands. Blackshear landing a lot more as they’re on the feet. They go to the mat late. 10-9 Blackshear.
Blackshear landing several punches to start the second. They trade kicks. They’re trading in close range. Lacerda tries a takedown but Blackshear ends up on top. Lacerda attacking the leg and looking for a foot lock. Blackshear landing big punches from the back and he keeps landing and it is stopped. Big finish from Blackshear.
Official Result- Da’Mon Blackshear def. Luan Lacerda by TKO (punches) at 3:54 of Round 2
They tie up early and push against the fence. Frey gets a takedown and is landing from the top in the half-guard. They get to their feet. They trade and Frey gets a brief takedown. Frey lands a left hand. Frey lands a left hand. They trade punches late as Frey lands some leg kicks. 10-9 Frey.
Reed lands some leg kicks early. Reed lands a right hand. Frey lands a leg kick and follows it with a combo. Frey grabs the single leg and finishes the takedown. Frey working from the top but Reed is staying active on the bottom landing some punches and elbows. They get to their feet and Reed lands a body kick. They clinch and Frey lands a left hand as they break. 10-9 Reed, 19-19.
They’re trading to start the third. Frey pushes it against the fence but they separate. Reed lands a leg kick after Frey lands a combo. They trade before clinching against the fence, but they quickly break. They trade high kicks. Frey lands a right hand. Reed lands a right hand. Reed lands a quick combo. Frey looks for a takedown but Reed defends. Reed lands a right hand. Close fight. 10-9 Reed, 29-28 Reed.
Official Result- Elise Reed def. Jinh Yu Frey by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Lightweights- Jamie Mullarkey (16-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Muhammad Naimov (8-2, 0-0 UFC)
They trade leg kicks. Mullarkey lands a left hook to the body and follows it with a body kick. They clinch and Mullarkey gets the back against the fence. They separate. Naimov lands a leg kick and Mullarkey gets it down briefly but they get right up. Mullarkey lands a right hand. They’re tied up and Mullarkey is landing while trying to get it down. Mullarkey lands some right hands after they break. Naimov lands a front kick. Mullarkey gets a brief takedown but Naimov is able to scramble up. They separate and both land. Mullarkey lands to the body before they clinch. They trade knees and Mullarkey lands as they break. 10-9 Mullarkey.
Mullarkey lands a right hand. Naimov lands a leg kick as Mullarkey lands the jab. Mullarkey lands a nice right hand. Naimov lands a leg kick and Mullarkey gets the clinch and scores a takedown against the fence. They get to their feet and Naimov lands a spin kick. Naimov then drops Mullarkey with a right hand and finishes it off with some follow-up shots. Big debut win for Naimov.
Official Result- Muhammad Naimov def. Jamie Mullarkey by TKO (punches) at 2:59 of Round 2
> Bantamweights- John Castaneda (19-6, 2-2 UFC) vs. Muin Gafurov (18-4, 0-0 UFC)
Castaneda lands a body kick after they both miss punches. Gafurov looks for the takedown but Castaneda is defending. Castaneda lands a leg kick. Castaneda lands a body kick but Gafurov grabs it, though they separate. Gafurov lands a leg kick. Castaneda lands a head kick and then a right hand and Gafurov goes to the mat. Castaneda gets on top and is landing to the body. They get to their feet and Gafurov gets it down but they scramble up and separate. 10-9 Castaneda.
They trade body kicks. Gafurov lands a high kick. They trade left hands. Gafurov lands a leg kick that trips Castaneda up. They get to their feet and Gafurov is landing a lot of big punches and has Castaneda hurt. Castaneda then starts firing back and lands some good shots. Timeout is called after a clash of heads. Gafurov gets a point taken away as he was leading with his head, which caused the clash of heads. They get back to action and both are throwing. Castaneda lands a head kick. Gafurov gets a brief takedown and has the back as they get to their feet. Gafurov with some knees and foot stomps. Castaneda rolls but Gafurov is able to grab the neck. They get to their feet. Gafurov lands a couple of big punches. They trade left hands but Castaneda’s landed harder. Castaneda gets the back standing. 9-9, 19-18 Castaneda.
Gafurov lands a right hand. Gafurov lands as he rushes in and looks for the takedown. Castaneda lands a knee then a right hand. Both are swinging wildly and missing more than they land. Castaneda gets it down and is working from the top. Gafurov gives up his back and they get to their feet. Castaneda has his hands locked with control. Castaneda gets the back standing. Gafurov grabbed the fence to block a takedown, but Castaneda is able to end up getting one. Castaneda has the back and looks for a choke late. 10-9 Castaneda, 29-27 Castaneda.
Official Result- John Castaneda def. Muin Gafurov by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Mayes lands first. Arlovski lands a right hand after ducking under a Mayes punch. Arlovski lands a leg kick after landing a couple of punches. Arlovski landing with slightly more volume but not a ton of action going on. Arlovski lands two right hands. Mayes tries a big knee but misses and Arlovski lands some punches. Mayes tried a takedown but Arlovski got away. Mayes lands an elbow and a left hand. 10-9 Arlovski.
Mayes lands a leg kick. Mayes lands a knee and then a punch and we have a timeout for a clash of heads. They get back to action and Arlovski lands a body kick. Mayes lands a short uppercut and Arlovski eats it and lands a right hand at the same time. Arlovski lands a right hand. Mayes drops Arlovski with a right hand and it is stopped. Big finish from Mayes there.
Official Result- Don’Tale Mayes def. Andrei Arlovski by TKO (punches) at 3:17 of Round 2
> Bantamweights- Daniel Santos (10-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Johnny Munoz (12-2, 2-2 UFC)
Santos lands an immediate kick to the groin of Munoz and we have a timeout. They get back to action and trade before clinching against the fence. Munoz pulls guard and has the body triangle locked in from the bottom. Munoz gets the arm and is looking for an armbar but Santos is able to escape to his feet. Santos lands as Munoz lands a step-in knee. Santos with a spin kick to the body then a leg kick. We have another timeout for a groin strike, this time by Munoz. They get back to action and Santos lands a body kick. Munoz lands a knee to the body then they break. Santos gets a brief takedown and they get to their feet. They scramble to the mat and Santos gets on top as he lands a right hand. 10-9 Santos.
Santos lands a leg kick then a body kick then a left hook before they clinch up. Santos gets on top as Munoz pulls guard and is landing from inside the guard of Munoz. Santos continues to land from the top then stands and lands some leg kicks. Santos gets back into the guard of Munoz. Santos with a flurry of punches. Santos with body punches. He stands and Munoz remains on his back. Munoz is ordered up and tries for a takedown but Santos defends. They go back to the mat and Santos ends the round on top. 10-9 Santos, 20-18 Santos.
We have an immediate groin strike by Santos and another timeout. Santos gets a point taken away. They get back to action and Santos lands a head kick and gets a big takedown as he just threw Munoz to the ground. Santos works from the top and gets to the feet and lands leg kicks. Munoz stands and Santos is being flashy. Munoz jumps up for a standing guillotine. Santos gets out of it and gets Munoz to the mat. Santos is working inside the guard of Munoz and landing punches. Santos stands and Munoz is ordered up. Munoz gets a takedown and is inside the guard of Santos. Santos lands an upkick that allows him to reverse position. Santos stands and lands some leg kicks. 9-9, 29-27 Santos.
Official Result- Daniel Santos def. Johnny Munoz by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
ESPN MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET/6 PM PT
> Welterweights- Abubakar Nurmagomedov (17-3-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (23-7, 9-3 UFC)
Nurmagomedov rocks Zaleski early with a combo and Zaleski was covering up. They trade knees in the clinch. They trade knees once again as both are battling for position against the fence. Zaleski lands some punches as Nurmagomedov drops down looking for the takedown. They are separated by Dan Miragliotta. Zaleski lands a couple of leg kicks. He lands a right hand then a body kick. Zaleski with a high kick followed by a right hand. They both land in close range. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.
They’re trading to start the second and Zaleski lands an uppercut. Zaleski lands a leg kick. Nurmagomedov rushes in and grabs the back of Zaleski against the fence. Nurmagomedov landing knees from the back. They break and Zaleski lands some leg kicks and a couple of right hands. Nurmagomedov gets a late takedown. 10-9 Zaleski, 19-19.
Zaleski lands a body kick and then trips Nurmagomedov up with a leg kick. Zaleski lands a couple of heavy leg kicks then a right hand. Nurmagomedov lands a leg kick but Zaleski fires back with a couple of leg kicks. They clinch and Nurmagomedov pushes it against the fence. They quickly break. Nurmagomedov lands a side kick. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown and they were tied up in the center and break, and Zaleski lands a right hand. Zaleski lands a big right hand. Nurmagomedov gets the back after a failed takedown attempt. They break as Zaleski defends. Zaleski lands a big body kick then some follow-up punches. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown but Zaleski sprawls. Nurmagomedov has the back as they’re on the feet but Zaleski defends and they’re tied up against the fence. Zaleski lands a late flurry. Close fight. 10-9 Zaleski, 29-28 Zaleski dos Santos.
Official Result- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Abubakar Nurmagomedov by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Silva rushes in and they clinch against the fence. Silva scores the takedown. Silva working from the top and lands an elbow. Silva with a big right hand from the top. Silva grabs the leg and locks in an ankle lock and Souza quickly taps! It was a kneebar and Souza’s knee popped out of place, what a brutal finish by Silva.
Official Result- Karine Silva def. Ketlen Souza by submission (kneebar) at 1:45 of Round 1
> Flyweights- #11 Tim Elliott (18-12-1, 7-10 UFC) vs. Victor Altamirano (12-2, 2-1 UFC)
Altamirano throws some high kicks right away. Elliott gets it down and is in the half-guard of Altamirano. Both landing punches on the mat. They both land more before getting to the feet. Altamirano lands a kick but Elliott catches it and gets it back down. Elliott working from the top. Elliott lands an elbow from the top. Elliott landing punches from the top as Altamirano is looking for a submission from the bottom. Elliott landing from the top as the round ends. 10-9 Elliott.
They scramble and go to the mat and Elliott ends up on top. Elliott landing punches from the top and Altamirano has no answer. They get to their feet and Altamirano lands a big head kick that rocks Elliott. They go back to the mat and Altamirano is now on top. Elliott being active on his back but Altamirano lands a couple of elbows. They scramble to their feet. Elliott lands a left hand. They scramble back to the mat and Elliott is in the guard and landing from the top. Wild rounds. 10-9 Elliott, 20-18 Elliott.
Elliott coming forward with his front leg pushed out and is landing. They trade punches and Elliott scores a takedown. Elliott landing punches from the top as he remains active inside the guard of Altamirano. Altamirano is also keeping busy from the bottom but not scoring a lot of offense. Elliott lands a knee that may have been illegal as they were getting up, and they separate. Altamirano lands a combo. Altamirano lands a combo and a leg kick but Elliott is able to score a takedown. Elliott working from the top and landing a lot of punches as the fight ends. 10-9 Elliott, 30-27 Elliott.
Official Result- Tim Elliott def. Victor Altamirano by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Lightweights- Jim Miller (35-17 1 NC, 24-16 1 NC UFC) vs. Jesse Butler (12-4, 0-0 UFC)
Butler comes forward and lands a body kick. Miller throwing big punches and lands a massive left hand that knocks Butler out cold. What a finish by the UFC’s all-time wins leader.
Official Result- Jim Miller def. Jesse Butler by knockout (punch) at :23 of Round 1
> Featherweights- #15 Alex Caceres (20-13 1 NC, 15-11 1 NC UFC) vs. Daniel Pineda (28-14 3 NC, 5-5 1 NC UFC)
Pineda lands some leg kicks. Pineda tries for a takedown but Caceres grabs the neck and ends up in the half-guard of Pineda. They get to their feet. Pineda with a heavy leg kick. Pineda tries a takedown but Caceres steps over and takes the back. They go to the ground and Caceres has the mount for a moment but Pineda gets out. They get to their feet. Pineda shoots for the single leg but Caceres is defending. They go back to the mat and Caceres is on top. Pineda scrambles and locks in an armbar but Caceres is able to escape. Caceres gets to his feet. Pineda with a leg kick. Caceres lands a right hand to the body and they clinch against the fence. Caceres lands an elbow as they break. Caceres rocks Pineda with a left hand. They scramble to the mat at the end. Crazy round. 10-9 Caceres.
Pineda lands a big right hand and both land some big punches. Pineda scores a takedown but they get up. Pineda has the back of Caceres. Pineda reverses and they battle for underhooks against the fence. Pineda lands a big elbow then a right hand. Caceres lands a combo as they break. They scramble to the mat and Pineda is in side control. Caceres tries for a triangle choke but Pineda remains in side control. Pineda has the back and gets the hooks locked in. Pineda now has the mount position. He lands a couple of elbows. Pineda ends up in the guard of Caceres and lands a big elbow. 10-9 Pineda, 19-19.
Caceres lands a body kick and Pineda is holding his ribs. Caceres lands a leg kick and Pineda is having trouble staying on the feet. Caceres with some big punches to the body and Pineda is clearly hurt. Pineda still pressing forward. Caceres with a big body kick. Pineda lands a body kick. Caceres landing big shots and Pineda is still hurting but keeps coming forward. Caceres lands a left hand. They roll to the mat and Caceres has the back. Caceres gets the hooks locked in. They get to their feet. Caceres lands to the body. Pineda drops Caceres with a right hand but Caceres gets right up and the fight ends. Great fight. 10-9 Caceres, 29-28 Caceres.
Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Flyweights- #3 Kai Kara-France (24-10 1 NC, 7-3 UFC) vs. #7 Amir Albazi (16-1, 4-0 UFC)
Albazi lands a left hand. Kara-France lands a right hand. Albazi lands a right hand and goes for the takedown. They break and Albazi lands a combo. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi lands a leg kick. Kara-France lands a right hand. Kara-France landing the jab. Kara-France lands a combo. Kara-France lands a left hook. Albazi scores with a right hand as Kara-France landed the left. Kara-France lands a right hand. 10-9 Kara-France.
Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi lands a right hand. Both throwing but neither really lands. Kara-France lands a combo. Albazi scores with a jab. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi shoots for the takedown but Kara-France is defending against the fence, and they break. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi lands a jab. Kara-France lands a right hand. Albazi lands a left hand. Kara-France landing a combination. Albazi lands a left hand. Kara-France lands a left hook. They trade shots at the end. 10-9 Kara-France, 20-18 Kara-France.
Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi gets a takedown off the fence. Albazi working from the top and landing right hands as he takes the back. Albazi has the hooks in and is landing from the back. Kara-France lands some backward punches but Albazi has full control. Albazi has the choke locked in but it’s not quite fully in and Kara-France is able to escape. Kara-France stands and Albazi is on his back in the backpack. Kara-France gets him down and is in the guard of Albazi. Kara-France lands an elbow. Kara-France lands some big shots at the end. 10-9 Albazi, 29-28 Kara-France.
Kara-France lands a leg kick. Kara-France with a high kick. Albazi lands a right hand. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Kara-France with a body kick as Albazi lands a right hand. Albazi lands a body kick. Albazi shoots for the takedown and briefly had it down but Kara-France scrambles up and they separate. Kara-France lands a combo. Albazi lands a leg kick but Kara-France is able to get it down. They scramble to their feet and separate. 10-9 Kara-France, 39-37 Kara-France.
Kara-France landing the jab early on. Albazi lands a leg kick. Kara-France lands a right hand. Albazi grabs the back and gets it down for a brief moment. Albazi has back control but lets go. Kara-France lands a combo. Kara-France landing with more volume but Albazi lands an uppercut and then a right hand. They trade in close range. Kara-France lands a big combo. Kara-France with a big flurry at the end. Good fight. 10-9 Kara-France, 49-46 Kara-France.
Official Result- Amir Albazi def. Kai Kara-France by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
Tonight’s special “Championship Friday” edition of AEW Rampage will feature four title matches from three different promotions — none of which are AEW.
AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo will look to extend his 500+ day reign as titleholder as he defends against Komander and Dralistico in a three-way. This will be Vikingo’s fifth match in AEW.
Fresh off another title defense on ROH TV, inaugural NJPW TV Champion Zack Sabre Jr. will defend his gold against Action Andretti. Sabre Jr. bested Rocky Romero Thursday as his recent run in ROH continues.
Inaugural NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale will have her first title defense as she takes on Emi Sakura. Nightingale won the title by defeating Mercedes Mone last month in a tournament.
After his successful defense against Alex Coughlin on Thursday, ROH Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata will look to fend off the title challenge of Lee Moriarty and earn his third title defense.
**********
Taped in San Diego, California. Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone and Excalibur were on commentary for “Championship Friday!”
El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Komander defeated Dralistico (w/ Jose the Assistant) to retain the AAA Mega Championship (10:07).
Vikingo’s 500 days into his title reign, or halfway into a ridiculous celebration and his cousins turning on him. Dralistico got the first near fall of the match with a slingshot senton. The crowd was very into this match. Komander got hung up in the ropes, and Dralistico took him out with a double stomp. Vikingo then flew into the action with a moonsault to the floor, which popped the crowd. Vikingo hit an implosion hurricanrana, then followed up with a Phoenix Splash (started outside of the ring and facing the wrong way, no big deal). JR is so impressed with the action he will give the winner a barbeque sauce. He should throw in his seasoning, too. That stuff is great.
During the split-screen break, Jose helped Dralistico set up a table on the floor. Well, Jose is an assistant.
After the break, Dralistico and Komander worked in the ring while Vikingo hid on the floor, continuing the pattern of two guys working in the ring while the third hid. Komander tried a crazy springboard hurricanrana, but it didn’t really work. Dralistico took a bump to the floor anyway. Komander followed his opponents out ot the floor with a rope walk moonsault to the floor. Badk in the ring, Komander hit a rope walk 450 for a near fall. Vikingo took Komander down with an inverted hurricanrana, then put him through the table with a 630 springboard senton.
Back in the ring, Vikingo countered a powerbomb from Dralistico with a hurricanrana and a cradle and got the pinfall.
Spectacular insanity.
– Let’s go back to January when Aubrey Edwards made some fair calls that didn’t go Jeff Jarrett’s way. And then six months later, Karen Jarrett kept Aubrey Edwards from doing the same thing at Double or Nothing by thwacking her with a guitar. Backstage, Mark Briscoe and Aubrey Edwards attacked Jarrett and his crew in the middle of an interview with Lexi Nair.
Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Action Andretti to retain the NJPW Television Championship (10:15)
Crowd was behind Sabre. Andretti tried to hang with Sabre, but he was very clearly out of his depth on the mat. Sabre got a wristlock on Andretti, who tried four different escapes before one finally worked. Andretti hit a springboard tornio for a near fall, then sent Sabre to the floor with a springboard hurricanrana. Sabre tied up Andretti in the ropes with an armbar, then sent Andretti down to the mat by yanking down on his arm. Sabre continued to work over Andretti’s arm and leveled him with forearms in the corner. Sabre locked in a hammerlock and a body scissors, but Andretti was able to power Sable over with a suplex.
Andretti hit a springboard kick for a near fall. Sabre caught Andretti with a kick to the arm to regain the advantage. Andretti hit a jumping enziguri and an avalanche hurricanrana for a near fall. Andretti picked up Sabre in a torture rack, but Sabre countered by grabbing him in a choke. Andretti hit a superkick and a poisoned rana for a near fall. Andretti hit a shotgun dropkick and a spit-legged moonsault for a near fall. Andretti came off the ropes with a springboard, but Sabre yanked him out of the air with an armbar, then tied both of Andretti’s arms up with his legs and got the submission. Great match!
Willow Nightingale defeated Emi Sakura to retain the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship (8:00 aired)
JR wished Mercedes Mone a speedy recovery on commentary. Both women fought over a suplex on the ring apron, but Sakrua used an eye poke to get the advantage. She sent Nightingale to the floor with a crossbody, then threw her into the barricade as the show went to break.
After the break, Nightingale hit a shotgun dropkick off the middle rope for a near fall. Sakura hit a CrossRhodes variation for a near fall, then a twisting senton for a near fall. Nightingale hit a low crossbody for a near fall. Sakura tried for La Magistral’s cradle, but Nightingale powered out. Sakura hit a sitout Jay Driller, but Nightingale came back with a pounce and a cannonball. Nightingale finished off Sakura with a lariat and an awesome Doctor Bomb to get the pinfall. The crowd was very into this match as well.
– New for Dynamite Wednesday: MJF makes an appearance, and Jungle Boy & Hook take on Dralistico & Preston Vance in a Texas Tornado match.
– The next Ring of Honor pay-per-view, Death Before Dishonor, was announced for July 21st in Trenton, New Jersey.
Katsuyori Shibata defeated Lee Moriarty to retain the ROH Pure Championship (9:09).
The pure rules: a 20-count outside the ring, each competitor gets 3 rope breaks, and no closed fist strikes.
Periodically a timer is shown on the screen. It’s barely a minute into the match before Moriarty had to use his first rope break. Moriarty caught Shibata with a dropkick to the knee. Moriarty worked over Shibata’s knee during the split screen break.
After the break, Shibata had Moriarty locked in a figure-four, and Moriarty had to use his second rope break. Shibata hit a diving dropkick in the corner on Moriarty, then suplexed him out of the corner for a near fall. Moriarty used his third rope break (I don’t think he meant to), but then locked in the Border City Stretch. Shibata countered with a cradle, then ran into a forearm. Shibata locked Moriarty in a sleeper. Moriarty faded, and Shibata finished him off with a PK kick for the pinfall.
After the match, Daniel Garcia came to the ring and stood face-to-face with Shibata, who held his Pure Championship belt up for the crowd.
Final Thoughts:
This show was excellent in the ring and the crowd was into every match.
Roman Reigns will celebrate 1000 days as WWE Universal Champion on tonight’s SmackDown from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
While Reigns said during last week’s episode that he hoped his entire family would be included in the celebration, that wish might be complicated by the fact that his cousin, Jimmy Uso, superkicked him at last weekend’s Night of Champions.
Reigns, along with fellow Bloodline member Solo Sikoa, came up short in their bid for the undisputed WWE Tag Team titles last Saturday in Saudi Arabia against Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches are also set for tonight. In a men’s qualifier, Montez Ford takes on LA Knight while Zelina Vega and Lacey Evans will face off to determine the first confirmed participant for the women’s MITB ladder match.
Ricochet and Shinsuke Nakamura have already qualified for the men’s ladder match.
Our live coverage starts at 8 PM Eastern.
**********
– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in and started the show off with a standup alongside Wade Barrett, the latter of whom threw to a Roman Reigns video package narrated by Paul Heyman. When we got back to the arena, Austin Theory was in the ring with a microphone
The Austin Theory segment
Theory welcomed everyone into “Austin Theory Live.” Theory reminded everyone that tonight is about celebrating the Tribal Chief’s title reign. Theory called himself the greatest United States Champion of all time and said if he combined his reign with Roman’s, it would be 1,209 days. Theory said that would be as inspiring as being the guy who beat John Cena at WrestleMania. Theory said he’ll one-day have a 1,000 day, or 2,000 day, or 3,000 day, or 4,000 day celebration. Theory said he’s 25 years old and the greatest to ever do it. Theory then introduced Pretty Deadly.
Kit Wilson talked first, but Elton Prince chimed in quickly, saying they wanted to celebrate Theory as best they knew how. Pretty Deadly did their catchphrase and was almost instantly cut off by the Brawling Brutes’ theme song.
Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) defeated The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Butch & Ridge Holland [17:45]
Holy Moses, this was the never-ending opening match. Nothing against the six men involved – and they certainly all worked hard as the pace picked up during the latter third of the bout – but this overstayed its welcome for me. While I’m happy to see Pretty Deadly be involved in some significant victories since being called up, the Brutes could stand a winning streak sooner than later. With Theory being on the victorious side against Sheamus more than once now, I wonder if we’re leading up to Sheamus being the one who dethrones Theory. Time will tell.
Elton Prince and Ridge Holland began the match with Holland getting the best of it. Butch tagged in and dropkicked Prince, who backed Butch into the heel corner. Wilson tagged in and kept control in the heels’ favor. Eventually, Butch landed a clothesline. Wilson retreated and tagged in Theory. In response, Butch tagged in Sheamus. The show cut to commercial before the two even locked up.
Back from break, Prince was working over Butch until Prince tagged in Theory. Theory stomped on Butch and posed. Wilson tagged in and stomped on Butch. Prince tagged in and kicked Butch while Theory held him. Butch fired up and hit a Tornado DDT from the second rope. As a result, Butch got the hot tag to Sheamus. Theory tagged in, too, and Sheamus landed a series of clotheslines on Theory. Sheamus hit backbreakers on all the heels before the Brutes landed a Triple White Noise on all the heels.
Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Theory, but Pretty Deadly pulled Theory outside the ring before Sheamus could go for a pin. Sheamus and Butch hit a pair of top and middle rope moves on the heels on the outside of the ring before we went to yet another commercial break.
Back from that break, Butch was running kicks on Pretty Deadly inside the ring. Holland tagged in and took down Prince. Sheamus went to the top and hit a knee on Prince for a two-count. Sheamus lifted Prince, but Prince worked his way out and tagged in Wilson, who hit Pretty Deadly’s signature move. Theory tagged in and slammed Sheamus for a good near-fall. Sheamus got to his feet and clotheslined Theory before things broke down. Theory rolled into a knee from Sheamus and Sheamus got another good near-fall out of it.
Prince and Holland were the legal men and Holland lifted both Pretty Deadly members for an impressive slam. The Brutes hit a triple 10 Bells on Pretty Deadly and Theory. Holland slammed Wilson, but Theory broke up a pin attempt. From there, Theory kneed Butch in the face as Sheamus took Theory to the outside. Meanwhile, Prince and Wilson had some shenanigans, ultimately ending up with Wilson chop-blocked Holland. Pretty Deadly hit Spilled Milk on Holland and tagged in Theory, who pinned Holland for the win.
**********
– Paul Heyman was shown backstage talking to Solo Sikoa. Heyman said the night has to be special for Roman Reigns. Sikoa, naturally, sold nothing. Heyman said he was going to talk to Adam Pearce to make sure The Usos won’t be around during the 1,000 day celebration.
– An O.C. segment aired and they talked about how it was AJ Styles’ birthday. Styles asked Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to take out Hit Row after Hit Row released a diss track toward them on social media earlier in the day.
**********
The O.C. (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) defeated Hit Row (Top Dolla & Ashante Thee Adonis) [2:57]
Man, I know it’s an old observation, but Anderson and Gallows sure figured out how to live that good wrestling life. Show up once a month. Get in the ring for three minutes. Get that money. The match was standard and predictable, though it was nice to see the Hit Row crew get as much shine as they got – as in, they dominated the match until Gallows got the tag and things ended a handful of seconds later. My biggest question? Where does AJ Styles go now that he didn’t win the new Heavyweight title? Don’t tell me he’s going to work a program with Hit Row until MITB … please?
Ashante got the better of Anderson to start the match. Top Dolla tagged in and kept the energy up against Anderson. Ashante tagged back in and choked Anderson over the middle rope via his leg. B-Fab hit Anderson and that inspired Michin to jaw at B-Fab. Inside the ring, Anderson broke through with a spinebuster. Gallows received the hot tag and took everyone in sight out. Anderson tagged in an they hit the Magic Killer on Ashante for the win.
After the match, Top Dolla attacked Gallows and Anderson, but Styles put an end to that quickly with a Phenomenal Forearm. Michael Cole tried to rap and that’s a hell of a sentence to type.
– Adam Pearce was shown backstage telling Paul Heyman, telling Heyman that the Usos will not be allowed in the building, even if they show up. Heyman went to call Roman Reigns on his cell phone.
**********
The Grayson Waller Effect w/ Asuka
Waller welcomed Asuka to the ring. Asuka came to the ring and Waller threw to a video package recalling the women’s title match from Night of Champions. Asuka announced herself as the Raw Women’s Champion and danced a little. Grayson pointed to the MITB briefcases and said there are women in the locker room who think they’re ready for Asuka. The camera caught Asuka putting the blue stuff in her mouth in an unfortunate event.
Iyo Sky’s music hit and Sky walked to the ring, speaking in a foreign language. Asuka responded in kind. Waller broke up the verbal exchange and Bayley’s music hit. Bayley walked to the ring and said either Bayley or Sky will win the women’s MITB. Bayley was cut off by Shotzi, who came to the ring with a microphone and said she wanted to crush Bayley’s dreams. Shotzi was cut off by Lacey Evans’ music and Lacey walked to the ring with a microphone, wearing a Sgt. Slaughter hat. Evans said the MITB contract is going to be hers. Evans referenced a Cobra Clutch and … ha. Zelina Vega’s music hit and Vega walked to the ring, saying everyone is underestimating her. Vega said Evans isn’t half the woman she is. The women yelled and talked over each other until Asuka cut them off by saying nobody is ready for Asuka … until Bianca Belair attacked Asuka from behind. The two brawled until officials separated them.
**********
– Cameron Grimes and Adam Pearce were shown talking backstage. Cameron said if Baron Corbin shows up on SmackDown again, after seeing what Corbin did on NXT, Grimes will take care of it.
**********
Zelina Vega defeated Lacey Evans in a Money In The Bank qualifying match [2:49]
Evans completely dominated the match until Vega hit a Code Red and that was about it. I like the story they’re telling with Vega being the ultimate underdog, especially after her showing at BackLash, but it’s hard to think she’ll ultimately win the MITB contract. Still, it’s nice to see Vega get some booking love after being underused for so long.The finish here ostensibly came out of nowhere. Evans, meanwhile, has no direction other than Sgt. Slaughter cosplay.
During the commercial break, Evans hit Vega with the Woman’s Right and Vega was selling it up until the bell rang. Because of as much, Evans had the edge to start the match. That momentum kept up through the first 90 seconds of the match, including Evans slamming Vega’s head into the canvas. Evans worked a chin-lock until Vega kicked her way out of it. Seemingly out of nowhere, Vega hit a Code Red for the win.
**********
– Santos Escobar was shown talking to the LWO backstage, saying he can’t wait to win the MITB contract himself. Rey Mysterio appeared said it’s only a matter of time until Escobar and Vega are Mr. and Mrs. Money In The Bank. Turns out, next week, Escobar will face off against Mustafa Ali in a qualifying match.
LA Knight defeated Montez Ford in a Money In The Bank qualifying match [9:12]
This was the match of the night (I write with still about 25 minutes left in the program, so grain, salt, etc.). The crowd sounded super behind Knight and I’m interested to see his role in the MITB match. The outcome wasn’t necessarily predictable, which made the match a lot of fun and it even had me bite on a few of the false finishes toward the end. This was very good stuff from very good wrestlers. Here’s hoping they pull the trigger on a Montez Ford heel turn soon because man, it looked here like he could pull that off awfully well if he’s asked to do so.
Knight got a hell of a pop once his music hit and I have no idea why WWE keeps insisting on ignoring it. The match began as the two locked up and the crowd was chanting Knight’s name vociferously. The two traded some standard standing holds. When Ford took Knight down, the crowd booed and Ford smiled. It was like Hogan vs. Rock at Mania 18 with the turned around heel vs. face dynamic (but less people and more Michael Cole). Ford went to the outside via Knight and a commercial break commenced.
Back from break, the two were trading blows. Ford had control with a series of clotheslines. Ford played to the crowd a split second and Knight picked up Ford for a slam and a two-count. Knight elbowed Ford to the ground. Knight went for a springboard moonsault, but Ford moved. Ford hit a Rock Bottom for a great near-fall. The crowd chanted “LA Knight!” We got a double clothesline to slow things down. Both guys were on their knees and traded blows. Knight put Ford on the apron, but Ford responded with a kick to the face. Ford went to the top, but Knight cut him off. Ford pushed him away and went for the frog-splash, but Knight moved. The two traded roll-ups and Knight got the win while holding onto the ropes. After the match, Knight grabbed a ladder and climbed to the top while the crowd sounded happy.
**********
The Roman Reigns 1,000 Day Celebration
– Triple H made his entrance and it appeared his presence will be felt during the Roman Reigns 1,000 day celebration. His entrance led to a commercial break. Back from that break, Triple H spoke about how some people are talked about for generations to come. Triple H said people will talk about this for generations and he welcomed to the ring Roman Reigns. Reigns was accompanied to the ring by Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa.
Triple H said on behalf of everyone, he wanted to congratulate him on passing 1,000 days as champion. Triple H said it hadn’t been accomplished in WWE in almost 40 years. Triple H introduced an Undisputed Universal WWE Championship as one belt and presented it to Reigns. Reigns held it and smiled. The belt didn’t really look all that different from previous belts. The crowd cheered as Reigns held it. Triple H put the belt around Reigns’ waist and Reigns took a microphone. Reigns yelled at everyone to acknowledge him and the crowd went wild. But wouldn’t you know it, the Usos’ music hit and the Usos appeared before the final commercial break of the night began.
The show returned and Jimmy was engaged in a stare down with Roman. Roman demanded Jay kick Jimmy in the face and Jay didn’t do it. Roman said he didn’t stutter. Roman said Jimmy kicked Roman in the face so Jey needed to fix it by kicking his brother in the face. Jimmy chimed in and said the only one who needs fixin is Roman. Jimmy said Jey can’t fix it because Jimmy was the one who kicked Roman. Jimmy said he did what he did because he was being a brother. Jimmy said lately, Roman hasn’t been a good brother. Jimmy asked what kind of brother beats down his own family. Jimmy followed that up by saying Roman has gone crazy. Jimmy said he’s going to protect Solo and Roman is only going to eventually kick Solo to the side.
The crowd chanted “Uso!” Roman said the only reason the crowd is chanting that is because of Roman. Roman reasserted that he’s the Tribal Chief. Roman said he wanted to hear from Solo and gave Solo the microphone. Solo looked conflicted. Solo said he acknowledges Roman, but Jimmy and Jey are his brothers. The crowd cheered as Solo gave Roman back the microphone. Solo then walked to the side of the ring where the Usos were. Jimmy asked if Roman was going to wind up on the Island of Relevancy all by himself. Jimmy face-palmed Roman as Roman started to yell. The crowd chanted “Holy s—.” Jey stepped in and said it can’t go down like this and Jey said he needed both Roman and Jimmy.
Jimmy said Jey is right and they’re stronger together. Jimmy said they’re all brothers and they should all do it together and “run the damn place.” Jimmy kept asking if they’re still family and if they’re still the ones. Roman looked aggravated. Roman and Jimmy embraced and it looked like Roman was crying … until he put the microphone to his mouth and said … “No.” From there, Solo gave Jimmy the Samoan Spike. Roman walked out of the ring and Solo looked over his brothers before walking out with Roman. Jimmy sold the Spike in the ring. Off mic, Heyman asked Roman about Jey and Roman said Jey will do what he always does, which is fall in line. And there, friends, is how the show ended.
This week’s MLW Fusion was taped in Tijuana, Mexico, as part of the MLW and AAA Super Series tapings featuring Joe Dombrowski and Christian Cole were on the call.
We saw what The Second Gear Crew had been getting up to in Tijuana. In a hotel room, Mance Warner, 1 Called Manders and Matthew Justice woke up from a heavy night south of the border. Microman emerged from a mountain of blankets and female underwear. They left the room on the search for cervezas and a route to the border.
La Rebellion (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf) defeated Taurus & Abismo Negro Jr
This was good non-stop action and the first of two matches like this in the episode.
It broke down into the more traditional lucha style tag matches where double teams and flexing of the more traditional tag rules were in play. The action was nonstop with all hitting high-impact moves throughout.
Abismo came out spraying fire via an air canister. During the match, he hit a power bomb and a middle rope dropkick to the groin on Bestia 666.
Taurus was brilliant here. For the MLW fans, he was compared to Jacob Fatu as having the larger frame but being able to keep up with the athleticism of the traditional lucha libre style wrestling.
Mecha Wolf and Bestia were on form as their tag experience showed early with stereo suicide dives followed by stereo beers from the Tijuana crowd. Later on, Bestia took out his opponents with a slingshot headscissors as part of the non-stop action.
The first nearfall came from Abismo after a Styles Clash. Taurus was thrown to the floor which left Abismo alone with La Rebellion. He eventually fell to a double team power bomb/backstabber combination called the Mark of the Beast for the pin and win. This was a great way to open the show.
– During the match, it was announced that the originally scheduled match between MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie vs. Delmi Exo has been postponed. Later, Sam Leterna interviewed Exo and got word during the interview that Court Bauer had rebooked the match for two weeks.
– Willie Mack was having issues as he had supposedly had some news of the whereabouts of Cesar Duran. When Sam Adonis, John Hennigan and Valkyrie saw him trying to sell some of Duran’s belongings at the merchandise stand, they confronted Mack who ended up getting an Openweight title shot from Hennigan at the promise of disclosing what he knows.
– Jacob Fatu cut a promo following his recent beatdown by The Calling. He said that the attack only woke him up. He has been at war with CONTRA Unit before, and The Calling are no different. He also called out Hennigan as a reminder he still has a shot at the Openweight title when he is back in action.
– Ricky Shane Page & AKIRA vs. Juicy Finau & Lance Anoa’i was booked for July’s Never Say Never as well as the return of Timothy Thatcher.
– Ahead of his MLW title match with Alex Hammerstone at Never Say Never, Alex Kane said fans will find out who has been bankrolling the Bomaye Fight Club that same night.
– After picking up a win in her debut match a few weeks ago against Brittany Blake, the self-proclaimed “international pop star” B3CCA will be in action next week and a poll will determine if she will sing live at Never Say Never.
El Hijo del Vikingo, Psycho Clown & Rey Horus defeated Sam Adonis, John Hennigan & Gringo Loco in a no DQ match
This was 15 minutes of spots and competitive non-stop action. It was understandably hard to keep up with the action, but it was filled with continuous high-flying, impact moves and good heat for the American team representing MLW.
The ongoing AAA feud between Adonis and Clown continued as they started brawling with weapons on the outside. We were told they are partners in an upcoming AAA tag team tournament where the losing pair will compete in a mask vs. hair match with Clown wanting to take Adonis’ hair.
The USA team took control early, triple teaming their opponents one at a time and even bringing in the corrupt referee to put boots to Clown. Hennigan hit Starship Pain, but Horus made the save.
As the heels beat down Clown and Horus, Vikingo saved his teammates by launching himself from one corner to halfway down the ropes, then springboarding to the opposite side to flip onto the top rope, bounce back, and armdrag both Gringo and Hennigan. That’s the best way I can describe it. It was a typical incredible Vikingo spot. The three faces then hit stereo dives onto the fallen heels.
The faces then took control. Horus battered Hennigan with a chair on the outside, Clown hit Adonis with a steel drum in the ring and Vikingo slammed Gringo on the stage. Hennigan was doused in beer at ringside that caused the ring announcer to warn fans to stop.
Adonis was then isolated on the top rope, ate a lung blower and then powerslam from Clown while Horus and Vikingo hit stereo Spanish Flies for a triple nearfall.
Hennigan hit Horus with a splash mountain power bomb for a nearfall, but Horus returned with a top rope springboard DDT. Clown then came in to use chairs to attack Adonis’ groin before he took his belt off to get his shots in on his opponents and the crooked official too.
Vikingo and Gringo Loco were next up to go one-on-one in the ring. Vikingo popped up onto Loco’s shoulders and dropped down into a headscissors. He then leapt from the top rope to cartwheel off the other top rope and hit a hurricanrana. Next, he leapt from the ring, over the top rope to bounce off the middle rope and hit another hurricanrana on the floor.
In the ring, Horus hit his satellite DDT and then launched himself straight out of the ring over the top to the floor onto Hennigan.
The finish of this incredible match came from Clown and Adonis. Adonis missed a senton off the top and Clown hit a Code Red to pick up the pinfall win.
After just two weeks, this seems to be the end of the Super Series. It was a very enjoyable couple of shows with this week being the clear standout in terms of action.
Next week:
MLW Openweight Champion John Hennigan defends against Willie Mack
B3CCA in action
In two weeks:
MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie defends against Delmi Exo
Thursday’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV will feature the fallout from last Friday’s Under Siege.
Bully Ray will make his return to Thursday nights for the first time since losing to Tommy Dreamer in a Hardcore War match. He made his promotional return at Under Siege, joining Impact World Champion Steve Maclin in putting company president Scott D’Amore through a flaming table.
Trinity (the former Naomi in WWE) will look to remain undefeated in Impact as she takes on Savannah Evans.
Dani Luna of Subculture and formerly WWE NXT UK will make her Impact in-ring debut as she battles the undefeated Jody Threat.
After making his return last Friday, Jake Crist will team with Sami Callihan to battle Decay’s Black Taurus & Crazzy Steve.
In the follow-up from Friday’s six-way no. 1 contender’s match, Eddie Edwards goes one-on-one with Yuya Uemura.
The BTI pre-show will feature Brian Myers vs. Tyler Tirva.
*********
Brian Myers defeated Tyler Tirva
Myers gave Tirva a lot in this match, and he might be a guy looking at bringing in at some point given his quality performance in this match.
Impact Wrestling
The show opened with a video recap of Deonna Purrazzo defeating Jordynne Grace, and Maclin defeating PCO before attacking Scott D’Amore.
–Bully Ray came down to the ring to open the show. Ray claimed to be the most hated man in the business, but given the heat Don Callis got on Dynamite last night, I think he would be at the top of that list. Ray talked about how he has pout people through tables his whole career, but when he is really upset, he lights the table on fire.
Ray claimed that putting D’Amore through the flaming table brought him great pleasure, and it was one of the best nights of his life. Ray said that he was going nowhere, and he was going to win the 8-4-1 match at Against All Odds and become the #1 Contender before going on to Slammiversary to win the Impact World Championship.
Steve Maclin came out and insisted that Bully Ray only took out Scott D’Amore because Maclin allowed him to do it. Ray admitted that Maclin was the world champ, and acknowledged that Maclin did. Maclin pointed out that there was something everyone was wondering – would Ray and Maclin team up and continue doing whatever they wanted? Either way, Maclin said that if Ray won the match at Against All Odds, he would be happy to defend the title against him.
The Motor City Machine Guns came out, and Alex Shelley reminded Ray that he was the #1 contender to the world championship, and he was going to win the title at Against All Odds. Ray admitted that Shelley was a great pro wrestler, saying that he should be mentioned in the same breath as the best wrestlers in the world, but that he could never win the big one.
Chris Sabin reminded Bully Ray that he said all that stuff to him 10 years ago, and Sabin beat him for the world title. Maclin accused Shelley of overlooking him, and Shelley said he was sure he could beat Maclin. Maclin asked him what made him so sure, and Shelley said that Maclin wasn’t Josh Alexander, and that if he didn’t get injured, Alexander would still be champion.
As Sabin and Shelley challenged Bully Ray and Maclin to a match, Ray denied them the fight tonight. Subculture came out. Mark Andrews took the mic and said that they wanted a match against the Motor City Machine Guns since Ray and Maclin didn’t want to fight, so MCMG accepted. This was a long 20 minute promo segment that probably could have been compressed into 6 or 7 minutes, but it was good.
Eddie Edwards (w/ Alisha Edwards) defeated Yuya Uemura
Uemura had the advantage in the early portion of the match when they went to a break, and when they came back Edwards was in control. I hate how they get the heat during the ad breaks sometimes, as it was something WWE did all the time. That said, they at least showed a replay with Alisha Edwards tripping Uemura.
Edwards continued trying to wear Uemura down with hard strikes, but Uemura picked up the pace and hit the ropes hard several times before hitting a flying forearm that left Edwards reeling. Uemura hit a Saito suplex for a 2-count. Uemura went for a flying crossbody, but Edwards got a knee up and hit a tiger driver for a 2-count. Edwards got up and hit the Boston knee party for the win right after.
–Eddie Edwards refused to shake Uemura’s hand, so Frankie Kazarian came out and said that it was disrespectful to not shake Uemura’s hand. Edwards grabbed Kazarian, so Kazarian dropped him, and Alisha Edwards jumped on his back. Kazarian shook her off and left the Edwards family laying the mat. Weird way to end that angle. I would have had Edwards beat Kazarian down for some heat to build to a match.
Sami Callihan & Jake Crist defeated Decay (Crazzy Steve & Black Taurus)
This was a nothing match, over in less than 2 minutes, with Crist hitting a Crist Cutter on Steve for the win.
–After the match, The Design came to ringside and Kon chokeslammed both Crist and Callihan, and the never ending feud of doom continued, with Deaner hitting the antidote, a DDT, on Crist. Rich Swann ran down to make the save, holding a chair, and The Design left the ring.
–Rich Swann, Crist, and Callihan were backstage, and Swann said he was not available for the match against The Design at Against All Odds because he was in the 8-4-1 match. Callihan said something about a doctor calling a monster, so it seems to me that it’ll likely be PCO as Callihan and Crist’s tag partner, though PCO is also in the 8-4-1 match, so it must be someone else.
Trinity defeated Savannah Evans (w/ Gisele Shaw & Jai Vidal)
This was quite short, and basically both of them just doing moves with little story. Evans did a few, Trinity would do one or two, then Evans would take a turn. Not a lot of psychology, but given it was a short match it didn’t really matter. A simple match to showcase what Trinity can do, as she got to hit all her high spots.
Evans used power moves to control Trinity in the early part of the match, including hitting a pop up power bomb for a 2-count. Trinity managed to turn it around, hitting a heat seeker on Evans who was draped across the middle ropes. Trinity hit a springboard into a kick and a bulldog into the middle turnbuckle before hitting a flying crossbody off the top rope. Evans hit a sidewalk slam. Trinity from the corner hit a sunset flip into Star Struck for the submission win.
–Trinity grabbed a mic and said that she promised to wait until Under Siege, but she wanted her shot at the Knockouts Championship. Deonna Purrazzo came out, said that she was the one Trinity was looking for. Trinity made a challenge for the title at Slammiversary, and Purrazzo accepted.
Gisele Shaw and Evans attacked Purrazzo and Trinity from behind. Jai Vidal knocked Purrazzo out with a purse, and Shaw took the purse and knocked out Trinity. Jordynne Grace ran down to make the save, and Shaw nailed Grace with the purse before hitting two running knees to the face. Shaw commanded Evans and Vidal to pick Grace up, and Shaw hit a 3rd knee, seemingly writing Grace off the show.
Jody Threat defeated Dani Luna
Very hard hitting match here. Luna looked very good, and Jody Threat seems to be settling into being on TV well.
Jody Threat took a lot of this match, hitting hard strikes, a clothesline in the corner, and a suplex that dropped Luna for a 2-count. Luna dodged a baseball slide and hit a knee to the face of Threat. Luna hit an impressive dead lift suplex on Threat. Threat hit a Cactus style clothesline to the floor on Luna, before hitting a flipping senton off the apron to the floor.
Threat hit a big Michinoku driver on Luna for a 2-count. Threat ate a lariat and power bomb from Luna, which got a reaction from the crowd. Threat kicked out, and soon hit a German suplex before hitting a torture rack bomb for the pinfall.
–Joe Hendry was backstage with Santino and Hendry talked about getting revenge on Dango. Kenny King and Sheldon Jean walked up and reminded everyone that Jean broke Hendry’s nose, and Santino made the match for next week on Impact, while booking Dango against Joe Hendry at Against All Odds as well.
–Killer Kelly cut a promo, talking about how if you put two animals in a cage that they instinctively fight, but if you put a chain around the neck of two humans, they fight like dogs. She invited Masha Slamovich to give into their violent impulses at Against All Odds.
Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) defeated Subculture (Mark Andrews & Flash Webster Morgan)
It really isn’t a shock saying this again, but the Motor City Machine Guns are just so good. I wish we could see them in the main event mix with guys like FTR and the Young Bucks in AEW. Their matches with the Bucks and the Briscoes in ROH were always fantastic. They make every show they are on better. Subculture looked fantastic in this one too, and I hope they really do get a deal somewhere soon.
This, of course, was a slow and plodding match. I am kidding, of course, as all 4 wrestlers moved so fast it was hard to keep track of. Sabin and Shelley being able to keep this level of work up for so long is really quite incredible, and Webster and Andrews were keen to show they belonged there as well with two of the greats of the last 20 years.
Andrews is familiar with Impact audiences, due to his time there year ago, but this seems like a new version of him with Webster. Subculture hit stereo tope suicidas to the floor to the delight of the crowd, but MCMG hit a series of quick double team offence once they got back in the ring, ending with Shelley hitting a bulldog and clothesline at the same time.
Shelley pulled Andrews into a surfboard stretch and Sabin hit the ropes and hit a bulldog on the prone Andrews. Sabin and Shelley hit a magic killer on Andrews a few minutes later for a 2-count. Shelley nailed Andrews with a clothesline and then he and Sabin hit a doomsday dropkick, but Andrews popped back up after eating it and hit a headbutt on Sabin. MCMG hit a double big boot in the corner on Andrews, but Andrews blocked the cradle shock and hit the Stundog Millionaire. MCMG hit a cutter on Andrews, and then soon thereafter hit a dirt bomb on Webster. What a match.
Final Thoughts
This was an angle heavy show, but given that there are only 2 weeks between two major live events, I understand why. That said, I wouldn’t book two live events that far apart. Hopefully they do not do that next year. This show was not much about the wrestling, and a lot more about setting up Against All Odds, which is fine. The main event more than made up for that with a fantastic tag match.
Next week’s Impact Wrestling:
Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven defend against The Death Dollz
Moose & Rich Swann vs. Nick Aldis & Jonathan Gresham
New Impact Against All Odds matches:
Impact Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defends against Dirty Dango
Eddie Edwards vs. Frankie Kazarian
Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans vs. Deonna Purrazzo & Trinity
New Slammiversary match:
Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defends against Trinity
Chris Jericho & Saraya vs. Adam Cole & Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. in a mixed tag team match headlines tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
Cole defeated Jericho in an unsanctioned match at Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, then Jericho and Saraya laid down the challenge for Dynamite in a backstage promo segment later in the show.
AEW owner, president, GM, CEO, and head of creative Tony Khan will have another announcement regarding Collision’s debut episode on tonight’s Dynamite.
After turning on The Elite in the Double or Nothing main event, Konosuke Takeshita will speak alongside Don Callis on Dynamite.
New TBS Champion Kris Statlander will make her first title defense tonight against Nyla Rose.
Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and Claudio Castagnoli will face The Lucha Bros & Bandido in trios action.
Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin will team against ROH’s Gates of Agony.
Swerve Strickland vs. Big Bill vs. Trent Baretta in a triple threat match is set for the show.
A promo from Jay White & Juice Robinson has also been announced.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as they are joined at the commentary desk by Bryan Danielson leading to our opening bout. Danielson demanded highlights be shown of The BCC’s win over The Elite at Double or Nothing. Danielson said that is what Death-Jitsu looks like.
Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta defeated The Lucha Bros (Penta el Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix w/Alex Abrahantes) & Bandido
(A hot start to the show that was action packed and specifically showcased Wheeler Yuta for the second show in a row. First getting the pin in the main event of Double or Nothing and getting his hand raised tonight.)
Huge reaction for The Lucha Bros & Bandido, who is dressed like El Chapulin Colorado with his ring gear. The BCC tried to attack early, suffered triple superkicks to the floor, but cut off dives before Bandido & the Lucha Bros could take off. All six men brawled ringside before the match officially began with Yuta & Bandido, who did his stalling vertical suplex for a full minute as the Lucha Bros held off Moxley & Castagnoli. Yuta avoided Fear Factor, but ate a Fenix rope walk kick while Penta took out Castagnoli with a backstabber. Yuta dodged a springboard Bandido cross body, as Mox & Castagnoli hit an assisted spike piledriver on the floor to take over into commercial.
Bandido remained isolated until a Tornillo laid out Moxley and Fenix made the hot tag with a comeback thrust kick to Castagnoli and corner spin kick to Yuta. Dueling thrust kicks on Yuta and a Sling Blade by Penta on Castagnoli, who followed with a roll through DDT on Moxley before being laid out with a Castagnoli lariat. Bandido & Yuta entered and had a long forearm exchange before Bandido hit a pop up cutter. Lucha Bros hit double dives on Moxley & Castagnoli while Bandido hit a huge Frog Splash for two on Yuta. Danielson attributes the training they’ve done with Yuta to kick out, as he wouldn’t have kicked out of that a year ago. Moxley saved Yuta from the 21 Plex, as Castanoli flew in with an uppercut, leading to Yuta hitting a Busaiku Knee, anvil elbow and the seatbelt for the pin.
-Alex Marvez is backstage with The Young Bucks & Hangman Page asking how they are feeling after Anarchy in the Arena. Matt Jackson said The BCC brought out the worst in them, as he never thought he’d see the day he’d try to burn off someone’s face with an exploding sneaker. Page said they’re still standing and still swinging, while The BCC relies on the numbers game. Evil Uno entered with Alex Reynolds & John Silver who apologized for interrupting him with his new friends. Page was going to go after them, but Marvez asked Page’s thoughts on the word of Kenny Omega going back to Canada? Page said Omega didn’t go back home to Canada and walked off. They’re definitely implying Omega has presumably gone to Japan to get backup for The Elite.
**********
-Tony Schiavone introduces Switchblade Jay White & Juice Robinson to the ring, asking about their attack of Ricky Starks backstage at Double or Nothing. White said he bets Starks feels on top of the world having eliminated both of them from the battle royal, but Starks isn’t International Champion and he lost to White. Robinson brings up FTR saving Starks from their attack and FTR aren’t Starks’ friends since Starks has no friends. White ran down FTR until the AEW World Tag Team Champions made their way to the ring.
White & Robinson hid behind Schiavone as they believe FTR are there to apologize to them and join Bullet Club Gold calling them Top Shelf Top Guys. White went to hand the microphone Harwood, but dropped it, allowing Robinson to pop Harwood with a handful of quarters and hit his finisher. White laid out Wheeler with Blade Runner before bailing as Ricky Starks made the save. Starks challenged White to finally put an end to this next week on Dynamite.
Tony Khan’s Collision Announcement
Khan is backstage and said tonight’s announcement is that the debut edition of Collision will feature CM Punk. This got both loud cheers and also a few boos from the crowd.
Swerve Strickland defeated Big Bill & Trent Baretta
(I enjoyed this three way quite a bit, as everyone got a chance their moments to shine and the finish would presumably lead one to believe that Strickland is next in line for the International Title, though that wasn’t said.)
We saw the run of eliminations Bill went on in the Battle Royal at the PPV, while also Strickland was responsible for Bill’s elimination. Strickland immediately took a powder as Baretta used his speed to escape the early clutches of Bill and take out Strickland with a dive. Back inside, Bill used his size to hit multiple corner splashes, dumped Strickland over the top and gave Baretta a big boot into picture in picture.
Bill was taken out on the floor as Strickland & Baretta fought to the apron where Baretta pulled Strickland into a Bill big boot. Baretta connected with a moonsault off the second rope to the floor to take out Bill, but ate a Strickland running punt to follow. Strickland wanted his double stomp, but Bill fought up on the ropes with him before Baretta joined Strickland and both superplexed Bill in a cool moment. Baretta connected with a half and half overhead suplex on Strickland, but ran into a Boss Man Slam from Bill. Strickland missed a Swerve Stomp on Baretta, who hit a running knee and piledriver for two. Bill & Baretta fought to the apron where Bill choke slammed him back into the ring. Strickland hit a double stomp on Bill from the top rope to the apron, scurried in the ring and got the pin on Baretta.
-A video package highlighting Kris Statlander’s road to recovery is shown culminating in winning the TBS Title at Double or Nothing, as she is officially the 1 in Jade Cargill’s 60-1.
-Renee Paquette welcomed The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass to the entrance stage. Things didn’t go their way at Double or Nothing when they lost their Trios Title match. Billy Gunn said he feels he let The Acclaimed down, but Caster said they win together and they lose together, they’re still the people’s choice. Bowens said a few months ago they were screwed out of Tag Team gold and said Gunn deserves to hold gold one more time in his career. The Acclaimed loves Daddy Ass and everyone loves The Acclaimed. I felt bad for Renee here, Bowens tossed down the microphone after the go home line and she had to awkwardly go and pick it up.
**********
Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita Explain Their Actions
Tony Schiavone is sickened to announce Callis & Takeshita to the ring, who don’t have entrance music, but instead showered with boos from the crowd. Callis said he hopes those boos are for Kenny Omega as Callis is the real victim here, running down all of Omega’s accomplishments thanks to Callis himself. Callis blames the scar he has to see every morning he wakes up on Omega. While Callis lost a nephew, he gained a son in Takeshita, who is better than Rikidozan, Inoki, Maeda, Mutoh & Okada. Takeshita will show soon he’s also better than Kenny Omega. Takeshita took the microphone and said they will destroy The Elite & Kenny Omega. Callis said Omega destroyed his family, so he’s going to build a new one to eliminate The Elite from All Elite Wrestling. This was nuclear heat for both Callis & Takeshita throughout this entire segment.
-We see a highlight video of the TNT Title Ladder Match with Wardlow retaining over Christian Cage. Arn Anderson talks about biting the lizard mans thumb while Wardlow said Luchasaurus found out not to get involved in their business, but will be more than happy to finish the job if Luchasaurus wants to be next in line.
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin defeated The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
(Well, you could easily say that Allin & Cassidy are still suffering from their matches on Sunday, as they got their asses kicked for at least 90% of this match. The wheels fell off for the Gates of Agony though, as Cassidy & Allin showed good team work once again to get the victory. The post match is certainly setting up Cassidy & Strickland, but I wonder if Sting & Allin potentially face Kaun & Liona?)
Liona & Kaun attacked at the bell, took too much time hyping each other up and Allin briefly got free, tried a springboard Coffin Drop, but Liona hit a Pounce in mid air. Cassidy meanwhile got flattened with a double knee to the chest as Brian Cage, Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana came to the stage to watch the action as Kaun & Liona dominated the action into picture in picture. Allin suffered a running senton on the apron and uranage back inside by Liona.
Allin used his speed to send Liona & Kaun colliding into each other to make the luke warm tag to Cassidy, who used his pocket offense to gain the upper hand. A satellite DDT on Kaun, who ducked the Orange Punch to allow Liona to hit a huge Samoan Drop. Cassidy countred a double chokeslam into a double hurricanrana, as Allin made the tag and used his speed to hit springing Coffin Drops and dive to the floor on Liona. Kaun went for the kill on Cassidy, who answered with a Stundog Milionaire and Code Red by Allin. Cassidy took out Liona with a dive while Allin hit a Coffin Drop on Kaun for the win.
Post match, Cage, Strickland & Nana slowly walked to the ring and were about to attack when Sting’s music hit and The Icon made his way to the ring. Mogul Embassy retreated, but Strickland never took his eyes off the International Title.
-A highlight video is shown of MJF successfully defending his AEW World Title at Double or Nothing. MJF said the clock is ticking and AEW is running out of competition. They are running out of gladiators for MJF to slay, as it’s been made clear that no one is on the level of the Devil.
**********
-Tony Schiavone is once again in the ring and introduces FTW Champion HOOK. Schiavone talked about HOOK helping The Hardys win on Sunday to give Matt Hardy the contract of Ethan Page. Before HOOK can say what is next, La Faccion Ingobernable interrupt as Jose the Assistant said this is what they have to do to get an opportunity. Rush is too dangerous to be on TV and isn’t there tonight, but tells Preston Vance & Dralistico to attack HOOK, which they did. Jungle Boy Jack Perry made the save and took out both Vance & Dralistico on the ramp with a chair, while Jose retreated to the ring where he was met with a suplex from HOOK. Jungle HOOK stood tall as Vance & Dralistico stared them down from the ramp.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with new AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm, Saraya & Ruby Soho. Storm said luck had nothing to do with her title win on Sunday, as she’s traveled all over the world to get to this point. Soho praised Storm’s work ethic, while Saraya did the same and Storm said the only ones lucky are the AEW fans.
Kris Statlander defeated Nyla Rose to retain the TBS Title
This is Statlander’s first match on Dynamite since January of 2022 as she nearly bodyslammed Rose early, but dodged a Rose senton and sank in a body scissors. Rose got the ropes and both ladies fought for suplex attempts before Rose slammed Statlander into the corner as Taya Valkyrie was shown watching backstage before going to commercial.
Rose controlled the entire break before Statlander mounted a comeback by avoiding a splash. Statlander threw a series of strikes ending in a corner uppercut and knee lift that led to a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Statlander went up top, but had the legs pulled from under her and rolled to the floor where Rose squashed her with a somersault senton. While set up against the barricade, Rose hit a running cannonball and chokeslam back in the ring for two. A jawbreaker put Statlander back in control, as she connected with a 450 Splash to get the victory. Valkyrie didn’t look impressed watching on in the back.
**********
Adam Cole & Dr. Britt Baker defeated Chris Jericho & Saraya
(A fun main event, as I was surprised at the finish of Jericho taking another loss to Cole in four days. You’d have to assume this feud is almost wrapped and both start up builds for Forbidden Door, which as a show, didn’t get built up at all tonight, hopefully after Dominion this weekend that changes next week.)
Cole & Jericho slugged it out immediately with Jericho gaining the advantage early, showing a shiner on his eye from the finish of their match Sunday. Cole charged out of the corner with a lariat before Saraya tagged in and dared Cole to hit her. Baker jumped in and laid out Saraya with a Sling Blade and Air Raid Crash, but Saraya grabbed the referee Paul Turner’s leg long enough for Jericho trip up Baker to put his team in control during picture in picture.
Jericho took the ref as Ruby Soho & Toni Storm hit ringside to triple team Baker until Hikaru Shida ran down with a kendo stick to chase off The Outcasts. Baker was able to make the tag to Cole, who pounced on Jericho with hammer fists until missing a dropkick that led to a Jericho Lionsault for two. Baker & Saraya tagged back in with both battling in the corner until Saraya was knocked off, with Jericho covering his partner. Baker splashed down on both as Cole hit a backstabber on Jericho, who countered Panama Sunrise into the Walls of Jericho.
Baker put on her glove, broke up the submission and sank in Lockjaw on Jericho for a huge reaction. Saraya broke it up, but Cole looked for a superkick, only to run into a Code Breaker for two. Both Jericho & Cole collided with clotheslines into the double down before both ladies jumped in and slugged it out again. Saraya turned a neckbreaker attempt into the Good Knight as Jericho grabbed the baseball bat, took a swing at Baker and ate a Cole superkick instead. Cole & Baker hit dueling superkicks on Jericho as Cole lowered The Boom to get the win and pose for the fans to end the show as Jericho was furious.
Friday’s AEW Rampage lineup:
El Hijo del Vikingo defends the AAA Mega Championship against Komander & Dralistico
Willow Nightingale puts the NJPW Strong Women’s Title on the line against Emi Sakura
Zack Sabre Jr. defends the NJPW TV Title against Action Andretti
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Lee Moriarty for the ROH Pure Title
Next AEW Dynamite:
Ricky Starks vs. Jay White with Juice Robinson & FTR banned from ringside
Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International Title against Swerve Strickland
One of NXT’s most intense rivalries is set to culminate tonight in a stipulation match.
Nearly four months after the implosion of Toxic Attraction, Gigi Dolin will battle Jacy Jayne inside of a weaponized steel cage. They have a 1-1 record against each other during their feud.
Tonight’s show is also set to feature the fallout from NXT Battleground. We’ll hear from Carmelo Hayes, who retained his NXT Championship by defeating Bron Breakker in the Battleground main event. A new challenger for Hayes may emerge tonight.
Tiffany Stratton was crowned the new NXT Women’s Champion at Battleground, defeating Lyra Valkyria in the finals of a tournament. Stratton will be holding a “Tiffybration” to celebrate her victory.
Plus, we’ll find out the identity of the mystery attacker who has targeted wrestlers like Nikkita Lyons, Sol Ruca, Wendy Choo, and Roxanne Perez in recent months. The hooded figure most recently attacked Perez last week.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Opening the show is the cage match full of weapons. A video package recapped the feud so far between Dolan and Jayne.
Jayne ambushes Dolan during Dolan’s entrance. Jayne pummels Dolan, and then she pulls her through the cage door to officially start the match.
Gigi Dolan defeated Jacy Jayne in a weaponized cage match
Dolan pinned Jayne in a hard-fought win where both took a beating. Lots of weapons as advertised, with tables, chains, chairs, baseball bat, and a table for the finish.
After the pre-match ambush, Jayne has a distinct advantage. Jayne grabs a leather strap, and Jayne whips Dolan with the strap. Dolan recovers, and she has a receipt for Jayne using the strap.
They brawl around the cage, with weapons such as trash cans being used, along with a baseball bat wrapped in thorns from a rose. Jayne cuts off Dolan and gives her a spinebuster on a trash can, just before a split-screen commercial break.
The brawling continues through the break, and Jayne is using a chain as a weapon as the show returns from commercials. Dolan fights back, only of her to take a neckbreaker on a pile of metal folding chairs. Dolan kicks out for a near fall.
Dolan appears to be bleeding from lacerations on her back. They trade strikes with both on rubber legs. Dolan is sent crashing into a trash can. A table is set up in the ring. They fight while perched on the turnbuckle, and Jayne takes a Nestea Plunge off the top rope. Jayne crashes through the table. Dolan fold her up and covers Jayne for a pinfall.
NXT North American Champion Wes Lee is doing an interview with McKenzie Mitchell when he is confronted by The Dyad. Tyler Bate rushed into the scene to have Lee’s back. This would seem to set up a tag team match.
Tony D’Angelo is seen having his mugshot taken at a police station. Cut to Gallus backstage at the Performance Center, and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo storms in to confront the three members of Gallus. Stacks accuses Gallus of ratting on D’Angelo. A scuffle ensues, and Stacks is beaten down by Gallus. Referees and officials pour in to break up the beatdown. Mark Coffey and Wolfganag are ejected from the building. Stacks and Joe Coffey would met later on in a singles match.
Noam Dar challenges NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes to a match later tonight
NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams are heading to the ring for a promo. They first talk about Hayes retaining the title over Bron Breakker at Battleground. Hayes is boasting about his win when he is interrupted by the entrance of Noam Dar and his entourage.
Noam Dar is flanked by Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend. Jackson is carrying Dar’s Heritage Cup trophy. Dar and Hayes exchange words. Dar shushes Williams, much to Williams’ chagrin. Dar goes on to challenge Hayes to a NXT title match tonight. Dar claims Hayes is practicing load management like in the NBA. Hayes takes exception to that remark, and Hayes accepts the Dar challenge for a title bout later on.
Cora Jade and Ivy Nile have a confrontation in a locker room skit. Jade was sporting a black eye from her match on Sunday. This skit sets up a singles match later tonight with Nile against Jade.
An unmasked Scrypts thanks Axiom for unmasking him. It allowed Scrypts to “open his eyes,” and he apparently became a very friendly guy. Axiom seems confused, but he still accepts the thanks.
NXT North American Champion Wes Lee & Tyler Bate defeated The Dyad (Rip Fowler & Jagger Reid with Ava)
Bate pinned Reid to win the match. While Ava was at ringside, The Dyad continue to be distanced from Joe Gacy and Schism. Nevertheless, Gacy does a run after the match, although it was to set up something with Mustafa Ali.
This tag bout goes through a commercial break. The Dyad is working over Bate as the show returns from the break. Mustafa Ali is now at ringside at the announce desk for guest commentary.
Ali says he is a “free agent,” so he can appear on any brand. Ali also says he now obsessed with winning a championship after coming so close to winning a title at Battleground.
Meanwhile, Wes Lee cleans house after a hot tag. Lee is eventually cut off by The Dyad. Lee makes his own comeback, and he tags out before climbing the turnbuckles. Bate also climbs the ropes, and Bate leaps off into his signature corkscrew swanton. Simultaneously, Lee does a corkscrew senton of his own. Bate executes a Tiger Driver ’97 on Reid, and Bate covers him for a pinfall.
Ivy Nile runs down to ringside after the match, and she attacks Ava. Nile and Ava brawl, and out comes The Creeds. They brawl with The Dyad. Joe Gacy runs in and blindsides Wes Lee. Ali rushes into the ring to make a save, and Gacy powders. Ali then raises the hands of Bate and Lee.
A determined Thea Hail convinces Duke Hudson to let her train with Drew Gulak and Charlie Dempsey. Those two have picked on Hail, and Hail has a point to prove with them.
“Tiffybration” Crashers
New NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton is out for a monologue. The “Tiffybration” in the ring includes a bunch of posters of Stratton in various poses. Stratton calls out the entire NXT roster to announce the first challenger to Stratton.
Stratton rambles on as she brags about herself. She eventually gets around to announcing a number one contender’s battle royal for next week to determine Stratton’s first challenger. Stratton brags some more, and a bunch of confetti falls from the ceiling.
As Stratton basks in the cofetti, she is jumped several of the other women wrestlers. An upset Stratton has a tantrum after being booted from the ring. Confetti is still falling as Stratton cries crocodile tears.
Trick Williams is backstage when he is confronted by a trio of Jakara Jackson, Lash Legend and Oro Mensah. They exchange words in a wacky skit.
Blair Davenport returns
Dani Palmer hijacks the show, as she she has gotten into the ring with a microphone. She cannot wait any longer for the unknown attacker to reveal themselves tonight. Palmer is mad that the unknown assailant attacked her and Sol Ruca. The lights go dark in the soundstage except for the Titantron. A video recaps the history of results attacks.
Palmer is watching the video play when she is attacked from behind by someone wearing a hoodie. The unknown attacker beats down Palmer, and then she reveals herself as Blair Davenport (Bea Priestley). Not sure if it was the campy Black Scorpion vibe or what, but this seemed to get over like a fart in church.
A backstage skit set up another match between Damon Kemp and Eddy Thorpe, as Kemp provokes Thorpe. Their return match is next Tuesday on NXT.
Joe Coffey defeated Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo
Coffey pinned Lorenzo to win. The match goes through a commercial break. Coffey and Stacks both go outside over the ropes after a Cactus Jack clothesline. Stacks seems to be on a roll, but he misses a charge and crashes into the ring steps. Coffey capitalizes with the Glasgow Sendoff and a roaring lariat. Coffey then covers Lorenzo for a pinfall.
In a skit from last week, Mr. Stone is upset that Von Wagner got himself disqualified in his match. Stone tells Wagner he was issues with anger management, and Stone tries to convince Wagner to see a therapist.
Ilja Dragunov is the focus of a great vignette that shows his match at Battleground against Dijak, as seen from Dragunov’s perspective. Dragunov returns to NXT next Tuesday.
Cora Jade defeated Ivy Nile
Jade pinned Nile, after a double arm DDT and interference by Ava. Nile shows a lot of fire from the start. Ava runs in during the match looking to interfere. Nile catches Ava in a Dragon sleeper, but that leaves Nile open to an attack by Jade. Nile takes the Jade’s Cactus Jack double arm DDT, and Jade covers her for a three count.
A wacky backstage skit showed tension between Edris Enofe and Malik Blade as they begin to question their chemistry as a team. This is because Hank Walker and Tank Ledger are beginning to discover they have an uncanny chemistry.
McKenzie Mitchell is acting as a roving reporter looking for comment from Diamond Mine, and she finds Ivy Nile and the Creeds. Nile cuts a promo on Ava and challenges her to a match next week. The Creeds also issue a challenge to The Dyad for a match next Tuesday. Ava and The Dyad then rush in to confront Diamond Mine for a pull-apart scuffle.
NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes (with Trick Williams) defeated Noam Dar (with Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend) to retain his title
Hayes pinned Dar to retain the championship. Baron Corbin ran in after the match to attack Hayes, seemingly setting up a new title program. Dar’s entourage also interfered in the match, and Trick Williams was ejected from ringside. Dragon Lee and Nathan Frazier both come down to ringside to counteract the interference of Dar’s faction.
The match goes through a split-screen commercial break, which was the last break on the show. The champ fired up into a springboard just before the show cuts to commercials. Hayes was on fire again when the show returned from the break.
Dar cuts off Hayes to briefly turn the tide. Dar gets several near falls, but Hayes keeps kicking out. Double down leads to them trading strikes. Hayes with another rally.
Jackson and Legend cause a distraction at ringside, drawing the attention of Hayes and Williams. Mensah tries to sneak up on Williams, only to get clobbered by Williams. The referee then ejects Williams from ringside.
Dar lands a back elbow for another near fall. When Hayes kicks out, Dar transitions into applying a knee bar. Hayes fights to break the hold, and Hayes escapes to apply a crossface. They rise to their feet to again exchange strikes.
Dar lands another back elbow, but Hayes answers back a moment later with a suplex into a cutter. Hayes climbs the turnbuckles, and Mensah interferes by shoving Hayes off the top rope.
Dragon Lee and Nathan Frazier rush to ringside, and they confront Mensah about his interference. Dar rolls out of the ring and to Mensah in arguing with Dragon Lee and Frazier. Hayes then leaps off the top rope with a high cross off the top to the floor.
Leaping back into the ring, Hayes jumps off the top rope with his flying legdrop finisher. Hayes covers Dar for the deciding pinfall, and Hayes retains his title.
While Hayes is celebrating his win and posing with his title belt, Baron Corbin suddenly runs in for a surprise attack on Hayes. The announcers on commentary were certain to mention Corbin was a free agent. Corbin jumps Hayes and delivers an End of Days. As the show goes off the air, Corbin lifts the title belt overhead as he stands over a fallen Hayes.
Date: May 29, 2023 Location: MVP Arena in Albany, NY
**********
Show Recap —
There was a Night of Champions recap video.
Samantha Irvin introduced the new World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins who entered through the crowd. Rollins slapped hands with fans in the stands and around ringside as they loudly sang his song. Streamers went off when he hit the ring and he was greeted by a loud “You deserve it” chant.
Rollins said it just felt right being the World Champion and he was excited to be a champion who would always be there ready to fight. Fans chanted “Thank you, Seth” as others sang his song.
AJ Styles interrupted. Styles knew he was supposed to be on Smackdown but he couldn’t resist coming to Raw to congratulate Rollins. Styles gave Rollins everything he had but Rollins seemed to see everything coming. Styles said the fans thought Rollins “deserved it” but Styles didn’t think so because “you earned the right to be World Heavyweight Champion.”
Rollins said he gave Styles a beating at Night of Champions and he earned a handshake. They shook hands.
Judgment Day interrupted. Finn Bálor acted sick at this display and said he felt like puking. Damian Priest said he was feeling nauseous and had Rhea Ripley remind them that they run Raw. Priest said they run the entire WWE, especially now that Bloodline exploded. Bálor laughed because they beat the tag champions which even Roman Reigns couldn’t do.
Ripley warned Rollins that someone in Judgment Day would take his title. It could be Priest, it could be Bálor, or it could be Dom-Dom. Dominik’s name drew boos from the crowd while Rollins and Styles laughed at the idea. Dom didn’t think it was funny and reminded Styles that he beat him.
Judgment Day challenged Rollins and Styles to a match and they accepted. Rollins made sure to let Ripley know that Raw was his show.
The crowd was hot for this.
********
Backstage, Adam Pearce was on the phone with someone, presumably Triple H. Pearce wanted to approve the tag match despite Styles being a Smackdown wrestler and admitted it flew in the face of their concept of separate brands.
Rollins and Styles were nearby and Rollins told him to make the match. Rollins wondered if Styles was afraid of Dom or Ripley. Styles said he had his gear and told Pearce to make the match.
********
Money in the Bank qualifier: Ricochet defeated The Miz (8:45)
After a break, Miz actually did a springboard crossbody and was upset that he only got a two count because, as he put it, “I springboarded!” Miz followed later with a Codebreaker and DDT for two. Ricochet came back with a Black Mass kick and an SSP for the pinfall win. Crowd was happy.
********
Trish Stratus / Zoey Stark / Becky Lynch segment
Stratus entered and had a visible bruise on her jaw.
Stratus said it meant nothing to her to hear the fans say, “Thank you, Trish” (which they didn’t appear to be doing). Stratus talked about beating Becky Lynch and called her performance “goat tings.” Stratus said Lynch’s loss would cause her to go through “stuff” again but that didn’t happen to top people like her.
Stratus introduced us to Zoey Stark. Stratus said Stark had her back, not because Stratus needed her help, but because Stark wanted to help.
Stark said she came here to be the best and to make a statement and there was no one better to learn from than the O.G. herself. Stark could have taken the long, hard road as Lynch did — or she could be smart like the great Trish Stratus. Stark called Stratus kind and giving and said, “Thank you, Trish.”
Stark asked Stratus what was on her face, pointing out the bruise. Stratus wasn’t happy about it and warned Lynch not to show up or else Stark would show her what’s up.
Lynch entered. Lynch told Stark that she would ruin her life. Lynch noted that both she and Stratus were both in their gear and suggested they restart their match right now.
Stark went after Lynch but Lynch decked her with a right hand and chucked her into the barricade. Lynch decked Stratus but Stark saved her. Stark gave Lynch a Z-360 and Stratus dropped her with a right hand (in the same spot as Stratus’ bruise). They left Lynch lying and placed a “Thank you, Trish” shirt on her.
********
Indus Sher (w/Jinder Mahal) defeated two wrestlers (1:17)
Veer and Sanga easily defeated two guys — one of whom was Javier Bernal. (Bernal was identified by Corey Graves on commentary.)
********
[SECOND HOUR]
There was a recap of Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens beating Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa and the angle with Jimmy and Jey Uso.
Reigns will be on Friday’s Smackdown to celebrate 1,000 days as champion.
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn segment
Owens wore a “We The Ones” t-shirt.
Zayn said they won on Saturday. They didn’t just defend their championships — they won. They did what they set out to do. The Bloodline crumbled. It was the worst night of Reigns’ life and he got exactly what he deserved.
Zayn said Reigns might be the greatest of all time, he might be champion for another 1,000 days, he might main event the next five WrestleManias — but whenever he looked in the mirror he would know that Owens and Zayn won.
Imperium interrupted. Ludwig Kaiser said their win wasn’t as impressive as Gunther’s. Owens was confused and asked, “Why are you here?” Owens said their names weren’t mentioned and he freaked out on them for thinking they could come out whenever they want. The crowd chanted for Owens as Zayn told him to chill out.
Zayn did agree with Owens though. There’s an unwritten rule that you don’t come out unless your name is mentioned. Zayn thought Imperium should be getting ready for their match against Alpha Academy and reminded them that they embarrassed them last week with help from Matt Riddle.
Kaiser said Riddle was an embarrassment and Owens and Zayn as the champions were an embarrassment.
Owens said we always hear from slender man (Kaiser) and the guy with the ears (Gunther) but we never hear from the guy with the head (Giovanni Vinci). Owens wanted to hear from him and Zayn also wanted to hear from “baldy” which led to a “baldy” chant.
Chad Gable interrupted Imperium with a long “shoosh.” Maxxine Dupri entered with Alpha Academy in a matching outfit. Gable said the new and improved Alpha Academy would teach Imperium a lesson right now. Owens wanted him to do his other catchphrase so Gable yelled, “Thank you” and Owens popped.
********
Owens and Zayn joined commentary.
Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci defeated Alpha Academy (w/Maxxine Dupri) (5:15)
Valhalla suddenly appeared at ringside and stared down Dupri. Dupri kicked her so she chased Dupri to the back. (Owens bolted from commentary for a moment when Valhalla got too close.) The distraction allowed Imperium to take control over Gable until he made the hot tag to Otis.
Otis hit Kaiser with the caterpillar (which he seems to be getting worse at doing). Gable set up Kaiser for a double-team move but Vinci dropped the rope on Otis who fell out of the ring. Imperium gave Gable the Imperial Bomb for the pinfall win.
********
Bayley and IYO SKY confronted Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi during their backstage interview. Rodriguez reminded Bayley that she was the only member of Damage CTRL to not hold gold since their group formed and said if they lost tonight, she’d know who to blame.
********
There was a video package for Candice LeRae. LeRae believes fairy tales are real and her wings represent the magic that this fairy tale has brought to her life. “Candice LeRae is proof that when you believe, anything is possible.”
(If the mutual respect between Rollins and Styles didn’t make Finn Bálor puke, this should’ve done the trick.)
********
Fatal 4-Way Match: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler defeated Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi, Bayley & IYO SKY and Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green to become the Women’s Tag Team Champions (11:42)
They saved the showdown between Rodriguez and Rousey until later in the match and Rodriguez dropped her with a clothesline. Rodriguez was about to give her the Tejana Bomb but Baszler saved her. Rodriguez gave Baszler a Tejana Bomb which allowed Rousey to put her in an arm bar. Bayley broke that up with a flying elbow drop.
Green tagged herself in and she double-teamed Rodriguez with Deville and they got a nearfall. SKY wiped them out with a double dropkick. SKY gave Rodriguez a meteora but Shotzi broke up the cover before taking out Bayley with a dive.
Shotzi gave SKY a facebuster and dragon suplex but SKY came back with a flapjack. SKY set up for a moonsault but Rousey tagged herself in. This set up a tower of doom spot with Shotzi bringing down SKY and Rousey with a powerbomb.
Shotzi tried a diving senton but Rousey countered into an arm bar. Shotzi tapped immediately.
Rousey and Baszler are the new tag team champs.
********
JD McDonagh vs. Dolph Ziggler ended in a double count-out (1:16)
McDonagh snapped the top rope into Ziggler’s throat to take control. That led to a mistimed suplex spot that resulted in Ziggler landing on his face. McDonagh tossed him around ringside and didn’t seem at all concerned that they were being counted out.
As soon as the referee called for the count-out, McDonagh drove Ziggler’s head into the steel steps. McDonagh stomped his head into the steps before calmly walking away.
********
Cody Rhodes was shown walking through the back with his arm in a sling. He’s up next.
[THIRD HOUR]
There was a video recap of Brock Lesnar beating Rhodes on Saturday.
Cody Rhodes promo
Rhodes entered to a strong reaction.
Rhodes mentioned that he lost his match to Lesnar via referee stoppage. His contemporaries told him he was foolish to fight Lesnar with one hand and foolish to not tap out.
Rhodes didn’t tap out for a reason. It was excruciating but that was not the man he wanted to be. Years ago, he would have tapped out but he understood that second chances don’t always come. Rhodes noted the wildly popular wrestler who often said, “Never give up.”
Rhodes had a message for Lesnar that he had to deliver to the camera because Lesnar wasn’t there. Rhodes assumed that he was taking his annual vacation. Rhodes asked Lesnar if he was satisfied that this was done. Rhodes asked if he was satisfied that it was 1-1 between them.
Rhodes hoped that Lesnar had cable or internet or a landline or something in Saskatchewan to relay this message. Rhodes was issuing an open challenge and was willing to send him his full schedule. “If I am standing in a ring, I am standing there ready to fight you, Brock Lesnar.” The crowd chanted for Cody.
Rhodes rattled off Lesnar’s many accomplishments and added that he was a beast — “beast enough to break my arm but not man enough to make me tap out.” If Lesnar didn’t accept his challenge, we would know that Brock Lesnar was afraid of Cody Rhodes.
********
Cathy Kelley interviewed Riddle about Money in the Bank. Riddle was excited about the prospect of cashing in MITB against either Reigns or Rollins. Gunther approached him. Gunther wanted Riddle to win MITB and cash in on him. Gunther said beating him and humiliating him would be fun for him. Gunther wished him luck.
Kelley interviewed Rousey and Baszler after a break. Kelley asked what it was like to become tag champions again. Rousey said it was her first time but it was old news for Baszler. (Baszler noted it was her third time.)
Rousey said they were told for ten years that they were not what the fans wanted but they weren’t there to cater to fickle fans because they meant nothing. Baszler said they went through everyone to become champions. Rousey said they were the baddest team on the planet. They demanded to be recognized as the best and their belts prove it.
********
Money in the Bank qualifier: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Bronson Reed (9:34)
Reed was about to try a running shoulder tackle off the apron but Nakamura kicked his leg out of his leg and gave him a knee drop on the apron. Reed regained control after a break but Nakamura came back with kicks and a sliding German suplex. Reed avoided a Kinshasa and hit a Samoan drop and senton.
Reed went to the top but Nakamura again kicked his leg out. Nakamura came off the top but Reed caught him with a thrust kick and followed with a powerslam. Reed went for the Tsunami but Nakamura dodged it and hit consecutive Kinshasas. Reed rolled out of the ring so Nakamura went after him. Nakamura tried a kick or something off the steel steps but appeared to miss.
Reed just barely beat a ten count and rolled into the ring but Nakamura immediately hit another Kinshasa for the pinfall win.
The crowd popped for the win and I think they were probably surprised by the result.
********
Byron Saxton interviewed Judgment Day. He congratulated Ripley on defeating Natalya. Ripley said she didn’t just beat Natalya, she destroyed her. Ripley told Saxton they were busy and wanted him to leave. Saxton had one more question. He wanted to know which of them were facing Rollins and Styles. They wouldn’t answer.
********
There was a Memorial Day video.
********
Next week on Raw in Harford, CT:
MITB qualifier: Becky Lynch vs. Sonya Deville
MITB qualifier: Natalya vs. Zoey Stark
********
Before the match started, they made it seem like Dominik would be Priest’s partner but Bálor attacked Rollins from behind to take Dom’s place. The ref admonished Bálor for doing this while simultaneously telling the timekeeper to start the match.
World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins & AJ Styles defeated Finn Bálor & Damian Priest (w/Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio) (13:13)
Everyone traded moves which led to Styles setting up the Phenomenal forearm but Dom yanked him off the apron. Styles threatened to beat him up so Priest ran and tackled Styles over the announce desk.
After a break, Ripley held Styles outside the ring for Dom to attack while the ref was distracted. Rollins attacked Dom and tossed him into the ring and into the referee’s legs. The ref saw Dom and chucked him and Ripley from ringside.
Rollins made a hot tag and hit Bálor with clotheslines, a thrust kick, another clothesline, a springboard knee strike and a superkick for two. Bálor fought back and tagged in Priest who knocked Styles off the apron. Rollins flipped out of a chokeslam attempt but Priest leveled him with a clothesline for two.
Rollins gave Priest a superplex but Priest countered the falcon arrow into a falcon arrow of his own. Bálor had made a blind tag but he missed a Coup de Grace and Rollins hit a superkick.
Styles tagged in and hit Priest with strikes and a fireman’s carry neckbreaker. Rollins wiped out Bálor with a suicide dive.
Priest avoided a Phenomenal forearm and gave Styles a Razor’s Edge but Rollins broke up the cover by stomping Priest. Rollins tagged in and stomped Priest again for the pinfall win. This was a fun match.
The good guys posed and the camera focused mainly on Rollins as the show ended.
NXT celebrates Memorial Day weekend with its Battleground special taking place in Lowell, Massachusetts tonight.
In his home state, Carmelo Hayes puts the NXT Championship on the line against Bron Breakker. It’s a rematch from Stand & Deliver, but things are a bit different this time around. Breakker turned heel after losing the NXT Championship to Hayes and has his sights set on winning the title back.
A new NXT Women’s Champion will be crowned tonight as Tiffany Stratton faces Lyra Valkyria in the finals of a tournament. The title was vacated by Indi Hartwell earlier this month.
Three other title matches are part of the Battleground card. Wes Lee defends the North American Championship in a triple threat match against Joe Gacy and Tyler Bate. The Creed Brothers challenge Gallus for the NXT Tag Team titles. And Noam Dar puts his Heritage Cup trophy up for grabs against Dragon Lee.
Plus, Ilja Dragunov battles Dijak in a Last Man Standing match.
Tonight’s show streams live on Peacock starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a 30-minute pre-show.
The pre-show is a canned 30-minute preview hosted by Megan Morant, Matt Camp and Sam Roberts. Done in a studio with the co-hosts standing behind a desk, it begins like a glorified control center segment.
Morant throws it to McKenzie Mitchell, who is in Lowell, MA at the Tsongas Center. She pitches to a video package hyping Ilja Dragunov against Dijak in a grudge match that involves assault and kidnapping. Back in the studio, the pundits discuss.
The finals of the NXT Women’s Championship tournament gets some hype, ahead of Tiffany Stratton facing Lyra Valkyria to decide the next women’s champ. Both Stratton and Valkyria get hype videos.
A great video package breaks down the rules for the Heritage Cup title bout tonight as Noam Dar defends against Dragon Lee. This is the first defense of the Heritage Cup on United States soil.
In a backstage skit, Dar tries to recruit Oro Mensah as Dar’s second to be in his corner. Mensah says he will think about, and a fretting Dar cradled his trophy, clearly worried about losing his Heritage Cup.
Some hype for the triple threat match for the NXT North American Championship, and the pre-show concludes with a video package hyping the main event for the NXT Championship.
NXT Battleground goes live on the air with a retrospective looking back at highlights from past shows from the 1990s. The idea is Lowell embraced the “New Generation” and continues to do so as the clips shown transitions into NXT.
Booker T and Vic Joseph are at ringside at the announce desk for live commentary.
Opening the show is a triple threat title match.
NXT North American Champion Wes Lee defeated Joe Gacy (with Ava) and Tyler Bate in a triple threat match to retain the title
Lee pinned Gacy in a really good opener with a lot of action. The story going into the match is Gacy causing a rift between Lee and Bate, which strained their friendship ahead of tonight’s title match. The rift continues as Bate and Lee engage in fisticuffs early in the match, allowing Gacy to strike with a dive through the ropes.
The pace quickens and the action intensifies with a flurry of spots. Bate does an impressive spot where he gives Lee a giant swing while simultaneously giving Gacy an airplane spin. Moments later, Gacy executes a slop drop on Bate while at the same time giving Lee an uranage slam.
Gacy at separate times catches both Bate and Lee in a crossface, but the hold is broken up both times. Lee fires up to deliver a double Cardiac Kick, and he gets a close near fall on Bate. Great sequence starts with Lee applying a sleeper on Gacy.
Gacy counters the sleeper by ramming Lee into the turnbuckles. Gacy goes for a cover, but Bate breaks it up with a corkscrew swanton. Bate then delivers a Tyler Driver ’97, but Lee breaks up the pin with a gets a near fall that was broken up by Gacy. Great sequence.
A contrived spot had Gacy perched on the top rope, and Gacy apparently avoids Lee’s attack. Lee then sails outside for a flip dive that wipes out Bate. Back in the ring, Gacy executes an uranage slam and sets up for his finisher. Lee counters by executing his own finisher. Cardiac Kick by Lee, and he covers Gacy to win the match and retain his North American title.
Noam Dar (with Oro Mensah) defeated Dragon Lee (with Nathan Frazier) to retain the NXT Heritage Cup
Dar pinned Dragon Lee after outside interference by Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend. The match itself was under Heritage Cup rules, meaning five rounds that are three minutes apiece.
Round 1 was mostly grappling on the mat. Dar powders, and he flees the ring as the round is winding down. Lee is going for a dive when the rounds ends, halting his momentum.
Mensah comes running down to ringside during the rest period, much to the surprise of Dar. Mensah was recruited to be a second in a skit on the pre-show.
Dragon Lee was gaining momentum when he gets rolled up by Dar for a pinfall with about one minute and 30 seconds left in the Round 2.
Dragon Lee was making rally late in the Round 3, but he ran out of time. Just as the round ends, Dar hits Dragon Lee with a cheap shot. Dar ambushes Lee with a back elbow, and Dragon Lee is in peril.
Dar works over Dragon Lee as Round 4 is underway. Dragon Lee fights back, and he applies a Texas cloverleaf. Mensah cheats at ringside by helping Dar get a rope break. Frazier comes to aid Lee, and Mensah sends Frazier crashing into the ring steps.
Dragon Lee ties the score as he does a tilt-a-whirl plancha, and Lee covers Dar for a pinfall. The score is even, and the corner men are also looking to get even. Frazier jumps Mensah and they brawl. The referee then ejects both seconds. Mensah and Frazier are sent packing, and they fight their way to the back.
One-on-one for Round 5, with no seconds in the corner. Dragon Lee takes an ugly bump off the apron taking a botched powerbomb. Dragon Lee somehow recovers, and he executes a Last Ride Liger bomb for his last near fall of the match. They go home after a run-in.
Jakara Jackson suddenly runs into the ring to distract the referee. Lash Legends then hops the barricade, and Legend clobbers Dragon Lee with a spit bucket brought out earlier by one of the seconds. Dar delivers his finisher, and he covers Dragon Lee to underhandedly win the match.
Ilja Dragunov defeated Dijak in a last man standing match
Dragunov is the last man standing in a brutal match that left Dragunov with nasty whelps on his arm. He was beaten to a pulp, but David managed to slay Goliath.
The match begins with them brawling around ringside. The ring steps are quickly utilized as a prop, which is a callback to an angle that set up this match. Dijak also drags a table from underneath the ring, and Dragunov hurls himself through the table in order to knock down Dijak.
Dragunov is also hurled onto the ring steps, but he counters Dijak by giving him a DDT on the steps. Dragunov picks up the steps and uses them as a weapon. Dragunov goes coast-to-coast with a Van Terminator that sandwiches Dijak with the steps.
They trade chops like they are Ric Flair and Wahoo McDaniel. Dijak takes a German suplex on his head and neck, but he rises like an angry monster. Dijak bellows with a primal yell, and he guzzles Dragunov. Dijak gives Dragunov a chokeslam on the apron, which look like it hurt like hell. Dragunov barely breaks the ten count.
Feast Your Eyes by Dijak, and Dragunov is on rubber legs. Dragunov falls into the corner, and the middle rope keeps Dragunov from falling down. Another primal scream by Dijak, and he retrieves a kendo stick. Dijak punishes Dragunov as he wacks Dragunov with the kendo stick.
Dijak wants Dragunov to stay down, but Dragunov will not go down. Dijak splinters the kendo stick with repeated strikes on Dragunov. Dijak then grabs a metal folding chair. Dragunov fights back, but Dijaks hits him with the chair. Dragunov still fights back.
Comeback by Dragunov, and he climbs atop the ring steps that are in the ring. Dragunov leaps off the steps with a flying forearm and lands on Dijak, sandwiching Dijak into a chair. Dijak could not answer the ten count, and Dragunov is the last man standing.
McKenzie Mitchell is backstage with Noam Dar, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson and Ore Mensah. They are celebrating Dar retaining his trophy. Seems like a stable or faction is forming among with the four.
Announced for July 30 is NXT Great American Nash in Cedar Park, TX (outside Austin). Tickets go on sale June 9. Pre-sale registration opens a few days prior.
NXT Tag Team Champions Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang with Joe Coffey) defeated The Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed with Ivy Nile) to retain the titles
Mark Coffey pinned Julius Creed, after Ava interfered by attacking Ivy Nile at ringside. Good match that is only hampered by a WWE finish.
Heat on Brutus early on, as Gallus works him over. Julius cleans house after a hot tag. He gets a near fall with a standing shooting star. The Creeds go for a Doomsday Device, but Mark Coffey counters. Double-team by Gallus as they team up on Julius. Brutus makes the save with a flying cannonball.
The Creeds rally as they psych each other up. Joe Coffey tries to interfere, but he is tripped up by Ivy Nile. Joe Coffey is then clotheslines out of the ring. Ava suddenly comes down to ringside and assaults Nile. Ava sends Nile crashing into a ring post.
Julius is distracted by Nile being ambushed at ringside, and he falls prey to Gallus. Tandem finisher by Gallus, and Mark Coffey covers Julius Creed for a pinfall. Gallus retain the titles, thanks in part to an ambush by Ava.
Tiffany Stratton defeated Lyra Valkyria in a tournament final to win the NXT Women’s Championship
Stratton pinned Valkyria to win the NXT Women’s title. Part of the story involves an attack last Tuesday by Cora Jade, where Jade injured Valkyria’s knee. That plays heavily into the story of this match.
They grapple at the start, but the tide turns when Stratton targets the injured leg. She works on Valkyria’s left knee. Stratton goes on to pull off Valkyria’s knee brace, and Stratton keeps working the knee, which is wrapped in tape. Stratton applies a Muta Lock, further targeting the injured knee.
Valkyria makes a comeback, and she leaps off the top rope into a missile dropkick. Valkyria is mounting a comeback, yet she continues to sell the knee. Some awkward spots in the closing minutes, but they get through it.
High cross by Valkyria, but Stratton rolls through and lifts Valkyria off the mat. Valkyria sort of counters for a crucifix bomb and a near fall. Valkyria is tripped up, and Stratton springboards into a corkscrew splash.
They trade near falls down the home stretch. Valkyria blocks they handspring back elbow, and she gives suplexes Stratton. Valkyria tries to follow up with her finisher, which is a roundhouse kick. Her injured knee gives way, and Valkyria buckles.
Stratton tries to capitalize with her finishing sequence, but no water in the pool on the moonsault. Valkyria connects with her roundhouse kick finisher, but Stratton gets her foot on the rope to break a subsequent pinning attempt.
They fight on the turnbuckles. Stratton blocks a sunset bomb, and she sort of gives Valkyria a hurricanrana. Valkyria sells it regardless, and Stratton follows up with a rolling fireman’s carry slam that sets up the “Prettiest Moonsault Ever.” Stratton then covers Valkyria for a three count to become the new NXT Women’s Champion.
This was probably by far the weakest match on the show, but it was not bad. They were in a tough spot, though, having to follow the previous bouts on the card.
NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes (with Trick Wiliams) defeated Bron Breakker to retain his title
Hayes pinned Breakker to retain the title as a hometown hero. Really good match to finish the show in a strong note.
Trick Williams introduces Carmelo Hayes for a special ring entrance that plays on Hayes being from the area. Hayes gets the hometown treatment. Breakker has his own special entrance beforehand, where he came out wearing a wolf mask.
Hayes explodes as the bell sounds to start the match, and Hayes overwhelms Breakker with a flurry of offense. Hayes almost spiked himself doing a dive over the ropes to the floor, but Breakker luckily caught him. Breakker eventually cuts off Hayes, and Breakker begins to work over Hayes.
Hayes fights back, and Hayes delivers the Fade Away legdrop. Hayes works a leg as he targets Breakker’s knee, which is something we saw in the previous match. Notwithstanding, Breakker soon cuts off Hayes again.
Breakker punishes Hayes with a series of suplexes. Breakker pauses at one point to taunt Hayes by doing push-ups. Super Frankensteiner by Breakker for a near fall. Hayes fights back as they trade strikes, but Breakker dumps Hayes with another suplex.
Hayes counters Breakker before Breakker can apply a Steiner Recliner. Breakker goes for a vertical suplex, but that too is countered by Hayes, and Hayes spikes Breakker with a DDT.
They trade punches, and Hayes goes in a flurry of offense that leads to him springboarding into a Tito Santana forearm smash. Breakker will not stay down as he taunts Hayes.
Trading punches again, and Breakker goes for a guzzle. Breakker instead takes a codebreaker, and Hayes climbs the turnbuckles. Hayes rolls through when Breakker moves out of harm’s way. Breakker then posts himself. Hayes attempts his springboard forearm again, and Breakker spears him in mid-air for the best near fall of the match.
Breakker pulls down the straps on his singlet, and he tosses Hayes around. Hayes counters Breakker’s military press into a small package for a close two count. Hayes with a trifecta of superkicks, and Hayes springboards into a DDT. Hayes follows up with the Nothing But Net flying legdrop, and Hayes covers Breakker for a clean pinfall. Hayes retains in front of a hometown crowd.
Overall, this was a really good card. The wrestling matches carried the show, and most all of those delivered. To me this is the first NXT supercard of this era that is on the same level as the golden age of NXT Takeovers from years past.
AEW returns to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, for Double or Nothing.
AEW World Champion MJF defends against Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin and “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry in the first-ever meeting between all “Four Pillars.”
The reformed Elite (Kenny Omega, Young Bucks & Hangman Page) face the Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli) in an Anarchy in the Arena match.
Injured AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter defends against former champion Toni Storm while TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie in a rematch.
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal with Mark Briscoe as the conflicted special guest referee.
Adam Cole and Chris Jericho will battle in an unsanctioned match as TNT Champion Wardlow defends against Christian Cage in a ladder match.
The card also features title defenses by AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy and AEW Trios Tag Team Champions the House of Black.
**********
Buy In
Renee Paquette, Kazeem Famuyide, Paul Wight & Stokely Hathaway welcome us to the Buy In and they throw it right to the back to RJ City talking about upcoming events for AEW. Paquette and company then run down the entire Double or Nothing card this evening, leading to a video package highlighting Anarchy in the Arena.
Footage of Jim Ross sitting down with Don Callis is shown, who said he did the hardest thing a parent or family member could do. It was a cancer eating away at Callis, so he cut it out, but tells Omega that he hasn’t even started cutting yet.
Video packages for the AEW Women’s Title, Non Sanctioned Match and Tag Team Title Match are shown before Jim Ross makes his way to ringside where Excalibur & Taz are seated, which is where the commentary team will be this evening.
The Hardys (Matt & Jeff) & FTW Champion HOOK (w/Brother Zay) defeated Ethan Page & The Gunns (Austin & Colten)
(A fun opening party match that went much longer than I thought it would. As a result, Matt Hardy now owns the contract of Ethan Page.)
This is Jeff Hardy’s first official match in about 11 months. HOOK & Austin start us off with Austin getting a shoulder block, but posed too long with HOOK locking in a leg lock. Matt & Jeff took turns tagging in and going after the arm before HOOK his overhead throws on everyone in sight. The Gunns & Page were triple clotheslined to the floor where the regrouped and in doing so Austin tripped up HOOK and followed with a bulldog. HOOK remained isolated until Page was dropped with the El Camino and Matt made the hot tag.
The Gunns & Page were all planted with Side Effects before a second rope elbow to Colten got a near fall. Austin & Page attacked Brother Zay on the floor, ripping his neck brace off, as that was enough distraction for Colten to pop Matt with a dropkick. It was Matt’s turn to be isolated with Page mocking delete chants, until both Gunns were launched outside. Jeff & HOOK reached for the hot tag, but were both pulled away by Colten & Page before Matt could get there. Finally, Matt hit a DDT on Page to allow Jeff to make the hot tag and run wild with his greatest hits offense.
A stalling splash off the second by Jeff led to a Twist of Fate attempt, but Jeff’s knee twisted up and as he went for Whisper in the Wind, the legs went out. Taz talked about ring rust playing a part, as Jeff hit a corkscrew kick on Page and HOOK tagged in with a fisherman’s suplex. HOOK & Page had a nice back and forth before sank in a cross arm breaker, but Colten made the save. Matt made a blind tag, as The Hardys hit an assisted splash in the corner, but as Jeff went up top, Austin crotched him. 3:10 to Yuma connected on Matt, but Jeff broke up the pin with a Swanton Bomb on both Gunns. Page clobbered HOOK with a big boot, but HOOK avoided Ego’s Edge, as the match broke down with the Hardys hitting double Twist of Fates on the Gunns. Page was left alone, as he ate two Twist of Fates and the REDRUM for the submission.
**********
Owen Hart Cup Opening Ceremonies
Renee Paquette welcomes Dr. Martha Hart to the stage where both trophies and titles for the Owen Hart Cup are set up. Paquette talks about the tournament kicking off at Forbidden Door as Hart said it’s great to be back in Vegas and AEW. Tony Khan walks out wearing a fedora with the Owen Hart Foundation logo on it as Hart talks about the schedule of the Owen Hart Cup and it’s wrapping up at the Calgary Stampede.
**********
The entrants for the Blackjack Battle Royal for the International Title are taking place, which will kick off the show this evening.
**********
AEW Double or Nothing
Orange Cassidy won the Blackjack Battle Royal to retain the AEW International Title
(I thought this was one of the better battle royals that AEW has put on, as we got some fun interactions, continuations of current feuds, some surprise eliminations and a really great finish. Lots of matches could come out of this one, as the amazing title reign of Cassidy continues.)
(Participants included Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta, Bandido, Ari Daivari, Tony Nese, Lee Moriarty, Big Bill, Komander, The Butcher, The Blade, Kip Sabian, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Dustin Rhodes, Keith Lee, Ricky Starks, Penta el Zero Miedo, Rey Fenix, Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage & Orange Cassidy)
Sabian immediately tried to toss Cassidy as we barely caught Beretta doing a moonsault to the floor as there are still people brawling around ringside. Komander did his breathtaking rope walk dive onto Bill & Moriarty as Strickland & Cage are shown watching on the ramp. Excalibur said they’re waiting for the field to thin and I’m not sure how that’s even legal. Bandido, Komander & The Lucha Bros all teamed up as Bandido hit a stalling suplex on Nese, who was eliminated. Daivari was brought to the apron and punted in the face by Fenix, who did a rope walk to get rid of both Varsity Athletes. Cage started laying out all he luchadores before Bandido nearly pressed Cage over his head. Cage ate multiple thrust kicks as the Lucha Bros and Bullet Club Gold went at it before Komander tried another rope walk, but White shoved him to the floor.
Sabian ate a triple choke slam by Best Friends & Cassidy, who tossed him and gave the people what they wanted. Taylor was dumped by Bill, as Cassidy low bridged in the process unintentionally to eliminate his buddy. The Blade was eliminated by Lee, who was attacked from behind by Strickland, finally getting into the match. Butcher ate double Lucha Bros thrust kicks to be eliminated. Moriarty was able to get rid of Bandido, as Moriarty & Beretta battled to the apron where Beretta hit a half and half suplex to eliminate Moriarty. Cassidy was about to be eliminated by Big Bill, but Beretta took the bullet and ate a kick to get eliminated. Lee was so preoccupied on getting rid of Strickland; Cage snuck up from behind and dumped Lee to loud boos. Rhodes laid out Cage with Cross Rhodes, but Strickland made the save.
Robinson & White sent Penta into Fenix to eliminate him, as Starks dumped Robinson in the process. White laid out Starks which led to a faceoff with White & Penta ending in a Blade Runner from White, who turned around and ate a Starks Spear. White was eliminated by Starks, as Robinson pulled Starks to the outside and laid out by White. Starks went under the bottom rope, so it’s down to him, Bill, Strickland, Cage, Penta, Rhodes & Cassidy. A surprising elimination came when Bill clocked Starks with a big boot and got loud boos from the crowd. Cage was dumped by Rhodes, who was immediately caught with a kick by Strickland to eliminate him.
The remaining four men had a sprint with high impact offense until Penta tried chopping down Bill, who hit another big boot to eliminated Penta. Bill is eliminating some huge fan favorites tonight, as he laid out Cassidy with a Boss Man Slam. Bill went to press slam Cassidy over the top, but Strickland dumped him out. Cassidy & Strickland took turns trying to dump each other until a countered DDT into Stundog Millionaire led to a Strickland no sell into the Kill Shot for the double down. Prince Nana tripped up Cassidy to allow Strickland to hit a Swerve Stomp. Cassidy battled back with multiple DDTs and Orange Punch that send Strickland to the apron. Strickland blocked another one, brought Cassidy to the apron, as Nana ran distraction again enough for Strickland to try one more double stomp. Cassidy got the feet up and just lightly kicked Strickland’s hand from the ropes to win the match.
**********
Adam Cole (w/Roderick Strong) defeated Chris Jericho (w/the Jericho Appreciation Society) in an Unsanctioned Match with Sabu as the Special Enforcer
(I enjoyed almost everything about this match but the finish. I know what they were going for with Cole wanting to bash Jericho’s head in for his actions, but it felt flat and the crowd didn’t really know what to make of it. They were happy Cole won, it was just an unexpected way to finish it. This does technically give Jericho an out, as he never quit or was pinned, he can blame Aubrey for the loss.)
Sabu & Strong chucked chairs at Matt Menard & Angelo Parker immediately, as Sabu & Jericho had a face off in the ring with chairs, swinging them at one another. Sabu won that battle, as Cole set up a table ringside and Sabu jumped off the top to put Menard & Parker through it. Strong & Hager and Garcia & Sabu battled to the back to leave Cole & Jericho in the ring one on one. That was it for the guys not actually involved in this match. Jericho was sent outside and landed really awkwardly in the process. Cole wanted a Panama Sunrise on the apron, but Jericho countered into a suplex to the floor. Jericho controlled the action, cutting off Cole whenever he attempted to battle back. With a chair set up in the corner, Jericho charged, but ran head first into it. Jericho recovered long enough to try a Lionsault, but Cole hit a superkick mid move. Cole again missed Panama Sunrise, this time countered into a Walls of Jericho. Excalibur said since it’s an Unsanctioned Match that there are no rope breaks.
Cole reached down under the ropes and grabbed a fire extinguisher, where he sprayed Jericho to release the hold. Cole decked Jericho with the extinguisher, but only got a two count. Cole went to drop The Boom, but ran right into a Code Breaker for two, as Jericho returned the favor by spraying Cole with the extinguisher. Jericho got a kendo stick, but took way too long as Dr. Britt Baker ran to the ring with a stick of her own and lit up Jericho with strikes. Saraya hit the ring and was clobbered as well as both ladies ran backstage. Cole chokes Jericho with the kendo stick and got a backstabber for two.
Cole climbed to the top, but took too long, as Jericho chucked a chair at his face and Cole fell through a table outside, right on cue with fans chanting they wanted tables. Jericho pulled out a chain and handcuffs, which Jericho locked on Cole’s hand, but in return, Cole got the advantage and cuffed Jericho as well, so a Chain Match this has turned into. Cole hit a Panama Sunrise, but missed The Boom, as Jericho started whipping away with the chain. Jericho tried to choke Cole out, but Cole scaled the ropes and hit a superkick. Cole finally lowered The Boom, then wrapped the chain around his knee to hit another Boom before mounting Jericho and punched away to the point referee Aubrey stopped the match. The crowd was quiet for this finish.
**********
FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defeated Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett (w/Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh & Karen Jarrett) to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles with Mark Briscoe as Guest Referee
(I’ve loved everything about this over the top feud. So many bells and whistles, which, by all accounts, should take away from the match, but it only added to it. Everyone played their role great in this feud, job well done to all involved.)
Lethal & Harwood started things off with a nice opening sequence of mat wrestling which led to a chop battle. FTR hit double dropkicks and atomic drops ending in attempted double Sharpshooters, but Lethal & Jarrett bailed to regroup. Lethal tried to have Jarrett jump in without making a legal tag, but Briscoe caught them and shoved Jarrett down. Lethal was backdropped over the top to the floor onto his partner. Back inside, Briscoe’s attention was turned as Wheeler was low bridged by Jarrett, who at first was going to use a chair, was scolded, so he opted to just ram Wheeler into the barricade repeatedly. I love how Jim Ross compared Sonjay Dutt’s screeching ringside to a rooster. Jarrett took Briscoe to allow Karen to choke Wheeler briefly, as Jarrett did a Garvin Stomp and Fargo Strut. Jarrett locked on a Figure Four, as Harwood had seen enough and did a diving headbutt to break it up.
Wheeler finally leapfrogged Lethal to make the hot tag to Harwood, who turned Lethal inside out with a short arm lariat. Really nice rolling Germans by Harwood until a series of switches led to a Harwood brainbsuter for two. Lethal battled back with Lethal Combination as the match broke down with Dutt grabbing Wheeler’s foot on the apron long enough for Jarrett to post him. Lethal & Harwood fought in the ropes where Lethal took way too long for his elbow, as Harwood crotched him. A superplex led to a Doomsday Powerbomb by FTR as Wheeler hit a dive on Jarrett, but Dutt pulled Harwood to the floor to break the count. Briscoe saw enough and ejected Dutt & Singh, but Jarrett snuck in from behind with a guitar. Harwood moved and Briscoe ate the guitar shot.
Lethal tried Lethal Injection, but FTR countered into Shatter Machine for the visible pin, but no referee. Referee Aubrey sprinted to the ring, but Dutt stepped in front of her. Karen Jarrett wiped Aubrey out with a guitar shot to a huge reaction, as Lethal hit a double Lethal Injection on FTR with everyone down. Karen threw a title belt to Lethal, as Jarrett held Harwood, who fought free and laid out Lethal with a piledriver. Jarrett caught Harwood with a belt shot and The Stroke, as Dutt woke up Briscoe to make a close two count. A furious Jarrett started pie facing Briscoe, slapping him until Briscoe slapped Jarrett, who turned around into Shatter Machine for the victory.
-Alex Marvez is backstage with Ricky Starks, who was asked about Bullet Club Gold and right on cue, they pounced on Starks. FTR came running into the shot, as Starks might’ve finally found backup for his feud with Jay White & Juice Robinson.
-Chris Jericho & Saraya are furious backstage, demanding Tony Khan give them a mix tag team match against Britt Baker & Adam Cole this Wednesday. One random security guard showed up to tell them to calm down and suffered a fireball to the face by the Wizard as a result.
**********
Wardlow (w/Arn Anderson) defeated Christian Cage (w/Luchasaurus) in a Ladder Match to retain the TNT Title
(This was a pretty wild ladder match with some pretty big spots, most notably Wardlow channeling Jeff Hardy from Wrestlemania 2000 with an unreal Swanton through tables. I thought this stipulation was pretty rushed, but Wardlow definitely got a huge reaction as a result, so mission accomplished.)
Cage told Luchasaurus to go to the back during his entrance, as Anderson did the same for Wardlow. It was a game of power vs. speed early, as Wardlow ran through Cage with a shoulder tackle and powered out of a Killswitch attempt. Wardlow tried bringing in a ladder, but Cage hit a baseball slide, tried a slingshot dive, only to eat a ladder shot by Wardlow. With Cage down, Wardlow set up multiple tables and was going to try for a massive Swanton through them, but Cage bailed. With a ladder bridge set up and both men standing on it, Cage was able to crotch Wardlow and slingshot him into a ladder back in the ring. Cage started to climb the ladder, but Wardlow shoved him off to the mat. Wardlow wanted a powerbomb, Cage wiggled free, climbed the ladder, but was caught into a slam. Wardlow delivered a pretty great looking spinning gorilla press slam as Cage rolled to the floor.
Wardlow went to climb, but Luchasaurus hit ringside, shoving Cage back in the ring who delivered a reverse DDT off the ladder. Cage tried a charge, but Wardlow caught him into a slam on the ladder. Wardlow placed Cage on the ladder, went for a Swanton Bomb, but crashed and burned. Cage climbed the ladder as Arn Anderson helped Wardlow up, who leapt off the top onto the ladder and it collapsed. Wardlow is limping badly, as he tried to climb the broken ladder and it collapsed again. A better ladder is brought in the ring, but Luchasaurus chokeslammed Wardlow twice. Anderson made the save, nearly got chokeslammed himself, but bit the thumb of Luchasaurus to draw blood. Wardlow took out Luchasaurus with a chair and set him up on the tables. Wardlow climbed to the top of a super tall ladder and hit an incredible Swanton Bomb off it putting Luchasaurus through the tables.
Cage slowly climbed the ladder, but Anderson & Wardlow got in the ring, as Anderson swung Cage’s legs off the ladder and Wardlow caught him with a super powerbomb. Wardlow climbed and grabbed the title to retain. Wardlow held the title high with Anderson, whose mouth was covered in blood from biting Luchasaurus’ thumb.
**********
Toni Storm defeated Jamie Hayter to win the AEW Women’s Title
(Well, I guess there really was truth to the story of Hayter legitimately being injured, as this was very quick and while Hayter did get off a little offense, this was nothing like their other battles. There was a lot of interference and this is unfortunately what they had to do if Hayter is going to be out a little bit. Credit to Hayter for toughing it out, but congratulations goes to Toni Storm, who really has been crushing it lately on her win streak. She deserved another run with the title in my opinion.)
Hayter didn’t come out when her music first hit, but the second time Saraya & Ruby Soho tossed a beaten up Hayter down the ramp. Storm repeatedly slammed Hayter into the ring steps, the same way she injured Hayter’s arm last month. Both ladies are in the ring, as referee Paul Turner asks if Hayter can go, as she says yes and the match begins. Saraya immediately untied a corner turnbuckle pad and the referee just watched her do it. Britt Baker ran out to brawl with Saraya as Hayter tossed Storm into the corner where Turner was with Soho. Hayter got a near fall on Storm, who took the ref to allow Soho to spray paint Hayter in the eyes and Storm hit Sweet Cheek Music for two. Hikaru Shida hit the ring with her kendo stick as she & Soho brawled ringside.
Hayter sent Storm into the exposed buckle and hit Hayter-ade, but it was with the bad arm, so Hayter couldn’t follow up immediately, thus getting a two count. Hayter tried another one, but was sent super awkwardly into the exposed buckle herself and Storm hit Storm Zero to win the title.
**********
House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews w/Julia Hart) defeated The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) & Daddy Ass to retain the AEW Trios Titles in an Open House Match
(This was another strong title defense by the House of Black, who really kept Bowens isolated for a long stretch of this match. The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass put up a good fight, but the House of Black is on a whole other level right now.)
Caster’s rap compared King to someone on RuPaul’s Drag Race and also said Matthews was being cucked by a kid named Dominick, which was a great line. Caster said they didn’t need a Dealer’s Choice option for this match, so I guess that stip is out the window. An evenly matched opening sequence led to Bowens & Black both sitting criss cross until Matthews made the tag and went after the arm. Caster was able to get the tag and hit a back suplex on the side of the apron for two. Caster & Black collided as King made the tag and leveled Caster with a lariat. The Acclaimed were able to fight off Black in their corner and tried Scissor Me Timbers, which Black countered into a leg lock.
Caster & Gunn were beaten up on the floor, as King hit a charging cross body against the barricade on Gunn. Bowens tried fighting back with a fireman’s carry into a neckbreaker on the knee, but it was the bad wheel and Bowens collapsed. With Caster & Gunn down, there was no one to tag, as Black locked in another leg lock, tagged Matthews, who hit a Meteora. King connected with a senton and Taz said it was like a bathtub falling on you in a perfect description. Bowens was isolated for quite a long time until he fought off Dante’s Inferno, low bridged King, sent Matthews & Black outside, finally hitting Matthews with a thrust kick to make the Gunn hot tag.
Gunn ran wild with splashes; tilt a whirl slam and the old One and Only finisher on Black before dropping King on his head with a Fame Asser. Matthews ate a Fame Asser through the ropes, but as Gunn turned around, Black hit his Black Mass spin kick to win it.
**********
Jade Cargill (w/Leila Grey & Mark Sterling) defeated Taya Valkyrie to retain the TBS Title
(The champ remains undefeated for the time being and I thought this match blew their first one out of the water, mainly because there wasn’t a silly stipulation added to it.)
Cargill danced to the ring with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, her sorority as we saw Jade’s partner Brandon Phillips ringside, who got mentioned by commentary. Valkyrie and Cargill had an early face off with Valkyrie getting the upper hand with a sliding lariat. Cargill tried to regroup with Mark Sterling, but he was flattened by a diving Valkyrie off the top. That allowed Cargill to clock Valkyrie with a pump kick to gain control. Valkyrie battled back momentarily with a sliding German suplex through the ropes, but Cargill responded with a suplex on the floor. Back inside, Cargill planted Valkyrie with a nice spinebuster for a near fall and draped Valkyrie throat first over the barricade outside.
Valkyrie battled back with a series of lariats in the ring, but Cargill did the same with short arm lariats of her own. Cargill went for a sleeper, but Valkyrie quickly countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cargill attempted a springboard attack, but Valkyrie hit a double knee right to the sternum, almost a lungblower variation. Valkyrie tied up Cargill’s legs and hit a nasty Curb Stomp for two as Grey jumped on the apron and immediately kicked to the floor. Valkyrie connected with a Spear and Road to Valhalla, but Cargill managed a kick out, which really shocked the fans. Valkyrie went for another attack, but Cargill kicked her in the face and hit Jaded to get the win and go 60-0.
Post match, Mark Sterling said Cargill will defend the title anytime, anywhere, but there is no one left. Kris Statlander made her return to a huge reaction, as this is apparently an official match.
Kris Statlander defeated Jade Cargill to win the TBS Title
Cargill missed a pump kick, as Statlander hit a roundhouse kick, corner charge with a knee lift and attempted a stalling vertical suplex, which Cargill escaped. Cargill hit a pump kick, tried Jaded, but Statlander reversed into Night Fever to win the title, as the crowd is going insane as confetti pours down. Statlander signed that mama is home as this was quite the return for Statlander, who has battled so many injuries to finally get to this moment.
**********
The AEW Title 4 Way is next and during Sammy Guevara’s entrance, he brought out cue cards along with Tay Melo and we learn Tay is pregnant, so congratulations to the Guevara’s as Tay kissed her husband before he went to the ring.
Darby Allin’s entrance was Allin interrupting a wedding ceremony put on by an Elvis impersonator. Allin beat up someone with a MJF mask on as Allin & The King taped up the guy, as Allin rode into the arena wearing an Elvis jumpsuit, which is half skeleton painted. This is quite the visual and I certainly wasn’t expecting to type that line tonight, even in Vegas.
MJF was lowered on a throne and welcomed by harem of women lined up down the ramp. This repulsed Tony Schiavone.
Meanwhile, Jungle Boy Jack got his standard entrance first and I feel bad there wasn’t any crazy over the top stuff for him.
MJF defeated Jungle Boy Jack Perry, Darby Allin & Sammy Guevara to retain the AEW World Title
(I’m fully aware I wrote a lot about this match, that’s because a whole hell of a lot went into this four way. Many of us correctly assumed who would win, but the false finishes and huge moments in this match were fantastic. All four of these men knocked it out of the park and the crowd was really into it. I thought this was phenomenal.)
MJF took an early powder saying this was on his time, but was quickly beaten up to the floor as Guevara, Perry & Allin all went at it, kipping up at the same time. Perry did a double springboard arm drag to send Allin & Guevara to the outside, but MJF turned Perry inside out with a lariat. MJF teased a dive, but opted for a Fargo Strut and Rick Rude hip swivel. Allin hit a dive on MJF on the floor, as Perry followed up with three dives in succession of his own. This left Guevara, who hit his wild Shooting Star Press to the floor. Tower of Doom spot led to everyone just mowing down MJF. Perry got a two count off a Poison Rana on Guevara, while Allin hit full steam corner charges on Perry & MJF, who hit a float over stunner and side headlock on MJF for two to follow up that story.
Guevara flipped off the apron to the floor, landed on his feet, caught Perry with a thrust kick and laid out Allin with a cutter mid dive. Guevara laid out MJF with a standing Spanish Fly and top rope Frog Splash, but MJF kicked out to chants for Sammy from the crowd. MJF stacked Guevara with a powerbomb and nearly got a side headlock on Allin, followed by dropping Allin right on his head with a driver for two. MJF spat on Allin as all four men started hitting high impact moves leading to a quadruple down. Allin, Guevara & Perry all hit moves by their mentors, a Scorpion Death Drop, Code Breaker & Killswitch leading to MJF hitting Cross Rhodes for a two count on Perry.
MJF took the microphone and said he saw the cue cards, Guevara needs the money. Guevara said he’ll lie down and take the money, as he laid down, only to roll up MJF for two. MJF blocked the GTH, tried Salt of the Earth, but Guevara countered into Walls of Jericho. Perry went to break it up, but Allin sank in a Scorpion Death Drop. MJF was going to tap, but Perry stopped him. All four pillars had submissions applied at the same time before MJF broke things up first. This led to three Destroyers in a row, as Perry used Guevara & Allin’s backs as launch pads to hit a perfect Destroyer on MJF for two. Perry hit a Tiger Driver on Guevara, but Allin launched Perry into the barricade, got a head start and tackled both Perry & MJF into the crowd.
Guevara cut off Allin climbing the ropes and hit a Spanish Fly onto MJF & Perry on the floor to loud Holy Sh*t chants. With everyone back inside, all four men slugged it out with chops and forearms until MJF eye poked all three. Guevara answered with his springboard cutter, Allin with a Code Red and Perry charging forearm on MJF as all three took turns trying to get the pin. A crazy series of innovative near falls brought the fans to their feet until Guevara spiked Perry with an Implant DDT, Allin hit another Code Red, went for a Coffin Drop, but MJF crotched him. MJF hit a perfect Blonde Bombshell powerbomb off the top as tribute to Chris Candido, but Allin kicked out.
Guevara connected with a Cutter off the ropes on Perry, who rolled to the floor, as MJF hit a low blow on Guevara and pulled out the Diamond Ring. Allin smacked MJF in the back with a skateboard and demolished him with a Coffin Drop, applied a side headlock, but Perry broke up the pin. Perry & Allin collided in the middle, as MJF tried to hit Perry with the AEW Title, as Guevara tackled MJF to the outside. Perry was left holding the title, debated hitting Allin with it and threw it away to boos from the crowd and nearly got rolled up as a result. Guevara hit GTH on Perry, but was launched outside by Allin, who hit a Coffin Drop, only for MJF to put the title on Perry prior to it happening. MJF rolled up Allin with a side headlock to get the win.
**********
The Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) defeated The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks & Hangman Adam Page) in Anarchy in the Arena
(This was wild, chaotic, insane, quite fittingly, pure anarchy. With the way the finish was set up and the turn that happened, it’s no surprise this went on last. It looks like The Elite are outnumbered once again and I don’t know if this is who will help them, but it certainly would be great if Omega turned to a Golden Lover to help even the odds. No matter who they get to help them, a lot of matches are still left to be had in this feud.)
Violent Idols sang Wild Thing on the stage as The Elite met the BCC in stands while the band kept playing. Nick & Yuta, Matt & Castagnoli, Page & Danielson and Omega & Moxley are all paired off as Don Callis has joined the broadcast table. Referee Rick Knox was clobbered ringside and is the first person to bleed in this match. Page laid out Danielson with a Buckshot Lariat and took off the eye patch, throwing it to Danielson and stalked him down with a screwdriver before Yuta chop blocked him. Page was beaten down 4 on 1 until The Bucks & Omega made the save and The Elite poured down punches in all four corners followed by superkicks. Quadruple Tope Suicidas by The Elite as Moxley is bleeding now, which, of course he is, it’d be weird if he didn’t.
The match spilled up the ramp, as The Bucks laid out the lead singer of Violent Idols to stop the music. The Bucks both dove off the ramp onto Castagnoli & Yuta while back in the ring Omega & Moxley beat each other up with parts of the announce table. Matt Jackson hit rolling Northern Lights suplexes on Yuta down the ramp before Nick leapt both of them onto Castagnoli. Yuta was powerbombed on the edge of the ring while Moxley was beaten up by Omega & Page until Page accidentally booted Omega. Castanoli & Matt fought into the stands, as Moxley launched Omega into a giant poker chip, which was a cool call back to the first Double or Nothing. There’s a poker chip covered in barbed wire, and Moxley hit a snap suplex on Omega into it.
On one side of the screen Moxley was stabbing Omega with a fork, while the other side Castagnoli was doing a Giant Swing in the concessions area on Matt. Moxley had a sleeper on Omega, who fell back onto the barbed wire. Nick Jackson & Page are also bleeding now as The BCC are taking turns picking apart Page while Castagnoli & Matt fought outside of the building. Moxley hit a brainbuster on a chair on Nick, while Danielson somehow found a leaf blower to bring in the ring. Page was able to hit Dead Eye on Moxley on the apron, as Omega, wearing Captain America trunks, started wielding a trash can lid like a shield before Castagnoli stopped him.
Nick made a comeback until Moxley hit a King Kong lariat and piledriver for two. Nick was locked in a Boston Crab and Crossface by Moxley & Yuta until Matt limped to the ring after being piledrove in a bed of a pickup truck. Matt hit an exploding superkick on Moxley, you read that right, as Page hit a Buckshot on Yuta. Matt had his shoe taken off, as Moxley brought in thumbtacks and dropped Matt barefoot onto them before hitting a Death Rider. Nick tried to save his brother, but was hit with a Cutter into the tacks. Castagnoli tried a Ricola Bomb on Omega, who floated through with a V-Trigger. Danielson charged in with Busiaku Knees on both Omega and Page before The BCC hit stereo anvil elbows on The Elite.
Matt had tacks placed in his mouth and Castagnoli uppercut them right out, as Yuta hit a German suplex for two. Omega & Page rose up, realized they are outnumbered, but fought off the challengers until Page hit Danielson with Dead Eye and Omega with One Winged Angel, but Yuta made the save. Omega & Page hit rolling offense on Yuta, as Page & Omega wanted double Buckshots, but Callis handed Yuta a screwdriver and Page was hit. Callis was about to be laid out by Omega when a masked man laid him out with a flying knee. It was revealed to be Konosuke Takeshita as Yuta got the seatbelt pin on Omega to win it.
Post match, Callis took his belt off and choked out Omega with The BCC & Takeshita standing tall as Castagnoli raised Yuta on his shoulders with Moxley & Danielson posing in the corners to end the show. Excalibur questions if Takeshita & Callis are members of the BCC and Taz said it certainly looks like it.
This past week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, before Monday’s Raw.
Tegan Nox defeated Dana Brooke (5:19)
Hershey did not care about this one bit. A disinterested crowd made for a really underwhelming match.
Nox appeared on Main Event last week in a losing effort to Nikki Cross. Here, she worked well with Brooke who is pretty much on this show every week holding the hand of a newcomer to the main roster.
They were fairly even until Nox laid on the apron, grabbed Brooke’s hair, and choked her using the top rope. She then started to dominate. The crowd liked Nox’s cannonball to the corner where she pretty much hit Brooke butt-first to the chest which got an audible ‘ooh.’
Brooke rallied with a flapjack and bulldog before launching Nox onto her shoulders. Nox worked her way out and then very obviously used the ropes to help her roll Brooke up and snatch the win.
The camera angle made it look pretty terrible as the ref should clearly have seen the infraction, but it was good for Nox to get a win rather than Brooke going over every week.
Nikki Cross defeated Emma (8:07)
This was OK but went far too long. With a crowd that sat on their hands like this, they should have shaved a couple of minutes off the time and got through their stuff much more quickly.
There’s something about the way that Emma throws clotheslines and strikes that just doesn’t look good. It’s like she isn’t really committed and thus, her offense just looks a bit fake. There were quite a few here in this one, but the crowd did at least rally behind Cross in the end to bring the match to life.
The finish ought to have been when Cross came off the top rope to hit a crossbody, but Emma ducked it and hit her with a superkick. Cross kicking out made her look strong, but didn’t do anything for Emma who has had only one TV win since she returned to the company.
The actual finish was one they do far too often: someone misses a charge to the corner and gets rolled up or hit with a finisher for the win. Cross dodged out the way of Emma, nailed her with the swinging neckbreaker, and Hershey got to their feet to applaud her. Well, some of them did.
Final Thoughts:
A dead crowd made this a tough watch this week. They need to bring back some quick tag matches or Akira Tozawa and Mustafa Ali if they want to warm up a Raw crowd on a Monday night, because with the greatest respect to the matches this week, that’s not going to get it done.
NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors 30 finals take place today at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.
B Block winner Master Wato will take on the winner of A Block, CMLL’s Titan in the main event. Both scored upset victories in the semifinals show on Friday to punch their tickets to the finals.
Oleg and Leube opened the match with an intense sequence before the Yuto helped the youngest team take full advantage. They also did a decent job at holding back Makabe early on. Eventually, Makabe turned things around, landing a leaping knee from the top rope to pin Yuto.
Clark Connors defeated Ryohei Oiwa
This was another good, to the point match.
This match quickly spilled to the floor, where Connors drove Oiwa into the ring post. Back in the ring, Connors maintained his lead until a well-timed dropkick from Oiwa turned the match around. Oiwa held the lead before a pair of spears ended any advances he made. Connor ended the match with a DDT.
After the match, Connors destroyed Oiwa with a chair.
Eagles and Rush opened with a quick exchange before passing the match off to YOH and Fujita. YOH and Rush were able to single out Fujita to establish an early lead.
Eventually, Eagles received a hot tag. Rush tried his best to maintain his team’s lead, landing a big tope to the floor, but Eagles continued to advance, forcing YOH to hit the ring and resulting in a match reset.
Fujita tried taking on Rush, but Rush fought through, landing final hour to win the match for his team.
United Empire (Aaron Henare, Dan Moloney, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan & TJP) defeated TenKoji (Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima), Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA) & Yuji Nagata
The match opened with a few one-on-one sequences before UE worked to isolate Knight. Once the tag came, Kojima reversed the momentum of the match, leading to a few more one-on-one exchanges.
Ultimately, Henare hit Tenzan with streets of rage to win the match.
No Contest: CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI) vs. House Of Torture (EVIL, SHO & Yujiro Takahashi)
HOT opened the match by rushing the CHAOS trio. CHAOS held on through the initial onslaught to gain the first lead, but a trip from Dick Togo allowed HOT to take a full lead.
After an extended period of HOT control, Yano tagged in and began removing turnbuckle pads. This backfired when he was whipped into the exposed corner, only furthering HOT’s control.
Eventually, YH tagged in and turned the match around. He secured a butterfly lock, which seemed to mark the end of the match. Instead, EVIL and Yujiro dragged Arron Henare and Great O-Khan into the ring and started attacking them. The United Empire pair fought back, resulting in a no contest.
Okada vs. defiant younglings continues to be the best feud in wrestling.
Taguchi tried starting the match, but Umino only wanted Okada. Once the veteran squad refused, the match opened with a typical exchange.
Eventually, rivals Desperado and Ishii came to blows. Desperado maintained a strong footing for his team, leading into a match breakdown.
Umino and Okada traded a few moves in a period of chaos before Umino tried to take on Tanahashi. Okada interrupted Umino’s advance, taking Umino to the floor, where he dropped him with a DDT.
Ultimately, Umino put Okada on the back foot, prompting Narita to tag himself in. Okada was able to fight off Narita before tagging in Taguchi. A match breakdown followed.
In the brawl, Umino threw a table at Okada, leaving Narita alone in the ring with Taguchi. Narita secured a cobra twist and forced Taguchi to submit, winning the match for his team.
After the match, Desperado and Bailey traded a couple of strikes.
Umino cut a promo where he called out the trios champions. Umino announced his partners for Dominion were Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley.
Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito) defeated Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
LIJ started the match by rushing J5G. J5G withstood the initial onslaught and turned the match in their favor early. Even though a second LIJ rush, J5G maintained a lead.
The third LIJ rush allowed Naito to take a bit of a lead over DOUKI. When J5G hit the ring to fight off LIJ, LIJ won out. Naito hit DOUKI with Destino and won the match.
BOSJ Final: Master Wato defeated Titan
Early on, the pair seemed to be on even footing. Wato scored a dive to the floor to establish the first lead. Dropkicks to the leg of Wato allowed Titan to turn the match around, at least for a moment, but a second dive to the floor left Wato back in control.
Titan threw Wato to the floor before landing a springboard flip to put Wato on the back foot; a second dive moments later only furthered this lead.
Back in the ring, the pair traded strikes before a bomb left Wato ahead once again. Wato tried for a submission, but Titan found the ropes and landed a DDT moments later to retake the lead.
Titan tried for a corner dropkick but overshot and crashed to the floor. Titan was quick to recover, landing a double foot stomp moments later before securing a leglock; Wato escaped with the rope.
Wato hit a sudden suplex to reset the match and score a near fall. Titan responded with la mistica for a near fall of his own. Titan then landed a second foot stomp, this time from the top rope, and again, Wato kicked out.
After hanging on, Wato hit another suplex. Wato then landed Recientemente and pinned Titan to win BOSJ.
After the match, Wato and Hiromu shared the ring to set up their future title match.
The final stop before Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view has arrived with Friday’s AEW Rampage — back in its normal time slot due to how the NHL playoff schedule has worked out.
The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn will be in action against Rush, Dralistico & Preston Vance in a bout that might play into an AEW Trios title shot Sunday.
Former AEW Women’s Champions Britt Baker & Hikaru Shida will team up to take on former AEW Women’s Champion Nyla Rose & Marina Shafir.
Ahead of their challenge of The Hardys & Brother Zay Sunday for Ethan Page’s contract, Page and former AEW Tag Team Champions The Gunns will be in trios action.
In a preview of Sunday’s 21-man Blackjack battle royal for the AEW International title, Lee Moriarty & Big Bill will battle Best Friends (Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor).
The pre-show matches for Sunday’s PPV are also expected to be announced.
**********
Taped in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jim Ross, Chris Jericho, Tony Schiavone and Excalibur were on commentary.
The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn defeated Rush, Dralistico & Preston Vance (w/ Jose the Assistant) (9:38)
Max Caster gave his chain to a young fan at ringside. It’s always a solid babyface move to make nice with the youngsters. Bowens and Dralistico started out by exchanging chops in the corner. Dralistico hit a nice step-up rana, but Bowens came back with a Fameasser. During the match, it was announced that the House of Black will have an open challenge for the World Trios titles at Double or Nothing Sunday. 59 year old Billy Gunn manhandled Preston Vance with a fallaway slam. The match broke down into a six way brawl on the floor. The heels triple teamed Caster back in the ring,
The heels dominated throughout the split screen break. Caster took punishment from the heels in the corner while Rush taunted the fans. Billy Gunn got the hot tag and sent Rush to the floor with a clothesline. Rush sold more for Billy Gunn that he did for Jack Perry.
Gunn got a near fall on Vance with a Fameasser, but Jose put Vance’s foot on the ropes to break up the cover. Gunn and Bowens pulled Jose in the ring and hit him with Scissor Me Timbers. Rush came back to take out Gunn. Dralistico came in with a springboard codebreaker, but Bowens hit him with the Arrival, and Caster hit the mic drop to get the pinfall.
After the mic, Bowens grabbed the house mic and more or less challenged AEW Trios Champions House of Black for Sunday.
Later, it was announced that the AEW Trios Champions will defend the titles in an open challenge under their house rules.
Ethan Page & The Gunn Club defeated Frescomatic, Watson & Jeaux Braxton (2:34)
The Firm Deletion should have been the end of this thing with Page and Matt Hardy. Isaiah Kassidy is out of the six-man for Sunday after getting Pillmanized last week. This was a complete squash. I’m not even sure the enhancement team got an introduction. Page hit an Iconoclasm on Watson and the Gunns hit the 3:10 to Yuma to get the pinfall.
After the match, Page gloated about taking Kassidy out. Kassidy came out with a neck brace. He’s not cleared, but he found a replacement… Hook. The Hardys and their new partner run Page and the Gunns off. This six man is for the Buy In.
– Lexi Nair interviewed Dustin Rhodes and Keith Lee about the Blackjack Battle Royal. Rhodes promised he and Lee would eliminate Swerve Strickland and Brian Cage, then eliminate everyone else, all for the International Title.
A battle royal for a shot at the title would make more sense than Cassidy defending the title in the battle royal.
Baker and Jericho (at the commentary desk) exchanged dirty looks on Britt’s way to the ring. This was the typical Rampage women’s match where over two minutes of the heels getting heat on the babyface (in this case Baker) during the split-screen break.
After the commercial, Rose missed a dive in the corner and Shafir missed a kick, which allowed Shida to get the hot tag. Shida dominated Shafir and hit a dropkick off the top for a near fall. Baker gave Shafir a neckbreaker and went for a cover, but Rose broke it up by slamming Shida onto Baker. Baker and Shida dumped Rose to the floor. Baker went for the Lockjaw, but Shafir countered with a judo throw and both women struggled on the mat. Shida hit a spin kick on Shafir and Baker maneuvered her into the lockjaw to get the pinfall.
After the match, the big screen in the arena showed the Outcasts standing over an injured Jamie Hayer, who was clutching her arm.
Lee Moriarty & Big Bill defeated Best Friends (Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor) (10:41)
Orange Cassidy will make his 23rd defense of the International Title in the Blackjack Battle Royal. Not for nothing, but 23 is a bust in blackjack. Also, what kind of friends are Beretta and Taylor to take advantage of Orange Cassidy by participating in this match?
The commentators put over Big Bill’s size and strength. The Best Friends gave Moriarty a delayed vertical suplex, and Bill stormed in with a double clothesline. Bill clotheslined Taylor to the floor, then whipped Beretta over the turnbuckle and to the floor.
After the split-screen break, Beretta hit a pair of suplexes on Moriarty, but Bill cut him off with a chokeslam on the ring apron. Many of the other participants in the Blackjack Battle Royal were shown watching in the audience. Well at least we know they didn’t have to pay for tickets. Bill missed a splash in the corner, and the Best Friends hit the Soul Food/Half-and-Half. Then the Best Friends had to give the people what they want!
The Best Friends tried to hit the Strong Zero on Bill, but he powered out and took down Beretta with a spinning Boss Man slam. Bill went to the middle rope for a double team, but Taylor sent Moriarty into Bill. The Best Friends hit Bill with a massive superplex, but Bill kicked out at two. Taylor set up Bill for a piledriver, but Moriarty broke it up. Taylor hit Moriarty with a stuff piledriver. Bill hit Taylor with a big boot, then gave Taylor a chokeslam and got the pinfall. Great showcase for Bill, who looked real strong. Hopefully they don’t forget about him for six months.
After the match, Bill got into Bandido’s face at ringside, and Bandido jumped over the guardrail, starting a brawl between all the battle royal participants around ringside. The intention was there, but it felt like a perfunctory brawl that made me less excited for the match. Orange Cassidy ran in to help the Best Friends, but really just posed there with his belt. Brian Cage, Keith Lee and Dustin Rhodes, and finally Swerve Strickland all made entrances to join the fight, although Strickland turned around and left once he saw Lee coming for him.
Final Thoughts:
This show didn’t really do much to get me excited for the pay-per-view Sunday.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa will appear on The KO Show as part of tonight’s taped episode of WWE SmackDown from Columbia, South Carolina.
Reigns, Sikoa, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn will have their final face-to-face encounter before squaring off for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles at Saturday’s Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
SmackDown will also feature United States Champion Austin Theory defending his title against Sheamus after he confronted Theory last week.
Raquel Rodriguez will team with Shotzi to square off against Damage CTRL’s Bayley and IYO SKY. Shotzi is replacing Liv Morgan as Rodriguez’s partner due to an an injury Morgan suffered that forced she and Rodriguez to relinquish the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles.
AJ Styles takes on Karrion Kross after Scarlett was shown with a tarot card featuring Styles on it last week. Styles takes on Seth Rollins Saturday to determine the inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in, reminding viewers that Night of Champions is Saturday. Wade Barrett hopped in and, along with Cole, ran down some of the card for the night. Sheamus’s music hit and we went to the ring.
Austin Theory defeated Sheamus to retain the United States Championship [12:12]
This was a good opening match that packed more of a punch than I thought it would, considering the live crowd had already sat through an entire SmackDown before this. It looks like the Pretty Deadly/Brawling Brutes match from last week kicked off a program between the teams, which could end up being a nice little tag story. Meanwhile, this gave Sheamus an out for the loss, so my guess is they run this back sooner than later. All around, a good effort from both guys here. Sheamus still has it after all these years.
The two locked up to begin the match with Sheamus getting the best of Theory at first. Things turned around after Theory hit a rolling dropkick and went for 10 Beats, but Sheamus fought out of it until Theory ran Sheamus into the ring post and slammed Sheamus on the apron. The show then went to its first commercial break of the night.
Back from break, Theory was pounding on Sheamus’s back inside the ring. Theory went for a couple pin attempts, but Sheamus kicked out both times at one. Theory landed a rolling Blockbuster for a two-count. Theory toyed with Sheamus, which only fired Sheamus up. Sheamus hit the Irish Curse backbreaker for a two-count. Sheamus landed a wild powerslam for another two-count.
Sheamus had theory on his back and climbed to the second rope, but Theory fought out and pounded on Sheamus’s back again. Theory lifted Sheamus and slammed Sheamus for a two-count. Theory went for a rolling Blockbuster, but was met with a knee from Sheamus. Sheamus teased 10 beats, but Theory kicked his way out of it and picked up a chair for the DQ, but Ridge Holland took the chair away from him. Sheamus then commenced the 10 Beats, which turned into 25 Beats.
Out of nowhere, Pretty Deadly showed up and attacked the Brawling Brutes on the outside of the ring. They climbed onto the apron and got Sheamus’s attention, which amounted in Theory rolling Sheamus up for the win.
**********
– We got a backstage segment with the Bloodline. It turns out, Roman Reigns is going to celebrate 1,000 days as champion next week, and he wants the whole family there. Jimmy Uso was told to sit down via Roman and Jimmy didn’t obey him. As a result, the two had a tense moment. Roman dared Jimmy to do something, but the two simply had a stare down. Roman then kicked him out of the locker room and Jay followed his brother.
The story of friction in Damage CTRL continues and you have to wonder how long Sky and Bayley have, considering Dakota Kai’s injury, which will keep her out for quite a while. It feels like the faction’s days are numbered and the last thing I thought might happen was those two losing to the makeshift tag team of Raquel and Shotzi here. The match itself was little more than just OK. The final sequence felt more confusing than anything, but perhaps this means Raquel and Shotzi have momentum going into the women’s tag title match. And perhaps that means they’ll lose.
Raquel and Bayley began the match but Sky tagged in quickly. Before long, all four women brawled in the ring with the action spilling outside, where Shotzi landed a suicide dive on both Sky and Bayley. Back in the ring, Shotzi covered Sky for a two-count. Raquel tagged in and went for a chokeslam on Sky, but Bayley had tagged in and took back control for Damage CTRL.
Both Sky and Bayley tried to control Raquel, but Raquel ultimately got the hot tag to Shotzi, who worked over Bayley with a bulldog, a right hand and a kick. Shotzi suplexed Bayley and hit a splash on Bayley, who was draped over the second rope, for a two-count. Sky tagged in and, along with Bayley, kicked Shotzi’s head. Shotzi came back with a suplex and pinned Sky, but Bayley broke it up.
Raquel tagged in and lifted Sky, who worked out of it and drove Raquel’s head into the turnbuckle. Raquel came back to drive Sky into a corner. Bayley tagged in, and in a weird sequence, Sky came off the top to take out Shotzi, but Raquel sat down on Bayley for the pinfall.
**********
– A condensed version of the Seth Rollins interviews on Raw aired in a package. An AJ Styles video package aired as well to even things out.
**********
– A Grayson Waller highlight package aired after Hit Row made their entrance.
A pretty basic, predictable match. We haven’t seen Hit Row in a little bit and Grimes is going … well … to the moon. At least for now. It appears he’ll be working with Baron Corbin in the immediate future, and there are worse heels he could work with as he gets acquainted with the main roster. As for this match, it was fine for what it was, which wasn’t much.
Grimes had a picture-in-picture promo from backstage before the match started. Grimes came out firing on all cylinders to start the match. Top Dolla stopped Grimes’s momentum by grabbing Grimes’s foot. Ashante took advantage of that interference and hit Grimes with a series of moves. Grimes eventually yelled “To the moon” and hit the Cave In for the win. After the match, Baron Corbin briefly attacked Grimes in the entrance way.
**********
– Bianca Belair made her entrance and had a microphone with her in the ring. Belair talked about how she’s going to defend her title against Asuka at Night of Champions. Belair spoke about “how good it feels to be your Raw Women’s Champion” … on SmackDown. Anyway, Belair talked about how Asuka humiliated Belair in Belair’s hometown a couple weeks ago. Belair said she’s going to give Asuka a fight, which was enough to cue Asuka’s music. Asuka attacked Belair from behind and sunk in an arm-bar on Belair until officials broke it up. Those same officials broke up an attempted KOD from Belair.
**********
LA Knight defeated Rick Boogs [3:19]
It’s good to see Knight finally get some TV time. It’s not much, but the crowd continues to be behind him and maybe this will lead to something more. The match was basic, but Boogs showed impressive strength. I mean, lean into the gimmick, right? Perhaps we’ll get something between Knight and the Profits at Night of Champions this weekend.
The Street Profits made their entrance before the match began and joined on commentary. The action in the match quickly spilled outside, where Boogs had control and dropped Knight on the commentary table. The Profits were pumped. Back inside the ring, Knight worked over Boogs until Boogs threw Knight into a corner. Knight came right back with a bunch of kicks and a running knee on Boogs.
Knight worked a front face-lock, but Boogs threw Knight away. Boogs fired up, but Knight hit some right hands and kicks to the midsection. It didn’t really matter because Boogs manhandled Knight and tossed him across the ring. Boogs lifted Knight, but Knight raked the eyes and hit the BFT for the win. After the match, Knight got a microphone and confronted the Street Profits, calling them “five dollar asses.” Knight ended the segment by throwing the microphone at the Profits.
**********
AJ Styles defeated Karrion Kross [9:27]
Kross worked hard here and you have to admire that. He seems to be in WWE purgatory, which depending on your perspective can be a great thing or a not-so-great thing. There was little debate about who would come out on top, if only because Styles is wrestling for the World Heavyweight Title on Saturday, but that didn’t mean this wasn’t a good match. The wrestlers did good with the cards they had (pun intended, Mr. Kross), and I’m curious to see if we’ll get a Michin/Scarlett story here sooner than later. Either way, this was as good as it could be, considering the circumstances.
Kross had control early on in what would have been a great match in Impact at some point, had it been possible. These days, the hair is much longer. Styles tried to fight back at one point, but Scarlett cut Styles off by grabbing his foot when Styles was on the apron and therefore, Kross kicked Styles off the apron. Michin responded by coming to ringside to even the score and she ultimately chased Scarlett to the back.
Kross kept control and worked a chin-lock on Styles until Styles fought his way out with chops, punches and an enziguri. Styles lifted Kross, but Kross got out of it. No matter because Styles hit a running forearm and a makeshift backbreaker for a two-count. Styles went for a tornado DDT, but Kross countered with a pair of suplexes for a two-count. Kross went for a KrossHammer, but Styles ducked it and went for a Styles Clash, but Kross pushed Styles away. Styles settled for a Phenomenal Forearm, which got him the win. Styles was interviewed after the match backstage and Styles said Seth Rollins can’t beat Phenomenal, referring to his match at Night of Champions.
**********
Next week, Roman Reigns will celebrate 1,000 days as champion. Also, Zelina Vega and Lacey Evans will face off in a women’s Money In The Bank qualifying match. Also, Montez Ford and LA Knight will compete in a men’s Money In The Bank qualifying match.
The KO Show segment
Owens began the segment by welcoming in Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. From there, we heard Paul Heyman’s voice and Heyman walked out to tell everyone that the Tribal Chief just doesn’t come out when people say he comes out. Heyman also said there is no booing when Heyman has the microphone, which was pretty funny. As Heyman was talking, the Usos music hit and the Usos came out, walking past Heyman toward the ring.
Jey yelled at Sami, and Sami tried to respond, but Owens cut Zayn off, saying Owens knew Reigns wouldn’t come out anyway. Owens said he wanted to talk to the Usos anyway. Owens explained that Zayn still cares about the Usos, but Owens doesn’t get it. Owens said he he hopes to get through to the Usos, and Zayn has been right about everything the whole time. Owens said the Usos are the heart of the table, whereas Reigns is the head of the table. Owens said Reigns treats the Usos like they are expendable.
Owens called the Usos the greatest tag team in the history of WWE. He then said they are Reigns’s errand boys. Jimmy responded by saying he is the tribal chief and Heyman sold the hell out of that. Wouldn’t you know it … Roman Reigns’s music hit and Heyman looked concerned. Reigns walked out alone and with purpose. Reigns took the mic from Jey and threw it. He then confronted Jimmy with a long stare and threw his microphone, too.
Zayn interrupted and told Roman it’s over. Zayn said the Bloodline is collapsing and it’s all Roman’s fault. Roman then slapped the microphone out of Zayn’s hand. Owens responded by giving Reigns a Stunner. The Usos and Zayn/Owens then brawled. Solo Sikoa ran to the ring and laid out Zayn and Owens. Reigns flipped out and speared Zayn. The Usos climbed back into the ring and held the tag belts. Jey gave the belts to Sikoa while Jimmy held his longer than expected. Jey took them and gave the belts to Roman. Roman held both sets of tag belts as the family posed … except for Jimmy, who took exception in a corner. While holding both sets of tag belts, Roman talked to the camera as the show ended.
