Tag: dante chen

TNA Impact live results: Ultimate X qualifying matches begin

Posted on by Matt Boone

Two three-way qualifying matches for entry into the Ultimate X match at Emergence begin tonight on TNA Impact.

In one, WWE NXT’s Dante Chen will make his promotional debut as he battles KC Navarro and Zachary Wentz of The Rascalz. In the other, X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey takes on Trent Seven and Jake Something. If Bailey loses, he will vacate the title and it will be put up for grabs in the Ultimate X match.

Tonight’s show will also feature another open challenge by Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace.

The man who appears everywhere in wrestling — Joe Hendry — will take on NXT’s Wolfgang of the Gallus faction.

Following last week’s disaster of a wedding between PCO and Steph De Lander due to the return of Matt Cardona, the fallout from the failed nuptials will be felt.

After a fairly unsuccessful Slammiversary that saw Moose lose his World title and Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers drop their Tag Team titles, The System will kick off the show to give the state of their group.

After turning on Joe Hendry during last month’s six-way for the World title at Slammiversary, Josh Alexander will attempt to explain his actions.

KUSHIDA vs. Jonathan Gresham rounds out the lineup.

**********

Steph De Lander Honeymoon Pt. I

Steph De Lander checks in to kick off this week’s show. She is holding black and red lingerie for her monster PCO and welcomes us to her honeymoon following their undead wedding last week.

The System Kick Off This Week’s Show

“Trust … The System” is the first thing we hear when we shoot inside the Impact Zone. Out comes JDC and The System in their red, white and blue gear. Alisha Edwards begins on the mic. “Do you wanna know something?” The fans loudly respond, “No!”

She says she’s so sick and tired of us stupid fans thinking that The System is failing. A “You suck! You suck!” chant breaks out as the raspy-voiced Alisha yells at the fans in Tampa to shut their collective mouths.

Eddie Edwards takes the mic next and claims he and Brian Myers losing the tag-team titles was nothing more than a fluke. He tells everyone in the back that they will do whatever it takes to get their belts back. Myers insists nothing has changed and that The System is still the best wrestling faction.

Another “You suck! You suck!” chant spreads throughout the Impact Zone as JDC begins his turn on the mic. He tells the fans to shut up once more before handing the mic off to Moose. Moose addresses Nic Nemeth. He says he might be the TNA World Champion at this moment, but he’ll never be the face of the franchise.

When the time is right, he claims he will come and get what his rightfully his, the TNA World Championship. Before then, he needs to address the lunatic Mike Santana telling people he’s afraid of him. Moose asks if Santana knows how many Hall of Famers he has on his resume.

Moose says Santana calls himself a dog. He says next week he’ll take that dog out back and give him the “Old Yeller” treatment. Why? Because in the end, “you always trust in The System.” Their theme hits again to wrap up the opening segment.

Backstage With Jonathan Gresham & KUSHIDA

Backstage, Jonathan Gresham is interviewed without his mask on. Gia Miller brings up his match against KUSHIDA tonight, which was originally set for TNA Slammiversary. She says she didn’t expect to see him like this without his mask on.

Gresham says he hasn’t been feeling well for a while. KUSHIDA comes in and doesn’t say anything. He looks at Gresham, extends his hand and then walks off. On that note, we head into a commercial break.

“Speedball” Mike Bailey (c) defeated Trent Seven & Jake Something to qualify for Ultimate X

When the show returns, we see the TNA digital exclusive where “Speedball” Mike Bailey is with Santino Marella. It is announced that if Bailey doesn’t win in the three-way Ultimate X match he is involved in tonight, he will vacate his TNA X-Division Championship.

Inside the Impact Zone, the theme for Trent Seven hits and out comes his Speedball Mountain tag-team partner for our first match of the evening. Jake Something heads to the ring next, followed by reigning TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

The commentators inform us that there are no disqualifications or count-outs in these qualifier matches. The bell sounds and this high stakes three-way qualifier bout gets started. Seven and Bailey shake hands at the onset. Fans immediately start chanting “Speedball! Speedball!”

Something and Seven scramble up and down from the mat, before Something is thrown out to the floor. Seven and Bailey mix it up and we see Seven end up on the floor as well. Bailey goes for a high spot to the floor and Something moves, causing Bailey to unintentionally take out Seven.

Back in the ring, Bailey and Something mix it up and end up in the ropes, where Bailey hits a modified poison-rana to bring Something up and over the ropes and out to the floor. Bailey launches himself onto Something, who catches him on the floor and by Bailey’s legs, swings him repeatedly into the ring apron.

Something power bombs Bailey on the apron and leaves him laying, before heading back into the ring and dominating the offense over Seven. Seven fights back and hoists Something up on his shoulders. Out of nowhere, Bailey leaps off the top-rope and dropkicks them both down.

Seven starts to fire up, and he blasts Bailey with a few powerful clotheslines for a two-count. Something hits a double shoulder block to knock both guys down. He continues to hit the ropes and run over the Speedball Mountain duo a few more times. He goes for a splash on Seven, but he gets his boot up.

Bailey hits a poisonrana. Seven hits a top-rope scoop-slam for a close two-count. Speedball Mountain both take turns chopping the hell out of Something. Seven hits a Seven-star lariat on Something, who doesn’t go down. He goes for another, but Something blocks it. Bailey hops on Something’s back.

With Bailey on his back, Something hits a power bomb on Seven and a back-splash to get Bailey off of him. Something hits a Void on Seven with Bailey at ringside. He goes for the cover, but Bailey breaks it up in time. Bailey hits a super kick and then a tornado kick in the corner. Bailey hits Ultimo Weapon off the top on Something for the win. He is the first to qualify for Ultimate X at TNA Emergence 2024.

Backstage With Tasha Steelz, Gisele Shaw & Santino Marella

Footage of Tasha Steelz vs. Gisele Shaw from TNA Xplosion is shown. We see Steelz cheat to win and then shoot backstage to a promo from Steelz. As Steelz boasts over her victory, Shaw confronts her.

Santino Marella comes in making cop siren sounds. He announces another match between the two with extra referees for next week to ensure no “extra shenanigans” take place this time. Steelz makes the Cardi B “Okurrrr (Okay)” noise to wrap things up.

Backstage With Hammerstone, Eric Young & Santino Marella

TNA Bound For Glory 2024 is announced for October 26 when we return. The location was not yet announced. Slow roll out for the announcement. Backstage, Hammerstone approaches Santino Marella. He says he wants in the Ultimate X.

Santino says it’s not about weight limits, it’s about no limits. He tells him he’s got it and walks off. Eric Young comes up and tells Hammerstone they have unfinished business.

KUSHIDA defeated Jonathan Gresham

Back inside the Impact Zone, KUSHIDA makes his way to the ring looking like Michael J. Fox in Back To The Future as always. He settles inside the ring and awaits the arrival of Jonathan Gresham.

“The Octopus” makes his way to the ring and is wrestling without the mask on. The bell sounds and off we go. Tom Hannifan explains how this was supposed to take place at TNA Slammiversary but didn’t due to Gresham’s travel issue.

Gresham tries to shake hands but KUSHIDA isn’t interested. Gresham and KUSHIDA lock-up and Gresham backs KUSHIDA into the corner. He gives him a clean break. KUSHIDA slaps on a side headlock and takes Gresham down to the mat.

We see Gresham get KUSHIDA’s back standing, and he pushes him into the ropes. Once again Gresham gives KUSHIDA a clean break. A very technical wrestling battle continues with these two applying holds and hitting reverses and counters.

A back-elbow by Gresham slows KUSHIDA down as Hannifan talks us into a mid-match commercial break. When the show returns, we see KUSHIDA get the Hooverboard Lock for the submission victory.

Backstage With ABC & “Speedball” Mike Bailey

TNA World Tag-Team Champions ABC are shown backstage. They talk about recapturing the tag-team titles. As they continue to talk, they are approached by TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

He thanks them for their help and then asks him to do him the honor of competing in Ultimate X Qualifying matches. Chris Bey and Ace Austin like the idea of possibly becoming double-champions. After this wraps up, the show heads into another commercial break.

Steph De Lander Honeymoon Pt. II

When the show returns, we see Steph De Lander in a hot tub from her honeymoon. She grabs her cell phone to call her monster. She gets his voicemail. She laughs it off and looks around, waiting for him.

Jordynne Grace (c) and Rosemary ends in No Contest in TNA Knockouts Championship Open Challenge

Inside the Impact Zone, the theme for Jordynne Grace hits. Out comes “The Juggernaut” for her latest TNA Knockouts Championship Open Challenge. She settles in the ring and waits to see who answers the call this week.

The lights go out and when they come back on, the theme for Rosemary hits. Out she comes from “The Undead Realm” to a decent crowd reaction. She settles in the ring with a bag and pulls out her giant butcher’s knife.

The bell sounds to get this one started as fans in Tampa break out in a “Rosemary! Rosemary!” chant. Rosemary gets Grace down early and screams and shrieks as she unloads on her with rights and lefts from back-mount. She gets an odd stretch on Grace under the bottom rope.

Grace starts to fight back. She connects with a huge super-plex off the top-rope and holds on after the landing. She picks Rosemary up for a powerful German suplex and then looks to try and finish her off.

Before she can, however, Ash By Elegance comes out and attacks them both with a pink kendo stick. The referee throws it out. After the match wraps up, the show heads into another commercial break.

TNA Bound For Glory 2024 Announcement

When the show returns, Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are shown on-camera at the commentary desk. Hannifan introduces the official promotional trailer for TNA Bound For Glory 2024, which confirms the show for October 26 at the Wayne State University Fieldhouse in Detroit, Michigan.

Josh Alexander Calls Out TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth

Back inside the Impact Zone, the theme for Josh Alexander hits and out comes “The Walking Weapon.” He gets on the mic as fans chant “You sold out!” and “You screwed Joe (Hendry)!” at him.

Alexander calls Hendry a meme and says he’s not a pro wrestler. He says he didn’t change, the fans did. This time a few weeks ago, they’d be chanting “Walking Weapon!” at him.

He continues to drone on, talking about how he was considered the heart and soul of TNA. He calls himself the best pro wrestler walking the planet. Whether you like him or not, you’ll have to get used to him.

Alexander calls out TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth. He says Nemeth boasted being a fighting champion and the face of TNA. He says TNA already has a face, and it is Josh Alexander. He says they’ll call him the same thing they did in WWE when he’s done with him. “A transitional champion.”

Nemeth comes out and doesn’t say a word. He simply walks up, hits him to get him to drop his guard and then blasts him with a super kick. He kneels down next to him on the mic and says, “I am a fighting champion. You want your match, you got it. Next week right here in Tampa, I will end you.”

When we return, Santino Marella is shown backstage. He makes it official. Nic Nemeth vs. Josh Alexander will take place for the TNA World Championship next Thursday night. Frankie Kazarian comes in and says this is his house, and in his house, “Daddy at first.”

Santino says when it’s his turn, he’ll get a title shot, but right now, “Daddy’s not even sitting at the table.” Kaz assures Santino he’ll get it one way or the other.

Zachary Wentz defeated KC Navarro and Dante Chen to qualify for Ultimate X

Back inside the Impact Zone, The Rascalz make their way out, as Zachary Wentz is part of the next three-way Ultimate X qualifier. As they settle in the ring, footage is shown from this week’s WWE NXT of Wes Lee attacking The Rascalz.

KC Navarro comes out next, followed by WWE NXT Superstar Dante Chen, and then the bell sounds to get this one officially off-and-running. It’s time to find out who joins “Speedball” Mike Bailey as the second participant in the returning Ultimate X match at TNA Emergence.

The three immediately take turns hitting arm-drags and sunset flips in a very fast-paced start to this Ultimate X qualifier. Navarro ends up in the early offensive lead, hitting back-to-back-to-back wild high spots in the ring and on the floor.

Navarro hits a tornado DDT on Chen for a close two-count, while Wentz recovers on the floor. Wentz fights his way back into the mic in the ring until Chen hits a modified double-noggin-knocker on Wentz and Navarro. Chen gets some offensive spotlight shine for a few moments.

Wentz takes over from there and hits his finisher for the pinfall victory. With the win, Zachary Wentz joins the field in the TNA X-Division Championship Ultimate X match at TNA Emergence. The commentators promote the main event coming up next as we head into another commercial break.

Steph De Lander Honeymoon Pt. III

We see an excited Steph De Lander in night wear laying in bed excited. “He’s almost here!” she says, as she waits on her new husband, PCO. Someone knocks at the door and she pops up happy. Matt Cardona is on the other side of the door.

De Lander wants nothing to do with him and pushes him out. Outside the room, we see PCO being held down. Cardona leans down in his face and tells him to stay away from his property, De Lander, and then stomps the back of his head.

Joe Hendry defeated Wolfgang

It’s main event time!

Hannifan and Rehwoldt show us highlights from WWE NXT of Joe Hendry’s recent match involving Gallus’s Joe Coffey. Back inside the Impact Zone, Gallus’ own Wolfgang from WWE NXT makes his way out and heads to the ring for our final match of the evening.

The catchy-ass entrance tune for Joe Hendry plays and the fans in the Impact Zone stomp, clap and sing along with him. He settles in the ring and his music dies down, but the “We Believe!” chants grow louder. He gets on the mic. “Say his name and he appears,” he begins as always.

Hendry tells Wolfgang it wasn’t so long ago that they were both back in Scotland trying to make names for themselves. He says it also wasn’t long ago that he showed up to his place of work and handled him. He brings up Gallus attacking him with a chair.

He says what’s interesting about that is that Mark and Joe Coffey isn’t here tonight. He says since it’s just them, he’s got something to say but he’s struggling to find the words. “I think it goes something like …” and boom, a big shot from Hendry to Wolfgang starts this one off with a bang.

Hendry continues to unload on Wolfgang, who he sends out to the floor with a big shot. Wolfgang recovers and the action continues at ringside. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk us into a mid-match commercial break as the main event of the evening continues.

When the show returns, we see the action back inside the ring with Hendry in a commanding offensive lead. The crowd chants “Joe! Joe! Joe!” but Wolfgang quiets them down as he begins to shift the momentum in his favor. Fans chant “We want tables!” as the fight continues on the floor at ringside.

Wolfgang pulls the pad off of his arm and grinds his exposed elbow into the forehead of Hendry. Hendry begins fighting back. He hoists Wolfgang up for a delayed suplex. Fans break out in a “We believe!” chant as the wildly popular star continues to settle into a comfortable offensive lead.

Hendry muscles Wolfgang up and hits an impressive fall-away slam. He gets the “We will rock you!” clap-chant going and looks for the Standing Ovation. Wolfgang avoids it. Wolfgang looks for the Howling swanton bomb off the top, but Hendry avoids that and hits the Standing Ovation for the win.

Backstage, we see Mike Santana brawling with The System by himself. Tons of security guards break up the wild brawl as this week’s show goes off the air on that note. Thanks for joining us and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter/X.

Next Week:
* Moose vs. Mike Santana
* Ultimate X Qualifying Matches Continue
* Nic Nemeth (c) vs. Josh Alexander (TNA World Title)

WWE Main Event results: Dante Chen vs. Akira Tozawa

Posted on by James Cox

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky before Monday’s episode of Raw.

An average show this week that had its moments, but Akira Tozawa is always entertaining.

Chelsea Green defeated Tegan Nox (5:01)

This was fine. Nox is certainly getting better but some of her ring work needs tightening up.

There was no Piper Niven or Natalya this week after their tag match on the show last week and so it lost something in its impact, but Green is clearly enjoying being a heel these days.

The early going was full of little comedy bits from Green until Nox came off the apron with a cannonball and went up top. Green kicked her off the turnbuckle and then stomped her before slapping on a chin lock.

Nox worked her way out and, after exchanging some quick pin attempts, she came back with clotheslines and a running splash to the corner, before again going up top.

In the end, Green took the opportunity to turn a high cross into an opportunity, rolling through and grabbing a handful of tights to get the win. The finish made sense, playing into Green’s heelish character.

Akira Tozawa (w/ Maxxine Dupri) defeated Dante Chen (6:30)

This was a good match, only to be spoiled a little by some chin locks midway through that felt a little unnecessary for a match designed to hype up the crowd before Raw.

Before the match, Dupri and Tozawa did a little jig together in the ring and Chen looked on and couldn’t help smirking at it.

I always find Tozawa pretty damn entertaining. On and off over the last few years he’s been a Main Event regular and always gives a good performance, more often than not taking the fall to put someone else over.

The latest iteration of Tozawa’s character has seen him Hulk up as he heads to the finish. He tears his shirt – sometimes not managing to do it all the way in half – and then runs wild.

Chen is a big dude, especially when put next to Tozawa, and he took the early going with Tozawa flipping all over for him.

After a series of chin locks from Chen, Tozawa used a headscissors and a suicide dive to the outside to get a near fall.

After a brief comeback, Tozawa finished Chen with his top rope senton back splash and celebrated with Dupri, because he doesn’t notch up too many wins. This was his second of 2024.

WWE Main Event results: Apollo Crews vs. Julius Creed

Posted on by James Cox

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Simmons Bank Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas before Monday’s episode of Raw.

The match at the top of show was hands down one of the best matches on Main Event in a while. Julius Creed and Apollo Crews could do this every week and live crowds would certainly be happy.

Dante Chen defeated Tavion Heights (5:50)

This was a straightforward and basic match and both looked fine in only their second appearance on Main Event.

They did some chain wrestling in the early going and then Chen started to attack and work over Heights’ left arm. The slower pace didn’t do much to rouse the crowd at this point and so they traded a few pinfalls.

Heights made a comeback, using the turnbuckles and then a belly-to-belly and a what I guess you would say was a sling blade. It was quite reminiscent of Finn Balor. He then used a running powerslam for a near fall which got the crowd more invested.

Chen seemed to be summoning energy with his hands – looking a little like Asuka – before using a double chop/clothesline to get the win.

It’s a pretty weak-looking finisher and didn’t really play into the work he’d done on Heights’ arm. I’m also not sure about the facepaint, but that could just be me.

Julius Creed (w/ Brutus Creed) defeated Apollo Crews (6:13)

This was a strong match to top the show. Crews’ winning streak since retuning from his injury came to an end, so good for Julius Creed who looks really impressive. Worth catching this one if you can.

The first couple of minutes were quite explosive. For big men, neither really moves or carries themselves like one. 

After sending Crews to the apron, Creed hit him with a beautiful moonsault and we went to the break.

After the ads, Crews had Creed in a side headlock and Brutus was beating the mat from the outside to encourage his brother. Creed not only worked his way out, but did so by hoisting Crews into a suplex from his knees, standing up as he hit the move. That’s really not something you see every day.

The finish was excellent. They did a superplex, which the crowd absolutely loved, and after getting to their feet, Creed picked Crews up from a roll up pin into a power bomb. When Crews then slid out of it, Creed sat down and hooked his legs to get the win.

The strength on display here was, at times, next level impressive. Creed is a serious talent.

WWE Main Event results: Dante Chen, Trick Williams in action

Posted on by Josh Nason

Last week’s WWE Main Event was taped before Raw in Providence, Rhode Island, and featured the main roster debut of Dante Chen. Spoiler alert: you didn’t miss anything from the show this week.

Cedric Alexander (w/ MVP and Shelton Benjamin) defeated Dante Chen

Chen got an inset promo where he said he is the first Singaporean to be in WWE and wanted to use tonight as an introduction for himself to Main Event.

Chen was in control early, working on Alexander’s arm. But he got distracted by Shelton Benjamin’s mere presence at ringside and Alexander took advantage, welcoming him in with a single arm DDT-like move.

Alexander worked over Chen’s arm for what felt like 30 minutes. Chen eventually rallied with a big pump kick, but Alexander countered an offensive setup with an arm ringer, setting up his Lumbar Check for the win. This was pretty lifeless.

Akira Tozawa defeated Trick Williams

Williams made his Main Event return and in a pretty good line during his inset promo, he said he’s what you get when you combine Michael Jordan, Michael B. Jordan and Mike Tyson.

Williams debuted on this show back in December with a loss to Cedric Alexander and was looking for his first main roster win. Tozawa took a loss to Williams’ pal Carmelo Hayes last week on Main Event, so there was motivation on both sides here.

Williams hit a pop-up punch (remember Anthony Ogogo?) to get the advantage going into the break and was rolling afterward, using a plodding style with plenty of talk. 

Tozawa countered two pop-up attempts with a downward spiral to get things going. A shining wizard and top rope shoulder block were only able to get him near falls.

After some back and forth, Tozawa got the win after a big senton off the top rope, sending Williams back to NXT.

NXT Level Up results: Ikemen Jiro vs. Dante Chen

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Valentina Feroz defeated Arianna Grace

This match started fairly hot but fell apart almost immediately.

The opening collar-and-elbow turned into a battle on the ground in an intriguing opening sequence. Once they got back up on their feet, the match fell apart. Grace connected with some clumsy offense before taking the match back to the mat with a choke hold.

Feroz landed a leg scissor takedown, a trio of throws, and a spear, but Grace basically laughed it off. Grace tried lifting Feroz over her head, but Feroz reversed into a backslide pin, bringing the match to a close.

Sloane Jacobs defeated Sierra St. Pierre

This was bad.

Jacobs used a headlock to establish control early. Pierre tried for offense a couple of times but couldn’t get anything substantial until she grabbed a handful of hair. Once scoring a hair-pull takedown, Pierre connected with some horrible-looking strikes from full mount.

Pierre tried using a neck crank to maintain her control, but Jacobs fought to her feet and landed a butterfly suplex, clothesline, and a fireman’s carry facebuster to win the match.

Ikemen Jiro defeated Dante Chen

Compared to the rest of the card, this was fine—I mean, this was boring, but not horrible or anything.

The match opened with a series of quick pin attempts. Jiro took the lead with some arm drags and maintained it with work on the ground. Chen tried to fight back in the match with a botched double-knee facebreaker, but Jiro kept up the pressure with more rollup attempts.

Chen took mat control with a wear-down hold, focusing on Jiro’s arm. Jiro finally escaped with a pair of knees, followed by a sequence of jacket punches and springboard moonsault for a near fall. Chen answered with a gutbuster, but Jiro bounced back with an Ikemen Slash. Jiro then pinned Chen, winning the match.

NXT Level Up results: Enofe & Blade vs. Chen & Bernal

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Fallon Henley defeated Brooklyn Barlow

This match wasn’t great, but both women displayed a lot of ring presence. Barlow is green, and that showed. Henley was charismatic in her delivery, even through the awkward moments.

The match opened with a clumsy wrestling sequence that turned into a brief pin exchange. After a test of strength, Barlow tried scoring a submission with a unique standing neck crank. Once she escaped the hold, Henley lept into offense, landing a lariat, bulldog, and single-leg running knee to close.

Tatum Paxley defeated Sloane Jacobs

I wish I knew why all of these matches feature so much empty mat wrestling. Paxley has one of the most exciting movesets I’ve seen on Level Up, but it’s wasted on matches made up mostly of rest holds.

Paxley opened the match by trying to score a quick win with a sly pin; Jacobs tried the same but was slammed for her troubles. Paxley then took the match to the mat, stretching Jacobs for some time. Once she escaped, Jacobs took her turn controlling the match on the mat.

Paxley fought back into the match with a swinging neckbreaker, dropkick, and gut-wrench suplex. With the end in sight, Paxley delivered a spinning electric chair powerbomb into a bridging pin to win the match.

Edris Enofe and Malik Blade defeated Dante Chen and Javier Bernal

This was a pretty by-the-numbers tag match. For what it’s worth, the crowd was into Enofe, especially after the hot tag.

This match opened with a couple of team-based sequences that favored Blade and Enofe. After Blade missed a leaping knee, Chen tagged in and took the match to the mat.

Bernal and Chen worked to isolate Enofe on the mat. Enofe finally received a tag, leading to an exciting comeback sequence. Blade and Enofe then worked together to hit Bernal with an elevated leg cutter. After landing the tandem finish, Enofe pinned Bernal to win the match.

Once the smoke cleared, both teams shook hands.












NXT Level Up results: Trick Williams vs. Dante Chen

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Andre Chase and Bodhi Hayward defeated Bryson Montana and Damaris Griffin

The match was far from special, but Bodhi’s energy was contagious, and the crowd was very much into the Chase U act. This was fine.

Bodhi and Griffin traded holds and strikes early before a handoff to Montana led to his team taking control. Chase tagged in and turned things around for his team for a moment, but his opponents retook the advantage and began to isolate Chase.

Chase U reversed momentum again after a hot tag to Bodhi. Once Bodhi took out his opponents, Chase hit the ring, helping Bodhi hit the Frat Liner to close the match.

Amari Miller defeated Arianna Grace

This was not good, but it at least had some exciting moments compared to the main event.

Miller tried offering Grace a handshake to open the match, but Grace answered the gesture with a strike. Grace’s attempt to catch Miller failed as Miller took control with numerous strikes of her own.

Grace eventually overpowered Miller, taking the match to the mat. Grace led an extended sequence, with significant time spent on the ground. Once Miller finally escaped ground control, she landed a lariat and pair of kicks to turn things in her favor. Grace tried for a flipping pin, but Miller turned it into a pin of her own to win the match.

Trick Williams defeated Dante Chen

This was as dull as ditchwater.

Chen connected with the first stent of offense before taking the match to the mat. Williams tried fighting to his feet but was continually brought to the ground with Chen maintaining arm control.

Williams eventually slammed Chen into the ropes, opening the door for a dropkick. Once establishing a lead, Williams took the match to the mat himself, working the arm⁠. I feel like I’m trapped in some kind of developmental purgatory.

Once Chen finally fought to a standing position, he launched a rally. After failing to close the match with his offensive sequence, Chen paused, allowing Williams to land a Trick kick and win the match.

NXT Level Up results: Channing Lorenzo & Troy Donovan in action

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Tatum Paxley and Ivy Nile defeated Erica Yan and Sarray

I enjoyed this; it was simple and focused — precisely what it needed to be.

Nile took control of the match immediately following the opening bell. After being handed the Yan & Sarray gained control after Paxley was tagged in.

Nile tagged back in and caught Sarray with a quick kick to retake momentum. Nile then took her time delivering power moves, leaving Sarray desperate before tagging back into Paxley.

Paxley took the match to the mat for a while, buying Sarray enough time for a hot tag. Yan’s rally was cut short as Nile stealthfully tagged back in. Nile hit Yan with a superman punch and locked in a dragon sleeper to bring this match to a close.

Salone Jacobs defeated Thea Hail

These women are green (both are under 20), and it showed. The match was far from memorable, which is probably a good thing.

The match opened with standard back and forth wrestling, arm drags, and strikes. Jacobs eventually worked Jacobs into the corner, gaining control with some boots, which she followed with a scoop slam. After scoring a near fall, Jacobs took things to the mat for quite some time.

Once in a standing position, Hail began to rally but was cut short after Jacobs caught a stray kick and hit Hail with some kind of fireman’s carry drop. Jacobs then pinned Hail to win the match.

Channing Lorenzo and Troy Donovan defeated Javier Bernal and Dante Chen

This mafia gimmick is terrible, and this match was boring.

Both teams traded momentum early, mainly utilizing headlocks. After a fumble, Lorenzo tagged into the match and started putting the boots to Bernal. Donovan and Lorenzo then traded tags, working to isolate Bernal.

Bernal eventually hit a lariat and enziguri to tag out to Chen. Chen ran through his opponents but couldn’t connect with his finish. After a blindside boot from Lorenzo, the mafia guys hit Bernal with a double boot and pinned him to win the match.

NXT Level Up results: Bodhi Hayward vs. Dante Chen

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Edris Enofe and Malik Blade defeated Quincy Elliott and Damaris Griffin

This wasn’t great. This was Griffin’s debut.

Elliott started the match by using his size to gain a quick advantage that he passed on to Griffin. After the tag, Enofe and Blade took control with a typical tag team strategy.

Griffin eventually landed a spine buster that turned into a bit of offense. Griffin then tagged Elliott, who launched Enofe across the ring with a giant pounce to cement their control.

Elliott missed a sitting drop, allowing for a hot tag into Blade. This launched a chaotic sequence of control trading. Eventually, Blade landed a splash, and Enofe pinned Griffin.

Fallon Henley defeated Thea Hail

This was dreadful.

After an awkward opening takedown exchange, Hail was left in a position of control. Hail’s standing offense looked quite bad, but she eventually took Henley to the mat, working a basic submission. Once Henley escaped, she launched a comeback, brought to an end by a single leg running knee. Henley pinned Hail to bring this match to an end.

Bodhi Hayward defeated Dante Chen

This was a fine little match that played well to both men’s strengths.

It opened with Hayward and Chen trading favorable positions standing and on the mat. Chen was the first to emerge with control after a pair of well-timed neckbreakers.

Chen kept Hayward under his control with a prolonged chin lock. Once Hayward escaped, he launched a comeback filled with powerful moves. Hayward closed the match with a spinebuster pin combination.

NXT Level Up results: Dante Chen vs. Bodhi Hayward

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Xyon Quinn defeated Damon Kemp

This was, in fact, a wrestling match that happened.

The match opened with both men testing one another. Eventually, Quinn dropped Kemp by blocking a crossbody attempt. This lead was short-lived as Kemp wrestled a now bloody Quinn to the mat.

Quinn finally fought to his feet, laning a handful of strikes before a swinging Samoan drop and superman forearm left him with the win.

Lash Legend defeated Valentina Feroz

This was bad. There were some cute ideas, but the execution was just off at nearly every turn.

Legend used her significant size advantage to push around Feroz after the opening bell. Feroz tried to check Legend’s size with leg kicks and cruiserweight offence. Instead, Legend shrugged off Feroz, throwing her to the ground before a prolonged stalling suplex left Legend with a strong lead.

Feroz eventually snuck in a choke. Legend survived by slamming Feroz into the corner and throwing her to the mat. Legend tried for a chokeslam, but Feroz connected with a quick sequence of dropkicks to maintain her lead. Hoping to finish the match, Feroz tried for a dive; Legend caught Feroz, but Feroz managed to transition into a leg based choke. But Legend escaped by trying to bounce Feroz against the top and middle rope. Once Legend escaped, she hit Feroz with a boot to close this one.

After the match, Legend cut a promo. She said she was Lash Legend, emphasis on Legend (her emphasis, not mine). She then called out Nikita Lyons, who she’s been feuding with on NXT.

Dante Chen defeated Bodhi Hayward

This was a nothing match—not bad; not good.

The match opened with some back and forth wrestling. Chen brought the early standstill to an end with a pair of arm drags. Chen’s lead came to an end after Bodhi connected with a sudden takedown.

Robert Stone came from the back. This distraction allowed Chen to steal control for a moment, but after a failed suplex attempt, Bodhi retook the advantage. Meanwhile, Andre Chase and Stone argued on the outside. Bodhi was distracted by this again, allowing Chen to grab a quick pin. Bodhi was caught so off guard he did not kick out.

WWE announces lineup for NXT Level Up episode three

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A Dusty Classic rematch will headline this week’s episode of NXT Level Up.

WWE has announced that Malik Blade & Edris Enofe vs. Legado del Fantasma’s Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde will air on NXT Level Up this Friday. This will be the third episode of the show since it replaced 205 Live.

In the opening round of this year’s men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, Blade & Enofe got an upset win against Mendoza & Wilde. Blade & Enofe went on to lose to MSK in the semifinals of the tournament.

Dante Chen vs. Javier Bernal and Erica Yan vs. Tiffany Stratton will also take place on Level Up this week.

Chen has recently been feuding with Duke Hudson on NXT. Hudson defeated him on NXT last week.

On this Tuesday’s NXT, Stratton was involved in a segment with Sarray. She called Sarray’s necklace “a little tacky.”

Bernal made his WWE debut on an episode of 205 Live in January, while Yan debuted on the show last November.

NXT Level Up airs on Peacock/WWE Network at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Fridays. The show features some of NXT’s “brightest young talent as they look to make a name for themselves and begin their climb to the top of NXT 2.0.”

Bronson Rechsteiner, Parker Boudreaux reveal new WWE names

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bronson Rechsteiner and Parker Bordeaux have new WWE names.

Rechsteiner, the son of Rick Steiner, changed his social media handle to Rex Steiner while Boudreaux announced his new name as Gunnar Harland.

Both were signed by WWE earlier this year.

The company has trademarked several names in the last few days including Tony D’Angelo, Trick Williams and Dante Chen but it’s unknown who will be using those names.

Steph De Lander, who made her NXT TV debut this past week as a friend of Indi Hartwell, is now going under the name Persia Perotta. 

NXT is set to undergo new changes as part of a revamp that will start with this Tuesday’s live show that will feature a wedding between Hartwell and Dexter Lumis; NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez vs. Franky Monet, and a fatal four-way match between Tommaso Ciampa, LA Knight, Kyle O’Reilly, and Pete Dunne where the winner will become the next challenger for NXT Champion Samoa Joe.