Several new WWE talents made their first main roster appearances tonight during Raw.
Nikki Cross made her televised in-ring debut, teaming with Bayley and Natalya in a six person tag match defeating the Riott Squad. It was noted during Cross’s entrance that all of the NXT stars coming to the main roster will be free agents in the coming weeks until they are signed to a brand.
EC3 made a silent appearance during a segment that had Dasha Fuentes question a number of stars about being a potential replacement for Braun Strowman in the Royal Rumble Universal title match. Lacey Evans also appeared, talking to other talent backstage as Finn Balor as walking to the ring for his match against Jinder Mahal.
Heavy Machinery made their debut during the Moment of Bliss talk show segment. Otis Dozovic interrupted the interview between Alexa Bliss and Paul Heyman and eventually had to be escorted away by tag team partner Tucker Knight.
Lars Sullivan did not make an appearance. According to last week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Sullivan flew himself home before last week’s SmackDown tapings due to what is being reported as an anxiety attack that took place before Raw last Monday.
This was a totally different match than we are used to in Florida. They hit huge moves, a spinning heel kick by Martinez looked great, and the finish saw Martinez hit a destroyer on Riddle — who staggered in to the buckles. With his last bit of energy, Riddle hit a knee strike and collapsed on Martinez for the three.
– Mia Yim & Keith Lee defeated Chelsea Green & Riddick Moss
Great mix of comedy and action. Yim was all over the place with a big dive to the outside and hit a tilt-a-whirl DDT on Moss before Lee hit the Spirit Bomb for the three count.
– Deonna Purrazzo defeated Xia Li
Purrazzo has a new look with a purple hair tint. She submitted Li with a Fujiwara armbar.
– EC3 & Heavy Machinery defeated The Forgotten Sons (Wesley Blake, Steve Cutler & Jaxson Ryker)
The three members of NXT’s graduating class finished off the Forgotten Sons and then thanked us all for supporting them. EC3 made the joke that you could see Heavy Machinery soon — tomorrow in Orlando — to a good laugh. The three went around ringside celebrating to close the show.
Two of the NXT stars slated to be called up in the near future wrestled prior to Raw tonight in Orlando, Florida.
Natalya pinned Lacey Evans to start off the night. EC3 then pinned Curt Hawkins in the next match. Despite initial reports, these will not air on Main Event this week and are only dark matches.
The two, along with Heavy Machinery, Lars Sullivan and Nikki Cross, are set to be called up to the main roster in the next few weeks. Vignettes have been airing on both Raw and Smackdown for the last month.
Some of the wrestlers appeared to say their goodbyes over the weekend during NXT house show events. In Atlanta, EC3 and the War Raiders defeated the Undisputed Era and did their chant with them after the match. On the same card, Lacey Evans tagged with Aaliyah in a losing effort to Kairi Sane and Xia Li.
Meanwhile, Heavy Machinery said goodbye to the crowd in Jacksonville, Florida after defeating the Forgotten Sons.
With a promise to change things up, WWE announced tonight that five NXT superstars are being called up to the main roster in the near future.
During Raw, it was announced that the following five wrestlers would be called up. What brand or when exactly they’ll debut isn’t known:
Lacey Evans, who has feuded with Kairi Sane in the past on NXT television and had recently been scoring wins against the likes of Candice LeRae and Dakota Kai.
Heavy Machinery, the team of Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovich who have been wrestling together as a unit since 2016. They’ve wrestled against the likes of War Raiders, Authors of Pain, TM-61 and the Undisputed Era.
Nikki Cross, who used to be affiliated with Sanity before they were called up to SmackDown earlier this year. She is coming off a feud against Bianca Belair.
EC3, who has competed for the NXT North American title in the past and is coming off a feud against Lars Sullivan. He was formerly known as Derrick Bateman during his last run with the WWE that ended in 2013.
These call-ups are in addition to Lars Sullivan, whose vignettes have been airing since Survivor Series.
– Adrian Jaoude (w/ Taynara Conti) defeated Jeet Rama
– Babatunde Aiyegbusi defeated Fabian Aichner
– An in-ring interview with Otis Dozovic was interrupted by The Forgotten Sons to set up a match later if Dozovic could find a partner. Tucker Knight was at home after becoming a father.
– Aliyah defeated Xia Li
– War Raiders defeated Dan Matha & Marcel Barthel
– Danny Burch defeated Chris Dijak
– Nikki Cross defeated Rhea Ripley and Dakota Kai in a triple threat match
Cross won the right to face Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship at the next St. Petersburg house show.
– Otis Dozovic & EC3 defeated The Forgotten Sons (Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler) w/ Chad Lail
Lail tried to switch into the match and was still beaten by EC3.
Submitted by Chris Roberts from Friday night’s house show in Evansville, Indiana
– War Raiders defeated TM61
Good choice for a starting bout. It was a basic War Raiders match like they’ve been doing on television, with some heel shenanigans by TM61.
– Candice LeRae defeated Aaliyah
LeRae got a decent reaction. It was another basic match. Aaliyah missed hip drops in a comedic fashion.
– A promo aired with Fabian Aichner confronting Raul Mendoza backstage. Aichner dissed Mendoza and a local pizza place in the area, and promised that he’ll buy the crowd pizza if Mendoza manages to pull off the victory.
– Fabian Aichner defeated Raul Mendoza
The hook got people into the match, including lots of “We want pizza” chants. Mendoza showed off his athleticism and got the crowd more into it. Aichner kept cutting him off and shaking his arm, yelling “No pizza.”
Aichner got the victory after some near falls and a nice Spanish Fly by Mendoza, who was really impressive here.
– NXT Tag Team Champions Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong defeated Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch to retain their titles
The crowd wasn’t too familiar with the challengers and booed them for the most part, while cheering the Undisputed Era. The match went 15-20 minutes, with Undisputed Era using cowardly heel tactics. The audience wasn’t very receptive to Lorcan and Burch’s technical style at first, but lots of teamwork and near falls got them into it.
The crowd applauded Lorcan and Burch after the match. They challenged O’Reilly and Strong back into the ring for more, then got double submissions on and held the belts high heading into intermission.
As usual, Cross was being very wacky before this started. The match didn’t gel together at all, with them getting the heat on Sane for far too long.
– NXT North American Champion Adam Cole defeated Kassius Ohno to retain his title
It was a toss-up between this and the Tag Team title match for best bout. Cole was very over, with the crowd indifferent to Ohno.
They did lots of grappling to start, then lots of hard hits throughout the match. After the loss, Ohno mentioned this being his 20th year in wrestling, thanked the fans, and brought up his early days at the Evansville Coliseum in IWA:MS fighting the likes of Necro Butcher.
– Aleister Black & EC3 defeated Lars Sullivan & Velveteen Dream
An e-mail was sent out still advertising Ricochet in EC3’s place, so I think the crowd was less enthused about the match when they realized that EC3 was the new partner. It was very strange seeing him work as a face. Velveteen Dream was pretty over, but Sullivan wasn’t as much. Dream was wearing a Ricochet shirt to mock his opponent for TakeOver.
There were spots where Dream wanted to bail but Sullivan threw him back in the ring, where he would be double teamed by the faces. Then most of the match was the heels getting the heat on EC3, with Dream sneaking tags in from Sullivan. Black got the hot tag, Dream wanted to bail, but Ricochet’s music hit and they brawled. Dream retreated into the ring and was hit with Black Mass for the finish.
As the faces celebrated, Ricochet got on the mic and apologized for being unable to compete two hours from his home. He assured us that he’ll be ready for TakeOver.
Black said Sullivan will fall again in their title match. EC3 took the NXT Championship when the referee brought it in, as did Ricochet, then Black finally took it back, teasing future feuds.
Overall, this was a good show but not a great one.
The Big News: The NXT North American Championship will debut at TakeOver: New Orleans in a six-way ladder match with EC3, Adam Cole, Velveteen Dream, Lars Sullivan, Killian Dain, and Ricochet.
The Medium News: Johnny Gargano will return at TakeOver, as he goes one-on-one with Tommaso Ciampa in an unsanctioned match.
The Little Beaver-sized News: The Authors of Pain will meet Pete Dunne & Roderick Strong next week in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
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Earlier today, Tommaso Ciampa showed up at Full Sail for tonight’s event and confronted William Regal about Johnny Gargano assaulting him at his physical therapist and his home. Mr. Regal agreed that was crazy and booked Ciampa vs. Gargano in an unsanctioned match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. If Gargano wins, he gets his job back. But if Ciampa wins, then Gargano’s banished forever.
So if Gargano loses, what’s stopping him from showing up at Ciampa’s physical therapist or at his house at 3 a.m.?
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On the other side of the opening credits, we were joined inside the arena by Mr. Regal. He announced that we will crown our first-ever NXT North American Champion at TakeOver: New Orleans. Before he could go on, we were joined by the re-debuting EC3. He debuted a new theme bragging about him being in the top one percent.
He thanked Regal for rolling out the red carpet for him, including giving him a lucrative contract and a wonderful theme song, but he couldn’t believe Regal would create a brand new championship and give it to him on his very first day. He stated that North America is the best region in the world and he is a literal money-printing machine.
Regal cut him off and said he’s not being handed the North American title. He is one of the best, however, and because of that he will be in the North American title match. It will be him and five other men in a ladder match to determine the first champion. The fans were much happier than he was about this.
EC3 did state that no matter how many men he has to go through, he will be North American Champion and prove that he is in the top one percent of this industry.
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We were magically whisked away to the NXT Control Center, where Charly Caruso talked about the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. We are down to the semifinals, which will occur tonight.
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Earlier today, TM61 were at the Performance Center and were disappointed about losing in the Dusty Classic. They said they need a change in attitude to beat some of these better teams.
Meanwhile, Ember Moon and Shayna Baszler got into a fight behind them, which the cameraman, rightfully, felt was more important. A bunch of people ran in to break it up while the cameraman bumped for them.
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The Authors of Pain defeated The Street Profits in a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic semifinal match
The incredibly popular Street Profits were here to kick off the in-ring action tonight. They had a hard road to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic ahead of them as they went two-on-two with the reigning tournament winners, The Authors of Pain.
Montez Ford talked trash to Rezar, so Rezar shoved him and yelled back at him. Ford showed his intelligence by immediately tagging out. Dawkins came in and became a punching bag for a little bit, but soon ran wild on both Akam and Rezar. This caused Ford to run around dancing outside the ring before offering Paul Ellering whatever was in his solo cup. Ellering threw it to the ground and threatened Ford.
Ford stalked Ellering up the ramp and didn’t even notice that Akam and Rezar took back over on Dawkins, pinning him after the Last Chapter. Montez Ford is the biggest idiot of the week.
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Cathy Kelley interviewed Mr. Regal backstage. He said Adam Cole will be the second competitor in the North American title ladder match. Velveteen Dream walked up and said Regal looked well and then was miffed when Regal didn’t return the compliment. Anyway, Dream wanted to be in the ladder match as well. Regal agreed and made him the third entrant.
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Aleister Black has promised to be here tonight, but 30 minutes in he had yet to arrive. To be fair, he may have forgotten this show was at Full Sail and instead flew to Center Stage.
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Lars Sullivan defeated John Silver
Sullivan hasn’t been seen in almost three months. To welcome him back they found the smallest and skinniest man in Orlando, put him in tights, and told him to go get killed. If it helps, Silver did do a great job getting killed as Sullivan flung him all over the ring before hitting a military press powerslam and a diving headbutt, of all things.
Sullivan picked up the win with the Freak Accident.
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Again, Kelley was wandering backstage and, again, ran into Mr. Regal and, again, asked him who else would be in the North American title match. Regal ran into Lars Sullivan and put him into the ladder match. Sullivan promised to destroy people with a ladder, but he wanted Killian Dain as well.
Regal then put Dain in the ladder match too. Sullivan continued to glare at him, so Regal made Sullivan vs. Dain for next week on NXT.
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Dakota Kai was out for the next match when we suddenly went backstage due to a commotion!
Aleister Black had finally arrived at the arena and was brutally attacked by the NXT Champion. Andrade “Cien” Almas laid the boots into his challenger — before trying to drown him in ice water. Almas showed a heart by stopping the drowning, but he dragged Black into the arena and into the ringside area.
Almas threw him into the ring and laid him out with a steel chair. Almas screamed that Black needs to respect both Almas and Zelina Vega before leaving.
Jeez, if I was Aleister Black I would have wished I didn’t show up at all. Oh and Kai’s match has been rescheduled.
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Roderick Strong & Pete Dunne defeated SAnitY (Eric Young & Alexander Wolfe) in a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic semifinal match
Strong and Dunne became allies due to a common foe in the Undisputed Era. They got into the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic due to an injury by Tyler Bate. They somehow won their first round match, but now they must defeat the former NXT Tag Team Champions in Eric Young & Alexander Wolfe of SAnitY.
Strong started the match and Dunne was not going to allow SAnitY to use sneaky underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. Especially since Dunne has his own sneaky underhanded tactics. Dunne worked over the arm of Young, but EY got out of a double wristlock and turned it into a suplex.
Strong and Wolfe tagged in and woke the crowd up with a hockey fight spot. Wolfe used a German suplex and an Attitude Adjustment on Strong, but he kicked out. Young used his wheelbarrow suplex, but Dunne broke it up.
A four-way brawl broke out, which ended with Young using his diving elbow on Strong, but he kicked out of that as well. Strong ran wild, Dunne tagged in, and he pinned Young after a double team pop-up into a flapjack.
Strong and Dunne have defeated one duo of former NXT Tag Team Champions and now are in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic against another team of former champions. It is Strong & Dunne vs. The Authors of Pain in the finals next week.
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For Pete’s sake, Kelley was once again outside of Mr. Regal’s office. She, again, asked who would be in the North American title match. Again, Regal said she was in luck and he had the sixth contestant in his office. Regal went into his office and out walked the sixth and final contestant — Ricochet. The show went off the air with the fans in the arena chanting for Ricochet as Kelley look stunned.
So, that does it for this week. It is the go home show for TakeOver next Wednesday! Until then, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!
Previously: Moose, Petey Williams, Eli Drake, and Ethan Carter III all won briefcases in Feast or Fired.
Tonight: Kongo Kong takes on Abyss in Monster’s Ball. Plus, somebody will be fired during the Feast or Fired reveal.
Show Recap —
– Alberto El Patron came down to the ring and said he’s here for a fight. Patron started to leave, but Austin Aries interrupted. Aries mentioned that they come from different places but are similar. Patron said they both have something to prove.
Patron told Aries to enjoy the title and kiss it — because it’s coming to him. Patron then told people in the back to play Aries’ music. Patron tried to leave again, but Aries stopped him. Aries pointed out that his music should be played last. However, he then told them to play Patron’s music because this will be the only time it’ll be played last.
– Josh Mathews and Sonjay Dutt ran down the card for tonight. Mathews pointed out that he’s the new Grand Champion and will be in Matt Sydal’s corner later.
Trevor Lee (w/ Caleb Konley) defeated Fallah Bahh
Bahh was in control early until Lee gained the advantage when Konley interfered. Bahh steamrolled over both guys. He set up for the Banzai Drop, but Konley interfered again and Lee rolled up Bahh.
– Sami Callihan stalked Alisha Edwards in her hotel and followed her to her room. He convinced the maid to let him in the room. Eddie Edwards was at the Impact Zone and saw this on the monitors. He ran out immediately.
X Division Champion Matt Sydal (w/ Josh Mathews) defeated Rohit Raju to retain his title
Sydal gained the advantage after hitting a spinning heel kick. Raju made a comeback with a flurry of offense. He attempted a superplex, but Sydal countered into the sunset flip powerbomb. Sydal hit the Shooting Star Press for the win.
Knockouts Champion Allie defeated Sienna to retain her title
Sienna jumped Allie to start the match and was firmly in control early on. Allie fought back and hit the codebreaker for a two count. Sienna attempted the AK-47, but Allie slipped out the back and hit the superkick for the win.
After the match, Braxton Sutter came down to the ring and tried to make up with Allie but accidentally called her “Laurel.” Sutter proposed — but Allie rejected him.
Su Yung made her Impact debut and jumped Allie from behind. She gave Allie a vicious beatdown.
– In the back, McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Ethan Carter III about the reveal later. A bunch of guys including Moose, Johnny Impact, and Bobby Lashley walked by and all said they hope he gets fired.
Flashback Moment of the Week: Abyss defeated Mick Foley In a Monster’s Ball match (Dr. Stevie Richards was the special guest referee)
Foley sandwiched Abyss between two barbwire boards and scored a near fall. Abyss then chokeslammed Daffney through a barbwire board, gave Richards the Black Hole Slam on the thumbtacks, and chokeslammed Foley through another barbwire board for the win.
– Eddie Edwards arrived at the hotel and ran to his wife’s room. He ran past the maid on the way to the room. He entered and found his wife sleeping. He searched around but didn’t find anything.
He left the room and bumped into the maid again, but it was actually Callihan in disguise. They brawled in the hallway until OVE jumped Edwards. Alisha threatened to call the cops.
Kongo Kong (w/ Jimmy Jacobs) defeated Abyss (w/ Father James Mitchell) in a Monster’s Ball match
Kong gained control after tackling Abyss through a table on the floor. He went up to the top for his splash, but Abyss threw him off. Abyss brought in the thumbtacks, but Jacobs interfered with a kendo stick.
Abyss attempted to chokeslam Jacobs on the thumbtacks, but Kong made the save and chokeslammed Abyss on the tacks instead. Abyss fought back and powerbombed Kong through a table for a near fall.
Abyss tried to hit Kong with Janice, but Kong chokeslammed him on a barbwire board. Kong hit the splash off the top onto Abyss (who was still on the board) for the win.
– Jeremy Borash hosted the reveal for the Feast or Fired briefcases. Eli Drake went first and revealed a Tag Team title shot. He was disappointed that it wasn’t the World title and threw the case out of the ring. Petey Williams went next and revealed an X-Division title shot.
Ethan Carter III and Moose both opened their briefcases at the same time. Moose revealed a World title shot. EC3 was so shocked he was frozen and didn’t open his case. He denied the case was his and refused to open it.
Borash opened the case, revealing that EC3 is fired from Impact. EC3 assumed it was a joke and mentioned all of his accomplishments. He brought up being a Carter and screamed that he’s Dixie Carter’s nephew.
EC3 changed his tone and acted humble. He tried to leave on good terms, but he suddenly attacked Borash with the case. This brought out Brian Cage, who attacked EC3 and gave him the Drill Claw.
Previously: Impact World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries defeated Johnny Impact at Crossroads.
Tonight: It’s the return of Feast or Fired, featuring Ethan Carter III, Moose, Tyrus, Trevor Lee, Caleb Konley, Rohit Raju, Petey Williams, Taiji Ishimori, KM, and Eli Drake.
Show Recap —
Sami Callihan (w/ OVE) defeated Fallah Bahh
Callihan took over after biting the bottom of Bahh’s foot, causing him to lose his balance. Bahh made a comeback and attempted the banzai drop. Callihan superkicked Bahh’s legs and executed a Death Valley Driver for the win.
After the match, Callihan tried to hit Bahh with the baseball bat like he did to Eddie Edwards a few weeks ago. Edwards ran out for the save with a lead pipe.
Flashback Moment of the Week: Feast or Fired (Final Resolution 2008)
Hernandez, Curry Man, Homicide, and Jay Lethal all pulled down briefcases. The match also included Alex Shelley, Consequences Creed, Chris Sabin, B.G. James, Cute Kip, Lance Rock, Jimmy Rave, Shark Boy, and Sonjay Dutt.
– Impact World Champion Austin Aries sat down with McKenzie Mitchell for an exclusive interview. They discussed Aries’s new book “Food Fight” and his vegan lifestyle.
Alberto El Patron interrupted and asked to speak with Aries alone. Patron mentioned that he rules Impact and Aries is his guest. Patron had a surprise for Aries and brought him wine and a steak. He offered him some steak, but Aries ate a banana instead. Patron insisted that he try some, but an irritated Aries reminded him that he doesn’t eat meat.
An angry Patron promised to purchase Aries’ book, but Aries gave him a free copy because he’s making the champion’s purse now. Patron finally left and Aries drank a glass of wine.
– In the back, Kiera Hogan approached Allie and congratulated her on winning the Knockouts Championship last week. Braxton Sutter showed up to talk, but Allie needed some time alone.
– Jimmy Jacobs and Kongo Kong came down to the ring and demanded that Abyss show himself. Father James Mitchell interrupted, making his return to Impact.
Mitchell has been watching Jacobs from afar and said he reminds him of himself. Mitchell said he pushed Abyss so hard that his personality split into Joseph Park, and in the end he lost his monster. Mitchell then thanked Jacobs because he has his monster back. Abyss made his return and brawled with Kongo Kong.
Taya Valkyrie vs. Rosemary ended in a double countout
Rosemary was firmly in control until she went for a sunset flip and Valkyrie countered into a double foot stomp. Rosemary attempted the Upside Down, but Valkyrie threw her to the ground.
Rosemary made a comeback after Valkyrie missed a moonsault. She clotheslined Valkyrie over the top rope to the floor, with the match ending when both were counted out. They brawled after the match and Valkyrie gave Rosemary the Road to Valhalla on the ramp.
– In the back, Eli Drake finally got through to Chris Adonis. Adonis decided not to show up because he doesn’t want to risk getting fired. Drake fired Adonis for no-showing.
– Earlier today in the Impact Zone, Bobby Lashley approached Brian Cage as he ate. Lashley was upset with Cage and got in his face, but Cage simply walked away.
– At the LAX Clubhouse, Konnan, Ortiz, and Santana played a game of dominos when Homicide showed up with a briefcase of money.
– X Division and Grand Champion Matt Sydal came out to introduce his spiritual advisor, Josh Mathews. Mathews left commentary and headed to the ring. On commentary, Sonjay Dutt was completely shocked that it was Mathews.
Mathews praised Sydal for his accomplishments and gave him a gift, which was a mask of his sprit animal. Sydal was so flattered that he gave Matthews the Grand Championship. Dutt became so upset that he left commentary but eventually returned.
Dutt called the first half of the main event solo. Midway through the match, Mathews returned to commentary.
Petey Williams, Moose, Ethan Carter III, and Eli Drake won briefcases in Feast or Fired
The participants included: Ethan Carter III, Moose, Tyrus, Trevor Lee, Caleb Konley, Rohit Raju, Petey Williams, Taiji Ishimori, KM, and Eli Drake.
Everyone brawled around ringside. Ishimori hit the golden moonsault to the floor, then Williams took out Konley with the Canadian Destroyer. Williams pulled down briefcase two.
EC3 teased a dive to the floor but instead climbed up a corner. Moose shoved him off and pulled down briefcase four. Tyrus almost had a briefcase, but EC3 snuck up and gave him a low blow. EC3 then pulled down briefcase three.
Lee had the final briefcase in hand, but Drake ran up to the top turnbuckle and gave him an insane looking German suplex. Drake then pulled down briefcase one.
Next Week: Abyss takes on Kongo Kong in Monster’s Ball. Knockouts Champion Allie defends against Sienna. Plus, the Feast or Fired reveal and somebody will be fired.
From the Dade City Armory with an estimated attendance of 150
Former TNA Champion EC3 made his in-ring return to NXT Thursday night at the Dade City Armory, defeating Kassius Ohno. The recent signee will be part of the first NXT North American title match at TakeOver New Orleans, competing in a ladder match against the likes of Ricochet, Adam Cole, Lars Sullivan, Velveteen Dream, and Killian Dain. He will officially make his on-screen return in the coming weeks.
Here’s the results from the entire show:
– No Way Jose defeated Adrian Jaoude (w/ Taynara Conti)
– Raul Mendoza defeated Dan Matha
– Dakota Kai defeated Aliyah
– Velveteen Dream defeated Riddick Moss
– EC3 defeated Kassius Ohno
– SAnitY (Alexander Wolfe and Eric Young) defeated Heavy Machinery
– UK Champion Pete Dunne defeated Oney Lorcan
– Kairi Sane, Candice LeRae and Jessie defeated Reina Gonzalez, Vanessa Borne and Shayna Baszler
NXT introduced a new secondary singles title at tonight’s television tapings, with the inaugural champion set to be crowned during WrestleMania weekend.
William Regal announced that the first NXT North American Champion will be decided at TakeOver: New Orleans on April 7th. It was at that moment that EC3 came out, making his official NXT return. He said that it was nice that Regal was going to create a title just for him. Regal said that no one is handed anything in NXT, and he will instead square off against five other competitors in a ladder match to crown the first champion. Those five other competitors were later revealed to be Lars Sullivan, Velveteen Dream Killian Dain, Adam Cole and Ricochet.
EC3 made his return to WWE back in January at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia but did not appear at last month’s Center Stage tapings. He was part of both the original incarnation of NXT and the developmental territory as Derrick Bateman before he was released by WWE in 2013.
Previously: Impact World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries defeated Eli Drake to retain his title.
Tonight: Johnny Impact faces Ethan Carter III with the winner receiving a title match against Aries at Crossroads.
Show Recap —
Trevor Lee & Caleb Konley defeated Impact Tag Team Champions LAX in a non-title match
All four guys brawled around ringside before the bell rang, then LAX worked over Konley and kept him on their side of the ring. The heels took over and isolated Ortiz.
Santana got the hot tag and ran wild. LAX set up for the Street Sweeper, but Konley shoved Santana off the top rope and Lee rolled up Ortiz with a handful of tights for the victory.
Brian Cage defeated Hunter Law
This was a total squash match with Cage completely dominating. He won easily with the Drill Claw.
Grand Champion Matt Sydal defeated Petey Williams to retain his title (from Destiny Wrestling in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)
Sydal scored a near fall with a sliding German suplex. Williams set up for the Canadian Destroyer, but Sydal rolled through and Williams countered into the Sharpshooter. Williams attempted the Destroyer again, but Sydal countered into a pin to retain.
After the match, Sydal read a proclamation from his spiritual advisor that said Sydal will challenge X Division Champion Taiji Ishimori at Crossroads.
– Jimmy Jacobs and Kongo Kong came down to the ring to call out Abyss, but Joseph Park’s grandma Jenny came out to confront the heels. She told Jacobs to stop harassing her grandson. Jenny slapped Jacobs, then Kong started to approach her.
Joseph Park came out and got in Jacobs’ face. Jacobs demanded to see Abyss, but Park said he’s buried. Jacobs threatened Jenny and Park went after Jacobs. Kong attacked Park from behind and beat him down.
– In the back, Sydal was on the phone with his spiritual advisor. He promised to win the X Division Championship and become a dual champion.
Flashback Moment of the Week: X Division Champion Eddie Edwards vs. TNA World Heavyweight Championship Bobby Lashley ended with no winner (from Destination X 2016)
Lashley tried to hit Edwards with the belt, but Davey Richards jumped in. Edwards had the match won until Mike Bennett broke up the pin. Moose then made his Impact debut by attacking The Wolves and Lashley.
Alberto El Patron defeated Moose (from Future Stars of Wrestling in Las Vegas, Nevada)
This was an anything goes, no disqualification match. They brawled around ringside, with El Patron backdropping Moose over the guardrail. They fought through the crowd, then El Patron sent Moose outside through a door.
El Patron came off the top with a trash can for a near fall. Moose made a comeback and scored a two count. The finish came when El Patron used the double foot stomp off the top turnbuckle for the win.
Eddie Edwards & Bobby Lashley defeated OVE (w/ Sami Callihan)
The faces had the early advantage until the heels took over. OVE isolated Edwards on their side of the ring before Lashley got the hot tag and ran wild. He scored a close near fall with a powerslam. Edwards took out OVE with a suicide dive.
Edwards set up for his finisher, but Callihan grabbed his leg. Lashley speared Callihan on the floor and Edwards hit the Boston Knee Party on Jake for the win.
Johnny Impact defeated Ethan Carter III (w/ Tyrus) in a number one contender’s match
Impact attempted a springboard, but EC3 shoved him to the floor to gain control. EC3 nailed Impact with a DDT, but Impact jumped right up to his feet and rocked him with a superkick.
Impact hit a knee and a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count. He then hit a standing Spanish Fly for another near fall. EC3 hit a super TK3 for a close near fall. Impact attempted the Starship Pain, but Tyrus grabbed his legs. EC3 hit the One Percenter for a two count.
EC3 started yelling at Tyrus at ringside and slapped him, with Tyrus shoving EC3 to the floor and walking off. Impact took advantage and hit the Starship Pain for the win. Impact is still the number one contender.
Following the match, Impact World Champion Austin Aries came out and had a staredown with Impact.
Next Week: Eddie Edwards goes one-on-one with Sami Callihan. In two weeks at Crossroads, Impact World Champion Austin Aries defends against Johnny Impact.
Previously: Austin Aries returned and won the Impact World Championship from Eli Drake.
Tonight: Ethan Carter III, Moose, Alberto El Patron, and Johnny Impact compete in a number one contender’s match.
Show Recap —
– The announcers tonight were Josh Mathews and Sonjay Dutt.
Taiji Ishimori & Matt Sydal defeated El Hijo Del Fantasma & Rohit Raju
Rohit Raju, formerly Hakim Zane, is a member of Gama Singh’s new faction named Desi Hit Squad.
Raju took out Sydal with a suicide dive. Ishimori hit a moonsault to the floor on Fantasma. Ishimori hit the tombstone into the double knees on Raju, and Sydal connected with the Shooting Star Press for the win.
– Last week, Austin Aries held a press conference after defeating Eli Drake to win the Impact World Championship. He said that he isn’t a member of the roster and hasn’t signed his Impact contract yet. Drake charged in and demanded a rematch.
Flashback Moment of the Week: Austin Aries defeated TNA World Champion Bobby Roode (Destination X 2012)
Roode attempted a spear, but Aries countered it into the Last Chancery. Roode shoved Aries into the referee and hit Aries with the belt, but he only scored a two count. Aries kicked Roode in the head and used the brainbuster for the win.
Trevor Lee & Caleb Konley defeated TECH
Lee and Konley wore LAX’s bandanas and mocked them throughout the match. TECH made a brief comeback, but the heels won using the spike piledriver.
LAX appeared on the big screen and promised to get revenge for Lee and Konley’s attack last week.
– Backstage, Allie congratulated Kiera Hogan on her victory against Laurel Van Ness from last Thursday. She promised to watch Hogan’s back tonight.
Allie received a Valentine’s Day card from her secret admirer, who asked to meet her next week
Knockouts Champion Laurel Van Ness defeated Kiera Hogan to retain her title
Van Ness was in firm control of the match. She attempted the Unprettier, but Hogan countered into a roll-up for a near fall. Van Ness regained control and used the Unprettier to score the win.
Van Ness attacked Hogan after until Allie ran out for the save.
– OVE filmed an unknowing Bobby Lashley as he exited his car in a parking lot.
– Backstage, Jimmy Jacobs and Kongo Kong were frustrated that Joseph Park didn’t bring Abyss. Jacobs said they’d drag the monster out of him.
– OVE continued to film Lashley. They viciously attacked him and threw him into the trunk of his own car.
Hania defeated Amber Nova
Hania controlled most of this, though Nova had a brief flurry of offense. Hania used a powerbomb and the reverse DDT for the win.
Rosemary jumped Hania from behind following the match. She attempted the Red Wedding until Hania escaped.
Johnny Impact defeated Ethan Carter III, Moose, and Alberto El Patron in an Impact World Championship number one contender’s match
The heels briefly worked together to take out Moose and Impact. Patron turned on EC3 and they started going at it. All four guys traded shots in the middle of the ring.
Patron and Moose fought into the crowd, with Moose injuring his knee and getting checked on by medical personnel.
Patron, EC3, and Impact fought into the crowd. Patron stuffed Impact into a trash can. EC3 and Patron worked together and double-teamed Impact. Moose ran back in and powerbombed EC3. Moose and Patron then fought on the floor.
EC3 attempted the One Percenter on Impact, but he rolled EC3 up for the win.
Next Week: Impact World Champion Austin Aries defends against Eli Drake. Plus, Brian Cage makes his Impact debut.
