Santos Escobar is now a free agent after his WWE contract expired Tuesday at midnight.
That new report comes from Fightful Select who first reported Monday that it was likely Escobar would part ways with WWE after attempts to re-sign him were declined. Sources indicated to the outlet that it was more “creative dissatisfaction than it was about money” and that he was offered more money.
They also reported Escobar could appear at New York Comic Con this weekend.
The Legado del Fantasma member hasn’t been in the ring since appearing in trios matches on WWE SuperShows in Mexico July 26 and 27. He has wrestled just seven times overall this year with two of those appearances coming in battle royals.
The former El Hijo del Fantasma, Escobar signed with WWE in August 2019, got injured while training, and then started with NXT in February 2020 under his real name (Jorge Bolly) which was eventually changed to his current moniker after winning the NXT Cruiserweight title that same year.
He, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro were called up to the main roster in October 2022 where he has remained ever since. After splitting with the LWO, Escobar has been aligned with Los Garza.
He was relatively quiet on social media for September, but has began posting pictures of him in a suit from a photo shoot including the following which included an hourglass emoji (seen below).
The 41-year-old is both a former titleholder in CMLL and AAA and has also wrestled for TNA in the past. Given WWE’s ownership of AAA, a reunion would appear to be unprecedented.
Tonight’s NXT is the final stop before TakeOver: In Your House.
Sunday’s TakeOver event will be headlined by Karrion Kross defending his NXT Championship against Kyle O’Reilly, Pete Dunne, Johnny Gargano, and Adam Cole in a fatal five-way match. Tonight, Kross and his challengers will take part in a face-off segment.
Ember Moon is challenging for Raquel Gonzalez’s NXT Women’s Championship at TakeOver. As part of the final build to that match, Moon will face Gonzalez’s tag team partner Dakota Kai tonight.
Ted DiBiase is set to make what WWE is hyping up as a “Priceless Announcement” on tonight’s show. The announcement will relate to Cameron Grimes and LA Knight’s match at TakeOver. Grimes and Knight are each vying for DiBiase to choose them to be the wrestler to carry on his Million Dollar legacy.
Also on tonight’s NXT, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott will face Killian Dain, Oney Lorcan will take on Austin Theory, and music artist Poppy will make an appearance.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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The show opened with a grudge match. Johnny Gargano & Pete Dunne got in a brawl earlier today, and their stablemates also got into it. Thus, the opening match tonight on NXT.
Oney Lorcan defeated Austin Theory
Lorcan pinned Theory after a uranage. Theory was distracted by Dunne & Gargano brawling at ringside. Good match with a finish that was very WWE.
Both had a lot of fire at the start. Not sure who the fans are supposed to cheer for, but shades of grey I guess. The match itself was action-packed with Theory doing some cool moves, and Lorcan being vicious in return.
Hard chops during the match. When the fight spilled outside, they again traded chops. Lorcan tripped Thoery, and Theory bumped on the apron. Pete Dunne soon walked down to ringside as the show cut to a commercial break. Lorcan worked over Theory’s back during the break, and Lorcan seemed still in control as the show returns. Theory suddenly popped up to deliver a blockbuster, which began to turn the tide.
Theory clothesloned Lorcan out of the ring. Lorcan in return threw Theory outside the ring a moment later. Theory fired up at ringside, and he explodes with offense. In the wildest move of the match, Theory springboarded into a Spanish Fly.
Johnny Gargano came to ringside, and he brawled with Dunne. Officials poured out to separate them. Theory was distracted by the melee, allowing Lorcan to smash Theory’s head into the top turnbuckle. Lorcan then gave Theory a uranage slam, and Lorcan covered him for a pinfall.
A vignette featured LA Knight basically doing a spoof of MTV Cribs. For us older fans, this was similar to the Million Dollar Man segment on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Here in 2021, Knight was at a big house on the beach, and two women were hanging with him in a hot tub. They laughed at his jokes, even when he was far from funny. Knight cut promos on Ted DiBiase, and then Knight drove away in a sports car.
Dok Hendrix (Michael Hayes) was back on WWE television to run down an In Your House card like it was 1995. Dok, here in 2021, looked like he borrowed a hat from Cameron Grimes. Running down the card for TakeOver: In Your House, Dok plugged the following matches (in order as he listed them):
NXT Women’s Championship: Raquel Gonzalez vs. Ember Moon
Cameron Grimes vs. LA Knight
Mercedes Martinex vs. Xia Li
Fatal Five Way for the NXT Championship: Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) vs. Adam Cole vs. Pete Dunne vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Kyle O’Reilly
Another match for TakeOver was set up in the next segment.
El Legado del Fantasma were in the ring for a promo. Santos Escobar was very angry with NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed, so Reed came out to interrupt him. Reed joked about squashing Escobar last week with a splash, and Reed had a replay shown on a video screen. Reed got in the ring to confront him, and NXT Tag Team Champions MSK ran down to back up Reed.
Escobar challenged Reed and MSK to a trios match where all the champions titles are on the line. Both the North American and the Tag Team titles are on the line in a “winner takes all” six-man tag match at TakeOver. Reed and MSK quickly agreed to the match, and then Reed threw to the clip of Escobar getting squashed by the splash.
Hit Row entered the scene for a match. They walked past Legado del Fantasma, and the two factions glared at each other.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott (with Hit Row) defeated Killian Dain (with Drake Maverick)
Scott pinned Dain after Dain was distracted by Hit Row. Another good match with another lame distraction finish. Very on brand for WWE.
Dain was getting the better of Scott, until Scott powdered outside. Top Dolla caused a distraction, which allowed Scott to jump Dain with a sneak attack. Dain fought back to drop Scott with a lariat. Hit Row created another distraction. This time B-Fab distracted Dain, and Scott capitalized to work over Dain.
Dain hulked up to trade strikes with Scott. Dain began to manhandle him. Scott springboarded on the ropes, flipped upside down, and he landed on his feet. Dain then met Scott with a flying crossbody for a two count.
Scott went on to counter Dain, and Scott delivered a flatliner and a jumping kick. Dain came back with power moves. Ashante “Thee” Adonis tried to interfere, but Maverick made a save to stop him. Top Dolla then grabbed Maverick, and Top Dolla dropped Maverick on the apron with a Death Valley Driver.
Dain was distracted by Maverick being attacked, and Scott struck after measuring Dain. Scott with a leaping kick, and then he covered Dain for a three count.
Poppy arrived at the building. Candice LeRae was not happy. She was vocalizing her anger over Poppy alongside her NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship partner, Indi Hartwell. While LeRae was angry with a singer, Hartwell was sure Dexter Lumis was still in love with her. Hartwell ran off to find Lumis.
Cameron Grimes in a vignette made his case for why he sould carry on the legacy of the Million Dollar Man. He was at a big house like Knight was earlier, but Grimes was way more entertaining during his MTV Cribs segment. He vowed to take the Million Dollar Man’s legacy to… the… moon.
Mercedes Martinez won a squash match
Xia Li attacked Martinez before the match. Li and Martinez brawled at ringside until they were separated by officials. Martinez rolled into the ring to face an unnamed opponent. She charged towards Martinex, and she ran into an knee strike by Martinez. Followed by an Air Raid Crash, Martinex scored a pinfall.
Breezango cut a promo on Imperium. Looks like a tag team in the making soon enough.
Triple H and William Regal were backstage with Poppy. The two executives were gushing over Poppy and her music. Triple H asked when Poppy’s album drops? Poppy said “right now” before she pulled out her cellphone. Poppy tapped a button, and the album was dropped on the WWE Universe. Triple H was amazed at technology. Then things got weird.
Dexter Lumis approached Poppy with a picture he had drawn of her. Poppy was so happy with the picture she gave Lumis a hug. Indi Hartwell walked just in time to see Lumis and Poppy embracing with a hug. Hartwell was very upset by this, and she ran away in tears.
“Priceless Announcement” by The Million Dollar Man
Camreon Grimes and LA Knight arrived the building for their segment with Ted DiBiase. They did a lot of comedy, with each trying to upstage the other. They entered the CWC to join DiBiase in the ring.
DiBiase said this Sunday was an ultimate test, and it was time for them to “climb the ladder of success.” DiBiase laughed his evil laugh as a ladder painted gold was lowered into the ring from the ceiling. DiBiase indictaed there would indeed be a ladder match.
Knight cut a promo running down Grimes, and Grimes responded with a promo of his own. Grimes grew more animated before he ripped off his sports jacket, and he took off his fancy watch. Grimes climbed the ladder, and he vowed to go TO THE MOON!
Grimes asked what he was reaching for, and a briefcase was brought into the ring by guards. Inside the case was the Millon Dollar Championship belt. So, Grimes vs. Knight is now a ladder match for the Million Dollar Championship.
Ever-Rise annnouced they are hosting the pre-pre-show, whatever that is.
Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson) defeated August Grey and Ikemen Jiro
Gibson pinned Grey to win the bout. This was basically an enchancement match. Jiro wrestled in a sports coat, which you don’t see every day. Gibson tried to rip off the jacket, and Jiro fired up. Not for long, as Grizzled Young Veterans went to work targeting a Jiro’s leg.
Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher came down to ringside with folding chairs. They sat down to watch the match. Grey was able to catch the Vets slipping while they were distracted by the guests at ringside.
Grey was soon cut off, and he was given a Ticket to Mayhem. Gibson then covered Grey for a pinfall.
Grizzled Young Veterans exchanged words with Ciampa & Thatcher. This sets up a Texas Tornado match for next Tuesday on NXT.
Bobby Fish has his sights set on Oney Lorcan.
Io Shirai returns
Candice LeRae storms into the ring still upset by Poppy being there tonight. LeRae cut a promo on Poppy. Notably, LeRae in her speech acknowledged Hartwell and Lumis as a couple, referring to them was “In-Dex” in doing so. Putting heat on Poppy, LeRae blamed her for Hartwell leaving the building tonight.
Poppy entered the CWC, and she got a full entrance like she was wrestling superstar. Poppy said she doesn’t wrestle, but she knows someone who does. Cue the theme music of Io Shirai, and she returns to NXT!
Shirai rushed into the ring, and she attacked LeRae. After a Tiger Feint Kick, Shirai delivered a missile dropkick that sent LeRae rolling out of the ring. Shirai stood tall alongside Poppy as LeRae backpedaled out of the arena.
Dok Hendrix is back with a “Slam Jam Update” talking abou the new matches announceded for TakeOver on Sunday. Dok ran down the full card.
Ember Moon defeated Dakota Kai (with NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez) via disqualification
Gonzalez interfered for the DQ. Good match, but very lame finish.
Evenly matched at the start until Kai gained an advantage with an underhanded tactic. Kai twice with a face wash, and Moon was in peril. Moon soon hulked up, and Moon proceeded to clean house on Kai ahead of a near fall.
Kai cut off Moon, and Moon was rammed into the ring post before a commercial break. Moon sold throughout the commercials, but Moon was making a comeback when the show returned from the break. Moon was running wild on Kai, but Kai fought back with kicks.
Moon with a wickedly cool version of a modified stunner. Kai countered with a Bladerunner for a two count. Kai with a Kawada kicks and a face wash for another near fall. Moon countered Kai to deliver a powerbomb for count of two and a half.
Gonzalez at ringside tried to attack Moon, but Moon rocked the champ with a punch. Moon with a tope suicida won both Gonzalez and Kai. Moon followed up by climbing the turnbuckles, seemingly going for her finisher. Gonzalez jumped into the ring, and she booted Moon off the ropes. The referee called for a DQ as Gonzalez checked on Kai.
Once again Gonzalez saved Kai from near defeat, which continues a developing backstory for down the road.
Fatal Five Face-Off Go-Home
NXT Champion Karrion Kross & Scarlett cut a promo ahead of the closing segment. After a commercial break, the champion is in the ring with William Regal for a face-off segment.
Regal was trying to lay the law down with Kross, but Kross was having none of it. Kross said NXT has been out of control for a long time. Kross said he was not leaving until “the four of them” (meaning his challengers at TakeOver) come down to “get their asses kicked.”
Kyle O’Reilly was the first to answer the call. O’Reilly cut a promo that concluded with him saying, “It’s a matter of time before a guy like me walks down here and takes that title from you.”
Johnny Gagrano appeared at ringside sarcastically saying those were some “sick burns” by O’Reilly. Gargano made fun of O’Reilly blue jean jacket. Gargano stood on the announce table to cut a promo on Kross. Somewhere in this all, Kross called Gargano a “mark.”
Out next is Pete Dunne to interrupt. Dunne said he was sick of all the talking, and he was tired of waiting around. Adam Cole appeared on the video scree, and he called the rest of them “chumps.” Cole cut another harsh promo on Kross for the second week in a row.
O’Reilly called Cole a “bitch” for not being there in person. O’Reilly said that was not himself. Kross asked O’Reilly who he is, and O’Reilly responded by slapping Kross in the face. A brawl erupted as the always inept security detail tried to break up the fight.
Kross suplexed everybody like he was Taz in 1996. Security grabbed Kross and held him, which allowed Gargano to superkick him. Dunne also attacked Kross. O’Reilly jumped into the melee, and he stood tall for a few seconds. Kross mowed down O’Reilly with an forearm strike from behind.
Standing tall with the title belt held overhead, Kross was celebrating when he was blindsides by Adam Cole. He was in the building after all. Cole superkicked Kross, and then Cole delivered a Last Shot on the champ.
Cole picked up the NXT title belt, and Cole held the belt over his head. Cole once again stands tall, but who will leave TakeOver as the champion?
Drake Maverick didn’t win NXT’s interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament — but he’s still staying with WWE.
El Hijo del Fantasma defeated Maverick in the tournament finals on NXT tonight to become interim NXT Cruiserweight Champion. The finish of the match was Fantasma getting the win after Maverick was distracted by the masked kidnappers who have been appearing on NXT.
The mask men surrounded Fantasma at first but were taken out by a tope from Maverick and then fought off by him. When Maverick got back into the ring, Fantasma hit a superkick and the Phantom Driver to win the interim title.
Maverick was dejected after his loss but received an ovation from the Performance Center wrestlers who were in the crowd. Triple H came out to the stage, shook Maverick’s hand, and presented him with an NXT contract. An emotional Maverick then signed the contract.
Maverick was part of April’s WWE releases. His story for the tournament was that he was fighting to win so that he could save his job.
Dave Meltzer reported on the masked kidnappers storyline in April: “The kidnapping spots on NXT are to lead to the introduction of Jorge Bolly, or whatever name El Hijo del Fantasma will go by. It’s the Simbianese Liberation Army storyline where the captives sympathize with their captors and Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde become his Patty Hearsts.”
Ireland’s Jordan Devlin is the current NXT Cruiserweight Champion but is currently unable to travel and defend his title due to the coronavirus pandemic. The interim label for Fantasma’s Cruiserweight title wasn’t mentioned on NXT tonight.
Drake Maverick is going to the finals of NXT’s interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
Maverick and El Hijo del Fantasma will face off in the finals of the tournament on next Wednesday’s episode of NXT. That was confirmed when Maverick defeated Kushida and Jake Atlas in a triple threat match on NXT tonight.
The story for Maverick vs. Kushida vs. Atlas was that it had a controversial finish. As Kushida had Atlas in a cross armbreaker at the end of the match, Maverick put his arm across Atlas and the referee counted to three. It was shown that Atlas had actually tapped out before the referee finished counting, but it was said that the referee’s decision is final.
Maverick did an interview after that was revealed and said he wanted to compete fairly. He offered to have another match, but Kushida told him to fight for the title and win. Maverick said he has all the respect in the world for Kushida and told Kushida he’ll have the first shot at the title when Maverick wins the tournament.
Maverick was part of last month’s WWE releases. He’s had an underdog story for the tournament, trying to win to save his job.
Tonight’s triple threat match was made after Maverick, Kushida, and Atlas were tied at the end of Group A action. Fantasma defeated Akira Tozawa last week to win Group B.
Maverick and Fantasma shook hands after Maverick’s win tonight. Maverick told Fantasma that it’s more than winning the title for him, it’s his life and his job.
Jordan Devlin is the NXT Cruiserweight Champion, but he’s currently unable to travel and defend his title due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Three interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament matches are taking place on NXT next Wednesday.
WWE has announced that Kushida vs. Tony Nese, Drake Maverick vs. Jake Atlas, and El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Jack Gallagher are set for next week’s episode of NXT. Kushida vs. Nese and Maverick vs. Atlas are Group A tournament matches, while Fantasma vs. Gallagher is a Group B match.
This will be the first time Fantasma has wrestled on NXT television. A video hyping his debut aired tonight.
The tournament kicked off with Akira Tozawa defeating Isaiah “Swerve” Scott in a Group B match on tonight’s NXT.
Everyone in the tournament will face the other wrestlers in their group one time. The wrestler with the best record in Group A will then face the wrestler with the best record in Group B in the finals.
Any ties will be broken by head-to-head record.
Jordan Devlin is the NXT Cruiserweight Champion but is currently unable to travel and defend his title due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The upcoming NXT interim Cruiserweight Championship tournament is set to kick off live this Wednesday and after the Group A participants were announced earlier Sunday, Group B has also been revealed.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
El Hijo del Fantasma
Akira Tozawa
Jack Gallagher
Tozawa is the only former NXT Cruiserweight Champion in Group B mix. This will be Fantasma’s NXT TV debut, but he had been working on house shows under his new name of Jorge Bolly. Bolly (pictured above) worked for both AAA and CMLL and worked for Lucha Underground under the name King Cuerno.
In a change from traditional tournament format, the eight challengers will be split up into two groups with everyone in each group facing off against each other, gaining points for wins. The Group A and Group B winners will then face each other to crown the interim champion. The first slate of matches has yet to be announced.
Current Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin is unable to travel due to bans surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
The former El Hijo del Fantasma is set to make his NXT debut this weekend.
WWE announced last night that Jorge Bolly (formerly known as El Hijo del Fantasma and King Cuerno) will make his debut for the promotion at NXT’s house show in Fort Pierce, Florida this Saturday (February 15). In NXT’s video revealing that he would be debuting at the show, Bolly was announced as Raul Mendoza’s new tag team partner.
Bolly tweeted about his debut: “Finally!!!! #OhLaLaTime Mexico’s greatest export… see ya this Saturday in Fort Pierce!!! Bring your #ohLaLaGame @WWENXT”
It was officially announced in September 2019 that Bolly had signed with WWE. Dave Meltzer reported last week that the reason there had been no mentions of Bolly since he signed with WWE was because he had blown out his knee. Meltzer wrote that Bolly was expected to be cleared to return imminently.
Four Lucha Underground wrestlers have been given their releases after filing a lawsuit over their contracts.
Lucha Central reported last night that El Hijo del Fantasma (King Cuerno), Ivelisse, Joey Ryan, and Thunder Rosa (Kobra Moon), who were involved in a class action lawsuit against Baba-G Productions and the El Rey Network, will be immediately released and will become free agents as part of a settlement.
The class action suit and Fantasma’s separate lawsuit have also been dropped as part of the agreement. Lucha Central noted that El Texano Jr. withdrew his lawsuit prior to the settlement and is expected to remain with AAA.
“I’m honored to say that we received 100 percent of the relief that we were suing to obtain and four young talented wrestlers are no longer bound by an unfair contract that prohibits them from taking full advantage of their talents at the prime of their career,” attorney Andre Verdun told Lucha Central. “I wish them all the best of luck.”
Two lawsuits have been filed regarding Lucha Underground’s contracts.
Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that El Hijo del Fantasma, who goes by the name King Cuerno on Lucha Underground, filed a lawsuit in California against the El Rey Network and Baba-G Productions, the production company behind LU. In the lawsuit, Fantasma is claiming that both El Rey and Baba-G have illegally restricted him and other wrestlers from “engaging in their lawful profession”.
Documents obtained by Pro Wrestling Sheet said that those under Lucha Underground contracts are making less than $4,000 a year compared to other wrestling promotions who offer a living wage. Fantasma claims to have lost thousands of dollars as a result of the contract, and is seeking both putative and actual damages.
Lucha Central talked to Fantasma’s attorney, Andre Verdun, who said that a class-action lawsuit was being worked on in addition to Fantasma’s suit. The site later reported that Kobra Moon, Joey Ryan, Fantasma and Ivelisse are the names attached to this specific suit.
The situation regarding Lucha Underground contracts has flared up in recent weeks, most notably when Ivelisse wrote a since-deleted statement on social media saying that she was “being legally held hostage” by the company after they wouldn’t release her from her contract following the end of the fourth season.
Lucha Underground hasn’t aired a new episode since November. The fate of the promotion and if it will continue for a fifth season is currently unknown.
Previously: Z & E became Impact Tag Team Champions by defeating Scott Steiner & Eli Drake.
Tonight: Moose goes one-on-one with Kongo Kong. Plus, X Division Champion Matt Sydal defends against El Hijo Del Fantasma.
Show Recap —
OVE (w/ Sami Callihan) defeated Drago & Aerostar by DQ
The faces were in control early and hit dives to the floor, but OVE took over after Callihan interfered. They isolated Drago on their side of the ring.
During the match, Eddie and Alisha Edwards arrived at the Impact Zone. Edwards ran out with a kendo stick and attacked OVE for the disqualification. He choked out Callihan with the kendo stick. Alisha pleaded with Edwards to stop, but he instead attacked security with it stick as well.
– Edwards and Alisha argued in the back. Edwards isn’t finished with Callihan, and Alisha accused Edwards of being exactly like him.
Cult of Lee defeated LAX
The announcers pushed that LAX have been on a losing streak. LAX were briefly in control, but the heels gained the advantage. Santana got the hot tag and ran wild. LAX set up for an assisted cutter before Lee pulled Ortiz out of the ring. Konley rolled up Santana for the win.
– KM and Fallah Bahh ran into Grado and Katarina in the back. KM couldn’t understand how Grado is dating Katarina.
Flashback Moment of the Week: Mr. Anderson defeated James Storm
The winner of this won the advantage for the Team TNA vs. Aces & Eights War Games match. Storm set up for the Last Call when Aces & Eights came out. Storm was distracted and Anderson hit the Mic Check for the win.
– McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Madison Rayne. Tessa Blanchard interrupted and challenged Rayne to a match for next week.
– Scott Steiner and Eli Drake interrupted a Z & E interview but ended up arguing with each other.
X Division Champion Matt Sydal defeated El Hijo Del Fantasma to retain his title
Sydal gained the early advantage by working over Fantasma’s knee. Fantasma hit a baseball dropkick to gain control of the match. They brawled around ringside, then Fantasma locked on a modified Indian Deathlock in the ring. Fantasma was firmly in control when Sydal hit a double underhook pumphandle driver for the win.
– At the LAX Clubhouse, Santana and Ortiz went crazy and destroyed the room. Kingston showed up and told them that Konnan got jumped. He said Homicide is with Konnan. Kingston mentioned that he is the third in command and to listen to him.
Dezmond Xavier defeated Petey Williams
The winner of this faces Brian Cage next week in an X Division Championship number one contender’s match.
Williams gained the edge with a hurricanrana to the floor. Xavier fired up and hit a cutter for a near fall. Williams attempted the Canadian Destroyer, but Xavier countered out. Xavier executed a backflip into a kick for the win.
– Backstage, Allie stared in a mirror and recalled Su Yung burning Rosemary’s casket. Allie had her face painted like Rosemary and was dressed like her. There was writing in lip stick on the mirror, which read: “B, don’t let the darkness consume you…R”
Moose defeated Kongo Kong
Kong came down to the ring without Jimmy Jacobs. Moose sent him to the floor, then followed up with a plancha. Kong took over after Moose missed a charge and hit the steps. Kong connected with the cannonball on the floor against the steps.
Kong hit a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Moose attempted a slam but collapsed under Kong’s weight. Moose fought back, hitting a hesitation dropkick. Kong missed the diving splash and Moose slammed him. Moose won after hitting the spear.
Suddenly, a black and red X appeared on the screen with a recap of all the victims. They cut backstage and found Jimmy Jacobs unconscious and marked by the X.
Next Week: Impact presents Under Pressure, which features Impact World Champion Pentagon Jr. defending against Austin Aries. Plus, Knockouts Champion Allie defends against Su Yung.
Previously: Impact World Champion Pentagon Jr. defeated Eli Drake.
Tonight: Austin Aries & Matt Sydal face Pentagon Jr. & El Hijo Del Fantasma. From House of Hardcore, Eddie Edwards battles Sami Callihan in a street fight. Plus, Su Yung holds a funeral for Rosemary.
Show Recap —
Z & E (DJ Z & Andrew Everett) defeated Eli Drake & Scott Steiner to win the Impact Tag Team titles
The heels isolated DJ Z in their corner, then Steiner gave him a Samoan drop from the second turnbuckle. Z & E made a comeback and hit a double dropkick on Steiner, sending him to the floor.
Everett hit Drake with a codebreaker and DJ Z rolled him up for a near fall. Steiner accidentally hit Drake with a chair, and Everett hit a standing Shooting Star Press to win the Impact Tag Team Championship.
Tessa Blanchard defeated Kiera Hogan
Madison Rayne joined Josh Mathews on commentary. Hogan was in control early on. Blanchard took over after dropping Hogan on the top rope, but Hogan fired up and unloaded on her. Blanchard won after hitting the hammerlock DDT.
After the match, Blanchard jumped Hogan from behind and beat her down. On commentary, Rayne was disgusted by Blanchard’s actions. She ran to the ring for the save.
– Earlier today, Grado accused Jimmy Jacobs and Kongo Kong of attacking Joseph Park last week. They denied it and insulted Grado. Katarina stepped in and challenged Kong on his behalf, though Grado didn’t seem too thrilled.
Kongo Kong (w/ Jimmy Jacobs) defeated Grado (w/ Katarina)
Grado was scared and tried to leave, but Katarina convinced him to stay. Kong was firmly in control and dominated the match. Grado made a brief comeback, but Kong won with the diving splash.
Kong continued the beatdown and Katarina subtly walked off, leaving Grado alone. Kong teased sending Grado into the steel steps until Moose ran out for the save.
– LAX had a confrontation with Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley in the back.
Eddie Edwards defeated Sami Callihan in a street fight (from House of Hardcore)
Edwards hit a suicide dive to start the match. Callihan hit Edwards with a lead pipe and tried to stick a spike in his eye, but Edwards fought it off. Callihan gave Edwards a Death Valley Driver on the entryway. Callihan attempted a piledriver on the apron, but Edwards hit him with a can of Coke.
Callihan hit a falcon arrow on two steel chairs for a near fall. Callihan brought in his baseball bat, but Edwards hit the Boston Knee Party for the win. After the match, Edwards continued to attack Callihan. He choked out Callihan with the bat until security ran out.
Brian Cage defeated Facade (from Destiny World Wrestling in Canada)
On the floor, Cage powerbombed Facade into the ring post and slammed him on the apron. Facade fought back and nailed Cage with a kick to the head. The finish came when Cage hit Weapon X for the win.
Flashback Moment of the Week: Austin Aries defeated Brian Kendrick to win the X Division Championship (from No Surrender 2011)
Kendrick attempted Sliced Bread before Aries tossed him to the floor. Aries missed a suicide dive and hit the guardrail hard. He missed the 450 and Kendrick scored a near fall. Aries used a low blow and hit a brainbuster to win the title.
– KM gave Fallah Bahh a makeover and Bahh hit on Kiera Hogan.
– Su Yung held a funeral for Rosemary, with the Undead Bridesmaids walking through a cemetery with Rosemary’s casket. Yung placed flowers on the casket and sprayed it with red mist before it burst into flames.
Pentagon Jr. & El Hijo Del Fantasma defeated Austin Aries & Matt Sydal
Sydal and Fantasma started the match off by going back and forth. Fantasma got the better of Sydal. Pentagon and Aries entered, but Aries quickly jumped to the floor. Fantasma hit a suicide dive on Sydal and all four guys brawled around ringside.
Aries and Sydal took over by isolating Fantasma on their side of the ring. Pentagon hit a slingblade and a backstabber for a two count. Sydal attempted the Shooting Star Press, but Pentagon nailed him with a superkick mid move. Fantasma hit the Thrill of the Kill on Sydal for the win.
Next Week: X Division Champion Matt Sydal defends against El Hijo Del Fantasma. In two weeks at Under Pressure, Pentagon Jr. defends against Austin Aries.
Previously: Austin Aries declared the Grand Championship to be the top title in Impact.
Tonight: El Hijo Del Fantasma, Drago & Aerostar take on DJ Z, Dezmond Xavier & Andrew Everett. Also, Su Yung battles Rosemary.
Show Recap —
– Eli Drake came down to the ring and noted that Scott Steiner had the night off. He pointed out that he’s the only person with a guaranteed title shot.
He announced that he’s cashing in his World Championship title shot next week. This brought out Pentagon Jr. and they had a brief staredown.
– Earlier today, McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Kiera Hogan about her match tonight against Taya Valkyrie. Tessa Blanchard interrupted, but Hogan told her to sit down and watch her defeat Valkyrie.
– Backstage, the returning Grado greeted Joseph Park after working out his green card issues. Aries approached and told them everything will workout despite Pentagon Jr. being the Impact World Champion.
OVE defeated KM & Fallah Bahh
OVE gained control and isolated KM in their corner. Bahh got the hot tag and ran wild, then he and KM both did the steamroller spot on OVE. OVE fought back and sent KM to the floor. For the finish, Jake Crist hit a series of kicks to Bahh’s head and rolled him up for the three count.
After the match, KM apologized for the loss and shook Bahh’s hand. KM laughed as Bahh walked away.
– Mitchell Interviewed Moose backstage. Moose promised to win the Impact World Championship in 2018. Jimmy Jacobs interrupted, challenging Moose to face Kongo Kong next week. Moose accepted.
Taya Valkyrie vs. Kiera Hogan ended with no winner
Valkyrie hit a spear to start the match and was firmly in control, but Hogan made a fiery comeback to take the advantage.
Blanchard came out and attacked Hogan. She beat Hogan all around ringside before nailing her with the hammerlock DDT.
Brian Cage defeated Mick Moretti, Slex, and Brodie Marshall in a fatal four-way match (from World Series Wrestling in Australia)
Moretti nailed Cage with an F-5, but Cage jumped right up to his feet. Cage gave Moretti and Slex a double fallaway slam and nailed a no-touch tope con hilo onto all three on the floor.
Cage went for the discus lariat, but Slex ducked it and executed a German suplex. Cage landed on his feet and hit the discus lariat. He then hit the Drill Claw for the win.
DJ Z, Dezmond Xavier & Andrew Everett defeated Drago, El Hijo Del Fantasma & Aerostar in a lucha libre rules six-man tag match
This was a really good match with lots of fast-paced action, high flying, and innovative moves. Xavier trapped Aerostar in the ropes, with Everett and DJ Z hitting double springboard dropkicks. Everett and DJ Z attempted a double Lionsault but missed.
Xavier hit a flip dive over the top rope, followed by DJ Z hitting a huge dive to the floor as well. Aerostar hit La Bombita, wiping out everyone on the floor. DJ Z hit a frog splash, Xavier hit a final flash, and Everett connected with an awesome looking toe-touch moonsault for a three-way near fall.
Xavier climbed to the top rope, but Aerostar walked across the second rope and caught him with a hurricanrana. Aerostar shoved Everett off the top to the apron, but DJ Z hit the ZDT on Aerostar for the win.
– Backstage, Austin Aries ran into Eli Drake and said he hopes Drake wins next week because Aries knows he can beat him.
Flashback Moment of the Week: Zema Ion (DJ Z) defeated Sonjay Dutt, Kenny King, and Mason Andrews in Ultimate X
Dutt nailed King with a springboard dropkick and a standing Shooting Star Press, but he injured his shoulder on the landing. Eventually, Dutt returned to the match. Dutt and Ion climbed to the top of the X structure and traded shots. Ion sprayed hairspray in Dutt’s eyes and pulled down the belt.
– KM and Bahh discussed their loss from earlier. KM promised to train Bahh. Another employee was found knocked out backstage marked with a red X.
– Last Friday, Eddie Edwards was released from jail after attacking Sami Callihan in the hospital. Tommy Dreamer showed up to pick him up but didn’t want to hear Edwards’ explanation.
X Division Champion Matt Sydal defeated Taiji Ishimori to retain his title
Sydal worked over the leg and locked on a half-crab. Ishimori made a comeback and hit a double foot stomp for near fall. Ishimori hit the tombstone into the double knees, but Sydal fought back and hit a pump handle driver for the win.
– Dreamer tried to talk some sense into Edwards. Dreamer mentioned that he wasted years obsessed with defeating someone, referencing his past feud with Raven. Edwards didn’t want to hear the advice and walked off.
– Backstage, Allie promised to watch Rosemary’s back tonight. Rosemary refused the help and made Allie promise that she will stay in the back no matter what happens.
– At the LAX Clubhouse, Santana and Ortiz were angry because they lost the belts, have no money, and Konnan is still missing.
Su Yung vs. Rosemary never got started
Yung and Rosemary brawled around ringside before the match could start. Yung gave Rosemary the Panic Switch on the floor, and The Undead Bridesmaids came down to the ring with a casket.
Allie ran down and attacked Yung. Rosemary ordered Allie to leave, but she refused. The Undead Bridesmaids attacked Allie and held her down. Rosemary grabbed a kendo stick, but Yung misted her in the eyes.
Yung gave Rosemary a Panic Switch off the stage through a table. She then stuffed Rosemary in the casket as Allie watched.
Next Week: Impact World Champion Pentagon Jr. defends against Eli Drake.
The card for Impact Wrestling’s Redemption pay-per-view now has six confirmed matches.
A six-way match was added to the lineup for the PPV today, with it featuring Brian Cage, Taiji Ishimori, DJ Z, El Hijo Del Fantasma, Trevor Lee, and Dezmond Xavier. Ishimori is working the show despite departing Pro Wrestling NOAH last month, and DJ Z is making another appearance for Impact after returning for the first time in over a year at their WrestleMania week event with Lucha Underground.
Redemption is the company’s first PPV since last November and will take place at the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida on April 22nd. The main event was originally supposed to be Austin Aries defending his World Championship against Alberto El Patron, but that was changed to Aries vs. Pentagon Jr. vs. Fenix after El Patron was released.
The next match for Redemption will be announced on Monday. Here’s the updated card:
Impact World Champion Austin Aries defending against Pentagon Jr. and Fenix in a triple threat match
Knockouts Champion Allie defending against Su Yung
Eddie Edwards, Moose & Tommy Dreamer vs. Sami Callihan & OVE (Dave & Jake Crist) in a House of Hardcore match
X Division Champion Matt Sydal defending against Petey Williams
Impact Tag Team Champions LAX (Santana & Ortiz) defending against Eli Drake & Scott Steiner
Brian Cage vs. Taiji Ishimori vs. DJ Z vs. El Hijo Del Fantasma vs. Trevor Lee vs. Dezmond Xavier
Previously: GFW Global Champion Eli Drake defeated Johnny Impact to retain his title.
Tonight: James Storm & Ethan Carter III take on El Hijo Del Fantasma & Texano.
Show Recap —
– An in memoriam graphic paying tribute to Lance Russell aired. It was followed by a “Pray for Vegas” graphic.
– Eli Drake and Chris Adonis came down to the ring to open the episode. Drake bragged about beating Johnny Impact last week and revealed that Impact isn’t at the show. He took off his jacket and gave it his finisher — The Gravy Train. Drake got Adonis a match tonight against Garza Jr. Adonis wasn’t happy about the surprise match.
Chris Adonis defeated Garza Jr. by DQ
Drake joined the commentary team for the match and Adonis dominated the action early on. Garza was able to hit a hurricanrana, but he missed an attempt at a plancha.
Backstage, Johnny Impact arrived at the Impact Zone. Drake ran off from the commentary booth. In the ring, Garza made a comeback and scored a close near fall. Impact ran in and attacked Adonis for the disqualification, while Drake and Garza ended up brawling.
Jim Cornette then ran out and made a match between Impact and Garza for next week, with the winner getting a Global Championship title shot at Bound for Glory.
– Moose was on the phone and searching for Bobby Lashley. He arrived at the American Top Team gym and told the person on the phone he didn’t need their help.
– At the LAX Clubhouse, Konnan was irate that Santana and Ortiz lost the belts last week. This erupted into a heated argument.
GFW Global Tag Team Champions OVE defeated Jon Bolen & Trey Miguel
OVE dominated the match and picked up the easy win with a version of Total Elimination.
– Knockouts Champion Sienna and KM came down to the ring. Sienna was upset that she doesn’t have a title defense at Bound for Glory. She thinks it’s because she defeated all the women and will have to start fighting men soon. She then assumed she knows what Impact Wrestling has planned and announced that she’s the newest inductee into the Hall of Fame.
This brought out Gail Kim, who demanded a championship match at BFG. Taryn Terrell came down to the ring and pointed out that Kim has never defeated her. Terrell challenged Kim, which brought out Allie. She wanted a title shot too, and out came Karen Jarrett. She announced Sienna defending against Kim, Terrell, and Allie at Bound for Glory.
– Joseph Park organized a very successful autograph signing for Grado where he charged $100 per autograph.
Sonjay Dutt, Petey Williams & Matt Sydal defeated Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett & Caleb Konley
Everett and Lee were partners here despite being bitter rivals not long ago. The heels were in firm control, but the faces made a comeback by hitting suicide dives to the floor. The faces cut off Konley from his corner and worked him over, then Everett kneed Dutt in the back and the heels took over.
The heels isolated Dutt in their corner until Williams got the hot tag and ran wild. Sydal caught Everett with a hurricanrana and hit the shooting star press for the win.
After the match, Dutt, Williams, and Sydal all demanded an X Division title shot at Bound for Glory.
– Moose entered the American Top Team gym. He shoved Dan Lambert, then ATT jumped Moose and beat him down in the Octagon. ATT threw Moose out of the gym.
El Hijo Del Fantasma & Texano defeated James Storm & Ethan Carter III
Early on, Storm and EC3 weren’t working well together. Fantasma caught Storm from behind and the AAA team took over. EC3 and Storm finally worked together and briefly gained the advantage, but the heels took back control by isolating EC3. Pagano made his way to ringside, which distracted Storm as EC3 tried to make the tag.
Fantasma missed a big splash and Storm got the hot tag. Storm ran wild and scored a very close near fall on Fantasma. Pagano distracted Storm as AAA regained control. Storm tried to suplex Fantasma into the ring, but Pagano grabbed Storm’s legs and enabled Fantasma to score the win.
– At the LAX clubhouse, they made up after their earlier argument. They will challenge OVE to a 5150 street fight at Bound for Glory.
Next Week: Johnny Impact vs. Garza Jr. with the winner getting a GFW Global Championship title shot at Bound for Glory.
