Former Raw Women’s Champion Nia Jax has issued a statement following her release from WWE.
Jax was among 18 wrestlers who were released by WWE during a round of cuts on Thursday night. The New York Post reported that “a source with knowledge of WWE’s operations” told them that one of the reasons Jax was released was due to being unvaccinated.
Jax hadn’t appeared on WWE television since an angle on the September 20 episode of Raw where she was beaten down by Shayna Baszler. WWE posted a storyline update claiming that Jax would be undergoing surgery following the attack.
In her statement, Jax clarified that — with the full support of the company — she had taken a short leave of absence from WWE for a mental health break. Jax wrote that she received her schedule to return starting on November 15, but she asked for an extension of the break. Jax claimed that she never received a response from WWE, and the next thing she heard was that she was being released.
Jax wrote that her vaccination status “was never mentioned” and she “wasn’t given any choices or options.”
I usually keep my personal life private, but yesterday’s reports leave me with no option but to clarify matters. I recently took a short leave of absence from WWE for a mental health break. I’ve been working through so much — more than I can share — and so I took some time, with the full support of the company, to take care of myself.
Earlier this week, after WWE sent me my schedule to return to the ring for the November 15 show, I asked for an extension to my mental health break, feeling that I needed more time, and hoping I would have the ongoing support of the company I have given my all to for the past 7 years. I did not receive a response. The next I heard, I was being released. My vaccination status was never mentioned. I wasn’t given any choices or options.
It breaks my heart to be so abruptly let go, without consultation, when dealing with so much privately. I loved my career at WWE, I love the men and women I worked with, and I am going to need time to process this huge loss. I appreciate those people who have shown understanding and compassion during an incredibly difficult time.
Shortly after WWE’s quarterly investors call wrapped, the company began making cuts to their talent roster, citing “budget cuts” as the reason.
From the main WWE roster, Keith Lee, Mia Yim, Nia Jax, Karrion Kross, Eva Marie, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik, Harry Smith, and B-Fab were released.
From the NXT roster, Scarlett, Ember Moon, Franky Monet, Jessi Kamea, Katrina Cortez, Jeet Rama, Oney Lorcan, Trey Baxter and Zayda Ramier have been let go.
Mass releases have become a regular occurrence in WWE throughout 2021 as they made 13 roster cuts on August 6, another 14 on June 25, six on June 2, eight on May 19, and 10 on April 15.
Kross and Lee are both former NXT Champions. Lee had been rebranded as “Bearcat” Keith Lee on Raw. Kross had not been accompanied by Scarlett on the main roster as he had been in NXT.
Jax is a former Raw Women’s Champion and a two-time former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. Her pairing with Shayna Baszler was the focus of the women’s tag division in WWE throughout much of this year.
Scarlett stated on Twitter that she has a 30-day non-compete clause following here release, while Oney Lorcan stated on YouTube that his non-compete is 90 days.
A match between Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler has been made for next week’s episode of Raw.
The match was announced prior to tonight’s main event. This follows an angle on the show where Nia Jax got on the apron during a match between Baszler and Charlotte Flair. This distracted Baszler long enough for Flair to strike Baszler with a big boot for the win.
On last week’s episode of Raw, a distraction from Baszler cost Jax a match against Flair. After Baszler distracted Jax on the apron, Flair jumped off the ring post and connected with natural selection to pin Jax.
Baszler and Jax, despite being unfriendly towards one another, began teaming last summer, quickly winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles, The two won the titles for a second time at this year’s Royal Rumble kickoff event, but lost the titles to Natalya and Tamina on the May 14, 2021 edition of SmackDown.
Date: September 6, 2021 Location: FTX Arena in Miami, FL
The Big Takeaway —
This was a truly uninspired show.
Show Recap —
Bryan Danielson has been removed from the signature video that begins every WWE show. (Connor Michalek doing the ‘Yes’ chant at WrestleMania 30 is still in there.)
Raw started off differently than usual. They cut straight to the back to Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston cutting a promo directly to the camera about tonight’s tag team turmoil match. The remaining teams cut promos as well.
Randy Orton and Riddle entered as they played a video recapping last week’s main event. Orton said Bobby Lashley and MVP lost because Lashley was a greedy son-of-a-bitch. He said we’d find out tonight who would lose to RK-Bro next. Riddle did comedy speaking about a few of the teams. Orton seemed simultaneously annoyed and amused. The crowd was pretty quiet for this.
Lashley and MVP interrupted. MVP told Riddle to shut up and said Lashley wanted to rip Orton’s head off for giving him an RKO last week. Lashley called Orton a coward and challenged him to a singles match. Orton said he would accept the challenge if Lashley put the title on the line. The crowd cheered for that.
MVP accepted for Lashley — but at Extreme Rules. Lashley admitted he was a greedy son-of-a-bitch. He planned on speaking to Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville so they could get into the turmoil match and he could become a double champion.
The New Day’s music hit and Byron Saxton said, “my heart just turned into a smiley face emoji.” Kingston suggested they speak to Deville and Pearce quickly because they’re about to kick off the match. Woods reminded them that he beat Lashley a few weeks ago and said New Day were about to become tag team champions once again.
They had a fairly fast-paced, back-and-forth match. The Raiders caught Kingston’s trust dive attempt and chucked him into Woods, which led to a commercial break. Kingston made a comeback following the break but the Raiders nailed him with a combo back suplex/clothesline for two.
Woods made a tag but was immediately cut off by Erik. Ivar followed with a splash off the top for a nearfall. Kingston knocked out Erik with a Trouble in Paradise and Woods rolled up Erik for the pinfall win.
Mahal and Veer worked over Woods through a break and the finish came almost immediately after they came back. New Day gave Mahal a combo backbreaker/double foot stomp and Woods picked up the pinfall win.
– Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defeated Lucha House Party
This was fast-paced too and Woods picked up the pinfall again by rolling up Gran Metalik as Kingston held down Lince Dorado.
Mace and T-Bar completely dominated until Woods countered T-Bar’s finisher into another rollup for the pinfall win. (Woods has picked up the pin in every elimination so far.)
Mace and T-Bar attacked New Day after the match. Mansoor tried making the save but they beat him up too. Mustafa Ali tried talking him out of it before trying to save him but Ali got beat up too. Mace and T-Bar lawndarted Kingston into the steel steps and they posted Woods. Deville and Pearce ran down and demanded they stop. Officials backed them off as they went to break.
[Second hour]
During the break, Deville announced that they would give New Day, Ali and Mansoor a chance to recover and the turmoil match would continue later tonight with the remaining teams, now including Lashley and MVP. (The four remaining teams: New Day, Ali & Mansoor, AJ Styles & Omos, Lashley & MVP.)
********
Sheamus defeated Drew McIntyre to become number one contender for the US title (14:48)
A superplex by Sheamus led to break about four minutes into the match. McIntyre fought back with clotheslines, a belly-to-belly suplex and a neckbreaker. Sheamus went to the top but McIntyre brought him down with another suplex.
McIntyre tried a headbutt but Sheamus is still wearing a mask so he hurt himself instead. Sheamus responded with a headbutt for two, followed by an Alabama Slam for two. Sheamus did the Claymore countdown but McIntyre clotheslined him and hit a Future Shock DDT for two.
McIntyre sent Sheamus shoulder-first into the post and applied a kimura but Sheamus got a rope break. McIntyre tried something off the top but Sheamus ducked and hit a knee strike for a nearfall. McIntyre followed with a White Noise for two.
McIntyre yanked Sheamus’ mask off and booted him in the face. McIntyre tried a Claymore but Sheamus countered into a schoolboy while holding the trunks for the pinfall win.
After the match, McIntyre clocked Sheamus in the face with his mask before giving him a Claymore kick.
(I’m not sure he’s turning, but McIntyre came across like a sore loser.)
********
Kevin Patrick interviewed Damian Priest. Priest loved watching a fight and definitely loved watching that fight between McIntyre and Sheamus. He knew he would enjoy fighting Sheamus at Extreme Rules and was confident he would retain his title.
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H. Schreiber asked what they had in common. Ripely said they both wanted to be champions and maybe they could again if they beat Natalya and Tamina. An excited Nikki encouraged a less-excited Ripley to say their new tagline. Ripley begrudgingly set up Nikki to say that they would unleash “super brutality.”
This Friday’s SmackDown at Madison Square Garden: Brock Lesnar appears, plus Edge faces Seth Rollins.
Schreiber interviewed Charlotte Flair about her upcoming title match against Nia Jax. Charlotte admitted that Jax was not like most women but Charlotte herself was one of a kind. She planned on making Jax kiss the floor she walked on.
********
Rhea Ripley & Nikki A.S.H. defeated Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina in a non-title match (9:30)
Tamina superkicked Ripley on the outside and her team worked over Nikki through a break. Ripley made the tag after the break and ran wild on Natalya. Nikki gave Natalya a high cross but Natalya kicked out/Tamina broke up the cover (late). Ripley dropkicked Tamina before Natalya gave Ripley a German suplex.
Ripley blind-tagged herself in right before Natalya put Nikki in the sharpshooter. Ripley grabbed Natalya and hit Riptide for the pinfall win. The crowd was quiet for the match but popped for the win.
********
There was a Moist TV segment backstage from earlier today with guest Karrion Kross. John Morrison’s music played in the background during the segment. Kross said he wanted people’s worst dreams to become a reality. Morrison asked him what was next. Kross wanted to make him suffer. The music stopped.
Morrison didn’t think he was serious. Kross told Morrison he planned on eliminating him. Morrison wasn’t afraid of him. He said he’s been in the business for two decades and has faced the likes of Undertaker, Kane, and DX (“the cool members”). Kross told him he was going to teach him to fall and pray.
********
Karrion Kross defeated John Morrison (2:04)
Morrison sprayed Kross in the face with his drip sick, so Kross decked him before suplexing him right out of the ring (over the ring post). Kross applied the Kross Jacket and Morrison passed out.
********
Schreiber interviewed Jax. She said Charlotte freaked out last week because she’s never been physically overpowered like that. Jax planned on finishing what she started to win the title.
[Third hour]
Charlotte Flair defeated Nia Jax (w/Shayna Baszler) to retain the Raw Women’s Championship (8:49)
As soon as the bell rang, Baszler hopped on the apron to state that she wasn’t sure Jax had what it took to beat Charlotte twice in a row. Baszler knew she could do it herself and wondered if Jax would choke.
The match started by playing off their match last week. They aggressively shoved each other and Jax yanked Charlotte’s hair until the referee separated them. Charlotte left the ring, taunted the crowd, and grabbed her belt. Baszler got in her face and the distraction allowed Jax to go after her. A battle on the ropes led to Charlotte giving Jax a powerbomb for two.
After a break, Charlotte wiped out Jax with a moonsault off the top to the outside. Baszler tried attacking Charlotte but Charlotte moved and Baszler managed to stop before hitting Jax.
Moments later, Baszler hopped on the apron which distracted Jax long enough for Charlotte to hit a Natural Selection for the pinfall win. Baszler seemed pleased with herself.
********
After the match, Alexa Bliss appeared on the screen and invited Charlotte to the Playground. Charlotte wasn’t interested in her mind games and declined. Bliss said Lilly had a lot of pent-up energy tonight and asked Charlotte if she had any idea what it was like being stuck with a lunatic. Bliss realized Charlotte would know what that’s like because she’s a Flair.
Bliss said they would just have to bring the Playground to Charlotte. The lights went out and Bliss appeared in the ring. Charlotte asked Bliss what she wanted. Bliss pointed at the title belt. Charlotte asked if she wanted a title match and the crowd chanted Yes. Charlotte agreed.
********
There was a Reginald highlight reel.
Reginald defeated Akira Tozawa to retain the 24/7 Championship (0:41)
Reginald won using a flipping senton into a pin.
After the match, Reginald managed to evade R-Truth and Cedric Alexander. Humberto Carrillo, Jaxson Ryker, Shelton Benjamin, and Jeff Hardy all ran down but Reginald wiped them out with a dive.
As Reginald backed up the stage, he stopped upon seeing Drake Maverick (wearing a suit). Truth tried going after Reginald again but he escaped. Truth told Maverick to go back to his wife (Reginald could be seen leaving behind them). Truth left and Maverick smirked.
********
Kevin Patrick interviewed Doudrop. She said Eva Marie got Dou-dropped and she wanted a rematch. She said the Eva-lution was more like an Eva-delusion and she was ushering in a new era: the Doudrop-olution.
********
Tag Team Turmoil (continued)
– Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defeated Mustafa Ali & Mansoor (4:17)
Kingston gave Ali a superplex and Woods tried rolling up Mansoor but only got a two count. Mansoor followed with a rollup for two. The ref stopped Mansoor to check on Woods who was selling being hurt. Ali justifiably thought this was ridiculous and tagged himself in.
Ali went for a 450 but Kingston moved and followed with a Trouble in Paradise. Woods followed with a springboard elbow drop for the pinfall win.
Styles and Omos worked over Woods’ back forever. Woods tried a rollup but Styles kicked out. Woods clotheslined Styles and tagged in Kingston who was immediately swatted out of the air by Omos.
After a break, Styles was working over Kingston until Kingston came back with a double foot stomp. Styles tried a backflip reverse DDT but Kingston countered into a Trouble in Paradise and Omos broke up the cover.
Woods went after Omos but Omos just chucked him out of the ring. Omos handed Kingston to Styles who hit Styles Clash for the pinfall win.
– WWE Champion Bobby Lashley & MVP defeated AJ Styles & Omos
The crowd chanted for MVP (who is from Miami). MVP immediately tagged in Lashley who had a brief exchange with Styles before Styles tagged in Omos. The crowd buzzed for the Omos-Lashley confrontation.
The crowd chanted for Lashley as he fought off the bigger man. Lashley tried a vertical suplex but Omos blocked it and dropped Lashley. Lashley fell out of the ring and confronted Orton (who was watching ringside with Riddle).
As they argued, Styles wiped them both out with a running crossbody off the announce table. Omos chucked Riddle into the barricade. Styles pushed Lashley into the ring before knocking down MVP. Omos chucked Riddle onto the announce desk.
Styles went for a Phenomenal forearm but Lashley ducked and hit a spear for the pinfall win. Lashley and MVP will face Orton and Riddle for the tag titles next week.
After the match, Omos gave Lashley a tree slam. After Omos and Styles left, Lashley got to his feet just long enough for Orton to slip in and hit an RKO.
After defeating Charlotte Flair in a non-title match, Nia Jax is getting a shot at the Raw Women’s Championship.
WWE has announced that Charlotte will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Jax on Monday’s episode of Raw. Jax was set up as Charlotte’s next challenger by defeating her in a non-title match on Raw this past Monday.
Jax pinned Charlotte after hitting a chokebomb. The match fell apart and they appeared to stop cooperating with each other at one point.
Charlotte defeated Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match at SummerSlam last month to win the Raw Women’s Championship.
WWE has also announced that a number one contender’s Tag Team Turmoil match will take place on Monday’s Raw. Mustafa Ali & Mansoor, The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, Lucha House Party, Mace & T-Bar, Jinder Mahal & Veer, AJ Styles & Omos, and The Viking Raiders will be the seven teams in the match. The winning team will become the number one contenders to Randy Orton & Riddle’s Raw Tag Team titles.
Orton & Riddle won the Raw Tag Team titles from Styles & Omos at SummerSlam.
Monday’s Raw is taking place at the FTX Arena in Miami.
The end of tonight’s Raw saw Shayna Baszler challenge Reginald to a match for next week’s show.
Prior to tonight’s main event, Baszler told Reginald not to interfere in her and Nia Jax’s match against Natalya and Tamina for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles. Reginald appeared at ringside anyway. When Baszler found out, she sent Reginald to the back. However, flames burst on the stage, blinding Reginald. Baszler was distracted long enough to be pinned by Natalya. After the match, Baszler appeared as she was helping Reginald up, but then grabbed him challenged him to a match for next week.
In recent weeks, Alexa Bliss has been using supposed magic powers to interfere in matches that involve Reginald, Jax, and Baszler. Pyro set up on the ring post caused eye damage to Reginald last week, leading him to wear glasses on tonight’s show.
Also scheduled for next week is a match between Drew McIntyre and Kofi Kingston. The winner will face Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship at Hell in a Cell. WWE official Adam Pearce told Lashley tonight that if he were to interfere in that match, he would be suspended from WWE without pay for 90 days.
Date: May 24, 2021 Location: Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
The Big Takeaway —
After Asuka beat Charlotte last week, Charlotte beat Asuka this week and, as a result, Charlotte earned a title match against Rhea Ripley at Hell in a Cell.
Kofi Kingston and Drew McIntyre fought to a double DQ, so they will have a rematch next week to determine Bobby Lashley’s title opponent at Hell in a Cell. If Lashley or MVP get involved next week, Lashley will be suspended without pay for 90 days.
Natalya and Tamina successfully retained their titles in the main event after fire almost exploded Reginald again. Shayna Baszler challenged Reginald to a match next week.
Show Recap —
MVP introduced WWE Champion Bobby Lashley to start the show. Lashley was once again accompanied to the ring by five women dressed mostly in black. They aired a long recap video of what happened last week and all five women booed the video.
MVP mentioned that WWE was leaving the Thunderdome in July and that meant fans would get to see Lashley in person. MVP mentioned Drew McIntyre who was a black cloud that continued to follow them around.
Lashley said he beat McIntyre at WrestleMania before beating both McIntyre and Braun Strowman at Backlash. MVP said they tried to move on from McIntyre which is why Lashley issued an open challenge last week. The scrawny cartoon character Kofi Kingston accepted and the black cloud had to show up again.
McIntyre interrupted. He said nobody should be surprised to see him. He wanted to regain the title. If it weren’t for MVP, he would have won it at Mania, and if it weren’t for Strowman, he would have won it at Backlash.
McIntyre said Lashley couldn’t beat him on his own and wondered if he even had the balls to face him. McIntyre asked the women if Lashley had any balls. They seemed offended by the question.
Lashley and McIntyre argued until the New Day interrupted. Kingston reminded everyone that he pinned Lashley. Lashley said he should thank McIntyre. McIntyre said, “you’re welcome.” Kingston seemed offended by his insinuation that he couldn’t win without him. Kingston said he didn’t ask for his help and didn’t want his help.
Kingston answered the challenge last week because he never got a rematch after losing the WWE title. Kingston said McIntyre has received rematch after rematch after rematch and now it was his turn to step to the back of the line because Kingston did something he couldn’t do over many months.
Adam Pearce interrupted. He announced a match between Kingston and McIntyre, with the winner facing Lashley for the title at Hell in a Cell. MVP liked the idea.
There was a video by Strowman plugging WWE’s upcoming return to the road.
Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods) vs. Drew McIntyre ended in a double DQ (21:52)
MVP, Lashley and their five friends watched on couches set up on the stage.
Kingston was doing well until McIntyre caught him on the outside and gave him a reverse Alabama Slam into the edge of the ring. McIntyre taunted Lashley as they went to break. McIntyre remained in control after the break and hit a snap suplex for two. McIntyre followed with an overhead suplex before dropping Kingston over the barricade.
Adnan Virk asked the other announcers, “How wild was KofiMania back in the day?”
McIntyre hit a delayed vertical suplex as he pointed at Lashley. Kingston came back with a dropkick, chops and another dropkick. Kingston tried a guillotine choke but McIntyre countered into a vertical suplex for two.
Kingston fought back but McIntyre caught his flying crossbody attempt, rolled through and hit a Michinoku Driver for two. McIntyre taunted Lashley again which was enough to convince Lashley to march to ringside, leading to another break.
Back from break, McIntyre hit a back suplex off the top for two. Kingston countered a DDT into a cradle for two, then McIntyre hit a spinebuster for two. McIntyre followed with a crazy deadlift sit-out powerbomb for two. Kingston dodged a charge and McIntyre went into the post. Kingston followed with a frog splash onto McIntyre’s back for two.
Kingston sent McIntyre to the outside, so McIntyre got in Lashley’s face. Kingston hit a trust dive on McIntyre, which also knocked over Lashley. Kingston followed with an SOS for two.
Predictably, Lashley jumped in and attacked McIntyre while MVP also attacked Kingston. The referee called for the bell.
Woods saved Kingston from MVP before Lashley knocked down Woods. Kingston gave Lashley a Trouble in Paradise before McIntyre knocked down Lashley with a Claymore.
This was a really good match until the unfortunate finish.
A graphic popped up during the match advertising Asuka against Charlotte Flair tonight.
They aired an exchange from earlier today between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair. Nikki Cross jumped in and said she could beat either of them. Charlotte said she could beat Cross in two minutes if she didn’t already have a match scheduled tonight. Ripley told Charlotte that she’s unlikeable because she talks down to people. Charlotte told Ripley to beat Cross in two minutes if she could. Ripley said she’d be happy to.
An Eva Marie video aired.
Nikki Cross defeated Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley in a non-title Beat the Clock challenge (2:00 time limit)
They billed this as a Beat the Clock challenge with two minutes on a timer. Cross would be considered the winner if she could last two minutes.
With a minute left, Cross hit a jawbreaker and a flying crossbody for two. Ripley responded with a dropkick, shoulder tackles and strikes in the corner. As Ripley continued the attack, the timer ran down to zero and the bell rang.
Ripley acted shocked as Cross was announced the winner of the challenge. Cross celebrated like she won the title. Charlotte entered to laugh at Ripley as Cross did a weird dance in celebration. This wasn’t good.
[Second hour]
There was a Damian Priest video plugging WWE’s return to the road and a video plugging ticket on-sale dates.
McIntyre barged into Pearce’s office. Kingston conveniently entered one second later, even though their match ended 20 minutes ago. Pearce told them they’d get a rematch next week. They were happy with that even though Pearce gave them no assurance that the Hurt Business wouldn’t get involved again. Kingston and McIntyre were both confident in their chances.
There was a commercial for Mick Foley’s A&E documentary.
Charlotte Flair defeated Asuka (21:23)
After 12 minutes mostly of Charlotte working over Asuka’s leg, Asuka came back with German suplexes and a hip attack for two. Charlotte drove Asuka’s leg into the post but Asuka fought back and hit a sliding knee on the apron. Charlotte pushed Asuka into the announce table which led to the match’s second commercial break.
They fought back-and-forth the rest of the way until Asuka tried an Asuka Lock but Charlotte rolled through into a cradle for the pinfall win.
A stagehand approached Lashley, MVP and their pals in the back. MVP wanted him to address Lashley as the All Mighty. He let the All Mighty know that Adam Pearce wanted to see him.
Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke plugged WWE’s return to live crowds.
MVP and Lashley approached Pearce, who asked Lashley what kind of champion he wanted to be. Lashley said he was the only one who could represent Raw as champ and was certainly better for it than Kingston and McIntyre. Pearce told them that if either of them got involved in the Kingston-McIntyre match next week, or even appeared at ringside, Lashley would be suspended without pay for 90 days. Lashley was not happy. (Why isn’t this always the rule?)
There was a video package for the Shelton Benjamin/Cedric Alexander feud.
Alexander cut a promo on Benjamin before their match as Benjamin impatiently paced around. Basically, Alexander wasn’t worried about being kicked out of the Hurt Business because he was still in his prime, unlike Benjamin.
After the promo, Corey Graves said Alexander had the charisma of a cinder block.
Cedric Alexander defeated Shelton Benjamin (11:53)
Alexander left the ring as soon as the bell rang which led to break 10 seconds into the match. Benjamin was in control after the break until Alexander brought him down from the top with a hurricanrana. Alexander was in control but his strikes just pissed off Benjamin who no-sold a few kicks and followed with a clothesline and spinebuster.
Benjamin hit German suplexes but Alexander poked him in the eye, which the ref didn’t see, and Alexander followed with a Neuralyzer for the pinfall win.
There were commercials for NXT plugging Karrion Kross defending his title against Finn Bálor, as well as the Cameron Grimes/Ted DiBiase face-off.
John Morrison plugged the return to live crowds.
Riddle defeated Xavier Woods (12:49)
They grappled until Riddle showed off his strength with consecutive suplexes. Woods showed off his own strength with a series of vertical suplexes. They traded strikes and dropped each other with a double clothesline spot. Woods gave Riddle an AA on the apron which led to break.
Woods fired up after the break and hit a missile dropkick for two. Riddle came back with a knee strike but Woods countered a Bro Derek attempt and dropkicked Riddle in the corner. Woods followed with a press slam into a gutbuster for two. Riddle then did a deadlift German suplex off the middle rope and Woods basically landed right on his head for a nearfall.
After a brief exchange, Riddle suddenly hit an RKO for the pinfall win. Riddle did Randy Orton’s pose after the match.
Strong match. It was a first-time ever match and it certainly felt like something different, especially with both guys working as babyfaces.
They announced that Rhea Ripley will defend her title against Charlotte at Hell in a Cell.
Jaxson Ryker defeated Raw Tag Team Champion AJ Styles (2:03)
Styles was in complete control but Elias suddenly appeared at ringside and nailed him with a knee strike behind the ref’s back. Ryker followed with a Black Hole Slam for the pinfall win. Ryker pinned Styles.
Omos ran out after the match to go after Elias who hid behind the barricade. Elias and Ryker ran away but Elias tripped on the ramp so Omos tackled him into the video boards. Omos checked on Styles.
(Unless I missed something, there was no explanation for Omos not being in Styles’ corner in the first place, other than they wanted to do this finish.)
Jeff Hardy plugged the return to live crowds.
US Champion Sheamus defeated Humberto Carrillo (3:44)
Carrillo got a brief chance to shine but Sheamus pinned him with a handful of tights for the win.
Sheamus attacked Carrillo after the match but Ricochet made the save. They each gave Sheamus moonsaults and Ricochet finished him off with a 450 splash. Ricochet wore his own clothes this week.
Sarah Schrieber interviewed Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. Baszler said they lost last week because Jax was once again distracted by Reginald. Jax told her not to be a bully and explained what happened to him during the match. Baszler didn’t care and said they were an unstoppable force until she started getting distracted by him. She wanted them to go out there without him tonight. Baszler told Reginald to stay in the back or else.
There was a new Eva Marie video. This one focused more on her training.
(I missed it earlier, but I believe the Riddle/Woods match was the top-of-the-hour segment for the third hour.)
Natalya & Tamina defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships (11:42)
Natalya and Baszler were having a back-and-forth exchange when Reginald sauntered out about three minutes into the match. Baszler was about to stomp Natalya’s arm, but Reginald walking out caused her to stop for some reason. This allowed Natalya to escape and hit a German suplex which led to break.
Baszler was randomly back in control after the break until Natalya slammed her and tagged in Tamina. Tamina hit Jax with an uppercut and superkick for two. Jax avoided a superkick and smothered Tamina with a cover for two. Baszler tagged in but Tamina gave her a powerslam and tagged in Natalya.
Tamina and Jax brawled on the outside until Jax backdropped her over the barricade. Graves figured Tamina was out of the match now because of that.
Natalya gave Baszler a discus clothesline but Reginald distracted the referee as Natalya tried a sharpshooter. Baszler reversed into a small package but the ref was still distracted so Natalya was able to kick out.
Baszler demanded that Reginald leave. As Reginald walked up the ramp, fire pyro went off on the stage which caused him to fall back. Natalya used the distraction to apply a small package for the pinfall win. The champs retain.
Baszler grabbed Reginald and told him they’d be fighting next week and he’s going to wish he was in that fire.
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler are getting another chance to reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles.
During SmackDown tonight, WWE announced that Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina will defend their titles against Jax & Baszler on Monday’s episode of Raw. Natalya & Tamina became the Women’s Tag Team Champions by defeating Jax & Baszler on SmackDown last Friday.
On Raw earlier this week, Jax & Baszler got a Women’s Tag Team title rematch against Natalya & Tamina. Alexa Bliss and her doll Lilly came out to the stage during the match and apparently made fire shoot out of the ring post at one point. Reginald, who is aligned with Jax and Baszler, fell off the ring steps and grabbed his face after the fire shot out. It caused a distracted Baszler to let go of the Kirifuda Clutch that she had locked in on Tamina. Natalya and Tamina then hit the Hart Attack on Baszler and Natalya pinned her to get the win.
Jax and Baszler appeared on SmackDown tonight and attacked SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. Bayley, Jax, and Baszler beat down Belair until Natalya and Tamina tried to make the save. Bayley, Jax, and Baszler fought off Natalya and Tamina, which led to a six-woman tag match being made. Baszler submitted Natalya with the Kirifuda Clutch as Natalya’s attention was turned to Bayley.
Tonight’s SmackDown features the final build to WrestleMania Backlash.
At this Sunday’s pay-per-view, Cesaro will challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Cesaro earned the title shot after he defeated Seth Rollins on last week’s Throwback SmackDown.
Jimmy Uso returned last week and reunited with Jey Uso and Reigns. The Usos tried to help Rollins beat Cesaro, but Rollins shoved Jey. Jimmy then hit Rollins with a superkick, and Cesaro won the match.
Reigns was furious and yelled at Jimmy for indirectly helping Cesaro. Jimmy stood up for himself and refused to acknowledge Reigns as the tribal chief.
Later, Cesaro attacked Reigns at the end of SmackDown. At first, Jimmy stopped Jey from helping. Eventually, The Usos tried to fight off Cesaro, but Cesaro beat down all three by himself.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against Tamina & Natalya tonight. Jax & Baszler defeated Tamina & Natalya at WrestleMania 37 night two to retain the titles. Tamina & Natalya then defeated the champions in a non-title match to earn the title shot tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, And Jimmy Uso Segment
Jey Uso was already standing in the ring to start SmackDown. He noted that his brother Jimmy Uso disrespected the head of the table, Roman Reigns, last week. Jey promised to take care of Jimmy tonight.
Jey then introduced Reigns. Jey also promised that Reigns would defeat Cesaro Sunday night at WrestleMania Backlash.
Reigns and Paul Heyman took their time walking to the ring. They recapped Jimmy Uso’s return last week and Cesaro beating Seth Rollins.
Reigns walked over to Jey. He pointed out that Jimmy is a problem, but he wants to address Cesaro first. Reigns noted that everyone in the back likes Cesaro. He likes him too and called Cesaro one of the best wrestlers in the world.
Reigns noted he’s more than just a wrestler. He doubts Cesaro could take his place in the WWE.
He thinks that not even FOX wants Cesaro to take his place.
Reigns noted Cesaro hasn’t had a title shot before. Heyman informed him that Reigns had 39 title shots.
Reigns turned his attention to Jimmy Uso. Jimmy’s music interrupted, and he made his way to the ring. Jimmy’s got a new t-shirt and has one for Jey in the back when he’s ready to join him.
Jimmy doesn’t think Reigns is going to be champion much longer. Jey was furious and told Jimmy to respect Reigns. Jimmy admitted that he doesn’t think Reigns can beat Cesaro.
Jimmy claimed that if The Usos win the tag team titles, they’ll be the tribal chiefs. Reigns was furious and got in Jimmy’s face. He told Jimmy that he couldn’t do what Reigns does.
Reigns told Jimmy to prove that he can be Reigns. He told Jimmy to try to beat Cesaro tonight. Without hesitating, Jimmy challenged Cesaro to a match tonight. Cesaro walked out and accepted the challenge. He promised to beat Jimmy tonight and win the title from Reigns Sunday night.
This was a good opening segment. Reigns and The Uso were good in their roles.
They recapped Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler attacking Tamina and Natalya last week. They showed Tamina and Natalya warming up for their upcoming match. Michael Cole pointed out that Tamina’s never won a title and could make history next.
Tamina & Natalya defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (w/Reginald) to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
This was a fine match with both teams working hard.
Reginald immediately jumped on the apron and distracted Tamina. Jax took advantage and beat down Tamina. Baszler tagged in, and the faces took over.
Natalya had the match won when Reginald jumped on the apron again. The referee then sent Reginald to the back for jumping on the apron the second time. Jax protested, but Tamina attacked her at ringside. Jax fought back and gave Tamina the Samoan Drop into the barricade.
Baszler took advantage and attacked Natalya’s leg in the ring.
Back from the break, Jax dropped an elbow on Natalya for a near fall. The heels isolated Natalya in their corner. Tamina was still down due to the attack before the break.
Natalya fought back, and Tamina got the hot tag. Tamina knocked down Baszler and scored a near fall. She climbed to the top rope, but Baszler cut her off.
Jax tagged in and tried to give Tamina a superplex. Tamina fought back and knocked Jax down. Baszler tried to interfere, but Natalya yanked her off the apron. She then gave Baszler a German suplex on the floor.
Jax tried to climb back up, but Natalya prevented her. Jax pulled Natalya into the ring and gave her a Samoan Drop. Jax ended up on her back, and Tamina hit the Superfly splash for the win.
They treated the title change as a huge deal. After the match, Natalya and Tamina gave a passionate speech. Natalya talked about never giving up, and Tamina talked about Natalya believing in her. The new champions celebrated as pyro went off in the background.
Cesaro against Jimmy Uso is official for later tonight. Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman in the back. She startled Heyman, which was hilarious. Heyman doesn’t know if Jimmy Uso will win but promised that Reigns would beat Cesaro Sunday.
Commander Azeez Nigerian Medal of Honor Ceremony
Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews held a special ceremony for Azeez. Crews praised Azeez for assisting him and helping win the Intercontinental title. Azeez stood on a huge box-like structure in the ring. Crews then gave Azeez the Nigerian Medal of Honor.
Big E interrupted on the big screen. He mocked the ceremony and said it’s the biggest sham since Macklemore won best rap album. Big E promised to win the title back.
Sami Zayn interrupted and mocked Big E. Zayn noted that he has some unfinished business with Crews since he’s the real I.C. champion. Kevin Owens ran out, and a brawl broke out. Azeez and Crews beat down Owens when Big E ran out for the save.
Sami Zayn ran out and attacked Owens as well. Everyone hit a big move. Big E then went after Crews, but Azeez pulled him out of the ring.
They recapped Dominik Mysterio defeating Dolph Ziggler last week.
Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/Robert Roode)
Ziggler and Mysterio had a good match. They started at a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
Ziggler had the early advantage with a side headlock. Mysterio briefly fought back, but Ziggler regained control with a shoulder tackle. Ziggler taunted Mysterio.
Mysterio fought back and sent Ziggler to the floor. He followed up with a sliding dropkick and a sliding splash to the floor.
Back from the break, Mysterio missed a splash off the second rope. Ziggler scored a near fall and slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Mysterio fought out of the chin lock, but Ziggler hit an uppercut for another near fall. Ziggler lifted Mysterio on his shoulder for a power slam, but Mysterio countered with a DDT.
Mysterio climbed to the top rope, but Ziggler cut him off. Ziggler attempted a superplex, but Mysterio held on. Mysterio knocked Ziggler down and hit a senton off the top. He followed up with a kick to the face for a near fall.
Ziggler avoided the 619 and hit the famouser for a very close near fall. Mysterio attempted a second 619, but Ziggler countered with a superkick for a two-count. Ziggler picked up Mysterio for a slam, but Mysterio countered into a small package for the win.
Megan Morant interviewed Cesaro in the back. Cesaro noted he dreamed of winning the title since he was a kid. He’s not like Roman Reigns and doesn’t walk around wanting people to acknowledge him. He knows he can beat Reigns and win the Universal title.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Dominik and Rey Mysterio. Rey noted they’re ready to win the tag team titles at WrestleMania Backlash. Ziggler and Roode interrupted and mocked Rey and Dominik. Rey and Dominik promised to win the titles Sunday.
Bianca Belair Segment
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair made her way to the ring. Michael Cole interviewed Belair and discussed her match with Bayley on Sunday.
Belair’s ready to face Baylay and promised to retain the title. She wondered where Bayley’s tonight.
They recapped Bayley attacking Belair last week. Bayley appeared on the big screen and mocked Belair. Belair tried to figure out where Bayley’s hiding.
Bayley laughed and refused to tell her. Bayley kept doing the annoying laugh and promised to win the title at the pay-per-view.
Belair knows why Bayley’s so mad at her. She pointed out that at WrestleMania 37, The Bellas beat up Bayley and threw her down the ramp. Belair noted she won the title that weekend.
Bayley promised to end Belair’s fairy tale and win the title at WrestleMania Backlash. This was a good segment.
King Corbin defeated Shinsuke Nakamura
This was a fine match, although it dragged at times.
Nakamura demanded to face Corbin because Corbin pinned him in the ten-man tag last week. They pushed the match as the battle between the King of Strong-Style and the King of the Ring.
Corbin attempted a suplex, but Nakamura countered with a knee. Corbin took over and hit Nakamura with a series of elbows.
Nakamura recovered and rocked Corbin with a dropkick. Corbin fought back and attempted the around-the-ring post clothesline.
Nakamura avoided the clothesline and locked on an armbar.
Corbin couldn’t break free from the hold. He then leaned forward and rolled up Nakamura for the win.
After the match, Corbin put his crown on, and Nakamura attacked him. He then gave Corbin the Kinshasa. Nakamura picked up the crown and put it on. Pat McAfee was shocked Nakamura took the crown.
In the back, Apollo Crews and Commandor Azeez approached Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. Crews was furious about the attack early. Pearce said he’s still trying to figure out which one of them he’s going to face.
Crews became even more upset. Deville warned Crews to be careful because Pearce might make him face all three. Pearce liked the idea. He announced Crews defending against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E in a fatal four-way for next week. Pearce seemed unhappy with Deville.
In the back, Shinsuke Nakamura admired himself wearing Corbin’s crown in the mirror.
Aleister Black read another chapter from the Tales of the Dark Father. He read the chapter The Lesson, which included animated scenes. Black could teach you this lesson, but he won’t.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Jimmy Uso behind the curtain. Jimmy didn’t think his first match back would be a singles match. He thought The Usos would reunite and win the tag team titles.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee ran down the WrestleMania Backlash lineup.
Cesaro defeated Jimmy Uso via DQ
Cesaro and Jimmy Uso had a good match until the weak finish.
They pushed this as Jimmy Uso’s first match back since he suffered an injury in the ladder match at WrestleMania 36.
Cesaro caught Uso with a dropkick to gain the early advantage. Uso played possum and responded with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Cesaro fought back and rocked Uso with an uppercut.
Cesaro missed a charge in the corner. Uso sent Cesaro to the floor with a clothesline and followed up with a suicide dive.
Back from the break, Cesaro hit a discus clothesline for a close near fall. Uso avoided the Neutralizer and caught Cesaro with a superkick.
Uso climbed to the top rope, but Cesaro cut him off with an uppercut. He followed up with a superplex for a close near fall.
Cesaro hit a cannonball off the apron. He rocked Jimmy with a series of uppercuts and threw him back in the ring.
Suddenly, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso attacked Cesaro and beat him down for a disqualification.
After the match, Jimmy yelled at Reigns that he was about to win. He yelled that Reigns makes everything about himself.
Jimmy walked off, and Reigns chased after him. Jimmy and Reigns argued at ringside.
Cesaro attacked Jey in the ring. Reigns ran back in the ring, but Cesaro fought him off. Cesaro beat down Jey and Jimmy.
Reigns then ran off and watched from the ramp. Cesaro taunted Reigns and hit the Neutralizer twice on Jey while staring at Reigns.
Next Week: Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews defends against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E in a fatal four-way.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler have their challengers for WrestleMania 37 night two.
Jax & Baszler will defend their titles against Natalya & Tamina at WrestleMania 37 night two on Sunday night. Natalya & Tamina became the number one contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles by winning a Tag Team Turmoil match at WrestleMania 37 night one.
Natalya & Tamina were the final team to enter the Tag Team Turmoil match. They defeated The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan) to get the win, with Tamina pinning Riott after hitting a top rope splash.
Naomi & Lana were the first team eliminated from the Tag Team Turmoil match, Carmella & Billie Kay were the second team eliminated, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke were the third team eliminated, and The Riott Squad were the final team eliminated.
Night two of WrestleMania 37 will stream live on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network everywhere else. The show will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. No matches have been announced for the pre-show.
Here’s the updated card for night two:
WrestleMania 37 night two (Sunday, April 11) —
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match
Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defends against Rhea Ripley
“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight
United States Champion Riddle defends against Sheamus
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against Natalya & Tamina
A Tag Team Turmoil match has been announced for WrestleMania 37 on April 10, with the winners facing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions the following day on April 11.
It was announced on tonight’s Raw that Lana & Naomi, Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose, The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan), and Tamina and Natalya will compete in a Tag Team Turmoil match. The winners of that match on Saturday will advance to the second night of WrestleMania, where they will face WWE Women’s Tag Team champions Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax for the titles.
Jax and Baszler appeared on tonight’s show, defeating Asuka and Rhea Ripley after Ripley abandoned her tag team partner. After the match, the champions were confronted backstage by all of the aforementioned teams.
The team of Billie Kay and Carmella was also brought up as possibly taking part in the match. Jax asked Kay if she even had a partner for the match. Kay mentioned that Carmella was looking at her resume, which she gave to Carmella this past Friday.
Two matches have been announced for next week’s WrestleMania 37 go-home edition of Raw.
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley will take on Cedric Alexander in a non-title match on Raw next Monday. This stems from tonight’s Raw, where Lashley kicked Alexander and Shelton Benjamin out of The Hurt Business. Lashley said he felt that Alexander and Benjamin had let him down the previous week after they lost a two-on-one handicap match to Drew McIntyre. After a confrontation tonight, Lashley said as far as he was concerned, The Hurt Business was over when it comes to Alexander and Benjamin.
Later, Benjamin said he wanted a match with Lashley on tonight’s show. Alexander said that he wanted what was left of Lashley for next week’s Raw. Benjamin ended up losing to Lashley in under five minutes.
Lashley is defending his WWE Championship against McIntyre at WrestleMania 37 night one on Saturday, April 10.
A non-title match between WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax and the team of WrestleMania opponents Asuka & Rhea Ripley is also set for next Monday’s Raw. Asuka and Ripley were taking part in a contract signing for their Raw Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 37 on tonight’s show when Ripley threw the table at Asuka, taking her out. Jax and Baszler then came out and challenged the two for a match for next week. Ripley, despite taking out Asuka, accepted the challenge.
Asuka vs. Ripley for the Raw Women’s Championship will be part of the WrestleMania 37 night two card on Sunday, April 11.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair are set to team up again on the road to their title match at WrestleMania.
WWE has announced that Banks & Belair will challenge for Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler’s Women’s Tag Team titles at Fastlane on Sunday, March 21. The pay-per-view will stream live on the WWE Network and Peacock.
This is the first match that’s been announced for Fastlane.
Jax & Baszler retained their titles against Banks & Belair at Elimination Chamber last month. The finish of that match was Jax pinning Banks after Banks was distracted by Carmella’s sommelier Reginald. Reginald, who is infatuated with Banks in storyline, tried to give Banks a champagne bottle to use as a weapon, but Banks refused to use it. Jax then gave Banks a Samoan drop to get the win.
Women’s Royal Rumble winner Belair officially declared on SmackDown last week that she’s challenging for Banks’ SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 37.
Jax & Baszler are two-time Women’s Tag Team Champions. They regained the titles by defeating Charlotte Flair & Asuka on January’s Royal Rumble pre-show. On NXT this week, Jax & Baszler retained against Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez after WWE authority figure Adam Pearce got involved in the match. Following a ref bump, Pearce brought a Raw referee out to the ring. Despite Kai not being the legal person, the Raw referee called for the bell when she passed out in Baszler’s Kirifuda Clutch.
Naomi & Lana are also in line to get a Women’s Tag Team title shot at some point.
A singles match between Belair and Baszler has been announced for this Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler are headed to NXT for a title defense tonight.
The Women’s Tag Team titles will be on the line as Jax & Baszler defend against Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez on tonight’s show. Kai & Gonzalez got the title shot by winning the first-ever women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Kai & Gonzalez defeated Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon in the women’s Dusty Classic finals at TakeOver: Vengeance Day last month.
Men’s Dusty Classic winners MSK were supposed to challenge for Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch’s NXT Tag Team titles tonight, but that match won’t be taking place on the show due to MSK’s Wes Lee suffering a broken hand. Instead, Lorcan & Burch will face Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher in non-title action.
Lee suffered the injury when MSK defeated The Grizzled Young Veterans in the men’s Dusty Classic finals at TakeOver: Vengeance Day. In storyline, the injury was said to have happened when The Grizzled Young Veterans attacked MSK last week.
Dexter Lumis defeated NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano in a non-title match last week after Austin Theory refused to hit Lumis with a steel chair. Due to the Stockholm syndrome Theory has shown since returning from being abducted by Lumis, The Way will attend therapy tonight.
WWE will also follow up on last week’s show-closing angle that saw Adam Cole turn against Roderick Strong, there will be a special look ahead to next week’s Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm NXT Women’s Championship match, and LA Knight will appear. Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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The show is opening with a tag team bout.
NXT Tag Team Champions Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch defeated Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher in a non-title match
Lorcan pinned Thatcher, and the champions won.
Burch and Thatcher started the match for their teams with some chain wrestling. Ciampa and Lorcan each tag in, and they square off. All heck breaks loose and the champions are reeling. Lots of uppercuts from both teams.
Lorcan is grounded by Thatcher, but he used a fish hook to escape Thatcher’s grip. A chopblock targets Thatcher’s knee. Thatcher answered back with a belly-to-belly suplex, but then came a spot teasing an injury. That spot led into a commercial break.
Thatcher took a clothesline, and he looked to have landed on his neck. He immediately rolled out of the ring while clutching his neck. He laid on the floor, and pointed to his neck. He was moving his left hand as if to check for feeling in that arm. The show then cut to commercial, but Thatcher was back in the match when the show returned from the break.
Ciampa in after a hot tag. He ran wild as he mowed down the heel champions with lariats. Ciampa was fired up! Thatcher tagged in to pummel the heels. The champions were taking a beating when they managed to turn the tide.
All four went down selling right before they went home. Imperium appeared on the top of the stage watching the match. The champs spiked Thatcher with an DDT, and Lorcan pinned him.
Finn Balor & Roderick Strong brawl
After a commercial break, Roderick Strong was in the ring. He was clearly pissed off. Strong demanded Adam Cole come to the ring. NXT Champion Finn Balor was out to confront Strong instead.
Strong was angry with Balor, and Strong blamed Balor for Undisputed Era breaking up. Strong said they were fine until Balor showed up in NXT. Balor scoffed. He said the group fell apart over the NXT Championship.
Balor said he had a way to get Cole to show his face. Balor challenged Cole to a championship match next week on NXT. Balor went on to tell Strong he would never be a leader, only a follower.
Strong needed to become selfish and greedy, accordinng to Balor. “Until you get a killer instinct like ‘The Prince’ you will never,” Balor was saying when Strong decked him with a right hand. A brawl erupted, leading to them being pulled apart.
The Way goes to therapy
Up next was a skit with The Way going to therapy. They were all at the Central Florida Psychiatric Center. Austin Theory remarked, “This doesn’t look like Chuck E. Cheese.” Johnny Gargano reassured him. The group was meeting was a clinical psychiatrist named Dr. Linda Nicolu.
The doctor said she normally sees patients one-on-one. Gargano said it was okay because Theory needed his family there for support. The Dexter Lumis “problem” was hurting them all. Theory said there was no problem. Gargano said that is the problem. Theory was kidnapped by Lumis, but Theory claims he was on vacation.
Theory said was just two dudes hanging out. Indi Hartwell was doodling on a notebook “Mrs. Indi Wrestling Lumis,” and Gargano freaked out. He yelled about giving her the “Wrestling” name. He torn up the notebook and said she ruined Christmas.
The doctor said it seemed Gargano’s hostility towards Lumis is exposing deeply rooted isuues within Gargano. He scoffed at the notion. Gargano made a pee joke out of “thera-pee.” He got out of his seat, and he contiued to scream at everyone.
Dr. Nicolu got up from her hair, and yelled at him to get out of her office. He screamed the office was his now because he is the North American Champion. She was having none of it, and she slammed the door in his face. To be continued later in the show.
Cameron Grimes tried to buy his way out of it, but William Regal booked him in a match against Bronson Reed. Also booked for later tonight is Finn Balor vs. Roderick Strong
Ember Moon (with Shotzi Blackheart) defeated Aliyah (with The Robert Stone Brand)
Moon pinned Aliyah in a short match. Moon looked strong, but this felt like filler to pass time.
Robert Stone apparently has PTSD related to Blackheart. Jessi Kamea tried to interfere, but Blackheart made a save with a dive on Kamea and Stone. Moon then delivered The Eclipse.
A great video package hyped the NXT Women’s Championship bout for next week with Toni Storm challenging Io Shirai.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defeated Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai to retain their titles
Baszler submitted Kai to win the match, but the challengers have an out. Kai was not the legal woman in the ring.
Baszler and Kai revisited their history with a call back spot. Kai had much more fight this time around. Both team squared up for a standoff that led into a commercial break. The challengers were in control when the show returned from the break.
Jax tagged in to ragdoll Kai. Jax applied a stretch muffler, and she bounced Kai’s face off the middle turnbuckle. The champs with double team moves.
Gonzalez cleaned house after a hot tag. She was a house of fire, leading to a near fall on Baszler. The challlengers with a double team, and they got another near fall.
Kai went for her finisher, but the knee worked over earlier gave out on her. She buckled. Baszler countered to apply a Kirifuda Clutch. Kai was able to tag Gonzalez despite being trapped in the hold.
The ref got bumped, and he went down. Gonzalez and Jax brawled on the floor, and they crashed onto the announce desk. Baszler again applied her rear naked choke. Adam Pearce sent another ref to the ring. He checked Kai’s arm, which was limp. The ref called for the bell, and the champs retained. However, Kai was not the legal woman in the match.
The Way goes to therapy (cotinued)
The therapy session continues as Theory, Hartwell and Candice LeRae are on the couch. Thoery insists Lumis not who they think he is, and Hartwell still has a huge crush on him. LeRae got caught reading text from Gargano. The doctor kicked everyone out expect Theory.
The doctor told Theory this was a safe space. She asked him what really happened with Lumis. To be continued…
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott was in a recording studio making music. He took a break to cut a promo on Leon Ruff. This was great. Best non-wrestling segment with Scott since he came to NXT.
LA Knight came to the ring for a promo. He was putting himself over when he mentioned TakeOver. Knight said he was better than Tom Brady. He was a trendsetter, and he didn’t come here to do something fancy. He claimed to be the last of a dying breed. Don’t call him the GOAT, just call him LA Knight.
Bronson Reed with his entrance interrupted Knight’s segment. Knight did clear out of the ring, but not before glaring at Reed.
Cameron Grimes defeated Bronson Reed
Grimes pinned Reed after interference by LA Knight. Fun match while it lasted.
Grimes at the start tried to buy off Reed, but Reed punched him in the mouth instead. The handful of cash in Grimes went flying, and it rained down in the ring. Reed manhandled Grimes, and Reed squashed him like a bug after an attempted sunset flip. The show cut to a commercial break with Reed in complete control.
Grimes after the break fought back to execute a one-man running Spanish fly for a two count. Reed hulked up into a comeback. He mowed down Grimes.
Reed flew through the ropes to wipe out Grimes with a dive. Grimes had put on his top hat, and he was leaving when Reed dived onto him. LA Knight came to ringside. Grimes hat had fallen off. He slid it until the ring to distract the ref. Knigth then interfered by tripped up Reed.
Grimes followed with the Cave In for the 1-2-3.
William Regal and Adam Pearce were arguing backstage.
Kayden Carter challenged Xia Li to a match next week on NXT.
The Way goes to therapy (the conclusion)
Theory thought Lumis was a nice guy. The doctor told him that Lumis only brought Theory back because he was tired of him. She said the truth was Lumis couldn’t wait to get used to him. Lumis basically buried Theory to the doctor. Theory broke down crying, and he ran out of the office into the waiting arms of Gargano.
The rest of The Way left the office with Theory. Gargano stayed behind to give the doctor a piece of his mind. Instead, he paid her off. Gargano said she earned every bit of that money, but he took back a $100 bill. Arcade money, he said. Gargano yelled to Theory they were headed to Chuck E. Cheese.
After everyone left her the office Dr. Nicolu concluded the segment with a remark: “What a bunch of idiots.”
Legado del Fantasma attacks
Ever-Rise was in the ring for a match. The were supposed to face Breezango. El Legado del Fantasma attacked Breezango before the match could start. Breezango were spoofing astronauts during their entrance when they were attacked by Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde. Tyler Breeze was not wearing a helmet, but Fandango was wearing a motorcycle helmet. It never came off so that might not have really been Fandango.
Ever-Rise fled the ring when Wilde & Mendoza stormed into the ring. NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar came down to ringside, and he cleaned house on Ever-Rise. He laid them both out. This segment seemed to rehab Legado del Fantasma after the loss to Karrion Kross last week. Escobar in a promo even said to not mistake last week for weakness.
Announced for next Wednesday:
Kayden Carer vs. Kayden Carter
NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm
NXT Championship: Finn Balor vs. Adam Cole
William Regal says has an announcement next week “that will change the landscape of NXT.”
NXT Champion Finn Balor defeated Roderick Strong in a non-title match
Balor pinned Strong to win the match. This was a great match.
Great grappling at the start, and they fought through a commercial break. Balor targeted an arm. Strong came back to work Balor’s back. Backbreaker for a two count, but Balor soon fought back with a series of Irish whips.
Strong answered back with a lariat. Strong rallied into some of his signature spots, and he got a near fall on Balor.
Balor hits Strong with a slingblade, but Strong still caght him in a Boston crab. Strong went for a his falling backbreaker, but Balor countered into a foot stomp. Balor soon struck with a shotgun dropkick, and he followed with a Coup de Grâce. Balor then delivered the 1916, and he covered Strong for a pinfall.
Adam Cole appeared on the stage after the match. He had a staredown with Balor as the show went off the air.
Women’s Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair and her potential WrestleMania opponent are set to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team titles.
WWE has announced that Belair & SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks will challenge for Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler’s Women’s Tag Team titles at this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. The match was announced after Belair, Banks & Carmella’s sommelier Reginald defeated Jax, Baszler & Bayley in a six-person tag match on SmackDown tonight.
Belair & Banks were confronted by Jax & Baszler on SmackDown last week. Jax & Baszler tried to attack Belair & Banks but were sent packing. Tonight, Jax & Baszler appearing on Bayley’s “Ding Dong, Hello!” talk show led to the six-person tag match.
WWE has yet to announce which title Belair will be challenging for at WrestleMania 37. WrestleMania 37 is taking place over two nights on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11.
Jax & Baszler became two-time Women’s Tag Team Champions by winning the titles from Raw Women’s Champion Asuka & Charlotte Flair on last month’s Royal Rumble pre-show.
The team that wins Sunday’s Women’s Tag Team Championship match will be in line to defend their titles against Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez on the Wednesday, March 3 episode of NXT. Kai & Gonzalez got the title shot by winning the first-ever women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Naomi & Lana are also set to receive a Women’s Tag Team title shot at some point. They defeated Asuka & Charlotte and Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke in a triple threat match on Raw earlier this month to get an upcoming shot at the titles.
Here’s the updated card for Elimination Chamber:
Elimination Chamber match: WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends against Sheamus, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, and Kofi Kingston (Sheamus will enter the Chamber last)
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against winner of SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber match
United States Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Riddle and Keith Lee in a triple threat match
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Elimination Chamber match: Kevin Owens vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro vs. Jey Uso vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin (winner challenges for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship later in the night)
