Tag: tegan nox

WWE Raw live results: The fallout from Fastlane

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: October 9, 2023
Location: CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha, NE 

********** 

Show Recap —

There was a Fastlane recap video which paid particular attention to Seth Rollins’ world title defence over Shinsuke Nakamura. The Raw intro aired and they announced two matches for tonight. In addition to the Becky Lynch vs. Tegan Nox match, there will be a triple threat to determine Gunther’s next challenger for the Intercontinental title between Chad Gable, Bronson Reed and Ricochet.

Seth Rollins/Drew McIntyre segment

Rollins entered. He said Nakamura gave him the fight of his life at Fastlane and there were times when he thought he wouldn’t get up — but he did.

After the match, he went to the back and it settled in that his back was still broken. His tone became serious and he said being the World Champion for the fans was one of the great honours of his career. It was a fake-out, though, because he fired up and said he was just getting started.

Rollins said he would fight anyone, anytime — but did want just one night where he wasn’t fighting for his life. The crowd actually booed (because they wanted him to fight). Rollins thought they could sing his song and drink a few cold ones instead.

Drew McIntyre interrupted. Rollins asked, “You’re not out here to party, are ya?” McIntyre shook his head. Rollins asked, “You want a world heavyweight title match, don’t you?” McIntyre nodded. Rollins said he wanted just one night but fired up and said he was a fighting champion and would get ready.

McIntyre told him the party was still on. He wasn’t going to attack Rollins from behind to get a title match — he would ask to his face. He challenged Rollins to a title match at Crown Jewel.

Rollins was confused that McIntyre was asking nicely instead of jumping him from behind. Rollins polled the fans and they applauded the idea. Rollins accepted McIntyre’s challenge for Crown Jewel.

Rollins invited McIntyre to stay in the ring but he politely declined. McIntyre said he had business to take care of but if anyone saw him around town after the show they could buy him a beer and a shot.

After McIntyre left, Damian Priest attacked Rollins from behind. Priest laid him out with a chokeslam as McIntyre watched on the ramp.

Priest motioned to the back and Dominik Mysterio ran out with a briefcase (and a referee). McIntyre dropped Dom with a headbutt and whipped the briefcase into the video screen. Rollins dumped Priest from the ring.

******** 

They plugged the pre-order for Becky Lynch’s book.

Viking Rules Match: Ivar defeated Kofi Kingston (11:15)

They changed the voiceover for the opening of New Day’s/Kingston’s theme song. It used to be Big E’s voice and now it might not be.

After a break, Kingston (who wrestled in basketball shorts instead of his usual gear) used a flag pole to bring Ivar down with a Russian leg sweep off the ropes. Kingston hit an SOS for two. Ivar hit a spinning slam for two and a sit-out powerbomb for two.

With Ivar sitting on the top rope, Kingston yanked him off by his beard through a table outside the ring. This got a big reaction.

Valhalla ran in through the crowd and leaped on Kingston. Xavier Woods ran out but of course, he couldn’t attack her. Woods ducked a charge and she fell over the barricade. Ivar squished Woods into the barricade.

Kingston tried Trouble in Paradise but Ivar caught him and gave him a powerslam through a corner table. Ivar followed with a moonsault for a pinfall win.

(The action here was pretty good. If Ivar is going to be on his own for a while, then this finish made sense.)

******** 

Byron Saxton asked Shinsuke Nakamura to comment on his performance at Fastlane. Nakamura didn’t answer. Ricochet busted in and attacked Nakamura and they were separated by officials. 

********

After a break, we’re greeted with a shot of Priest holding JD McDonagh up against a wall by his throat. Finn Bálor and Rhea Ripley ran in to save McDonagh’s life. McDonagh was about to plead his case but Bálor told him to shut it. Bálor said McDonagh had caused enough trouble this week and he’s had enough of him.

Priest wondered where Bálor and Ripley were during the opening segment. Ripley said they were with Adam Pearce and they got Judgment Day a rematch for the tag titles.

Priest was cool with this but still wanted to deal with McDonagh and McIntyre. Ripley told him not to worry about McIntyre because he didn’t need to as long as he had the contract. Ripley got in McDonagh’s face and told him to deal with McIntyre tonight. (A few fans laughed at this idea.)

Priest admitted he felt like finishing off McDonagh after McIntyre broke him in half, but he encouraged McDonagh to get the job done tonight and wished him luck.

********

Nia Jax defeated Raquel Rodriguez via disqualification (7:19)

Jax went up to the middle rope for the Annihilator but Rodriguez slipped under and hit a powerbomb which popped the crowd.

Ripley ran down and chucked Rodriguez out for the ring for the DQ. Ripley was there for Jax and attacked her as the crowd cheered. Rodriguez went after Ripley but Ripley dropped her with a headbutt.

Shayna Baszler ran out next to attack Jax. Baszler and Ripley got face-to-face. After Ripley turned her back, Baszler gave her a German suplex and a knee strike. Jax backed away up the ramp as Baszler stood tall.

******** 

Rollins confronted McIntyre in the back. Rollins wondered what kind of games he was playing. (Because McIntyre ignored Priest’s attack but stopped the MITB cash-in.)

McIntyre said he wasn’t playing any games. He already said he wasn’t getting involved in anyone else’s business, but Judgment Day trying to cash in affected him and the entire roster. He compared it to Bloodline holding the Universal title for three years and didn’t want to see a sequel on Raw.

Rollins told McIntyre that he didn’t have to worry about Judgment Day. They couldn’t take the title from him and neither could Drew.

[SECOND HOUR]

Jackie Redmond interviewed Baszler. Baszler said she was the baddest woman in the ring no matter who else was standing in there. No one would sneak attack her and get away with it.

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso/Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn segment

Michael Cole introduced the new tag team champions Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes and they entered separately. Jey was pumped to be champion and pumped that his partner was Cody Rhodes.

Cole asked Rhodes about his original goal of “finishing the story” and asked if he was content with defending the tag titles. Cole wondered if Rhodes didn’t want to take another shot at the WWE Championship because he failed the first time around.

Rhodes said he was as excited as everyone else that he was one-half of the undisputed tag team champions. Cole repeated his question about coming so close to winning the WWE Championship — just like his dad did.

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens interrupted. (They entered to Zayn’s heel theme song, which may have been a mistake. Zayn even mentioned that he hadn’t heard that song in a while.)

Zayn said Jey and Jimmy Uso were the longest-reigning tag champions in history until they were defeated by himself and Owens at WrestleMania. Judgment Day were red hot and Jey and Rhodes beat them — and that should be the story that they were talking about. Zayn was happy for both of them.

However, Zayn had mixed emotions. He couldn’t help but feel that he and Owens should be the ones holding the titles. Owens said, “Uh, I don’t have mixed emotions. I’m not happy at all to see you guys with those tag titles.” Owens said he wanted the titles back and wanted to challenge them to a title match tonight.

Owens also knew that they wouldn’t accept because Jey Uso couldn’t handle the idea of losing the titles to them twice.

Jey was pissed at the comment but Rhodes settled them down. Rhodes said, “We’re all friends here — at least I think we are.” Rhodes said Owens was wrong because they do accept and they could do it tonight on Raw. The crowd cheered. Zayn shook hands with Rhodes.

(The match was made official after a break.)

******** 

Otis helped Chad Gable get ready in the back by chopping his chest. Gable said he needed to be ready for Gunther. Bronson Reed was amused and suggested Gable tell his daughter not to watch tonight because it would be another heartbreaking loss for her dad. Gable told Otis to hit him again. Otis chopped him and Gable yelled, “Thank you!”

********

Ricochet was about to make his entrance for his match but was attacked from behind by Nakamura. He gave Ricochet a GTS and set up for Kinshasa but officials ran out to stop him.

After a break, Ricochet sold the attack in the ring while he awaited his opponents. Wade Barrett said his condition was his own fault for attacking Nakamura earlier and called it terrible match preparation.

Triple Threat Match: Bronson Reed defeated Ricochet and Chad Gable (w/Maxxine Dupri) (9:27)

Gable suplexed Ricochet onto Reed outside the ring. After a break, Reed hoisted up both men and dropped them with a Samoan drop. Ricochet gave Gable a springboard crossbody and standing SSP for two.

Ricochet superkicked Reed and Gable gave Reed an impressive German suplex. Gable put Ricochet in an ankle lock but Ricochet slipped out and hit a knee strike. Gable tried a release German suplex off the top but RIcochet landed on his feet. Ricochet landed awkwardly so Gable hit a Chaos Theory.

Reed grabbed Ricochet and dropped him on Gable. Reed hit both men with a senton and gave Ricochet the Tsunami for the pinfall win. This was fun.

Gunther vs. Bronson Reed next week for the IC title.

******** 

Redmond interviewed Becky Lynch. Lynch admitted she wasn’t 100% and had 11 stitches in her arm. She said when you were a fighting champion and you were doing it right you were never 100%. She plugged her book before saying she would give Tegan Nox everything she’s got.

Xia Li popped in and asked Lynch when she was getting a shot. Lynch said she wasn’t hard to find.

********

Drew McIntyre defeated JD McDonagh (w/NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio) (4:04)

McIntyre no-sold a few chops by McDonagh before launching him high in the air with a back body drop. (Barrett was very impressed.) A distraction by Dom allowed McDonagh to chop-block McIntyre and take over momentarily. McDonagh distracted the referee so Dom posted McIntyre. Dom tried to interfere again so McIntyre shoved him into the announce table. (Cole said, “We just got the monitors working and now they don’t again.)

McIntyre then gave McDonagh a Future Shock DDT and Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.

— Priest was shown watching in the back and he was displeased at this result. Ripley told him that she had an idea.

******** 

Barrett interviewed Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano earlier today. Ciampa said DIY was always bigger than them. The fans made them and they even main-evented Takeover as a tag team. Gargano thought everything happened for a reason and this was finally their moment.

The interview abruptly ended when Giovanni Vinci booted Gargano right in the face. Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser laid them out.

******** 

There was a Tegan Nox video package. She recalled tearing her ACL days after signing with WWE and tearing it again one year later. She was lucky to be there and would never stop fighting. She was here to win.

Redmond interviewed Nox. She said Lynch would be fighting the best version of Tegan Nox and she would show the world who she was. Natalya showed up and encouraged Nox to show Lynch what she was made of.

********

[THIRD HOUR]

Ricochet marched around backstage looking for Nakamura. Pearce informed him that they had Nakamura escorted from the building but Ricochet would get his hands on him next week in a falls count anywhere match. Ricochet was satisfied.

(Ripley and McIntyre could be seen talking in the background.)

********

Becky Lynch defeated Tegan Nox to retain the NXT Women’s Championship (14:28)

(Lynch wore gear with long sleeves which had the benefit of covering up her injured arm.)

Lynch missed a dive off the apron and collided with the barricade. Nox followed with a cannonball off the apron for two. After a break, Lynch fired back with strikes and an exploder for two. Nox came back with a flying crossbody for two. Nox was surprised she didn’t win with this move and tried a shining wizard but Lynch ducked and went for an armbar.

Nox blocked it and drove Lynch into the turnbuckle. Nox dropped Lynch off the top and hit another cannonball. Nox applied an armbar to the injured arm but Lynch escaped and responded with kicks and a missile dropkick for two. Nox caught Lynch off the ropes and hit a fallaway slam into a cover for two.

Nox tried a crucifix pin for two but Lynch kicked out and applied the Disarmer for the submission win. Lynch bumped fists with Nox after the match.

The match was fine but the crowd was really quiet for it.

(As Lynch left, she knew the camera was in her face so she repeatedly said, “Buy my book.”)

******** 

Pearce informed Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell that Gargano was banged up but not seriously injured. He was still awaiting word on Ciampa.

Ripley showed up and told LeRae and Hartwell to get out. They weren’t about to listen to her but Pearce asked them nicely to leave. Ripley demanded a match against Baszler next week.

******** 

Natalya approached Nox and told her that she did amazing. Nox was pissed that she lost. Katana Chance and Kayden Carter approached to offer some positive words as well. Carter wanted them to go for a drink.

Chelsea Green and Piper Niven showed up and Green mocked them for having a pity party. Green told Natalya not to get involved in her business. Natalya got in her face so Niven stepped in for her. Niven challenged Natalya to a match next week and she accepted.

********

Next week on the “season premiere” of Raw:

  • Priest & Bálor vs. Rhodes & Jey Uso or Owens & Zayn for the tag team titles
  • Gunther vs. Bronson Reed for the Intercontinental title
  • Rhea Ripley vs. Shayna Baszler (non-title)
  • Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – falls count anywhere
  • Natalya vs. Piper Niven

******** 

There was a random Ludwig Kaiser video package (which included some terrible AI art). You could see Owens asking Zayn, “What the hell was that?”

Zayn entered to his regular babyface music this time.

(I didn’t time it but I think it’s been more than 20 minutes since the previous match ended.)

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (21:22)

Rhodes and Zayn started with a normal exchange until they exchanged chops. Zayn was annoyed and shoved Rhodes so Rhodes shoved him back. Jey and Owens hit the ring and they all argued as they went to break (less than two minutes into the match).

Jey tagged himself in after a break and he circled Zayn until they went at it. Jey got the better of a brief exchange so Owens tagged in. Owens and Jey hammered away at each other and they spilled outside the ring. Rhodes tried to get involved so Zayn went after him. They aggressively brawled and it seemed like things settled down but Owens tackled Jey over the announce desk. Rhodes and Zayn went at it again as they went to break.

Owens hit Jey with a senton bomb for two. Owens and Jey exchanged superkicks. Jey hit consecutive superkicks but Owens dropped him with a clothesline.

Rhodes and Zayn tagged in and it was Rhodes doing the babyface hot tag. Rhodes hit a powerslam and a Cody Cutter for two. They countered each other’s signature moves until Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Zayn hit an exploder into the corner and went for the Helluva Kick but Rhodes popped out of the corner and hit a Cross Rhodes. Owens broke up the cover.

Rhodes set up for a Pedigree but Zayn hit a back body drop and they both tagged out. Owens and Jey exchanged strikes and didn’t initially seem to be on the same page but they got it together and Jey hit a superkick for two. Owens avoided an Uso Splash and hit a stunner but Rhodes broke up the cover.

Zayn wiped out both opponents with a flip dive and Owens tried another senton bomb but Jey got his knees up. Jey hit both Owens and Zayn with superkicks. Rhodes laid out Zayn with another Cross Rhodes.

Jey and Rhodes gave Owens their combo 1D/Cody Cutter and Jey pinned him for the win. Jey and Rhodes retain.

— After the match, Zayn shook hands with Rhodes and Zayn. Owens shook hands with Rhodes and hesitated before embracing Jey. Owens held up Jey’s hand in victory. 

WWE Main Event results: Tegan Nox vs. Xia Li

Posted on by James Cox

WWE Main Event was taped at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, before Monday’s Raw.

In an all-women’s edition of the show, there was some decent wrestling offered with Tegan Nox vs. Xia Li offering the most engaging action on this week’s show.

Nikki Cross defeated Indi Hartwell (5:28)

This was fine for what it was and it was good to see Hartwell going up against another experienced hand even if it didn’t go her way in the end.

It will be interesting to see how this show changes over the coming weeks, given the releases that have taken place in the company. Regulars over the last few years such as Mustafa Ali, Dana Brooke, Shelton Benjamin, Emma, and Riddick Moss all being gone means the landscape of this show will look very different.

Cross and Hartwell worked well together with Cross leading the action. They did a chinlock spot which is always a frustration in these short matches, especially with a crowd that is eager for the Raw episode that is to come.

After Hartwell got a two count from a spinebuster, Cross regained the advantage and they went to the finish. Cross used a DDT to plant Hartwell and then came off the top rope with a crossbody to get the win.

That isn’t much of a finisher, but it got the job done for Cross, who has only lost once in 11 matches on Main Event this year.

Tegan Nox defeated Xi Li (7:04)

They told a story here with Li working over Nox’s knee. The crowd was certainly behind Nox, who is easy to like.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio this past week that it had been the plan for Nox to take on Becky Lynch for the NXT Women’s Title on Raw, but for whatever reason, that plan was changed and Natalya took her place. Instead, Nox found herself back on Main Event this week where she has been a semi-regular since May.

Before the break, they were very much equal with some intricate pinning combinations. Li changed things up when she went after Nox’s left knee and they went to the break with her lying on the outside of the ring in pain.

After the ads, it was very much Li focusing on Nox’s knee, but Nox did a tremendous job of selling the pain. Li used a half-crab, which was built up on commentary. When Nox did eventually get to her feet, she was unsteady and sold it as if she couldn’t bear weight on her left leg.

Nox was just about able to rally and muster a Stinger splash before kicking out of a suplex. She then ducked an enzuigiri from Li, which enabled her to hit the Shining Wizard for the pin and win.

This was a neat little match with a neat little story — made all the better for the reaction that Nox got from the crowd.

WWE Main Event results: Ricochet vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Posted on by James Cox

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, before Monday’s episode of Raw. This was a perfectly watchable show this week, with a very strong offering from Ricochet and Tommaso Ciampa at the top of the show.

Natalya defeated Tegan Nox (5:41)

This was a Natalya match by the numbers as far as her bouts go these days: a ton of selling before finding a way to win with the Sharpshooter.

Nox has had a flurry of appearances on Main Event over the last four months, but still only finds herself with one win in that time. She looks perfectly at home, but none of the matches have really dazzled yet.

Nox took pretty much all of this one, to the point of the result being a bit ridiculous. It was a slow, methodical and fairly dull affair in the first half including several chin locks. Nox looked like she was enjoying being the heel, though.

Natalya eventually fired back at Nox with a German suplex and basement dropkick for a near fall and then she started to look for the Sharpshooter. In the end, it was a pretty simple finish with Natalya dodging a charge to the corner so that she could lock in the Sharpshooter for the win.

Ricochet defeated Tommaso Ciampa (7:40)

By Main Event standards, this was an excellent match. They really went back and forth and put on a fabulous show for this pre-Raw crowd.

Ricochet’s Twitter (yes, I know it’s ‘X’, but I’m just not there yet) was full of promos for this one this week, including a sentence that pretty much said it as it is: 

They had a really strong match, but given longer, these two could really go. What was most entertaining about this was the pacing and the way they both gave each other plenty without it looking like a spotfest.

Before the ads, Ricochet was in charge, but they did a ton of intricate mat work. It culminated in a cat and mouse exchange outside, culminating with Ricochet eating a knee to the face as he tried to get back into the ring.

After the commercials, Ciampa used a chin lock, that at times became a cravat, as the crowd got behind Ricochet. When he finally got some separation, he hit a Codebreaker to leave them both laying.

Ricochet tried for a springboard off the top rope, but got knocked off which allowed Ciampa to plant him with a rope hung DDT for a near fall. The finish saw Ricochet avoid the Fairytale Ending twice before hitting the Sliced Bread for the win and to round out a really solid performance from them both.

WWE Main Event results: Nikki Cross vs. Tegan Nox

Posted on by Arya Witner

To celebrate my surgery going well, the show began with a five-minute video package recapping last weekend’s SummerSlam.

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped last Monday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with Byron Saxton and Wade Barrett on the call. Barrett threatened to quit after Saxton did a bad “Bad News Barrett” impression.

Indus Sher (Veer Mahaan & Sanga) (w/ Jinder Mahal) defeated Apollo Crews & Akira Tozawa (3:57)

As mentioned last week, if you are a Crews fan, Main Event is the show for you as he has now appeared on eight of the last ten episodes. Tozawa is coming off a loss two weeks ago to Sanga. Saxton made sure to call Mahal a former WWE Champion which is somehow even more preposterous in 2023 than it was in 2017.

Sanga was tired of beating up Tozawa, so he encouraged Crews to tag in. Crews got a brief flurry of offense in before tagging out and then Tozawa had no chance. Tozawa didn’t fare any better against Mahaan, but was able to fend him off long enough to tag out to Crews. 

Crews ran wild for 30 seconds and, again, tagged out to Tozawa. Well, the third time was the charm as Tozawa finally got in some offense, at least until Mahaan hit a full body block. Finally, Sanga pinned Tozawa after a double team move where Sanga held Tozawa and Mahaan came off the middle rope with an elbow drop.

A bunch of stuff happened on Raw and SummerSlam that got replayed for the next 22 minutes (minus commercial breaks). If you care, you already know what happened. If you don’t know what happened and care to find out, you are definitely reading the wrong report.

Nikki Cross defeated Tegan Nox (7:40)

Did you remember Nox was drafted to Raw? Neither did I.

Cross got a large reaction by shoulder blocking Nox to the mat and then doing a wacky dance. The fans were less excited when Nox then used an STO into the middle turnbuckle and then were even less excited when Nox mocked Cross’ dance. Apparently, this is a rematch from two months ago on Main Event which was won by Cross. 

Cross ran down the apron with a crossbody to Nox while Nox was outside the ring. Returning from commercial, we were back in the ring and Cross hit the ten punches of doom. 

Cross is horribly miscast as a heel as in my three weeks of doing Main Event reports. She is the only person the crowd is into. Nox used a series of kicks to get the advantage and then used a face-first suplex for a 2 count.

The fans broke into a “Let’s go Nikki” chant as I started to wonder if she is still a heel. 

Cross fired up and hit a bulldog before going to the top rope. Nox knocked her off and Cross fell on her face. Nox went for the cover and put her feet on the ropes, but the referee caught her and stopped the count. Cross then won with a swinging neckbreaker.

That does it for Main Event this week. Some people won, some people lost. What’s most important is we spent almost 12 minutes watching wrestling and there isn’t anything wrong with that. 

This is also my last scheduled Main Event report. There are three guarantees in life: Death, taxes and someone will be back next weekend reporting on this show.

WWE Main Event results: Apollo Crews vs. Riddick Moss

Posted on by James Cox

Last week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, before Monday’s Raw.

Good performances all around made for a solid show. I thought we would get the Apollo Crews vs. JD McDonagh rubber match, but Crews vs. Riddick Moss was a good placeholder and Madcap Moss seems a distant memory at this point. If they did this all over again next week, that would be fine by me.

JD McDonagh defeated Akira Tozawa (5:07)

This was a fine opener with Tozawa once again delivering a standout performance to put over an up-and-comer.

McDonagh tore the house down in his victory over Crews on the 6/29 episode, but this was more like an extended squash. 

The crowd was not as hot here as they were last week and seemed to be sitting on their hands for McDonagh’s offensive onslaught. They really only came alive when Tozawa fired up and started flying all over the place.

McDonagh is excellent in the ring, but his presentation needs some work. His entrance is a bit underwhelming and his music is quite generic. It would be good to see him have a program against a top babyface to give him something to sink his teeth into.

They did lots of mat work here with McDonagh bullying Tozawa and trying quick pin attempts. Tozawa landed a hurricanrana and top rope cannonball before he went for the senton. He flew into McDonagh’s knees who seized the chance to hit him with the Devil Inside for the victory.

Apollo Crews defeated Riddick Moss (7:30)

This was a good match between two strong individuals with Crews back on track after his loss to McDonagh last week.

As soon as the bell rang, Moss flew at Crews and nailed him with a spinebuster. He followed it up with two big spears to the corner. He tried a third but ran into a boot and then caught Crews’ crossbody attempt, throwing him away with a fallaway slam.

The first half of the match, before the commercials, continued in the same vein until Crews used a dropkick and a Stinger splash to get some separation. He then dumped Moss over the top rope and came off the apron with a moonsault leading into a commercial break. 

When we came back, they were fighting on the top rope and when Crews got the better of Moss, he hit him with a cross body for a near fall.

It was a bunch of near falls from then on but the crowd were definitely into it. They even got behind Moss with a chant despite him playing the heel.

In the end, Crews hit Moss with two high knees and got the win with a Samoan Drop, but this was a really good fight that never looked clear cut.

WWE Main Event results: Candice LeRae vs. Tegan Nox

Posted on by James Cox

This past week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, before Monday’s Raw.

Dexter Lumis defeated Akira Tozawa (4:11)

As always, Tozawa and Lumis were good together with Lumis getting the win and a handshake.

Lumis is certainly due a storyline having worked Main Event a lot over the last few months. There is definitely a portion of the WWE Universe who likes him, but his character is confusing now, having gone from menacing to essentially quite comical.

Tozawa managed to get Lumis off his feet with a hurricanrana, but he then no sold some of his chops and stared him down. This is where working Main Event makes no sense. If he’s so dominant, why not give him a program on Raw?

Lumis used a delayed suplex which the crowd enjoyed before using a nerve rest hold to lead in to the hope spot for Tozawa who used a rana and running high knee before going up top.

Ultimately, Tozawa took too long as he went up top for his senton finisher and thus, Lumis got out of the way. He caught Tozawa on the charge, nailing him with a side slam for the win.

Lumis did his slithering gimmick after the bell and offered Tozawa a handshake, which was accepted.

Candice LeRae (w/ Nikki Cross) defeated Tegan Nox (7:12)

This was a little too long with too much heat, but Nox and LeRae worked well together.

Nox took most of this one with LeRae basically selling for most of it. With Cross cheerleading from the sidelines, it felt like a bigger pop when LeRae finally got her hand raised.

Before the break, Nox was in control as commentary focused on Cross. Her character is just a little bit too zany for my taste, but she does seem to be over with a certain segment of the crowd.

They ended up on the apron and Nox used a flapjack on LeRae as they went to the break.

Cross never really featured in this one, other than Nox calling her a psycho from the ring. Alas, she was there in full ring gear and did absolutely nothing other than support LeRae from the outside.

In the end, LeRae came up off the top rope with a missile dropick and a moonsault off the second rope for the win. Cross hugged LaRae after the bell, but she didn’t seem too keen on the idea.

Final Thoughts:

These were two matches that were perfectly fine with the babyfaces going over. It had been better when they were giving NXT workers the chance to work against main roster talent, but Tozawa and Lumis are always entertaining together. The women’s match at the top of the show was fine, but focused way too much on Cross’ wackiness.

WWE Main Event results: Nikki Cross vs. Emma, Tegan Nox in action

Posted on by James Cox

This past week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, before Monday’s Raw.

Tegan Nox defeated Dana Brooke (5:19)

Hershey did not care about this one bit. A disinterested crowd made for a really underwhelming match.

Nox appeared on Main Event last week in a losing effort to Nikki Cross. Here, she worked well with Brooke who is pretty much on this show every week holding the hand of a newcomer to the main roster.

They were fairly even until Nox laid on the apron, grabbed Brooke’s hair, and choked her using the top rope. She then started to dominate. The crowd liked Nox’s cannonball to the corner where she pretty much hit Brooke butt-first to the chest which got an audible ‘ooh.’

Brooke rallied with a flapjack and bulldog before launching Nox onto her shoulders. Nox worked her way out and then very obviously used the ropes to help her roll Brooke up and snatch the win.

The camera angle made it look pretty terrible as the ref should clearly have seen the infraction, but it was good for Nox to get a win rather than Brooke going over every week.

Nikki Cross defeated Emma (8:07)

This was OK but went far too long. With a crowd that sat on their hands like this, they should have shaved a couple of minutes off the time and got through their stuff much more quickly.

There’s something about the way that Emma throws clotheslines and strikes that just doesn’t look good. It’s like she isn’t really committed and thus, her offense just looks a bit fake. There were quite a few here in this one, but the crowd did at least rally behind Cross in the end to bring the match to life.

The finish ought to have been when Cross came off the top rope to hit a crossbody, but Emma ducked it and hit her with a superkick. Cross kicking out made her look strong, but didn’t do anything for Emma who has had only one TV win since she returned to the company.

The actual finish was one they do far too often: someone misses a charge to the corner and gets rolled up or hit with a finisher for the win. Cross dodged out the way of Emma, nailed her with the swinging neckbreaker, and Hershey got to their feet to applaud her. Well, some of them did.

Final Thoughts:

A dead crowd made this a tough watch this week. They need to bring back some quick tag matches or Akira Tozawa and Mustafa Ali if they want to warm up a Raw crowd on a Monday night, because with the greatest respect to the matches this week, that’s not going to get it done.

WWE Main Event results: Tegan Nox vs. Nikki Cross

Posted on by James Cox

This past week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, North Carolina, before Monday’s episode of Raw.

Dana Brooke defeated Emma (5:40)

This was a good 50/50 contest in which both worked well. Emma could certainly be working on much higher profile matches, because her in-ring work is strong.

They replayed Brooke being beaten by Rhea Ripley on Raw and suggested that it would be hard for her to come back from such an ugly defeat.

Emma had an inset promo where she wanted to remind us that she is the “real pioneer of the WWE women’s division” and that before there were the Four Horsewomen, the history books say “Emma.”

Early on, this featured lots of back and forth as they traded side headlock takedowns and quick pinfall attempts. After what had looked like it would be babyface vs. babyface, Emma turned on Brooke and claimed that she was being disrespected.

There was really no separating the two and in the end, Emma just got caught up in complaining which led to an opportunity for Brooke to steal one.

Emma had nailed Brooke with a basement crossbody in the corner and was moaning to the referee when Brooke jumped up and pinned her with a small package to get the win.

Nikki Cross defeated Tegan Nox (5:27)

This was ok. The crowd was a little dead, but there was solid work on display here with Nox looking more than comfortable working with main roster talent.

The match marked the Welsh-born Nox’s Main Event debut. She has worked a few SmackDown tapings, as well as the 2020 and 2023 Royal Rumble matches on the main roster, but is otherwise no doubt a new face to many.

She got an inset promo here, which was good to see. She said that now that she was on the red brand, she would beat people up and enjoy doing it.

The crowd was quite quiet during this one, but did seem to be behind Cross. There were a few tepid “Let’s go Nikki” chants toward the end that never quite took hold.

Cross gave Nox a lot here as she worked her over methodically without relying on rest holds so the match felt a lot more fluid. She used a flapjack and a ton of strikes and kicks to beat her down. With the crowd fairly quiet, you could hear that Nox enjoys a thigh slap when she’s on the attack.

Cross fired up in the last minutes, using a tornado DDT off the second rope for two before countering a comeback to hit Nox with a spinning neckbreaker for the win.

Final Thoughts:

It was good for the women’s division to be so well represented on the show this week. Everyone was good here, but WWE is missing something by not building any momentum or storylines like they used to. It was at its strongest last year when they played out angles so that the show didn’t exist in a vacuum and had some semblance of continuity.

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Tegan Nox returns, Ricochet wins World Cup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

More than a year after being released, Tegan Nox is back in WWE.

Nox made her WWE return by coming to the aid of Liv Morgan on last night’s SmackDown. As Morgan was fighting against Damage CTRL three-on-one, Nox ran out to help Morgan even the odds a bit. Morgan used a kendo stick to fight Damage CTRL off — and Nox laid out Bayley with the Shiniest Wizard.

The SmackDown World Cup concluded with Ricochet defeating Santos Escobar in the finals. The match headlined last night’s show, with Ricochet getting the victory after hitting a 630.

As the World Cup winner, Ricochet will challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental title on the Friday, December 16 episode of SmackDown. Last night’s SmackDown ended with Gunther and RIcochet having a staredown on the stage.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Sami Zayn feels more Ucey than ever after Survivor Series: WarGames

Sheamus vs. Sami Zayn

Bray Wyatt sends a mixed message to LA Knight

Emma vs. Shayna Baszler

Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez save Emma from an attack by Shayna Baszler

Lacey Evans is going back to the basics

Kofi Kingston vs. Gunther

Braun Strowman lays waste to Imperium

Sheamus attacks The Usos backstage

Tegan Nox returns, saves Liv Morgan from Damage CTRL

Karrion Kross chooses Rey Mysterio as his next victim

SmackDown World Cup finals: Ricochet vs. Santos Escobar

SmackDown fallout: Gunther explains why he will defeat Ricochet

SmackDown fallout: Braun Strowman promises that Imperium will get these hands

SmackDown fallout: No one will mess with Baszler when Rousey has her back

Tegan Nox returns to WWE on SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Tegan Nox made her return to WWE on Friday’s SmackDown.

Bayley, who was with Dakota Kai and IYO SKY, ran down the SmackDown women’s roster. Liv Morgan came out and immediately went after the three. Morgan was being beaten down when Nox’s music hit as she entered the ring. The numbers game initially proved to be in Damage CTRL’s favor, but they soon cleared the ring once Morgan entered the ring with a kendo stick.

This marks Nox’s return to the company after being released in November of 2021 during a series of cuts initiated by Vince McMahon. She was called to the main roster earlier that year, teaming with Shotzi. Nox had been traded to Raw as part of the 2021 WWE Draft, but never appeared on the show prior to her release.

Nox was signed by WWE in 2017, originally expected to compete in that year’s Mae Young Classic. However, she was unable to due to a torn ACL. She competed in the 2018 tournament, but again spent a year out of action with another knee injury that took place during the tournament. She then suffered a third knee injury in 2020. She briefly returned to NXT in in the summer of 2021 before being called up to the main roster.

Tegan Nox explains why she hasn’t wrestled since WWE release

Posted on by Joseph Currier

During an appearance on the Sappenin’ Podcast, Nixon Newell (formerly known as Tegan Nox) explained why she hasn’t wrestled since her WWE release.

Newell was released by WWE during a set of roster cuts last November. She told the Sappenin’ Podcast that she hasn’t been able to wrestle since then due to visa issues. Newell, who is originally from Wales, said she’s been trying to get her green card for the last eight months.

“I’m in Orlando still. If I leave I can’t come back, so I have to stay here for a while,” Newell said. “I’ve been trying to get my green card for the last eight months. I’m in landlock right now, so if I leave then I can’t come back.”

Newell said it’s been a boring eight months but joked that she can go to Disney World every day in Orlando.

“Basically, because I haven’t gotten the visa or green card, I can’t wrestle,” Newell said. “I keep getting messages, ‘Have you retired? Have you done this?’ No, I just can’t. Legally, I can’t. I’ve just been chilling, in the house, playing video games, going to Sad Summer Fest [music festival] a couple of weeks ago, which was phenomenal. Just been chilling with my dogs, chilling with the friends and stuff. Usual stuff that I can do without working.”

When asked if she’s had any recent discussions with promotions, Newell said there haven’t been conversations because she doesn’t know how long it will take to sort out her visa situation. Newell said she’s sure there would be things in the works if she had a green card.

Newell was a member of the SmackDown roster when she was released by WWE. After being called up from NXT, she was part of a tag team with Shotzi on the main roster.

Last month, Paul “Triple H” Levesque was named WWE’s new head of creative following the retirement of Vince McMahon. When asked about the close bond she had with Levesque in NXT, Newell told the Sappenin’ Podcast that Levesque is “one of the most kindest people” that she’s ever met. Newell said Levesque genuinely cares about people and wants them to succeed, and she thinks that will help WWE change for the better. Newell also said she thinks women’s wrestling in WWE will benefit from Levesque and Stephanie McMahon being in charge.

WWE NXT live results: Two Tag Team title matches

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Two Tag Team title matches highlight the card for tonight’s episode of NXT.

The men’s and women’s NXT Tag Team titles will both be on the line. In the men’s title match, Diamond Mine’s feud with the D’Angelo family will continue as The Creed Brothers defend against Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo.

New NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions will be crowned when Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne), Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz, Katana Chance & Kayden Carter, and Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley meet in a fatal four-way match tonight. The titles were declared vacant after Cora Jade turned against Roxanne Perez while they were champions.

Plus, NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes will issue an open challenge; NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose will take on Sarray in a non-title match; Solo Sikoa takes on Von Wagner in a falls count anywhere match; Alba Fyre and Lash Legend clash; and NXT Champion Bron Breakker and his next challenger JD McDonagh will sit down for a summit ahead of their title match at NXT Heatwave later this month.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

The show opens with a four-way match to determine the new women’s tag champs. 

Katana Chance & Kayden Carter defeat Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne), Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz,  Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley in a fatal four way elimination match to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship

Chance & Carter win to capture their first titles in WWE. This is fun to watch.

Early on, Leon & Feroz get to shine after a parade of dives. They execute a double team combo where they combine a vertical suplex and a high cross. That gets them a near fall. However, they are soon eliminated by Nile & Paxley. 

Nile makes a blind tag and lands a gut punch in mid-air, and Nile scores a pinfall to eliminate Leon & Feroz. Nile looks like a killer in there, especially when she threw a trust kick. Looked like something from a martial arts action film. 

Paxley is battling against Carter & Chance when Jacy Jayne makes a blind tag. Carter is unaware that Jayne is legal, as Carter gives Paxley a wicked combo. Carter drops her like a Death Valley Driver, but transitions it into a legdrop. Nevertheless, Jayne is legal. She nails Carter with a kick, and Jayne steals a pinfall on Paxley. Nile & Paxley are eliminated, and now two teams remain.

The match really heats up with two team remaining. Callback to a previous match between the two teams where Carter & Chance lost, but they persevere tonight. 

Chance & Carter execute their double team finisher on Jayne, where Carter gives her a neckbreaker just before Chance leaps off the top rope with a 450 splash. Chance then covers Jayne for the deciding pinfall. And new… 

Schism confront Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen, and Fallon Henley. They bicker before Joe Gacy invites them to watch him deliver a special message to Cameron Grimes.  

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams are in the ring to celebrate Hayes’ birthday. They brag on themselves before Hayes issues an open challenge.

Out comes Giovanni Vinci, but that is a swerve. Just beforehand, Hayes said the first person in the ring is his opponent. Nathan Frazier rushes down the entrance ramp past Vinci as Vinci is posing, and Frazier gets into the ring first. Frazier pulls a fast one, and he gets the title match.

NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes (with Trick Williams) defeats Nathan Frazier to retain his title 

Hayes pins Frazier after interference by Vinci. Instead of wrestling in the match, Vinci provides guest commentary from the announce desk. That leads to him interfering in the match.

This is arguably Frazier’s best match since his debut on NXT. Unlike past episodes, he also didn’t look like a geek. That is a welcome change. To his credit, Hayes also looks great in the ring as usual.

In the ring, Hayes and Frazier kept a frantic pace early on in the match. The pacing settles a little bit, only for the pace to quicken soon thereafter.

Lots of flying and springboards, and plenty of fast-paced action. This was the best showcase of Frazier’s talent since his NXT debut.

Frazier sails through the ropes to connect with a tope suicida. He torpedoes into Hayes, causing Hayes to hit the announce desk. The chain reaction causes a drink to spill on Vinci as he sat at the annonce desk. Vinci is livid.

Vinci shoves Frazier off the top rope in retaliation for the spilled beverage. Frazier takes a bump into the ring, and Frazier then takes a guillotine legdrop from Hayes. The champ then pins Frazier to retain his title.

An advertising tie-in with Sonic featured a hype video for Solo Sikoa.

The summit with Bron Breakker & JD McDonagh

Wade Barrett hosts a “summit” where he sits at a table between NXT Champion Bron Breakker and his next challenger, JD McDonagh. The two meet in a title match at NXT Heatwave.

Turns out, “summit” is just a fancy word for a contract signing. 

Quite boring compared to what was on the show so far. Hot matches give way to this unimaginative talking segment. Mostly the same old hat seen in most of these contract signing segments, aside from McDonagh signing in blood. 

They cut promos on each other, and then they sign the contract for their match at Heatwave. The highlight is McDonagh saying the match will end in blood. McDonagh pricks his fingers with a pen, and he signs the contracts in his own blood. For some reason, Breakker is enraged by the bloodletting.

They both spring to their feet out of their chairs. McDonagh offers a handshake with his finger still dripping blood. Breakker holds up the title belt, thus declining the handshake. The glare at each other to end the segment.

Apollo Crews offers words of encouragement to The Creed Brother ahead of their title defense later tonight. Damon Kemp enters to tell them Roderick Strong is running late, but he assures them Strong will be there for the title match.

Toxic Attraction are upset and ranting backstage. McKenzie Mitchell tries to interview them, but they want no part of it. 

NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose defeats Sarray in a non-title match

Rose pins Sarray clean to win the match. Rose attacks Sarray after the match, and Zoey Stark runs in for a save.

The match begins during a split-screen commercial break. It is joined in progress when the show returns from the break.

Sarray got to shine, but she eventually lost clean as a sheet. Rose lands a jumping knee strike, and Rose covers her for a pinfall.

Rose grabs a metal folding chair, and she attacks Sarray with the chair for a post-match beatdown. Rose is hitting Sarray with the chair when Rose’s next challenger, Stark, runs down to save Sarray. Rose powders.

Tiffany Stratton is featured in a vignette. She is back to being a gymnast, while also still being a spoiled rich girl. 

Plugs and bumpers indicate the men’s tag team title match is next, but there are other plans.

Duke Hudson bullies Axiom, and Hudson slaps him. They brawl around the backstage area, and they fight their way onto the soundstage. They brawl into the ring, where Hudson is manhandles Axiom. Hudson beats down Axiom, and Hudson leaves him laying. Hudson on the house mic says this proves your heroes will let you down.

Axiom rises to his feet, and he challenges to a match right here and now.

Axiom defeats Duke Hudson

Axiom pins Hudson in an unadvertised impromptu match amid David vs. Goliath psychology.

Much like the brawl beforehand, Hudson manhandles Axiom. He sets up for a Razor’s Edge, when Axiom counters into a hurricanrana. Axiom then turns a tilt-a-whirl into a victory roll, and Axiom scores a three count. 

Wes Lee in a backstage interview challenges Trick Williams to a “rounds match,” where Lee invites Williams to bring his boxing gloves.

NXT Tag Team Champions The Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed with Damon Kemp) defeat Tony D’Angelo & Stacks (with the D’Angelo Family) to retain the titles

Julius pins D’Angelo after interference by returning Santos Escobar. Roderick Strong never shows up to second the Creeds.

The match goes through a commercial break, and Brutus comes in off a hot tag after the show returns from commercials. Stacks takes a beating, but he eventually cuts off Brutus. 

Stacks slam Brutus’ hand on the ring steps. Brutus sells the hand as the heels work him over. They work the hand, and the heels target the injury. Brutus finally tags out, leading to Julius cleaning house.

Julius is a house of fire, and he runs wild on the heels. D’Angelo fights back, causing a double down. Julius tries to tag out, but Stacks keeps Brutus from tagging by yanking Brutus off the apron.

Brutus chases Stacks into the ring, and Brutus takes him down. Meanwhile, Elektra Lopez at ringside passes D’Angelo a crowbar. The camera pans over as D’Angelo grabs the crowbar. When the camera pans back over, Santos Escobar has ahold of the crowbar, keeping D’Angelo from using it.

D’Angelo looks like he sees a ghost. Escobar pulls D’Angelo close, and Escobar hits him with a brass knux. D’Aneglo staggers around and walks into the grasp of Julius. D’Angelo takes a DVD, followed by a sliding larait, and Julius covers D’Angelo for a pinfall.

Legado del Fantasma left with Escobar. Looks like the band is back together.

Roxanne Perez in a vignette tells her side of the story related to Cora Jade’s betrayal. This was a really great video package. Concludes with Perez challenging Jade to a match at NXT Heatwave.

Jade in a backstage interview scoffs at Perez’s challenge. Mandy Rose interrupts Jade to offer a deal. Rose insists that Jade wrestle Zoey Stark, so that Rose will be rid of her. Jade scoffs at this too. She passes on the offer. 

Rose convinces Jade to take the match by pointing at what happens if Stark is unable to compete at Heatwave. Jade would get the title match against Rose in that case, because Jade was runner-up in the number one contender’s battle royal. Jade says she will think it over, and she gives Rose a veiled insult. Jade then turns and leaves.

The new NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, Carter & Chance, in an emotional interview celebrate their win. 

Joe Gacy (with The Dyad) vs. Brooks Jensen (with Josh Briggs & Fallon Henley)

Gacy steals a pin after interference by Pretty Deadly.

The Dyad stalk Henley at ringside during the match, causing Briggs to come to her aid. As that happens, Pretty Deadly run in. Jensen is able to thwart their interference, but is distracted in the process.

Pretty Deadly is sent out of the ring as Gacy does a handspring into a lariat. Gacy then covers Jensen for a tainted and hallow pinfall victory.

Gacy breaks the fourth wall after the match as he looks into a handheld camera. Gacy again invited Cameron Grimes to join his cult (or whatever the Schism is supposed to be). Grimes is seen watching on a backstage monitor. 

Tony D’Angelo is in the locker room, and he is upset and angry. Escobar again prank calls D’Angelo on a cellphone. This skit leads to them setting up a match at an unnamed location. Clever skit as the screen cuts back-and-forth to them talking to each other over the phone. Next week they face off in what is being billed as “The Final Accord.”

Alba Fyre defeats Lash Legend

Fyre pins Legend after a Gory Bomb and a Swanton.

For the second time on this show, a women’s match starts during a split-screen commercial break. Legend is working over Fyre as the show returns from the break.

Fyre blocks a superplex in the closing moments, and Legend takes a bump off the ropes. Legend grabs Fyre’s baseball bat to use as a weapon.

Legend swings and misses with the bat, and she eats superkicks from Fyre. Gory Bomb by Fyre, and she follows with a Swanton. Fyre then scores a pinfall.

Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams are leaving the building when they run into three attractive women. Their car won’t start, and they ask Williams & Hayes to jump it off. To be continued…

Nikkita Lyons responds to comments about her made by Kiana James. Lyons challenges James to match next week.

Solo Sikoa defeats Von Wagner (with Mr. Stone) in falls count anywhere match

Sikoa pins Wagner after a Superfly splash through the announce desk.

While the match begins in the ring, the fight soon spills outside to the floor. Sikoa is solidly in control until Wagner shoves him into the ring steps. Wagner then puts a section of the steps into the ring. Remember that for later.

Besides the steps, Wagner dumps folding chairs into the ring. Sikoa feeds Wagner his back, and Wagner hits Sikoa with chairshots. Wagner builds a bridge with two chairs, and Wagner proceeds to slam Sikoa on the chairs. 

The fighting again spills outside the ring. Sikoa gives Wagner a Samoan Drop on the announce desk, but the table doesn’t break. Stay tuned for the table breaking. 

They brawl away from ringside area, and they fight their way out of the soundstage. Going outside the building, the fight continues. Sikoa runs into Hayes & Williams, who are in convertible car with the three women from earlier. Sikoa shoves Hayes into the back of the car.

Sikoa resumes fighting with Wagner. They fight near a trash dumpster, and Wagner throws Sikoa into the dumpster. Sikoa gets out, and they fight on.

Cameron Grimes is exiting the building when Wagner pushed Sikoa into Grimes. All three tumble back inside the building. 

Wagner gives Sikoa a sidewalk slam through a table for a near fall. Wagner is soon briefly blinded by a fire extinguisher. 

They get back into the ring, and Sikoa is fired up. Sikoa with receipts for the earlier chairshots, as he smacks Wagner with a chair.

Wagner earlier in the match put the ring steps into the ring. That goes on to backfire. Uranage by Sikoa plants Wagner on the steps for a close near fall.

Sikoa climbs the turnbuckles, and Mr. Stone grabs Sikoa’s foot to block him from doing the Superfly splash. Sikoa headbutts Stone, and Stone falls out of sight. Nonetheless, the interference distracted Sikoa enough for Wagner to strike.

Sikoa counters Wagner, and he posts him. Wagner eats a few superkicks, and he falls back onto the announce desk. Sikoa climbs the turnbuckles, and he leaps off the top for a Superfly splash that puts Wagner through the table. Sikoa then scores a three count. 

Former Tegan Nox reveals list of dream opponents

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Image: WWE

Nixon Newell, formerly known as Tegan Nox in WWE, has released a wishlist of dream opponents. After teasing the list, Newell made the big reveal today on Twitter. 

Newell posted:

“One more thing, I got it down to a single page…who wants to tussle?”

Her list: 

  • Alex Windsor
  • Ruby Soho
  • Taylor Wilde
  • Chris Brookes
  • Deonna Purrazzo
  • Rickey Shane Page
  • Serena Deeb
  • Mia Yim
  • Mickie James
  • Britt Baker
  • Shane Haste
  • Keira Hogan
  • Chelsea Green
  • Azumi
  • Allysin Kaye
  • Brendan White
  • Thunder Rosa
  • Rachel Ellering
  • Cash Wheeler
  • Taya Valkyrie
  • Catalina Garcia
  • Jamie Hayter
  • Will Ospreay
  • Crazy Mary [Dobson]
  • Charlie Evans
  • Everyone

Newell added:

“Also, someone better gimme @MadKing1981 [Eddie Kingston] too”

Newell was released by WWE in November following a four-year run marred by knee injuries. She was slated for the 2017 Mae young Classic, but tore her ACL before the tournament. Newell returned to action in time for the 2018 Mae Young Classic, then suffered a torn ACL, torn MCL, torn LCL, torn meniscus, and patellar dislocation in a tournament match against Rhea Ripley. Newell was reportedly planned to win the tournament prior to the injury. Newell appeared twice on SmackDown in 2019 as part of a Survivor Series storyline, then competed in the 2020 Royal Rumble match. She made another SmackDown appearance in 2020, before suffering another torn ACL . 

Newell made her official main roster WWE debut in July 2021, appearing as Shotzi Blackheart’s tag team partner. The duo would defeat Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya and Tamina three times in non-title matches on TV, but never received a title match. 

The team with Shotzi was dissolved in the WWE Draft in October, as Newell was drafted to Raw on October 4, while Shotzi remained on SmackDown. 

Newell never wrestled on Raw after being drafted to the brand, then was released on November 18.

WWE SmackDown video highlights: MITB build, Shotzi & Nox debut

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

The final SmackDown episode of the ThunderDome era took place last night.

The build to Money in the Bank continued ahead of the Sunday, July 18 pay-per-view. Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura won Money in the Bank qualifying matches last night, meaning the field for the men’s MITB ladder match is now fully set. Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, Drew McIntyre, Big E, Kevin Owens, Rollins, and Nakamura will be taking part in it.

WWE both added and subtracted a participant from the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. With Bayley out of action for approximately nine months due to injury, it was announced that Bianca Belair will no longer be defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship at Money in the Bank. She’ll instead be defending her title against Carmella on SmackDown next Friday.

Carmella is now no longer in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Liv Morgan is taking her spot, joining Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, and Zelina Vega in the match. There are still two more spots left to be filled.

In the main event segment of the show, The Mysterios provided backup for Edge against Roman Reigns and The Usos. Reigns is defending his Universal Championship against Edge at Money in the Bank. A SmackDown Tag Team title match between The Mysterios and The Usos also looks to be on the horizon.

Plus, Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox debuted by defeating WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina in a non-title match last night. It was also announced that Toni Storm is being called up to SmackDown and will be debuting soon.

More coverage from last night —

WWE recaps Edge’s beatdown of Jimmy Uso from last week

Jey Uso returns, Roman Reigns and The Usos are united

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin

Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox debut, face Natalya & Tamina

Bayley addresses her knee injury

Women’s title match set for next Friday, Liv Morgan replaces Carmella in Money in the Bank

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins

The Alpha Academy will destroy anyone who steps to them

Roman Reigns and Edge brawl, The Mysterios provide backup for Edge

SmackDown fallout: Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox are here to conquer SmackDown

SmackDown fallout: Shinsuke Nakamura wants the Money in the Bank briefcase

Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox make WWE SmackDown debut

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart made their debut on WWE SmackDown as a team, defeating the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

It was noted prior to the match that Natalya and Tamina would be facing a new team never seen before in WWE. The ring announcer introduced the new team as “Nox” and “Shotzi”, although Michael Cole on commentary referred to Nox as “Tegan” multiple times. Shotzi picked up the win for her team, pinning Natalya following a senton.

Both Nox and Shotzi have competed in dark matches prior to Raw and SmackDown in recent weeks as WWE prepares to return to the road later this month. Other names that have worked dark matches recently include Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Toni Storm, Bronson Reed, and Odyssey Jones.

Nox has just returned from a ACL injury suffered last August, returning on The Great American Bash episode of NXT this week. Her distraction cost The Way (Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae) the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles. Shotzi Blackheart has teamed with Ember Moon in the past and together are former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, losing the belts to The Way back on May 4.