Tag: xia li

Xia Li earns split decision win in Combat Night MMA debut

Posted on by Ian Carey

Lei Ying Lee (formerly Xia Li in WWE) was victorious in her Combat Night MMA debut on Saturday night.

Although the fight was advertised as an MMA bout, both fighters wore kickboxing gear, no grappling occurred, and each of the three rounds lasted two minutes.

Lee defeated Myriame Essalki via split-decision.

“@thexiazhao fought hard from bell to bell against an undefeated fighter and won via split decision in her debut.  Excited to see what’s next for this prospect out of @thejunglemma”

Lee was originally scheduled to debut for Combat Night last summer but was pulled from the card after testing positive for COVID-19. Her fight with Essalki was announced last month.

Before signing with WWE in 2017, Lee competed in martial arts tournaments in China, including the World Wushu Championships.

She joined TNA Wrestling after her WWE release in April 2024 and won her debut match against Hyan at the September 14 tapings. Since then, she has also appeared in Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling and faced Masha Slamovich at GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport last November.

TNA Wrestling officially signs Lei Ying Lee

Posted on by Ian Carey

TNA Wrestling has officially signed former WWE wrestler Xia Li, now known as Lei Ying Lee.

The company announced the news on Tuesday, writing, “TNA Wrestling confirmed today that it has signed Léi Yǐng Lee. The award-winning combat sports athlete brings extensive martial arts experience and seven years at the WWE to the TNA ring. She is a specialist in the martial art of wushu, a competitive Chinese martial art that integrates striking, grappling, throwing and more.”

Lee made her TNA debut in September at the company’s TV tapings in San Antonio, defeating Hyan in her first match. She returned for Bound for Glory the following month, where she participated in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet and the following day’s TV taping when she defeated Maggie Moore. TNA heads to Winston-Salem this weekend for Turning Point. 

“I’m very excited for the future in TNA Wrestling. I have my eye on a lot of the Knockouts, starting with Masha Slamovich and Jordynne Grace,” Lee said.

Lee was defeated by Slamovich at GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XII on Sunday. Grace will challenge Slamovich for the Knockouts Championship on Friday at TNA Turning Point.

In addition to TNA, Lee has also wrestled for Black Label Pro and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling since being released from WWE in April.

From TNAWrestling.com:

“Léi Yǐng Lee is a lethal kickboxer, renowned bodybuilding and accomplished CrossFit specialist. She made her pro wrestling debut in 2017. Her Thunderstruck tornado kick finishing move has led to many wins – and more yet to come. A China native, she now lives in Florida. Her all-time favorite pro wrestler is Manami Toyota, one of the greatest female professional wrestlers of all time.”

TNA Impact live results: Joe Hendry vs. Frankie Kazarian number one contender’s match

Posted on by Matt Boone

The next challenger for TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth will be determined on tonight’s episode of TNA Impact as Joe Hendry will take on Frankie Kazarian.

The winner will face Nemeth in the main event of October’s Bound for Glory. Both men are in search of their first-ever TNA World title run.

After losing to Hendry at Victory Road, former champion Josh Alexander will be on hand to share his thoughts on what’s next.

Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and a mystery partner from WWE NXT will take on Rosemary and NXT’s Wendy Choo. Grace recently defended her title against Choo while Rosemary has appeared on NXT TV.

Former WWE wrestler Lei Ying Lee (Xia Li) will make her promotional debut.

KUSHIDA joins forces with Kevin Knight and X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey against Chris Bey, Ace Austin and former champion Zachary Wentz; Xia Brookside goes one-on-one with Heather Reckless; and Jonathan Gresham battles Laredo Kid.

**********
Jordynne Grace & Sol Ruca defeated Rosemary & Wendy Choo via Disqualification

Wendy Choo makes her way out first to kick things off on this week’s show. She stops and is joined by Rosemary, and the two head to the ring for our first match of the evening. Jordynne Grace comes out next and then Arianna Grace comes out.

“The Liaison” announces Sol Ruca as Grace’s mystery partner from WWE NXT. Ruca gets a decent reaction coming out, and as soon as she and Grace enter the ring, Rosemary and Choo attack. The four brawl before the match even officially starts.

Ruca hits a wild moonsault to the floor, which is followed up by “The Juggernaut” diving through the ropes for a ring-to-floor splash of her own. In the ring, the bell finally sounds and it is Ruca and Rosemary kicking things off for their respective teams.

Rosemary does a good job establishing the early offensive lead, and then tags in Choo. Choo picks up where Rosemary left off, taking it to Ruca and keeping the high-flyer grounded. The two continue to utilize frequent tags while keeping Ruca on their side of the ring and far away from the much-needed tag.

Ruca finally takes over and hits her always-fun-to-watch Sol-Snatcher. Grace goes for a Juggernaut Driver to follow up, but before they can pick up the win, Tasha Steelz attacks the TNA Knockouts Champion. Masha Slamovich runs out to chase her off and make the save.

Gia Miller Interviews Frankie Kazarian

Backstage, Gia Miller talks with Frankie Kazarian, who asks if she is down with the king. He tells her the answer for her, which is ‘yes.’ He asks if she is a believer of Joe Hendry. Again, he tells her the answer for her, which is ‘no.’

He vows to beat Hendry tonight and go on to prove he is “The King of TNA” by beating Nic Nemeth for the TNA World Championship at TNA Bound For Glory. “Every head must bow, and every tongue must confess, I am ‘The King of TNA.'” We head to a commercial break.

Jonathan Gresham defeated Laredo Kid

When the show returns, Laredo Kid’s theme hits and the masked man makes his return to the Impact Zone for our second match of the evening. He settles inside the squared circle and then his opponent, “The Octopus” Jonathan Gresham makes his way out.

The bell sounds to get things started, and Kid gets off to a fast start with some crowd-pleasing high flying offense. He hits a big high spot from the ring to the floor that pops the crowd in the Impact Zone. Back inside the ring, Gresham locks Kid in a submission.

Kid struggled for a good minute or so before ultimately making it to the ropes to force the hold to be broken. Upon getting up, Kid started connecting with a wide variety of kicks, before hitting a cross-body splash off the middle rope.

Kid hits a suplex and holds on. He hits a second one and then finishes with a brainbuster to complete the Three Amigos homage to the late, great, Eddie Guerrero. Gresham takes back over and hits a moonsault, before going back to work on the knees of Kid. He repeatedly smashes Kid’s knee into the mat over-and-over again until Kid tapped out. That’s like tapping to strikes in MMA. Rare.

Mike Santana Starts A Brawl In The System Locker Room

Backstage, Mike Santana is shown with a chain in-hand. “They don’t seem to get it, but they will now …” he says, before busting into The System’s locker room. The door shuts and the camera shot remains on the door as we hear banging and sounds of pain from the other end of the door. We then head to another commercial break.

Zachary Wentz & ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) defeated Leon Slater, KUSHIDA & “Speedball” Mike Bailey

When the show returns from commercials, Zachary Wentz makes his way to the ring for scheduled six-man tag-team action. His partners, the ABC duo of Ace Austin and Chris Bey are out next. Their opponents, Leon Slater, KUSHIDA and TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey make separate entrances next.

The bell sounds and former X-Division Champion Wentz kicks things off against current title-holder Bailey, as a flashback to the title bout from the recent TNA Victory Road 2024 special event, which saw Bailey recapture the title.

The two only mix it up for a few seconds before all six men hit the ring and end up in a big stand-off. On that note, the show heads right back into another commercial break as the match continues.

As we settle back in from the break, we see Wentz and Slater mixing it up. Slater blasts Wentz with a roundhouse kick that knocks him into his own corner. Austin tags in, but so does KUSHIDA. It is KUSHIDA who takes the hot tag and begins shifting the offensive momentum into his team’s favor.

Everyone ends up in the ring for a ton of high spots, including an amazing one from Slater, who clears the ring post with a running leap to the floor with a senton splash. Back in the ring, he goes for the 450 off the top, but nobody was home. Wentz hits a UFO Cutter for the win.

Deaner Accepts Challenge From Hammerstone

Backstage, we see Hammerstone coaching Jake Something through a workout, when in comes Deaner. He wants to talk to Something, but Hammerstone interject and down-talks him. Hammerstone ends up challenging Deaner to a fight.

Deaner says there’s two things he’ll never walk away from. He looks at Something and says family, and then Hammerstone and says a fight. He accepts the challenge and walks off. The show heads into another commercial break.

Lei Ying Lee defeated Hyan

When the show returns, Mike Santana is shown in a vignette filmed immediately after his Texas Death Match with JDC from last week.

He is still covered in blood and has his chain wrapped around him, but talks with a smile and a giggle in his voice as he talks about The System being forced to deal with him in his “playground.” He vows to make them feel his pain and agony.

Back inside the Impact Zone, the theme for newcomer Lei Ying Lee hits. Out comes the former WWE Superstar known as Xia Li, following weeks of vignettes promoting her arrival. She settles in the ring for her debut. Already in the ring is her opponent, Hyan.

Lee goes on an offensive spree to start things off, mixing in a number of kicks and strikes. She yells “come on!” as she continues to take it to Hyan. Hyan gets a brief moment and gets a bit cocky, shoving Lee. Lee goes back to work on her, climbing up high on Hyan and striking down on her skull.

She hoists Hyan up in a torture rack position and airplane spins her before slamming her down. Fans chant “We want tables!” Instead they get Lee’s “Thunderstruck” roundhouse kick finisher. Lee picks up an easy win in her Impact debut.

Josh Alexander, Sinner & Saint Attack Eric Young & Steve Maclin

After the match, we see Leon Slater looking bummed out backstage. In walks TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey. Slater apologizes for letting their team down. Bailey tells him not to, and reminds him he’s in the most competitive division in the business. He tells him he has a future in the X-Division.

When the show returns, ABC duo Ace Austin and Chris Bey are shown in a heavily post-produced promo segment where they mourn the loss of their TNA Tag-Team Championships. They also talk about their champions clause rematch against The System.

In comes The Hardys duo of Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy. Matt makes a case for The Hardys getting a shot as well. He says whether it’s ABC or The System, be aware that The Hardys are coming and nothing is going to stop this train. Jeff does the “choo choo” train sound.

Back inside the Impact Zone, the theme for “The Walking Weapon” hits and out comes Josh Alexander. He heads to the ring as Tom Hannifan points out on commentary that he asked for this time. He settles in the ring and soaks in the atmosphere before speaking.

Fans immediately get on his case with loud “You tapped out!” chants, referencing his loss to Joe Hendry at TNA Victory Road 2024. He talks about believing in Joe Hendry like they do after sharing the ring with him. He admits he was going down the wrong path and a good friend gave him some good advice.

He asks Eric Young to come out. Young comes out. Young helps the fans come around and chant for Alexander. A “Walking Weapon” chant spreads and Young calls Alexander the lifeblood of TNA if he is the heartbeat. The mutual admiration session wraps up and they go to leave.

Young tries to hold the ropes for Alexander. Alexander smiles and waves him off. Alexander goes to hold the ropes for Young. Young smiles and obliges, but as he goes to step through the ropes, Alexander snatches him up and dumps him on his dome with a German suplex.

The crowd boos as Alexander gets back on the mic and takes issue with Young’s previous comments. He continues to attack him, and then Steve Maclin runs out to make the save. This brings out Sinner & Saint, and the full plan is unveiled.

We learn that Alexander wasn’t giving veteran advice to them like Young suggested he do as the locker room leader he should be last week. Instead, they were apparently plotting this attack. Alexander hits a C4 Spike. The three stand tall as the show heads into another commercial break.

Monster’s Ball Match Added To TNA Bound For Glory 2024

Backstage, Matt Cardona learns he has a Monster’s Ball match with PCO at TNA Bound For Glory 2024. The announcement was made directly to him by Santino Marella and Steph De Lander. Cardona wasn’t happy.

Heather Reckless defeated Xia Brookside

Back inside the Impact Zone, newcomer Heather Reckless heads to the ring for our next match of the evening in the TNA Knockouts division. Her opponent, Xia Brookside, makes her way out with a cowboy hat on.

A little slap from Reckless gets things started. Brookside slams her down and does a little “Texas Two Step” dance as she stands over her. Reckless charges at Brookside in the corner, but Brookside hops on the middle rope and bops her on the top of her head with her heel.

As the action continues, we see Ash By Elegance and George Iceman appear on the entrance ramp. They make their way down to ringside to a ton of crowd heat from the San Antonio fans. We then see the action spill out to the floor, where Brookside yanks some of the extensions out of Reckless’ hair.

The action resumes in the ring, where Iceman is loudly yelling “You suck, Brookside!” The distraction leads to Reckless taking back over on offense, and in the end, Reckless heads to the top-rope and leaps off, connecting with Rarified Air for the pinfall victory.

The show heads to another commercial break. When we return, Ash By Elegance is backstage complaining about her feet hurting when in comes Reckless. She gloats about doing Rarified Air, but Iceman and Ash aren’t impressed. They do agree she has “something” but claim she needs elegance. They have some ideas.

Joe Hendry defeated Frankie Kazarian to earn TNA World Title shot against Nic Nemeth at TNA Bound For Glory 2024

It’s main event time!

Back inside the Impact Zone, the theme for TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth hits and out he comes to join Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt on special guest commentary for our main event of the evening.

This week’s main event is a TNA World Championship No. 1 Contender’s match, with Joe Hendry squaring off against Frankie Kazarian. The winner will move on to challenge Nemeth for the TNA title at TNA Bound For Glory 2024 on October 26 in Detroit, Michigan.

Hendry’s theme hits and he makes his way to the ring to a big reaction from the San Antonio crowd. Nemeth sings his praises as someone who definitely has something special. His catchy-ass entrance tune wraps up, he does the dramatic head turn and smile.

Fans chant “We Believe! We Believe!” and then the theme for his opponent hits. Out comes the self-proclaimed “King of TNA” Frankie Kazarian. He heads to the ring to a ton of boos. He goes to demand his “King of TNA” introduction. Hendry stops the ring announcer and takes the mic.

He tells Kazarian not to worry and ensures him he will give him an introduction worthy of a title contender. He introduces him as the winner of the Antonio Banderas look-alike contest. He is the Dad from Spy Kids. He is Puss in Boots. Fans chant “Puss in Boots! Puss in Boots!” Before he can finish his sarcastic intro, Kazarian attacks him and things start off with a bang between these two.

Hendry immediately starts fighting back, however, and upon taking over, Hannifan talks us into a mid-match commercial break as the match continues.When the show returns, we see Kazarian is in a comfortable offensive lead. So much so that he exits the ring and grabs a mic. He rolls back into the ring and asks the fans if they still believe in Joe Hendry.

Fans loudly chant “We believe! We believe!”As Kazarian continues to verbally taunt his fallen foe, Hendry recovers and attacks Kazarian. Hendry begins taking back over control of the offense as the San Antonio crowd comes to life. Hendry looks for the Standing Ovation, but doesn’t get it.

Kazarian starts to shift the momentum back in his favor, but not for long, as a “Puss in Boots!” chant from the fans in the Impact Zone leads to another Hendry comeback. This time, Hendry locks Kazarian in an ankle lock that looked close. Ultimately, however, Kazarian made it to the ropes.Again we see Kazarian fight back, as he hits a big slingshot DDT.

Hendry takes over again and launches Kazarian out to the floor. Hendry heads out after him. He hoists Kazarian up and holds him for a stalled suplex on the floor. Kazarian reaches into his bag and slides a set of brass knuckles onto his hand while the referee is dealing with Hendry in the ring. Hendry leans through the ropes to grab Kazarian, and Kazarian blasts Hendry with the brass knuckles.

He knocks him out and quickly rolls into the ring and covers him for the win. Kazarian is announced as the winner and his music plays, however as he is celebrating, Nic Nemeth stands up from his chair at the commentary desk. He grabs the brass knuckles that Kazarian used and shows them to the referee. He explains what happened and the referee restarts the match.

Kazarian gets the offensive jump on Hendry again, but again gets a bit too cocky. As he stops and wastes time taunting Hendry and the crowd in the Impact Zone, Hendry ends up recovering and taking over. He hits his Standing Ovation and scores the pinfall victory.

With the win, it will be Joe Hendry challenging Nic Nemeth for the world title at TNA Bound For Glory 2024. That’s how this week’s show goes off the air. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter/X.

Next Week:
* Heather Reckless’ “Elegant Makeover” Begins
* Sinner & Saint vs. Steve Maclin & Eric Young
* The Hardys vs. ABC
* Rosemary & Wendy Choo & Tasha Steelz vs. Masha Slamovich, Sol Ruca & Jordynne Grace

Former Xia Li’s TNA debut, World title no. 1 contender’s match set for next Impact

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Lei Ying Lee, formerly Xia Li in WWE, will make her TNA debut on next week’s Impact.

After weeks of vignettes, Lee’s debut was officially announced for next week’s Impact during this week’s episode.

In addition to the new wrestler debuting, several matches are set for next week’s episode, including a number one contender’s bout.

Joe Hendry will face Frankie Kazarian on the September 26 Impact, with the winner to challenge Nic Nemeth for the TNA World title at Bound for Glory.

WWE NXT will have a presence on next week’s Impact with a mystery NXT partner teaming with Jordynne Grace against Rosemary and NXT’s Wendy Choo. NXT’s Kendal Grey & Carlee Bright were featured on tis week’s Impact in a Tag Team title match against Knockouts Tag champs Jody Threat & Dani Luna.

Heather Reckless vs. Xia Brookside, Jonathan Gresham vs. Laredo Kid, plus Zachary Wentz & ABC vs. KUSHIDA, Mike Bailey & Leon Slater are also set for next week’s Impact.

The lineup for the Thursday, September 26 TNA Impact:

  • Lei Ying Lee debuts
  • Number one contender’s match: Joe Hendry vs. Frankie Kazarian
  • Jordynne Grace & a mystery NXT partner vs. Wendy Choo & Rosemary
  • Heather Reckless vs. Xia Brookside
  • Jonathan Gresham vs. Laredo Kid
  • Zachary Wentz, Ace Austin & Chris Bey vs. KUSHIDA, Mike Bailey & Leon Slater

TNA Impact notes: Xia Li, Arianna Grace, next week’s lineup

Posted on by Ethan Renner

News and notes coming out of Thursday’s TNA Impact episode —

  • A “Coming Soon” vignette aired for former WWE talent Xia Li. Li has wrestled under the name Xia Zhao since debuting on the independent scene in August after being released by WWE in April.
  • WWE NXT’s Arianna Grace was named the new liaison between TNA and NXT in a segment preceding Jordynne Grace’s open challenge on Thursday’s Impact. Arianna is the real-life daughter of on-screen TNA authority figure Santino Marella.
  • Arianna introduced NXT’s Karmen Petrovic as the mystery opponent for Jordynne’s open challenge on Thursday’s episode, with Jordynne retaining.
  • The former Dirty Dango, now JDC, was officially initiated into The System as he teamed with Moose to defeat Joe Hendry & Mike Santana in the Impact main event.

The Hardys will be in tag team action against The System on next week’s Impact. The announced lineup for the Thursday, September 12 TNA Impact:

  • Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy vs. Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards
  • Heather Reckless vs. Gisele Shaw
  • Steve Maclin vs. Hammerstone
  • Ace Austin & Chris Bey vs. AJ Francis & KC Navarro in a tornado tag match

Xia Li’s first post-WWE match announced

Posted on by Josh Nason

The first official date for former WWE wrestler Xia Li’s in-ring return has been announced as she will compete in this year’s West Coast Pro Queen of Indies show.

The event is set for Saturday, August 17th in San Francisco, California. Other women that have been announced to this point include Amazona, Keyra, Maya World, and the Great Sakuya, daughter of The Great Muta.

Now going by Xia Lee, the 35-year-old will see action for the first time since an April 2024 loss on WWE Main Event. She was released that some month along with others like Jinder Mahal, Xyon Quinn, Veer and Sanga.

Last month, Kitsune Women’s Wrestling announced she would be part of an upcoming show but has yet to provide the actual date of that show.

Li had been in the WWE system since January 2017 after a tryout in Shanghai, China, and made her in-ring debut in July of that same year in the Mae Young Classic. She spent several years in NXT before getting the call-up to the main roster in the summer of 2021 after being drafted to SmackDown.

While she competed for a title, she never held gold in either WWE or NXT.

WWE Main Event results: Ludwig Kaiser vs. Otis

Posted on by James Cox

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada before Monday’s episode of Raw.

Natalya defeated Xia Li (4:38)

Natalya winning in Montreal makes all the sense in the world and she was over with the crowd here who appreciated her getting her hand raised. 

It’s matches like these where you can really tell that there are new hands at the wheel. Not that long ago, they would have done some pathetic nod to the Montreal Screwjob to further water down its impact and have Natalya lose, embarrassingly. This was not the case here, though, thankfully.

What perhaps hasn’t changed, however, is how expendable talent can be to the company. Not three days after this show was taped, Li was let go and so this turned out to be her last match in her current run with WWE.

Like most Natalya matches, it was built around her hunting for the Sharpshooter. Li worked over her left leg, though, as though it would be a way to stop her from being able to lock in the submission finisher.

After a series of back-and-forth roll-up attempts, Natalya ducked Li’s Cyclone Kick attempt and then pounced to lock in the Sharpshooter for the win.

Ludwig Kaiser defeated Otis (5:57)

Ludwig Kaiser continued to impress in singles action, while Otis clocked up another loss, making it two defeats in as many weeks for him on Main Event.

The early going saw Kaiser try and fail to lift Otis but then was able to dodge a charge so that Otis posted himself. Kaiser then used a dropkick to send Otis to the outside and they went to the ad break.

Kaiser postured to the crowd a lot as if he had this one in the bag and so with cheap heat came the inevitable turnaround of fortunes as Otis nailed him with a power slam.

The live crowd enjoyed Otis’ shirt rip and his caterpillar which gained him a near fall when Kaiser got his foot on the bottom rope.

In the end, Kaiser raked Otis’ eyes which was enough to allow him to set up for his running kick finisher and get the win.

Not quite what you would expect here as it felt a little short and it seemed likely that Otis would get the win, but it’s now perhaps more interesting to see what they do with him after Chad Gable turned on Sami Zayn.

Jinder Mahal, Xia Li, Xyon Quinn among several WWE releases

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Update —

Veer and Sanga have also been released by WWE, according to Fightful.

The duo made up the Indus Sher tag team and were last seen on WWE programming in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal on the April 5 SmackDown. 

Both originally signed with the company in 2018, and both made their WWE TV debuts on the NXT brand in 2020.

Veer, real name Rinku Singh Rajput, is also a former professional baseball player and one of the subjects of Disney’s 2014 movie Million Dollar Arm.

Original post —

Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, Xia Li, and Xyon Quinn have been released from the promotion, according to multiple outlets. 

Mahal, who held the WWE title for 170 days in 2017, Li, and Quinn, were all released by WWE on Friday. News of the releases broke as Friday’s SmackDown episode was on the air, with Fightful and PWInsider confirming Mahal and Li’s releases, and Fightful reporting on Quinn. 

Both outlets report that the released talent will be subject to 90-day non-compete clauses, but will be free agents after.

For his part, Mahal posted on social media that he quit WWE, but both Fightful and PWInsider report that he was in fact released:

Li posted a thank you to WWE, Triple H, and the WWE fans on social media: 

Quinn has yet to publicly comment on his release.

Mahal was last on WWE television on the April 5 SmackDown, participating in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. He had been on the Raw roster.

Li was shown in an advertisement for a battle royal to crown a new Women’s World Champion on Monday’s Raw that aired during SmackDown, but obviously will not be in the match. Her last WWE appearance came on this week’s Main Event episode where she lost to Natalya in a match taped Monday in Montreal. 

Quinn was moved to the main roster after the 2023 WWE Draft, but was given a free agent designation and rarely used. His last WWE match was a six-second loss to Bron Breakker on the March 1 SmackDown. 

WWE Main Event results: Ivar vs. Apollo Crews

Posted on by James Cox

This past week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, before Monday’s Raw — a solid, fun show with some good wrestling and some interesting results.

Ivy Nile defeated Xia Li (6:16)

It was good to see Nile get the win as she is being booked well and the submission finish made sense.

Nile made her Main Event debut here after having worked some other main roster shows over the last few years. She has an MMA background and a low center of gravity, but is clearly really strong and some of her work has a really neat and tidy look about it.

Li took a lot of the going here, using stomps, kicks and strikes. Nile sold well throughout until she got a chance to mount a comeback.

Nile used a couple of suplexes before the pair traded kicks in the middle of the wrong. Nile used one too many, getting caught and pushed into a sloppy-looking Li crossface.

Nile worked her way out easily and then used a spinning kick to knock Li to the mat. She then locked in an unusual finisher: a standing dragon sleeper. Li didn’t spend anytime fighting it off and immediately tapped.

Logically, if it was that easy to get the win, Nile had a ton of opportunities to put this one to bed, but they made her look dangerous as she continues to improve.

Ivar (w/ Valhalla) defeated Apollo Crews (7:19)

There were some impressive spots between two big, strong dudes. Crews hasn’t lost much on this show of late, so it was intriguing to see them give Ivar the honors. This was good stuff that the live crowd really appreciated. Interestingly, too, this was Ivar’s first ever solo win on Main Event.

After Ivar beat Crews up and slowly wore him down, Crews caught him running the ropes with a diving clothesline to finally get him off his feet. Crews did a kip-up to signal to the crowd that this was his chance and they roared in appreciation.

Crews came off the top rope with a high cross but, still selling his ribs, he couldn’t fully hook the leg to enforce the pin. Ivar kicked out at two, but Crews used two consecutive standing moonsaults only to then miss the frog splash when Ivar rolled out of the way.

Impressively, Crews tried to hoist Ivar onto his shoulders and nearly got there, but didn’t quite have the strength.

Plucky ’til the end, when Ivar went up to the top for his finisher, Crews tried to pull him down, but got posted and planted in position for Ivar to finish him off with the top rope moonsault.

WWE Main Event results: Julius Creed vs. Luca Crusifino

Posted on by James Cox

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Amelie Arena in Tampa, Florida before Monday’s episode of Raw.

Not much to get excited about in the opener this week, but the Creed vs. Crusifino match at the top of the show was a lot of fun by the end.

Xia Li defeated Gigi Dolin (5:46)

This was fine, but nothing special. Dolin is still winless in 2024, while Xia Li picked up her first win of the year.

Watching Li here showed just how much presentation is key in wrestling sometimes. She brings so much energy to what she does that it masks what is otherwise quite basic stuff in the ring.

Li has started to plait her hair and the bottom halves of them are dyed blonde. They whip around her when she works and, together with her face paint, create a colorful image. She’s made a way to make herself stand out.

Dolin worked from underneath for a lot of the match but showed a lot of fight. Li applied a camel clutch that looked brutal on Dolin’s neck and back, but she managed to escape and fired up with strikes and a clothesline.

Dolin looked like she was setting up for her finisher as she had Li in an abdominal stretch position, but she escaped and used a spinning leg lariat to get the win.

The finish looked a bit soft as it didn’t connect, but otherwise, this was fine.

Julius Creed (w/Brutus Creed) defeated Luca Crusifino (6:25)

The Creed brother has enjoyed a run of singles matches on this show over the last month or so and has impressed. The debuting Luca Crusifino was just the latest to get thrown around by a ridiculously strong wrestler with the surname Creed.

Crusifino currently plies his trade on NXT Level Up and so this match marked his first outing on a main roster TV show. He is tall and lean and looks like he could do some serious damage. He was largely methodical throughout this one, playing the heel, but certainly didn’t look out of place here at all.

The highlight of the match was undoubtedly the spot after the ads where Creed fought his way out of several chin locks to explode with six – yes, six – German suplexes in a row. Each was made the more impressive by the kip-up that Creed did between each. I don’t think some people will realize how difficult that is to do.

The crowd certainly appreciated the effort and straps came down. Creed hit a beautiful standing shooting star press, but it was a false finish as Crusifino kicked out at two.

He kicked out at Creed’s left leg and then hit him with a kind of fisherman’s suplex into a neckbreaker which looked cool. He lay across Creed, exhausted, but Creed also kicked out.

The finish saw another German followed by a clothesline to end a fun match between these two. 

Xia Li confronts Lyra Valkyria on WWE NXT

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Xia Li confronted Lyra Valkyria on Tuesday’s NXT.

The Raw star entered through the crowd as Valkyria was in the ring, appearing for the first time since winning the NXT Women’s Championship on night one of NXT Halloween Havoc, defeating Becky Lynch. Li said that she was coming for the NXT Women’s Championship, reminding her of what she did to Lynch on Monday’s Raw. Security attempted to separate the two, but Li took out one of the guards with a spinning roundhouse kick.

On Monday’s Raw, both Lynch and Li were set to participate in a battle royal to determine Rhea Ripley’s Survivor Series challenger for the Women’s World Heavyweight title. As Lynch was making her way to the ring, Li attacked Lynch and took her out with the spin kick. Adam Pearce came out and threw Li out of the match. After commercial, it was revealed Lynch would be unable to compete in the battle royal, which was won by Zoey Stark.

In recent weeks on Raw, Li had made it clear that she wanted a title match from Lynch. Lynch was receptive to the idea until her loss at Halloween Havoc.

WWE Main Event results: Nikki Cross vs. Kayden Carter

Posted on by James Cox

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the SAP Center in San Jose, California before Monday’s episode of Raw.

These matches were just last week’s shuffled around and since the releases a few weeks ago, the show feels like it has a more limited pool of talent to work with. This was the third straight week that Main Event offered an all-women’s card.

Indi Hartwell defeated Xia Li (5:19)

This was just there really, not much to shout about at all but it told a story of sorts in which Hartwell’s knee wouldn’t hold and yet she still got her hand raised against the odds.

Hartwell has done really well on Main Event since she started getting some main roster action back in February of this year. Only a couple of defeats to Dana Brooke and Nikki Cross, but otherwise lots of wins. She also worked a three-way on NXT this past week and is certainly getting her minutes in.

The crowd liked Hartwell and didn’t like Li much, and they especially didn’t like her when she started to work over Hartwell’s left knee. She used a kind of knee bar, almost a half Boston crab to get Hartwell hobbling in discomfort.

Li telegraphed everything after this far too much so it was relatively easy for Hartwell to get the win. She dodged a charge and hit a cool-looking spinebuster. Then she missed a high knee and ate a facebuster to allow Hartwell to get the win.

Nikki Cross defeated Kayden Carter (6:54)

Cross’ finisher, The Purge, is proving decisive on Main Event these days and it once again got it done here. Carter took most of this one and although better than the opener, wasn’t anything special.

Cross is quite active on her socials and built up this one on X this week, as well as reposting some positive press from others.

As she normally does in these matches, she gave Carter plenty of chances to take control and show off what she can do. Cross is very good in this sort of spot.

Cross hit a Stinger Splash and a Michinoku Driver before she went for and missed a top rope cross-body. Carter seized the opportunity and locked in a submission hold. It didn’t feel like the finish and it wasn’t.

Cross crawled her way to the ropes to break the hold and then quickly managed to counter Carter to hit The Purge for the win.

WWE Main Event results: Nikki Cross vs. Xia Li

Posted on by James Cox

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California before Monday’s episode of Raw.

Another all-women’s edition of the show made for nice viewing, but nothing really dazzled. Everyone worked hard but, all told, this was a missable show.

Indi Hartwell defeated Kayden Carter (w/Katana Chance) (6:06)

Neither Hartwell nor Carter did anything wrong here, they just didn’t really use the time they were given and so the match felt like it was just there.

This was just the second singles match these two have had but they’ve certainly been on opposing teams in NXT tag matches several times in recent years.

This was Carter’s second appearance on Main Event and she remains winless. Hartwell has been booked evenly on the show, having traded wins recently with Dana Brooke before she was released.

Chance was on the outside cheerleading but didn’t really add much. Hartwell hit a spinebuster in the last few minutes which looked cool, and they both took time to gather themselves.

Carter then dodged a stomp and swept Hartwell off her feet. She did a neat springboard leg drop but only got a near fall from it.

In the end, Hartwell got the win with a modified full nelson she transitions into a flapjack. Carter and Chance were left to lick their wounds.

Nikki Cross defeated Xia Li (6:26)

This was the better of the two matches, but much like the opener, it dragged a little and would have been better if they had shaved off a couple of minutes.

It’s rare that they give the two matches on Main Event a similar amount of time. This one was longer because they shoved a commercial break in part way through, but was otherwise a similar length to the opener.

Cross is a new regular on this show and generally gets her hand raised. They seem to trust her to take the lead against greener talent and you wonder whether she may take on a trainer-type role in her later years.

Li was sporting new red and black ring gear which looks very cool. She also has face paint to match, so her overall presentation is way better. I’m still not convinced by her overall, but Cross gave her loads here to show off what she can do.

Li had Cross draped over the apron at one point and used a leg drop before going outside and banging the dasher boards to try to rally the crowd.

There were times when Li was getting frustrated by not being able to get it done and with her new face paint the way she screamed into the mat gave her a renewed intensity that looked a lot more believable.

Cross took a beating, but it was a tilt-a-whirl DDT and her finisher, a swinging fisherman’s neckbreaker I believe she calls The Purge, that earned her the 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: Bronson Reed vs. Apollo Crews

Posted on by Arya Witner

Last week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, before last Monday’s Raw. Byron Saxton and Kevin Patrick were on the call. 

Dana Brooke defeated Xia Li (5:41)

They showed clips of Brooke’s recent match on NXT with Cora Jade. Saxton said Li wants to hurt Brooke and that Brooke is channeling a more aggressive side. 

Brooke aggressively worked a headlock, which Li got out of with a foot stomp. She tried dragging Li to the corner and tripped over the referee, falling to the ground. The crowd, which wasn’t paying attention, didn’t notice.

Li got a near fall with a running kick and then yelled at the quiet crowd to shut up, which led to a three-second “Let’s go Dana” chant.

The crowd woke up during Brooke’s comeback. She used several snapmares and a slap to the face. They grappled on the ropes, which Brooke got the better of and the former 24/7 Champion later after hitting a swanton.

Tonight on Main Event: Seth Rollins & Sami Zayn vs Damien Priest & Dirty Dominik Mysterio. Wow! What a huge match for WWE Main Event….oh wait, it’s just a replay of Raw last week. For all your information on the shows people watch, go read the Raw, SmackDown, NXT, Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision reports on the site.

Bronson Reed defeated Apollo Crews (6:48)

The main event of Main Event featured a former Intercontinental and United States Champion vs. a man who cleanly pinned Kazuchika Okada one year ago. If you like Crews, Main Event is the show for you as he has wrestled on seven of the last nine episodes. 

These two worked really well together and the crowd was into it within 90 seconds. Crews did a dive over the top rope and then went for a top rope move in the ring but Reed cut him off. Reed delivered a running shoulder block off the apron before we went to commercial.

Back from commercial and back in the ring, Reed squished Apollo in the corner and locked in a waist lock. Crews fought back up, elbowed his way out, and hit a jaw jacker. He followed that up with an enzuigiri to the back of Reed’s head, multiple kicks, a corner splash, and a flying crossbody off the top rope to finally knock Reed off his feet. 

Crews tried picking Reed up on his shoulders but failed. Reed went for a power bomb but failed. Crews finally picked Reed up, but Reed got out of it, hit a cyclone powerslam and then his Tsunami splash for the pin.

So that does it for Main Event. I am on a 144-hour break and have surgery Monday so send some positive thoughts my way and until next Sunday, have a great week!