Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC) and The Dogs (Clark Connors and David Finlay) beat Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) and The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, Myron Reed) in a ten-man tag match by submission with a Brutalizer from PAC to Darius Martin. During the match, it is announced that "Fairway to Hell" will air next Saturday night for one hour at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM Central on TBS.
We see a video package of The Jurassic Express ("Jungle" Jack Perry and Luchasaurus) on a bus in the desert. "Jungle" Jack Perry says that he has defended the National Championship against two challengers as part of his national tour and that there will be more.
"Jungle" Jack Perry retains the AEW National Championship against Mascara Dorada.
In backstage footage from after Dynamite, Renee Paquette interviews Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida. Shida says they almost won the women's tag team titles, and Statlander blames Shida for not being a team player for their loss and costing her making history as she pins her to the wall. Shida begs Statlander off, saying she will make it up to her, but Statlander shoves her to the wall and walks off.
The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) beat MxM TV (Johnny TV, Mason Madden, Mansoor) in a trios match. After the match, Tommaso Ciampa shows up and tells The Conglomeration it is a matter of time until he gets championship gold around his waist again.
Tony Schiavone, on behalf of AEW, says that everyone in AEW is pulling for Rebel, who has recently announced that she has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) earlier this week.
We see a video package chronicling the recent events between Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay.
Willow Nightingale retains the TBS Championship against Anna Jay.
Backstage, Renee Paquettte interviews Hikaru Shida, Kris Statlander, Mina Shirakawa, and Harley Cameron. Shida says she is making it up to Statlander with another tag match against Harley and Mina. Harley questions Shida's motives after mocking her talent, and Shida says that Harley does not deserve to touch her shinai. Mina asks how Shida can be trusted, and wants to know where Statlander was when Toni Storm was attacked. Statlander walks off, and Shida follows.
Jon Moxley guests on commentary for the next match.
The Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson and Ace Austin) beat The Death Riders (Wheeler Yuta and Daniel Garcia). After the match, The Death Riders attack The Bang Bang Gang. All of a sudden, Austin and a returning Colten Gunn show up, and the Gunns make the save for Ace Austin and Juice Robinson. Marina Shafir has to save Jon Moxley from the 3:10 to Yuma, which Wheeler Yuta ends up getting hit with. Colten Gunn proclaims that he is back and that Collision is The Bang Bang Gang's show.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross). Megan Bayne says the women's tag team division is beneath them, and Lena Kross says they have been two former Women's World Champions and two of the best women in AEW in Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida. Megan says nobody has a prayer, and that the only hope the women's division has is for God to have mercy on their souls and to strike The Divine Dominion down.
Skye Blue beats Nixi XS by submission with Descent into Madness.
"The Jet" Kevin Knight retains the TNT Championship against Hook.
Dustin Starr interviews Tim Bosby at the announce desk to start today's show. Tim Bosby says the fans are booing him because he made "The Gift" Ray Sanders and that Ray Sanders cannot challenge him again for as long as he is champion, then says that Mike Anthony is next, stating he is cashing checks his mouth cannot cash. Mike Anthony shows up, and calls the fans' cheering for him respect, then mentions Bosby claiming to be the new king of Memphis Wrestling and makes it clear that he has next. Bosby tells Mike Anthony he is not next in line, because he is in the main event, but not with Mike Anthony. He then invites Mike Anthony to watch his main event title match at the announce desk, assuming he can make it. When Dustin Starr asks what that means, Tim Bosby refuses to elaborate, then says "Open invitation" before walking backwards to the back. Mike Anthony says today's show will be great.
Backstage, Derrick King and "The Gift" Ray Sanders meet with Matchmaker King Cobra when King Cobra gets a manila envelope. Inside the envelope is a note, and Cobra says "You wouldn't beleve this" to Derrick King and that he will have to deal with what has come up himself.
Before the next match, K-Toomer places a plain black bag on the announce desk.
K-Toomer beats Peyton Presley.
After the match, Dustin Starr interviews K-Toomer at the announce desk. On the subject of the black bag, he was excited about Memphis Wrestling, but now he is not, and he is to restore order and bring the old Memphis Wrestling back. He then pulls the BMF - Big Mane Fight - Championship out of the bag, stating that it represents the championship glory he sought out, and dares anybody from anywhere in the wrestling world to take him on.
Raven Black beats Bobbi Thunder with a curb stomp.
In footage from earlier today, Eugene is at a bounce house for the first-ever "Eugene Bounce-Off." We see Eugene, CJ Blaine and a bunch of kids jumping in a bounce house. Major Curtis shows up and refuses to take his combat boots off, and gets tossed out of the bounce house by CJ Blaine for it.
Dustin Starr interviews Eugene at the announce desk. Eugene says he used to be friends with Marko Stunt, but admits that Marko has not been acting like "a very nice guy" as of late after turning on Marko "Hangtime" Harris to side with VaShawn Harvey. Marko Stunt and VaShawn Harvey show up, and Marko Stunt says that people seem to have never had to do what they had to do to feed their family, and calls VaShawn Harvey family. Marko Stunt says that he and VaShawn Harvey are not bad guys and that he and Eugene can be friends, and that Marko Harris is the bad guy. Eugene says Marko Stunt stabbed Marko Harris in the back, and wants Marko Harris to punch Marko Stunt in the nose. Marko Stunt says he does not wrestle anymore, but he will give Marko Harris a chance to punch VaShawn Harvey in the face.
Backstage, Mike Anthony is on the phone with someone. He looks around briefly, having the feeling that he is being watched.
"Livewire" Bobby Ford beats "The King of Pow" Chris Lexx with a stack-up pin in the corner after putting his feet on the top rope for leverage.
We see footage of Lil' Homie and Gavin White training while Tim Grind and Kevin White watch. Afterwards, Lil' Homie tells Gavin that when it comes to Gavin and Kevin becoming the new tag team champions, they have a long way to go.
Tim Bosby retains the Memphis Wrestling Heritage Championship against "The Ember" Shawn Aries by submission with a powerbomb backbreaker followed by the ankle lock. After the match, Bosby reapplies the ankle lock to Shawn Aries, then Mike Anthony heads to the ring. All of a sudden, Mike Anthony is attacked from behind by "The Bounty Hunter" Bryan Keith. Bryan Keith hits Mike Anthony with a Tiger Bomb before Bosby puts Mike Anthony in an ankle lock.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody mentions that earlier tonight, he met with WWE medical staff as well as General Manager Nick Aldis, and now, he is medically cleared for action. He then states that this begets the question of what is next for him, and all of a sudden, Ricky Saints, fresh out of NXT, shows up and heads to the ring. Saints introduces himself as the hottest new star on SmackDown, then mentions his history with Cody, stating that the change Cody feels in the air is a revolution and that the revolution is him as he welcomes everyone to "Friday Night Saints." Cody asks Saints what the difference is between now and the last time he stepped up to him, and Saints says it is Cody himself, saying his three world title reigns have aged him thirty years. He also says that he has been an NXT Champion since then and while he has cheered him on in the background at the detriment of his career, he will be the one to relieve him of his duties. Cody says he is game for action and that Saints also looks game for action, then proposes that they have a match and shakes hands on it. Saints is about to leave, but Saints says he is not here to make a statement, but to change who the show is about. Cody reminds Saints that he is easy to find and hard to beat.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Rhea Ripley soon shows up and says she tried to take on Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) alone last week and got ambushed, and she is willing to put differences aside if Charlotte is willing to. Charlotte says they have teamed before but they will not team again, but Rhea says there is three of Fatal Influence and only two of them. Charlotte says all she needs is Alexa, and three is a crowd, then Charlotte and Alexa head to the ring.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Ricky Saints is official for later tonight.
Before the next match, Jacy Jayne says that last week was a small taste of what Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) is bringing to SmackDown, and someone just could not get enough. She then says she thrives off that, because if there is anything Fatal Influence loves to do, it is embarrassing a legend. Jacy proclaims that Fatal Influence will take out everyone's legends one at a time, and that there is nobody better to start with than Charlotte Flair.
Jacy Jayne beats Charlotte Flair after hitting the Rolling Encore on Charlotte after Charlotte boots Lainey Reid off the apron in response to Lainey clobbering Alexa Bliss for Alexa clobbering Fallon Henley for pulling Charlotte out of the Figure Eight. After the match, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) attacks Charlotte, and when Alexa comes to the rescue, they attack her, too. The fans chant for Rhea Ripley, who soon shows up and cleans house. Jacy slips out of the Riptide and nearly shoves Rhea into Charlotte as she escapes. Rhea and Charlotte shake hands.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says they are impressed by Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), but their actions will catch up to them. Paige agrees, saying they will deal with them when the time comes; for now, they are focused on beating The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) and staying champions. As for their match, Brie says that they are powerful former champions, but she and Paige have the experience to get the job done, as SmackDown is their house.
Backstage, Damian Priest meets with R-Truth speaking with Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), who R-Truth thinks is Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano). Priest says Fraxiom is deserving of a tag team title shot and looks forward to defending the title. Axiom is taken aback, but Frazer is delighted and goes to talk to General Manager Nick Aldis regarding the match. Priest then finds out that R-Truth was talking about taxes with Fraxiom, much to Priest's genuine confusion.
Backstage, The Miz and Kit Wilson try to trap Danhausen with a briefcase full of "free human monies." Danhausen opens the briefcase, takes only some of the money, and walks away with $40,000. When Miz opens the briefcase, he and Wilson gets blasted with white dust.
Damian Priest and The Miz retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). After the match, Talla Tonga and Solo Sikoa show up, and Talla Tonga lays waste to both teams at Solo's behest.
After the commercial break, Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga are still in the ring. Solo says that Jacob Fatu made a big mistake last week. After a replay of what happened last week, Solo says that Jacob may have taken out his army, Jacob also took out his own family, brothers and blood, which Solo also claims as his. He says they are not here because of Jacob. Solo then says that when Jacob Fatu gets into the building, he is a dead man walking. All of a sudden, The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) show up and head to the ring. Jimmy says Solo may have an issue with Jacob Fatu, but so does Roman Reigns, and that Jacob made a mistake not by attacking Solo's army, but by putting his hands on Roman and put him in the Tongan Death Grip, which Talla's father used and is a sacred last effort. Jey tells Solo and Talla Tonga to hold their plans up until Roman Reigns is done with Jacob Fatu. As Solo says there is plenty of Jacob to go around, Jey says that they are telling them, not asking them. Solo laughs and says he does not have time for this, but when he tells Talla to go, he nods his head when he goes to the ropes. Talla then takes out The Usos in short order, and Solo tells The Usos to tell Roman that he is not his tribal chief and that they do not give a damn, and whether Roman likes it or not, Jacob Fatu is a dead man.
Backstage, Sami Zayn confronts "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for calling him "sarcastic" and "condescending" in response to him calling him "Golden Boy," saying it was a compliment and not an insult and addressing their history, saying they are "the last real good guys" and that they need to stick together. Cody says there is a lot in truth in that, but tells him that they are not the same.
The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) vs. The MFTs (Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga) is official for later tonight.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Danhausen announces that another fan and not Stephen A. Smith paid him off with real human monies, and for that, the New York Knicks are no longer cursed and are still in the NBA playoffs. He also makes it clear that Stephen A. Smith is still cursed.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Ricky Saints. After the match, Cody Rhodes is suddenly choked out from behind by Gunther with a sleeper hold, and Gunther goes for a second sleeper hold as three referees try to pull Gunther off of Cody and succeed. Gunther then makes it clear he wants the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Danhausen heads to the ring. Danhausen says he has spent the money he found backstage on merchandise for the fans. As he tosses merchandise to the fans from out of a bag, The Miz shows up. The Miz says that horrible things have happened to him since Danhausen showed up, and that he has come to the realization that he is cursed. The fans chant "Yes, you are!" as The Miz reluctantly becomes Danhausen's mentor. As they shake hands, Kit Wilson shows up, saying that The Miz is mentoring him and that Miz is enabling him. Kit Wilson tells Miz to wake up, but Miz says that Danhausen has mastered, inspired and zoned in on what it takes to be a WWE Superstar, and asks Kit Wilson if he can say the same. He also says that Kit Wilson is not in the same league as him, and as Miz and Danhausen are about to shake hands, Kit Wilson begs for another chance. Kit Wilson says that Danhausen should not even be in the building and should be banned, and both men demand that Miz shake their hand. Miz ends up shaking hands with Danhausen and raising his hand. Miz then says there is only one thing left to do, and as Danhausen curses Kit Wilson, The Miz attacks Danhausen from behind, and Kit Wilson joins in. Miz hits Danhausen with the Skull Crushing Finale, and Kit Wilson hits a top rope elbow drop.
We see another vignette for Blake Monroe, who gets out of her bathtub and proclaims that nobody burns brighter than she does. Blake Monroe is coming soon to SmackDown.
Royce Keys beats Angel.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. She wants more challengers for the Women's United States Championship, and issues an open challenge for the title when Chelsea Green shows up and stands up out of her wheelchair. As Chelsea says she will be champion, Kiana James and Giulia show up, with Kiana wanting to secure Giulia's rematch. Tiffany says she has the whole locker room to consider, then makes Kiana her first defense and wants to see how Kiana does when she is not being held back.
WWE backstage staff are seen bringing Trick Williams' gingerbread man costume to the ring.
Backstage, Royce Keys is met by Joseph Fatu, who congratulates him on the match. Royce says he has known Jacob for about fifteen years and he is still the same guy who would run with him seven days a week, even back when they worked at the warehouse. Royce says that The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) are back in business and are ready to take everything, and tells Jacob Fatu to "werewolf his ass up" and prove that WWE did not make him soft, as people like them take everything. All of a sudden, Royce Keys is attacked by Talla Tonga, and Solo Sikoa shows up and attack Jacob Fatu when he tries to make the save.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami stands next to the the gingerbread man costume in the ring as he says that he really loves coming to Tulsa, Oklahoma, then talks about how the fans turned on Bob Dylan went electric and says that he can relate. He says he cannot figure out what caused the fans to turn on him, but he can deal with it, because he knows his ride-or-die fan club is in the house tonight and will continue to have his back. Sami says that while he can deal with some bad reactions, he cannot deal with disrespect, and calls Trick Williams "a shell of a man wearing a costume" and says it is easy to do what Trick does as he compares him to the gingerbread man costume. Sami says he can do what Trick does in his sleep and that what he really does is hard, as he leaves everything in the ring every day, month and year, and when he looks at the gingerbread man costume, he sees Trick Williams not taking him seriously. He also states that Trick Williams takes nothing seriously and takes that as disrespect, and is about to punch the gingerbread man costume in the middle of the ring. He then shakes the costume's hand before kicking the costume in the groin. Trick Williams then attacks and tears at the costume before pulling a gumdrop button off the costume. Trick Williams rushes in and fights Sami Zayn, and Sami Zayn flees through the crowd.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia says that they were not pinned to lose the women's tag team championships and that Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were pinned instead, then Lash Legend says that they have something in store for Brie Bella and Paige. Nia says that "the math is mathing" with two teams in the ring and that they will end Brie Bella and Paige's reign and send them back on the couch with Nikki Bella.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Trick Williams, who says that Sami Zayn crossed a line by attacking both Lil Yachty and the gingerbread man, and that Sami is now messing with his money. Trick says he does not play with his money, then says that Sami has a big problem and that he is facing him at Backlash. Trick then finds out that the gingerbread man did not survive Sami's attack, and Trick says that he will whoop Sami.
Brie Bella and Paige retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) after Paige kicks Nia's legs out from under her during the A-Nia-Lator and Brie Bella pulls back on Nia's legs to pin Nia's shoulders to the mat, win and retain.
It is announced, as per Trick Williams, that The Gingerbread Man is dead. In Memoriam, Gingerbread Man, 2026 - 2026. Rest in Pieces.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is talking with General Manager Nick Aldis regarding the funeral of the Gingerbread Man next week, saying that it is proof that Trick Williams takes nothing serious. Sami wants his rematch with Trick Williams for the United States Championship at Backlash, and Aldis gives it to him. Sami leaves, then Danhausen shows up wanting a match with Kit Wilson and The Miz. Nick Aldis says he will get that match if he can find a tag team partner.
The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) vs. The MFTs (Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga) ends with Jacob Fatu showing up and attacking Talla Tonga. After the match, Jacob Fatu smacks Talla Tonga with the ring steps, then confronts Solo Sikoa, who realizes too late from looking at Jacob's left hand that he is ready to hit someone with a Tongan Death Grip. Jacob briefly chokes out Solo, and when Talla grabs Jacob, he gets the Tongan Death Grip before Jacob Fatu puts Talla through the announce desk with a Samoan Drop. Jacob then confronts The Usos, then walks right through them to end the show. Afterwards, Jacob Fatu tells The Usos to tell Roman Reigns that he will dog walk him at Backlash.
Jeff Hardy beats Vincent. During the match, the lights go out when Vincent goes to the top rope, and when they come back on, Matt Hardy - who is banned from ringside for this match along with Dutch - is in the ring, demanding Vincent be deleted. The lights go out again, and when they come back on a second time, Jeff Hardy is on the top rope while Vincent is down on the mat. Jeff Hardy then hits the Swanton Bomb for the win.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Frankie Kazarian. Kazarian says he is approaching tonight's Walk With Elias Match like he always has, as he has been the winner of new match match types and tonight will be no different.
Mustafa Ali retains the TNA International Championship against Adam Brooks. TNA President Carlos Silva awards Mustafa Ali with the TNA International Championship after the match.
We hear from Eric Young, who says that EC3 has not changed and that all he has done is change, adapt, evolve and become more pure, real and violent. He says that has EC3 not had enough, so next week, they can sort things out once and for all in a match where anything goes.
As per the Bioflex Injury Report: Mike Santana and Rich Swann are cleared, but have the night off to rest and recover from last week's main event. Trey Miguel is still out following his match against Mustafa Ali at Rebellion, and an update will be provided when available. Frankie Kazarian and Elijah are cleared for tonight's main event.
We hear from Director of Authority Santino Marella. Despite being at home, he is no longer suspended and he is cleared of all charges thanks to a star witness. He says that he is getting back to business after what happened to two weeks ago, and this time, Moose and Leon Slater will be in a two-on-two tag match. He also announces that "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth and KC Navarro will face The System (Brian Myers and Bear Bronson) for the tag team titles, while Lei Ying Lee will get a rematch for the Knockouts Championship against Arianna Grande, with Xia Brookside banned from ringside. As for the star witness, it is none other than Indi Hartwell, who is also no longer suspended.
Indi Hartwell shows up. She says that she and Director of Authority Santino Marella were unjustly suspended and she is glad the board of directors listened to the both of them, then says she has some unfinished business with Arianna Grace. She says that her goals have not changed, and title or no title, she is coming for Arianna Grace first.
We hear from Mike Santana, who says that he and Rich Swann showed what it meant to represent TNA last week. "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth shows up with the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Trophy, and says that when he wins the tag team titles, he will become world champion and leave Santana with nothing.
Backstage, Daria Rae finds out that Director of Authority Santino Marella and Indi Hartwell are unsuspended and that all of Santino's matches are legitimate. Indi Hartwell shows up, and Daria says that she knows reminds Indi that her contract is coming up soon and to tread lightly. Indi makes a phone call after Daria leaves.
Before the next match, The Personal Concierge George Iceman introduces Mr. Elegance as "real life Greek god" and "a living Adonis" who works as everyone sleeps, fasts while everyone eats and smiles while everyone frowns.
Mr. Elegance beats The Home Town Man after Ash by Elegance tries to distract The Home Town Man only to end up kissing The Home Town Man's mask before she wears it.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Lei Ying Lee. Lei Ying Lee says that she does not want the title shot, as it is too much for her and she just wants to go home. Tommy Dreamer shows up and says that Director of Authority Santino Marella feels at fault for the situation, but reminds her that she is a warrior. He understands if it too much on her mental health, but she will go out there and win and that the only person who needs to believe in her is her. Lei Ying Lee changes her mind, saying that she will win.
Leon Slater heads to the ring. Slater says that day by day, moment by moment, he gets closer to making history and becoming both the young the longest-reigning TNA X-Division Champion of all time. Slater then addresses Cedric Alexander, then says that he is willing to give him another shot, as he has trained for this moment and will not let a rat like Cedric take it away. He says he has beaten Cedric twice and has no problem beating him a third time. Cedric shows up and calls Slater "a child" and "a fake champion," then says in two weeks' time, they will do this one more time, and there will be no excuses. He then says that assumes that Slater makes it there, as he may not even make it tonight. Suddenly, the rest of The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Bear Bronson) attack Slater from behind while Alisha Edwards walks down the entrance ramp, but Moose shows up and makes the save. He then says that assumes that Slater makes it there, as he may not even make it tonight. Suddenly, the rest of The System attack Slater from behind, but Moose shows up and makes the save.
Backstage, "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth is jealous of "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth having a tag team title match with KC Navarro while he is left out. We find out he is talking to AJ Francis, who could care less about family drama as he tells Ryan to leave KC Navarro to him.
Elijah beats Frankie Kazarian in a Walk With Elijah Match.
"The Jet" Kevin Knight retains the TNT Championship against MJF after MJF introduces the TNT Championship into the match as a front to use the Dynamite Diamond Ring as a weapon only for Knight to hit MJF with a low blow behind referee Bryce Remsburg's back and win and retain with an inside cradle. After the match, MJF hits Knight with a chop block, but all of a sudden, Darby Allin descends from the top of the arena and hits MJF with a Scorpion Deahtdrop. MJF calls Knight and Darby "two lowlife cheaters getting along" before stating he does not care about Knight and that the loss does not count before stating that all he cares about is the AEW World Championship. MJF demands his rematch, and Darby tells MJF he will not give him the rematch until he puts something on the line. He then gives the title shot to Kevin Knight before Brody King shows up and heads to the ring. Brody King tells Darby that he will not survive tonight, and tells Knight that he will face him and not Darby next week.
We see a video package for Brody King vs. Darby Allin for the AEW World Championship later tonight.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. Christian says that his left arm feels fine, then accepts FTR's challenge. Copeland is surprised by Christian's quick acceptance, and Christian insists that unlike Renee's voice, he never said "I quit."
The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor) quickly beat Emily Jay and Jordan Blade.
Backstage, we hear from Thekla and Skye Blue. Thekla says she would love to stop calling people dumb bitches, but AEW is full of too many dumb bitches. Skye Blue says what happened to Persephone was entirely their fault, then says the black mist was the best thing to ever happen to her and possibly to Persephone as well. Thekla tells The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor) to stick to their tag team, as they cannot handle a spider and she is everything and they are nothing one-on-one.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada retains the AEW International Championship against Ace Austin. After the match, "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita shows up and has a staredown with Okada from the top of the ramp.
We see a vignette where people are seen running out of a Western saloon before a bloodied man is tossed out and is forced to flee. A man whose face we cannot see finds Bandido's wanted poster. That man is revealed to be Swerve Strickland, and Prince Nana hands Swerve a lighter to point and burn the face of Bandido on the poster.
We hear from The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, Daniel Garcia, "The Problem" Marina Shafir). As Daniel Garcia talks about how they train in the hallway to get ready for the ring, Will Ospreay shows up and says he is not cleared, then says he and his friends back in Japan are in a title match and he does not want to let them down. Moxley applauds him for his loyalty, then tells him to "drop everything," as he needs no excess baggage. Moxley guarantees nothing and makes no promises, but he will see this through to the end as he has made a commitment to it, and asks the same in return from Ospreay, to which Ospreay agrees. Ospreay then finds out that he is training in the hallway before Moxley covers up the camera.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Stokely Hathaway guest on commentary for the next match.
Adam Copeland and Christian Cage beat RPG Vice (Rocky "Azucar" Romero and Trent Beretta). During the match, The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) show up and brawl their way to the back with FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Stokely Hathaway. After the match, Christian grabs a metal folding chair, then removes the bottom crossbar and hands it to Copeland. Copeland puts the crossbar around Beretta's mouth and makes him say "I quit."
In backstage footage from earlier tonight, Renee Paquette interviews Chris Jericho, who says that is more pissed off than flattered at "the Ricosault," then he is jumped by The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona). Ricochet says the jokes and subliminal messages are over, and Jericho says "Eat shit, bald." Ricochet tears Jericho's shirt, then Jericho gets thrown into a crate and laid out.
The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross) retain the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championships against Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida. During the match, it is announced that next week's Dynamite will be a live three-hour special.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Andrade el Idolo and Don Callis when MJF shows up and says that Darby Allin is on a reign of terror thanks to Andrade ruining the company. Andrade plays dumb, and Callis tells both men to focus on business before they go at it.
Rush beats Steven Fuerte. After the match, Rush says that when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Opps (Samoa Joe, Hook, "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata, Anthony Bowens). Samoa Joe says The Opps intend to reassert their dominance not only by winning championship gold and beating their opponents, but through strategic alliance. He says that The Opps had Will Ospreay's back against The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, Daniel Garcia, "The Problem" Marina Shafir), and wants Ospreay to choose between The Opps and The Death Riders.
Backstage, we hear from FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Stokely Hathaway. Stokely says that next week, Orange Cassidy will take on Dax Harwood. If Orange wins, The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) have a shot at the tag team titles. If Dax wins, FTR gets a shot at the Trios title with Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa shows up and says that last time, he put Mark Briscoe on the shelf indefinitely, and next time, he will take the trios titles. Ciampa then eats a piece of popcorn hanging off Stokely's beard.
Darby Allin retains the AEW World Championship against Brody King with three Coffin Drops: one on the outside on exposed concrete following a powerbomb off the apron, and two more back inside the ring.
In footage from earlier today, General Manager Robert Stone meets with Shawn Michaels and Matt Bloom regarding fresh faces from Evolve and LFG to replace some call-ups. Shawn says that Stone can keep putting faces on index cards and making phone calls, or he can "throw a stick of dynamite in the locker room and see who runs out."
Myles Borne retains the NXT North American Championship against Saquon Shugars after Saquon has to stop Dion Lennox from hitting Borne with a chair, causing Borne to shove Saquon into Lennox and the ring steps, allowing Borne to hit Borne Again to win and retain. After the match, Tristan Angels shows up and congratulates Borne on the win, then states that everyone will be seeing more of him on NXT. All of a sudden, Borne is attacked from behind by Kam Hendrix.
Backstage, Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair are talking about the new talents showing up when Kelani Jordan shows up saying she is the one to beat despite being knocked out by Lola Vice. She also warns Sinclair that Kendal will turn on her. Sinclair challenges Kelani to a match, and Kelani accepts, saying she does not want Sinclair's title and just wants to embarrass her.
Tony D'Angelo heads to the ring. D'Angelo says that the more NXT changes, the more it stays the same, and that the only constant is that competitors come and go. He then says that he has become the constant, and that there is no man tough enough to kick him off the mountain. He also says that includes whoever sent him that box last week. D'Angelo says that while all sorts of competitors are coming for him, he is wondering about the box, knowing it is a warning. The lights go out, then all of a sudden, former New Japan Pro Wrestling wrestler EVIL shows up. EVIL heads to the ring, and hands D'Angelo a black fabric with the same kanji that was on the box. EVIL then leaves the ring. As EVIL leaves, D'Angelo is suddenly attacked from behind by Tavion Heights, who says that he is tired of waiting and is taking what he wants. As this goes on, Will Kroos gets in the ring and hits a moonsault on D'Angelo.
Tatum Paxley and Shiloh Hill dig a grave for Blake Monroe, and hope that her soul finds peace. Tatum then gets worried about having to always be in survival mode as champion, but Shiloh gets it, knowing Tatum is attached to objects and that the Women's United States Championship is a part of her now. Tatum says she will figure things out, then mentions Shiloh's upcoming match with Ricky Saints. Shiloh says he has planned the match out, and Tatum says that Shiloh will kill it in that match. As Shiloh leaves, Tatum lies down next to the grave dug up for Blake Monroe.
Before the next match, Lexis King says that there is no such thing as a slow news day as the fastest man alive. Lexis says he was going to cheer his teammates on, but unfortunately, EK Propser will have to prosper on his own, as Dorian Van Dux has suffered "a little accident." We see footage of Birthright attacking Dorian Van Dux with a metal folding chair while Arianna Grace laughs at the phone. EK Prosper runs into the ring only to get beaten down, but a now-recovered "Super" Sean Legacy rushes into the ring and helps EK Prosper clean house.
EK Prosper and "Super" Sean Legacy beat Birthright (Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Uriah Connors). After the match, the rest of Birthright helps Stacks and Uriah jump Prosperr and Legacy. All of a sudden, Tate Wilder, fresh out of Evolve, shows up and helps Prosperr and Legacy clean house.
Backstage, Thea Hail and Jaida Parker are wondering who else will show up when Kali Armstrong, saying Jaida is scared of a little competition before stating that she will be a difference maker. The women's locker room have to keep Kali and Jaida from going at it.
Shawn Michaels announces that NXT premium live events will become exclusive to The CW starting this summer in the United States.
Backstage, General Manager Robert Stone welcomes Tate Wilder to NXT, then Lola Vice says that if Izzi Dame wants to play games, then she will call her out. Lola Vice then heads to the ring. Lola Vice says that Izzi Dame only thought she had her moment, then says she feels sorry for Izzi because she cannot do anything on her own, and when she does, she is getting knocked out. She calls Izzi out so she can show her what she is about to do her, then reiterates that she will be a fighting champion before Shawn Spears appears on the TitanTron, saying that Lola did not think things through. He tells Lola to stay one step ahead like The Culling (Shawn Spears, Izzi Dame, Niko Vance) if she wants to keep her title, then Izzi Dame and Niko Vance suddenly show up behind Lola. All of a sudden, Mr. Iguana shows up from underneath the ring and helps Lola outsmart Izzi and Niko in a quick brawl.
Backstage, Dion Lennox and Saquon Shugars argue over what happened in Saquon's match. Cutler James and Osiris Griffin tell them to shut up and stop dropping the bawl, then Cutler says that he and Osiris will get the tag team titles back.
Lizzy Rain beats Nikkita Lyons in her NXT debut.
Backstage, Myles Borne runs into Tavion Heights. Heights says that he is kicking doors down, and when Borne says that is not him, Heights is surprised, but Borne says he gets it, as it is every man for himself. Heights says Borne can add him as one of those men on the way out, then Borne meets Keanu Carver, who says that the sharks are swimming and that Borne is looking at "the great white."
The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake) meets backstage. They know that NXT is changing and that it is time for Jackson Drake to step up, and Jackson Drake celebrates having a new girlfriend before stating that he is on top of the world and can take on anything. Jasper Troy shows up and says that Drake should be concentrating on championship gold instead of dating apps before challenging him to a match next week.
Kelani Jordan beats Wren Sinclair when Sinclair's knee, which Sinclair tweaks on a drop kick to the outside during the match, gives out when Sinclair goes for the Final Wrench.
We hear from Zaria. We see a burnt, flaming surfboard with "Sol Ruca" on it. Zaria says Sol Ruca was a beauty from a distance, but up close, she was drowning her until she opened her eyes and remembered who she was as we see an image of Sol Ruca disintegrate. Zaria says she does not make compromises, and now that Sol Ruca is gone, she will scorch everyone and everything in her way. (The segment comes under fire afterwards for being made with AI.)
Shiloh Hill beats Ricky Saints after Saints brings a metal folding chair into the ring only for Shiloh to knock the chair out of his hands, sends Saints into the chair with a drop toe hold, then hit Whisper of the Beast to get the pin and the win. (With Ricky Saints heading to SmackDown on Friday, this is Saints' last match in NXT before the call-up is official.)
Backstage, Tony D'Angelo meets with Shawn Michaels, saying that the sharks are circling and got one on him tonight, but he loves the chaos. Shawn says D'Angelo is the champion, and now it is time to prove it.
