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.
We hear from Gran Metalik, who says that he is making a good time out of his progress in The Cruiserweight Classic and calls it a pleasure to represent Mexico in the tournament. We then hear from Akira Tozawa, who calls being in WWE a dream come true, and hopes to win the tournament so he can take WWE by storm.
Gran Metalik beats Akira Tozawa after reversing a deadlift German Suplex into a Metalik Driver to continue to the semi-finals of The Cruiserweight Classic. Both men show respect after the match.
We hear from The Brian Kendrick, who soldiers on to his last shot at glory. We also hear from Kota Ibushi, who feels he has brought something fresh to the first two rounds of the tournament and wants to win this tournament as he loves wrestling more than anyone else.
Kota Ibushi beats The Brian Kendrick to continue to the semi-finals of The Cruiserweight Classic despite Kendrick repeatedly targeting Ibushi's neck. Both men show respect after the match.
Next week: Zack Sabre Jr. vs Noam Dar! Rich Swann vs. TJ Perkins!
At the end of the show, the fans thanks The Brian Kendrick, and Kendrick thanks the fans back. Daniel Bryan enters the ring and hugs Kendrick.
It is revealed that Samoa Joe has other injuries besides his broken jaw, and that he will not be returning anytime soon.
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger beats Buddy Murphy.
We learn that Johnny Gargano's leg is injured and that he will be out for a while after the events of NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II and last week's Cruiserweight Classic.
Charlie Caruso interviews Tommaso Ciampa, but Ciampa is surrounded by The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson). Ciampa fights them, and the brawl spills into the arena and into the ring. Ciampa easily falls to the numbers game. Dawson then says that everyone is a tough guy until they face reality, and calls The Revival "reality." He says Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa got a reality check at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II. Ciampa crawls back into the ring, but The Revival hit him with a Shatter Machine.
Steve Cutler beats Kenneth Crawford.
Hideo Itami says that hitting Austin Aries with the GTS was a huge moment, but in the end, Aries disappointed him. He calls Aries "a little baby who doesn't want to feel pain," and tells him to get out of his ring or else he'll make him go to sleep again.
We look back at "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura's NXT debut against Sami Zayn at NXT TakeOver: Dallas.
We look at a video package of TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne). They will be in action next week.
No Way Jose beats Angelo Dawkins.
Andrade "Cien" Almas meets Austin Aries backstage. Aries complains he can't get respect backstage, and decides to steal Almas' spotlight as he says that Hideo Itami ruptured his eardrum with the GTS. Almas challenges Aries to a rematch next week, and Aries tries to duck him.
We look back at "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura's match against Finn Balor from July 13th.
Liv Morgan beats Aliyah.
No Way Jose talks about his victory tonight when Bobby Roode shows up, gives him a look-over, says "Nice head," and leaves.
Asuka returns to NXT next week!
"The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura shows up. He says he wanted to face the best, and to do that, he had to go to NXT. He has faced Sami Zayn, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe, and through the pain, he is now NXT Champion. He respects Samoa Joe, but says Joe's era is over, and that his era has now begun.
During the pre-show, a picture of The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) are shown in the graphic for the tag team tournament.
Nikki Bella is interviewed via Skype on the pre-show. She says that Carmella wants to make a big name for herself by attacking her as she is the biggest target, but says that Carmella messed with the wrong woman. She teases at a possible Brie Bella return, saying there may be another Bella involved. Nikki Bella calls Lita a big inspiration for her comeback, and says she wanted a say on what her last match would be and didn't want to miss out on the aftermath of the Women's Revolution. She wants to show what the old Divas can do and take on the new women of the SmackDown Women's Division. When asked if this could be her last run, she hopes it's not but she has to play it by ear week after week, and doesn't know how the neck surgery will affect her.
During the pre-show, it is confirmed that The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) are returning for the tag team tournament for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
During the pre-show, we see a video package of Baron Corbin.
The show starts with footage of the argument between SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan and The Miz on last week's Talking Smack. SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon has watched the footage with D-Bry, and while he agrees with him, he tells him not to get in the talent's face. Daniel Bryan says he won't be so honest next time, but finds the advice ironic from someone who has beef with Brock Lesnar.
The Miz and Maryse show up to start tonight's show. The Miz says he will bring the WWE Intercontinental Championship back to relevance, but slams what Daniel Bryan told him on Talking Smack. He says the fans don't see the big picture and don't know what goes on backstage. He says that he's the go-to guy for a lot of things WWE wants to do, but feels the fans don't appreciate him for it at all. He calls the fans cowards for considering him unworthy of the Intercontinental title. Dolph Ziggler shows up, says that The Miz makes a lot of great points, but says there's a reason people never get behind him: they see through everything he does as he is doing it all just to be famous. He says Miz has a chance week in and week out to change that perception, but he never does. If he wants to prove he's not a coward, he should do it right now...just Miz and Ziggler. Miz teases getting in it with Ziggler, but walks to the back with Maryse. Ziggler then says that Daniel Bryan was right when he said The Miz is a coward. Miz almost heads back to the ring, but Maryse holds him back.
The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) beat The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) to continue to the semi-finals of the SmackDown tag team tournament. Andrea D'Marco interviews The Hype Bros after the match, and Zack Ryder says the Hype Train has left the station and is not coming back. Mojo Rawley says that at Backlash, they won't just get hype, they'll stay hype.
AJ Styles runs into Apollo Crews. After a brief spelling bee, it becomes apparent that Crews isn't a fan of Styles' cockiness.
AJ Styles shows up, and it is announced that he will be introduced as "the face that runs the place" whenever he comes to the ring. He mocks John Cena as he brags about beating John Cena as well as Dean Ambrose at Backlash, saying Ambrose will see his face in his nightmares when he becomes World champ. Apollo Crews shows up, and says he just asked for a match against Styles from SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan and got it...and that match happens right now.
AJ Styles beats Apollo Crews.
We see footage from this past weekend where Renee Young meets Heath Slater in his house with Rhyno and Heath's wife Beulah. Heath calls not being drafted an oversight, and talks about everything he's been through so far. As for what's next, Heath doesn't really know. Heath says that when he wins the tag team titles with Rhyno, he plans to upgrade the trailer to a double wide. As for the kids, they're picking up cans and bottles. The interview ends with Heath and Beulah having problems with the neighbors.
Bray Wyatt shows up. He doesn't fear snakes or monsters or any man, for he is fear. He considers Randy Orton just a man even though he feels Orton considers himself a viper. He says Brock Lesnar exposed all of Randy Orton's flaws at SummerSlam and that Orton is now a damaged man, and says that if Randy has any voices inside his head, they would be telling him to run right now. Nevertheless, Randy Orton shows up, and says the voices in his head are asking him who Bray Wyatt thinks he is, and says he's already damaged and that Bray has his attention. Bray says this is the predator he wants to see, but says Orton is no longer the predator in this situation...he is. He says the predator kills, and at Backlash, he plans to cut off his head and place it on a mantle. Orton says Bray is preoccupied with the external scars, but says he should be worried about the internal ones, and if Wyatt wants a fight at Backlash, he's got it. He also says he's not afraid of Bray Wyatt, and that he's not afraid of kicking his ass...right now. Before he can do that, Bray Wyatt disappears and the promo ends.
SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan will be on SportsCenter on ESPN tomorrow night at 9 PM Eastern/8 PM Central. Also, Nikki Bella guests on commentary for the next match.
Natalya and Alexa Bliss beat Naomi and Becky Lynch when Carmella attacks Nikki Bella at ringside, distracting Becky and allowing Alexa to roll Becky up and grab the tights. Becky and Naomi tend to Nikki after the match.
We see a video package of The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh).
Heath Slater and Rhyno beat The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) to continue to the semi-finals of the SmackDown tag team tournament.
A man named Gary "The Milkman" Millman is in the ring demanding an opponent. He strips all the way to his underwear, then Kane shows up. "The Milkman" tries to put his clothes back on, but he gets choke slammed. Kane leaves, then Baron Corbin and Dean Ambrose show up for their match. AJ Styles guests on commentary for the next match.
Baron Corbin vs. Dean Ambrose ends after AJ Styles hits an enziguri on Baron Corbin for telling him to sit down and shut when he tells Corbin to stay on Ambrose. After the match, Ambrose hits Corbin with Dirty Deeds before countering Styles' Phenomenal Forearm by sweeping him off the top rope with his hand and causing him to land on the rope with his groin. Ambrose then rocks the top rope a little bit, pats AJ and then leaves.
On Talking Smack, Daniel Bryan apologizes from his behavior from last week. He also announces that The Miz will defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler at Backlash.
In a WWE.com interview, Cesaro hopes to make a comeback and win the second match in his best-of-seven series with Sheamus, but still feels that he is being passed by.
During the pre-show, Sasha Banks is interviewed via Skype. Sasha Banks says her match at SummerSlam was a blur and doesn't remember when she realized that her back was injured. She's just thankful she doesn't have to take time off and get surgery like Finn Balor does, and she just wants to go back into the ring and become a two-time Women's Champion, saying Charlotte doesn't deserve the title after proving that she is a coward.
Tonight's show is in memory of Mr. Fuji, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.
Corey Graves is in the ring with Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, Big Cass and Seth Rollins. Rollins brags about injuring Finn Balor at SummerSlam, and says he's the favorite to win the Universal title tonight. He then donates his speaking time to someone he feels deserving to win the title: Kevin Owens. With Sami Zayn out of the picture, the Universal title is all that matters to him, and he says that he fights smarter and harder than everyone else in the ring. When Cass speaks for himself and Kevin Owens makes fun of it, Cass asks if Jericho told him what to say. He then says he hasn't been here long, but he's the biggest dog in the fight despite nobody expecting him to win. Seth Rollins then tells everyone else that he's glad their match is under elimination rules, as he plans to beat everyone else himself. Roman is the last to have a chance to talk about the match, and he responds by punching Kevin Owens out before starting a brawl where he lays everyone else out.
Tom Phillips interviews Chris Jericho before the next match. He says Neville may be coming to save the day like Mighty Mouse, but he's only coming to get the gift of Jericho.
Chris Jericho beats Neville after reversing a hurricanrana into the Walls of Jericho.
Dana Brooke spoils Bayley's initial meeting with The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) by saying Bayley will never succeed, but The New Day remind Dana that Bayley beat her in her debut last week. Dana then challenges them to a match against her and the team of Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson). Not surprisingly, it's on.
Andrea D'Marco interviews Hyan, who faces Nia Jax tonight. Everything is bigger in Texas, including her heart. Here's to hoping her heart is still beating after her match tonight.
Nia Jax quickly beats Hyan.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) are now in the retirement business, and they plan to retire The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) as tag team champions. Dana Brooke shows up as their "nurse."
We see a video package of Seth Rollins concerning tonight's main event, where Rollins says he will walk in the man and walk out WWE Universal Champion.
Sami Zayn beats Jinder Mahal.
We see the injury update from Sasha Banks from the pre-show.
Charlotte guests on commentary for the next match.
Bayley and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) beat Dana Brooke and Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson).
Tom Phillips interviews Cesaro. Despite being in a rough spot, he considers any day he can beat up Sheamus a great day despite being in a rough spot in the best-of-seven series.
We see a video package of Big Cass concerning tonight's main event, where it's clear he's the dark horse to win.
Byron Saxton interviews Sheamus in the ring before the next match. Sheamus says Cesaro is desperate, and that he doesn't share the same personality that he does. He says Cesaro has spent his whole like trying to be a WWE champion, and says Cesaro will be devastated when he finds out he is better.
Sheamus beats Cesaro with the Cloverleaf to lead 2-0 in their best-of-seven series after sending Cesaro back first into a ring post.
We celebrate the life and times of Mr. Fuji, who passed away Sunday at the age of 82.
We see a video package of Kevin Owens concerning tonight's main event, which describes where he's at and where he's going.
Americo doesn't have a chance to speak before Braun Strowman shows up and quickly annihilates him. Strowman rips off his mask after the match, but we never see Americo's face.
The Cruiserweight Division is coming in three weeks, and we hear from Tommaso Ciampa, Cedric Alexander and Johnny Gargano.
Stephanie McMahon shows up. She addresses Brock Lesnar's actions at SummerSlam, and says she did not welcome the attack on her brother Shane McMahon. Paul Heyman shows up, says Lesnar provides value to Raw and pays Brock Lesnar's fine of $500...in one-dollar bills. Stephanie slaps the money out of his hands and asks what value Heyman brings to the brand, Stephanie tells Heyman that a storm is coming, but Heyman says Lesnar in the storm. He knows Lesnar put Stephanie in an uncomfortable position with the Board of Directors, and begs for forgiveness. Stephanie accepts his apology.
We see a video package of Roman Reigns concerning tonight's main event, and much like Roman, the action of the footage does the talking.
Darren Young beats Titus O'Neil with a surprise crucifix pin. Titus then attacks Darren and Bob Backlund after the match.
Mick Foley tells Stephanie McMahon he should have been out in the ring with her, and proposes banning all friends and tag teams from ringside for tonight's main event, an idea which Stephanie welcomes. Seth Rollins shows up and says tonight will be the best night when he brings the WWE Universal Championship home. He hopes not to let her down.
In a shocking twist of events, Triple H returns to WWE for the first time since WrestleMania 32 to hit the Pedigree on Roman Reigns and help Seth Rollins eliminate Roman Reigns...which shortly becomes nothing compared to what he does next: turn on Seth Rollins by hitting him with a Pedigree and allowing Kevin Owens to get the pin. Kevin Owens beats Big Cass, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in an elimination Fatal Four-Way Match to become the WWE Universal Champion!
Shane Taylor and Keith Lee beat War Machine (Hanson and Rowe).
David Star vs. Tim Hughes vs. Joey "Diesel" Daddiego vs. Cheeseburger ends when BJ Whitmer, who guests on commentary for the match, unleashes Punisher Martinez on everyone in the ring when the lights go out.
The Cabinet (Kenny King, Rhett Titus, Caprice Coleman) beat Dalton Castle and The Boys.
Adam Cole is not happy that Kyle O'Reilly attacked him after he won the World title, and chalks it up to jealousy because he knows O'Reilly knows he's the better wrestler. He promises that O'Reilly will never be ROH World Champion as long as he holds the belt.
Veda Scott guests on commentary for the next match.
The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships against The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) after Chris Sabin accidentally hits Matt Jackson with a steel chair. After the match, The Bucks, The Addiction (with Kamaitachi) and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) have a big brawl.
There will be seven matches tonight where established X Division talent will take on some of the best outside of TNA, and the winners will move on to a ladder match for a shot at the TNA X Division Championship. There will also be an Ultimate X match between The Bro Mans (Robbie E and Jessie Godderz) and The Helms Dynasty (Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett) for a lot of money. Jeremy Borash brings out Jonathan Gresham, Chuck Taylor, JT Dunn, Marshe Rockett, David Starr, Caleb Konley and Zenshi (also known as Shynron), and Rockstar Spud shows and tells them that his the biggest star in the company while bragging about his accomplishments in TNA. Everyone introduces themselves, and Shynron - now known as Zenshi - says that he has found his zen, hence the name change. Spud gives Chuck Taylor a hard time as this goes on.
Chuck Taylor beats Rockstar Spud to go on to the ladder match.
Marshe Rockett beats Mandrews to go on to the ladder match.
We look back at Chris Sabin beating Bully Ray for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
DJ Z beats Jonathan Gresham to go on to the ladder match.
Suicide (played by Jonathan Gresham) beats David Starr to go on to the ladder match.
Braxton Sutter beats JT Dunn to go on to the ladder match.
Eddie Edwards beats Kaleb Conley to go on to the ladder match.
Before the next match, Crazzy Steve tells Zenshi that he may have found his zen, but after tonight, he'll have found his devil. Zenshi tells Steve he stared death in the face to find his zen and that he'll give him an ass whupping.
Crazzy Steve beats Zenshi to go on to the ladder match.
The Helms Dynasty (Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett) beat The Bro Mans (Robbie E and Jessie Godderz) to win a large amount of money. After the match, Gregory Shane Helms splits the money, with 40% going to him at the other 60% split between Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett. They say that The Bro Mans suck, but agree that Raquel is hot.
Braxton Sutter beats Chuck Taylor, Marshe Rockett, DJ Z, Suicide, Eddie Edwards and Crazzy Steve in a Ladder Match to earn a shot at the TNA X Division Championship.
Ethan Carter III and Drew Galloway meet on a rooftop...
Lashley guests on commentary for the next match, and "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero gives up his seat for Lashley begrudgingly.
"The Miracle" Mike Bennett wins an open invitational battle royal, last eliminating Moose and Eddie Edwards simultaneously, to earn a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
Drew Galloway tells Ethan Carter III that he has cost him the World title three times.
Moose is angry with "The Miracle" Mike Bennett for what he did in the battle royal, and Maria Kanellis-Bennett gets the cameraman out of there.
"Broken" Matt Hardy shows up. In his hand is as he talks about his broken brilliance. Brother Nero shows up soon after. When Matt asks Nero why he's here, he says he's here to work. He then says he wants Decay (Rosemary, Crazzy Steve, Abyss) rendered obsolete. Rosemary shows up, saying that Matt Hardy cares too much what people think of him and gave up on that long ago. She says Decay gave up on that long ago, and that they have something The Hardys want but can't have. Abyss shows up and says he can't wait to destroy the Hardy legacy, and Crazzy Steve tells Matt Hardy and Brother Nero they have a lot to lose...and that they will shatter them. After Steve says The Hardys won't see Decay coming, Matt Hardy says he knows who tried to kidnap his son Maxell, and that he will eat them. Abyss then says he wants Matt Hardy in one more match, but Brother Nero attacks Abyss and Abyss gets Nero instead.
Abyss beats Brother Nero after Crazzy Steve accidentally spits red mist into Abyss' eyes, "Broken" Matt Hardy bites Steve for being the man in his premonition and Rosemary spits green mist in Brother Nero's eyes. After the match, he tells Decay that their day of deletion will come at his hands. He then tells Brother Nero that his airborne attacks cost everything, and says that they will not cost him the tag team titles. He tells Brother Nero to stop fighting him, realize that he is broken and learn to embrace his brokenness.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett finds out Billy Corgan went over her head and made a Knockouts title match against someone who stuck their nose in last week's match...and says there may be more than one person to take on...
Lashley meets "The Miracle" Mike Bennett backstage. He plans to beat Lashley for the World title, but Lashley says his reliance on help will backfire on him. Bennett says that Lashley should be worried about him, but Lashley tells him he should be worried about Moose.
Allie beats Sienna, Marti Bell, Jade and Madison Rayne in a no-disqualification match to win the TNA Knockouts Championship after Marti Bell knocks Allie out with the steel baton, sending her crashing into a downed Madison Rayne for the accidental pinfall.
Aron Rex says he wants to make an impact in TNA, and asked to be the special guest referee for Ethan Carter III vs. Drew Galloway. By the end of the night, one man will be Bound for Glory, and he guarantees it.
Ethan Carter III tells Drew Galloway he's not World champ because he lost.
Allie is ecstatic that she is TNA Knockouts Champion, but she never considered what Maria would think.
Ethan Carter III and Drew Galloway meet on a rooftop. Drew Galloway tells Ethan Carter III that he has cost him the World title three times, even though he knows he didn't mean to do it. Ethan Carter III tells Drew Galloway he's not World champ because he lost. Galloway is looking forward to Bound For Glory, but Ethan Carter III tells Galloway he's going to hit Galloway as hard as Galloway hits him. They have a whiskey toast, then Galloway pushes EC3 into the pool, signifying that the two are friends again.
Moose runs into Lashley, who asks him to swing by for dinner to discuss his future.
It's time for Fact of Life with Eli Drake with the X Divison as special guests. He wants the King of the Mountain title back, but knows it's not going to happen because TNA management are dummies. Next week, there will be a new X Division champion, and asks everyone in the ring who they think have no chance at winning the title. Rockstar Spud says it's Braxton Sutter, who calls him a blubbering crybaby who wears braces. Spud goes off on everyone else before saying he will win the title and Eli Drake cuts him off. DJ Z says Eli and Lashley have no idea what the X Division is all about, and says that he will be the one person in the X Division who will beat Lashley. Eli Drake hits the dummy button repeatedly, and DJ Z dares him to hit it one more time. When he is about to, DJ Z pushes the table down and everybody brawls.
Next week: An X Division Championship Gauntlet Match! "The Miracle" Mike Bennett vs. Lashley for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship!
Ethan Carter III beats Drew Galloway after reversing a Future Shock DDT into a jackknife pin to continue on to Bound For Glory in a match with Aron Rex as special guest referee. After the match, Aron Rex congratulates Drew Galloway for a valiant effort only for Galloway to viciously attack him.
The WWE Performance Center presents an all-access tour on Monday, November 14th! Tickets are available now!
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger beats Wesley Blake.
After TakeOver, Bobby Roode says Andrade "Cien" Almas was bad, but he's not glorious. He says TakeOver was "step one," and he plans to clean up NXT and make it a better place.
After TakeOver, Austin Aries is ticked off with people trying to ruin his moment every time he wins, and now Hideo Itami is the next person to do it. He sent Baron Corbin packing and he beat No Way Jose, and he now plans to end Hideo Itami's career.
We look back at Bayley vs. Asuka for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II.
After TakeOver, Bayley expresses her disappointment after he match when she meets Ember Moon, who tells her that she took Asuka to the limit and that she is the reason why she's here. Bayley thanks Ember Moon.
We look back at Bayley's Raw debut.
After TakeOver, The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) say they are the best tag team in the entire universe and that they are unstoppable.
We look back on "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe for the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II.
"The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura returns to NXT next week!
The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) beat TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne). We finally learn the identities of The Authors of Pain through commentary in this match. Akam has the shoulder tattoo, Rezar does not.
This week: Drew Gulak vs. Zack Sabre Jr.! Lince Dorado vs. Rich Swann! TJ Perkins vs Johnny Gargano!
Lince Dorado expected to make it this far, and calls The Cruiserweight Classic the biggest stage he's ever been on. He hopes his versatility will win him the tournament. Rich Swann talks about the passing of his parents and how wrestling saved his life.
Rich Swann beats Lince Dorado to continue to the quarter-finals of The Cruiserweight Classic.
We look back at Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano vs. The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II.
Charlie Caruso interviews Johnny Gargano. He knows TJ Perkins is good, and he plans to pour his heart out in the ring and continue to the quarter-finals.
We hear from the undeterrable Drew Gulak and the hard-working Zack Sabre Jr.
Zack Sabre Jr. beats Drew Gulak to continue to the quarter-finals of The Cruiserweight Classic after reversing a Dragon Sleeper into a combination pin. Gulak shakes Sabre's hand begrudgingly after the match.
We hear from the flashy but focused TJ Perkins, and Johnny Gargano hopes to win The Cruiserweight Classic and become the top cruiserweight in the world.
TJ Perkins beats Johnny Gargano by submission with a knee bar to continue to the quarter-finals of The Cruiserweight Classic. Both men show respect after the match.
The show begins with Baron Corbin, Erick Rowan, Apollo Crews and Rhyno in the locker room when AJ Styles shows up. He brags about beating John Cena and says he's the new face that runs the place, and puts a "Never Give Up" headband on his head. He then sees Dolph Ziggler sitting on a chair, and when Styles tells him he doesn't like losers, Ziggler punches him in the face, Styles is sent out of the room, and officials (and Crews and Rhyno) have to hold Ziggler back.
The SmackDown Live roster is in the ring as Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan show up as two of the SmackDown titles. Shane says there is a huge opportunity in front of everyone in the ring. It is announced that there will be a Women's 6-Pack Challenge at Backlash. There will also be a tag team tournament culminating in a SmackDown tag team title match at Backlash. Heath Slater shows up wanting some tag team gold, but Shane doesn't know if Slater's equipped to be championship material, as he's not on the SmackDown roster and he doesn't even have a partner. Slater says he can guarantee he can get a partner. Daniel Bryan tells him if he can find a partner by the end of the night, he's in the tag team tournament. Shane tells Slater if he wins the titles, he wins a spot on the roster. Slater tells them they won't regret this, and heads to the back. All of a sudden, AJ Styles shows up wanting the spotlight to be on him, but he is attacked from behind by Dolph Ziggler, and the Superstars of SmackDown have to break the brawl up.
Naomi and Natalya guest on commentary for the next match.
Becky Lynch beats Alexa Bliss with the Disarmher.
Heath Slater tires to ask The Miz to be his tag team partner, but it turns out Miz was on his phone all along, and he just became the next Indiana Jones.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) to continue to the semi-finals in the SmackDown tag team title tournament.
AJ Styles shows up. Styles says he sees a lot of jealous and frowning faces due to his win over John Cena, especially from Dolph Ziggler. He then brags about beating John Cena, and says you don't have to bea Cena fan anymore when you can be an AJ Styles fan instead. Styles says that he is the face that runs this place, and says he should be #1 contender for the WWE World Championship. Ziggler shows up looking for Styles, with officials holding him back. Daniel Bryan shows up and congratulates both men for their SummerSlam efforts, and says Styles is deserving of a World title shot, but it's obvious that they both want to fight...so he lets them. He puts Styles and Ziggler in a match for later tonight. If Styles wins, he gets his shot at the World title at Backlash. If Ziggler wins, he gets added to that match and it becomes a triple threat match.
Renee Young interviews Nikki Bella before the next match, but Carmella attacks her from behind and hits her with the Bella Buster before the match can even begin.
Randy Orton shows up. Randy is still standing after Sunday night, and he knew what he was going into against Brock Lesnar. He says Shane had the right idea when he tried to stop Lesnar. All of a sudden, Bray Wyatt shows up, asks Orton how his head is doing, and says Orton is a great man...but still just a man, while he is a god, and unlike man, a god cannot die. He says Bray will learn this in time. He then disappears.
When Andrea D'Marco asks him about Brock Lesnar and the repercussions Stephanie McMahon says there will be, Shane McMahon says Stephanie isn't taking it seriously as Lesnar was only fined $500. He says the thing between him and Lesnar is far from over.
Heath Slater asks "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson to be his tag team partner, but Anderson feels even he can't get him out of the mess he's made. Suddenly, Rhyno shows up and volunteers to be Slater's tag team partner.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beat Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) to continue to the semi-finals in the SmackDown tag team title tournament.
Andrea D'Marco interviews Dean Ambrose, who says that he just learned about the #1 contender's match between Dolph Ziggler and AJ Styles. He also tips the waitress who gives him coffee with casino chips.
Dean Ambrose guests on commentary for the next match.
AJ Styles beats Dolph Ziggler to earn a shot at the WWE World Championship at Backlash. Styles stares down with Dean Ambrose after the match, and knocks the headset off his head. Dean stands up, and AJ Styles eventually leaves after a further staredown.
On Talking Smack, Carmella attacks Nikki Bella again. Also, The Miz shows up, and Daniel Bryan tells him that while he respects the Intercontinental Championship, he does not respect the man holding, telling Miz that he fights like a coward. This fires Miz up, and he goes off on Daniel Bryan, saying that Daniel is the real coward because he promised to come back and never did, and that Daniel should quit and go back to bingo halls. Daniel leaves the set as The Miz's tirade continues.
It is announced at the beginning of the pre-show that Finn Balor will be out for six months due to a shoulder injury caused by Seth Rollins powerbombing him into the barricade last night at SummerSlam; therefore, the WWE Universal Championship will be relinquished.
It is reported on the pre-show that Randy Orton had to receive ten staples to close the laceration on his head from his match against Brock Lesnar.
Rusev and Lana are interviewed via Skype. Rusev says he thought he heard the bell ring, which is why he went after Roman Reigns, and stopped when he found out it was not. Lana says she will never accept Roman's apology after he called her a "Russian mail-order bride." Rusev and Lana not only ask that Roman Reigns be suspended for hitting Rusev with a steel chair, but also note the irony that Roman's wife is half-Russian.
Andrea D'Marco interviewed Charlotte after SummerSlam. Charlotte says she proved she can get it done without her dad, especially in a tough town such as Brooklyn.
It is reported on the pre-show that The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) will be retiring after tonight.
After SummerSlam, Jeri-KO (Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens) gloat that they ruined Enzo Amore and Big Cass' homecoming just like they said they would.
The show starts with the announcement of Finn Balor's injury.
Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and Raw General Manager Mick Foley are in the ring to start the show, and they introduce Finn Balor to the ring. Finn shows up with a cast on his right arm. The crowd chants "You deserve it!" to Finn. Finn Balor calls the Universal title "a lifetime of sacrifice," and proof that if you believe in yourself, you can achieve absolutely anything. Last night, he pulled off the impossible and became the first Universal Champion, but alludes to his shoulder injury when he says there was a sacrifice. He thanks all the WWE Superstars and staff, especially Seth Rollins, who gave him the match of his life. He then thanks the fans, who chant "Thank you, Finn!" before Finn says he should be thanking the fans. He then says that when he comes back, the Universal title is the first thing he's coming for. He then hands the title over to Mick Foley, who lifts Finn's left arm into the air. As Finn Balor leaves, Seth Rollins arrives, not caring at all that he injured Finn. He says it's a shame Finn is injured, but then calls himself the true winner at SummerSlam, and says he should be the champion. Suddenly, Sami Zayn shows up, followed by Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, Enzo Amore, Big Cass and Roman Reigns. Mick Foley says that all seven men are worthy of a shot at the Universal title, and says there will be a series of matches that will culminate in a new Universal Champion. Stephanie announces that Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn will start it all over. As everyone else leaves the ring, Sami Zayn is distracted by Kevin Owens, allowing Seth Rollins to attack Sami from behind.
We get a look at Sami Zayn courtesy of Mercury Insurance.
Seth Rollins beats Sami Zayn after Sami injures his right ankle to advance to the next round of the Universal title series.
Kevin Owens beats Neville to advance to the next round of the Universal title series after Chris Jericho distracts Neville.
We get an announcement from Mick Foley stating that the WWE Universal Championship match next week will be a Fatal 4-Way Match.
Before the next match, Big E announces his return along with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The New Day (Kofi, Big E, Xavier) then announce that they have been WWE Tag Team Champions for one calendar year. They thank the fans for making The New Day what it is now, and Xavier Woods announce he has a unicorn pinata filled with Booty-O's. Before they can break it open, however, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson show up, calling the whole affair and the crowd stupid, saying there is nothing to celebrate because The New Day lost last night, and demand a tag team title rematch. Anderson calls Big E "the stupidest" and ask if he enjoyed the Magic Killer they gave him. They promise to take the tag titles from them, as well as decimate The New Day, starting with Big E. Big E says he's going to prove why The New Day rocks.
Big E beats Karl Anderson after Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods take down Luke Gallows.
We look back at The Dudley Boyz' (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) debut in WWE on the September 2, 1999 episode of SmackDown as it is announced that The Dudley Boyz are saying goodbye.
Before the next match, Titus O'Neil reminds us that he and Darren Young held the tag team titles as The Prime Time Players before The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) held them, and that he is asked if that is the worst day of his life every time he shows up in Brooklyn. He says it's the best day of his life because he dropped the dead weight that is Darren Young. He says Darren wouldn't be relevant if it wasn't for him, says he would be Universal champ if it weren't for Darren, and blames all his failures on him. He calls Darren Young out so he can bury him and be done with him. When he doesn't show up, he says that Bob Backlund is keeping him from getting in the ring, then proceeds to mock Backlund. Backlund runs in and almost puts him in the Crossface Chicken Wing, but Titus puts him out. Darren Young rushes in to save Backlund, but Titus hits him with a Clash of the Titus.
Tom Phillips interviews Stephanie McMahon concerning Brock Lesnar. She says that Lesnar crossed a line attacking SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon last night, and that there will be repercussions.
Before the next match, Big Cass tells Rusev he will finish the job Roman Reigns started last night after he and Enzo Amore wonder where "The Bulg Area" is.
Big Cass beats Rusev - who now has taped ribs thanks to Roman Reigns - by count-out to advance to the Universal Championship Fatal 4-Way Match along with Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens.
Tom Phillips interviews Jeri-KO (Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens). It becomes clear that Jeri-KO haven't thought about the prospect that both of them will be facing each other for the WWE Universal Championship if Jericho beats Roman Reigns after both of them say they would make a great champ.
Charlotte and Dana Brooke show up. Dana chants that Charlotte deserves the Women's title, and Charlotte agrees. She says that the WWE Universe can forget about Sasha Banks, as her back injury proved she can't carry the Raw Women's Division. She says Sasha will never take back her title, and tells Sasha not to come back to Raw. Raw General Manager Mick Foley shows up and congratulates Charlotte for raising the bar last night, and says Sasha will come back for the Women's title. Charlotte says she'll break Sasha's back again, and says there is nobody left, but Foley says that he and Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon have a signed a new member of the Raw Women's Division: Bayley. Bayley can't believe that this is happening, and thanks Mick Foley for the opportunity before sealing the deal with a hug. Charlotte is unimpressed, saying Bayley was left behind in NXT during the Women's Revolution for a reason. Bayley says she'd never upstage Charlotte, but she's here to challenge her for the Women's Championship. Charlotte tells her to get in line, and tells here to fight Dana Brooke instead, much to Dana's reluctance. Foley makes the match official...and it happens next.
Bayley beats Dana Brooke in her Raw debut.
Tom Phillips interviews Roman Reigns. He makes it short and sweet when he says he's going to beat Jericho tonight.
The Cruiserweight Division is coming to Raw on September 19th!
Andrea D'Marco interviews Sheamus, who says that Cesaro is overhyped and has underdelivered, and unlike New York sports teams, he's going to be a winner.
Byron Saxton interviews Braun Strowman's opponent for tonight, Johnny Knockout. He says he's facing Strowman because he likes big, sweaty men.
Braun Strowman beats Johnny Knockout. After the match, Strowman attacks Knockout again and tells the ref to count to three again.
We look back to last year, when The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) returned and laid waste to The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) the night after SummerSlam.
The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) show up to say goodbye to the WWE and retire. Bubba says he doesn't usually get emotional, but tonight might be a little bit different. He then talks about their return to the WWE last year, and while people sometimes loved them and people sometimes hated them, in the end they always respected them as they busted their asses for twenty years. D-Von says it's been one hell of a career, as they've made a lot of history, especially with The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) and Edge & Christian. D-Von says the WWE is their home and always will be, and Bubba Ray thanks the fans before saying that it's hard to go out on your own terms in the wrestling business. Suddenly, The Shining Stars (Primo and Epico) show up says that since The Dudley Boyz are leaving, they want to get them a going-away present: a pair of economy-class tickets to Puerto Rico, which the both of them put on a pedestal. Not surprisingly, they get a beating, and after Epico is hit with a 3D, Primo almost gets put through a table, but Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson attack The Dudley Boyz, hitting Bubba with a Magic Killer outside of the ring before putting D-Von through a table with one.
Despite a bad eye and interference from Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns beats Chris Jericho to move on to the Universal Championship Fatal 4-Way Match next week.
Tom Phillips interviews Jeri-KO (Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens). They apologize for getting Tom's name wrong yet still get it wrong, Jericho announces that he became a "Certified G" for the low, low price of $89.99, and Kevin Owens reveals that he got a 96 in Chemistry. They say they are going to take everything Enzo Amore and Big Cass' family and friends have, but before they do, they're going to get "it."
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) and The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) beat The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch), The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) and Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) during the pre-show after Jey Uso tags himself in, much to the confusion of American Alpha.
During the pre-show, Baron Corbin says that Kalisto not only cost him the IC title, but also money because Kalisto is not medically cleared. Their match is therefore cancelled.
Sasha Banks is in the Social Media Lounge. She says the best thing about being Women's champ is that she is the best. She plans to beat Charlotte like she did the first time, and she knows Charlotte will have something up her sleeve. She says she is not scared of Charlotte, and that she was born to do this.
Charlie Caruso interviews Cesaro, who insists he never said he was undervauled. Nevertheless, he considers it important to win the first match against Sheamus to assure physical dominance, as he and Sheamus are evenly matched.
Sami Zayn and Neville beat The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley).
Sheamus beats Cesaro after a thumb to Cesaro's eye to win match #1 in their best of seven series. Sheamus leads 1-0.
Before the next match, Enzo Amore and Big Cass says that the dream has become reality and namedrop Frank Sinatra and The Notorious B.I.G., before saying that Jeri-KO (Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens) aren't one of their 99 problems.
Jeri-KO (Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens) beat Enzo Amore and Big Cass with a double team Codebreaker.
SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon and SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan meet up with Raw General Manager Mick Foley backstage. John Stewart and his son Nate show up, and when John complains about Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, Stephanie confronts him and asks what good power is when you can't abuse it. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) show up, say Stephanie is just misunderstood, and then John and Nate leave with The New Day after everyone gets some Booty-O's.
Charlotte beats Sasha Banks to become the WWE Women's Champion after Charlotte after rolling back Sasha during the Banks Statement to turn it into a roll-up after weakening the back of Sasha Banks.
AJ Styles joins Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) backstage as they make "ringpostitis" jokes and brags about beating up John Cena. Finn Balor shows up, but he doesn't do the "Too Sweet" hand signal with everyone else and leaves.
The Miz retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews.
AJ Styles beats John Cena. After the match, John Cena leaves a "Never Give Up" wristband in the center of the ring before heading to the back, as if to leave a piece of himself in the ring.
Two fans - Alisha Ingram and Corey Norris - won the WWE SummerSlam Sweepstakes. They met several WWE Superstars and even sat ringside for NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II and SummerSlam.
Jon Stewart shows up, saying he's glad some idiot didn't interfere by hitting John Cena or AJ Styles with a chair during the last match, and says to tuck your shirt in before an Attitude Adjustment in case your belly pops out. He then announces he will join The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) in Big E's stead for the next match.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) ends with the return of Big E after Jon Stewart nearly becomes the next test(es) subject for Gallows & Anderson's ringpostitis studies. After Big E lays Gallows & Anderson out before drinking from the largest "ringpostitis" jar, all three members of The New Day - who retain the WWE Tag Team Championships - and Jon Stewart celebrate in the ring.
SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon and SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan are in the ring before the next match, and they keep Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler from going at each other's throats before their match can begin.
Dean Ambrose retains the WWE World Championship against Dolph Ziggler.
We see the craziness of SummerSlam weekend in Brooklyn.
Eva Marie cannot make it due to exhaustion, frustration and stress with the WWE fans and is taking a vacation in the British Isles. Taking her place is Nikki Bella, who has not been in a WWE ring in almost a year.
Nikki Bella, Natalya and Alexa Bliss beat Becky Lynch, Naomi and Carmella.
Maria Menounos has a special interview with Rusev and Lana. Rusev is still furious with Roman Reigns for all he's done to him. He says he is the greatest United States champion, and that he will crush Roman Reigns into dust.
We get our first look at the WWE Universal Championship before the next match. Raw commissioner Stephanie McMahon and Raw General Manager then sit at ringside for the next match.
Finn Balor beats Seth Rollins to become the inaugural WWE Universal Champion!
"Colonel" Dolph Ziggler and The Miz dressed as a chicken advertise the Chicken Little from Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for the United States title ends before it can begin with Roman and Rusev brawl before the bell can ring. Roman beats Rusev down to the point that medical personnel have to tend to Rusev and it has to be announced that Rusev cannot even compete. Roman Reings comes back and Spears Rusev.
Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton is stopped when Lesnar pounds Orton in the head to the point that Orton suffers bleeding. Brock Lesnar beats Randy Orton by TKO, then continues to attack Orton. Shane McMahon shows up to tend to Orton, but Lesnar won't let him, and hits him with an F5 to end the show.
The Cabinet (Kenny King, Rhett Titus, Caprice Coleman) tells Dalton Castle and his boys to be careful what they wish for, because they just might get it and their team will not be able to measure up to them. Rhett Titus and Kenny King continue to make fun of the size of Dalton Castle, saying he is against everything they stand for as they make wrestling great again.
The Youg Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) want the ROH World Tag Team Championships back from The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) next week. The cameraman then gets superkicked.
Kamaitachi beats Stuka Jr. after the ref is knocked out and Kamaitachi removes Stuka Jr.'s match.
The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) show up at ringside for the next match.
Jay Briscoe vs. Jay White ends in a draw when television time expires.
During the pre-show, Bobby Roode says New York City is his kind of town, while Brooklyn is more like "the armpit of New York City," saying it stinks and it is a dump. He says he'd rather be in Manhattan. He says that he will take NXT to the next level...and it will be glorious.
Billie Kay says NXT TakeOver is where newcomers come in and make a statement. She says Ember Moon's statement will be "I am a loser," and that she will prove she is the face of the NXT Women's Division and the next NXT Women's Champion.
Austin Aries beats No Way Jose with a sunset flip powerbomb floated over into a Last Chancery. Austin Aries puts No Way Jose in the Last Chancery again, and Hideo Itami shows up in a suit. Aries fights him, but Hideo strikes back and eventually puts Aries in the GTS...and nails him with it.
"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair is seen in the front row. Also, Kota Ibushi and Funaki are in the locker room with "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura.
Ember Moon beats Billie Kay in her NXT debut.
Bobby Roode beats Andrade "Cien" Almas.
We see modern war footage before seeing the word "Sanity" on a brick wall.
We see the trophy for The Cruiserweight Classic, courtesy of Orange County Choppers.
Noam Dar, Rich Swann, The Brian Kendrick, Kota Ibushi, the Orange County Choppers crew and Mauro Ranallo are all seen in the front row.
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa chat in the locker room. They have a new shirt with "#DIY" and their last names on the front and the words "Nobody will do it for you" on the back.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa after The Revival try to blow Gargano's knee out like they did Big Cass' and Dawson makes Gargano tap to a Reverse Figure Four Leg Lock.
Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Charlotte are seen in the front row.
Asuka retains the NXT Women's Championship against Bayley. Bayley and Asuka hug after the match. After Asuka leaves, Bayley hugs Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Charlotte, her mom and Bayley super-fan Izzy on her way out.
NXT is in Australia and New Zealand from December 5th through the 15th!
Mick and Noelle Foley - as well as Finn Balor - are seen in the front row.
Violinist Lee England, Jr. plays "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura's theme during his entrance before the next match.
"The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura beats Samoa Joe to win the NXT Championship!
Kane quickly beats Ricky Starks. (Indies wrestler Ricky Starks' biggest claim to WWE fame prior to this match was when he was put through a table in catering by Ryback - then a heel - in 2013.)
Donovan Dijak beats Lio Rush, Jay White and Kamaitachi to earn a shot at the ROH World Television Championship.
Katsuyori Shibata beats "The Last Real Man" Silas Young. After the match, both men slap each other in the face before shaking hands.
Roppongi Vice (Trent Barretta and Rocky Romero) and Toru Yano beat The Guerrilas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tonga Roa) and Yujiro Takahashi after Yano hits Takahashi with a low blow. After the match, The Guerrilas of Destiny attack Yano, and "Hangman" Adam Page shows up to hang Yano with his noose, but Jay Briscoe shows up and saves Yano, starting the match between Briscoe and Page.
"Hangman" Adam Page beats Jay Briscoe after a putting Jay Briscoe through a table with a Rite of Passage, hanging Jay with his noose and then hitting another Rite of Passage thereafter in the ring.
"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada beats Dalton Castle.
Bobby Fish retains the ROH World Television Championsip against Mark Briscoe.
The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships against Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito and EVIL) and the team of Michael Elgin and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Adam Cole beats Jay Lethal to win the ROH World Heavyweight Championship, bringing Lethal's 427-day reign to an end. After the match, Cole is attacked by Kyle O'Reilly, who hits him with a brainbuster.
Lashley stares down with Aron Rex backstage, then leaves.
"The Cowboy" James Storm comes to the ring. He asks referee Brian Hebner to come to the ring, and Brian Hebner does. He wants to know what happened that caused him to lose. We get video footage of the very beginning of the match from when Jeremy Borash left the ring. He says that he should be World champion, and the crowd chants "You screwed Storm!" before he demands a rematch against Lashley for the World title. Billy Corgan shows up, and says the ref's decision is final and that games are won and lost in the fourth quarter and not the first, but Storm says this is pro wrestling and not football, and demands his rematch. Billy Corgan says "maybe it's not your damn luck, and you just can't win the big one." Storm takes a toolbox from underneath the ring, empties it, takes a hammer, and says he built TNA and that he can tear it down too as he smacks the top rope with the hammer. Security moves into place, and Storm says this is proof that "rock stars need security." He tells Billy he views him as nothing but a rock star, and tells him that unlike AJ Styles, Bobby Roode and Austin Aries, he stayed in TNA because he believed in the company. He then calls Corgan a "stupid son-of-a-bitch." A member of security tries to subdue Storm, but Storm hits him with the hammer. He then tells Billy he's beaten up a lot of people, but he's never beaten up a rock star, and if their paths cross again, he's going to cross a wish off of his bucket list because he's going to "smash [Billy's] pumpkin." Storm leaves the ring and heads to the back, and Billy tells Storm that he is suspended from TNA indefinitely.
Backstage, "The Miracle" Mike Bennett tells Moose that he will change a lot of stuff for him. Moose says he loves to beat people up, and Bennett tells him to do what he says, when he says it, so he can blaze his trail to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
"The Cowboy" James Storm is seen being escorted out of the arena.
Moose beats Eddie Edwards after Edwards hits "The Miracle" Mike Bennett with a dive.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett says Gail Kim will have the worst night of her life when she faces Jade and loses. She then tells Jade that if she loses tonight, she will never get a shot at the Knockouts title again.
Gail Kim beats Jade by disqualification after Gail is attacked by Sienna. Sienna then attacks Jade, then Maria Kanellis-Bennett shows up and calls Gail Kim a failure, saying she will never be able to go for the TNA Knockouts Championship again.
Lashley harasses DJ Z, Mandrews and Braxton Sutter, saying that he has an announcement that will affect all of them. DJ Z says that whoever wins the X Division match tonight should face Lashley for the X Division title.
DJ Z beats Rockstar Spud, Mandrews and Braxton Sutter.
Ethan Carter III says he has heard Drew Galloway's challenge and is ready to answer it after the commercial break.
Dixie Carter catches up with Billy, and says that the Lashley situation has everyone on edge and that "The Cowboy" James Storm's actions are proof of it.
Ethan Carter III is in the ring, and calls out Drew Galloway so he can give him an answer to his challenger from last week. Galloway shows up. EC3 says his answer will surprise Galloway, but Galloway thinks that EC3 will answer no because he's screwed him out of the World title three times and won't make it right. EC3 tells him his challenge is accepted. Suddenly, his challenge is accepted. Suddenly, Aron Rex enters the ring. He tells Galloway and EC3 that the entire universe has been watching Impact Wrestling because the two of them have been making waves with the kind of wrestling he and the people grew up with. He knows EC3 and Drew want to rise to the top, and he's excited to see what happens. The crowd makes it clear that they're excited, too. He then says that he wants to see a clear-cut winner in the match, and announces that he will be the match's special guest referee.
Eli Drake mocks "The Cowboy" James Storm for losing the King of the Mountain title. Lashley shows up and says he'll make Eli eat his words for talking trash about him recently. Eli challenges Lashley, and Lashley tells him to sit back and listen to his announcement, as he'll soon get his chance. He then leaves and runs into Sienna. When he eyes the Knockouts title, Sienna tells him "Don't get cute."
Broken Matt Hardy talks to his now-broken brother Jeff Hardy - now Brother Nero. He deems ladders and high-flying obsolete, and that they should be deleted tonight.
Before the next match, Eli Drake says he's a little hot due to "The Cowboy" James Storm losing the King of the Mountain title to Lashley. He then talks about his backstage encounter with Lashley, and says Lashley doesn't want to face him. Suddenly, Mahabali Shera shows up, calls Eli Drake a dummy and tells him to shut up. This starts their match.
Eli Drake beats Mahabali Shera.
Dixie Carter and Billy Corgan meet up with Lashley, who is very tight-lipped concerning his announcement tonight.
Lashley makes his way to the ring, and hands his titles to some backstage hands who follow him into the ring. He tells everyone that this is a big moment for professional wrestling, He then calls out Dixie Carter and Billy Corgan, who show up. He tells Billy and Dixie that he holds all the power, and that he's a businessman and not just a dumb wrestler. He then tells them that he is uniting all three singles titles and declaring himself the true, undisputed World champion. Billy and Dixie say that they call the shots and that he can't do that. Lashley then says the King of the Mountain title means nothing and that he tore through the X Division division, therefore minimalizing the X Division title as well. Dixie and Billy are not happy with what Lashley is doing, and tell him that he cannot dictate the whens and the whys. He then tells them he'll see them at Bound For Glory, since they want to ruin his history making announcement. Dixie and Billy tell him that he will defend the World title before Bound For Glory, and that next week there will be an open invitation battle royal. Whoever wins it will take on Lashley for the World title.
Billy Corgan decrees that Lashley has vacated the X Division and King of the Mountain titles, and that there will be a new X Division champ soon.
The Broken Hardys ("Broken" Matt Hardy and Brother Nero) beat The Bro Mans, the team of Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett and The Tribunal in an Ascension To Hell Ladder Match to become the #1 contenders to the TNA Tag Team Championships.
We see a video package for Bayley vs. Asuka for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II.
The NXT Superstars talk about Brooklyn, New York as well as NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II.
NXT General Manager William Regal talks about NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II. All of a sudden, Billie Kay shows up, asking how it can be the best yet when she's not even booked for it. Regal tells her she's got her match...against the debuting Ember Moon.
Carmella, Liv Morgan and Nikki Glenncross beat Alexa Bliss, Daria Berenato and Mandy Rose after Carmella reverses a jackknife pin from Mandy Rose into a Code of Silence.
NXT General Manager William Regal has orders for security: neither Samoa Joe or "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura are to either start a brawl or to get out of their seat, and if either thing is to happen, they are to go into action.
We see Byron Saxton interview Samoa Joe and "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura with NXT General Manager William Regal and "the King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura. Both are excited to be in Brooklyn this weekend. Joe says he has a major issue with jumping through hoops to take the NXT title and keep it, and he is wondering if Regal wants him to be NXT Champion. When asked if he is taking this match seriously, Nakamura says he is. Joe says that he and Nakamura have crossed path, and Nakamura trained at the same place ("his dojo") as he did in Los Angeles. When asked if he respects Nakamura, he says he did but wonders if he does now. Nakamura says he respects Joe, and bows his head as he does. Joe takes offense to this, and gets up out of his seat ready to fight. Security rushes into position, as does Regal. Regal calmly asks Nakamura to leave the room, and Nakamura does. Regal then tells security to get Joe out of the room.
This week: The Brian Kendrick vs. Tony Nese! Noam Dar vs. Hoho Lun! Jack Gallagher vs. Akira Tozawa!
We hear from English gentleman wrestler Jack Gallagher and Japanese superstar Akira Tozawa.
Akira Tozawa beats Jack Gallagher to continue on to the quarter-finals of The Cruiserweight Classic where he will face Gran Metalik.
Hoho Lun talks about how he got started with judo (thinking it was professional wrestling) and how he wants to make his family proud. Noam Dar wants to make his way to the top, starting with The Cruiserweight Classic.
Noam Dar beats Hoho Lun by submission with a knee bar to continue on to the quarter-finals of The Cruiserweight Classic.
Tony Nese says he's the guy who's got it all. The Brian Kendrick calls The Cruiserweight Classic his last make-or-break moment.
The Brian Kendrick beats Tony Nese with the Bully Choke to continue on to the quarter-finals of The Cruiserweight Classic where he will face Kota Ibushi.
Next week: Lince Dorado vs. Rich Swann! Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Drew Gulak! Johnny Gargano vs. TJ Perkins!
Brock's back. Randy's back. They're both ready to fight. Who's gonna win...?
My prediction: Lesnar might win this one.
Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor
to decide the inaugural holder of the WWE Universal Championship
With the WWE World Championship on SmackDown, a new title was created by Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley to mirror the world title status of the heralded title on Raw: the WWE Universal Championship. Can Finn Balor make a huge impact on the red brand, or will Seth Rollins continue to be the impact player?
My prediction: Finn Balor just might win this one.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Dean Ambrose (c)
for the WWE World Championship
As if Finn Balor being in line for a major championship on Raw wasn't enough of a shocker, the same thing happened on SmackDown with Dolph Ziggler, who's been waiting a few years to be a top dog again. Now he's got a shot at that, but he has to get past Dean Ambrose to get there. Who will be top banana of the blue brand?
My prediction: Dean will probably retain.
Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks (c)
for the WWE Women's Championship Dana Brooke is banned from ringside for this match.
Well, it had to happen, didn't it? Sasha Banks finally upended Charlotte to become Women's Champion. Now she has to prove herself once again by getting another victory against former champion Charlotte in a championship rematch.
My prediction: Sasha Banks will retain.
Apollo Crews vs. The Miz (c)
for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
NXT just keeps on taking over as fairly recent call-up Apollo Crews gets a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Will Apollo Crews rise a little closer to the top, or will The Miz stop the show?
My prediction: Apollo Crews is probably going to take the title.
AJ Styles vs. John Cena
It's finally happening: Styles vs. Cena, one-on-one, no Club, no outside interference, straight up mano-a-mano. This one's gonna rock the house...
My prediction: Cena will probably win this one.
Roman Reigns vs. Rusev (c)
for the WWE United States Championship
For all those wondering if Roman Reigns was going to do something after coming back at Battleground, don't worry. He's got something to do. And he just might be the one that beats Rusev...
My prediction: Roman's taking the title.
The Club (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) (c)
for the WWE Tag Team Championships
Thanks to The Club, Big E is injured, and now Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are on their own when it comes to defending the tag team titles. Have they met their match in The Club?
My prediction: The Club are walking out tag champs.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens
Chris Jericho doesn't like Enzo and Cass...and neither does Kevin Owens, who now has Jericho's back...
My prediction: Enzo and Cass are gonna win this one.
Sheamus vs. Cesaro
in Match 1 of a Best of Seven Series
Sheamus and Cesaro have been so aggressive in trying to get an opportunity on Raw that they have finally both gotten the attention of Mick Foley...who puts them in a Best of Seven series. The first match will be at SummerSlam, Who's going to have the advantage going out of SummerSlam?
My prediction: Sheamus will probably win the first match.
Becky Lynch, Carmella and Naomi vs. Natalya, Eva Marie and Alexa Bliss
Eva Marie finally gets to re-debut for SmackDown, Carmella and Alexa Bliss are on their first main roster pay-per-view event, Naomi has finally returned as a face with a glow-in-the-dark entrance, and Becky Lynch and Natalya get another shot at each other. The fire of the SmackDown Women's Division has just been lit.
My prediction: Becky, Carmella and Naomi might win this one.
The show starts with Randy Orton signing the contract for his match with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Heath Slater shows up with a basket of fruit, tosses an apple to Randy, then apologizes to Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan for dissing them a few weeks ago. He wants to sign the contract, but Shane and D-Bry aren't interested anymore. Suddenly, Randy has an idea...
It's time for Miz TV with special guests Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler. Ambrose shows up super early, and Ziggler shows up soon after. Tension is high between Dean and Dolph, but The Miz cools it down. The Miz talks about Dolph Ziggler's current situation in the WWE, but asks what will happen if Ziggler loses at SummerSlam. Ziggler isn't worried about after SummerSlam, but Dean Ambrose isn't buying what Dolph is saying. Dolph wants to know what Dean wants from him, and wonders if it's him admitting that he wants to kick Dean right in the face after everything he has said in the last three weeks, and tells Ambrose not to hold back when they meet Sunday. Ambrose reminds Ziggler that when he wins the title, it only gets harder, not easier, and the naysayers don't go away and the pressure and the target on his back is even bigger, and that he'll have to have ice water flowing through his veins. He tells Ziggler that the title will weigh him down and bury him, and he will only prove he never wanted it bad enough and that he'll never get it. Ziggler says Ambrose knows nothing about him, but he knows one thing: Ambrose will have to go to the limit and beyond to beat him, and it still won't be enough. He superkicks Ambrose, then tells him this Sunday, he'll find out that Ziggler is this damn good.
During the commercial, The Miz says he will bring "Apollo Creed's" ride to the top to a screeching halt, but Apollo Crews shows up and hits him with the spinout powerbomb for getting his name wrong.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) and The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor), The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) and Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango).
Naomi shows up in her first match for the first time in months as a face and with a new theme and entrance. Unfortuately for her - and the WWE Universe - Eva Marie is stuck in traffic and cannot be here tonight, leading to the third no-show by Eva Marie in as many weeks.
We look back at Alberto Del Rio's return to the WWE back last October when he won the United States title from John Cena at Hell in a Cell. We then see him backstage with AJ Styles, AJ Styles mentions that Del Rio is facing John Cena tonight, then makes fun of the fact that while he is facing John Cena at SummerSlam, Del Rio isn't even on the card.
Coming soon: Curt Hawkins...
Randy Orton vs. Heath Slater ends when Orton refuses to let Slater out of the corner. After the bell rings, Randy Orton continues to beat Slater down to send a message to Brock Lesnar, whom he also mocks before hitting the RKO.
Heath Slater is in the trainer's room when Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan tell him that he just earned himself a contract since Randy Orton lost by disqualification. When they have him sign the contract, however, Slater thinks Shane and Daniel are Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley and that he beat Orton and Lesnar. He also says he showed no mercy, which leads to D-Bry and Shane naming the next SmackDown pay-per-view No Mercy. They then take the contract from him before he can sign.
Randy Orton stares down with Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan during the commercial break.
Dean Ambrose beats Erick Rowan. After the match, Bray Wyatt looks at Erick Rowan's sheep mask, then lays it on the rocking chair and walks out on Rowan.
Becky Lynch and Carmella beat Natalya and Alexa Bliss after Eva Marie finally shows up...and Naomi shows up after her, not happy that she got her match tonight. Naomi chases Eva Marie into the ring, and Natalya attacks Naomi. She then tries to roll up Becky Lynch, but Becky Lynch kicks out and puts Natalya in the Disarmher, making Natalya tap out. Naomi celebrates along with Becky and Carmella after the match.
Baron Corbin attacks Kalisto backstage...again.
AJ Styles guests on commentary for the next match.
John Cena beasts Alberto Del Rio. AJ Styles attacks Cena after the match, then says he is sick and tired of John Cena saying the future goes through him. He plans to make Cena's passion his prison, and become the face that runs the place when he wins at SummerSlam. He goes for a Styles Clash on Cena, but it is reversed into an Attitude Adjustment. Cena then takes it outside of the ring and AA's Styles again, this time through the commentary table.
