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 show starts with footage from earlier today where Sonjay Dutt addresses the string of backstage attacks in the last few weeks to the rest of the roster, and says that Impact Wrestling is doing everything within their power to end it. He asks that everyone not panic as everything is being handled. Unfortunately, nobody is happy with the fact that it is only people backstage who is being attacked. Everyone starts to argue with one another, but "The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams defends Sonjay, saying he has known him for a long time and that if he says everything is being taken care of, everything is being taken care of and that the attacker wants infighting to go on backstage. He asks that everyone stick together, and if the person doing it is part of the locker room, then they need to stop as they will eventually be caught.
Eli Drake beats Scott Steiner with a steel chair shot from outside of the ring after Scott Steiner tosses referee John E. Bravo out of the way.
Madison Rayne gets an upset win on Tessa Blanchard with a schoolgirl pin when she reverses a Hammerlock DDT after Tessa argues with the referee.
In the Latin-American Xchange clubhouse, King shows up with plenty of cash and two beautiful women. He also announces that he has set Santana and Ortiz will get revenge against The Cult of Lee (Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley) next week.
"The Machine" Brian Cage beats Dezmond Xavier. Cage props Xavier up against the ropes and shakes his hand after the match.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Austin Aries, who says he has been on a mission for the last six months to collect belts and bridge gaps around the world, and Pentagon Jr. was a bump in the road and he took the World title away. He says that unless Pentagon Jr. can beat him one-on-one, he cannot call himself the man in Impact Wrestling. Until then, the Impact Grand Championship has more worth because it is in his hands. He says people remember what Impact was like before he came back, took some titles and breathed new life into the company, and he is not done yet. Tonight is one-on-one against Pentagon Jr., and it will be revealed if Pentagon Jr. has what it takes to be the face and the one true World Champion of the company, and while he has no fear, he will have no title and he will not have what it takes.
Before the next match, Allie comes out to Rosemary's entrance music while wearing Rosemary's facepaint. Su Yung is aghast.
Su Yung beats Allie in a Last Rites Match after applying the mandible claw to send Allie into unconsciousness before putting her in the coffin and closing the lid to become the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion!
The GWN Flashback Moment of the Week is Sting vs. Abyss in a Last Rites Match.
The red circle with the X suddenly shows up on-screen again, and it is revealed that the mystery man's next victim is none other than Sonjay Dutt. "The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams, having found Sonjay, calls for help.
Eddie Edwards talks with his wife Alisha Edwards, who tells her that he is going to the woods - a place with no rules, no ring and no referee - so he can "murder" Sami Callihan. After that, it is "back to us."
Austin Aries vs. Pentagon Jr. for the Impact Wrestling World Championship ends in a double count-out when Austin Aries cannot get Pentagon Jr. back in the ring before the ten count following a Last Chancery on the outside...almost. After the match, Austin Aries says there should be a decisive winner as there is only room enough for one champion, and if it okay with Pentagon Jr., he wants the match restarted. The match is restarted, but the match ends in a double count-out again. This time, Pentagon Jr. wants the match restarted, and as Austin Aries calls for the match to be restarted, he kicks Pentagon Jr. in the groin before hitting a brainbuster for the win. Austin Aries beats Pentagon Jr. to become the Impact Wrestling World Champion.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
It is announced that due to their actions from last week, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa will not be on NXT television this week, and that they must sign contracts to send back to General Manager William Regal for a Chicago Street Fight between the two men at NXT TakeOver: Chicago.
Aleister Black shows up to start tonight's show. Aleister says that after he won the NXT Championship, his road in NXT has been life-changing. As he waits to see who he will first defend the title against, he says that he needs only one shot to make his opponents fade to black. Suddenly, Lars Sullivan shows up. Sullivan says the dispute is over, and as per General Manager William Regal, he will be Aleister's first challenger for the NXT Championship. He then gives Aleister credit is where credit is due, but says he has never faced anyone like him because there is nobody with his size, strength and dominance. Sullivan says Aleister can avoid his emotions all he wants, but he cannot avoid the reality of him becoming NXT Champion. Sullivan then says there is nothing Aleister can do about it, then tries to choke slam Aleister. Aleister tries to fight back, but Sullivan catches Black Mass and hits the Freak Accident. Sullivan then holds up the NXT Championship upwards.
War Raiders (Hanson and Rowe) beat George Hickson and Cody Vinson.
Cathy Kelley interviews Lacey Evans, who says that she will beat Kairi Sane like she did last week as she will do whatever it takes to win. She does not care if Kairi won the Mae Young Classic, as she has a right hand with Kairi's name on it.
Ethan Carter III beats Fabian Aichner. During the match, Johnny Gargano shows up out of the crowd, announces that he has signed his contract for his Chicago Street Fight against Tommaso Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: Chicago, and leaves.
We hear from Bianca Belair, who says that she comes from a family of trailblazers and that she hopes to follow the family legacy. She talks about her athletic history in high school and college prior to WWE, and how she scored two degrees. Bianca Belair also talks about how she found a new challenge and a calling in Crossfit, which led to her getting a tryout in NXT where she continues to dominate.
Ricochet beats Donovan Dijak in a short but intense match. After the match, Ricochet says Velveteen Dream is wanting the spotlight, and that he is deserving of it because he is a very capable competitor in NXT. However, when the spotlight shines on him, it shows both his strengths and his flaws. He then says that when Velveteen Dream attacked last week, it showed how much of a punk he really is. Before he can challenge Velveteen Dream at NXT TakeOver: Chicago, the Dream arrives. Velveteen Dream briefly takes exception to being called a punk, but says tonight is Ricochet's spotlight. However, last night's was there, and while Ricochet was good, whatever Ricochet can do, he can do better. Ricochet says the only thing he sees him doing is standing on stage showing how much of a coward he is, and if he wants the spotlight, he has to take it. Velveteen Dream approaches the ring at first, then says as epic as the two of them would be, he can only think of one spotlight big enough to contain them: NXT TakeOver: Chicago. He then says that when the spotlight hits Ricochet, he will find out that whatever he can do, the Dream can do better. Ricochet then runs, somersaults over the rope, and says "Show me" into the microphone. Velveteen Dream is taken aback as he slowly backs away.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler retains the NXT Women's Championship against Dakota Kai with the Kirafuda Clutch. After the match, Baszler reapplies the Kirafuda Clutch to Dakota. Suddenly, Nikki Cross runs in, grabs Baszler by the hair, tosses her into the corner and intimidates Baszler, if only for a moment. Baszler slowly gets up and takes the Women's title with her as she leaves the ring, but Cross keeps an eye on her the whole time. Suddenly, Cross rushes out of the ring, steals the Women's title out from under Baszler, then runs back into the ring with it and dares her to come get it. Baszler tries to take the title back, but Cross takes it before Baszler can. Cross then challenges Baszler for the title. She also wants Dakota Kai to be the special guest referee before handing her the title, which she reluctantly holds up. Baszler goes after Dakota, but Cross hits a swinging neckbreaker, Dakota counts the pinfall, and Cross "wins." Cross then challenges Baszler for the title. She also wants Dakota Kai to be the special guest referee before handing her the title, which she reluctantly holds up. Baszler goes after her, but Cross hits a swinging neckbreaker, Dakota counts the pinfall, and Cross "wins." Cross then celebrates in the crowd despite not being the official NXT Women's Champion.
Drew Gulak guests on commentary for the next match.
The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher beat Kalisto and Lince Dorado after Drew Gulak trips Dorado off the top rope while Gallagher has the referee distractd, allowing Kendrick to win with the Captain's Hook.
Mustafa Ali thinks that Cedric Alexander will retain and that he will be the one to beat Cedric for the Cruiserweight title. "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese, however, thinks Buddy Murphy will win and that the Age of Alexander is over.
Dasha Fuentes interviews General Manager Drake Maverick. He is excited for tonight's main event, as is the rest of the roster. As for TJP, he says that to get to where you want to be on 205 Live, you have to do it in the ring, not on social media. He says that Cedric fought hard in the ring to defend the Cruiserweight title in his home state, and that Buddy Murphy has steamtrained his way to a title shot. He says that whoever wins tonight has his full backing as Cruiserweight champion.
Cedric Alexander retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Buddy Murphy.
Samoa Joe shows up to start tonight's show. Joe grabs a ladder from underneath the ring, puts it in the center of the ring, climbs up and grabs the green Money In The Bank briefcase off the hook above the center of the ring. He then takes a microphone. Joe says it is said in the Bible that the ladder represents the connection of the earth to the heavens, and that when Jacob looked upon his ladder, angels descended from above, smiling and offering salvation. However, his is different, as there is no salvation or smiling angels, though he will be smiling after Money In The Bank like he is right now. Joe says he will have taken the briefcase, and he will create an environment of fear and frustration that will shake SmackDown Live to its very core, and tonight, Daniel Bryan will learn that there are worse things than forced retirement. Joe tells Daniel Bryan to call Brie Bella and tell their daughter Birdie will be coming back home after Money In The Bank and that he will not be the same man, as his eyes will be drenched in regret and missed opportunity. He hopes that when Brie asks who did it, he hopes he will tell her it was Samoa Joe. Suddenly, Daniel Bryan shows up and says that there are lines that should not be crossed, and tells him that if he mentions his family again, he will break his leg. Daniel Bryan says that they don't have to wait, and that they can go at it right now. Joe and Bryan are about to fight when Big Cass suddenly shows up, wearing a suit and carrying one crutch. Big Cass asks if everyone is being a bunch of children on the playground, and says the arguing going on from "the shrimp and the blimp" is "juvenile." He then says Daniel Bryan's opportunity for the briefcase should be his and that the "second chance crap" has to stop. Big Cass then says it will, because he spoke with General Manager Paige, and that Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe will not happen tonight. What will happen, however, is Samoa Joe facing him for that opportunity when he is cleared. As for when he will be cleared, it is right now. He swings the crutch as Daniel Bryan, but Daniel ducks and Cass hits Samoa Joe instead. Joe and Daniel fight, and Daniel is whipped into a ladder in the corner. Cass then takes the briefcase on the mat and whacks Joe with it first before doing the same to Daniel. He then lifts the briefcase up in victory.
"The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura is seen using papers to count to ten backstage.
Backstage, General Manager Paige is met by Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose, who mock her for doing her job and Asuka for losing her most recent matches. They say they are more deserving of opportunity. Paige responds by putting Mandy Rose in a match with Asuka, then she is interviewed by Renee Young. Paige says nobody speaks for her, and while Big Cass is medically cleared, Daniel Bryan earned his qualifying match. She then announces that the last's men's Money In The Bank qualifying match will now be a Triple Threat Match between Big Cass, Samoa Joe and Daniel Bryan.
"The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura beats "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger. After the match, Nakamura hits Dillinger with a running boot to the back of the neck before counting to ten.
Dasha Fuentes interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. Styles says he saw what "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura did to "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger, and remembers what he did to him last week. He says something inside Nakamura has snapped and that Nakamura is more dangerous than ever, and that the Last Man Standing stipulation benefits his style as a striker. Despite the deck and the odds being stacked against him, he has fought and trained harder than others, and that is why he has become WWE Champion. Nakamura might try to tear down what he has built, but he will be the last man standing.
We look back at "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair's Figure Four Leg Lock, courtesy of Popeyes Chicken.
It is time for the dance-off between Lana and Naomi. Rusev and Aiden English introduce Lana first, then Naomi shows up and brings out The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). Lana goes first, followed by Naomi. Both women then dance together, then Lana hits Naomi with a neckbreaker. Lana then slaps Jimmy Uso, Naomi slaps Lana, and both sides ends up brawling. Naomi and The Usos ends up on top.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) beat Sheamus, Cesaro and The Miz.
Renee Young interviews Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson). They say that they are in the best shape of their careers, and they are hungry and wanting the tag team titles. They have their work cut out for them, and The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan) may be beastly. All of a sudden, The Bludgeon Brothers appear on a nearby TV screen. Harper and Rowan say that the depraved with infect the decent, and that bodies will be liquefied.
Carmella guests on commentary for the next match.
Asuka beats Mandy Rose with the Asuka Lock. Before the match, Sonya Deville attacks Asuka as she makes her way to the ring. Nevertheless, Asuka goes on with the match and gets the win. After the match, Carmella gets in the ring, lifts the SmackDown Women's title up and stares down with Asuka.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch are watching from backstage. Charlotte says Asuka will win at Money In The Bank, while she will get the contract. Becky says she will be the one to get the contract. Becky says she came close last year, and this year, nothing will stop her. Charlotte feels she needs to win to get the SmackDown Women's title back. General Manager Paige meets up with them as they argue. Paige says the competitive spirit reminds her of their time as part of Team PCB, but Becky and Charlotte are not in the mood for "tea time."
Next week: Jimmy Uso and Naomi vs. Rusev and Lana! Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair!
Backstage, Sin Cara talks to Andrade "Cien" Almas, but Zelina Vega would rather Sin Cara have nothing to do with him. Sin Cara and Almas speak to each other in Spanish. Sin Cara is disappointed.
Samoe Joe beats Dnaiel Bryan and Big Cass in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match following a Coaquina Clutch to Daniel Bryan that makes Daniel Bryan pass out. After the match, Big Cass lays Daniel Bryan out with a big boot to the face.
WWE starts tonight's show by celebrating Memorial Day in a segment with real United States military veterans telling their stories.
Braun Strowman shows up. After looking at the briefcases, Braun says he gets motivated when he sees them, as they contain a contract that gives him a guaranteed title shot anywhere in the world at any time. He then says that as Money In The Bank, he will destroy seven other men before climbing the ladder and taking the contract. After that, he will be known as "Mr. Monster In The Bank." He then asks who will stop him, and says The Miz, Bobby Roode, Finn Balor, The New Day, Rusev or Kevin Owens won't be able to before he wins the contract, cashes in and makes sure Brock Lesnar gets these hands. Suddenly, Finn Balor shows up. He tells Braun he is getting ahead of himself, and that he was the very first Universal Champion. He says he never lost the title, and that this fact eats at him every day. He is determined to get back to the top and do that with the contract. Finn Balor says he gave Braun Strowman everything he had last week, but at Money In The Bank, there will be six other men with them and it will be every man for himself. Braun says Finn Balor puts up a really good fight for a little guy. Finn slaps Braun in the face, and Braun responds by tossing him across the ring. Finn is forced to roll out of the ring just before General Manager Kurt Angle shows up. Angle says he sees intensity - one of his favorite I's - then makes a re-match between Finn Balor and Braun Strowman starting right now to start tonight's show.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match.
Finn Balor beats Braun Strowman by disqualification. During the match, Kevin Owens gets on an open microphone on the commentary table and taunts Strowman, and later, he does the same to Finn Balor. Finn Balor has the match won when Kevin Owens gets on the apron and gets physically involved by attacking Finn Balor. After the match, Kevin Owens pulls out a ladder from underneath the ring and attacks Finn with it. He then tries to attack Strowman with it, but Strowman grabs the ladder and knocks Owens out of the ring before tossing it outside, where it lands halfway up the ramp and nearly hitting Owens.
In the parking lot, Kevin Owens tries to escape but gets caught by General Manager Kurt Angle, who tells him he has a match with Bobby Roode.
We hear from Sasha Banks, who says that she plans to rewrite history in the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. She has to get through tonight's Gauntlet Match first, which she says takes luck, but she says you don't need luck when you're The Boss.
Elias is in the ring. Elias is in the ring. He says tonight's song is special, as the words just came to him. He then proceeds to play guitar, but then says tonight's crowd is disgusting and demands the lights be brought in. After the lights are brought in, Elias tries to play again, but he demands the vocals be brought up so he can hear more of himself and less of the crowd. Elias then tries to play a third time, then demands the crowd be completely silent. The crowd boos him, and says he will wait all night until he can hear a pin drop. As Jinder Mahal vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Intercontinental Championship is announced as the next match following the commercial break, Elias then threatens to leave, which causes the crowd to cheer before the next match begins.
After the commercial break, Elias is still in the ring, saying the crowd needs him tonight and that he has decided to give the crowd another chance. Shortly afterwards, Seth Rollins shows up for the next match. Seth Rollins takes Elias' stool and tosses it out of the ring, and asks that Elias leave. Elias climbs out of the ring, and the next match is allowed to begin.
Jinder Mahal beats Seth Rollins by disqualification after Seth Rollins attacks Jinder with a steel chair, following failed physical interference by Sunil Singh despite Sunil being ejected out of the match. After the match, Seth chases Jinder to the back with the steel chair. Sunil tries to grab Seth's leg, but he gets hit with the steel chair as well. Seth Rollins retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Afterwards, Seth Rollins celebrates on top of the commentary table only to be smacked in the back with a guitar by Elias, who shows up out of nowhere.
Seth Rollins is seen being strapped to a stretcher. Seth tries to get up under his own power, and WWE officials eventually carry him to the back.
Nia Jax shows up, but she is quickly joined by "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, who guests on commentary. Nia says she is glad Rousey is watching on commentary, because she is going to find out what is going to happen to her at Money In The Bank. Nia then has her opponent in an arm bar, and quickly powers out by getting up, lifting her up and powerbombing her onto the mat. She then tells Ronda the arm bar does not mean much to her, assuming she can even apply it. She then gets her opponent back up and hits her with a Samoan Drop. Nia says she could easily get a victory on that, especially against Ronda, but she is not done yet. She then hits the opponent of her exhibition, Michelle Webb, with a leg drop, and says she's not getting up. Nia then tells Ronda she has faced nobody like her in the UFC, and says that if she wanted to, her leg could crush a woman's chest. She also says what she is about to do can do the same, and hits Michelle Webb with a rolling senton. Nia then says Webb needs some assistance, just like how Ronda will need assistance at Money In The Bank, and dares Ronda to come into the ring and help her out. Ronda leaves the commentary table and heads to the ring. Michelle Webb is out of the ring by the time Ronda stares Nia down, and Nia says she is not intimated by her stare; instead, she finds it humorous. She laughs in Ronda's face, then leaves.
We hear from Dana Brooke, who says Sasha Banks was not kidding when she says it takes luck to win the Gauntlet Match tonight. She says it takes someone who can take the date, crunch the numbers and plan an optimal strategy for victory, and that someone is her.
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor).
Backstage, General Manager Kurt Angle is met by The B Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel), who are not impressed by Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt. The B Team asks for a tag team title shot. Angle says they will have to do more than beat Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) twice, and asks what the other teams would think if they leapfrogged over them. Bo Dallas thinks they need the other teams' blessings, and plans a B Team Memorial Day Tag Team barbecue for later tonight.
We hear from The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan). Ruby Riott says they don't care about luck or the odds, and Sarah Logan says that they will tear their competition apart piece by piece as they tear up the other women's clothes in the locker room. Liv Morgan says they have a chance, and they will make the most of it. Ruby says that one way or another, the final slot in the Women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match belongs to them.
Kevin Owens beats Bobby Roode with a roll-up. After the match, Braun Strowman shows up and chases after Owens. Roode gets in the way, causing Strowman to catch Owens, get him into the ring and powerslam him as Bobby Roode cheerleads. Roode tells Strowman to do it again, and Strowman does just that. After that, Strowman grabs Roode by the throat and gives him a running powerslam.
Sami Zayn shows up. Sami Zayn says last week went a little too far, and that WWE management have given him the opportunity to submit a public apology. He says that his interview with Bobby Lashley's "three sisters" went too far, and that fans on social media were offended by the segment. Sami said that last week, he did something he promised he would never do: lie to the fans. He then says the three men in women's clothing from last week were not Lashley's sisters and that they were indeed men. He simply wanted to entertain, not to provoke. For that, he is sorry; however, it should be noted that everything he said and all the stories was true, because like all good art, his act was rooted in reality. He does not expect the fans to get it, but in time, the segment will come to be viewed favorably. Sami then says he is the one doing the right thing and exposing the truth about Lashley being a bully, and yet he is the one catching flak. He then says the fans should be the ones feeling sorry, and that the fans should be apologizing to him because he deserves more. Suddenly, Lashley shows up. Lashley says Memorial Day is a special day for families like his, and he thanks and salutes everyone who has veterans in their family on behalf of himself and his family. This starts a "USA" chant. Lashley then focuses on Sami Zayn, then says last week was fun. He also says it gets old quickly, and that Sami has an issue with him. He challenges Sami to a match at Money In The Bank. Sami shakes Lashley's hand after he extends it, then says he will Helluva Kick the smile off his face. Lashley then refuses to let go of Sami's hand and begins to crush it. Lashley then apologizes in advance for all he will do to him in advance at Money In The Bank, then lets go.
We hear from Mickie James, who says that she has the eye on the Money In The Bank briefcase and knows what to do to get there, as she knows how to seize every opportunity. After tonight, she will be the one walking into Money In The Bank.
Drew McIntyre beats Chad Gable.
We look back at Rey Mysterio vs. Kane for the World Heavyweight Championship at Money In The Bank 2010, courtesy of Red Robin.
The Raw tag team division is in the ring for The B Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) Memorial Day Tag Team BBQ. Bo Dallas gives a quick tour of the food, then he and Curtis Axel try to get everyone's blessing to get a tag team shot against Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy. All of a sudden, Titus O'Neil complains about the food, and says there is no way The B Team will skip to the front of the line. Heath Slater says that in West Virginia, this would be a feast. He then agrees with Titus concerning The B Team. It becomes apparent that nobody wants them to have a tag team shot, then Curtis Axel tries to take all the food back. All of a sudden, the food is dumped on The B Team, which starts a food fight. The whole time, Rhyno is eating all the bologna sandwiches, and when he realizes he is the only person left in the ring, he tosses all the food out into the crowd. The B Team then attack Rhyno and put him through a table.
Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn is now official for Money In The Bank.
Next week: Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens! Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Roode! Nia Jax vs. Natalya!
The B Team demand a tag team title match from General Manager Kurt Angle. Kurt Angle sets up a tag team battle royal where the winners face Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy for the Raw tag team titles. As The B Team thank Angle, they unintentionally dirty his suit with the food they are covered in.
Charly Caruso interviews Bayley before the next match. Bayley says that regardless of the odds, she has never backed down and does not plan on doing it tonight. Bayley says she will do whatever it takes to make it to the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
Sasha Banks beats Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Bayley, Dana Brooke and Ruby Riott in a Gauntlet Match to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. During the match, Liv Morgan shows back up after Sarah Logan is eliminated so she and Logan can double-team on Bayley before Ruby Riott shows up. They both return again to try to cost Sasha the match, but Sasha manages to fight them off and make Ruby Riott tap out to the Banks Statement to go on to Money In The Bank.
Brie and Nikki assemble a table as they discuss potential twin gimmicks.
Brie and Nikki check out some of the bathing suits for Birdiebee. Nikki sleeping naked - as well as getting three bug bites in her bathing suit area - both get brought up. Nikki then reveals that she has been medically cleared by WWE. Afterwards, Nikki talks with Brie about wanting a baby again.
We see footage of Brie Bella getting in shape before both Brie and Nikki head back home. Brie has a hard time saying the world "exacerbate," then Nikki gets a call from Rob, one of John Cena's best friends who also happens to be a new dad. Nikki invites Rob to her and John Cena's engagement party, and says she is sure that Rob and Johnny Martin will be Cena's best men. Brie is surprised by Nikki's assumption, and says John Cena has four other brothers. Nikki realizes she has talked her way into trouble.
Back at home, Nikki confesses to John Cena that she told Rob that he would be John Cena's best man. John asks Nikki to let her know if she is going to make a decision on his behalf as well as to be honest with him. Cena then tells Nikki that he was going to tell Rob as well as Johnny Martin that they were going to be his best men anyway. John Cena then brings up Nikki wanting to get married in West Newbury, Massachusetts, and tells her that he is proud simply to be married and that geography has nothing to do with it. Cena tells Nikki he is okay with getting married in Napa Valley as long as it is within their budget, and Nikki promises to be honest when Cena asks her to.
John's cousin Marc and sister-in-law Janet show up at John Cena and Nikki's house, and it is revealed that John's family has flown into town. John Cena and Nikki's family meet for the first time. As the women drink together, the men play a game of billiards. J.J. finds out he isn't much smaller than John Cena, and Lauren reveals to Brie that she is very early into another pregnancy, and that she is not telling everybody right away so that Nikki can celebrate her wedding. When Nkki shows up, they tell her they are talking about something else.
Back in San Diego, California, Brie, Nikki and family go to Saks Fifth Avenue to shop for a wedding dress. When it comes time to try dresses on, however, Nikki does not feel as excited as she hoped it would be, and feels that something is not right.
John Cena and Nikki have their engagement party. After they take their time looking around their house to make sure things are taken care of, John says that things are going to go wrong, but to take it in stride anyway as both of their families will be here and that they will be surrounded by wonderful people. Meanwhile, Nikki feels overwhelmed and like she is about to have an anxiety attack. John notices that Nikki is preoccupied with a lot, but Nikki promises she will enjoy herself today. John tells Nikki she can still back out if she wants.
Nikki tries to be excited for her engagement party before everyone shows up. When both her and John Cena's families show up, Nikki feels like she is forcing smiles while John is on cloud nine, even though she knows she is not usually that kind of person and she has looked forward to this forever. Meanwhile, Brie and Nikki surprise John Cena with the arrival of both best men, Rob and Johnny Martin. Later, John Cena and Nikki announce that they will marry in Napa Valley. Meanwhile, Brie mentions there is another announcement, and brings Lauren and JJ announce that they are expecting another child. Nikki is amazed that another person around her is having a baby, and Nikki's ability to take things in stride starts to crash.
Nikki heads to her room after JJ and Lauren announce they are having a second child, and while she is happy for them, it is hard for her not to be affected when everyone else but her is having a family. She knows deep down that she wants a baby and that she wants to be a mom, and that she cannot live the rest of her life not having one.
Brie trains for her comeback in a wrestling ring in a local gym with the help of Bryan. Afterwards, Brie calls Nikki, who is also out and about. Brie and Bryan ask Nikki to help them look for some houses, then Nikki picks up John Cena. Nikki does not sound as enthusiastic, but Brie feels something is wrong with Nikki.
Nikki and John Cena head to Napa Valley to make all their wedding decisions. She mentions that John has been asking her if something is wrong, and that she just was not able to tell him. The car ride is dead silent, and even Nikki's mother Kathy, noticing this, thinks something is wrong between John Cena and Nikki. John Cena and Nikki then head to their hotel room, then Nikki reveals that she really wants to be a mother after the birth of Birdie as well as the announcement of JJ and Lauren having a second child. She says that she does not want to force fatherhood upon Cena, and Cena says that he does not want to force Nikki to not be a mother. Cena, saying that he knew this would happen, says he is not sure that they should go through with the wedding.
Bonus clip: Brie Bella speculates that Lauren is pregnant.
Before the next match, "Almighty" Christopher Daniels says Doncaster, England has been the worst place The Addiction ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels and "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian) has ever been in. Kazarian then says the toothbrush was invented in Doncaster and that it would have been called the "teethbrush" had it been invented anywhere else, as the crowd is missing so many teeth that it looks like their tongues are in jail. Daniel says that the town is so much of a garbage fire that they are here to win as well as to inspire the people less like themselves and more like them. After Toru Yano and Kenny King enter the ring, it is announced that Tenille Dashwood is the special guest referee for the next match.
Toru Yano and Kenny King and The Addiction ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels and "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian) in a match with Tenille Dashwood as special guest referee following a double low blow to The Addiction.
"The Last Real Man" Silas Young retains the ROH World Television Championship against Doug Williams after Silas Young grabs referee Todd Sinclair to distract Sinclair as he kicks Williams in the groin to block Chaos Theory.
Bully Ray yells at Ian Riccaboni and pulls his glasses off his face as he makes his way to the ring.
Before the next match, Bully Ray asks Dalton Castle if he knows who he is, then Shane Taylor strikes Castle in the back. Punishment Martinez holds The Boys back in the corner by the throat as Bully Ray hits Castle in the back repeatedly with his chains. Security and a referee help Castle to the back, then Bully Ray declares that this match will be a 2-on-1 handicap match and asks The Boys what they are going to do, and says that if the crowd liked The Boys, they would cheer and stand up for them, which the crowd then does. Bully Ray tells the crowd not to chant "Dalton Castle's Boys" to the tune of Give It Up by KC and the Sunshine Band again, and says the crowd is singing because they like to, and says that if they really wanted to win, they would chant "Let's go, Boys." The crowd then chants "Let's go, Boys," then the match begins.
Shane Taylor, Bully Ray and Punishment Martinez beat The Boys in a 3-on-2 handicap match. During the match, Dalton Castle returns from the back and gets back in the match, but leaves against after he fights Bully Ray all the way to the back. This leaves The Boys high and dry, and Shane Taylor and Punishment Martinez are able to win. Referees check on The Boys after the match, and The Boys are helped to the back.
Jay Lethal beats Matt Taven.
Sumie Sakai retains the ROH Women of Honor Championship against Chardonnay.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Scorpio Sky. During the match, Brandi Rhodes tries to hand Cody a bottle of hairspray, but "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian, shows up out of nowhere, rakes Brandi Rhodes' eyes and hands the bottle to Scorpio Sky, who sprays the hairspray in Cody's eyes as the referee is dealing with Brandi. Cody kicks out, however, and is able to hit Cross Rhodes for the win as Brandi tries to get the hairspray out of her eyes with water.
Hiroshi Tanahashi beats "Hangman" Adam Page with a bridge pin. Both men show respect after the match.
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) beat Los Ingobernables de Japon (SANADA and EVIL), The Kingdom (Vinny Marseglia and TK O'Ryan) and The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) in a Four Corners Survival Match.
Before the next match, The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara) say that they have been beaten Cheeseburger's ass in the last few weeks, and tonight will be no different, even with Jushin "Thunder" Liger as Cheeseburger's partner.
Cheeseburger and Jushin "Thunder" Liger beat The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara).
Dalton Castle says so many questions are in the air, and one of them is who the next challenge for the ROH World Championship will be, considering "The Villain" Marty Scurll claims he has a shot at the title after beating and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes claims the same and also holds a victory over him. Regardless of whoever it is, he is more than ready to get in the ring with either of them.
Sumie Sakai retains the ROH Women of Honor Championship against Jenny Rose.
We see a video package chronicling the recent events between Dalton Castle, "The Villain" Marty Scurll and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
We hear from SoCal Uncensored ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels, "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Christopher Daniels, Scorpio Sky), who have lost the six-man tag team titles as well as any leverage to keep their jobs after Final Battle. Kazarian there is nothing they will not do to take the titles back. Scorpio Say says he will never get tired of beating up The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), and they have a score to settle with The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia, TK O'Ryan). Daniel say The Kingdom may be the first six-man tag champions and Bullet Club (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, "Hangman" Adam Page) may be the most popular six-man team, but they are the best.
We hear from "The Last Real Man" Silas Young, who says there are two kinds of people : those who are proud of the work and those who whine and cry until they are given what they want. He says that the latter best describes Austin Aries, who gets a shot at the ROH World Television Championship despite not being in the company for years. Next week, everyone will find out why he is not only "The Last Real Man," but also why "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" is the biggest joke he's ever heard.
SoCal Uncensored ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels, "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Christopher Daniels, Scorpio Sky) beat The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia, TK O'Ryan) by disqualificaiton after Kazarian swings a steel chair only to hit the top rope, causing it to rebound and hit Karazian in the head. TK O'Ryan tries to pin Kazarian, but referee Paul Stone sees the chair as everyone else in the match surround Paul Stone, Matt Taven and Freankie Kazarian and stops the match.
It is announced that Dalton Castle will be defending the ROH World Championship against both "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and "The Villain" Marty Scurll in a three-way dance at Best In The World.
Toru Yano gets an upset win on Shane Taylor with a schoolboy pin after using referee Joe Allen as a human shield. After the match, two members of the ROH ring crew show up only to be the recipients of Shane Taylor's wrath. Taylor leaves after referees show up.
Brandi Rhodes guests on commentary for the next match.
Tenille Dashwood gets a surprise win against Kelly Klein after countering a Fireman's Carry into a roll-up.
Jay Briscoe beats Mark Haskins.
"The Last Real Man" Silas Young retains the ROH World Television Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi, SANADA and Punishment Martinez ater putting his feet on the ropes for leverage.
A classic match between Colt Cabana and Delirious plays during the intermission.
It is announced that Ring of Honor will return to the United Kingdom in August with Honor Reunited, starting in August 16th in Edinburgh, Scotland; August 18th in Doncaster, England; and August 19th in London, England in the legend. Tickets are on sale this coming Wednesday for Honor Club members and Friday of that same week for the general public. For the first time in ROH history, two United Kingdom tours will be run in the same calendar year.
Before the next match, Bully Ray shows up, threatens to knock the glasses off Ian Ricobonni's face if he hears him say one more negative thing about him, and forces ring announcer Bobby Cruise to announce that the next match is a 2-on-1 handicap match and that he is The Boys' opponent. After Bobby introduces him twice, Bully Ray just tells him to get out of the ring.
Bully Ray beats The Boys in a handicap match after demanding a five count.
Before the next match, Kenny King says he has been looking forward to tonight's match for two reasons: he gets to wrestle in London, England and he gets to beat a man up and his wife gets to watch. He then decides to raise the stakes since "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes loves money: if Kenny wins, he is "All In." Cody takes the microphone and tells the fans it is all up to them, and the fans want the challenge. Cody accepts on the condition that Kenny King does not give his spot in All In to Flip Gordon. The fans chant for Flip, however, and Cody changes the condition that if Kenny King wins, Kenny and Flip will both be at All In. Kenny accepts.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Kenny King. During the match, Kenny King tries to hand Brandi Rhodes a rose in response to her kissing him months ago; Cody attacks Kenny and hands the rose to her. Later on in the match, Brandi distracts Kenny King by throwing down the rose and stomping on it, allowing Cody to hit Cross Rhodes for the win. After the match, Cody announces All In, the show he has self-financed with The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) for September 1st. Suddenly, Nick Aldis shows up in a suit and tie, and says that while Cody calls himself "The American Nightmare," he still believes in the American dream. He introduces himself, then says nightmares are for children while he has personified the American dream and smashes ceilings for British wrestlers all over the world. Since December 9, 2017, he has defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from coast to coast and across continents against any and all challengers in an attempt to restore the legacy, tradition and prestige etched in stone by Dory Funk Jr. Jack Brisco, Terry Funk, Harley Race, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, and "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. He then says that if anyone is asking whether Cody is a worhty challenger for the world's oldest wrestling title, it is a resounding "yes" from him. He then says he can look Cody in the eye and says that he is a game-changer and that he has admired him and the way he has done business until now. Cody challenged for his title without speaking to him, and says that all he had to do was ask him as he does not back down form a challenge and he respects everything Cody and The Young Bucks have done. He says that Cody is a gambler who bet on himself and went all in, but he wants his NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and that makes him the dealer. Nick Aldis proposes that they make a deal right now, and Cody says it is nice to meet Aldis and that he certainly looks and acts the part; however, he is presumptuous about him and he is not interested in the NWA World Heavyweight Championship because of its past history; he is interested in it for himself. He does say that Nick Alids is right when he said that he never talked to him, and asks Aldis to allow him to ask if he is all in. Cody extends his hand, but Aldis takes the microphone and says he is on one condition. It has come to his attention that between himself and All In, Cody has another shot at the ROH World Championship. if Cody is all in, then he should be in, and if he is successful in winning the ROH World title, then it should be put on the line in their match at All In along with the NWA World title. Cody accepts. Aldis then says he is officially all in, and he shakes hands with Cody and leaves.
Dalton Castle retains the ROH World Championship against EVIL. During the match, EVIL backs Dalton Castle into referee Todd Sinclair, which allows Evil to grab the ROH World Championship and attempt to use it as a weapon. The Boys try to take the title from him, but after EVIL kicks The Boys away, EVIL runs right into a Bang-a-rang by Dalton Castle. Castle goes for the pinfall, but Sinclair is still dazed outside of the ring. EVIL manages to nail Castle with the ROH World Championship, but Castle kicks out. EVIL goes for Everything Is Evil, but Castle counters it into an inside cradle to retain. After the math, EVIL rakes Castle in the eyes.
The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia, TK O'Ryan) retain the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships against Bullet Club ("Hangman" Adam Page, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson) and SoCal Uncensored ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels, "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian, Scorpio Sky). During the match, Daniels pulls the referee out of a pinfall attempt by Bullet Club, and one of the Jackson twins tries to kick kick Daniels in teh face from the apron only to inadvertently nail the referee. Another referee runs into the ring when Daniels goes for a pinfall, but Taven drags him out of the ring. Daniel hits both Taven and the second referee with an Arabian press. Marseglia gets Kazarian under the ring, and when Matt Taven goes for a pinfall, a third referee shows up only to reveal he is "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody fights off The Kingdom, then Matt and Nick Jackson hit the Meltzer Driver on Daniels. Taven then hits Daniels in the back with his cane after the first referee drags Cody out of the ring during a pinfall count, and Taven pins aniels to retain the six-man titles.
The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher beat Kalisto and Lince Dorado.
Apollo Crews beats Mojo Rawley. After the match, Mojo Rawley attacks Titus O'Neil and sends him shoulder-first into the ring post before attacking Apollo again.
oVe (Jake and Dave Crist) beats Drago and Aerostar by disqualification. During the match, Eddie Edwards is seen entering the arena with a Kendo stick as his wife Alisha Edwards screams at him, telling him his feud with Sami Callihan is over. Eddie heads into the ring and attacks oVe and Sami Callihan, choking Callihan out with his Kendo stick as referees to get him to break the hold. Security has to jump in to pull Eddie off of Callihan. Sami calms down, then smashes all the members of security with the Kendo stick.
Backstage, Alisha Edwards confronts Eddie Edwards, telling him he is becoming like Sami Callihan. Eddie does not care, saying the Street Fight was not enough, that he wants no referee and no ropes, and that it is not over until he destroys him.
The Cult of Lee (Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley) beat The Latin-American Xchange (Santana and Ortiz) after they stop a double-team from LAX and Konley grabs the tights during a roll-up.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Jimmy Jacobs and Kongo Kong. Jimmy Jacobs says Impact Wrestling is a funny place and that people think he is a bad guy, but he is really a good guy and that Grado has been accusing him and Kongo Kong of attacking him. He says that he and Kongo Kong had to go out to the ring and teach Grado a lesson, and that Moose had to stop them as they were righting a wrong. Tonight, he wants to see Kongo Kong break Moose into a million little pieces.
Backstage, KM and Fallah Bahh come across Grado and Katarina. KM is both amazed and mortified that Grado has a girlfriend.
The GWM Flashback Moments of the Week are Mr. Anderson vs. "The Cowboy" James Storm and the final promo for Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray on the episode of Impact Wrestling before Lockdown 2012.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Madison Rayne, who was excited to come back to Impact Wrestling. She did not want to come back as a wrestler; she wanted to come back as a commentator. She says the Knockouts division was not built on building, and says that when something like what happened last week takes place, somebody needs to do the right thing. She is then confronted by Tessa Blanchard, who tells her to stay at home before telling her that they should meet face-to-face next time they are both in the ring.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Z&E (DJ Z and Andrew Everett). DJ Z says it is surreal that they are champions, especially when Eli Drake and Scott Steiner were twice their size, and that they have proven that they can hang with the rest of the tag team division. Everett says that time and time again, they have been painted as the underdogs, but every dog has its day. Suddenly, Scott Steiner and Eli Drake, and Steiner says Z&E only won because they "slipped on a banana peel" and that they could not beat him and Eli Drake ten times out of ten. Eli Drake tells Scott Steiner to calm down and that they will get the titles eventually, but when Steiner says that if Eli Drake had been at the right place at the right time, none of this would be happening. This leads to an argument between Eli Drake and Scott Steiner that sees Scott Steiner walking away.
"Reborn" Matt Sydal retains the Impact Wrestling X Division Championship against El Hijo del Fantasma.
At the Latin-American Xchange clubhouse, Santana and Ortiz are angry about the lack of answers concerning the disappearance of Konnan as well as their losing streak. Finally, the person known as King - who is none other than former DCC member Eddie Kingston - shows up and tells them that Konnan has been attacked, but he is in a safe place and Homicide is with him. He tells him that shipments are good and that he has everything under control, and reminds them that the streets are watching LAX. He tells them to step their game up and bring back the hunger that they had before they were tag team champions.
We see a video package chronicling the recent events involving Austin Aries and Pentagon Jr. and previewing their match for the Impact Wrestling World Championship next week at Under Pressure.
Dezmond Xavier beats Petey Williams to face "The Machine" Brian Cage next week at Under Pressure. Petey Williams raises Dezmond Xavier's hand in victory after the match.
We see footage of Allie in her dressing room interspersed with Su Yung's funeral for Rosemary. Allie is then seen putting on a black hood, and she is wearing the same facepaint as Rosemary. She then grabs a crucifix that has been sharpened into a stake and walks out. The words "-B, DON'T LET THE DARKNESS CONSUME YOU! -R" are seen written on the dressing room mirror as Allie is heard saying "I'm sorry...I know this isn't what you want, but this is how it has to be."
Jimmy Jacobs is mysteriously absent as Kongo Kong - who repeatedly looks towards the backstage area - heads to the ring before the next match.
Moose beats Kongo Kong. During the end of the show, the show is mysteriously taken over by a video package containing the circle with the X in it as well as footage of the mystery person's past backstage victims. It is then revealed that Jimmy Jacobs has been laid out backstage and that a red piece of paper with the circle-X symbol is laid next to him.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Before the next match, "Almighty" Christopher Daniels says the people would love to see him, Scorpio Sky and "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian in action, but they have decided that Edinburgh, Scotland is the worst town they have ever been in and that "this place blows." He says that the people of Edinburgh do not deserve to see Scorpio Sky in action, then tries to pay Shane Taylor off to lose the match. Shane Taylor looks at the money, then says there's a lot of it before the crowd chants to take the money. He then says he lays down for nobody, and says he can't think of a better place than Edinburgh to "whup Sky's ass."
Shane Taylor beats Scorpio Sky. During the match, "Almighty' Christopher Daniels tries to distract Shane, who throws Scorpio Sky into him to get the win. After the match, Daniels says that while tonight did not go exactly as planned, SoCal Uncensored (Daniels, "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian, Scorpio Sky) is still "the best damn trio" Edinburgh has ever seen and that The Addiction is still the best team in the business. To prove that, they have asked for a match tonight, and that they want it right now. He then challenges EVIL and SANADA of Los Ingobernables de Japon to a tag team match.
Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL and SANADA) beat The Addiction ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels and "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian).
Kelly Klein and Chardonnay beat Sumie Sakai and Tenille Dashwood. Tenille dashes a shot from the ROH Women of Honor Championship, but has it taken away from her when she tries to use it as a weapon. Kelly Klein pins Tenille Dashwood with a schoolgirl pin for the win.
Punishment Martinez beats Kenny King after grabbing the referee's arm to get out of a roll-up.
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) beat Nick Aldis and Mark Haskins. (Mark Haskins replaces Douglas Williams due to scheduling conflicts on Williams' end.)
Hiromu Takahashi vs. Mark Haskins from War of the Worlds UK 2017 plays during the intermission.
The Boys beat Delirious and Toru Yano in a largely comedic match. After the match, Bully Ray runs into the ring and attacks The Boys.
"The Last Real Man" Silas Young retains the ROH World Television Championship against "The Presitigious One" Joe Hendry after thumbing Hendry in the eyes to escape a half-crab ankle lock. Hendry is given a standing hometown ovation after the match.
The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia, TK O'Ryan) retain the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships against Hiroshi Tnaahashi, Jay Lethal and Dalton Castle. During the match, Taven accidentally kicks referee Joe Allen with a springboard enziguri, and EVIL shows up to hit Dalton Castle with one-half of the IWGP Tag Team Championships. The Kingdom win after Taven breaks his cane over the lower back of Jay Lethal as Lethal goes for the Lethal Injection while the referee is still down.
The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships against Bullet Club ("Hangman" Adam Page and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes) after Jay Briscoe kicks Page in the crotch behind the back of referee Todd Sinclair.
Jonathan Coachman is seen in the front row before the next match, saying Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic) are "his guys."
TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) beat Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic) after using the ropes for leverage to get the win again, further cementing a heel turn.
We see a video package of Bianca Belair, who says she has the brightest future in the NXT Women's Division. Next week, the audience will learn more about her in "Who Is Bianca Belair?"
We see a video package for Ethan Carter III, who will be coming back soon.
Lacey Evans beats Kairi Sane by knocking Kairi Sane out of the air with A Woman's Right, giving Kairi Sane her first televised pinfall loss.
In footage from earlier tonight, Cathy Kelley is outside of the arena and comes across Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Gargano says he and Candice have discussed their future, and he is going to mention what happens next for them in the ring. He says he does not want to do it, but it has to be done.
We see footage from after last week's where Biff Busick and Danny Burch have earned a right to the NXT tag team titles, and that they will beat The Undisputed Era again.
We hear from The Undisputed Era, who say that Oney Lorcan, Danny Burch and Pete Dunne were lucky last week, and that there is no way that Lorcan and Burch are contenders to the NXT tag team titles. They continue to call Lorcan and Burch nobodies, and say that the charade will come to an end at NXT TakeOver: Chicago. Meanwhile, Roderick Strong wants Danny Burch in the ring so he can prove last week was a fluke and that Lorcan and Burch are out of their league.
Lars beats Velveteen Dream and Ricochet in a 2-on-1 handicap match when Ricochet accidentally pushes Velveteen Dream off the top rope on a hot tag, causing Velveteen Dream to turn on Ricochet, hit him with a rolling Death Valley Driver and leave Ricochet high and dry.
Next week: Dakota Kai vs. "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship!
In footage from earlier today, Cathy Kelley interviews Dakota Kai. Dakota says her match is something she has waited for for so long, but she has allowed "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler to get into her head. Suddenly, Baszler shows up and tells Dakota that she does not stand a chance. Dakota responds by saying "We'll see about that."
Next week: Aleister Black live!
Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae show up. Gargano says the last time he walked into Full Sail University, it was for a championship match, but the bell never rang and he left on a stretcher. When he wakes up, his body reminds him of being kneed into an LED board and sent into a table. He has been wrestling his whole life, but he has sat down with Candice and he has realized that it is time to start thinking about his and Candice's future. Gargano asks himself if it is worth it, and the crowd chants "Yes!" Gargano says that with the injuries adding up and the toll it has taken on his family and friends, he asks again if it is worth it. The crowd once again chants "Yes!" After consulting with Candice, Gargano takes the neck brace off and says it is worth it, and calls out Tommaso Ciampa, daring him to finish this once and for all, much to the protest of Candice. Ciampa shows up and Candice runs away, and Ciampa says that if Gargano is still in the ring when he gets in, he will finish this. Suddenly, Candice comes back with some referees, and Gargano rolls out of the ring and tries to get at Ciampa. Gargano eventually calms down, and Ciampa mockingly waves goodbye at him before telling him to be a good little boy and listen to his wife. Gargano bolts for the ring, but gets pushed off the apron and into Candice, who hits the back of her head on the steel grates of the entrace ramp and is knocked out. Gargano checks on Candice as Ciampa walks away. WWE medical staff also show up to check on Candice, and the show ends.
Next week: Buddy Murphy vs. Cedric Alexander for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship!
The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher guest on commentary for the next match.
Drew Gulak beats Gran Metalik with the Gu-Lock.
We see a video package for Buddy Murphy concerning next week's match against Cedric Alexander for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
TJP beats Christopher Guy. General Manager Drake Maverick is seen watching the match from backstage. After the match, Dasha Fuentes interviews TJP, who says that he wasn't just the first Cruiserweight Champion, he is the best champion and the best technical wrestler in the world. He also says he brought back cruiserweight wrestling and that he carried the division on his back. He then says that if this is the best competition General Manager Drake Maverick has to offer, then it explains exactly what 205 Live management thinks of him.
We see footage from earlier today where Vic Joseph interviews Cedric Alexander. Cedric says he is dealing with his championship reign one day at the time, and that the pressure is nothing to him now as it is just another day at the office. He has all the support he needs and there is no way he will fail next week in front of his friends and family. As for Buddy Murphy, he had to make weight just like he did to stay in the division, and that maintaining that weight drains one's stamina, and he believes Murphy hasn't figured that out yet. He praises the Cruiserweight Division for its athletic diversity, but says he is champion because he is well-rounded and then some, and that he will remind Buddy Murphy of just that.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Akira Tozawa backstage. Tozawa says Hideo is a legend, and that he always respected him. However, Hideo did not respect him, and if Hideo does not like him as a tag team partner, he will not like him as an opponent.
It's time for Miz TV. The Miz says he has two exclusives, and that the first exclusive is that on July 24, Miz and Mrs. will debut on USA Network at 10 PM Eastern, 9 PM Central. His second exclusive is The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods), who show up. After The New Day show their lack of enthusiam for The Miz's new show, The Miz asks which member of The New Day will enter the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. All three of them joke that it is them. The Miz then says that The New Day have not reached their full potential because they all hold each other back. Xavier Woods responds by running down The Miz's accomplishments before telling him that throughout his career, he always put himself first. Miz says he has won Money In The Bank and cashed in, and says Kofi cannot claim to have done the same. He tells Kofi to picture winning before saying he's all six matches he's been in and giving another person a shot. Miz then focuses on Big E, saying he has what it takes to be champion, but will never be taken seriously because he does not take himself seriously, which brings him to Xavier Woods. Miz mentions Woods' accomplishments with UpUpDownDown and tells him to picture streaming Fortnite while wearing the WWE Championship around his waist. He then says all three men have the potential to win, and asks again who will enter the match. Woods says it would have to be Big E, Big E says it would have to be Kofi, and Kofi says it would have to be Woods. This gets Miz irritated to the point that he says he can beat any of them for the Money In The Bank Contract any day of the week. All three New Day members get up and huddle, then Kofi says Miz has made the decision for them and that it will be Big E. As Miz announces this, Woods interrupts and says Big E will be taking on The Miz in a match tonight. After Miz asks if that is what Big E wants, and says if he does not get what he wants, neither will Big E, and says he will see them at Money In The Bank. The New Day then throw pancakes at Miz, saying "Shame." Miz runs out of the ring and to the back as The New Day continue to pelt him with pancakes. Suddenly, Miz runs into General Manager Paige. Neither person says anything at first, then Paige tells Miz to put his money where his mouth is right now. Paige then forces Miz back out on the stage, starting a match between Miz and Big E.
Xavier Woods guests on commentary for the next match in the first half of the match, and Kofi Kingston replaces him in the second half.
The Miz beats Big E after Sheamus and Cesaro run in to attack Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, distracting Big E so that The Miz can hit him with the Skull Crushing Finale.
Big Cass is seen on crutches backstage, proving that he is not medically cleared.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Daniel Bryan, who says his second chance means everything to him as nobody knows more about second chance than him. He proved to Big Cass that if you kick the hornet's nest, you're going to get stung. As for tonight's match, he knows that Jeff Hardy is a great wrestler, but he loves a good challenge and he will make him tap out so he can qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
Before the next match, Billie Kay says Aiden English's singing was nice, but Peyton Royce says they're twice as nice and that this moment calls for a duet. Before the next match, Billie Kay says Aiden English's singing was nice, but Peyton Royce says they're twice as nice and that this moment calls for a duet. Peyton then says that when they win at Money In The Bank, SmackDown Live will become IIconic. When the match starts, Aiden English counters with a "Lana Day" sign. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce tak exception to this and slap Aiden, and Lana gets behind then and slaps Peyton before throwing her into the barricade, starting the match proper. One kick and one facebuster later, Lana pins Billie Kay in the center of the ring to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
We hear from Zelina Vega, who says that for years, Andrade "Cien" Almas has made his name travelling across the world and has always gotten the best wine, food and competition. When he came to SmackDown Live, however, he got less than the best. Zelina says Almas is the future of SmackDown Live, and that if he does not get what he deserves, then they will take it.
Andrade "Cien" Almas beats an unnamed competitor.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Carmella, who is wearing an Asuka mask. Carmella says Dasha is a hater waiting for her to slip and fall like everyone else, and that she is not afraid of Asuka. She then says that the Asuka myth has been shattered by Charlotte Flair, and that she is twice as good as Asuka after beating Charlotte twice. She says she can see through Asuka, and says Asuka should be afraid of her. At Money In The Bank, she will moonwalk all over Asuka and prove she is money.
Renee Young is in the ring. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles is introduced first, followed by "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura. Styles asks for the stipulation for his and Nakamura's match. Nakamura tells Styles to watch the TitanTron and remember to see what the stipulation is. Styles says he will never be hit with a low blow again, but Nakamura tells him he will not only beat him, but dishonor him, and he will never recover. Styles says he will never be hit with a low blow again, but Nakamura tells him he will not only beat him, but dishonor him, and he will never recover. Styles is amused by the situation, and jokes that Nakamura was always the king of "soft style." Nakamura says he has the upper hand and that Styles jokes around because he is afraid. After saying that all he wants to do is knee him in the face, Styles says he does not care what the stipulation is as Nakamura can never beat him when it matters, anyway. He then says Nakamura is not the Nakamura everyone wanted on SmackDown Live. After Styles says that Nakamura will never be on an even playing field with no matter what stipulation Nakamura picks, Nakamura goes for a cheap shot only to get blocked. This starts a wild brawl that spills into the crowd, which ends with Nakamura stopping a springboard move off the barricade with a steel chair. Nakamura then counts to ten. Styles gets up, then Nakamura slams him into the commentary table before hitting the Kinshasa before counting again, this time to ten. Nakamura then spells it out for everyone and says the WWE Championship match will be a Last Man Standing Match.
Before the next match, Gallows & Anderson tell The Usos that they blew their shot against The Bludgeon Brothers, and that it will be them winning the SmackDown tag team titles. Suddenly, The Usos take the microphone and tell them they are on their turf. Anderson then says that instead of seeing any wardens in the Uso Penitentiary, he and Gallows see a couple of nerds. This starts the next match.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) to become #1 contenders to the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Money In The Bank.
Naomi beats Sonya Deville to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after ducking a flying knee and rolling Deville up.
Backstage, Jeff Hardy is interviewed by Renee Young. Jeff is excited to have a chance to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match due to what he can do with ladders. As for tonight, he is excited to face Daniel Bryan and he is ready to take flight.
Samoa Joe guests on commentary for the next match.
Next week: The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) vs. Sheamus, Cesaro and The Miz!
Daniel Bryan beats Jeff Hardy with a leg hook. After the match, Samoa Joe screams at Daniel Bryan and tells him that next week, he faces him. Backstage, Renee Young interviews Samoa Joe, who says that next week, Daniel Bryan goes to sleep.
General Manager Kurt Angle shows up to start tonight's show. Angle says Raw has been on a roll lately, and tonight, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey will sign a contract for her match against Nia Jax for the WWE Raw Women's Championship at Money In The Bank, and he will preside over it. Also, there will be a Fatal 4-Way Qualifying Match for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. Before he can say who is in it, Commissioner Stephanie McMahon suddenly shows up. Stephanie says that WrestleMania is water under the bridge and that she holds no hard feelings, and that she will always do what is best for business. She then announces that she will preside over the contract signing between Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey, then says that Angle tends to let his emotions get the better of him, especially with Roman Reigns. Suddenly, Roman Reigns shows up. Roman tells Stephanie that if she has something to say to him, to say it to him. Stephanie says she does not understand Roman's current attitude, and says that if he lets his temper continue to get the better, he should look for another line of work. Roman tells Stephanie to show him some respect or else he will head to the back and destroy some of her favorite Superstars. Stephanie says she does not play favorites and is in charge of several revenue streams. Roman then focuses on one of "her favorite revenue streams." That "revenue stream" is Brock Lesnar, and that while Stephanie says she is dealing with Lesnar, Roman tells her to "cut the corporate crap." Stephanie tells Roman he lost his qualifying match and to take it up with Jinder Mahal. After Roman says that he already did, Kevin Owens shows up. Owens says he feels indebted to Roman after what he did, as he stepped up and grabbed the brass ring to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. He says everyone knows him winning the match is what is best for business. He then says it is time to tell the truth about how people feel about Roman, and admits that he actually likes Roman Reigns before asking the crowd to chant something Roman needs to hear: "Thank you, Roman." Owens then says that Stephanie is right when she says she does not play favorites as he is proof of that, since he has history with her brother Shane and her father Vince and Stephanie still knows talent when she sees it. After Stephanie shows irritation with Kevin Owens putting his arm on her shoulder, Stephanie says she will prove she knows talent when she sees it, and makes a match between Roman and Owens that starts after the commercial break.
Roman Reigns beats Kevin Owens by disqualification after he is attacked from behind by Jinder Mahal. After the match, Seth Rollins runs in and beats up Jinder Mahal, Sunil Singh and Kevin Owens single-handedly.
Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns beat Kevin Owens and Jinder Mahal. After the match, Jinder Mahal attacks Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins with a steel chair, knocking Rollins off the stage before repeatedly smashing the steel chair into Roman's back. Referees eventually arrive, and Jinder attacks Roman with the steel chair one more time.
Roman Reigns vs. Jinder Mahal is made official for Money In The Bank.
Sami Zayn shows up. Sami Zayn mentions Renee Young's interview with Bobby Lashley from two weeks ago, and says it is not entirely accurate and that he will expose Lashley and his lies. To help him do that, he has invited Lashley's three sisters, Frances, Cathy and Jessica, to the show. Three men dressed as women show up and head into the ring. "Cathy" says that Bobby beat all of his sisters up and like beating up on her the most, and because of that, she grabbed a broom and used it against him. "Frances" says she carries her helmet because Bobby would take his knuckle and hit her on top of the head as hard as he could, and kept on doing it until he bought an army helmet. "Jessica" says she carries a towel around because Bobby always hurt her feelings and that a Kleenex wasn't enough, and that the towel was "sopping wet" by the end of the night. Sami says that everyone has now seen the real Bobby. "Cathy" says that Bobby only loves himself and does not love any of them, and "Frances" says their parents were ashamed of Bobby until they shipped him off to reform school. "Jessica" says Bobby was a brat who would steal candy and was a thief, and that people would call the cops on him whenever he came around. Sami then says that Bobby Lashley is a liar, a thief, a bully, a juvenile delinquent and a menace to society. Suddenly, Lashley shows up, then he makes fun of the fact that Sami picked three men to represent his sisters and says he is hilarious, then thanks him for doing this and says he could not be any better of a friend. Sami says he would like it better if he Helluva Kicked him out of the ring like a piece of garbage, as Lashley's family says that Lashley is garbage. Lashley stops smiling, and Sami runs away. Suddenly, Lashley's "sisters" attack Lashley, and they hold him up so that Sami can attack him. All of a sudden, Lashley powers out and lays out all four men.
Renee Young interviews Alexa Bliss. After an ancient history lesson involving the Visigoths and the Roman Empire in 410 AD and how the Visigoths won with the element of surprise, Alexa says Ember Moon had the element of surprise the last time they met, but tonight will be a fair fight and this time she will win.
Ember Moon beats Alexa Bliss after Mickie James gets ejected from the match after trying to get physically involved.
Backstage, Commissioner Stephanie McMahon - who is in General Manager Kurt Angle's office - is met by Finn Balor and Braun Strowman, wanting a rematch with Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. Strowman takes an apple at Stephanie's asking. Stephanie says they are not exactly tag team partners and will be facing each other at Money In The Bank, and tries to drive a wedge between them before putting them in a match against each other. Strowman crushes the apple and says he likes competition.
Baron Corbin beats No Way Jose.
Backstage, General Manager Kurt Angle - who is now stuck in the middle of the backstage area with bad cellphone reception - is met by Chad Gable. As Gable and Angle talk about a missed opportunity, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre show up, and Drew says they’d love to beat Finn Balor and Braun Strowman up again, but from what they hear, that decision is up to Commissioner Stephanie McMahon. After Dolph and Drew McIntyre act like they own the place, they mock Gable, who is more than ready to fight when Gable asks them if they think they are special. Angle tells both sides in this conflict that this will be settled in the ring.
We hear from Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango), who say that The B-Team changing their name and getting new T-shirts does not make them any better. They say there is only room for one "B team" on Raw.
The B-Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) get another surprise win against Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) after a double-team.
Commissioner Stephanie McMahon is in the ring to preside over the contract signing for the WWE Raw Women's Championship match at Money In The Bank between "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Nia Jax. Nia Jax is brought out first, followed by "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey. Stephanie then says that Nia Jax challenged Ronda to make a name for herself at Ronda, especially since Ronda has not competed in a singles match in WWE and is ripe for the picking. She also says that due to the lack of weight divisions in WWE, Nia is a much bigger opponent than what Ronda is used to. She knows Ronda does not like losing very much, and if Nia wins, Ronda will tuck tail and leave WWE forever. Stephanie then gives Nia Jax a hard time for taking so long to become a champion and taking so long to beat Alexa Bliss, and says Ronda may know the truth that Nia is lazy. She then implies it will not take long for Ronda to get Nia in an arm bar - assuming she can lock it in - if Nia is lazy. Nia grabs the microphone and says Ronda can't get the arm bar and that she is tired of the "lazy" crap. Nia then says she will make a name for herself by beating Ronda at Money In The Bank, then signs the contract. Ronda signs the contract immediately after, then moves the table away before saying she is happy the truth came out. She then says that is okay as they shake hands, because she is going to take her title as well as her arm. Both women stare down. The contract signing is over.
Dolph Ziggler beats Chad Gable. After the match, Drew McIntyre picks up Chad Gable and hits him with the Claymore.
Natalya beats Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan and Dana Brooke with a Sharpshooter to Sarah Logan to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. After the match, Charly Caruso interviews Natalya, who says experience may be one of her best assets, but "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey is her training partner. After Money In The Bank, she hopes that she and Ronda have new nicknames, with Ronda as "Raw Women's Champion" and herself as "Ms. Money In The Bank."
Elias is in the ring. He says that ever since he showed up in the WWE, stock has went up 150% after the entire world found out that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias." This time around, Elias plays a song that involves fan interaction before saying it is good to be loved, then says he does not feel the same way about tonight's crowd. Elias then proceeds to make fun of Albany, New York only to be interrupted by Bobby Roode. Elias attacks Roode before the bell rings, and despite the attack, Roode elects to go on with the match, and proceeds to go to town on Elias.
Elias beats Bobby Roode. After the match, Braun Strowman shoulder tackles Elias on his way to the ring.
Next week: Jinder Mahal vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! A Last Chance Gauntlet Match for the last slot in the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match!
Braun Strowman beats Finn Balor. After the match, Braun Strowman puts Finn Balor in the corner before pointing up at the Money In The Bank Briefcases above the ring.
Brie and Nikki recap everything that has happened in the last season.
Nikki and John Cena are back on a familiar pier in San Diego, California where John Cena and Nikki met at the beginning of Season 3. After John Cena mock proposes to Nikki, Nikki says she hopes to have both of their families meet under one roof for their wedding, which they hope to have in West Newbury, Massachusetts. They then try to dance on the pier as Nikki tells John she wants a choreographed dance for their wedding, and as they head to their car, Nikki says she cannot wait to make her last name Cena. This leads to John Cena asking Nikki if she is ready for the "Have you seen her?" jokes.
Brie and Bryan are in San Diego, California in a house that they have rented. Birdie is now seven months old, and Brie is more confident that she can get back on track to being both a mother and a career woman. They are not exactly looking forward to visiting John Cena and Nikki, especially when Cena's house has so many rules.
At John and Nikki's house, J.J. and his daughter Vivienne are visiting. Kathy and Johnny also come to visit. Suddenly, the UPS delivery man show up to deliver a rug. Nikki places it somewhere, and John Cena finds it. Cena asks Nikki why she didn't tell him about the rug, which leads to a hilarious exchange between Nikki and John Cena. Afterwards, Nikki's family gets a tour of the house, and John Cena briefly plays the piano. Finally, Brie and Bryan come to visit. As everyone takes their shoes off on their way back to the house, Cena says the shoes are fine. Afterwards, as Brie and Nikki look at Birdie, Nikki jokes that her and John Cena's house should be a nursery. John Cena does not exactly know how to react.
In Los Angeles, California, Brie and Nikki do a photo shoot for Birdiebee. Meanwhile, Bryan and Brie's family are taking Birdie on a day out, and Brie cannot get a hold of Bryan.
At Brie and Bryan's house in San Diego, California, Bryan tells Brie that she took Birdie on the carousel with her family. Brie wishes that he would have saved that for when she was around, but Bryan says that if they always waited for her, they wouldn't be able to do anything. Brie talks about the photoshoot, and Bryan wonders how one can wear a thong.
Brie and Nikki get to see their Bellaridicci wine get bottled at Napa Valley. Meanwhile, Brie has to get her breast milk delivered to Bryan via overnight FedEx. Afterwards, Brie and Nikki argue over who is the better speaker. They then meet with Tusk Estates, and when Nikki mentions that she and John Cena are getting married in West Newbury, Massachusetts, Brie thinks this is another thing hat Nikki is doing for John.
Bryan, J.J., Lauren and Kathy take Birdie to some swimming lessons, which happens to be Birdie's first time in a pool. Kathy is video taping this for Brie, who is not there.
Back in Napa Valley, Brie and Nikki are in a nearby vineyard with Tusk Estates. Nikki is more focused on her wedding to John Cena. Later, Brie and Nikki talk, and Nikki tells Brie that she does not want to rock the boat concerning their wedding and wants for it to go as planned.
Brie and Nikki head to a restaurant. Brie tells Nikki she should stop walking around eggshells with John Cena, and says that it is time for John Cena to make sacrifices after Nikki has made so many for him. Brie tells Nikki to agree to disagree, but Nikki refuses.
Brie gets a call from Bryan, and Nikki admits that she still want to be a mom even after John Cena has made it clear he does not want kids, especially after Brie has had a baby.
Brie gets back home to San Diego, and Bryan tells Brie that he took Birdie to her first swimming lesson. Once again, Brie is disappointed. Bryan shows the video that Kathy made, but it makes Brie wish she had been there even more. She realizes that balancing home and work life is a lot harder than she thought.
Everyone meets at John Cena and Nikki's house in San Diego, California for a formal dinner. Bryan accidentally spills water on John, but John shrugs it off. He then announces that he is relaxing the rules for their home in San Diego, and that he is holding a formal dinner because he is not used to doing this. He then says that both of their families have a way of gravitating to each other, then proposes a toast to "no rules." Afterwards, John Cena talks with Brie, Bryan and Lauren about their lives, and Nikki realizes how alone she is most of the time, especially since she is not a mother. Brie feels Nikki is too much of a people pleaser who tries to make other people happy at the expense of her own happiness.
Bonus clip: John Cena and Nikki show off their home in San Diego, California.
