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.
Johnny Gargano shows up to start tonight's show. Gargano says it has been a pretty interesting couple of weeks, and not only has he shown the fans what NXT is all about as one of the newest members of Raw and SmackDown Live, he had one of the toughest matches in his career against Velveteen Dream. He told the fans that "Johnny Wrestling" was back and elevated himself to "Johnny Champion," but in his first test as champion, he failed. Gargano says he failed not only himself, but the fans, but he still feels like a champion even though the harsh reality is that he does not have a championship. As he realizes why he has had any success in NXT, Tommaso Ciampa shows up. Ciampa says that over the last week and a half, it has been noted that Gargano is at his best when he is with him. Last week, when Gargano had to defend the North American title, he offered to help him, but Gargano chose to go it alone and lost. He says it does not have to be a bad thing, and after a year and a half, it has become apparent that they need each other. He mentions General Manager William Regal announcing the return of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, where it all began. After mentioning that the winners of the Classic get a shot at the NXT tag team titles, he says that NXT TakeOver: New York could be their moment and could end the same way as TakeOver: Phoenix. He tells Gargano that TakeOver: New York could end with them side-by-side as champions, then offers his hand. Gargano shakes it.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Ricochet, who admits that he has unfinished business with The Undisputed Era, but he knows that when you fight one member, you fight them all. With Aleister Black now at his side, he is more than comfortable taking The Undisputed Era on, and if they will be in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, then so will he and Aleister.
Backstage, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa are confronted by Candace LeRae. Ciampa leaves, and Candace tells Gargano she hopes he knows what he is doing.
Vanessa Borne and Aliyah beat Taynara Conti and Xia Li.
In footage from earlier today, Velveteen Dream is being interviewed when The Undisputed Era shows up and Adam Cole says he will win the North American Championship from him. He also tells the interviewer that he should be interviewing them, and Velveteen Dream calls Cole a big man with a little mouth before saying he is champion at the end of the day and that he has no time for them.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley announces that General Manager William Regal is finalizing the final four entries of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Suddenly, Bianca Belair and Io Shirai are sene arguing with each other, and both women have to be separated.
Dominik Dijakovic vs. Keith Lee ends in a double count-out. After the match, referees have to keep both men from fighting each other.
The last four teams in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team classic are the team of Ricochet and Aleister Black, the team of Oney Lorcan and Dunny Burch, #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) and Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven). The first-round bracket is also revealed, with the tournament starting next week.
As per General Manager William Regal, Bianca Belair and Io Shirai will face each other in two weeks, with the winner facing "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: New York.
Sasha Banks and Bayley make a surprise appearance. Sasha says it feels good to be home, and that the Women's Tag Team titles are a reminder not to forget where you came from, as the road to the titles started in NXT. Bayley says the last time she and Sasha Banks were in an NXT ring, it was at the main event of TakeOver: Respect in the first ever Women's Iron Man Match. She says that their journey as tag team champions has just begun, and they went the titles to be the most talked-about in all of WWE. Sasha tells all comers to take a good look at the titles, as she and Bayley are taking them all over the world, including NXT. Bayley tells all comers to step up, and that the next time they are in NXT, they might defend the titles.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beats Mia Yim with the Kirafuda Clutch after injuring Mia Yim's ankle during the match.
Tyler Bate beats "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher with a surprise schoolkid pin after a very technical match.
In footage from the UK Performance Center from earlier this week, Jordan Devlin attacks "The Kiwi Buzzsaw" Travis Banks during practice.
We see a video package for Walter.
We see another vignette for Nina Samuels.
We hear from Eddie Dennis, who says that everybody wants to know what happens to him after NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool. He says this time last year, he ruptured his right pectoral muscle and was on the sidelines. He signed a contract with the largest wrestling company in the world that May. He says that adversity motivates him, and when he returns, he will be more dangerous than ever before when he takes down the NXT UK roster one by one.
Walter beats Kassius Ohno.
We hear from Ligero, who says Joseph Connors wants to make excuses about why he lost the first time and be obsessed about "shiny new toys," and that he is more than happy to show the fans he can beat Connors again.
Next week: Ligero vs. Joseph Connors! Jordan Devlin vs. "The Kiwi Buzzsaw" Travis Banks in a Falls Count Anywhere Match!
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) retain the NXT UK Tag Team Championships against Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch.
"The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese beats Kalisto to advance in the Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
In the locker room, Humberto Carrillo and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher re-watch Carrillo's match with TJP last week, then Gallagher tells Carrillo that Drew Gulak's match will be a masterclass in tearing an opponent apart after reminding Carrillo of the risks he takes in the ring.
Backstage, General Manager Drake Maverick talks with Mike and Maria Kanellis. Next week, Mike will get a match next week after taking his opponent to the limit last week.
Drew Gulak beats The Brian Kendrick with the Gu-Lock to advance in the Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
The show starts with Shane and Stephanie McMahon moderating a WWE Championship contract signing for Kofi Kingston vs. "The New" Daniel Bryan at Fastlane. Daniel Bryan and Rowan are already in the ring. Shane and Stephanie McMahon introduce Kofi Kingston, and admit that Kofi was overlooked until he lasted over an hour in a gauntlet match and took Daniel Bryan to his limit in the Elimination Chamber. Due to this, and his victory over Daniel Bryan, Kofi Kingston has earned another opportunity at the WWE Championship at Fastlane. Kofi is then formally introduced, and he is accompanied by Big E and Xavier Woods. Kofi says all he wanted was a chance, and after eleven years, it is finally happening. He says it would not have been possible without Big E and Xavier Woods as well as for all the support from the fans. Kofi then says that at Fastlane, he will do what everybody has wanted to see him do for a very long time: beat Daniel Bryan and become WWE Champion. Kofi Kingston sits down, and Daniel Bryan signs the contract. Kofi is about to sign the contract when WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up. Vince tells Kofi that he has appreciated everything that Kofi has accomplished in WWE; however, he wants to give the highest caliber competition and biggest box office he can. As a result, he is replacing Kofi Kingston. Vince says that there is someone more qualified and more deserving than Kofi: Kevin Owens. Kevin Owens shows up, sits down and signs the contract. Big E and Xavier Woods become very vocal about their opposition to this before leaving with Kofi Kingston.
Backstage, Kevin Owens thanks Shane and Stephanie McMahon, saying that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has recognized his value to the industry. He then says that Kofi Kingston is just as deserving, and wants to tag with Kofi against Daniel Bryan and Rowan tonight. Shane and a confused Stephanie say they will take it under consideration.
Before the next match, The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) suddenly arrive, and it soon becomes the first match for Matt Hardy - who is no longer "woken" - in months.
The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro).
In the locker room, Ricochet and Aleister Black are met by Lana, who says that Ricochet is nothing special and that Aleister is quite ordinary, and that they are just two more opponents for Rusev to crush. Ricochet says that he loves proving people who think he is nothing special wrong, and says Rusev can't crush what he can catch. Aleister says that a lot about it is written on his flesh, and tonight, Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura will fade to black.
It is announced that The Honky Tonk Man is part of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
Carmella and R-Truth show up. R-Truth says that ever since he was a little kid, he always wanted to be like his hero, John Cena. He plans to follow in his footsteps by continuing the U.S. Open Challenge, which starts right after the seven-second dance break. The challenge is answered immediately after the seven-second dance break by Andrade. Before Andrade and Zelina Vega can get in the ring, Rey Mysterio shows up and gets in the ring. The referee holds Andrade back, and R-Truth says he is at a crossroads and does not know who to face right now. R-Truth asks himself what John Cena would do, and Carmella says Cena would face both opponents at once. R-Truth says "Damn! He brave!," and is hesitant at first, then goes ahead with the idea.
R-Truth retains the WWE United States Championship against Rey Mysterio and Andrade after ducking the 619 and pinning Rey with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Andrade goes for a Hammerlock DDT on Rey, but Rey manages to escape it and force Andrade to flee.
Charlotte Flair shows up. Charlotte praises Vince McMahon, saying he made the main event of Fastlane better by replacing Kofi Kingston with Kevin Owens, which she deems almost as important as her being placed in the Raw Women's Championship match at WrestleMania. She says that Vince McMahon put her in the match because she knows her lane and stays in it; unlike Becky Lynch or "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, she always does what is asked of her and she always delivers. Charlotte calls herself "the gold standard" and says she would never do what Ronda or Becky did last night, and says that Ronda and Becky fear her. She says that fear makes one do irrational things, and says Becky is afraid she will expose her for the fraud that she is while Ronda fears she will give her the beating of a lifetime like she did at Survivor Series. Charlotte says she fears nothing and that a true champion fears nothing, and after footage of what Ronda considers a true champion, Charlotte says the difference between her and Ronda is that she will not quit and lay down the title, which makes her the true champion. Charlotte says that she will be on Raw next week, when Vince crowns someone deserving of the title the new Raw Women's Champion: her.
WWE honors Black History Month and the "Bloody Sunday" march at Selma, Alabama.
Aleister Black and Ricochet beat Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. Styles says he is happy to hear that Roman Reigns is in remission, and that he sets the standards for himself in order to push himself to beat the best. Recently, however, he has not been at his best. He says he had his opportunity to beat "The New" Daniel Bryan and failed, but he will not stop trying, as it has taken him 15 years to get to WWE. From here, he will step up to the next challenger and keep fighting to justify that this is the house that he built. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and says "The House that AJ Styles...what?"
Lacey Evans shows up, walks down the ramp, takes her gloves off, then walks back up the ramp to the back.
Kofi Kingston and Kevin Owens beat "The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan.
The cold open starts with Roman Reigns' announcement from October that his leukemia has returned.
Roman Reigns shows up for the first time since October to start tonight's show. Instead of the usual boos and jeers, however, Roman Reigns is received with a standing ovation. Roman Reigns gives high-fives to everyone in the front row. Afterwards, Roman enters the ring. The crowd chants "Welcome back!," then Roman thanks the fans. Roman admits that he has missed the fans, as there is no other job or fanbase like the WWE. The crowd responds by chanting "This is your yard!" Roman says this used to be his yard, but now "this is our yard." He says he is a man of faith and always believed in God and that God has looked out for him, but before his October announcement, he was scared, insecure and had no idea if he wanted to make the announcement. Roman admits he had no idea how the fans would react, and by the time he got home, the outreach was enormous. He says the amount of thoughts, blessings and prayers has been overwhelming, and he thanks the fans for that. It was not just WWE fans, but everyone who was sending love and support, and says that it was so big "God's inbox was full." He says he can do anything with the amount of support and love everyone has given him. He says that the support gave him new life and new purpose beyond leaving his mark in WWE, and says he wants to raise awareness to those in need just like he was. He then thanks the crowd once again for all their support.
Aleister Black and Ricochet beat The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder).
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Baron Corbin, who initally denies saying anything insulting about Roman Reigns and his battle with leukemia, then blames his stress at the time for his comments and says nobody can understand what he was going through. After being questioned He hopes that his and Roman's paths do not cross, for Roman's sake.
Celebrities send birthday well-wishes to "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair.
Elias is in the ring. He is interrupted by Lacey Evans walking down and then up the ramp before he can say absolutely anything. Elias tries to say something again, but he is interrupted by Dean Ambrose. Ambrose says all the celebration has got him in a festive mood, and tonight, he feels good and positivity is running through his veins. He wants a rematch with Drew McIntyre, and he wants it to be a no-disqualification match. Elias then plays his guitar, and says he should be on his second standing ovation by now before passive-aggressively mocking Atlanta, Georgia. Ambrose asks Elias about what he knows on guitar, then Elias goes for a cheap guitar shot before getting hit with Dirty Deeds.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Natalya vs. The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan) ends with Becky Lynch showing up, attacking a security guard and then attacking Natalya. Security, officials and referees all have to keep Ronda and Becky apart as Ronda gets some hits in on Becky, and police eventually show up and arrest Becky while officials have to keep Ronda away from Becky, who is handcuffed as she is taken to the back.
After the commercial break, officials help Natalya and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey to the back, but Ronda returns to the ring and calls out WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, saying it is time to end it between herself and Becky. Stephanie McMahon shows up, and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey demands that Becky Lynch be reinstated. Stephanie says that Becky has been arrested and charged, and while Ronda wants the charges dropped, Stephanie says it is not that simple. Stephanie says that Becky is unprofessional and that she is a victim of her own actions, but Ronda tells her that a reinstated Becky is what she, the fans and the "ginger douche in cuffs" wants. She also asks Stephanie to think about what this would mean for her three daughters, but Stephanie says it is "a hard no." Stephanie tries to leave, but Ronda gets in her way and demands that Becky be reinstated. Stephanie goes on to say that Becky and Ronda are disrespectful and cut from the same cloth, but Ronda says she has bled enough to be set for life after the UFC, and says that if Vince makes the tough decisions, then it is time to make the right decision. Ronda then leaves the WWE Raw Women's Championship, which she says has been made into a gaudy accessory that has been made to be defended against "the chosen," on the canvas of the ring before storming off to the back.
Jinder Mahal is in the ring with The Singh Brothers (Samir and Sunil Singh). Jinder asks what "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair has ever accomplished, and says that he was not invited to Flair's birthday party and that you cannot have a celebration without him. He announces that he has challenged any wrestler who has been invited to the party, saying that the party is officially over. The challenge is answered by Kurt Angle.
Kurt Angle beats Jinder Mahal with the ankle lock. After the match, The Singh Brothers (Samir and Sunil Singh) - who were knocked off the ring apron near the end of the match - get German Suplexed.
It is announced that Nikki Bella has won the Women's Image Award for Best Actress in a Reality Series for Total Bellas.
It's time for A Moment Of Bliss. Tonight's special guest is Finn Balor. She tells "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey not to let the door hit her on the way out and says she would not disrespect a women's title like Ronda did. After saying that she is waiting in the wings in case the McMahon family need her for a WrestleMania match, Alexa introduces Finn Balor. As Alexa tries to get Finn Balor to show off his abs, Lio Rush shows up and says the whole talk show is a sham and that Bobby Lashley deserves to be Intercontinental Champion, not Balor. Finn says that Bobby Lashley knows where to find him if he wants a title rematch, but Lio Rush says he will get Lashley - who is preparing for Braun Strowman - his rematch even if he has to pry the title from Finn Balor himself. Finn takes that as Lio Rush challenging him for the Intercontinental Championship, and while Lio tries to backpedal, Finn says that should happen tonight and Alexa questions if Lio Rush thinks he isn't man enough to get the job done. Lio Rush reluctantly accepts the challenge and says he will go to the back to prepare, but Alexa says the match is right now. Lio Rush then asks for a proper entrance, but Finn's music plays before Lio can get in the ring.
Despite hurting one of his knees during the match, Finn Balor retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Lio Rush.
Backstage, Tucker is met by The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor), who proceed to mock Otis. Tucker warns them that Otis has a nasty temper and does not like being made fun of. Otis shows up, Tucker tells him what The Ascension said, and Otis blows The Ascension away.
Before the next match, Bobby Lashley chews out Lio Rush, then asks Lio he can trust him before they head out to the ring.
Bobby Lashley vs. Braun Strowman ends before it can begin after Strowman decimates both Lashley and Lio Rush before the bell can ring.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Seth Rollins, who says that tonight is a great night and that he is walking out of WrestleMania as Universal Champion. However, all that is secondary tonight, as Roman Reigns is back and tonight is all about love and celebration.
"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair is seen coming out of a limousine backstage.
WWE looks back on the final hours of Martin Luther King Jr.'s final hours as part of Black History Month.
Drew McIntyre beats Dean Ambrose in a no-disqualification match after Elias shows up and hits Ambrose in the back with his guitar. After the match, Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley show up, then they and Elias team up with McIntyre and take the boots to Ambrose before having their way with him. Suddenly, Seth Rollins shows up with a steel chair, and Roman Reigns tags along. Roman and Rollins then lay waste to Corbin, Lashley, Elias and McIntyre.
Bayley beats Nia Jax after Bayley kicks Nia's hand off of Sasha Banks and Sasha sends Tamina into the guardrail. Before the match, it is announced that Bayley and Sasha Banks will defend the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Nia Jax and Tamina at Fastlane.
The WWE Superstars are on the stage as WWE COO Triple H and Stephanie McMahon show up. Triple H says that with Mondays being as hectic as they usually are, tonight was definitely one hectic night, but none of tonight's happening pale in comparison to "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair's 70th birthday celebration. Stephanie introduces "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, Kurt Angle and Sting as special invited guests. Triple H says a lot of good things have been said about Ric Flair and that there is not much more to add, then a video package of Ric Flair's career and his influence transcending wrestling is played. After a specially-made World Heavyweight Championship with special side plates commemorating all of Flair's reigns with the title is unveiled, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair is introduced, but fails to show. Suddenly, someone is seen dragging a cameraman to Ric Flair's locker room, then pulling a laid-out Flair out of the room. That person is none other than Batista, who asks Triple H if he has his attention. Triple H runs to the back and finds Ric Flair, and medical attention is called for Flair to end the show.
The episode begins with Brie feeling awful about accidentally feeling bad about hurting Liv Morgan as she talks to Bryan on the phone. At this point, she feels overwhelmed as she heads to the airport with Nikki.
At Brie and Bryan's house, Brie feels a little better after the events at Raw. Brie and Bryan talk about Brie's hectic schedule, and Brie feels exhausted and that she made a mistake doing a WWE comeback. They also talk about a small minority of the fanbase being very vocal about wanting her and Nikki out of the WWE.
Brie and Nikki head to a restaurant. Brie says she could not sleep last night after feeling sick to her stomach after what happened with Liv Morgan. She says that she feels exhausted after everything that has happened recently. Nikki wants her to enjoy the comeback, but Brie feels like she is under a microscope and that she has given so much of herself. Brie says that she doesn't consider the comeback was a mistake, and sees this as a learning experience. Brie and Nikki also talk about the thought of Nikki dating, and proposes she set her up for a date. Nikki doesn't exactly want to run into somebody randomly, and that she does not trust her after the situation with Andre. Nikki decides to have one date just to shut all the naysayers up.
At Brie and Bryan's house, Brie is off the road for a week, but she still feels bad about what happened with her and Liv Morgan. Brie also announces that Nikki has allowed her to set her up for a date, and that she has a few candidates in mind. Nikki decides to have a date with Peter Kraus from The Bachelor. Afterwards, Brie proposes a belated birthday party for Kathy, but Kathy is not interested.
Brie and J.J. head to the gym. Brie and J.J. try to plan a belated birthday party for Kathy, then train with Markshane.
After the gym, Brie and J.J. meet Paige in a restaurant. Paige mentions that she is doing media for her biographical movie Fighting With My Family. Brie talks about her hectic schedule and what happened with Liv Morgan, and knows she cannot continue to do both shows without coming to a breaking point. She decides to pick being on Raw with her sister Nikki over being on SmackDown Live with Bryan.
On the way back, Brie and Nikki head to a pool. Peter from The Bachelor is in the area, but Nikki does not know how to respond. Brie proposes they FaceTime Peter, who is by the marina, and the date is on.
At Nikki's beach house, Brie and Nikki's family meet for Kathy's belated birthday party. Brie mentions the situation with Liv Morgan with Johnny, who tells her that everyone makes mistakes. Brie, Johnny, Kathy and J.J. then ride a roller coaster.
At Brie and Bryan's house, Nikki gets ready for a date with Peter. Suddenly, Peter shows up at the door, and after Peter meets the rest of the family, Peter and Nikki go on the date. Nikki is nervous due to not having been on a date in six years, but they have a fun time. During the date, Peter and Nikki go on a gondola ride and have some wine. They then talk about Peter's ex-girlfriend before heading to a restaurant, where Nikki mentions that she has not date in about six years. The two of them agree to a second date, then they go outside where Peter leans in for a kiss.
Madison Rayne beats Sumie Sakai and Jenny Rose in a three-way match.
Tenille Dashwood guests on commentary for the next match.
LifeBlood (David Finlay, "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams, Bandido, Juice Robinson) beat Jonathan Gresham, Flip Gordon, Dalton Castle, Jeff Cobb and Jay Lethal after Haskins counters the Bang-a-rang with a Cloverleaf. After the match, both sides shake hands, save for Dalton Castle, who is absent following the submission hold.
Next week: "The Last Real Man" Silas Young vs. Jeff Cobb for the ROH World Television Championship!
Jonathan Gresham and Toa Henare beat Zack Sabre Jr. and TAKA Michinoku with an Octopus to Zack Sabre Jr.
"The Villain" Marty Scurll beats Robbie Eagles with the Chickenwing.
Colt Cabana and Toru Yano beat Cheeseburger and Delirious in a very comedic match.
CHAOS (Hirooki Goto and "The Aerial Assassin" Will Ospreay) beat Jeff Cobb and Dalton Castle following a Storm Breaker on Jeff Cobb.
Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito and Shingo Tagaki) beat The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Vinny Marseglia). After the match, Naito tosses referee Marty Isami out of the ring.
Jay Lethal retains the ROH World Championship against TK O'Ryan. After the match, Matt Taven shows up and attacks Lethal with the World title before telling him that he is the only one worthy of holding the championship.
The Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) beat Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL and SANADA) to become the IWGP Tag Team Champions! After Tama Tonga kicks out of Magic Killer and knocks SANADA into referee Red Shoes, Jedo tries to attack EVIL with the Kendo Stick. EVIL and SANADA get Jedo in position for the Magic Killer, but Tonga Loa stops it, and after a exchange of offense, The Guerrillas hit Gun Stun. Red Shoes gets back up in time to see The Guerrilas hit SANADA with the Super Powerbomb to win the IWGP Tag Team Championships for a fifth time.
The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships against LifeBlood (Juice Robinson and David Finlay) after Finlay hurts his right shoulder after landing on it during a top rope uppercut. After the match, Jay Briscoe challenges The Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) to a title vs. title match for the ROH World Tag Team Championships and the IWGP Tag Team Championships at Madison Square Garden on April 6th. The Guerrillas show up, and Tanga Loa accepts the challenge.
Backstage, Jay Briscoe says that he and Mark Briscoe will walk out with the ROH World Tag team Championships and the IWGP Tag Team Championships.
Johnny Impact shows up to start tonight's show. Johnny says he stuck to his promise of being a fighting champion and giving a shot at the Impact World Championship to anybody who deserved it, as that was what he wanted to see when he watched wrestling as a kid. He says that the wrestling business is what we make it, and while things have not always been going his way, he can still look downhill from the top of the mountain and answered the questions after retaining at Homecoming, shutting three mouths and closing a chapter. After Johnny says it is time for the next contender, Moose shows up. Moose says all he hears backstage is Johnny Impact crying and whinng, and tells him he is a crybaby and the worst champion Impact Wrestling has ever had. He says the only reason he is not World Champion is because of Killer Kross - who he thought was his best friend - and "The Machine" Brian Cage. Suddenly, Killer Kross shows up. Kross calls Moose a "defiler," a "betrayer" and a "son of a bitch," and says Moose should know better than anybody else not to cross a killer, and says that dealing with him tests his patience. Johnny stops the argument that happens between Moose and Kross briefly, then Moose tells Kross he "benched" him for going against Johnny twice and says it is his time to become World Champion. Johnny says both Kross and Moose think they are both "A+ talent," but there is always an "A talent" and a "B talent," and both he and the fans would not mind a match between them to see who is the "A talent." Kross tells Johnny he is taking a page out of his book, then tells him to watch him show how it's really done. He then walks into a punch by Moose, then Johnny Impact calls for a match for an impromptu #1 contender's match.
Moose vs. Killer Kross to decide a #1 contender for the Impact World Championship ends after Johnny Impact goes after Kross and Moose for throwing coffee at him and booting him in the face afterwards. After the match, Moose and Kross attack Johnny, but "The Machine" Brian Cage shows off and fights off both men. Johnny and Cage briefly stare down after a double superkick, then hands the World Championship back to Johnny before leaving.
We hear audio from Don Callis' podcast where Callis hires Glenn Gilberti to Impact live on the air.
Konnan talks with Santana and Ortiz, telling them to make this match with The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) their last match against each other as they show what they are made of.
Backstage, Johnny Impact thanks "The Machine" Brian Cage for his help earlier, but tells him that they cannot have a clean one-on-one title match without Moose and Killer Kross running around. He proposes that they team up together and get rid of them, but "The Machine" Brian Cage is reluctant to trust him. Johnny says he knew he would say that, and hands him a contract for such a match. All he has to do is sign it, and it is all official.
The GWN Flashback Moment of the Week is Tommy Dreamer vs. Eddie Edwards from Slammiversary 2018.
The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz) talk about their match with The Desi Hit Squad (Rohit Raju and Raj Singh) next week after Zachary Wents proposes that he faces Ethan Page next week, then Gama Singh shows up and, unimpressed with how they are preparing for The Desi Hit Squad, pulls out a hookah and tells them to try it. Ten minutes later, The Rascalz are high as a kite.
Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe and Luster The Legend) returns to Impact next week!
The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier and Trey Miguel) beat The Desi Hit Squad (Rohit Raju and Raj Singh).
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviews Eli Drake. He warns everyone "Thou shalt not raise thy hand at Eli Drake," and that Eddie Edwards learned that the hard way last week. He is not angry with Eddie, but he is taking him by the hand and showing him the way tonight. He plans to show Eddie how hardcore makes him a loser, and says nobody can stop him tonight.
Sami Callihan meets with Rich Swann in the hospital. He says that Swann's family cannot be here right now, and says he did what he did because he loves him and because Swann is not living up to his potential. He says he is not mad; in fact, he is proud of him for standing up to him, and that it is okay now because he is here. He tells Swann to stop with the facade, and tells him that he has always been there for him and that everything happens for a reason. Callihan says that he knows that Swann is the most talented individual he has ever seen, but he is not living up to his potential and that it is time to step up and come home. After a nurse demands Callihan leave, Swann says that Callihan is family, then Callihan leaves an oVe shirt and says "Call me."
Eddie Edwards beats Eli Drake with a jackknife pin.
Backstage, Tessa Blanchard is angry with management, saying she should be Knockouts Championship. She is then interviewed, saying she has been denied her championship rematch and that management wants to protect themselves after what she has done as of late. Tessa says that she will get her rematch one way or another.
Backstage, Glenn Gilberti gets some crazy directions to the management office and follows them only to be locked out of the building.
Alisha Edwards vs. Delilah Doom ends after attacks Alisha Edwards outside the ring, then gets in the ring and fights Delilah Doom, who almost gets the upper hand before Tessa overpowers her.
Ace Austin is coming to Impact!
Backstage, Delilah Doom says tonight was supposed to be a huge opportunity, but if Tessa Blanchard wants to fight her, then she will challenge her to a match next week.
Father James Mitchell comes between Rosemary and the team of Allie and Su Yung, saying that he possesses Allie's soul. Rosemary proposes a deal, and Mitchell says that while he has something she wants, she has something he wants. He tells Rosemary to assemble a dark assembly while he, Allie and Su Yung assembles there in a winner-takes-all battle. If Rosemary wins, she gets Allie back. If he and Su Yung win, they get Rosemary.
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviews Taya Valkyrie. Taya says she plans on not responding to Tessa Blanchard, saying she is like a child throwing a temper tantrum, and that she is Knockouts Champion and she has better things to worry about.
The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) retain the Impact World Tag Team Championships against The Latin-American Xchange (Santana and Ortiz). After the match, The Lucha Bros. taunt LAX, and LAX respond by attacking them before Ortiz rips Pentagon Jr.'s mask off.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
"The Villain" Marty Scurll beats Ren Marita with the Chickenwing.
Before the next match, Taka Michinoku introduces Zack Sabre Jr. before proclaiming that Sabre will win this match.
Zack Sabre Jr. beats Shota Umino by submission, and has to be pulled off Umino by officials after the match.
Jonathan Gresham and Jushin "Thunder" Eagles beat Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori after Liger scores a surprise pinfall on Ishimori with a rolling crucifix. An enraged Ishimori has to be forced back to the back, and Robbie Eagles is seen asking what happened.
Before the next match, Hikuleo returns from injury to be in The Guerrillas of Destiny's (Tama Tongo and Tonga Loa) corner.
Lifeblood (Juice Robinson and David Finlay), Tomoaki Honma and Toa Henare beat The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) & The Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) following an errant Kendo stick shot to Mark Briscoe's head from Jado. After the match, The Guerrillas of Destiny and The Briscoes briefly brawl after The Guerrillas go after them for putting their hands on Jado.
CHAOS (Togi Makabe, Toru Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi) retains the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Championships against Colt Cabana, Cheeseburger and Delirious following a low blow from Toru Yano to Delirious. During the post-match handshake, Delirious punches Colt Cabana with a low blow for shaking hands with Toru Yano.
"The Aerial Assassin" Will Ospreay retains the NEVER Openweight Championship against Dalton Castle. Both men shake hands after the match.
Jeff Cobb retains the ROH World Television Championship against Hirooki Goto.
Jay Lethal, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi beat The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia, TK O'Ryan). After the match, The Kingdom briefly attacks Lethal again before leaving, and Lethal tells TK O'Ryan that he will send him back to America crying tomorrow night after their World title match. After the how, Kazuchika Okada says he, Tanahashi and Okada made a good trio tonight, and Letahl aks how you can lose with them. He says The Kingdom tried to cheat, but it did not work, and TK O'Ryan is his.
Aleister Black beats Roderick Strong. After the match, the rest of The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly) runs out and attacks Aleister, and Ricochet runs into the ring to make the save and force The Undisputed Era to retreat.
We see footage from the Performance Center from last week where "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir terrorize the women's locker room.
We see a vignette for Bianca Belair, who says that she made 2018 her year and that she had her match at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix won until the referee went down. She still has an undefeated mindset, then talks about her match two weeks ago. She tells Kairi Sane and Io Shirai to wait their turn for a Women's title shot, or else they will find out why she is undefeated.
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic returns in two weeks! The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly), the team of Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel, The Forgotten Sons (Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler) and Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) are the first four teams in the tournament to be revealed, with the other four teams to be revealed next week.
Mia Yim beats Xia Li. After the match, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir gang up on Mia Yim, and some of the female trainees from the Performance Center rush in to even the odds only to be overpowered. Duke and Shafir then hold Mia Yim down for Baszler, who boots Mia in the face.
Backstage, Candace LeRae meets with Johnny Gargano, saying "You know what we need to do." Tommaso Ciampa shows up, saying "If you need me tonight, I'm here." Gargano says he won the North American title and that he doesn't need him; he has everything in Candace. Gargano says that he is going to be "Johnny Freakin' Wrestling" in the ring tonight, then leaves with Candace. Ciampa says he will be watching.
We see some footage where Jeremy Borash interviews Matt Riddle. Riddle says he was once told that he should be told to tone it down rather than tone it up. He also mentions that he is glad that he is done with Kassius Ohno and can focus on what is really important. He plans to get his hands on any championship gold he can get his hands on, and nothing will stop him. The rest of the interview is now available on WWE's YouTube channel.
Next week: "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler vs. Mia Yim!
Velveteen Dream beats Johnny Gargano to become the NXT North American Champion!
Gallus (Joe and Mark Coffey) beats Mark Andrews and "Flash" Morgan Webster.
We see a vignette for Nina Samuels.
We hear from Jordan Devlin on the shores of Bray County, Ireland. He warns "The Kiwi Buzzsaw" Travis Banks that he is not finished with him yet.
We get a closer look at Kay Lee Ray.
Trent Seven beats Shane Thorne.
We hear from "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher, who says that he should sit down with General Manager Johnny Saint about returning to NXT UK now that it has gotten popular.
We hear from Joseph Connor at the UK Performance Center. He says that he and Ligero have a long history, and that Ligero caught him on an off day. However, his off days are behind him, and he is focused on showing Ligero that he will always be better than him.
The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) show up. Gibson says he and Drake have traveled across the land proving what they have already known, and now they are NXT UK Tag Team Champions, which proves what they have already known: that they are the best team anywhere in the world. However, being the best and the champions has a couple of drawbacks, as he would much rather be sat on his couch with a packet of biscuits and a cup of tea enjoying life, but he is flown halfway around the world to educate a room of ignorant Yanks why British wrestling is best. He says that General Manager Johnny Saint insisted they make the trip so they can have the very best competition, but he feels they are the best competition so those who claim they are the best will fly to them, as they have set a new standard. He asks for the tag teams of NXT and 205 Live to be lined up, and says that Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch should be challenging them, as they are the champion and soon to be the best in all of WWE. Suddenly, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch show up. Burch tells Gibson to shut up, as nobody wants to hear what he has to say, and says he is proud to be British but really proud to represent NXT UK, which Gibson claims has no competition. He says there is nothing prouder than calling Oney Lorcan his partner, and while they have been told to wait until next week. He then asks why they should wait at all before charging the ring, forcing Drake and Gibson to retreat.
Next week: Tyler Bate vs. "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher!
Next week: Walter vs. Kassius Ohno! Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch for the NXT UK Tag Team Championships!
Toni Storm retains the NXT UK Women's Championship against Rhea Ripley.
Humberto Carrillo beats TJP. During the match, Drew Gulak and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher show up to give Carrillo their support. After the match, Gulak and Gallagher praise Carrillo on his win, and say that he has potential before carrying him into the air.
We hear from "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese, who says he proved to Noam Dar that he is the better man. He says 205 Live is his for the taking, as he has smashed all obstacles keeping him from his full potential. He says that he will win the eight-man tournament and become Cruiserweight Champion at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Mike Kanellis. Maria Kanellis says Mike has been in the business for 16 years and successful all over the world, and has not done it by taking the easy way out and ducking the tough competitors. She says that tonight, Mike will take out Cedric Alexander and prove why he is the most dangerous man here.
Before the next match, Ariya Daivari says that tonight, they will bear witness to his destruction of the Cruiserweight Division, and tonight, he will beat the opponent so badly that nobody will sue the referee for the wrong call. He then says that unlike the New Orleans Saints, he is actually going to his company's Super Bowl.
Ariya Daivari beats Johnny Lyons with the Cobra Clutch.
We hear from Buddy Murphy, who says it must be hard for General Manager Drake Maverick to run a brand with a champion like him. Murphy brags about the opponents that he has successfully defended the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against thus far, and mentions Maverick's idea of an eight-man tournament to decide his next challenger. He wants to know who will face him at WrestleMania.
Maria Kanellis sits at ringside for the next match.
Cedric Alexander beats Mike Kanellis. During the match, Kanellis almost wins it, but Cedric barely gets one of his shoulders up in the nick of time, causing the referee to wave the result off and let the match continue. Cedric gets the win after hitting the Lumbar Check and crawling over to the pin.
It is announced by General Manager Drake Maverick that two of the first-round match-ups in the eight-man tournament that starts next week are Kalisto vs. "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese and The Brian Kendrick vs. Drew Gulak.
Shane McMahon shows up to start tonight's show. He says that there is an exciting main event tonight, then praises Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Ricochet and Aleister Black on their Raw debut last night before announcing that they will be here tonight. Before Shane can talk further about tonight's show, however, The Miz shows up. He apologizes for interrupting, and takes full responsibility for losing the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships. He says he cannot shake the guilt because Shane took a chance on being his tag team partner - despite being hesitant - due to his passionate plea. He then apologizes for using Shane. He says he knew Shane could relate to his problems with his father, and knows that Shane feels the same way about his father following Shane's winning of the WWE World Cup and mentioning his dream of being a tag team champion. Miz then talks about his meeting with his own father backstage following their tag team title win, when his own father tell him that he loved him and that he was proud of him for the first time in his life. Miz admits that this was one of the best moments not of his llife, but of his career, and he thanks Shane for that. However, two days ago, he let him down, and while he can't change the past, he can change the future. He knows that Shane can make a rematch despite the era of rematch clauses being over, and says that the fans want a rematch as well. Suddenly, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. The Usos know they want a rematch despite there being no rematch clause, and tell Shane that if he forgives Miz, then they just might call them the best tag team in the world. However, they say Shane doesn't want the rematch, for Miz is a joke. After enough mockery towards Miz, Shane decides he's had enough and tells The Usos that the rematch is on at Fastlane in Miz's hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Miz proclaims that he and Shane will take back the SmackDown tag team titles.
We get a closer look at Aleister Black.
Aleister Black beats Andrade.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, who have been watching the last match backstage. Ciampa says some people are seeing them for the first time, but they have exceeded expectations throughout their careers. Tonight, they will show they are the future. Suddenly, The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) shows up, and Cesaro tells them nobody knows or cares who they are and to stay away from SmackDown Live. Ciampa says they are here to take over, and Gargano says they are here to break the bar. The Bar laughs and leaves.
Backstage, Jeff Hardy asks "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles to let bygones be bygones so they can focus on their match. Kofi shows up to extend a literal pancake branch, which they except.
#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro).
We get a closer look at Ricochet.
Kayla Braxton interviews Asuka in the ring. Despite the focus being elsewhere, she is ready for a new challenge after beating Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, and wants to know who is ready for her right now. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville show up, and Mandy advises Asuka to take notes from her, saying that if anyone is ready for Asuka, it is her.
Mandy Rose beats Asuka after feigning an eye injury in order to slam Asuka neck-first into the middle rope and roll her up for a schoolkid pin for the win. During the match, Lacey Evans shows up, distracting both women and Sonya Deville. Lacey walks down the ramp, stops, then walks back up the ramp.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair says that Becky Lynch has done nothing but make things worse for herself, and basically doesn't exist as far as she is concerned. She says that it will be her and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania, which will be the main event because she is in it.
Backstage, Shane tells The Miz that they will get the SmackDown tag team titles back. The Miz tells Shane that his dad will be in the front row for their match at Fastlane.
Ricochet beats Eric Young.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The New Day. Xavier Woods says that Kofi's big moment has happened over the course of 11 years, and Kofi says that this past week has been so special he feels the fans have his back. After mentioning the recent #Kofimania trend on Twitter, he says that if it weren't for Xavier Woods and Big E, he would not be in this moment right now. He says that he will keep his Elimination Chamber momentum going, then The New Day head to the ring.
The update from Kevin Owens from Raw is replayed.
Before the next match, "The New" Daniel Bryan says small-minded skeptics have oppressed great minds throughout history, and that the ignorant masses tried to will the WWE title off of him, but he has survived. He says he serves a higher purpose to enlighten and educated, even though nobody wants him to do it, and he will educate the people once more by telling his opponent at Fastlane will be none of the men in tonight's main event, for he defeated them all on Sunday.
Kofi Kingston, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Jeff Hardy beat "The New" Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe and Randy Orton. After the match, Shane McMahon shows up and announces that "The New" Daniel Bryan will defend the WWE Championship against Kofi Kingston at Fastlane.
WWE COO Triple H is in the ring to start tonight's show. He says that it is that time of the year again: the road to WrestleMania. He also says the last 24 hours are proof enough of the excitement leading towards it, as Bayley and Sasha are now WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Triple H also mentions Finn Balor's Intercontinental title win as well as Kofi Kingston coming very close to becoming WWE Champion, and mentions Becky Lynch proving that nothing would keep her from Charlotte Flair and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey. While Becky will be arrested and prosecuted if she does it again, he admits it was "pretty cool." Triple H then focuses on the first inductees of the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame: D-Generation X ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, Billy Gunn), with all Attitude Era members - including Chyna - included. Triple H says there is even more to the excitement, and brings up NXT, which he also oversees. He then introduces some people who will be debuting tonight from NXT, starting with Ricochet. He also announces that Aleister Black will debut tonight, as well as Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Triple H then announces that all hell is about to break loose, and announces that there is a Tables Match that is going to happen right now between Baron Corbin and Braun Strowman.
Braun Strowman beats Baron Corbin in a Tables Match. After the match, Braun Strowman is going to the back when Paul Heyman shows up on the stage. Strowman stares at him before grabbing him by the shirt collar, but ultimately lets him go.
After the commercial break, Paul Heyman says he cannot be surprised by Braun Strowman, as everyone is jealous and envious of his client Brock Lesnar due to Lesnar's achievement, which is why he has put a video package together to educate the fans of Lesnar's history. In the video package, Heyman says that Seth Rollins has no chance against Lesnar, as the harsh conditions on the farm that Lesnar grew up on honed his killer instincts and made him into the greatest amateur wrestler on the planet. From there, Lesnar did not seek out WWE; WWE sought him, and within six months of his debut, Lesnar became WWE Champion. Within two years, Lesnar destroyed the roster and left the WWE for new opponents in UFC. From there, Lesnar stepped into the cage with Randy Couture and became the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world. Once again, Lesnar slaughtered all competition in front of him, and Lesnar grew bored and nobody gave him the challenge he wanted. From there, Lesnar headed back to WWE and began anew, starting with breaking The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania. After the video package, Heyman says that the fans keep booing this, but there is nothing they can do about it. After asking the fans if they think Seth Rollins can become WWE Universal Champion, he says there is not enough fire in Rollins' soul to burn down Suplex City. Suddenly, Finn Balor shows up.
After the commercial break, Finn Balor says it has been a while since he has held a championship and that it feels good. He says that while growing up watching the greats, it has been a dram to hold the Intercontinental title, and he is proud to continue the title's legacy. Before he can say much else, however, Lio Rush shows up. He says that Finn Balor does not deserve to be Intercontinental Champion; Lashley does. Suddenly, Finn Balor is attacked from behind by Lashley, and he and Lio Rush gang up on Finn Balor as if they had never broken up. Suddenly, Ricochet shows up and rolls under a Lio Rush clothesline before finding him and Lashley off.
Finn Balor and Ricochet beat Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley.
Backstage, Triple H is talking with Natalya when Drew McIntyre shows up, wanting a match with Seth Rollins to prove he deserves to main event WrestleMania. Dean Ambrose suddenly shows up and says "I'm not doing anything tonight...what about me?" before slapping him and walking away. Triple H gives Drew a chance to change the match, which Drew does.
The Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado) beat Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins.
Charly Caruso interviews Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) on the stage. Tucker says they are blue collar solid and known to get the job done, as they are not afraid to work hard and follow it up with some red meat. He says they are ready for anybody, as they have each other's backs. Suddenly, Lacey Evans shows up, walks down the ramp, then walks back up and stares at Heavy Machinery, who then decide to strut down the ramp before doing the Bushwhacker walk back up.
Backstage, Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano are met by Bobby Roode and Chad Gable, who want to know why they have a match against The Revival when it should be them. Gargano says they have run NXT for over two years, and they are here to take over. The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) shows up, and Ciampa says they are here to make an impression at their expense.
#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) beat The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder).
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Finn Balor and Ricochet. Finn says he had his night last night, but tonight was all about Ricochet. Finn leaves, then Ricochet says you can envision how you achieve your goals, but it never goes according to plan; however, when you achieve your goals, it will feel better than you can ever imagine. He says that this is only the beginning.
We hear from Kevin Owens, who gives us another update from a movie theater. He is still rehabbing and training, and says he has never been more focused. He is reminded of why he fights in the first place, and he is ready to fight again. He also finds out from his son exactly how expensive movie theater food is.
Sasha Banks and Bayley show up. Bayley says that last night was a totally emotional night for her and Sasha, and she cannot believe that they are WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Sasha says it feels like a dream, but it is not a dream anybody and that they did it, and that they have come so far together. She says that she and Bayley have the same dream and goal, and that she cannot imagine doing this with anyone else as they were born to do this. Bayley says it took them going to war with each other to realize that they could change the world together, and that this is only the beginning, as they plan on being champions for a very long time. Sasha says they have given their all to build the women's tag division, and they will defend the titles against anybody, past, present and future, and Bayley says they respect how special the titles are. She says there is no stronger connection than "The Boss and Hug Connection." Suddenly, Nia Jax and Tamina show up. Nia says nobody wants to see this "nauseating lovefest," and while she congratulates Sasha and Bayley on their title win, she says Sasha only cares about Sasha and always loses the title on her very first defense. Tamina says they got lucky last night, but tonight, that luck runs out. Tamina and Nia charge the ring, but Sasha and Bayley are able to fend them off.
It is officially announced that D-Generation X ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, Billy Gunn) will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
Drew McIntyre quickly beats Dean Ambrose.
We see another video package for Brock Lesnar narrated by Paul Heyman. This time around, Heyman talks about Lesnar's second run in WWE and all the people he defeated along the way. Heyman says that Seth Rollins will continue to get up despite Lesnar's efforts, as he is willing to risk it all to win it once; therefore, Rollins is the most dangerous opponent Lesnar will ever have. He says that Lesnar will have to look back on his days on the farm, and that Lesnar will not only have to take Rollins down, but put him down.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Seth Rollins, who says that everything Paul Heyman has said about Brock Lesnar is true; however, he is walking into WrestleMania not with a death wish, but an acceptance of his fate. He says that Lesnar needs to accept his fate, for it will be all over for him and his reign of terror will be done at WrestleMania, and however he leaves WrestleMania, he will leave it as champion. Suddenly, Dean Ambrose shows up and asks Rollins "Where were you back there?" Seth asks "Have you completely lost your mind?" Dean just shrugs and says "Eh," then leaves.
Elias is in the ring. He says he is fed up, as he is the most important Superstar of all time to show up on Raw and yet he is constantly disrespected and interrupted. He says he is a musical genius and that everyone should be blessed to be in his presence. He says that the new NXT debut will not change the truth that his fingers make magic every night, then performs a song for himself where he goes into a consciousness so deep that he will forget the fans exist. Before he can perform it, however, Aleister Black shows up. Aleister says that if silence and deep sleep is what Elias seeks, then he can help him, for tonight, Elias will fade to black.
Aleister Black beats Elias.
Next week: "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair's birthday celebration!
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Ruby Riott. After the match, Ronda fends off Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan to end the show.
At Raw in New Orleans, Louisiana, Brie has put her accidental botch of a suicide dive to Sarah Logan behind her despite being given a hard time about it on social media.
Nia Jax and Nikki are at CurvyCon in New York City for a body positivity panel. Birdiebee is given praise for making a product tailored for plus-size women. Nikki asks Nia Jax to come to the first-ever Birdiebee fashion show in Scottsdale, Arizona and walk the runway for the event. Nia declines, saying she has accepted an award for a social media campaign. Nikki asks for advice on how to run a fashion show.
At SmackDown Live in Detroit, Michigan, Brie talks about her busy schedule of Raw and SmackDown Live, the Birdiebee fashion show, the Philadelphia Comic-Con and Hell In A Cell.
At Brie and Bryan's house, Brie and Bryan talk about their hectic schedule, especially Brie's. Bryan tells Brie that she will spread herself thin if she says yes to every appearance and opportunity like she did ten years ago.
In Scottsdale, Arizona, Brie, Nikki and Bryan head to the Birdiebee fashion show. They stop at J.J. and Lauren's house on the way there and meet their niece Alice. Brie thinks about the second child she is holding back on having, even though she is enjoying her WWE comeback. Despite having recently given birth to a child, Lauren is down for walking the runway for the event. Maya is also scheduled to walk the runway for the event.
At the site of the Birdiebee fashion show, wardrobes are chosen and agents meet with Maya to show her the ropes on how to model. Brie and Nikki are alarmed that a lot of people are teaching her how to do the model walk at once, and just hope that she does well.
On the day of the Birdiebee fashion show, Brie and Nikki are interviewed by local media. Afterwards, Brie tells Nikki she will not be able to make it to Philadelphia Comic-Con. Nikki is frustrated, as she does not want to handle all the business stuff alone.
J.J. and Nikki go to a luxury auto dealership, where they are able to rent a white Rolls Royce for the weekend. They take to a restaurant to meet with family, where Brie and Nikki's conflict over each other's schedules comes up. At this point, Nikki is not very happy with Brie.
At the Birdiebee fashion show, Heather, one of the models, says she is worried about Maya sticking out by the way that she walks, as she comes off as a bit staff and unnatural on the runway. Brie and Nikki feel that they have thrown Maya into a situation she cannot handle. Nikki tells Maya she can back out, but Maya says she will try to get over her nerves and walk the runway for the event. The event ends up being a smashing success, and both Lauren and Maya come out of a big ovation, with Maya doing a great job on her first modeling walk ever, and Brie almost forgets about her flight.
At Hell In A Cell, Brie and Bryan enjoy their storyline with The Miz and Maryse, but Bryan mentions that Brie thinks everything will be simply and unintentionally overbooks her schedule as a result.
In San Diego, California, Brie is overwhelmed by her schedule. As they meet Bryan to train, Brie and Bryan talk about the toll it has taken on them as well as with their daughter Birdie, and Brie begins to think that making a comeback was a mistake.
At Raw in Denver, Colorado, Brie and Nikki are in a six-woman tag match with Natalya against The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan). During the match, Brie accidentally knees Liv Morgan hard in the face. Brie does what she can to get Liv out of the ring so that she can be checked on by medical staff while keeping the match going as naturally as possible. Brie feels bad afterwards, but backstage, Johnny chalks it up to inexperience on Liv's behalf. Brie apologizes to Liv, then Brie and Nikki talk with Nia Jax, who tells Brie not to dwell on it too much. Thankfully, Liv is not hurt too badly. Brie talks with Bryan on the phone afterwards, and at this point, Brie questions if she should have undertaken a WWE comeback.
Bonus clip: The Bella family practices their runway walks.
We hear from Mustafa Ali, who says that the hardest part of not being able to compete tonight is seeing someone else with his opportunity. While he respects Kofi and wishes him well, he will fight for his opportunity again when he comes back.
We hear from Braun Strowman, who tells a story about a coward who thought he could challenge a monster. Instead of a normal coward, this coward was a snake to tried to do whatever he could to stop him. However, all he did was fuel the monster's rage, and the coward knew he could not win on his own, so he recruited other cowards just like him. They thought they had him down, but he got back up and refused to forget, and he made them all pay. When the coward faces the monster tonight, the rulebook goes out the window, and the story will end with the monster rampaging on his path to destruction while the coward gets these hands.
We see footage from a house show from last night where Charlotte Flair re-injures Becky Lynch's knee.
We hear from The Riott Squad, who say that they have wreaked havoc as a team and that everything comes full circle when they win the Raw Women's Championship and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Suddenly, Charlotte Flair shows up and tells Ruby Riott to take all her anger and frustration out on "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and change the game in Houston, Texas just like she did, as she will be sitting front row tonight.
We hear from Mojo Rawley, who once again looks in a mirror when he says that the fans do not care about him or even know who he is, then asks who the fans think they are and if they don't like what they see. He then says he doesn't either, and says it is time to show the fans the real Mojo Rawley.
We hear from Alexa Bliss, who says that history will be made tonight and that she is happy to have been part of it. However, she says that if Becky Lynch had taken her advice, she would not have gotten suspended. She then says that tonight will see the first women's tag team champions crowned, and she picks Nia Jax and Tamina to win them.
Buddy Murphy retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Akira Tozawa. During the match, Kayla Braxton tries to get an interview with Kofi Kingston, but Xavier Woods and Big E speak on his behalf.Big E says Kofi has no endurance problems, and Woods says that everyone has been sleeping on Kofi's career to the point that they have at times forgotten they have squadded up with a living legend. Woods says Kofi hour-plus endurance in Tuesday's gauntlet match got everyone talking, and tonight, Kofi will be WWE Champion.
We hear from Kevin Owens, who is heading home with a pizza for his family, who admits it hurts that he can't be at tonight's event. He is still a month away and rehab is going well, but The Kevin Owens Show is coming back soon. He hopes Finn Balor and The Riott Squad wins tonight, but he says he has a hard time explaining why Becky Lynch is not competing tonight and a hard time figuring out why his kids like pineapple on pizza.
Charly Caruso interviews Mark Henry on the stage. He is happy to be back in his home state of Texas, and asks everyone to give a round of applause for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship match from earlier. He also admits that the Elimination Chamber changes the careers of whoever enters it, and predicts The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) will win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships and Kofi Kingston to win the WWE Championship following his performance on Tuesday. He also says that if we here in the WWE Championship match, there would be a lot of men being introduced into the Hall of Pain.
Bayley and Sasha Banks beat the team of Carmella and Naomi, The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce), The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan), the team of Nia Jax and Tamina and the team of Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose in an Elimination Chamber match to become the inaugural WWE Women's Tag Team Champions! The win comes after Sasha uses her leg in lieu of one of her arms to lock in the Banks Statement on Sonya Deville. After the match, Charly Caruso interviews Sasha and Bayley, who are washed in a sea of "You deserve it!" chants. Sasha says nobody knows how hard she and Bayley fought to get these, and got this win for the women's locker room. She says that this is only the beginning of the change to come, and that they will continue to make history as Women's Tag Team Champions.
Before the next match, Miz congratulates Sasha Banks and Bayley for their women's tag team title win, then dedicates the match to his wife Maryse and daughter Monroe Sky. Maryse then shows up, and she and Miz announce that they are having a second child. Miz then also dedicates the match to his unborn second child before bringing out Shane McMahon.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat The Miz and Shane McMahon to become the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions and win their sixth tag team titles by countering a lax cover by The Miz with a crucifix pin.
Fastlane is live on WWE Network on March 10th!
Paige shows us a trailer from her biographical film Fighting With My Family.
Backstage, Lio Rush tells Bobby Lashley that Finn Balor doesn't stand a chance when Dasha Fuentes interviews them. Lio realizes that while there is a sporting chance that Finn Balor could divide and conquer should one of them get hurt, nobody is stronger or more dominant then him and Lashley.
Finn Balor beats Lashley and Lio Rush in a 2-on-1 handicap match to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship! After the match, Lashley choke slams Lio Rush into the mat for costing him the Intercontinental title.
It is announced that Royal Rumble 2020 will take place in Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas; it will be the first time Royal Rumble has been in the city since 1989.
Before the next match, Charlotte Flair shows up and is interviewed by Charly Caruso in the ring. Charlotte says life is good when you are here, for she is going to WrestleMania, and last night, she humiliated and decimated Becky Lynch. She says that Becky should have learned by now that she got herself suspended from WWE by pandering for the fans' approval, and says that her own reflection in her mirror gives her all the love she needs, for she knows she is the best in the WWE. She then says she will watch the next match from ringside to see who will main event against her at WrestleMania.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Ruby Riott with the arm bar. After the match, Charlotte Flair gets in the ring and stares down with Ronda Rousey, saying that the title is hers. Suddenly, Becky Lynch is seen approaching the ring on crutches. Becky then throws one of her crutches at Charlotte, then beats her with the other one while Ronda just stands there and watches. Afterwards, Ronda grabs the other crutch, but as Ronda backs Charlotte into a corner, Becky beats Ronda with her crutch before alternating between her and Charlotte. Referees and security finally show up to stop Becky. Becky is then escorted out of the arena through the crowd by security.
Baron Corbin beats Braun Strowman in a no-disqualification following the involvement of Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley, who lay out Strowman and - with the help of Corbin - put him away with a three-man powerbomb off steel step bottoms into two wooden tables.
The 2019 Special Olympics World Games are taking place in Abu Dhabi on March 14-21. Some Team USA athletes from Texas are seen in the front row.
Backstage in the trainer's room, The Miz becomes hard on himself for costing him and Shane the SmackDown tag team titles to the point that he shoves everything off a table. Shane tells Miz to cool down and go home.
Lacey Evans shows up, walks down the ramp, then turns around and walks back up.
Before the next match, "The New" Daniel Bryan chews out the fans for becoming the authority, and blames them for his being first in the next match. Referees outside the cage approach Rowan and eject him from the match. Daniel then asks the fans not to call him a martyr, for he is suffering for a great cause and the people and the planet needs him. He promises that he will come out of the Elimination Chamber as WWE Champion.
"The New" Daniel Bryan retains the WWE Championship against Samoa Joe, Jeff Hardy, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Randy Orton and Kofi Kingston in an Elimination Chamber match. After the match, Big E and Xavier Woods run into the chamber to check on Kofi Kingston. The show ends with the crowd chanting "Thank you, Kofi."
Shane Taylor beats Rhett Titus, Luchasaurus, Chris Sabin, Flip Gordon and Kenny King in a six-way match. During the match, Kenny King gets ejected from the match after being caught hitting Flip Gordon with a steel chair by referee Paul Turner.
The Bouncers (The Beer City Bruiser and Brian Milonas) beat Marcus Kross and Griff Garrison.
Before the next match, Chuckie T introduces his replacement for Trent Barreta, who is out of the match due to a family emergency: Colt Cabana, who has his ring gear underneath normal clothes as he leaves the commentary table.
The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships against Trent Barretta and Colt Cabana. After the match, The Briscoes continue to attack Chuckie T before putting him through a table with Mark Briscoe's Froggy 'Bow.
Ian Riccoboni interviews Jay Lethal in the ring. Lethal says there is a lot on his mind and that it might take a while, and asks Ian to let him take it from here. Ian hands Lethal the microphone and leaves, then Lethal lays the ROH World Championship on the mat. Lethal says he does not even know where to begin, as there is so much pressure on me other than being ROH World Champion. He says he has watched the company he has put his heart and soul into deteriorate before his very eyes, and guys like Bully Ray and The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) run around and cause chaos because they can. He says that he will not stand for this anymore, and he says that the worst part about it is that there is a man with a fake belt running around with a fake World Championship. Lethal says that when he thinks about this, his soul cries out for change in ROH, which he says will change soon. Suddenly, Lifeblood (Juice Robinson, Mark Haskins, David Finley, Bandido, "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams, Tenille Dashwood) shows up, and Juice Robinson says they are speaking the same language. Lethal tells Robinson says it does not end with them, and says he does not want to join Lifeblood, but Robinson says there was never an invitation. Lethal tells Robinson he respects that, and that he believes they want what is best for the company. He gives massive respect to each individual wrestler in Lifeblood, then tells Robinson he does not have to tell him what he has to do to get ROH back on track. He says that he believes Lifeblood can get ROH back on the track it should be on, but he has tried and it is not easy. He wishes Lifeblood luck, but as he leaves the ring, Robinson tells Lethal that they both feel the same way, and says that if there are more like-minded individuals like them in the back, then they should stop singing and start bringing. He then tells Lethal to find four such individuals, then they can get to it. Lethal says he has so much on his plate, but since Lifeblood want to lead by example, he is willing to do this and give the fans a match they can be proud of next week.
At a WWE house show the night before Elimination Chamber, Becky Lynch made a surprise run-in during a match between Charlotte Flair and Asuka and started attacking Charlotte. During the brouhaha, however, Charlotte attacked Becky's knee, re-injuring it. Charlotte then went on a rampage, repeatedly striking Becky with a steel chair until referees and officials forced Charlotte out of the ring and towards the back. The attack did not end there, however, and Charlotte got just a few more shots before bringing Becky back into the ring. There, officials stopped Charlotte Flair from applying the Figure Eight. Afterwards, Becky was helped to the back.
Taya Valkyrie retains the Impact Knockouts Championship against Tessa Blanchard in a street fight following a top rope double foot stomp through a table.
The GWN Flashback Moment of the Week is Dezmond Xavier winning the Super X Cup at Destination X 2017.
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviews Team Impact (Sami Callihan, Eli Drake, Fallah Bahh, Eddie Edwards). Sami Callihan says that he will make himself team captain for he is wrestler of the year. This puts him at odds with Fallah Bahh, Eddie Edwards and Eli Drake. Sami Callihan says he is in it for the money as he is a "maniac for hire," then leaves. Eli Drake, on the other hand, says that everyone should play to their strengths while telling Eddie to bring back the Eddie Edwards of old. Eli then tells Team AAA (Psycho Clown, El Hijo del Vikingo, Aerostar, Puma King) "You can't lucha like we lucha."
Willie Mack beats Ethan Page.
We hear from Killer Kross, who says that Johnny Impact will need a miracle tonight, as tonight will be a 3-on-1 handicap match for him. He says that if Johnny isn't focused, his wandering mind will be prone to assault. Killer Kross says that he will eventually strike, for everyone pays the toll and he is not going away. When Kross leaves, the camera catches Willie Mack walking into a room backstage. Jake Crist and Dave Crist are seen following him into the room.
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviews Team AAA (Psycho Clown, El Hijo del Vikingo, Aerostar, Puma King). Psycho Clown tells Team Impact (Sami Callihan, Eli Drake, Fallah Bahh, Eddie Edwards) that AAA is coming for them tonight and winning on their turf. Puma King says they are doing this for Mexico, as does Psycho Clown.
Sami Callihan shows up. He tells Rich Swann to listen to him up close, as everyone knows about their history, and calls Swann's sit-down interview from last week "fake news." He tells Rich Swann that he gave him opportunities to return home, but he has turned them down, and says that if they are friends like Swann says they are, he will come into the ring and take his offer. Rich Swann shows up, and Sami says they can do this the easy way or the hard way before telling him to put on the shirt. He tosses the shirt at Rich, who throws it back at him. This starts a brawl between the two men. After some fighting, Sami hits Swann with a piledriver on the stage, and referees have to tell Sami to go to the back. Sami turns on the referees and tosses Swann into a table off the side of the stage.
Team AAA (Psycho Clown, El Hijo del Vikingo, Aerostar, Puma King) beats Team Impact (Sami Callihan, Eli Drake, Fallah Bahh, Eddie Edwards) to win the World Cup. Eli Drake is eliminated by Puma King after an argument with Eddie Edwards over the Kendo stick, which causes Eddie to slap Eli. Near the end of the match, Eli Drake shows up with a kendo stick, and when Psycho Clown kicks out of a roll-up, Eli hits Eddie with the kendo stick to cost him - and Team Impact - the match.
Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe and Luster The Legend) returns to Impact in two weeks!
Santana and Ortiz are angry with themselves for losing the Impact World Tag Team titles while Konnan says he should have listened to his gut feeling. He says that he will get them a rematch, but they will do things his way. He also tells Santana and Ortiz that this will be the last time The Latin-American Xchange (Santana and Ortiz) will face off with The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix)
Su Yung and Allie notice Rosemary playing mind games backstage, and Rosemary is briefly seen Allie and Su Yung.
We hear from "The Smoke Show" Scarlett Bordeaux, who says that Las Vegas, Nevada will never be the same again when she makes her in-ring debut.
Next week: Eli Drake vs. Eddie Edwards!
Johnny Impact retains the Impact World Championship against Moose, Killer Kross and "The Machine" Brian Cage after hitting Moose with Starship Pain and going for the pinfall as Brian Cage hits Killer Kross with the Drill Claw.
Here are the top five moments from Tessa Blanchard vs. Taya Valkyrie in a Street Fight for the Impact Knockouts Championship!
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
