Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
We see a video package of the Knockouts Division of the original TNA.
Jimmy Jacobs interviews Gail Kim, who says that she is excited for TNA: There's No Place Like Home and can't wait to see who takes part in the Knockouts Gauntlet Match after seeing women blaze a trail in TNA's history.
Backstage, Jimmy Jacobs interviews Ace Austin, who has competed once in Ultimate X and risked it all for the X Division Championship. He says there is nothing he will not do to keep the title, and no man that will stand in his way.
Suicide and Manik beat Johnny Swinger and Kid Kash.
The superstars of Impact Wrestling are interviewed about what they remember about the rules of the King of the Mountain Match.
Scott Steiner shows up. He says that when he heard Impact was coming to town and TNA was invited to show up, he says that there was no way he wouldn't be coming, as he is the reason TNA has TNA and he does not care if he is politically correct. He says that Petey Williams will be his tag team partner in a four-way match at TNA: There's No Place Like Home, then cuts a Steiner Math promo and says he has a 141 2/3% chance of winning because he is Big Poppa Pump. Suddenly, Joey Ryan shows up. Joey Ryan states that he knows what TNA means, then says he does not know what a Big Bad Booty Daddy, genetic freak or Big Poppa Pump is. He then says Steiner should have been cancelled a long time ago just like TNA was. He then offers him a chance at redemption by joining #CancelCulture, saying goodbye to "Big Poppa Pump" and saying hello to "Big Proper Pump." When Ryan offers to shake his hand, Steiner beats him up and tells him and "the snowflakes" to kiss his ass.
We see a video package of Raven talking about the Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match.
Rhino beats Madman Fulton by disqualification after Jake Crist and Dave Crist attack Rhino. After the match, Tommy Dreamer shows up and tries to fight the Crist brothers, but he is easily overpowered. Suddenly, the lights go out, and when they come back on, Raven is in the ring with a Kendo stick, and he clears the ring. Raven then helps Tommy Dreamer up only to hit him with the Kendo stick and leave through the crowd. Fulton and the Crist brothers go on the attack again, but Suicide and Manik show up to even the odds. Kid Kash, Johnny Swinger and Chase Stevens also run into the ring to get in on the fun, as does Hernandez. Kid Kash then takes everyone out with a splash from the top rope before Hernandez flies over the top rope to do it himself and end the show.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander beats Eddie Edwards with a jackknife pin after "All Ego" Ethan Page grabs Edwards by the foot from the outside. After the match, Alexander continues to attack Edwards, and Page joins in. Suddenly, Tessa Blanchard runs in and fends off Alexander and Page alongside Eddie.
Backstage, "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander tells "All Ego" Ethan Page that they can both be main eventers whenever we want, and tonight, they got a win against Eddie Edwards. Page says he knows they are the best, but cannot fathom why Tessa Blanchard wants to get involved. He says that he and Alexander have been tag team champions since June, and if Tessa wants to stick her nose in their business, he will stick his fist in her face in a one-on-one match.
Kylie Rae beats Cassandra Golden by submission in her Impact debut.
Backstage, Jimmy Jacobs interviews Kylie Rae, who says it feels amazing to be in an Impact ring, as it has been been an emotional year, but she knows this is her home. She announces that she has signed a long-term deal with Impact.
The Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week is Scott Steiner's "Steiner Math" backstage promo from Sacrifice 2008.
Moose shows up. Moose says he is better than every wrestler who ever wrestled for TNA. He is suddenly interrupted by Kid Kash. Kash tells Moose that he has been watching and listening to him for some time, and says that Moose is one amazing athlete. However, he tells Moose he would never have measured up in the original TNA. Moose says he is a walking legend, and challenges him to get in the ring and prove his point. Kid Kash gets in the ring.
Moose beats Kid Kash.
Backstage, Jimmy Jacobs interviews Triple XL - Acey Romero and Larry D. Romero says they are here and are not your average big men, and Larry says that they have been waiting for this moment and that they will shake the world down to its crust. TJP and Fallah Bahh show up with some chicken, and tells them that if they are going for the tag team titles, they will be in line behind them. TJP takes a chicken breast, while Fallah takes the rest of the tray.
Jimmy Jacobs interviews Rich Swann via satellite. Swann says that recovery is hard and has not been going good, but he thinks that Willie Mack has great odds at beating Ace Austin for the X Division title if he watches his back. Suddenly, Ace Austin interrupts the interview and kicks Jimmy Jacobs out of the room, and tells Swann if he thinks Willie will beat him for the title, he has another thing coming, as Willie held him back and is willing to move on, whereas Swann would be with him in his recovery. Swann says that when the time is right, they will be together again, but for now, Willie Mack is set to take his title. Suddenly, somebody knocks on Swann's door, and Ace Austin tells him to answer after saying he sent Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe and Luster the Legend) over. Swann gets the door, and lets out a yelp before Austin says "Bye bye, Rich."
Backstage, Willie Mack is held back from attacking Ace Austin.
Sami Callihan shows up. Sami says he is not going to do what people expect him to do, and says that after he lost the World Championship to Tessa Blanchard, he set himself aside and got his mind straight. He says he threw a fireball in Ken Shamrock's face due to not only issues with Impact, but with the entire wrestling world, as other companies push everyone down to the bottom when a legend shows up, but he would not allow that in Impact. He says that he has earned his spot, and that Shamrock won't earn a spot without getting through him first, even if he is in the best shape of his life and people are still afraid of him. Sami says that while Shamrock is breaking ankles, he is hitting people in the face with a baseball bat and setting them on fire, making him a more dangerous man than Shamrock. Suddenly, Tommy Dreamer shows up. Dreamer says he does not have to speak for Shamrock, and says his father lost his vision and he knows what it is like for someone olde to lose their income along with their vision. Sami says he knows Dreamer has pull in the industry and can show up in a segment whenever he wants, then tells everyone to get a cellphone picture of Dreamer so he can make himself relevant again. Dreamer says that in his day, the older talent helped out the younger talent, and says that Sami is a little troll and that he will not back down from people like him. Sami hits Dreamer with a microphone, but Dreamer fights back. Dreamer then says that the ring is a perfect place for a fight, and says they can have an Old School Rules match right now.
Sami Callihan beats Tommy Dreamer in an Old School Rules Match. After the match, Sami places a trash can and two steel chairs on top of Dreamer, but before he can hurt Dreamer, Rhino comes after him. oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Madman Fulton) gets in the ring and attacks both Dreamer and Rhino. oVe celebrates as a four-man unit once again, then Sami turns off the arena lights. When they come back on, Sami has disappeared, and oVe is surprised and confused, with Fulton angry and distraught.
At a nearby bar, Rosemary tries to start a drinking game with a few men, then talks to another guy concerning Taya Valkyrie. She says that love made her weak and vulnerable, but now she will use humans as she sees fit.
We see a video package of Su Yung.
Backstage, Su Yung - now Suzy again - introduces herself to everyone again, but everyone is afraid of her, including The Deaners (Cody Deaner and Cousin Jake). She knows she is Su Yung, but she is Suzy now. The Deaners run away to go to the next match.
Lou Young is seen in the front row as Schleve Harvey before the next match.
Cody Deaner beats Joey Ryan after Cousin Jake pours beer into Ryan's mouth.
Backstage, Eddie Edwards thanks Tessa Blanchard for having his back earlier tonight, and offers his help against "All Ego" Ethan Page. Tessa says she has this one on her own tonight.
We hear from Michael Elgin, who says that he had Eddie Edwards beaten and is now stronger and better than before, and asks if Eddie can say the same. He also admits that while Tessa Blanchard has "bigger balls" than most of the boys in the back and has proven to be undeniable, every path comes to a roadblock, and he breaks through roadblocks. He says that he has been unbreakable as long as Tessa has proved undeniable, and that he will leave Rebellion as World Champion.
Next week: Chris Bey vs. Daga! oVe (Dave and Jake Crist) vs. Tommy Dreamer and Rhino! Ken Shamrock returns to address Sami Callihan!
Tessa Blanchard beats "All Ego" Ethan Page after Eddie Edwards shows up and hits "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander with Boston Knee Party. After the match, Tessa and Edwards play tug-of-war with the World title when Michael Elgin shows and attacks them both. Edwards and Tessa soon fight back and stand tall in the ring.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes guests hosts this week. Also, the TNT Championship Tournament is announced, with Shawn Spears vs. Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin being revealed as half of the break, with the other half being announced tomorrow night on Dynamite.
Sammy Guevara beats Matt Sells. After the match, Guevara says that nobody in the back or watching at home can do what he can do, as he is the best at whatever he does and is in The Inner Circle because of it. He says that if anybody in the back wants to see how great he is, they can try and fall, for he is the ruler of all wrestlers and all the wrestlers will "bow before the king."
Shawn Spears beats the debuting Shawn Dean.
Darby Allin beats Preston Vance.
Jon Moxley quickly beats the debuting Faboo Andre with an STF. Before the match, Moxley is seen behind a television camera. After the match, Moxley is attacked from behind by Jake Hager, who puts Moxley in an arm triangle.
The show starts with The Undertaker not just "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, but also Allen Jones, saying that he has a big mouth and that he either has a big set or he is just plain stupid. He says that he has heard a lot worse from far better than Styles, and while there are truths to what Styles is saying, Styles was right with not taking him on as he was content being a big fish in a small pond, as the best in the business would beat him. He then says that Styles waited for all the greats other than him to be gone, and that Styles has stepped into something he cannot get out of due to his pride, and while he gets what he did, his pride played with him when he mentioned his wife Michelle McCool. After saying that Styles is mad because Michelle got the Faith Breaker - also known as the Styles Clash - over, he says that Styles will meet his fate when he makes him famous in the Boneyard along with the rest of The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) and makes him rest in peace at WrestleMania. A tombstone for AJ Styles is then seen behind The Undertaker as the camera slowly zooms away from The Undertaker. (During this promo, The Undertaker speaks in a much more normal tone compared to the low, slower drawl that he is known for throughout his career, and calls back to the "American Badass"/"Biker Taker" era version of his character.)
We see footage from earlier today of Becky Lynch approaching the WWE Performance Center in a Becky Lynch-themed 18-wheeler once again.
Becky Lynch shows up. Becky says that she fought two champions in one match at last year's WrestleMania and that the stakes could not have been any higher, and after doing all she could, she has walked "on that razor blade" ever since. We then see a replay of Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte vs. Ronda Rousey for the WWE Raw and SmackDown Women's Championships from WrestleMania 35. After the replay of the match, Becky Lynch says that this is the first time she has watched the match back, and while many have tried to take the Raw Women's title from her, including Shayna Baszler, she admits losing the title would break her. Becky admits she does not know who she is without being champion, but she also knows about Baszler's demons, and while Baszler talks a big game, she will fight from emotion like all the rest and try to do what Ronda Rousey could not. She says that she knows the elation Baszler will have when she wins and comes out of Rousey's shadow, but that she will go back into Rousey's shadow if she loses. Suddenly, she is grabbed from behind by Baszler with a Kirifuda Clutch. After slamming Becky into the announce table, Baszler grabs Becky off the stage and slams her into the side of the announce table before lifting up the Raw Women's Championship over a downed Becky Lynch before tossing it onto her.
WrestleMania 35 will re-air on ESPN this Sunday at 3 PM Eastern, 12 PM Pacific.
We look back on "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair from WrestleMania 24, courtesy of Snickers.
Aleister Black quickly beats Jason Cade much like he beat Leon Ruff last week.
Before the next match, Zelina Vega announces that Andrade has suffered a serious injury to his ribs and is medically unable to compute. However, she has access to the hottest young talent, and introduces Austin Theory.
Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and Kevin Owens beat Seth Rollins, Austin Theory and Angel Garza. After the match, Rollins immediately hits Owens with The Stomp.
We see a sneak peak of "The Big Show Show" on Netflix, premiering next Monday.
After the commercial break, Kevin Owens says that Seth Rollins kicked some sense into him, and that after thinking about what he said last week, he has a lot to say. He tells Rollins that the WWE Performance Center despite Seth Rollins, who was a nightmare to deal with and a person nobody could stand, and says that all Rollins is is "an arrogant dipshit." Owens says the difference between himself and Rollins is that he is not delusional like him, and that last week, Rollins proved him right after calling himself a god while calling him a disappointment. Owens says those words stung, he thought of how askew Rollins is, as he was Universal Champion long before you and has plenty of accomplishments. He admits he did not get those accomplishments on his own, then says that Rollins did not, either. Owens tells Rollins that he needs to be honest with himself, as the only thing he said last week that made sense is that his past no longer mattered when he made it to WWE. He says that this will never be more true than on Saturday, and that the only thing that matters is that it is them finally having a one-on-one match where he shows Rollins is not a messiah or a god when he is the one to burn it down.
We hear from Edge, who says that while he may be a junkie for himself, it is because he loves the feeling, connection with the audience and the raw connection in an arena when his music hits, and says that everyone is a junkie for this. He says he knew as a fan and that he knows now that if you are not a junkie for the business, you are in the way. He admits he and Orton have different definitions for the word "grit," and that Orton is "okay with being okay" and having things handed to him. He says that grit is pulling someone out of the hole who may not deserve it, refusing to be a lackey, forging your own path and coming back to end a career on one's own terms. Edge then says that Orton is jealous not of him, but of his passion, as passion cannot be fabricated and he has it and Orton does not. He says that Orton only has passion when he is around, and that everyone knows that but him. He knows that scares Orton, and says that Orton is a junkie for how he makes him feel. Edge says that the voices in Orton's head fear this feeling and take things both personally and way too far to the point that he pulled him back in. Edge says he was a man who would put his body on the entire line to take the torch that Orton took for granted, and after stating that Orton dug himself into another hole, Edge says he will push him so far in he will never get back out.
Before the next match, Asuka says that nobody is ready for her after asking Kayden Carter "Who are you?"
Asuka beats Kayden Carter with the Asuka Lock. After the match, Asuka tells Alexa Bliss that she will easily beat her.
In footage from earlier today, Rhea Ripley is attacked from behind by Charlotte Flair outside of the WWE Performance Center.
Rey Mysterio vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series 2019 is replayed.
Elias vs. King Corbin is official for WrestleMania. Also, Austin Theory will replace Andrade as Angel Garza's tag team partner in the Raw Tag Team title match against Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford).
Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar are in the ring. Heyman says he hates pulling back the curtain in a business where people are made larger than life and marketed to a worldwide audience, and while tonight's show is the last before WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar is the one to beat on the biggest show of the year. He says that Drew McIntyre has truly stepped up this year, as McIntyre is that special compared to the guy on the street, "the dumbass in the gym who says 'I can do that WWE stuff'," and an extraordinary locker room. Heyman also says that special Superstars who were icons and legends like The Rock, John Cena, The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan were laid out by Brock Lesnar, whom he calls "a once-ever athlete." Heyman says that the finishing moves of those who took Lesnar on - which do not need his words to embellish - did not work, and then says that the Claymore Kick will not work on his client. Heyman then says that Lesnar will be standing in the ring with the WWE Championship this time next year while he talks about how McIntyre came up short and got "beat up fugly" when he walks into WrestleMania as "Brock's bitch."
This is a best-of episode featuring The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe). Matches covered and other things in the episode include:
The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoes) mentioning some memories of their matches in the backyard of the Briscoe family compound, including a barbed wire baseball bat and the chicken house
Kevin Steen and El Generico vs. The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) for the ROH World Tag Team Championships (Driven, June 23, 2007)
The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) talking about Jay's debut match against Amazing Red at the first-ever ROH show as well as Mark's debut against Jay and their other matches against each other
Mark Briscoe vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH World Championship (Best In The World 2013)
Pinx and Fidel Bravo beat 4 Minutes of Heat ("Rock God" Ricky Gibson and "Freak Nasty" Eddie Pearl). After the match, David Marquez interviews Pinx and Bravo, who say that they are not "ham and eggers", and that while UWN may have forgotten about them, they have not forgotten about UWN, and all eyes are on them.
Backstage, Jon Roberts interviews Watts and Dan Joseph. Watts says that Ray Rosas is not stupid and there is no way he will cash the PP3 in on Joseph, not him. Joseph says that Rosas has held the TV title three times and will be coming for Watts. Suddenly, Andy Brown and Adrian Quest show up, and Brown says that Watts and Joseph may be big and bad when Rosas is not around, and that the Heritage title is the one they want. Brown slaps Joseph as he says he and Quest will show them what a real ass-whipping is like, and Watts and Joseph give chase.
Danny "Limelight" Rivera beats Steven Tresario with the New York Minute in his first match since being injured before the PP3 Cup Tournament. David Marquez interviews Rivera after the match. Rivera says he does not respect people who do not have the intestinal fortitude to meet him face-to-face and instead attack him from behind, but he is back and on his winning ways. He says that money being taken off of his table and away from his daughter's mouth is something he takes personally, and says that to whoever attacked him from behind, everything that happens in the dark will come to the light, and nobody will shine brighter than him.
Watts and Dan Joseph beat Andy Brown and Adrian Quest. After the match, Brown and Quest attack Watts and Joseph, then bring out Ray Rosas. Rosas teases cashing in the PP3 Cup, but ultimate sends the referee away.
Bayley and Sasha Banks show up to start tonight's show. Bayley and Sasha Banks talk about the magic of WrestleMania, and Bayley says that this year, WrestleMania is a nightmare because of Paige, whom she calls sad, jealous and irrelevant. She goes on to say that Paige is angry at and jealous of her success and has put her in a Six-Pack Challenge with the SmackDown Women's Championship on the line and Sasha Banks as one of her opponents as a result, and says that Paige's attempt to drive a wedge between them will backfire. As Bayley asks Sasha if she has her back, Lacey Evans shows up. Lacey says that Bayley's mouth is as big as her hat, and that Bayley can't seem to keep her mouth shut. Bayley calls Lacey a loser and Sasha tells her to run to her daughter, but Lacey says WrestleMania will be a nightmare and that she will break Sasha's jaw so she can't say her daughter's name anymore and beat some respect into Bayley. Suddenly, Naomi shows up. Naomi tells Lacey she is with her, and says that she has some unfinished business with Bayley after Super Show-Down and that it will be a bonus when she snatches her bald as she becomes champion. Tamina shows up before Bayley can get much of a word in, and says actions speak louder than words before headbutting Naomi and superkicking Lacey. Bayley and Sasha stomp Naomi, then retreat as soon as they back into Tamina, and Bayley barely gets the SmackDown Women's Championship out of the ring on her way out.
Sami Zayn guests on commentary for the next match.
Drew Gulak beats Shinsuke Nakamura with a jackknife pin after Daniel Bryan pulls him away from the Kinshasa. As per pre-match stipulation, Daniel Bryan will face Sami Zayn for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Dolph Ziggler is on the phone, saying that Otis deserved what has happened to him recently after "creeping all over Mandy [Rose]." Suddenly, Otis shows up with referees and officials holding him back, and Ziggler challenges Otis to a match at WrestleMania. Otis accepts Ziggler's challenge.
We hear from Elias, who agrees with the idea of Rob Gronkowski hosting WrestleMania before performing a song called "Kingdom of Fools," where he sings that King Corbin will have no chance of beating him as he makes fun of him. After calling Corbin "a turd" and his throne "a toilet," Elias is suddenly attacked by Corbin as soon as he turns his back, and Corbin sends Elias over the balcony and onto the concrete below.
It is announced that Elias has been transported to a local medical facility, and that updates on his condition will be provided over the weekend.
Nikki Cross guests on commentary for the next match.
Alexa Bliss beats Asuka.
Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) say it would not be the road to WrestleMania if they and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) did not battle it out one more time, especially with #1 contendership for the SmackDown tag team titles on the line. They plan to go Uso crazy and head to WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns vs. Triple H for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 32 is replayed.
Backstage, Triple H says that after having been in the ring with Roman Reigns and Goldberg, both men have the intensity to be big stars, but Roman's intensity builds while Goldberg's only lasts for a brief time. Because of that, he feels that Roman will only get stronger as time passes, and that if the match is quick, Goldberg will win. However, if it goes long, Roman will build his intensity until Goldberg runs out of gas and get the win at WrestleMania.
We hear from The New Day (Kofi Kngston and Big E). Kofi says tonight is a special night, as they go through The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in a battle for the ages to go to WrestleMania, and Big E says that he sees The Usos much like his own sons and that it will hurt him more than it hurts The Usos.
Backstage, Dolph Ziggler talks with Sonya Deville about what happened between himself and Otis when Mandy Rose shows up to have a word with Ziggler alone. Mandy questions Ziggler rubbing rejection into Otis' face, and says that she refuses to have them both fight over her like a piece of meat, even though she supports the match between the two men.
It's time for Firefly Fun House. Bray Wyatt tells The Fiend's lantern that he had his chance and failed against John Cena, but "he" will not. Abby asks Bray if he has the secret to beating John Cena. Bray makes a protein powder of disappointment, self-loating, hot sauce (for flavor) and a huge heaping of rage and resentment. Ramblin' Rabbit proposes adding a carrot to see John Cena, but Bray adds him and his "irrelevant opinions" instead. After blending everything together, Bray drinks up, and says a big star like John Cena deserves more than an ordinary match as "The Fiend" is anything but ordinary, and wants Cena to step into his world. Bray then announces that The Fiend has challenged Cena to a Firefly Fun House, then drinks his concoction again before saying there is one nasty side effect.
Next week: Roman Reigns and Goldberg face-to-face! John Cena answer's Bray Wyatt's Firefly Fun House Challenge!
The Miz and John Morrison guests on commentary for the next match.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) ends with The Miz and John Morrison attacking both teams in retaliation for attacking them during the match. Afterwards, Cole gets word from WWE officials and announces that as per WWE officials, The Miz and Morrison will have to defend the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against both teams - who lay Miz and Morrison out - at WrestleMania.
Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) beats Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter.
Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) is seen in a restaurant playing poker.
We hear from Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) and Alexander Wolfe concerning the twenty-man battle royal to determine the #1 contender for the NXT UK Championship next week.
In footage from during the break, Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter are being interviewed when they are mockingly congratulated by Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley), who change their tune when Oliver Carter goes off on them.
Aoife Valkyrie beats Nina Samuels.
Backstage, Piper Niven says that Dani Luna doesn't need anyone to protect her, but at the same time, Dani has no idea how cunning Kay Lee Ray can be. Niven says she has seen Kay Lee Ray destroy one of her friends, and she will not allow it to happen again. She says that she and Dani Luna will hav a tag team match with Kay Lee Ray and Jinny next week, and that when she gets her hands on Kay Lee Ray, she will pay for what she has done.
We hear from "Flash" Morgan Webster, who hopes that Mark Andrews will be okay before promising that he will make whoever attacked Andrews pay. As for next week, he will win the twenty-man battle royal to become #1 contender for the NXT UK Championship.
Noam Dar beats A-Kid with a low blow prior to the Nova Roller.
After the match, Noam Dar calls everyone else in next week's twenty-man battle royal a "dafty" as he says that he will become the new NXT UK Champion.
We hear from "Bomber" Dave Mastiff, Kassius Ohno, and Ilja Dragunov concerning next week's twenty-man battle royal.
Jordan Devlin retains the NXT Cruiserweight Championship against "The Kiwi Buzzsaw" Travis Banks after grabbing the bottom rope as he goes for a pinfall attempt.
Tonight's show has no crowd and has essential personnel only. It is also announced that NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay has officially been cancelled and that the show's matches will take place in the coming weeks.
Tyler Breeze beats Austin Theory when Theory gets too cocky and records himself going for a big move on Breeze's smartphone in an effort to send a message to Breeze's future kids. As Theory has Breeze up for a move, Breeze breaks free and hits the Beauty Shot for the win, then tells his future kids in the video message that he's still got it.
Killian Dain beats the debuting Tehuti Miles.
Cameron Grimes beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese.
Before the next match, it is revealed that Xia Li has been attacked backstage. Xia Li is then officially replaced by a returning Io Shirai as per General Manager William Regal.
Io Shirai beats Aliyah to qualify for the NXT Women's Championship #1 Contender's Ladder Match.
We see a vignette for Dexter Lumis.
Keith Lee shows up. Lee says that he is now aware that Damien Priest attacked him, but he assumed that Dominik Dijakovic attacked him and mocked him by holding the North American Championship. As he states that he owes Dijakovic an apology, Dijakovic shows up. Dijakovic says he does not give a damn about his apology; only his North American Championship, and while he has more respect for him than Priest does, he took food off his family's plate. Damian Priest shows up and says that his eyes are on the North American title because it will give him more money, more women, more fame and more legacy, and for his name to live forever, he must win the title. Lee tells Priest says that who he attacked means he does not live forever, and he is standing right here. Priest then pulls out a baton and says that she shouldn't be standing anymore. Dijakovic goes after Priest, but Lee pulls Dijakovic away and attacks Priest himself. Dijakovic takes out both men with a swanton over the top rope.
We hear from Adam Cole, who is currently on vacation. He says that he has been thinking about his altercation with Velveteen Dream, then says there is no reason for him to be flustered after what he has done in NXT. He says that Velveteen Dream has done nothing to earn a shot at him and the NXT Championship and that The Undisputed Era wants a piece of him, especially Bobby Fish, and says that it is "dream over" for Velveteen Dream when Fish is done with him.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch beat Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink with a crossface from Burch to Vink as Lorcan puts Thorne in a knee bar.
Candice LeRae beats Kayden Carter with the Garga-No Escape to qualify for the NXT Women's Championship #1 Contender's Ladder Match.
Matt Riddle beats Roderick Strong. After the match, two indentical-looking men lay Riddle out. All of a sudden, a man named Malcolm Bivens shows up and says he has taken advantage of Riddle being alone to introduce the future of the tag team division. (Bivens is best known for his time in Ring of Honor as Stokely Hathaway.)
Next week: Velveteen Dream vs. Boby Fish! A Second Chance Gauntlet Match for the NXT Women's Championship #1 Contender's Ladder Match! Dominik Dijakovic vs. Damian Priest vs. Keith Lee for the NXT North American Championship!
Triple H is in the ring. He states that there has never been a more intense rivalry in NXT than between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. Not long afterwards, Tommaso Ciampa shows up. Ciampa says he has been in NXT for five years, and that everything that can be said and done has been said and done. After Ciampa demands that Gargano come to the ring, Triple H says that there will be no physicality tonight. Gargano shows up and says he will not get into the ring with Ciampa after he attacked him last week, and says that it is all Ciampa's fault the Performance Center was damaged. Triple H brings up Gargano superkicking the referee, and says if it weren't for him, they would be fire. Triple H brings up Gargano superkicking the referee, and says if it weren't for him, they would be fired. He then demands Gargano get in the ring, which he does, after Triple H tells Ciampa not to touch him. Triple H says that Ciampa and Gargano's rivalry has gone far enough, and while there will come a point where everything will be put aside and both men will realize there is more to life than what's in the ring, he gets what is going on and how it all should end. Gargano says it should have all ended last year, but Ciampa broke his neck and he was not the one to break it. Ciampa says bigger things are happening in his own world and while he broke his neck, he agrees that this must end. Triple H says that this must end on the biggest stage, but Gargano disagrees, saying all they need is a referee and a ring. After Gargano says he will make Ciampa realize what kind of monster he is, Triple H asks when they can end it. Triple H says that in two weeks, he will find an empty building, put a ring in it, and have a referee in there to say it is over, and when it is over, it is over and it is done. He says that if it continues, neither man will be in NXT. Both men argue over who NXT will carry on without and who will win in two weeks, then the vignette with the clocks, ruined buildings and vultures appears on the TitanTron. Killer Kross' face is seen on the vignette this time. This ends the show.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega replace Excalibur and Jim Ross on commentary this week.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Jimmy Havoc after hitting Cross Rhodes twice. After the match, Jake "The Snake" Roberts shows up on the video screen, and says that Lance Archer is chomping at the bit to get into the ring with somebody from All Elite Wrestling, and says that his phone did not ring when AEW was being formed and that Archer was overlooked because those in charge were afraid. He tells Cody to give them a chance, bring whoever he wants - including Arn Anderson and his wife Brandi Rhodes - and make a match between Cody and Archer official. He then says it is all up to Cody.
We see a black-and-white video where Darby Allin states he sees nothing "superbad" about him and that. He says that his eyes will tell the story of a man who wanted to see how bad things could get before he learned his lesson. He says that he knows some "superbad" people, and that he got too close and learned his lesson the hard way as we see him in various masks depicting the members of The Inner Circle. Allin says that he will show Sabian that he is nothing more than a sacrifice for the sins of The Inner Circle.
Darby Allin beats "Superbad" Kip Sabian with a Figure Four Leg Lock-style roll-up maneuver that he calls "The Last Supper."
We see a video package for Jake Hager.
Jake Hager beats the debuting Chico Adams with the arm triangle. After the match, Jon Moxley shows up and has a brawl with Hager, and quickly hits Hager with the Paradigm Shift. Suddenly, Hager goes for the ankle lock while down on the mat, but Moxley escapes it and fends him off before he can get back into the ring.
Backstage, Jon Moxley says he told Jake Hager to check his blind spot and that he goes where he wants, when he wants. He then says he is medically cleared for action and out for blood, then says that while Hager walked away from a fight tonight, he will make sure he is carted out on a stretcher - or die trying - when the World Championship is on the line.
We see a video package of Brodie Lee eating a meal in front of The Dark Order, who says that The Dark Order does what they want when they want and prey on the week. As Alex Reynolds is about to eat, Brodie kicks him out of the ring and tells John Silver not to eat before he is done. Suddenly, Silver sneezes, and Brodie kicks him out of the room for sneezing. (This is a dig at Vince McMahon.)
Brodie Lee beats QT Marshall in his AEW debut. After the match, a follower of The Dark Order drops a mask on top of a downed Marshall.
We hear from Matt Hardy, who says that The Inner Circle must be broken and that he is ready to delete them.
It is announced via Vanguard-1 that Nick Jackson is okay and is recovering at his home. Vanguard-1 then flies away when Nick Jackson approaches.
Kenny Omega retains the AAA Megas Championship against Sammy Guevara.
Chris Jericho shows up. After recording the cameraman singing "Judas," he addresses Matt Hardy's debut and allegiance to The Elite from last week. He then says Matt Hardy has no idea what he has gotten himself to, and gives him a chance to make the right decision and join The Inner Circle. As he calls out Matt Hardy, Vanguard-1 shows up and flies above the ring. Jericho tells Vanguard-1 he has never liked him or what he stood for, and calls him "a piece of shit." He then says that even though he does not like Vanguard-1, he respects him, and asks him to join The Inner Circle, saying that all the power will lie in the propellers, that he will have bubbly in his gas tank, drone models at his feet and smoking the finest mechanical cigars. Vanguard-1 flies away instead of accepting the offers, and as Jericho yells at Vanguard-1, Matt Hardy's theme plays. Matt Hardy is then seen in the upper section of the empty arena, then suddenly teleports to the middle section. He then teleports his way from the lower seats to the front row. He then makes his way to the ring and confronts Jericho, and tells him he knew he would come. On the subject of teleportation, Matt says he is magic. Jericho tells Matt Hardy that the show and the company was built on his back, and says that he is the one that Matt wants to align himself with and not "the arrogant sons of bitches" in The Elite. Matt says he owed The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) a debt for resurrecting his "Broken" form and because he has seen the tyranny of The Inner Circle. He says that AEW represents freedom and is his Arcadia, and that he cannot let The Inner Circle ruin AEW, which he calls his paradise. Jericho says that he made some people and brought others to AEW and that he can make Matt Hardy in AEW, then says that Matt Hardy 'deserves a mulligan" and gives him another chance to join The Inner Circle. Matt says he was repaying he debt last week, and that Jericho does not understand that there is another essence behind the wheel of his vessel, and says it is Damascus, who is over 3000 years old. He says that when it comes to creating violence, chaos and brutality, Damascus is basically perfect. Jericho says that Damascus must be wise even though nobody knows reinvention more than himself, Matt Hardy is still the same person he has known for years inside despite the change of his outward appearance. Matt says that he could say the same of Jericho, but inside, Jericho still has an evil essence inside of him. Jericho tells Matt he is "the same old Matt Hardy" who lives in the shadow of his brother Jeff Hardy as well as bad booking, as well as his own, but Matt says he is in nobody's shadow and that his broken brilliance is shining brighter than ever. Jericho gives Matt Hardy one last chance to join The Inner Circle, but all he gets from him is "delete." After an argument consisting of only the words "Elite" and "delete," Jericho tells Matt Hardy that there is nobody chanting with him in the empty arena, but Matt Hardy says there are essences everywhere, and that The Inner Circle will fade away and classify themselves as obsolete. Jericho says that nobody is here and that he has banned all fans from AEW shows until he says so, but Matt says there are essences here regardless, and that the essences of famous people are still in the crowd. Jericho says he sees nobody in the crowd, but Matt Hardy says that just because Jericho does not see them or have faith does not mean they are there, then tells him to take off his sunglasses and get a long, hard look at the entity who will delete him and The Inner Circle. Jericho says he sees the same old Matt Hardy and that he should slap the essences out of him. Jericho does that, but Matt Hardy knocks him down with a punch. Jericho says that Matt Hardy is a wizard for knocking him down with one punch and that he has magic of his own, then summons Sammy Guevara, who attacks Matt Hardy. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega show up with steel chairs and go after Jericho and Guevara. As Jericho and Guevara confront them from afar, Matt Hardy makes the pyro around the stage go off around Jericho and Guevara repeatedly, ending the show.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Jake Hager quickly beats the debuting Joe Alonzo with the arm triangle.
"The Natural" Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall - now known as "The Natural Nightmares" - beat the debuting Matt Sells and Jon Cruz.
SoCal Uncensored ("The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) beats Shawn Spears and the debuting Robert Anthony after Spears leaves Anthony high and dry for making mistakes. Spears attacks Anthony after the match and hits him with the C4.
"Superbad" Kip Sabian beats the debuting Suge D (also known as Sugar Dunkerton) by submission.
Colt Cabana beats Brandon Cutler.
Sonny Kiss and "The Bad Boy" Joey Janela beat the debuting Corey Hollis and Mike Reed.
Willie Mack beats Cousin Jake, Chris Bey, Acey Romero, Daga, Rohit Raju, Jake Crist and Trey Miguel to become #1 contender for the Impact X Division Championship in an eight-way match.
We hear from Dave Crist and Madman Fulton. Dave tells Fulton that they have to win and break their losing streak, and Jake Crist shows up and tells them they need to get a win steak going and get Sami Callihan back. Jake says that Sami is testing them, but Dave says that Sami has not spoken to them in months and they are falling apart. Jake is convinced is a test and that Sami is his best friend as all three men agree they are for Ohio, by Ohio and taking over everything.
Moose quickly beats "The Natural" Chase Stevens. After the match, Moose continues to attack Chase Stevens, then grabs a steel chair and hits Stevens with it as more referees show up to tell Moose to stop. As Moose is about to put the chair around Stevens' head, Scott D'Amore shows up and says that if Moose wants a piece of TNA, all he has to do is turn around. He turns around and meets a top rope drop kick from Suicide, who has a more rugged outfit than usual.
At a bar, Rosemary is amazed by how humanity can be so happy when she has spent the last two years trying to get vengeance. She is then met by Raven, who tells her that he gets an orgasmic feeling from eternal vengeance. Rosemary then teleports out of the bar.
Backstage, Willie Mack is congratulated by Ace Austin and Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe and Luster The Legend). Willie thinks that Ace Austin is trying to play mind games, but he is not fooled and he will take the X Division Championship from him. Austin says he was trying to be nice and that somebody should teach him how to take a compliment. As he and Reno Scum leave, Johnny Swinger shows up and says that they could have been a great team, then says he wants to face him for the X Division title to get more fans.
Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe and Luster The Legend) beat The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier and Trey Miguel).
Su Yung - armed with a dagger - is in a dungeon in the Undead Realm.
We see another vignette for Tenille Dashwood.
The Impact Plus Flashback of the Moment is The Latin-American Xchange (Homicide and Hernandez) vs. Team 3D (Brother Ray and Devon) in the Deuces Wild Tag Team Tournament finals for the TNA World Tag Team Championships from Sacrifice 2008.
We see a vignette from #CancelCulture (Rob Van Dam, Katie Forbes, Joseph P. Ryan), where Joseph P. Ryan is supposed to be a safe space, but it is ruined by the toxic masculinity of The Deaners, who will be cancelled next week. We then see The Deaners (Cody Deaner and Cousin Jake) on their farm. Cody Deaner doesn't seem to know why Cancel#Culture wants to cancel him, and has no idea why he is cancelled or what "cancelled" even means. All Cody knows is that he has to beat Joseph P. Ryan.
Sami Callihan hacks the show, who says that he is in the mood for isolation due to the state of the world and the Internet, and refuses to answer questions about his actions, saying it is for him to know and us to find out. He also says that being put in a match with Ken Shamrock is part of his plan and that he has a plan for everything, and that blood will be on Impact management's hands. He then says that he sees all and will be taking over everything.
Rhino and Sabu beat oVe (Dave Crist and Madman Fulton) in an Old School Rules Match. During the match, Dave Crist hits Rhino with a low blow. When the referee yells at him for it, Dave shoves the referee to the mat, then grabs a steel chair only to have it taken away from him by the referee when he is about to strike Rhino with it. Dave throws a fist at the referee, but the referee ducks and Rhino hits Dave with a Gore for the win following a fast count by the referee.
Backstage, Su Yung climbs into a coffin and teleports into the Undead Realm. In the Undead Realm, Su Yung grabs a noose, then finds Havok and Father James Mitchell in the torture chamber. Mitchell states that since Havok and Rosemary could not play well with each other, one of them has to go and it has to be Su Yung. Su Yung and Havok fight each other with a sword and a crowbar, respectively, but Rosemary is able to grab the noose and choke Havok out. Suddenly, a man in a black mask breaks free of his bindings and hits Su Yung with a baseball bat. As the man is about to finish her off, Su Yung cuts him down with the sword and threatens to kill Mitchell before Havok wraps the noose around Su Yung's neck. Su Yung hits Havok with a crowbar, then gets the noose off as Havok grabs a hook. She takes the hook to Su Yung's mouth, but Rosemary locks in the Mandible Claw and is about to kill Havok with the sword when Mitchell congratulates her. As he says that Su Yung proved herself and that Havok is a disgrace, Mitchell then says it is time to remove them both from her life, and Mitchell's minions grab them both and send them into the Undead Realm. Before they know it, Su Yung and Havok are now in a seemingly endless desert area.
Michael Elgin and Taya Valkyrie beat Tessa Blanchard and Eddie Edwards.
In the Undead Realm, Su Yung and Havok are met by Rosemary, who offers to help them against Father James Mitchell if they trust her one more time. They do, and they teleport back into the Undead Realm before she goes back to partying. Father James Mitchell is surprised to see Su Yung and Havok and says both of them passed the test and earned his respect. Su Yung grabs her dagger, but Havok takes it away only to stab Father James Mitchell herself. Father James Mitchell soon ends up in Heaven, where a kitten and Abyss dressed in white with a bag of thumbtacks awaits him, and Mitchell ends the show by saying "Who booked this shit?"
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
The show starts with the Brock Lesnar/Drew McIntyre video package that aired last week.
Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar are in the ring at the WWE Performance Center. Heyman says that we live in most uncertain times right now, and in a time where everyone needs certainty in their lives, he brings that certainty in Brock Lesnar. He states that Drew McIntyre can do anything he wants to get ready for Lesnar, but he cannot beat him at WrestleMania, and says that getting on his hands and knees will not help McIntyre. Heyman then says that Lesnar will answer McIntyre's next prayer concerning WrestleMania and make his end quick, but not painless. Heyman also says that McIntyre will main event WWE for years to come after what he did to Lesnar, but after WrestleMania, McIntyre will be just another of Lesnar's victims and Lesnar will stay WWE Champion.
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship from Royal Rumble 2015 is replayed.
Next week: Seth Rollins live!
The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) show up. Styles celebrates the fact that he will finally face The Undertaker at WrestleMania, and says that The Undertaker has "lost control of everything" after walking out with "maternity pants" last week and looking like "a Gothic version of the Tiger King." Styles also makes light of a video on The Undertaker's Twitter account of The Undertaker with Michelle McCool in a swimming pool with a tiger, and says 'Taker has lost control of himself after losing to Brock Lesnar. Styles then says that The Undertaker's mystique is gone, and says that he wants The Undertaker from yesterday, but he is nowhere to be found. Nevertheless, he will give the fans what they want to see, and says he will bring that Undertaker back. He then says he will bring back the old Undertaker by challenging him to a Boneyard Match, and when it is over, he has the perfect plot to bury him: the same plot that Michelle McCool picked out when she buried his career.
It is announced that Andrade and Angel Garza vs. Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships is official for WrestleMania.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Zelina Vega, Andrade and Angel Garza. Zelina says that Andrade and Angel Garza will prove why they are the best team in WWE, and that Andrade will soon be the most decorated champion in WWE. She says that Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) can dance around all they want, but they will lose the tag team titles. Andrade says Street Profits "want the smoke," but they want the titles, and Garza says they are men and they know what they want.
Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) guest on commentary in the middle of the next match.
Andrade and Angel Garza beat Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. After the match, Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) approach the ring, and when Andrade and Garza attack, both teams go at it. Street Profits eventually get the upper hand and force Andrade and Garza to retreat.
We look back on Kofi Kingston's WWE Championship win from last year's WrestleMania, courtesy of Snickers.
Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink.
We see footage of R-Truth pinning Riddick Moss for the WWE 24/7 Championship from over the weekend.
Elias vs. King Corbin and Aleister Black vs. Bobby Lashley are both made official for WrestleMania.
Charly Caruso interviews "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler in the ring. Shayna refuses to answer Charly's questions at first, noting Charly's nervousness, then says that Becky Lynch should expect to lose at WrestleMania. Shayna then says she wants the Raw Women's title because she loves to destroy, and when she takes the title from Becky, it will destroy her. She then says she has shown who she was since the beginning. All of a sudden, a steel chair is smashed into Shayna's back, and when the lights come back on, it is revealed that Becky has attacked Shayna from behind.
Aleister Black beats Leon Ruff. Just like on Main Event, Aleister sits down in front of Ruff, and when Ruff tries to hit him with a boot, Aleister gets up, catches it and hits Black Mass for the win.
Kevin Owens is in the ring. He states that Seth Rollins was nowhere to be found when he offered his challenge, and says that he knows that Seth is here tonight and that he is all ears if he has something to say. Rollins soon shows up. He tells Owens that he was looking for him and that he has a few questions regarding his comments from last week, then asks Owens if he honestly believes that fighting him in the Performance Center gives him an edge. Rollins then states he did not train in the WWE Performance Center because it did not exist yet, and that it was built off his blood, sweat and success while he trained in a warehouse and was told his past work did not matter. Nevertheless, he had to keep coming back and suffer and succeed for people like Owens, so that they could get the chance to train in a beautiful building like this. He then says that Owens refuses to fall in line, and says nothing involving the building exists without him. He also states that without him, there is no Owens. Rollins then asks why Owens picked WrestleMania as the one time to try to make an example out of him, given his track record at the event. Rollins says he has more WrestleMania moments than he can count while Owens has zero and a track record at the event that is nothing but failure after failure. He says that Owens cannot beat him on his worst day and that WrestleMania is not it, as he is a god under pressure. Rollins tells Owens that he does not stand a chance, then leaves.
Charlotte vs. Asuka for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship from WrestleMania 34 is replayed.
An encore of WrestleMania 32 will air this Sunday on ESPN at 7 PM Eastern/4 PM Pacific.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Charlotte Flair, who says that while Rhea Ripley wants to be like her and ready to make history, she is the master of making history at WrestleMania and plans to do the same this year. Charlotte then says that Rhea is more than welcome to watch her legacy matches and maybe learn a thing or two.
Randy Orton shows up. He says that over the last few months, he has done and said some things that have been misunderstood, and that his actions have come from a place of love but have only been taken as actions of violence and brutality. Orton says he is here to respond to Edge's challenge, but first, he has to apologize for lying to his wife Beth Phoenix when he said Edge was a junkie for the roar of the crowd; instead, Edge is a junkie for his own ego. He then admits that he was handed an opportunity because of who he was and what his last name is as Edge said, but he says this does not guarantee a Hall of Fame career, as he had to earn the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Championships. He then says he had to take the torch from Mick Foley by beating him up when Foley did not pass the torch to him, and went from being a third-generation prospect to the three most dangerous initials in the process thanks to his own grit. He considers grit to be longevity in a business that rarely has any, and being the only constant in a locker room that has not accomplished even nearly as much as he has, then calls Edge calling him an entitled brat ironic, as Edge would have done the same things he did. Orton then says that he has done and said what he has done in the last few months to Edge because he loves him, and after Edge's challenge of a Last Man Standing Match at WrestleMania, Edge may be writing the story, but he will write the last chapter and end it. Orton then accepts Edge's challenge.
After winning the title against Mojo Rawley back on February 10, Riddick Moss has officially lost the title to R-Truth, who is now a 35-time WWE 48/77/11 24/7 I-95 South European Television Champion.
It all started after Riddick Moss spotted a WWE referee driving a new Ford car Kia Optima (thanks, Tyrese Wormely!). As Riddick Moss chews out the referee for supposedly having a new car he can't afford and being in an area he can't afford - his neighborhood, which is interestingly in the Orlando, Florida area, where everything is now being taped due to COVID-19 - R-Truth sneaked out of the trunk and took the title with the tried and true schoolkid pin. Afterwards, R-Truth told "Mr. Randy Moss" to "go back to football" and the referee ran after the car after R-Truth drove off, as the new Kia was indeed his and under lease.
Should have done your social distancing and stuck to the treadmill, Riddick!
Quinn McKay hosts a recap of recent events. Matches covered and other things in the episode include:
A video package of 2 Guys 1 Tag (Silas Young and Josh "The Goods" Woods)
Dan Maff and Jeff Cobb vs. The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) at Bound By Honor
Rey Horus vs. Alex Shelley at Bound By Honor
An advertisement for replays of 18th Anniversary being available on pay-per-view (they are not, due to the show being cancelled due to the 2019-2020 Coronavirus "COVID-19" pandemic.)
A run-down of the card for Supercard of Honor XIV (which is also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
2 Guys 1 Tag (Silas Young) vs. Jonathan Gresham and Jay Lethal for the ROH World Tag Team Championships at Bound By Honor
It is announced that Birthday Bash at Autozone Park has been postponed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Friendship Farm (Gentleman Jervis, "Sweet" Robin Shaw, Super Beetle) beat Adriel Noctis, DJ Talamantez and Ice Williams in a six-man tag match. Near the end of the match, Jamie Iovine shows up and hands Ice Williams a business card in an attempt to recruit him. After the match, David Marquez interviews The Friendship Farm. Jervis says they had a great time in the ring, then says The Friendship Farm wants some gold around their waists to become "the golden standard of friendship."
Backstage, Jon Roberts interviews Buddy Royal. Buddy says that Levi Shapiro and Howdy Price are now enemies and that #1 contendership for the Television title only makes it sweeter. He says the Royal Seal is one size fits all, and that he will make Levi tap out.
Before the next match, Howdy Price says that the United Television title will soon be Levi Shapiro's, and that nothing is a gamble when it is a sure thing.
Levi Shapiro beats Buddy Royal with the Iron Claw to become #1 contender for the United Television Championship after Howdy Price tries to hand the PP3 Cup to Shapiro to use as a weapon only to have it taken away. As the referee leaves the ring to put the PP3 Cup away, Shapiro puts on a glove and overpowers the Royal Seal with the Iron Claw.
Backstage, Jon Roberts interviews Ray Rosas. Rosas says he will not reveal his strategy for the next match, and while everybody else may care, he does not. Rosas also states that he does not put the PP3 Cup on a pedestal, as high hopes only end in disappointment.
Ray Rosas beats Anthony Idol by disqualification to win the PP3 Cup and the PP3 Cup Tournament. During the match, Ray Rosas grabs at Anthony Idol's foot behind the referee's leg and pulls it upwards, kicking the referee in the groin. Anthony Idol tries to explain what is going on, but to no avail, and Ray Rosas wins the match, the tournament and the PP3 Cup.
Just like last week's show, this week's show is in the WWE Performance Center.
It is announced that WrestleMania is "too big for one night' and will air on April 4th and April 5th, then it is announced that NFL alumni Rob Gronkowski will host this year's WrestleMania. Mojo Rawley joins Michael Cole in introducing Rob Gronkowski, who dances on his way to the ring. Gronk says he has been watching since second grade from the nosebleed seats when WWE came to his hometown, and that he has watched in Orlando, Florida to support Mojo when only five people were in the crowd. He then says he is ready to host WrestleMania. Mojo tells Gronk he has his back, as WWE is a bit different than the NFL as he is a target anywhere at anytime. Mojo and Gronk then mess around, with Gronk hitting a few knife edge chops on Mojo, then King Corbin shows up. Corbin tells Gronk he is setting himself up for failure taking advice from Mojo, then says he expects him to get on his knees and bow down. Corbin then says this is not for Gronk, as there is no protective gear in WWE and he is better and stronger than him. As Corbin tells Gronk to get in line, Elias shows up and plays a song where he says that Gronk will rip Corbin's head off as Gronk and Mojo dance around. Corbin takes offense to everything going on, and Gronk shoves Corbin back into Mojo, who is waiting from behind ready to trip Corbin. Before Corbin can hurt Gronk, Elias gets in the ring and tosses him out. Gronk then advocates as host that Corbin and Elias have a match at WrestleMania.
Sami Zayn guests on commentary for the next match.
Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak beat Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura with a top rope Sunset Flip from Daniel to Cesaro as Cesaro holds Gulak down.
An encore presentation of WrestleMania 30 will air on ESPN this Sunday at 7 PM Eastern/4 PM Pacific.
Backstage, Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak celebrate their victory as they stretch, then Sami Zayn shows up with Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro and tells Daniel that Gulak is only teaching him to be mediocre and "squeak by." As Sami Zayn asks Daniel Bryan when he will start listening to him and tells an angry Gulak he is untouchable, Daniel tells Sami he is barely a champion and challenges him to put his money where his mouth is and defend the Intercontinental Championship against him at WrestleMania. Sami says that he will accept his challenge if Gulak can somehow barely beat Nakamura in a one-on-one match, Daniel Bryan accepts that challenge without a second thought.
Michael Cole is about to interview Paige via Skype when Bayley and Sasha Banks show up, telling Cole to go away so they can talk to Paige themselves. Paige says it is bad enough having to listen to Bayley and Sasha run the women's division down on SmackDown, and says that it takes more than greatness to change hearts, and that it also takes courage that Bayley and Sasha lack. Bayley says it's not her fault she's the greatest, and Paige that while her career is over due to something beyond her control that she would not wish on anyone, she cannot wait to see who takes the SmackDown Women's Championship from Bayley. Paige she will be announcing Bayley's SmackDown Women's Championship match at WrestleMania, where Bayley will defend the title against Lacey Evans, Dana Brooke and Tamina (the last after Bayley jokingly mentions her) and Naomi. Sasha calls Paige a "bitch," and this also causes Paige to add Sasha to the match and make the match a Six-Pack Challenge. Bayley is livid.
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt from WrestleMania 30 is replayed.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Nikki gets angry at Asuka for costing her and Alexa their match last week, and Alexa says that if she wants to play that game, she will play it better to get what she wants. Alexa then challenges Asuka to a match next week.
It's time for The Dirt Sheet. The Miz and John Morrison note that they do not have any challengers, then asks the nonexistent audience whom they should defend the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against. We then see Miz and Morrison in a New Day shirt and a unicorn costume recommend The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E), then we see Miz and Morrison in Usos shirts recommend The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Miz and Morrison dressed as bacon recommending Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis). After some humorous dialogue between all three Miz and Morrisons, Miz says nobody can decide who they face, and Morrison says they should take the night off. Suddenly, the real Heavy Machinery shows up.
The Miz and John Morrison beat Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) by disqualification. During the match, Dolph Ziggler shows up and nearly distracts Heavy Machinery to the point of losing the match as he guests on commentary. Later on in the match, Dolph Ziggler stops Otis from using the Caterpillar and shows pictures of himself with Mandy Rose from Instagram as he continues to make fun of Otis for "being a nice guy." Otis grabs Ziggler, but Miz and Morrison stop him from hitting Ziggler with a chair. Otis grabs Ziggler, but Miz and Morrison stop him from hitting Ziggler with a chair. This causes Otis to lose his cool and take his anger out on Miz and Morrison, and he plows both men through the barricade. Tucker tries to talk Otis out of using a steel chair, but Otis hits Miz and Morrison with it anyway, causing Miz and Morrison to win by disqualification. Tucker has to comfort Otis after Otis throws an announce table chair over the barricade, breaking it.
Next week: The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. The Miz and Morrison! A brand new episode of Firefly Fun House!
Michael Cole moderates a contract signing for Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg for the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 36. Roman Reigns shows up first, followed by Goldberg. Roman and Goldberg throw the chairs out of the ring, then Goldberg says he did not think Roman did have the balls to face him, even though he expected him to be next. Roman says he is fortunate to have all the greats challenge - and lose - to him, and says that Goldberg will be no different. Roman then says he sees "a little bitch bulldog carrying a title that he never earned" in Goldberg before signing the contract. Goldberg says he has destroyed steel doors all across the world for years with his headbutt, and says that Roman will be the next victim before he signs the contract. Goldberg then tosses the table to the side before he and Roman have a staredown to end the show.
This week's show takes place at the WWE Performance Center.
Aleister Black beats Leon Ruff. At the beginning of the match, Aleister Black sits in the center of the room as the security system goes off. When Leon Ruff finally makes a move, Aleister Black catches a boot to the face, and after a few unsuccessful punches from Leon Ruff, Aleister Black hits the Black Mass for the win.
Angelo Dawkins beats Murphy. During the match, Akam confronts Montez Ford at ringside only to be superkicked, and Murphy leaves the ring and sends Ford into the barricade. When Murphy gets back into the ring, Angelo Dawkins hits Murphy with a sit-out powerbomb for the win.
Kay Lee Ray beats Dani Luna. After the match, Kay Lee Ray continues to attack Dani Luna in the corner, but as she goes for another Gory Bomb, Piper Niven runs into the ring, and Kay Lee Ray retreats.
In exclusive footage from last week, we hear from Finn Balor, who tells Walter that he works Wednesday as he is given odd looks by the NXT UK roster as well s General Manager Johnny Saint and Assistant Sid Scala. Finn Balor has a brief staredown with Tyler Bate before leaving. We then see footage of Tyler Bate meeting with Scala and Saint, saying he would like to knock Finn Balor down a peg for walking around like he owns the place. Scala tells Bate that he will hopefully get that chance down the line, then he and Saint tell Bate that he will be competing for a chance at the NXT UK Championship in a twenty-man battle royal in two weeks' time. Tyler Bate is happy about the news.
We see footage of Nina Samuels looking at Aoife Valkyrie's newest promo, who says that all the buzz is now on Aoife instead of her. Samuels says that she does not care for Aoife stealing her spotlight, and next week, she will show her who the real leading lady of NXT UK is.
Ridge Holland beats Joseph Conners despite Conners' constant targeting of Holland's left quadriceps.
It is revealed that Mark Andrews has been attacked backstage. Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) shows up as "Bomber" Dave Mastiff and "Flash" Morgan Webster check on him, and say they have nothing to do with this as they say they are still "up for a scrap."
We see a vignette for Ilja Dragunov.
Kassius Ohno beats "The Lucky Yin" Kenny Williams with the Kassius Klutch after knocking Williams out.
Backstage, A-Kid says he has learned a lot and beaten some great wrestlers in NXT UK. All of a sudden, Noam Dar shows up and invades A-Kid's interview. A-Kid speaks in Spanish to Noam Dar, but Noam Dar responds in French. A frustrated A-Kid challenges Noam Dar to a match next week. Noam Dar says he only plays the big games, but he will kick him into space with his golden left foot.
Next week: "The Kiwi Buzzsaw" Travis Banks vs. Jordan Devlin for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship!
"Flash" Morgan Webster and "Bomber" Dave Mastiff's replacement partner is revealed to be Trent Seven.
Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) beat "Flash" Morgan Webster, "Bomber" Dave Mastiff and Trent Seven.
The show starts with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes standing alone in the middle of a wrestling ring in an empty arena, with the arena dark save for a spotlight on the wrestling ring itself. Cody says he has never thought of his world as small before, but recent events can put into perspective we all are, and that it has clarified how big and important the service AEW provides is. Cody says that the irony in what he is about to ask is not lost on him, for he is about to ask three of the best athletes in the world to discard their petty differences and stand together, as we must stand together as human beings. For many, that means standing at a distance. Cody says that everyone must be informed and held responsible by health and science, but there is a profound difference in that and living in a prison of fear, which he does not consider living at all. He says that he is alive right now, and that he hopes the audience is alive as well. He tells Matt Jackson he knows that he is listening, and also says that Tony Kahn is second-most responsible for AEW existing. He says that Matt Jackson is a tag team expert and master, but that only means that Matt has to work harder, and that his anger with "Hangman" Adam Page is misplaced. Cody says that he does not need his hanger; instead, he needs his wisdom and he needs him to carry Nick Jackson's heart into tonight's match so The Elite can win Blood & Guts. He also says that he gets tired of putting over Adam Page and saying that he is the best wrestler in all of The Elite with a combination of light heavyweight skill and accuracy melded with heavyweight stopping power in the Buckshot Lariat. He felt that he would be the first AEW World Champion, but he lost to Chris Jericho. He tells Page to get over it and become the difference maker and the reason for why The Elite will win Blood & Guts instead of "the other guy in The Elite." Cody then addresses his friendship with Kenny Omega, and while they do not always like each other and argue over who is "1A" and "1B" until they are blue in the face and somebody passes them by, but this is Blood & Guts and he needs "the real Kenny Omega" who stood in front of others and proclaimed himself best in the world. Cody says he needs The Elite to be elite, then Matt Jackson and Kenny Omega show up. Omega says that they would usually speak in front of an arena of people, but they are friends talking to friends. Omega admits they have not always seen eye to eye, but the world is falling apart around them and everything they built could fall apart by next week, and he says that there might not even be an episode of Dynamite next week. He says that if it were up to him, he would go out the same way they came in: as The Elite. Matt says he loves the call to action for The Elite, and says that Omega is not wrong, but it is just the three of them and they know what The Inner Circle did to Nick, who could not even get on the airplane and is out indefinitely. Matt asks where Page is, but Cody and Omega do not know. Suddenly, Page shows up, and Matt says that while things have been a little strange between them the past few weeks, and while they cannot fix this either tonight or in a couple of weeks, he asks Page as a man if he will stand with The Elite. Page raises his cup of beer, drinks from it, and leaves. Omega says he knows people are watching on television, and says that while it is hard to feel their energy, they are out there, and AEW means the best for everyone. He says that all they can do is give the best they can do, and everybody needs some positivity and entertainment and they must give the best possible show they and everyone in AEW can give. He asks for the lights and the pyro, and declares that Dynamite begin.
We see a video package for The Death Triangle (PAC, Pentagon Jr., Rey Fenix).
Tony Schiavone interviews MJF, who says he is outside of the ring because he does not have to wrestle. He says that while the winner's purse is big, he is sitting back and resting his undefeated body while letting the undercard talent get their TV time while he gets real money with Shawn Spears. Tony asks Spears and MJF if they are gambling, and MJF yells at him for accusing them of gambling before asking if he wants in on the action.
Brandi Rhodes is the ring announcer for tonight's show, and the top of her chyron reads "Said she would never ring announce again." (This is because ring announcer Justin Roberts could not make it.) Orange Cassidy guests on commentary for the net match.
The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix) beat Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent) after Pentagon Jr. kicks Trent in the groin behind the referee's back. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews Best Friends, and Chuck Taylor calls The Death Triangle (PAC, Pentagon Jr., Rey Fenix) "a bunch of chumps," and says that if they want to kick Trent in the groin, then they will challenge them to a Street Fight in an actual street or parking lot on the next Dynamite.
Hikaru Shida beats Penelope Ford, Kris Statlander and Riho in a four-way match.
Tony Schiavone interviews Colt Cabana, who admits that while tonight's empty arena is pretty weird, tonight's show has been great. After saying that Penelope Ford is great and that she would do better if she were not scheming with "Superbad" Kip Sabian, Sabian - still at ringside - takes exception to what Colt says and wants to fight him. Colt slaps Sabian in the face, and he walks away with Penelope Ford.
We see footage from earlier today of Tony Schiavone interviewing Jon Moxley. Moxley says he goes where he wants when he wants to, and says he has never been medically cleared in his blind spot. Moxley says he will let off some steam by driving around in his new sports car, and says that wherever The Inner Circle goes, he will always be in their blind spot, and when Blood & Guts happens, he will not miss it for the world.
Jurassic Express (Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy) beat The Butcher and The Blade after MJF inadvertently costs The Butcher and The Blade the match by calling for them to hit Full Death from the front row.
The Dark Order (Evil Uno and Stu Grayson) show up. Evil Uno says that he hopes the production team is as smart as he thinks they are and focuses on his eye so that he can speak to his people. He then states that The Exalted One is near, and when he arrives, he will breathe new life into The Dark Order. Evil Uno says that Stu Grayson, John Silver and Alex Reynolds have done his bidding in preparation for tonight, and tonight, their eyes will see what he sees, for he has promised them and the the arrival of The Exalted One, for he never lies or breaks his promises because he cares about his fellow man, and together, The Dark Order is one and The Exalted One is near. Suddenly, "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian show up from the front row, and Daniels tells The Dark Order to stop as Evil Uno has told lies for three straight months and wasted everyone's time, and they are sick of it. He says that The Exalted One is the biggest lie of all, and that it is just Evil Uno and Stu Grayson. Suddenly, a video plays on the video screen, and The Exalted One finally shows up, saying we will soon know who he is. He states that The Dark Order does what it wants when it wants, and if he wants something, he will take it. He says that if The Dark Order knocks on the door, you open it, and if you do not, he will personally kick the door open and lead The Dark Order through it. He then unmasks to reveal himself as Brodie Lee, formerly known as Luke Harper in WWE, and tells Daniels that he is very unsafe and that he will not go unpunished, saying he is not the first "out of touch old man" not to believe in him and that he will ensure he is the last. Brodie Lee then confirms that he is The Exalted One. When the video is over, Brodie Lee is in the ring with Uno and Grayson, and The Dark Order attack Daniels and Kazarian.
(This video is unlisted because you can Brodie Lee walking through the stage entrance at around 2:39; the video below carefully and wisely edits this out.)
Tony Schiavone interviews Lance Archer and Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Roberts says that Archer is not here to talk, and that they laid the gauntlet at "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' feet for nothing, and that neither of them play games. He says it is one thing for Cody to keep away from them, but to ignore them is like spitting in his face, and they will not have it. He tells Cody it is time to stand up and meet the man, and says that while this did not start out as something personal, it now has, and they will get his attention now that he has not met them head-on. We then see a vignette for Lance Archer and Jake "The Snake" Roberts where Archer gets in a backyard wrestling ring the middle of a rural area and takes on all comers while Roberts watches. During the video package, a photo of Cody with the word "Caesar" in red letters is shown, and a man is choke slammed onto a car after Archer leaves the ring.
On the next Dynamite: Wardlow vs. Luchasaurus in a lumberjack match! The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix) vs. Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent) in a parking lot fight! The Inner Circle vs. The Elite in Blood & Guts!
Chris Jericho guests on commentary for the next match.
The Inner Circle (Santana, Ortiz, Jake Hager) beat The Elite ("The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Matt Jackson, "Hangman" Adam Page) to get the advantage at Blood & Guts after Hager stops an Indytaker attempt by Page and Jackson. After the match, Hericho says he knew The Inner Circle would win and that he is banning fans from all future AEW events until he says so as The Inner Circle does not need "pumpkin-headed disphits"chanting for members of The Elite. He also reveals that The Inner Circle attacked Nick Jackson last week and says that The Elite does not stand a chance. He also says that there has never been a problem between the members of The Inner Circle and that they have done nothing but win in AEW, and that Blood & Guts will be no different. All of a sudden, a drone shows up, interrupting Jericho. Matt Jackson then tells Jericho that The Elite has a fifth man and that he made a phone call to a friend who owed him a favor. Piano music then plays, and "Broken" Matt Hardy is seen in the bleachers to end the show.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
