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.
Before the next match, Matthew Rehwoldt - the real name of the man formerly known as Aiden English - shows up and tells the fans to picture a world where masterpieces are locked away never to be seen, then introduces himself as "The Drama King" and says he is here to create masterpieces with a virtuosa starting tonight.
Deonna Purrazzo and "The Drama King" Matthew Rehwoldt beat Hernandez and Alisha to advance in the Homecoming King and Queen Tournament.
Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green beat Jordynne Grace and "The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams (going by the names "Thick Momma Pump" and "Lil' Petey Pump" respectively) to advance in the Homecoming King and Queen Tournament. After the match, Steve Maclin runs into the ring and lays out Petey Williams.
We hear from W. Morrissey, who says that Eddie Edwards keeps running his mouth about having his number when he knocked him out cold, and says that if Eddie thought he could beat him, he would not bring him out to the parking lot for a fight. Morrissey says that Eddie wants to believe so hard that he has his number, but he plays by Eddie's rules better than Eddie, and says that Eddie is a fraud who is in denial.
Before the next match, Sam Beale announces that Brian Myers' tag team partner in the Homecoming King and Queen Tournament is Missy Hyatt.
The Road Warriors (Tommy Dreamer and Rachael Ellering) beat Brian Myers and Missy Hyatt to advance in the Homecoming King and Queen Tournament after Missy Hyatt backs out of the match when Myers tries to tag her in.
We hear from Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner, Rhino). Eric Young says failure is a reality and a truth, and it can be difficult and hard to swallow. Deaner says that failure is an opportunity for redemption, which Eric Young says comes in the form of getting back at Willie Mack. After Eric Young asks why the sickness is getting stronger, he says that Violent By Design stands between the sickness and the world and that they are a way of life.
Decay (Rosemary and Crazzy Steve) beat Fallah 'n Flava (Fallah Bahh and Tasha Steelz) to advance in the Homecoming King and Queen Tournament after Fallah Bahh inadvertently squashes Tasha Steelz in the corner.
We hear from Steve Maclin, who says he has an objective: the X Division Championship. He says he wants to rise up the ranks, but Petey Williams wants to get in his way. Maclin says his sights were set on one, but now, they are set on another.
Deaner beats Willie Mack after Eric Young is able to hit Willie Mack from behind with the Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner, Rhino) flag.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green. Cardona says he and Chelsea do everything together, and so far, they are undefeated as a team and their stream will continue. Chelsea says that to be the best, they must beat the best, and while Deonna may be a champion, she is not the best tag team wrestler. Chelsea also questions if Deonna Purrazzo is ready for the both of them before they head to the ring.
Deonna Purrazzo and "The Drama King" Matthew Rehwoldt beat Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green to advance to the finals of the Homecoming King and Queen Tournament.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Missy Hyatt when Brian Myers confronts her for being unable to wrestler. Hyatt says she has managed legends, and says that they all had originality that Myers lacks. Myers says to Sam Beale "This is all your fault" and leaves. Missy then tells Sam Beale that he has potential and tells him to take off his sunglasses, then tells him to close his eyes and pucker up only to smack him with her purse and call him a "stupid mark."
Decay (Rosemary and Crazzy Steve) beat The Road Warriors (Tommy Dreamer and Rachael Ellering) to advance to the finals of the Homecoming King and Queen Tournament after Crazzy Steve rolls through to counter a sit-down pin attempt by Dreamer.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Eddie Edwards. Eddie asks W. Morrissey if he has looked in the mirror, as he may have the hype, the body and the ability, but he had it all until he lost it and came to Impact Wrestling to rebuild his broken image. He says that he has come to Impact because this is always where he wanted to be. As Eddie says that he will beat Morrissey tonight, Alisha shows up and hands Kenny the Kendo Stick to him as she tells him to end it once and for all.
Josh Alexander retains the Impact X Division Championship against Black Taurus.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews "The Drama King" Matthew Rehwoldt and Deonna Purrazzo. Purrazzo says that they have been absolutely marvelous, and that nobody understands the artistry of what they do better than Rehwoldt. She says that he will be crowned the rightful queen tonight, and that there is nobody better to sit next to her than Rehwoldt. Rehwoldt says that nobody knows crazy until they see him at work, and tonight, they will become the rightful king and queen of Impact.
Deonna Purrazzo and "The Drama King" Matthew Rehwoldt beat Decay (Rosemary and Crazzy Steve) to win the Homecoming King and Queen Tournament and become Impact's Homecoming King and Queen. Gia Miller presents the crowns to the winners.
Eddie Edwards beats W. Morrissey in a Hardcore Match with a Boston Knee Party with a chain wrapped around his knee.
Miss Beronica beats Queen Katelyn with a backslide for the upset win.
Lil Chris - with a bandaged left arm - shows up and challenges and says Alan Steel and Johnny Dotson are cowards, then tells Alan Steel to get out to the ring to prove what kind of man he is so he can put his hands on him. After the commercial break, Johnny Dotson runs out, but Lil Chris hits him with a steel chair and proceeds to beat him up until Alan Steel runs out and attacks Lil Chris from behind. Dotson and Steel get Lil Chris in the ring, then Steel puts Chris' bandaged arm in a steel chair that Dotson soon stomps on from the top rope.
We see a video from The Hollywood Horror Show ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock, Jacksyn Crowley, Otis Crowley, The Revenant of Walker Hayes) with images of Jacksyn Crowley staring into a camera, The Revenant of Walker Hayes with his head in a bag and a rocking chair.
Danny B. Good beats Uncle Mikey when the distraction from Briar Skimahorn fails. After the match, The Yung GOATs (Aaron Roberts and Zay Washington) confronts The Skimahorns (Brad and Briar Skimahorn), who tell them that they do not deserve a tag team title shot. It is then announced via video package by Teddy Long that if The Skimahorns don't want to do the right thing, they will face the wrestlers of his choice next week at Memphis Wrestling Saturday Night. It is immediately implied that The Yung GOATs will be facing The Skimahorns for the Memphis Tag Team Championships on that night.
We hear from Lance Archer, who tells Championship Wrestling From Memphis to bring their best, as no matter who gets brought in front of him, everybody dies. Lance Archer will appear next week. We then hear from "The GunShow" Brett Michaels, who says that everybody dies but one and that this is his house.
Van Viciouss beats "The King of Pow" Chris Lexx.
We hear from "INKredible" Darius Lee, who talks about the meaning of some of his tattoos.
K-Toomer beats Carter Matthews.
Mike Anthony and "Big Swole" Justin Cole compete against each other in the gym over who can lift more in the gym.
We hear from Diana Taylor. Upon hearing that Teddy Long will be General Manager for Memphis Wrestling Saturday Night, she tries to get a certain match made official. Meanwhile, Paris Kelly wonders what Eric McMahon got her into, as she does not want to face Diana Taylor.
Uncle Mikey and The Skimahorns try to get help from Big Ace and Big Jack, but when they find out that Big Ace is hurt, Mikey calls Big Ace "worthless." Ace grabs Mikey, but Mikey and The Skimahorns gang up on him.
Backstage, Danny B. Good calls Teddy Long to help him take care of a certain situation.
Dustin Starr interviews Heather Monroe at the announce desk. Heather says the Memphis Women's Championship will be hers soon, as it is already hers for making the women's division. She says she should have been the first champion, but she was not even in the conversation. She says she should have been the first champion, but she was not even in the conversation. Suddenly, "Smokin' Hott" Nikki Lane attacks Heather Monroe, and the two women brawl at ringside. Heather Monroe has the upper hand at first, but Nikki Lane fights back as the brawl goes to the back row. Two referees eventually arrive to break it up. When Heather holds up the Memphis Women's title, Nikki takes it from her and hits her with it.
This week's episode is a "best-of" episode featuring three United Television Championship matches. Matches include:
Levi Shapiro vs. Dan Joseph for the United Television Championship from October 17, 2020
EJ Sparks vs. Levi Shapiro for the United Television Championship from December 5, 2020
"The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater vs. Levi Shapiro for the United Television Championship from May 29, 2021
The show ends with footage from UWN Primetime Live of Howdy Price being surrounded in the ring before fainting as Blake "Bulletproof" Troop is about to punch him.
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena mentions what is going on in tonight's show, then says Roman Reigns has proven his point that "Roman Reigns sucks" by rejecting him for being the same person he always has been in favor of Finn Balor, and also says that Roman is "a scared little kid." Cena then compares that to telling "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to come back as "Sasquash" Steve Austin or having The Rock come back as Dwayne "Too Small" Johnson before making a penis joke about the latter. He says that this is not who they are, and that Stone Cold and The Rock are who they are, do not need to be acknowledged, and do their best east time to earn the fans' respect, then says Roman wanted him to changed because Roman has to change every two years to stay relevant. He then says Roman wanted him to changed because Roman has to change every two years to stay relevant and get the fans to care about him, and calls him "some guy named Joe" who has to change constantly and is afraid to fail. After Cena says he would make Roman look bad at SummerSlam, a disheveled Baron Corbin shows up wanting to talk to Cena. Corbin says he is desperate, that his life is falling apart, and that he can no longer "perform" after last week. After saying that his wife left him and took the kids with her, Corbin asks for Cena's help. Cena gives him some money, but Corbin wants more out of Cena due to him being rich and in Hollywood, and even offers to be his stunt double. He then calls Cena a "selfish, self-absorbed tightwad" and a "Hollywood sell-out" with an ego the size of California, then Cena decides to give Corbin something: an Attitude Adjustment.
Backstage, Dominik Mysterio tells Rey Mysterio that he will kep an eye on Jey Uso in Rey's match tonight. Rey tells Dominik that he is proud of him, but tells him that he needs to improve to get the tag team titles back and tells him to watch him closely.
Rey Mysterio beats Jimmy Uso with a crucifix pin after Dominik Mysterio puts his feet on Rey for leverage much like The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) have done to get their recent wins against Rey and Dominik.
Kayla Braxton interviews Bianca Belair in the ring. On the news that Bianca has surpassed 100 days as SmackDown Women's Championship and on the topic of how she sees the next 100 days, Bianca says she does not know how to top the first 100 before Carmella shows up. Carmella congratulates Bianca on 100 days as champion, then tells her to give her another shot at the title to cement her legacy, but after Carmella gets in the ring, Zelina Vega shows up and tells Carmella to "slow [her] roll." After telling Carmella she is too pretty to be a three-time loser, she gets in the ring and tells Bianca that the WWE wants to see the two of them in the ring, for she is the moment and nobody is more deserving than her. After Bianca accepts, Carmella attacks Bianca from behind, and Zelina joins in. Suddenly, Sasha Banks shows up for the first time since WrestleMania and fights off Carmella and Zelina Vega. Sasha then hugs Bianca in a sign of respect.
We see some contest entries for the WWE SummerSlam Announcer Contest on TikTok.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Reginald - who asks to go by the name Reggie - who says that he would have done anything to get to the WWE, and when he saw the perfect opportunity in front of him, he took it. He says he was told to show up and defend his title tonight. Despite not knowing who his opponent is tonight, Reginald says he has been watching his back, as where he comes from, his head was always on a swivel and trouble came from any angle. He then says that anyone who challenges him should expect the unexpected.
Before the next match, Chad Gable and Otis head to the ring. Otis then tells Reginald "It's not me; it's him."
Reginald - now known as Reggie - retains the WWE 24/7 Championship against Chad Gable by disqualification after Otis grabs him and throws him out of the ring only for Reggie to roll through.
Backstage, Sonya Deville announces to Adam Pearce that tonight's main event will be Carmella and Zelina Vega vs. Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks.
WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville are in the ring to moderate a contract signing between Finn Balor and Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam. Finn Balor comes out first, followed by Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. Pearce asks both men to sign the dotted line on the contract. Roman Reigns says "We've already seen Mr. Missionary tonight" in response to the "Cena" chants, then addresses Cena's claims that he is ducking him. Roman takes Cena's words as a claim that Finn Balor is less of a man than Cena, but Roman says Finn Balor is worthy of a match against him as well as a beatdown. He says Finn Balor is not like Cena, and that Finn Balor is hungry and that he "wants it." He says that he likes this about him, then says that if Finn signs the contract, he will smack him right back to NXT. Roman signs the contract amid chants of "Roman sucks," then Finn Balor responds to Roman saying that he thinks highly of himself, perhaps justifiably so, then says he does not mind return to NXT as Universal Champion. Before Finn can sign the contract, he is suddenly attacked from behind by Baron Corbin. Before Corbin can sign the contract, John Cena shows up and sends him into the ring post before grabbing the contract. Cena then signs the contract with a blue permanent marker before handing the contract to Adam Pearce and heading to the back.
Backstage, WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville, congratulating them for making some excellent television, then says that John Cena's signature does not make the contract legal and binding. Pearce and Sonya decree that Cena's signature will stand and that Roman Reigns will defend the WWE Universal Championship against Cena at SummerSlam.
Big E, Cesaro and King Nakamura beat Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode and Apollo Crews.
Edge heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Seth Rollins is in the ring, because as soon as the commercial break began, Rollins attacked Edge from behind, even using a TV camera in the process, until referees showed up to restore order. Seth Rollins says that all Edge has done is take and take, and he is sick of it, and says what goes around comes around. Rollins calls himself a revolutionary, then we see a video package chronicling the events between Edge and Rollins. Rollins says that he is proud of what he has done, and while it was the hard thing to do, it was the right thing to do, for he is the rightful heir to the Universal Champion, and if he cannot be champion, then neither can Edge.
Next week: Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin!
Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair beat Carmella and Zelina Vega with a Banks Statement from Sasha to Carmella. After the match, Sasha Banks hits Bianca Belair with the Backstabber and beats her up before putting her in the Banks Statement. After the match, Sasha Banks hits Bianca Belair with the Backstabber and beats her up before putting her in the Banks Statement. Bianca then holds up the SmackDown Women's Championship before locking in the hold again.
Steve Maclin vs. Trey Miguel ends in a double count-out on the pre-show. After the match, Maclin continues to attack Trey Miguel, then pulls a chair from under the ring. Beofre he can hit Trey Miguel with it, "The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams shows up and takes it away, and referees and security have to keep both men apart.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Scott D'Amore, who mentions that there are always unbelievable things going on. As he talks about being behind closed doors all day, Tommy Dreamer shows up and says there is no #1 contender for the Impact World Championship. D'Amore has Tommy Dreamer take care of finding a new #1 contender.
The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) beat Chris Bey and "Switchblade" Jay White.
We hear from Fire 'n Flava (Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz). Kiera Hogan says they will get our titles back and that everything will be just fine. Suddenly, she is interrupted by Fallah Bahh, who asks Tasha Steelz - not Kiera - to go to Homecoming with him. Tasha accepts, but reminds him this is a tournament, not a dance.
Taylor Wilde beats Kaleb with a K.
Backstage, Chris Bey and "Switchblade" Jay White are not happy about their loss. Bey takes responsibility, but White interrupts him after he says he is in the Bullet Club, saying he is not in Bullet Club. White says that he is a fan of redemption, and has Chris Bey follow him so they can come up with something Bey can do to redeem himself.
We hear from "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander, who says that he will be the face of the X Division and that he needs competition. Scott D'Amore shows up and says that he will have an X Division Championship match with Black Taurus at Homecoming.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Deonna Purrazzo, who says that she can handle her already busy schedule and that she has been training with Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Alesha Zappitella. Zappitella says that Purrazzo is a force to be reckoned with and that opponents will be running scared. Purrazzo then addresses Homecoming, saying she will be there and that she will have a partner, whom she refuses to divulge at this time.
Fallah Bahh, No Way and FinJuice (Juice Robinson and David Finlay) beat "Inevitable" Ace Austin, Madman Fulton, Rohit Raju and Shera in an eight-man tag match.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Don Callis, who brings out Kenny Omega. Both Omega and Callis agree that everything is going great, then Tommy Dreamer shows up. Dreamer says that in two weeks, there will be a #1 contender's battle royal where the winner will face Omega for the Impact World Championship at Emergence. Callis and Omega are not happy about this turn of events, and they head to the ring to give a piece of their minds.
We see another vignette for "The Drama King," this one involving drama masks.
Backstage, FinJuice (Juice Robinson and David Finlay) are attacked by Chris Bey and "Switchblade" Jay White as they talk about taking back the Impact World Tag Team Championships. Jay White then tells David Finlay that he will never beat him again.
Don Callis, The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) and Kenny Omega head to the ring. Callis and Omega agree that real men and women don't quit, they get fired, then Callis says everything has been going pretty great after the events of Slammiversary. Callis also congratulates The Good Brothers on their victory tonight, and says that after delivering some of the best buyrates, Omega should be given some respect, but instead, he has to defend the Impact World title at Emergence. He mentions the #1 contender's battle royal for the Impact World title, then says that Tommy Dreamer will not work Omega to the bone. Suddenly, Sami Callihan shows up. Callihan says he will jump off a cliff if he has to listen to Callis and Omega again, then says they are "a bunch of bitches" and says Omega should be lucky he did not beat him to death at Slammiversary. He says that Slammiversary was just the beginning and that he is not done, and that he will win the battle royal to give Omega another date with the Death Machine. He then says that two weeks is too long to wait, and says that thanks to Scott D'Amore, he has a six-man tag match against Omega and The Good Brothers next week. Callihan then Omega to watch his back, for he can strike from anywhere, including right here. As Callis dares him to get in the ring, Omega and company are attacked from behind by Frankie Kazarian, who has not been seen in Impact in years. Backstage, Sami Callihan and Frankie Kazarian are met by Tommy Dreamer. Dreamer thanks Callihan for being a man of his word, and says that the world will get to know the Kazarian he has known for years. Kazarian asks Dreamer to join them as their third man, but Dreamer says this is not his fight and that he has someone better. He whispers that person's name to Callihan, who says he will not buy into it, but Kazarian is confident Dreamer can make it happen.
We hear from Su Yung, who says that someone's time has come while another woman who looks like an undead bride - who is actually Kimber Lee in face paint - says "My time has come."
We hear from Brian Myers and Sam Beale. He says that he will have to get into Tommy Dreamer's head, and says that Raven has given him a great idea. He says that he will be teaming with Beulah McGillicutty, but does not have her number, especially after Sam Beale's attempt to find it comes up empty. He then calls Francine, who takes offense to not being Myers' first choice despite all the support he has given her before saying Myers is not even in her league. She then asks how Myers even got her number before hanging up on her.
Rich Swann and Willie Mack beats Violent By Design (Deaner and Rhino).
At Swinger's Palace, Chelsea Green and Matt Cardona wants to know who is favored for Homecoming. Alisha mentions that not all the teams are known, and that there is room for a Swinger's Palace team. "The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams and Jordynne Grace show up in chainmail headwear to give some Steiner Math, then W. Morrissey - who is unimpressed with Swinger's Palace - tells Alisha that after Homecoming, Eddie Edwards will not be coming home to her safe and sound ever again. Chelsea Green tells Matt Cardona that next time, she picks where they go on a date.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Eddie Edwards, who says that W. Morrissey has made it known that nobody cares for him and that he has nobody to care for, and that he came to Impact to rethink his career. He says that he has had it worse and that he had Morrissey beat in the parking lot, and that he will take whatever Morrissey has in their hardcore match at Homecoming. Suddenly, Tommy Dreamer shows up and asks Eddie Edwards to tag with Frankie Kazarian and Sami Callihan against The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) and Kenny Omega. Tommy Dreamer talks about a time where he had to face his best friend to take the world title home and that he would not put Eddie in a situation he would not put himself in, and says that if Callihan turns on him, he will be the first person to beat him up. Eddie, telling Dreamer that he trusts him with his life, agrees to tag with Callihan and Kazarian.
Moose beats Chris Sabin. After the match, Moose tosses Sabin out of the ring, but Sabin recovers, hits a top rope cross body, and punches Moose a few times. As Moose heads to the ramp, Sabin hits him with a tope suicida. Security steps in to keep both men separated.
Jordan Devlin beats Tristan Archer. After the match, Devlin talks about how General Manager Johnny Saint told him that A-Kid wants an Iron Man Match against him and that A-Kid's career is on the line, then says that A-Kid's career is on the line only because he is facing him, as there is no one match more suited to him than an Iron Man Match. A-Kid shows up on crutches, and after calling A-Kid "Tiny Tim," Devlin kicks his crutches away, telling him that he will have no crutches to stand on before finding out that A-Kid is fine. A-Kid then attacks Devlin, forcing him to retreat, then tells Devlin that he failed to break his leg and that he is fully recovered, and next week, Devlin will have thirty minutes to fail again.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Aoife Valkyrie and Jinny, which comes to a head next.
We hear from Walter, who says that when he steps into the ring with Ilya Dragunov, he will do it for the greater good and for the love of the great sport, and that Dragunov is doing this because he is jealous and not in his position. He says that he will expose Dragunov, and that him being the NXT UK Champion will never change.
Backstage in the women's locker room in footage from earlier this week, Meiko Satomura says that as champion, she wants everyone to challenge her like Amale did. Everyone then argues with each other, and Meiko Satomura smiles.
Jinny beats Aoife Valkyrie following the distraction by Joseph Conners.
We hear from Joe Coffey, who says that he and Rampage Brown have a win each and that nothing will make him happier than to knock Rampage out. He says that he wants to find out who is truly the best.
Backstage, A-Kid says he feels very confident and that he will make history by winning the first Iron Man Match in NXT UK history.
Stevie Turner beats Aleah James.
In footage from the UK Performance Center from earlier this week, Jack Starz and "Bomber" Dave Mastiff practice for their tag team match. After a shoulder block, Mastiff says that while Jack is fast, he is immovable, and that is why they will be great.
Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) beat Symbiosis (Primate and T-Bone). After the match, Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) show up and applaud Moustache Mountain for winning.
Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan beat Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher after Ridge Holland returns for the first time in some time and takes out Timothy Thatcher from behind the barricade. After the match, Ridge Holland attacks Thatcher while Dunne and Lorcan hold Ciampa back, then headbutts Ciampa.
We see a vignette for Carmelo Hayes.
We hear from Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla, B-Fab), who not only mock Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza), but also speak Spanish as they say that they are the new kings of the jungle, yet they have other teams like Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) talking trash about them.
Samoa Joe heads to the ring and tosses a chair and a table inside. He places a contract on the table, then says he could talk about Karrion Kross all night but knows he is a gutless coward. He then asks General Manager William Regal to join him in the ring. Regal joins Joe in the ring, and Joe says that he knows Regal is angry after last week, and proposes that instead of firing Karrion Kross, they can solve all their problems in three easy steps. Samoa Joe tenders his resignation from NXT management and provides a contract that reactivates him as a member of the active NXT roster. Regal signs the documents. Samoa Joe then produces a contract for Samoa Joe vs. Karrion Kross at NXT TakeOver 36. Regal signs this contract as well. Both men then shake hands.
We see a vignette for Josh Briggs.
In footage from earlier this week, Cameron Grimes and L.A. Knight head to a golf course. Grimes annoys Knight and even makes bets that Knight can't do things (to the tune of $10,000) to the point that Knight has a bad swing.
Carmelo Hayes beats Josh Briggs to advance to the semi-finals of the NXT Breakout Tournament. Duke Hudson guests on commentary in the middle of the match.
Last week in a network exclusive, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Franky Monet, Robert Stone and Jessi Kamea. Frank says she plans to go for the NXT Women's Tag Team titles with Jessi Kamea, then Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter show up and tell Franky to go to the back of the line. After Carter and Catanzaro leave, Franky and Jessi Kamea both agree that they are annoying.
In footage from earlier today, Cameron Grimes annoys L.A. Knight again, and Knight's ball lands in the water. As Grimes gets the ball, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase shows up and says that guys like L.A. Knight will hang him up to dry and that he is born to be a champion, not a butler. He tells Grimes that the Cameron Grimes he knows is a fighter, and to think about that.
In backstage footage from moments ago, Ridge Holland says that Timothy Thatcher is not the first person he has smashed up and that he will not be the last.
Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez head to the ring. Raquel talks about how she has dominated every single person who has stepped up to the plate, then asks who is next. She then says "Keep 'em coming." Dakota Kai says that Raquel Gonzales debuted eighteen months ago and has been unstoppable ever since, and that Raquel is the most dominant woman in NXT history, having defeated former champions in a list of opponents that will continue to go on. She says that the NXT women's division is the greatest because of one woman, and says that with NXT TakeOver 36 being four weeks away, she wants to know who wants to face Raquel. When nobody shows up, Dakota Kai says that nobody is willing to face her, and that she will always have her back as long as she is champion. As Raquel has her back turned, Dakota Kai lays Raquel out with a kick to the face. Raquel feels betrayed as Dakota Kai walks up the ramp.
We hear from Adam Cole, who says that everybody has been trying to attach themselves to him recently, with Kyle O'Reilly continuing to talk about him and Bronson Reed calling him his "rebound." Cole says that Bronson Reed lost the North American Championship for a reason, then says that Reed will not get back to the top at his expense.
In footage from earlier this week, Zoey Stark tells Io Shirai they should be training together. Io Shirai is reluctant, as he does not like Zoey, but eventually agrees.
Backstage, Mandy Rose is seen talking to Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne.
Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter beat Franky Monet and Jessi Kamea after Robert Stone throws a shoe at Franky Monet and tells her to finish Kayden Carter.
In footage from last night, Wade Barrett interviews Roderick Strong and Malcolm Bivens. Roderick says that when you compete at a high level, the game is 90% mental and 10% physical, and everyone knows his 10% is better than everybody else's 100%. He says he could not get through the drama of The Undisputed Era until he got a call from Malcolm Bivens, who reminded him of who he was. Bivens says he is the best, and that he is the one to bring Roderick back to NXT. On the subject of Bobby Fish, Malcolm Bivens can get one anywhere, and says that Bobby Fish vs. Roderick Strong is a big money match. Roderick says that when he finishes Bobby Fish next week, it is over.
In backstage footage from moments ago, Dakota Kai refuses to explain her actions.
Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) beat Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla) after Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza) attack Swerve, sending him into a ring post. After the match, Legado del Fantasma attack Top Dolla, and Swerve swing a steel chair at them to get them to retreat.
Backstage, Indi Hartwell, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae wonder why Austin Theory has walked off. Suddenly, Indi gets a drawing from Dexter Lumis of Lumis being with The Way, which Gargano and Candice disapprove of. Indi Hartwell proposes a match between Lumis and Gargano, and Gargano also proposes that if he wins, Lumis can never be mentioned again. Hartwell brings the match to General Manager William Regal.
In footage from earlier today, Cameron Grimes and L.A. Knight are met by Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake), who are impatient as they wait on Grimes and Knight. They bet $20,000 - double what Grimes claims Knight owes him - that Knight can't get the ball over the water. Knight cannot do it, but Grimes does, and accidentally hits Knight in the process as he sinks a hole in one. Afterwards, Grimes has Knight go after Grizzled Young Veterans, telling him they hit him.
Next week: Joe Gacy vs. Trey Baxter in the first round of the NXT Breakout Tournament!
Adam Cole beats Bronson Reed after rolling out of the way of the Tsunami. During the match, it is announced that Hit Row (Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, Top Dolla) will face Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza) next week. After the match, Adam Cole is hit from behind with a chair by Kyle O'Reilly, who then hits Cole with a vertical suplex on the ring steps.
Before the next match, a vignette for "Hangman" Adam Page and The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alex "3" Reynolds, John "4' Silver) about what makes a cowboy plays, then The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, "The Big LG" Doc Gallows, "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) show up in a TuneSquad parody called "The EliteSquad." Don Callis also guests on commentary.
The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, "The Big LG" Doc Gallows, "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) beat "Hangman" Adam Page and The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alex "3" Reynolds, John "4' Silver) in a five-on-five elimination tag match after a belt shot, two V-Triggers and a One-Winged Angel to Page. Doc Gallows and Stu Grayson are both eliminated via count-out when they brawl in the crowd. (Had The Dark Order and Adam Page won, Page would have earned an AEW World Championship title shot and The Dark Order would have earned an AEW World Tag Team Championships shot.)
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews PAC, who says that The Lucha Brothers are here, yet someone has sabotaged their car. Chavo Guerrero shows up with Andrade el Idolo and tells him that The Lucha Brothers are on their way in a limo and arriving in style.
Before the next match, Taz has a New Orleans brass band play "Absolute" Ricky Starks to the ring. Ricky Starks talks about how he won the FTW Championship and got rid of garbage in the form of "The Machine" Brian Cage, and says he has been part of Team Taz for so long because he knows his part. He says that he can forgive Cage for some of the trouble he caused, but says he cannot forgive Cage for failing to check on him when he broke his neck, and says Cage is selfish, inconsiderate and not knowing what the meaning of teamwork is. He also says he knows what being a superstar means, something that he says Cage has never been able to do in seventeen years. As Starks continues to speak, Cage heads to the ring and lays out some band members. When Cage breaks a trombone in front of Starks, Starks throws his orange roses at Cage and runs away.
We hear from Hiroshi Tanahashi, who says that he has won a lot of titles in his career but has never won the IWGP United States Championship, and that he will be facing whoever wins it tonight.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) beat Proud 'n Powerful (Santana and Ortiz). Cash Wheeler suffers a cut on his arm during the match.
In footage from earlier today, Tony Schiavone interviews Dr. Britt Baker, who says that while "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose breaks bitches, she is the baddest bitch on the block, and she beat Nyla with a broken arm. She says that Rebel cannot watch her back all of the time with everyone gunning for her, and says that while she wears the title, everyone else wears jealously just as well and is waiting for her to fail.
Tony Schiavone announces that tickets for the first episode of Rampage are now on sale.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Darby Allin and Sting. Allin says he has been around a lot of men who have laid claim to being the greatest, and that AEW is the only place to prove that. He dares anybody to come to AEW if they think they are the best in the world.
Lance Archer retains the IWGP United States Championship against Hikuleo.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, who is soon attacked by Malakai Black. Cody takes the brawl to the stage, but Malakai gets the last word before welcoming Cody to the House of Black. As members of the locker room and people from backstage check on Cody, Malakai Black knocks out Fuego del Sol.
In footage from earlier today, Miro says that ever since he won the TNT Championship, challenges have dried up. But next week, he will fight, and while Lee Johnson is talented, he will not take the title from him. He says that Johnson can either run away or face him like a champ, but either way, a reckoning will come to Johnson.
Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus) and Christian Cage beat The Hardy Family Office (Marq Quen, Isiah Kassidy, Angelico). Before the match, it is announced that QT Marshall will be waiting until next week to apologize to Tony Schiavone to ensure that Marshall's family is in attendance when the apology happens. During the match, Matt Hardy gets involved, but Christian and Marko Stunt chase him to the back, and Christian does not return until the finish. After the match, Christian is attacked from out of nowhere by The Blade, and Matt Hardy return to congratulate The Blade afterwards.
We see a video package for Nick Gage, who asks Chris Jericho what he will do to him tonight that hasn't been done to him. He says that he will leave Jericho cut up and in pain, unable to take on Labor #3.
Thunder Rosa beats Julia Hart.
We hear from Jon Moxley, who drinks out of a flask as he wonders why his challenges are going unanswered, and says that once he doesn't have the IWGP United States title, Hiroshi Tanahashi wants to show his face. He tells Tanahashi that he is dead to him, then says he has sent more challenges from Japan and is waiting to see who comes from "The Forbidden Door." He says that while the door is open, nothing good waits for anyone on the other side.
MJF guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Painmaker" Chris Jericho beats Nick Gage in the Second Labour of Jericho - a no rules match - with green mist, light tubes to Gage's head and the Judas Effect. After the match, MJF tells Jericho that he will not wrestle him, especially after Labor #3, in which Jericho must hit a move off the top rope in order to win. He then mentions that Jericho's opponent for Labor #3 will be none other than Juventud Guerrera. He then mentions that Jericho's opponent for Labor #3 will be none other than Juventud Guerrera.
We hear from Evil Uno and Stu Grayson about The Dark Order's five-on-five elimination match against The Elite tomorrow night on Dynamite. They plan to win on Wednesday, but that does not mean that they will have dessert before the main course. Stu Grayson says that they will hurt their competition tonight, and Evil Uno that The Elite will see who the best tag team is.
Red Velvet beats Alejandra Lion.
We hear from "The Bad Boy" Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss. Janela says they are back together, better than ever and focused. He says that there will be no more go-go bars and bad influences, and next week on the 100th episode will be the start of their road to victory and the AEW World Tag Team Championships. Janela puts The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) on notice and tells them that he and Sonny Kiss are coming for the tag team titles. Sonny Kiss says that they will claim their rightful spot at the top of the tag team division.
Abadon beats Killa Kate.
Diamante beats Big Swole with a sit-down pin after using the ropes for leverage.
The Dark Order (Evil Uno and Stu Grayson) beats Zach Mason and Warren Johnson.
The Varsity Blonds (Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman Jr.) and Dante Martin beat The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) and "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth in a six-man tag match. After the match, Brian Pillman Jr. says that while The Acclaimed do taking right, what The Varsity Blonds does right is in the ring and is why The Varsity Blonds are AEW's #1 ranked tag team. He says that they are better, stronger and faster and can go through a concrete wall if one is put in front of them. He says that The Acclaimed are softer than concrete and tells them to face them in the ring again.
Nikki A.S.H. heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Nikki welcomes everyone to Monday Night Raw, then says being Raw Women's Champion feels like a dream before stating that the dream is now real. She says that when she reached for the stars in the past, she didn't have the confidence that she needed, and was so afraid to fail. One day, she realized that if she fails, she fails, and she is still her. She says that when she puts on the superhero outfit, it gives her the confidence and it reminds her that no matter what, if you believe in yourself, you can overcome all of the odds. She says it worked for her and can work for anyone else, and says that everyone can almost be superheroes. Suddenly, Charlotte Flair shows up. Charlotte Flair says that is a nice fairytale that Nikki is telling, but says that Nikki's fairytale has no happy ending and that she is a disgrace, stating that she should not represent the company. She says that Al Roker did not believe that Nikki was a champion, then says one has to work for it to become a champion and that she brings star power and perspective to the ring. After Charlotte calls Nikki an "almost idiot," she says that Rhea Ripley acted like a bratty teenage who got her phone taken away from her after she beat her, then says this is the only reason Nikki became champion, as she was not even on her feet when she was pinned. Charlotte says that Nikki stole her title, then says she will continue to stand in the ring and be the opportunity while Nikki continues to play dress-up, then she will get her championship rematch and Nikki will bow down to her. She then says that "this injustice" is the fans' fault, as they have cheered after she has become the victim of injustice just to bring her down to their level before Rhea Ripley shows up. Rhea Ripley says it's not hard to be jealous of someone who has held the title for one whole day, and while Charlotte Flair has been an 11-time champion, she can only win by pinfall or submission, and lost by disqualification because she couldn't handle losing to her. After Rhea says she should be the one getting the title rematch, Nikki asks who said anything about beating her at SummerSlam, and says that Raw is ready for change in the form of a new champion and that she will lead that change. Charlotte says she will walk out of SummerSlam as champion, then Rhea says the title will be hers. Suddenly, WWE officials Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce show up. Sonya says the only fair thing to do is to make a Triple Threat Match for the Raw Women's Championship at SummerSlam, which Charlotte calls "ridiculous," saying neither Rhea or Nikki deserve the title and that she should have a match tonight. Charlotte says she wants the match tonight to prove that Nikki is not in her league, and Nikki simply responds with "You're on!" Adam Pearce makes the match official, then Charlotte sends Ripley out of the ring before Nikki drop kicks her out of it.
We hear from Damian Priest, who says that Sheamus is a coward and a bully who deserves to get his ass kicked instead of holding the WWE United States Championship, and says that when Sheamus looks at him in the ring, he will see who should be United States Champion.
Damian Priest beats Sheamus in a United States Championship Contender's Match in a match that sees Sheamus' face mask get knocked off.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Omos retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships against The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik).
Before the next match, Jinder Mahal says that he is disgusted with Drew McIntyre and with everyone for cheering for the beating that Shanky got last week, and gives McIntyre a chance to apologize. When McIntyre refuses to apologize, Jinder Mahal introduces McIntyre to his attorney and threatens to sue him for everything that he has. McIntyre asks the crowd for their opinion, and decides to beat Veer within an inch of his life. McIntyre then starts a "Drew is gonna kill you" chant, then the match starts.
Drew McIntyre beats Veer by disqualification when Jinder Mahal hands Veer a chair only for McIntyre to kick the chair into Veer's face with a Claymore Kick.
Backstage, Eva Marie tells Doudrop to forget about what happened last week on Alexa's Playground, as she will be get one step close to the women's tag titles. She says that the Eva-lution will not stop as long as Doudrop holds up her end.
Natalya and Tamina beat Eva Marie and Doudrop in a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Contender's Match after Eva Marie is distracted by Lilly's mockery of Eva Marie with the "Lilly-Lution." After the match, Natalya has to be helped with the back after hurting her left leg.
Karrion Kross beats Keith Lee with the Kross Jacket.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Nikki A.S.H. Nikki says her confidence has grown and she is no longer afraid to fail. She says that she believes in herself and that nobody can take that feeling from her. She wants the fans to know that the hardest challenges are worth fighting for, and she plans to go in tonight knowin that win or lose, she will defend her title at SummerSlam. Rhea Ripley shows up and says that she respects the confidence that she has, then says she will be walking out with the Raw Women's Championship at SummerSlam. As for tonight, however, she hopes Nikki goes out there and gives Charlotte hell.
Mustafa Ali and Mansoor beat Mace and T-Bar after Mansoor takes a bullet for Ali and turns a choke slam off the top rope from Mace into a roll-up.
MVP and Bobby Lashley head to the ring. MVP addresses Goldberg's sudden appearance last week, and Lashley says he will not dignify Goldberg's challenge with a response before stating that the ring is his and that he will not be disrespected by anyone. Suddenly, Cedric Alexander shows up and brings up the dissolution of The Hurt Business, and says that Cedric was kicked out of the fold because Lashley knew he was better than him. As Alexander says that "Prime Alexander" is here and wants a shot at the champ, Shelton Benjamin shows up and says the sound of Cedric's voice is annoying before saying he is here to give Lashley a real challenge. MVP tells Cedric and Shelton that Lashley has no time for them, but Lashley takes the microphone from him and says he will take them both on at the same time before asking for a referee.
Bobby Lashley beats Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin in a two-on-one handicap match. Near the end of the match, Lashley hits Shelton Benjamin with a Jackhammer before hitting Cedric Alexander with a Dominator onto Shelton.
Backstage, The Miz and John Morrison are met by "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Omos. Styles plots something with Miz and Morrison while Omos keeps watch.
John Morrison beats Matt Riddle after "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Omos show up and break Riddle's scooter. After the match, Styles pounds on a downed Riddle and hits him with the Styles Clash.
Reginald retains the WWE 24/7 Championship against R-Truth with a somersault senton after outsmarting R-Truth throughout the match. After the match, several Superstars run into the ring, but Reginald flips over the top rope and escapes them all yet again.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Charlotte Flair, who says that Nikki A.S.H. only beat her because of Rhea Ripley, and says that she is tired of the women's division being run down by "almost Superstars." She says there would not be a Women's Champion if it weren't for her, and that she will prove this against Nikki A.S.H.
Charlotte Flair beats Nikki A.S.H. after rolling over Nikki after Nikki hits a top rope cross body. After the match, Kevin Patrick congratulates Charlotte Flair for her win. Charlotte asks Kevin what he expected before mocking Nikki, saying that no one is in her league. Nikki takes the microphone and admits that she lost, then tells Charlotte that she can beat her and challenges her to a rematch. Charlotte says she can beat her any week, then accepts the challenge. Charlotte extends her hand, and when Nikki extends her, Charlotte clotheslines her before degrading her in front of a fan in the front row. She then hits Nikki with a big boot to end the show.
Raw Talk: Damian Priest reflects on his humble beginnings.
Eddie Kingston guests on commentary for the next seven matches.
Jungle Boy beats Marq Quen with the Snare Trap despite the interference from Isiah Kassidy.
Yuka Sakazaki beats Amber Nova.
Thunder Rosa beats Myka Madrid with the Peruvian Calavera Choke.
Luchasaurus beats Jora Johl.
Scorpio Sky beats Fuego del Sol.
Angelico beats Marko Stunt by submission, then attacks Marko after the match.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews The Bunny, who take offense to her and The Blade being called losers and says The Blade only lost last week due to Kris Statlander's interference. She then says that she will rip Statlander's face off and drag her down the rabbit hole.
Kris Statlander and Tay Conti beat The Bunny and Madi Wrenkowski.
Jake Hager guests on commentary for the next match.
Wardlow beats Bear Bronson via referee stoppage. Wardlow's knee to the face that is responsible for several wins via referee stoppage is now known as the Casualty of War.
Alex Marvez interviews James Darnell, the winner of the Elite General Manager Invitational Tournament. As champion of the tournament, James gets to pick "Big Shotty" Lee Johnson's opponent tonight, and if Johnson wins, he will face Miro for the AEW TNT Championship at Homecoming. James picks someone he has been watching for some time up and down Japan: Luther. Referee Aubrey Edwards shows up and awards James with an Elite General Manager Invitational Tournament championship belt.
Eddie Kingston shows up to guest on commentary for the next match.
"Big Shotty" Lee Johnson beats Luther with a corkscrew splash which goes awry and leads to Johnson landing head-first. Before the match, Elite General Manager Invitational Tournament winner James Darnell is seen from the front row, and James also gets a high-five from Luther during the match as well as a chance to touch Johnson's head. After the match, Miro shows up and tells Johnson that while his last opponent was picked the fans, his next opponent has been picked by God, and at Homecoming, Johnson is next against the wall.
Eddie Kingston beats Serpentico.
Mark Sterling and Jade Cargill head to the ring. Sterling makes fun of Texas barbeque, saying he prefers vegan barbecue and says the fans should try it. He announces that he and Cargill had to fly here for an opportunity for the fans, as they are looking for the next great partner for the Jade Cargill Brand and are taking all offers on Twitter (with the hashtag #JadeBrand) as well as through his phone number at 1-347-SMART-40 while proclaiming that Cargill is the next crossover star in professional wrestling, as unlike Texas under two feet of snow, the Jade Cargill brand cannot be shut down.
The Lucha Brothers (Penta el Zero M and Rey Fenix) beat The Dark Order (Alan "5" Angels and Preston "10" Vance).
Brock Anderson and The Gunn Club (Billy and Colten Gunn) beat Chandler Hopkins, Cameron Cole and Izzy James.
PAC beats Chuck Taylor. After the match, Andrade el Idolo shows up and teases getting into the ring, but Chavo Guerrero Jr. whispers in his ear and he decides against it.
Backstage, Brian Zane interviews The Allure (Angelina Love and Mandy Leon), both of whom says that Quinn McKay are done and that she blew her chance at entering the ROH Women's Championship Tournament.
The ROH Women's Championship Tournament begins next week!
"The Mercenary" Flip Gordon beats World Famous CB with an STF. After the match, The Bouncers (The Beer City Bruisers, Brian Milonas, Ken Dixon) show up, and The Beer City Bruiser says that they should be the center of conversation, and they are putting the locker room on notice and winning the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, Brian Zane interviews "The Mercenary" Flip Gordon, who says he has nothing to say until he gets his World title shot.
Danhausen guests on commentary for the next match.
PCO beats Sledge by disqualification when Sledge shoves referee Joe Mandak as he and PCO brawl on the outside (despite PCO shoving Mandak just seconds earlier). Security rushes in to keep both men separated.
Backstage, Brian Zane interviews Sledge, who says that he was able to hang with PCO and that it is not over between him and PCO.
Dak Draper beats "Infinite" Eli Isom and Dalton Castle. When Draper hits Isom with the Magnum Drop, Dalton Castle's boys stand on the ring apron and clap to the three count. After the match, Draper throws the participation ribbon away and shakes Isom's hand.
Before the next match, The Skimahorns (Brad and Briar Skimahorn) declare that their match is non-title at the announce desk.
The Yung GOATs (Aaron Roberts and Zay Washington) beat The Skimahorns (Brad and Briar Skimahorn).
Before the next match, Connor fails to show up, and King Cobra shows up saying he cannot find Connor anywhere. Suddenly, "The INKcredible" Darius Lee shows up and offers to take Austin Lane's open challenge. Cobra gives Darius Lee his blessing.
Austin Lane beats "The INKredible" Darius Lee in a Best of the Best Open Challenge.
Derrick King guests on commentary for the next match.
Danny B. Goode beats Jay Smooth despite the constant interference from Kross. After the match, Danny B. Good wants to know what is going on with Derrick King, but Derrick King refuses to talk to him and walks away.
We hear from Diana Taylor, who says that he has gotten rid of Eric McMahon and that is just her and Paris Kelly, and now she is going to put their friendship aside.
Dustin Starr interviews Alan Steel and Johnny Dotson at the announce desk. Alan Steel says Memphis was his hometown, but he has moved out of the state after how people treat others. He says the Memphis Heritage title is back on his shoulder, and that everyone wants to play games until they run into "grown folks." After saying that Action Jackson has gone missing and that Simon has been laid out, Lil' Chris shows up and confronts Alan Steel only for Johnny Dotson to attack him from behind. Steel also attacks Lil' Chris, and Dotson throws Lil' Chris shoulder-first into a ring post.
We hear from Lance Archer, who says that he is come and demands that Championship Wrestling From Memphis bring their best.
"The Gun Show" Brett Michaels quickly beats Connor Matthews. After a vignette from The Hollywood Horror Show ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock, Jacksyn Crowley, Otis Crowley, The Revenant of Walker Hayes) where Jimmy Blaylock says that The Revenant of Walker Hayes is the real monster and will make everyone pay, Brett tells The Hollywood Horror Show that he isn't done and to bring it on.
Dustin Starr interviews "Smokin' Hot" Nikki Lane at the announce desk. After Nikki says she has done this for her two daughters to show that women can also wrestle, Heather Monroe shows up and says she is the only reason Nikki is even a champion and says it is a shame that she is the one carrying the women's title. Nikki Lane says she is "the woman of Memphis," and Heather Monroe tells her to keep holding that belt for her. Nikki Lane then guests on commentary for the next match.
Cece Chanel beats Lil Bit with the Cobra Clutch. After the match, Heather Monroe attacks "Smokin' Hot" Nikki Lane from behind on the outside while Lil Bit attacks Cece Chanel from behind in the ring. Heather then takes the Memphis Women's Championship and says it belongs to her and not "that trash over there," saying that she is the top female star in the United Wrestling Network and that the title exists because of her.
This week's show is a "best-of" show. Matches include:
Heather Monroe vs. Ruby Raze in a Halston Boddy Bag Match from October 31, 2020 (500th Episode Blockbuster Spectacular)
"The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater vs. Jack Banning in a No Holds Barred Match from May 8, 2021 (Halston Boddy's Coastline Clash, Part 1)
SoCal Distancing (Andy Brown, Dom Kubrick, Miguel) vs. Ray Rosas and Kevin "BHK" Masterson in an unsanctioned match from January 2, 2021 (500th Episode Blockbuster Spectacular)
Note: This show takes place in both Cleveland, Ohio as well as the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami, Florida. Unless otherwise mentioned, all events take place in Cleveland, Ohio.
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena talks about how he came back to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam, and says that both of them being face-to-face in the ring is just heartbeats away. He also mentions that he went to Cleveland, Ohio city offices and changed his legal name to "Guardians," as somebody neds to protect the small amount of respect WWE has left, as SmackDown with Roman Reigns as its champion "absolutely sucks." He says that there may be a lot of Roman Reigns fans in the crowd tonight, but everybody deserves to be heard as the days of the Thunderdome are over and there are real people all over the arena. Cena then says SummerSlam is not just a match for the Universal Championship, but a chance for everyone to stand up for what they believe in, and asks the fans whose side they are on. He then asks where Roman is, then says Roman Reigns can't see him, and after SummerSlam, Roman will realize that the champ is here. Cena then calls Roman out, but Paul Heyman shows up by himself and says Cena has it all wrong, saying Roman can't hear Cena because he is not worth listening to. Heyman then tells Cena that he will get an answer to his challenge only when Roman decides to show him and everyone here that "the tribal chief is here." Heyman then mocks Cena's entrance theme on the way to the back.
Finn Balor beats Sami Zayn in his first match on SmackDown in over two years.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Baron Corbin. Baron Corbin says that he lost money on CorbinFund, as the guy who made the site stole his identity and ruined his credit, then says he had to ride the bus to get here today. He asks what has happened to him, then walks off.
Big E heads to the ring. Big E says that Sunday was a night that he will never forget, then Apollo Crews shows up. Apollo Crews congratulates Big E for winning, but says that a contract is not the same as a championship. Suddenly, Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler show up. Before they can say much, Rick Boogs shows up and plays King Nakamura to the stage, then Cesaro appears and says he wants the Intercontinental Championship before declaring it is swing time in Cleveland, Ohio. This starts a brawl in the ring, and Nakamura, Big E and Cesaro soon clean house.
From the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami, Florida, Wale shows up and brings out The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford).
From the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami, Florida, Angelo Dawkins beats Chad Gable. After the match, Bianca Belair shows up for the next match.
From the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami, Florida, Bianca Belair retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Carmella.
Backstage, Kevin Owens meets with Shotzi and Nox as they fix Shotzi's tank, then runs into Baron Corbin, who apologizes for insulting Kevin Owens and saying he has a bad habit of insulting everyone. He asks Owens to forgive him, then Owens hands him some money and tells him not to be a jerk to everyone. When Shotzi and Nox inadvertently shoot Corbin in the gut, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode show up and laugh at Corbin before stealing the money. Owens chases Ziggler and Roode away with a chair, then checks on Corbin.
Edge heads to the ring, and says that he has had to fight hard to get back to where he is now, and says that he should be standing here as WWE Universal Championship. He then says the only reason he is not Universal Champion is Seth Rollins. He says that he thought he had all his bases covered, and thought that Seth Rollins would not show himself. He then says that this goes all the way back to when he at Seth first met in 2014, and says Seth should have gotten the job done then. Edge tells Rollins that he has opened Pandora's Box, as he learned from the most evil minds in the business, and says that Rollins will find out what depths he will sink to in order to get the job done. Suddenly, Seth Rollins shows up. Rollins makes fun of "Grandpa Edge" for talking about the man he used to be, but Edge tells Rollins to shut up as he is embarrassing himself before asking him to get in the ring so they can discuss things, promising not to put his hands on him. Rollins says that he was on his way, and says that he was going to talk about how he was sick and tired of part-time wrestlers taking opportunities away from people like him, but he finds himself agreeing with the fans about Edge being back. Rollins tells Edge that he has been such a scumbag to him, and says nothing would make him happier than to crush his dreams and end his fairytale comeback story, and says that if Edge keeps pushing him, people will soon talk about how he ended Edge's career. He says that he he hesitated seven years ago when he had the chance to end Edge's career, and says that when he gets that chance again, he will not hesitate to pull the trigger. Edge then says that he was a liar about not putting his hands on Rollins, then attacks Rollins. Rollins is able to fight back, but Edge hits the Edgecution. Edge then goes for the Spear, but Rollins retreats.
Toni Storm beats Zelina Vega in her SmackDown debut with a modified cutter called the "Storm One."
Jimmy Uso beats Dominik Mysterio after Jey Uso puts his feet on Jimmy's back for leverage. After the match, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman says that everyone, including John Cena, has acknowledged him, and while he wanted to acknowledge John Cena, John Cena put on a nostalgia act when he returned. He says that if he wanted that, he would look it up on the Internet. He compares John Cena doing the same old thing over and over to "doing missionary position every single night," and says that he does not see Cena because he has no desire to see him, and that he will not see him in the main event of SummerSlam, declining his challenge. Suddenly, Finn Balor gets in the ring. He says he is not here to acknowledge Roman, and that if Roman is not interested in Cena's challenge, he may be interested in his. As the fans chant "Roman's scared," Roman simply says "Challenge accepted."
In footage from after Slammiversary went off the air, Juice Robinson and David Finlay attack The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) and force them, Don Callis and Kenny Omega to retreat, but Jay White gets back in the ring and lays out Juice Robinson.
For the first time since March 2020, there is a crowd around the ring for Impact Wrestling's weekly show (with fans having already returned at Slammiversary).
"The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams and Trey Miguel beat Kal Herro and Tony Gunn with a Sharpshooter from Petey Williams to Kal Herro on the pre-show.
In backstage footage from Slammiversary, Chris Bey unknowingly finds a Bullet Club shirt, thinking it is Rohit Raju's.
Chris Bey beats Rohit Raju. After the match, Jay White meets Chris Bey backstage and asks him if he got his message. Chris says yes, and Jay White says they are looking for guys who could fit into Bullet Club, but Chris Bey says he walks alone. Jay White asks Chris Bey how that has been going for him, then tells him t consider the offer, because it will expire.
Backstage, Gia Miller gets another interview from Don Callis, who says that Kenny Omega was injured at Slammiversary and is not just his family, but a multinational conglomerate and that being injured costs them money. Don Callis says he enjoys certainty and that nobody told that "Switchblade" Jay White would be at Slammiversary, and says that Jay White is either here to join the Elite or stab people in the back. He says that working conditions in Impact suck and that he does not want to be here, but Omega is Impact World Champion, and and anyone who wants to be on top will have to go through them.
Mickie James heads to the ring. Mickie says it feels to be good in Impact again, and that it also felt good to kick Deonna Purrazzo in the mouth. She also says that Slammiversary did not go the way she planned, as she had serious intentions when she returned. She then says she intends to finish her business from Slammiversary and asks Deonna Purrazzo to come to the ring. Deonna shows up. Mickie thanks Deonna for coming to the ring and that she did mean for Slammiversary to be physical. She says that her intentions at Slammiversary were true and real, and asks her to be at NWA Empowerrr and a part of history with her. Deonna says she showed up to give Mickie the benefit of the doubt and a chance to do the ring, then says Mickie is here for herself and that she knows she is the greatest. She says that Mickie needs her to make NWA Empowerrr the best all-women's wrestling event in history, and demands Mickie James grovel at her feet and apologize right now, threatening to slap her into next week if she does not. Gail Kim arrives and tells Deonna Purrazzo that she told Mickie James to show up at Slammiversary and ask her to appear at NWA Empowerrr, and Mickie asks Deonna if she wants to further cement her legacy. After Mickie asks Deonna one more time to appear at NWA Empowerrr, Deonna shakes hands with Mickie, accepting the offer.
We see another vignette for "The Drama King" involving a candelabra.
Jake Something, Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green beat Tenille Dashwood, Sam Beale and Brian Myers in a six-person tag match after Taylor Wilde shows up for the first time in some time to pull Kaleb with a K off the ring apron as he distracts Chelsea Green.
Backstage, Eddie Edwards says he sees W. Morrissey walking around like he owns the place and that he had him beaten at Slammiversary until he hit him with the chain. He says that if Morrisey is down to fight, then they can fight in the parking lot right now.
W. Morrisey meets Eddie Edwards in the parking lot, and both men brawl. Morrissey retreats after Eddie Edwards hits him with two Kendo sticks.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Brian Myers and Tenille Dashwood. Myers says that he and Tenille are like a bow and arrow and that their two losses are like a pullback, and after Myers says Tenille is under his learning tree, Tenille wants nothing to do with him. This is especially true after Sam Beale asks Tenille Dashwood what Taylor Wilde is accusing her of, which causes Tenille and Kaleb with a K to leave. Myers chews out Sam for costing him a tag team partner for Homecoming. Sam Beale says he will fix everything and find Myers a partner, but Myers tells him not to do it.
"Switchblade" Jay White heads to the ring. Jay White introduces the Impact fans to himself and his accolades and says the he is "the real belt collector," and that he is here in Impact Wrestling for one man: David Finlay. He says that David Finlay cannot hide from him at Impact, and says that Finlay is hoping for a resurgence of his family name that was once respected but is now laughed at at NJPW Resurgence. He says that Finlay may have beaten him for the NJPW Cup, he will not beat him for the NEVER Openweight Championship. He then addresses The Good Brothers, calling them "the true fans of Bullet Club" as well as himself. He says The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) are only relevant when they can tie their names to Bullet Club, and while they are desperate to re-join, this is his era of Bullet Club, and Bullet Club has standards. He says that The Good Brothers are not good enough anymore. Jay White says that The Good Brothers cannot rejoin Bullet Club, but he is a nice guy and willing to allow them to appeal that decision. Suddenly, The Elite ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows, "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson, Kenny Omega) show up. Don Callis says that Jay White was always one of his favorite talents when he was in New Japan, then says he remembers what "the real Bullet Club" was like when The Elite was in it. He says that while Jay White was doing things for the veterans in the dojo, The Elite were selling out the Tokyo Dome, and says that Jay White's Bullet Club is full of mid-carders. Callis then says that Jay White should be asking to join The Elite. Jay White makes light of the fact that Don Callis got fired from Impact Wrestling, and reminds The Elite of the night that he beat Kenny Omega. Omega says he and Callis will talk things over in the back, then let The Good Brothers talk with Jay White. The Good Brothers say that Jay White should be thanking them for making his way up and "earning a liveable wage" after they left America to get rich. Jay White says it never changes, saying The Good Brothers still do nothing but talk and that their careers peaked when they lost the 2012 G1 Final and he became everything The Good Brothers wish they could have been. This starts a brawl between Jay White and The Good Brothers, with The Good Brothers quickly overpowering Jay White. As The Good Brothers go for the Magic Killer, Chris Bey runs into the right and fights The Good Brothers. The Good Brothers soon retreat after Jay White is back on his feet.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander, who says that he will keep lining up contenders and knocking them down after bringing the X Division to new heights. As he says that he can be a champion that Impact and its fans can look up to, Kenny Omega and Don Callis show up, and Omega confronts Alexander for saying he wants to be the face of the company, and Don Callis has to hold him back.
Backstage, The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) ask Jay White if he has forgotten where he come from before saying he should be thankful to them for giving him the life that he is living, and that by putting his hands on them, they have started a war. Gallows tells Jay White that he hopes he is enjoying his liveable wave, then challenges him and Chris Bey to a tag team match next week.
FinJuice (Juice Robinson and David Finlay) beats "Inevitable" Ace Austin and Madman Fulton after Juice Robinson stacks up Madman Fulton. After the match, Austin and Fulton attack FinJuice, but Finuice soon fight back before they are attacked by Rohit Raju and Mahabali Shera. After Juice Robinson is laid out, Ace Austin hits Juice Robinson with The Fold.
We hear from Rich Swann and Willie Mack. Swann says that Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner, Rhyno) has told them that they have a target on the backs due to costing them the Impact tag team titles, and says when they lost the tag titles, they blamed themselves. Swann says that if they have something to prove, they are not hard to find. Willie Mack is about to challenge them to a match when the lights flicker and Violent By Design ambush them. Eric Young says they found them, and next week, Violent By Design ends them.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Moose as he knocks on Scott D'Amore's door. Moose says that Chris Sabin got lucky at Slammiversary, and demands a rematch against Chris Sabin. Sabin shows up and says he is game for a rematch. D'Amore tells them that they will have their match next week, and Sabin tells Moose that he cannot wait to beat him again.
Decay (Rosemary and Havok) retain the Impact Knockouts Tag Team Championships against Fire 'n Flava (Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz) after Kiera Hogan inadvertently superkicks Tasha Steelz.
Assistant to the General Manager Sid Scala announces that he and General Manager Johnny Saint have been in discussions with NXT management - NXT General Manager William Regal, Triple H and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels - who we now hear from. William Regal says that they have taken a keen interest in the happenings from last week, and Shawn Michaels says they were disappointed that Walter vs. Ilja Dragunov for the NXT UK Championship would not be taking place. Triple H then says that after discussions with General Manager Johnny Saint, they have come to the best possible solution. Regal says that Walter and Dragunov have had one of the fiercest rivalries in professional wrestling, and Michaels says the match should be seen by the entire world. Triple H announces that the match will take place in the United States on August 22nd at NXT TakeOver 36.
We hear from Symbiosis (Eddie Dennis, Primate, T-Bone). Primate says that Tyler Bate chose to use weapons, and says the wounds or war heal while Tyler won't. T-Bone says that Tyler Bate won't be a "big, strong boy" when he is up against two big, strong men. Eddie Dennis says that they have not forgotten about Trent Seven, and says that every time they have shared a ring, Trent Seven tried to end his career. He asks Seven how it will feel when Symbiosis returns the favor, as his mind is a cannon locked, aimed and loaded at the precipice of Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven), and his ammunition is ready to fire.
Nina Samuels beats Laura DiMatteo.
We hear from Teoman, who says that when he came to NXT UK, he said that nothing is more important than family and that he will stop at nothing to provide for them. Rohan Raja shows up as Teoman says that while he was born hundreds of miles away from Rohan, they have a bond. Rohan says that Oliver Carter and Ashton Smith learned how strong their bond last week, and says Teoman welcomed him into the family as he saw something powerful in him that all of NXT UK will see soon enough. Teoman says it is easy to choose respect or fear, and that family is always growing.
We hear from Xia Brookside, but she is soon interrupted by Blair Davenport, who talks about how everyone is talking about her despite being in NXT UK for only five minutes while Xia has been there for three years. She says that people only know who Xia Brookside is because of her father's last name.
It's time for SPRNVA Sessions. Tonight's guests are Jinny and Joseph Conners. Conners sits down, but Jinny stands up until Noam Dar hands her a pillow off of the couch. After some jokes from Noam Dar, Jinny tells Noam Dar that she has never been cheap and has lived a life of luxury since the day she was born. Joseph Conners says that since he has teamed up with Jinny, he has been surrounded by true class, true culture and the hierarchy of life. Jinny says that "smart people associate with smart people." Jinny then addresses Aoife Valkyrie, saying she has heard what she has to say about her and says she watches from a distance because she is a scared and fragile girl, and says that Aoife Valkyrie would never say any of that to her face because she knows that she will be the one to break her and truly destroy her. After Jinny and Joseph Conners leave, Noam Dar plugs his shirt, and the segment ends.
We hear from Rampage Brown, who says that his third match with Joe Coffey will be the one to end it all and that he will be the one to come out on top.
Joseph Conners beats Tristan Archer with a spinning neckbreaker that he calls "The Hierarchy." After the match, Jinny spots Aoife Valkyrie behind the barricade, and Aoife Valkyire hands Jinny a feather, challenging her to a match.
In footage from earlier today, Jordan Devlin says that A-Kid is the dumbest man on the planet to demand a 30-minute Iron Man Match against him with a torn ACL, and says he knows that his ACL is not 100% because he felt it tear in his own hands. He says that last time they were in the ring, he tried to end A-Kid's career, and next time, he will finish the job.
Backstage, "Bomber" Dave Mastiff says he is looking after his own muscles when Jack Starz shows up and says he appreciates his help, saying he would have not challenged Tyler Bate without it. He tells Starz that there is more to come from this.
We hear from Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven). Trent Seven says it is always words from Symbiosis (Eddie Dennis, Primate, T-Bone) and that Eddie Dennis cannot let things go. Tyler Bate says that Symbiosis jumped Trent Seven, and that he will have to put the Heritage Cup Championship on the backburner to have his back, as they are back together and they have some business to attend to. Trent Seven says that at the precipice of Moustache Mountain is a log cabin guarded by two of the biggest, strongest boys, and that they will see Symbiosis in the ring where they will finish things once and for all.
Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) retain the NXT UK Tag Team Championships against Subculture ("Flash" Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews) after Lewis Howley pulls Sam Stoker out of the ring to avoid Fall To Pieces, then throw Webster over the barricade and throw one of the tag team title belts to distract the referee and hit a double-team maneuver to retain the titles.
