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.
Jeff Cobb beats "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams in the Countdown.
Nigel McGuinness guests on commentary for the rest of the show, making his first appearance in Ring of Honor in six-and-a-half years.
Konosuke Takeshita beats Willie Mack in the Countdown.
Willow Nightingale beats Miranda Alize in the Countdown.
Stu Grayson beats Slim J in the Countdown after Evil Uno foils "Smart" Mark Sterling's distraction of the referee and clotheslines both him and Ari Daivari after Daivari nearly inadvertently hits Sterling while going after Evil Uno.
El Hijo del Vikingo retains the AAA Mega Championship against Komander.
The Embassy ("The Machine" Brian Cage, Joseph Kaun, Toa Liona) retain the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships against AR Fox, "All Heart" Blake Christian and Metalik.
Athena retains the ROH Women's World Championship againat Yuka Sakazaki.
Samoa Joe retains the ROH World Television Championship against Mark Briscoe with a sleeper. After the match, Samoa Joe grabs Mark Briscoe and forces him up, then shakes his hand, and Mark Briscoe hugs his family and thanks the fans.
Hiroshi Tanahashi beats Daniel Garcia.
The Lucha Brothers (Penta el Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix) beat La Faccion Ingobernable (Dralistico and Rush), The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett), Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis) and Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) in the Reach For The Sky Ladder Match to become ROH World Tag Team Champions! During the match, Dante Martin suffers a foot injury after Penta el Zero Miedo puts him in a Canadian Destroyed off a ladder through four tables and Dante's foot hits the floor and twists. After the match, Mark Briscoe shows up and smiles, and FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) also show up. All three men celebrate with The Lucha Brothers and Alex Abrahantes on the stage.
Katsuyori Shibata beats Wheeler Yuta to become the ROH Pure Champion!
Claudio Castagnoli retains the ROH World Championship against Eddie Kingston. After the match, Wheeler Yuta shows up to celebrate with and check on Claudio, then the two of them prepare to back Eddie into a corner and gang up on him until Katsuyori Shibata shows up. This leads to a staredown until Claudio and Yuta leave. Afterwards, Eddie calls Shibata a living legend and to give it up for Hiroshi Tanahashi, then tells Claudio he will beat his ass.
Sammy Guevara beats Konosuke Takeshita following the distraction from Tay Melo.
It's time for QTV. QTV staff celebrates Powerhouse Hobbs' recent success, then name some potential opponents before QT Marshall mentions his new finisher, the Dirt Sheet Driver. QTV staff then mock Wardlow's Powerbomb Symphony.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Lexy Nair interviews Matt Hardy and "All Ego" Ethan Page. Hardy says the match between Ethan and Hook is official and that he has overlooked the contract After Matt tells Ethan he has his back, Ethan signs the contract on Matt's back while Matt winks at the camera. Ethan signs the contract on Matt's back while Matt winks at the camera.
Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta) beat The House of Black (Malakai Black and Brody King) by disqualification after Malakai Black hits Trent Beretta with a chair on the outside. After the match, Orange Cassidy shows up and Black and Brody are about to lay out Beretta, but he is headed off at the pass by Buddy Matthews before Brody hits Beretta with Dante's Inferno.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland.
Taya Valkyrie beats Marina Shafir. Shortly after the match begins, Jade Cargill, Leila Grey, "Smart" Mark Sterling and Sterling's process server watch from the stage. After the match, Jade Cargill has Sterling send his process server to the ring to serve Taya with an injunction. Taya gets served, then Taya puts the process server in the Road to Valhalla. Cargill plays it cool at first, but she soon rushes at the ring, and Leila Grey and Mark Sterling have to hold her back.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Anna Jay A.S., who says she attacked Julia Hart because Julia pissed her off for nearly killing her in a street fight and giving her dislocated ribs. She says that pain does not bother her because she has a fat ass and a bad attitude and that she will choke Julia Hart out.
Battle of the Belts VI will air after next week's Rampage.
"Rock Hard" Juice Robinson beats Action Andretti. After the match, Juice Robinson is about to attack Action Andretti when he mocks "Absolute" Ricky Starks. Starks runs out and chases Juice Robinson to the back to end the show.
Valentina Feroz beats Lash Legend. During the match, Elektra Lopez shows up to watch from ringside, and after Valentina tumbles out following a meteora and a pinfall attempt, Lopez tries to grab her from behind only for Valentina to shove her into the ring steps. Lash Legend tries to hit Valentina with a big boot as she gets back in the ring, but Valentina avoids it and stacks Lash Legend up in a schoolkid pin-style roll-up for the win.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Kelly Kincaid interviews Nathan Frazer. Frazer says Javier Bernal claims to have a massive body but is actually a "massive fraud," but admits that Bernal has taken the fight to some of the brightest stars in NXT. He says it will be a challenge, but the path to enlightment was not easy. Frazer then tells Bernal to bring his best.
We hear from Dani Palmer, who says that being on LVL UP is exactly what the title implies: levelling up in life. She says she is no stranger to that, as she became a multiple-time champion in Division I sports in a sport she had never played and made it to WWE before she even stepped in a wrestling ring. Palmer says she plans to dominate with a hybrid style that nobody has ever seen, and while she is a daredevil, she is not stupid. She says that she sees someone as technical as Lyra Valkyria or lethal as Zoey Stark, fear will definitely be present, but she leans into that fear that stops most girls, which presses her on every side, but never crushes, as she makes the impossible possible.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Before Jimmy Uso can say much, however, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens show up. Sami Zayn says that he and Owens will put an end to this once and for all at WrestleMania, and that before they take the tag team titles tomorrow, they will make sure nothing left is unsaid between them and The Usos tonight. Owens admits that he is conflicted about what they will have to do tomorrow night, as The Usos were the first two people to make him feel welcome in the locker room, but he lost respect for The Usos when they started doing Roman Reigns' bidding and tried to take his career away. Owens says that he would not be here right now if for Sami, then admits part of him does not want tot do this, but he and Sami will take their tag team titles.Jimmy Uso tells Owens that they had love for him at the start, but now they have no love for him or Sami and that what they have is family, blood and brotherhood Owens and Sami wishes they had.Sami butts in, telling them that loyalty also makes family, but Jimmy asks Sami what he knows about loyalty. Sami says he was loyal to The Bloodline, but The Usos chose blood and Roman Reigns over him and loyalty even though Roman was never loyal to them. Sami also tells Jey that the pressure on The Bloodline has always been on them and that he and Owens will put them out of their misery and take the tag team titles, and when they do, it will be the end of everything and The Usos can go back to being themselves. Jey says it will be the same thing with Owens and Sami that it always is, that they will lose, and that Owens will stab Sami in the back again while The Usos continue to be the best tag team of all time.
WrestleMania 39 is tomorrow and Sunday night!
Ricochet beats Chad Gable, Montez Ford and Erik in a Fatal 4-Way Match.
We see a video package of Rhea Ripley's road to WrestleMania.
Backstage, a backstage crew member is seen leaving The Great Muta's dressing room with a face covered in green mist.
Bobby Lashley last eliminates Bronson Reed to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
We see a video package of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' road to WrestleMania.
Raquel Rodriguez beats Sonya Deville, Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler in a Fatal 4-Way Match.
We see a video package chronicling the events leading up to Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro, Zelina Vega) meet with Rey Mysterio. Rey thanks them for having his back last week, and Santos Escobar says what is happening between Rey and Dominik Mysterio breaks his heart and hopes Rey will teach him a lesson. Rey says he will teach Dominik a lesson he will never forget, and Escobar says that if The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) play the numbers game, they will have his back. Rey says that if they will do this, they will do this in style, then hands them a couple of lWo (Latino World Order) shirts along with the one that he has.
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus beat Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) despite not getting along.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. He says that we are now at the precipice and that all his cards on the table, and on Sunday, he will do what he has said he will do and become Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Cody says that he is the most prepared he has ever been, but at the same time, he feels wildly unprepared, as he could talk about anything and yet the fighting needs to start. After quoting California Love by 2Pac, stating that he might be a bit broken inside and that winning the title and mentioning what Roman Reigns has said in the past, he says that everybody thinks they are the guy until they meet the guy, then re-introduces himself to Roman as his successor, but as he says he will finish his story, Roman Reigns shows up. Roman arrives with Paul Heyman, then admits to Heyman that he does not care about any of the fans tonight, as it is Cody's turn, not theirs, to acknowledge him. Cody and Roman then have a staredown to end the show.
Yuya Uemura beats Gabriel Kidd in the Countdown match.
Trey Miguel retains the IMPACT Wrestling X-Division Championship against Kevin Knight, Rich Swann, Frankie Kazarian, Clark Connors and Rocky Romero in an X-Division Scramble match after Clark Connors Spears Kevin Knight out of the air and Miguel quickly pins Knight.
Before the next match, Joe Hendry says the multiverse is united and that no matter where anyone comes from, everyone speaks the same language when they say "We believe."
Sami Callihan, Fred Rosser, Alex Coughlin and PCO beat Eddie Edwards, "Filthy" Tom Lawlor, JR Kratos and Joe Hendry in an eight-man tag match.
A backstage interview by Gia Miller is stopped by technical difficulties.
Mickie James guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo beats "The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw, Miyu Yamashita and Masha Slamovich to be added to the IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts World Championship match at Rebellion.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Ace Austin and Chris Bey. Chris Bey says he and Ace Austin are not worried about tonight, as they are a completely different team than they were in the past and that they will show everyone that they run professional wrestling. After Bey says that everyone will be talking about them like past tag team champions, Ace Austin says they formed as a team here in Impact and that they needed their early matches and Japan to grow and transform, and that they are now out of their shells.
Bullet Club ("Inevitable" Ace Austin and Chris Bey) retain the IMPACT Wrestling World Tag Team Championships against TMDK (Bad Dude Tito and "Hysterical" Shane Haste), The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis) in a four-way tag team match.
We hear from Mick Foley in an advertisement for DressleMania III.
KUSHIDA beats Lio Rush with the Hoverboard Lock after catching him out of the air. (KUSHIDA's original opponent was scheduled to be "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander, but Alexander was forced to bow out due to a triceps injury.)
KENTA retains the New Japan Pro Wrestling Strong Openweight Championship against Minoru Suzuki after grabbing the referee, throwing him down, hitting Suzuki with the low blow and using the middle rope for leverage in a way that the referee cannot see. After the match, an angry Suzuki tries to get into the ring with a chair, but the referee and a member of security hold him back and escort him to the back.
Hiroshi Tanahashi beats "Speedball" Mike Bailey. (Tanahashi is a replacement for Will Ospreay, who is out with an injury.) After the match, Tanahashi raises Mike Bailey's hand in a sign of respect.
Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt host a countdown to Multiverse United. There are also a few exclusive matches on this episode as well.
We see a video package for Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. "Speedball" Mike Bailey at Multiverse United.
We see Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Lance Archer for the IWGP United States Championship at NJPW Resurgence from August 14, 2021.
Backstage at the Globe Theater in Los Angeles, Gia Miller interviews Rocky Romero. Romero says tonight is an historic night in wrestling with New Japan Pro Wrestling and Impact Wrestling coming together for inter-promotional matches, and he is ready to go and ready to add another title to his accomplishments.
We see a video package for KENTA vs. Minoru Suzuki at Multiverse United.
Jody Threat debuts in Impact Wrestling next week!
In an exclusive match from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Miyu Yamashita beats Killer Kelly.
At the Globe Theater in Los Angeles, Gia Miller interviews Moose. Moose says Tommy Dreamer and Jeff Cobb cannot lace his boots and that Tommy Dreamer is jealous of his accomplishments, then says he has wrestled Cobb long ago and that he will bring it. He then says that like Cobb, he has also been in hard hitting matches, and tells Cobb to bring his A-game, as he will find out why he is "The Wrestling God."
In an exclusive match from Las Vegas, Nevada, that was taped before "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander's triceps injury, "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander retains the Impact Wrestling World Championship against KENTA.
Scott D'Amore announces that "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander will show up next week to relinquish the Impact Wrestling World Championship.
Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis) beat The Varsity Athletes ("The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese and Ari Daivari) after double superkicking "Smart" Mark Sterling at ringside.
Miyu Yamashita beats Shazza McKenzie.
The Embassy ("The Machine" Brian Cage, Joseph Kaun, Toa Liona) beats JD Griffey, Dark Draper and Arjun Singh in a trios match.
Metalik and AR Fox beat The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo).
Athena retains the ROH Women's World Championship against Emi Sakura with a sleeper. After the match, Athena attacks Emi Sakura again, targeting the right leg and trapping it in the ring steps. Suddenly, Mei Suruga gets on top of Athena, then Yuka Sakazaki runs out and beats Athena up until referees and security break up the brawl. This soon leads to Athena laying out security guards and Sakazaki leaping off the top rope to the outside where she takes out Athena and multiple members of security.
La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush and Dralistico) and The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) beat Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) and The Lucha Brothers (Penta el Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix) in an eight-man tag match.
Mark Briscoe heads to the ring. Mark says he comes tonight representing the best tag team in the history of time and space, The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe), but tomorrow night, it is not about tag team action, but the biggest singles match of his career when he faces Samoa Joe for the ROH World Television Championship. He says this match is different a little bit personal, but he will win it not just for himself, but for his family, Jay's family, everyone in Delaware and the fans. Mark says the match is bigger than anyone ever knows, then briefly mentions the history between and Joe before proclaiming that he will win the Television Championship because it is his destiny. Joe shows up on the video screen and tells Mark not to worry about his destiny, but reality and survival, as he has forgotten the man that he is.
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews Jay Lethal, who is on his own backstage. Mark Briscoe shows up, and Lethal wishes Mark luck at winning the ROH World Television Championship from Samoa Joe tomorrow night, telling him this has more to do with their personal history and not with anyone that he rolls with in All Elite Wrestling.
Wheeler Yuta retains the ROH Pure Championship against Leon Ruffin in a Pure Rules Match with a crossface. After the match, Yuta applauds Ruffin's efforts before saying they were not enough just like previous contenders' efforts were not enough, and states that Katsuyori Shibata's efforts will not be enough at Supercard of Honor. Suddenly Shibata shows up, and Yuta tells Shibata that he used to be one of the most lethal strikers in wrestlers before ripping the microphone out of Yuta's hands and staring him down.
El Hijo del Vikingo beats "All Heart" Blake Christian. Both men shake hands after the match, with Blake Christian raising Vikingo's hand.
Backstages, Dasha Fuentes interviews "All Heart" Blake Christian. Prince Nana shows up and tells Blake Christian to take the night off because The Embassy ("The Machine" Brian Cage, Joseph Kaun, Toa Liona) will be a devastating team to face and beat, but Blake Christian says he does not back down from challenges. Prince Nana then sics The Embassy on him, and they retreat after AR Fox and Metalik run in to make the save.
Eddie Kingston beats "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels. After the match, Daniels raises Kingston's hand, then Claudio Castagnoli shows up carrying a redesigned ROH World Championship belt. Claudio gets in the ring and has a staredown with Kingston, telling him that the ROH World Championship is his. Kingston wants to fight Claudio after this, and Claudio takes off both his jacket and shirt as if to tease an early match as Kingston demands the bell be rung, then gets out of the ring. Kingston tells Claudio he will wait until Friday and tells the fans that if they do not buy the Supercard of Honor, they will feel like shit, because he needs to be a world champion and fulfill the destiny of what he said he would be when he was nine years old, even going so far as to withhold from giving his mother a grandchild until he does it. He then calls out Claudio for leaving to become "an entertainer" and looked like a clown while he stayed and became a fighter. After telling Claudio to "go back to the circus" and daring him to get into the ring, Claudio leaves, then Kingston says that he stands on the shoulders of his mentors and ROH World Champions past and that he will become a world champion.
The show beings with a brief explanation of the founding of AEW and its growth, then we see scenes of upcoming episodes of the series.
In Atlantic City, New Jersey, everyone is getting ready for Full Gear. We then see the filming of Tony Schiavone interviewing Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. before we are introduced to her. Britt talks about how her family has been supportive of her career as both a wrestler and a dentist, and that she had two lives as soon as she took her first bump in a wrestling ring.
Backstage, Jamie Hayter, Toni Storm, Saraya and Dr. Britt Baker talk about what is going on in the women's division following Thunder Rosa's recent injury as well as her work outside of AEW. The four of them are having a match tonight, and Britt admits that her back is not the best shape. Britt Baker says that being a part of the foundation of AEW effects her, and considers Toni Storm more of a real champion than Thunder Rosa as she feels Thunder Rosa treats the AEW Women's World Championship like an accessory than a championship while Toni Storm does what she needs to do and does not complain.
We see The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) on their way back to work after not wrestling for two months. The two of them talk about their beginnings in professional wrestling, which leads to how they wrestling today. The both of them are ready to get back to doing something in AEW. Matt talks about how they never fit the mold for a major company, and says that when Tony Khan was created AEW, they decided to jump in. We then see footage of The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson) winning and then being stripped of the AEW World Trios Championships after the events of All Out, and Matt feels that it is a black eye on their career. Nevertheless, the two of them are readying their comeback.
We are introduced to Sammy Guevara and Tay Melo. Sammy finds out that from Tony Schiavone that Tony Khan was so blown away by his match with Bryan Danielson last week that he wants a two-out-of-three match between both men, and Tony Schiavone gives him the gist of what to say for the promo leading up to the match. Sammy then talks about how he got into professional wrestling and how he worked hard for over a decade in the independent circuit, then talks about how this two-out-of-three falls match could be a turning point for his career.
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) make it to the arena and meet with various people on the roster before the show. They also ask Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. how Adam Cole - who is currently reinjured is doing - and learn that Adam Cole is preparing for an in-ring return following a concussion. The Young Bucks mention how real wrestling is, and Britt admits that she is a bit overwhelmed with what is going on with Adam Cole.
In Orlando, Florida, Austin Jenkins (aka Adam Cole) shakes off ring rust at a fitness center. He talks about how he turned to professional wrestling during the worst times of his life. Kyle O'Reilly meets up with him as he trains and talks about the progress on their recovery from their injuries, and Austin admits that Britt Baker has been overprotective about him coming back too soon, and that the fear of never wrestling again has kept him awake at night. Austin then talks about how he is about to have the biggest doctor's appointment of his life, and the best case scenario is that he will be cleared for Full Gear.
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) train in the ring with Brandon Cutler. Matt talks about how it feels weird coming back after not wrestling for two months and that he is wondering if he and Nick still have it, and admit that he is nervous about things going wrong during their return.
Rampage starts in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Britt Baker gets a shot into her back before gearing up for her match. Meanwhile, Sammy Guevara and Tay Melo watch Sammy's promo leading into a two-out-of-three falls match with "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson, then we hear from Tay Melo about how she got started in Judo when he was young, tried out for the Olympics and got discovered by WWE, and how she was originally supposed to be a face before she became a heel thanks to her relationship with Sammy. Sammy says it is a shame that the fans are not seeing Tay's talent with her as a heel, as she is a bad-ass in the ring, and Tay says that she was born to fight.
Tay Melo has her match on AEW Dark. Tay says she is trying to figure out what she is doing wrong as a heel, and that she needs to get the fans to remember that she was born to do this. Meanwhile, Britt talks about Adam Cole's doctor's appointment with Rebel, and says that they are playing with fire. Britt also talks about how she is training other women with their storylines as we see Britt and Jamie Hayter's match.
After Rampage, everyone heads out of the arena. Sammy Guevara talks about how he watched some of the people that he works with while working odds jobs chasing his dreams. The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) look forward to wrestling in the near future after their return.
In Orlando, Florida, Austin and Britt see the doctor. Britt reminds everyone that she is a real-life dentist for the cameras, and Austin talks briefly about his and Britt's real life relationship, and admits that he hates putting her through what he is going through, but at the same time, they have to stay strong for each other. He admits that the recovery process has been pretty rough, as he has never been out of action for more than a month, and says that it will suck if he is not cleared for Full Gear. At the doctor's appointment, Austin finds out that the chances of being cleared in time for Full Gear is not likely. After the appointment, Austin knows that he could never wrestle again if he gets another concussion now. Both Austin and Britt agree that they do not want to go through this again. Austin apologizes to Britt for putting her through everything, but Britt says that there will be a time when he will return, even if it is not right now, and that everyone is in his corner.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Don Callis and Kenny Omega in the trainer's room. Callis says that he lost his balance after he grabbed "Hangman" Adam Page's wrist, then asks Kenny why he was angry afterwards. Callis tells Kenny to focus on Jeff Cobb tonight while he handles things with Adam Page.
We see footage of The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn), Angelo Parker and Matt Menard having a night out on the town. Jake Hager (and his hat) is also seen in the footage. When asked if The Acclaimed are in or out of the Jericho Appreciation Society, Bowens says they will have a decision by next week.
The Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta) quickly beat Dalton Castle and The Boys (Brandon and Brent Tate).
We see a video package for Jeff Cobb vs. Kenny Omega for the IWGP United States Championship later tonight.
Before the next match, Tony Schiavone tells Kenny Omega that The Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta) have attacked Don Callis. Omega says he has to focus.
Kenny Omega retains the IWGP United States Championship against Jeff Cobb with the One Winged Angel despite a rib injury making it difficult for him to hit his finisher. After the match, The Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta) surround the ring, then "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson shows up for the first time since his loss to MJF at Revolution and chews out The Blackpool Combat Club for what they are doing. He tells all three men to get off the apron as he confronts them for their conduct, then offers his hand to Kenny Omega. Omega goes after Yuta, then Danielson hits him with the Busaiku Knee before putting him in the Lebell Lock. Don Callis, Brandon Cutler and members of security run towards the ring, but to no avail, and Danielson shakes hands with the rest of The Blackpool Combat Club before all four men celebrate. Afterwards, Danielson tells Kenny Omega that he "is everything that is wrong with wrestling."
We see a video package for the events leading up to FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) vs. The Gunns (Austin and Colten Gunn) for the AEW World Tag Team Championships. We then hear from The Gunns backstage. Austin says that FTR may be the best of their generation, but it took them nineteen years to get there while he and Colten became tag team champions in two years. He says that FTR used to be their heroes until they met them, and now they hate them and do not respect them. Colten says that they respected their father "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn and they left him laying, and Austin says they will do the same to FTR.
Orange Cassidy retains the AEW Intercontinental Championship against The Butcher after The Blade hits Orange Cassidy with a crowbar and Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta) takes The Blade out before Taylor hits The Butcher with the crowbar as the referee checks on Orange Cassidy.
We hear from Jade Cargill, Leila Grey and "Smart" Mark Sterling. Jade says that Taya Valkyrie has become a problem and calls her recent actions an outrage. "Smart" Mark Sterling warns Taya Valkyrie that if she uses the Road to Valhalla on Rampage, he, his process server (who is to the left of Sterling) and Jade will sue her.
We hear from "Rock Hard" Juice Robinson, who tells Action Andretti that he is in a fight with someone who is real mad and has tunnel vision for "Absolute" Ricky Starks on Rampage. Juice then tells Starks to watch him make an example out of Andretti and that it will be a hint of what he will do to him.
Ruby Soho beats Willow Nightingale after putting her feet on the ropes for leverage while Toni Storm keeps her feet held down. After the match, The Outcasts (Saraya, Toni Storm, Ruby Soho) attack Willow, then wrap a chair around Willow's left leg. Riho and Skye Blue run into the ring and fight The Outcasts only to be outnumbered. Saraya is about to spray paint Riho when Jamie Hayter and lays Ruby out with the Hayte Breaker. Saraya retreats, as does Toni Storm, and Hayter helps Riho out before shaking her hand.
We hear from Powerhouse Hobbs, who brags about his recent wins as TNT Champion and states that the championship will never leave his waist.
Adam Cole beats Daniel Garcia in his first match in an AEW ring in nine months. After the match, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. heads to the ring and kisses Adam Cole in the center of the ring while streamers rain down. Suddenly, Chris Jericho shows up, checks on Daniel Garcia and helps him out of the ring without even looking at Adam Cole. At the top of the ramp, Jericho looks over his shoulder briefly, then heads to the back with Garcia.
Axiom last eliminates Nathan Frazer to face Wes Lee in the five-way Ladder Match for the NXT North American Championship at Stand & Deliver. After the match, Wes Lee, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, and Ilja Dragunov all meet in and around the ring.
We hear from Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), who talk about Axiom's win, the five-way Ladder Match for the NXT North American Championship and their predictions for the winner as part of their preview show.
Tyler Bate and Chase University (Andre Chase, Thea Hail, Duke Hudson) meet in the locker room. Chase thanks Tyler Bate for his efforts in the recent debate, then says Bate will beat Von Wagner.
Backstage, Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen says that whatever is happening, they will get through it before Kiana James - who has sent an odd text message - and Fallon Henley show up. Kiana James says that what they all have is something special and is about to confess about Sebastian when, all of a sudden, she mentions that she has pulled some strings to get Briggs and Jensen a match. If Briggs and Jensen win tonight, the NXT Tag Team Championship match at Stand & Deliver will be a Fatal 4-Way, much to the chagrin of Fallon Henley.
Tyler Bate beats Von Wagner after wiping out Mr. Stone with a somersault senton over the top rope after Thea Hail attacks Mr. Stone for trying to yank Tyler out of the ring on the outside. After the match, we see a message from The Schism inside Chase University where they state that The Schism will take over after Chase University falls and that a new class will begin.
Roxanne Perez is seen backstage for the first time since beating Meiko Satomura. After the commercial break, Roxanne Perez meets with Shawn Michaels. She tells Shawn that she has been medically cleared and that body exhaustion and anxiety caused her to pass out after beating Meiko Satomura. Shawn tells Roxanne that defending the NXT Women's Championship is not the best idea after everything she has recently been through. Roxanne says that wanting to be champion and being champion are two different things, and admits that she suffers from anxiety, and wonders if she has peaked at 21 years old. Shawn says that Roxanne may not be ready physically, but not mentally. Roxanne says her anxiety may be crippling, but she cannot run away from it and must face it head on by climbing the ladder for the title she never lost. Shawn tells Roxanne to get medical tests and follow-ups on her mental state, and tells her that she will be in the ladder match for the NXT Women's Championship.
Elektra Lopez beats Valentina Feroz.
Eddy Thorpe debuts next!
Eddy Thorpe beats Myles Borne.
We hear from Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), who talk about the rivalry and the potential unsanctioned match between Johnny Gargano and Grayson Waller at Stand & Deliver.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang). Mark Coffey says all three teams they are defending the NXT Tag Team Championships against all had a good case, and Wolfgang says that they look forward to Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen getting involved. Wolfgang says the odds do not matter, and Coffey says that all the teams will find out Gallus is on top.
Indi Hartwell beats Ivy Nile and Sol Ruca in a Triple Threat Last Chance Match to qualify for the NXT Women's Championship Ladder Match at Stand & Deliver after knocking Sol Ruca out of the ring following the Sol Snatcher and nailing Ivy Nile from behind to get the win. After the match, Zoey Stark, Lyra Valkyria, Gigi Dolin, Tiffany Stratton and Roxanne Perez all appear one at a time in the crowd, on the stage and on the balcony.
We hear from Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), who talk about the NXT Women's Championship Ladder Match at Stand & Deliver as part of their pre-show.
We hear from Grayson Waller via Twitter, who is on the way to the arena. He says that security is sweeping the arena and will be surrounding the ring as he tells Johnny Gargano to tune in as he has no idea what he is going to say.
We see a Prime Target video package for the NXT Championship match between Carmelo Hayes and Bron Breakker.
We hear from Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre. Alba says that when the sun goes down on Stand & Deliver, the darkness will rise, and Isla says that they will burn their opposition to the ground and spread their message far and wide from the ashes.
Drew Gulak beats Hank Walker with an inside cradle after Charlie Dempsey hits Walker with a cheap shot at the referee is in-between Gulak and Walker.
We hear from Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), who talk about about the upcoming NXT Tag Team Championship match.
Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo beat Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen. (Had Brooks and Jensen won, the NXT Tag Team Championship match at Stand & Deliver would have been a Fatal 4-Way match.) During the match, Fallon Henley and Kiana James head to ringside to cheer Briggs and Jensen on. After the match, Kiana James says she has something to tell him, but she would rather show him, and kisses him on the lips.
Grayson Waller heads to the ring. On the way there, he takes the contract for his unsanctioned match with Johnny Gargano from Vic Joseph at the announce table and says he will not be responsible for what happens to Gargano. Grayson Waller looks at the contract and says that he is the real main event, and that this match is "a full circle moment" after trying to connect with the fans and make his way to the top, and says his elbow drop from the top of the cage at WarGames was not a viral moment because everyone talked about Gargano, and that it was not until he attacked Gargano and sent him home while he went to the top. Waller says that one must bet on themselves in this business and that nobody has bet on themselves more than himself, and that Gargano is begging him to kick his ass at Stand & Deliver because he is his golden ticket. He says that Gargano may be "Mr. NXT," but just like Shawn Michaels, he will lose at Stand & Deliver after he used Gargano to put himself on the map fifteen months ago. Suddenly, Gargano's music, and one of the cameramen is Gargano. Gargano and Waller brawl on the outside as security tries to break everything up.
It's time for Miz TV. Tonight's guests are Becky Lynch, Lita and Trish Stratus. When asks why she could not deal with Damage CTRL (Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai) alone and had to call in reinforcement, Becky says that she is "The Man" much like The Miz is "an insecure man with notoriously tiny balls." After Miz says his balls are massive and that Maryse can verify, Miz says Maryse did not get around much before him, then talks about how Damage CTRL put her on the shelf and how she planned on ending them only for them to come back. Becky admits she does not work well with other people, but there are people she respects, and when they fight for her, she fights for them. When asked why she is making her return now to help out Becky, Lita says she feels more like half of the women's tag team champions rather than back-up, then Damage CTRL shows up as Lita says she has felt the best. Bayley says she is sick and tired of Becky, Lita and Trish acting like their match is another match when this match is Damage CTRL's life and Lita and Trish only meant something twenty years ago. After Trish says Lita means something right now with championship gold, Bayley says their match could have been a dream match in the past, it is now a different dream, as Damage CTRL's dream is to take out the top woman in WWE and two Hall of Famers. Becky tells Bayley that they have been doing nothing and that Iyo and Dakota have been acting as nothing but Bayley's flunkies, and since they could not end this in recent months, they will end it at WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 39 is this Saturday and Sunday!
Becky Lynch beats Iyo Sky.
We see a video package about Asuka's WWE career leading up to her WWE Raw Women's Championship match against Bianca Belair at WrestleMania.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Cathy Kelley interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Before Rollins can say anything about Logan Paul, Mustafa Ali shows up and says Rollins has nothing nice to say about him, then says he wants Rollins to see the positive side of being knocked out by Logan Paul twice. After Mustafa Ali says that Rollins should think more "positive-Ali" about Logan Paul's fans looking forward to what Logan does next, Rollins brings up Mustafa wanting to fight him when he was United States Champion and says good things come to those who wait. This leads to a match between them tonight that is coming up next.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins beats Mustafa Ali. After the match, Rollins says that at Night One of WrestleMania, he will finally get his hands on Logan Paul, who has a history of making a joke out of himself, and if he cannot beat Logan Paul, then he himself is the joke. Rollins mentions everything that Logan Paul has done to him since Royal Rumble, and proclaims that it will all come back around in five days on Logan's own birthday.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Baron Corbin meets with WWE official Adam Pearce when Chelsea Green shows up to complain to Pearce about why she is not in the women's WrestleMania Showcase. When Pearce tells Chelsea that she has no tag team partner and that Piper Niven wants nothing to do with her, Chelsea tells Pearce to stop mansplaining, then Sonya Deville shows up and says that she could not have explained it better and that she did Pearce's job better than he could. Pearce makes them both into a random tag team and gives them a chance to earn their way into the women's WrestleMania Showcase. Chelsea and Sonya leave, then Pearce leaves after Corbin tries to talk to Pearce again.
Corey Graves and WWE official Adam Pearce host a weigh-in between Omos and Brock Lesnar. Omos and MVP show up first, followed by Brock Lesnar. MVP says he will give everyone a chance to look at Omos, then gives Brock Lesnar credit, because he respects him immensely, for what he has done at past WrestleManias, including breaking The Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak. He then says Omos is unlike most men as Lesnar cannot suplex, F-5 or defeat him, then Omos steps on the scale. Omos weighs in at "over 400 pounds." Lesnar then shows up and brawls with Omos and tries to use the scale as a weapon, but Omos hits him with a big boot. Lesnar slides out of the ring before Omos can hit him with the scale.
We see a video package for Charlotte Flair prior to her match against Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Rhea Ripley. Rhea says there is no denying how great Charlotte Flair's legacy is, but she does not need to be reminded about it every single week. She says her legacy is unmatched, but it will not define her destiny, and that she must beat Charlotte to prove she is the best and become the biggest star in the industry and that she needs Charlotte's title to do so. She says it is Charlotte's legacy against her destiny, and that Charlotte cannot stop her from becoming champion.
We hear from Finn Balor, who tells Edge that it would always be them dragging each other through Hell in a Cell, and while Edge may be familiar with the Cell, there is nothing more dangerous than a caged demon. He tells Edge to go to his dark place, light his candles and do whatever he needs to do to unlock it, for he does not summon his demons, as his demons are always here and that one needs to look closely.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), Braun Strowman and Ricochet beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) and The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) in an eight-man tag match.
Backstage, Maxxine Dupri - who has been watching the last match from backstage - keeps her eye on Otis.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says he loves the position he is in and loves this position, and knows that Solo Sikoa has been undefeated on the main roster. He also knows that The Bloodline knows that he has earned this, as the fire started long before his WWE return and that he has lived this. He proclaims that Solo Sikoa will find out that he is not ready, and that he will beat Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
We see The Bloodline in a parody of The Goodfellas for WrestleMania Goes Hollywood.
We see a video package of Bianca Belair's career leading up to her WWE Raw Women's Championship match against Asuka at WrestleMania.
In footage from an empty arena earlier today, Austin Theory says that John Cena exposed himself, not him, as the one thing Cena cannot see is the future right in front of his eyes. Theory states Cena wants everyone to believe that nobody believes in him, but he only does this for himself because he had a purpose before anyone had an opinion about him. He says it is sad that he would have let Cena go down the hero, but Cena had to make it personal, and that it will be fitting when Cena looks up to him when he makes Cena believe in him and makes the fans stop believing in him.
It is announced that Stacy Keibler will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville beat "Michin" Mia Yim and Candice LeRae to qualify for the women's WrestleMania Showcase match.
We look back on the first WrestleMania from 1985, courtesy of Snickers.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Paul Heyman. Heyman says that although he walks through the shadows of the Island of Relevancy, Cody Rhodes knows he is not ready and that he proved it a few minutes ago during his interview, and proclaims that Solo Sikoa is ready to weaken Cody before his match at WrestleMania and put a beating on him. He says that Roman Reigns is ready to stoop to some lows and get any advantage that he can, as Roman Reigns has evolved and Cody has never been ready to fill his father's shoes, be "the man" of this generation and beat Roman Reigns. He says Cody should be ready for the beating Solo will give him tonight, then he will take the emotional baggage with him to SmackDown before he loses to Roman Reigns and acknowledges him in the greatest moment of his career.
Before the next match, Dominik Mysterio says it takes a deadbeat to hit his own child and that Rey proved that he is really a deadbeat dad. He proclaims that after Damian Priest beats Rey tonight and he humiliates Rey at WrestleMania, everyone will know what a failure he really is. After a replay of what happened between Rey and Dominik at last week's SmackDown, Dominik asks what kind of father hits his own son and what kind of mother sits there and does nothing. Dominik says the silence was defeaning and that he should have told his mother to shut up a long time ago, then tells Rey that he wishes Eddie Guerrero was his real father and that Rey never existed, as his entire family is a disgrace to the Mysterio name and the name will be his at WrestleMania.
Rey Mysterio beats Damian Priest by disqualification after Dominik Mysterio attacks Rey. After the match, Priest and Dominik gang up on Rey and attack him, then Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro) run into the ring. Priest and Dominik retreat.
We see a video package of Andre The Giant prior to the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on this week's SmackDown.
Backstage, The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) and Johnny Gargano find out that they are in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, as does Rick Boogs and Elias. As Elias says he is alock to win this, he runs into Dexter Lumis, Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley. Lashley questions what Elias has said before telling him he will see him on Friday.
Backstage, we hear from Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Sami says it has been an emotional year, and now they are less than a week away from the most important tag team match of all time. He says that there is a bit of the story that not everyone knows, as Los Angeles is where they got their first big break and truly became a team. Sami says that after all that has happened, they come back full circle as a team. Owens says it has been about getting their careers upwards and forwards to the next level, but it does not get any bigger or better this weekend when they become Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.
Gunther beats Dolph Ziggler. After the match, Gunther calls out Sheamus and Drew McIntyre, calling their match where he is forced to defend the Intercontinental Championship against both of them at the same time "a disgrace," and says that what happened to Ziggler will happen to them at WrestleMania.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Solo Sikoa, giving Solo his first main roster loss. During the match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) distract Cody, but Cody kicks out of the Spinning Solo and Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens show up to brawl with The Usos. Cody beats Solo with a second Cross Rhodes after ducking another attempt at the Samoan Spike.
Here are the full highlights from tonight's show!
This week on Raw Talk: Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green! Rey Mysterio! The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)!
"The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese and Ari Daivari beat Lane Summers and Campbell Myers.
"The Native Beast" Nyla Rose and "The Problem" Marina Shafir beat Briar and Sage Hale by submission, then make sure both of their opponents are laid out after the match.
Willow Nightingale beats Maggie Lee.
Big Bill and Lee Moriarty beat "The Reality" Zack Clayton and Anaya.
Athena quickly beats Tootie Lynn in a Ring of Honor Women's World Championship Proving Ground Match, then pretends to help her out of the ring and slams her into the ring before attacking her again post-match until Emi Sakura shows up and hands Athena the ROH Women's World Championship before grabbing her by the hair and laying her out in the middle of the ring.
Before the next match, "All Ego" Ethan Page admits that he is in a foul mood, but Matt Hardy says he, Isiah Kassidy and the fans will turn that frown upside-down and "party Hardy."
Matt Hardy, Isiah Kassidy and "All Ego" Ethan Page beat The Spanish Announce Project (Luther, Serpentico, Angelico) in a trios match.
The Institution ("Benevolent" Jack Banning, Honest, Divine, Savanna Stone) heads to the ring to start this week's show. Jack Banning says he would love to say that the United Television Championship is a culmination of hard work, then admits that he got it because he outsmarted all of his opponents as well as the United Wrestling Network. He says that he has been held back since showing up in the United Wrestling Network and that The Institution has been censored to look like the bad guys, and that he has been kept from opportunities that he has deserved. He says that all that matters is that if someone makes money and is marketable and well-liked, and that pandering to people got him nowhere. He says that he and The Institution have elevated each other and that they are getting their time back. He says that he was never popular or marketable and never made any money for the company, and that when he won the United Television titles, all the red flags went off and the sponsors complained. Banning says that the company has sicked Willie Mack on him because they are panicking, and that he needs this title that Willie Mack never won. He states that Championship Wrestling will be presented by The Institution and that their message will be televised.
Savanna Stone beats Mylo.
Backstage, Beef Candy (Richie Slade and Flex McCallion) meet with Jonny Loquasto over TMDK (Che Cabrera and Bad Dude Tito) getting a tag team title match before them. Loquasto mentions their eight-man tag victory, but that TMDK got the pin and that Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe and Luster the Legend) are still owed a title rematch. Loquasto tells Beef Candy that in two weeks, they will face Reno Scum one more time, and if they can beat them, they will be guaranteed a tag team title match.
Final Destination (Charles "R-Three" Cassus, Bryce Saturn, Evan Daniels) beat Guy Cool and 24K (Michael Hopkins and Miggy Rose).
Backstage, Jack Farmer interviews Danny Limelight and Slice Boogie. Slice Boogie reminds Danny Limelight that he had to help him with Talos in order for him to win the United World Championship and that they failed to help Papo Esco, and says Danny Limelight has forgotten where he came from before leaving. Danny Limelight says Slice Boogie is fine and that injuries change people, and that he will put Zicky Dice down.
Levi Shapiro beats Dom Kubrick after Halston Boddy distracts the referee as he approaches Shapiro on the outside so that Sledge can take Kubrick out with a lariat.
Backstage, Jeremy McPete interviews Kevin Martenson, who says that he barely survived the fight of his life against B-Boy and that he is still feeling it from that match, and that he is still accepting challenges for the United Heritage Championship. Suddenly, Charles "R-Three" Cassus attacks Martenson from behind and looks at the United Heritage title.
Che Cabrera guests on commentary for the next match.
TMDK ("Hysterical" Shane Haste and Bad Dude Tito) beat The Midnight Heat ("Rockin'" Ricky Gibson and "Precious" Eddie Pearl) to become the United World Tag Team Champions after Che Cabrera stops Eddie Pearl from using one of the tag team title belts as a weapon and takes it away only for Gibson to inadvertently knock Pearl off the apron and head-first into the title belt.
Powerhouse Hobbs retains the TNT Championship against Penta el Zero Miedo after QT Marshall introduces the championship into the ring as Alex Abrahantes takes a chair away from him and Aaron Solo tries to attack Penta, which leads to Solo acting as a distraction after Penta fends him off and Hobbs hitting Penta with the TNT Championship behind the referee's back before hitting Town Business to win and retain. After the match, Alex Abrahantes checks on Penta only to be ganged up on by Hobbs and Marshall. Fenix then runs into the ring with a ring bell hammer and swings it at Hobbs as Hobbs and Marshall retreat.
We see a video package chronicling the events in New Japan Pro Wrestling leading up to Kenny Omega vs. Jeff Cobb for the IWGP United States Championship next week on Dynamite.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks heads to the ring. Starks admits he is not in the mood for talking after doing it for the past few weeks, then immediately calls out "Rock Hard" Juice Robinson, who shows up. Juice says that if Starks wants an ass beating, he shall receive one. He then heads towards the ring, then stops short of entering the ring and turns around. Starks runs after Juice and tears his shirt as he gets him in the ring. Juice flees from the ring and jumps the barricade before telling Starks that if he wants to fight him, they will do it in New York City.
We hear from Jay Lethal, Jeff Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh. Lethal says they are the hardest working men in AEW, but every time they try to make some strides, AEW officials rain on their parade. Lethal talks about how the referee cost them the AEW tag team titles, and Jarrett says that the referee screwed him out of the International Championship. Sonjay says AEW has done everything in their power to keep them from being champions, but they will become champions sooner or later.
Brody King beats Jake Hager despite Anna Jay A.S. throwing Julia Hart into the ring post on the outside.
We hear from Swerve Strickland, who says that he is getting sick and tired of Keith Lee. He then says that he is ending this when he pleases, as he decides when this is over. Hip hop artist Tech N9ne shows up as Swerve Strickland says he should bring somebody Keith Lee will not expect and that he decides when this ends.
Taya Valkyrie beats Leila Grey despite the distraction from "Smart" Mark Sterling. After the match, "Smart" Mark Sterling confronts Taya for using Road to Valhalla only to get punched and put in the move himself.
"Daddy Magic" Matt Menard and "Cool Hand" Angelo Parker guest on commentary for the next match.
The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) beat The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) after Daddy Ass chases Maria Kanellis-Bennett up the ramp, where Top Flight back Maria to the back.
Dustin Starr interviews The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) at the announce desk. Simon says he hates the fans, but loves being a tag team champion. Mr. Chris says they have heard what Derrick King and Ray Ray Sanders had to say and that they will beat them worse than they have ever been beaten before.
The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) retain the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships against Derrick King and Ray Ray Sanders in a no-rules match.
Dustin Starr interviews The Circuz (Barnabas the Leader and Maurice the Strong) at the announce desk. Barnabas the Leader says that they have made the main event more fun, as they showcased Maurice the Strong's world-renowned feats of strength, as he is the only one capable of beating "Memphis Wrestling's biggest, baddest hero" K-Toomer. He also says that Maurice the Strong is the strongest man in the land and that K-Toomer was easily eliminted, and that Maurice the Strong demands a match with "The GunShow" Brett Michaels, who soon shows up. Barnabas welcomes Brett Michaels to The Circuz' big top and warns him to be careful what he wishes for, as he just might get it, then announces that Maurice and Brett will square off next week.
Gio Savage and Draco beat Ellsworth Enterprises (Matt Williams and Storybook Prince Gaston).
Dustin Starr interviews Reverend Ash Taylor at the announce desk. He proclaims that what the fans are about to see will inspire, and introduces them to three people who have given the righteous path a chance: Ray Collins, Jennifer Justice and Bulletproof Bruce. He says that Bruce put his faith in the wrong people and was left holding the bag when it came time to pay up. He then mentions that Jennifer Justice tried to make adjustments, but nothing stuck. He also says Taylor states hat Ray Collins thought he found a brotherhood but was left high and dry. Taylor then says they have looked to him for a future, and says that every new member on the righteous path must give. Bruce puts a $100 bill in the plate as Taylor says one must give their selves and their their worldly possessions as part of the righteous path. Justice does the same, but Ray Collins does not, and he drops the collection plate. Jennifer slaps Ray Collins in the face, then Bruce punches Collins and beats him up. Reverend Ash Taylor then kicks Collins in the gut for good measure.
"The Franchise" Shane Douglas guests on commentary for the next match.
Tim Bosby retains the Memphis Wrestling Internet Championship against "The Best of the Best" Austin Lane. After the match, "The Franchise" Shane Douglas personally hands the Internet Championship to Tim Bosby.
Eddie Edwards beats Bhupinder Gujjar in the Countdown to Sacrifice.
It is announced that Mickie James has sustained an injury, and that she will be here to update everyone on her medical condition. It is also announced that "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander has suffered an injury and has been forced to vacate the Impact Wrestling World Championship after a record-setting 335-day reign, and that surgery to repair a torn tricep has been successful. Steve Maclin will be facing KUSHIDA for the vacated Impact Wrestling World Championship at Rebellion, and he will also replace Alexander in the six-man tag team match against Time Machine (Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, KUSHIDA).
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Frankie Kazarian and Rich Swann. Kazarian says he has been in the same situation as Josh Alexander and that this is just a mere speed bump for him and that the setback will lead to the backup. Rich Swann says that Alexander will come back at the top of his game and that they will do this for Josh. On the subject of Steve Maclin suddenly becoming their tag team partner, Kazarian and Swann have no idea what to make of it.
Rosemary beats KiLynn King in the Countdown to Sacrifice after Jessicka beats up Taylor Wilde for getting physically involved in the match.
"Speedball" Mike Bailey beats Jonathan Gresham after missing the Ultima Weapon and reversing the Figure Four Leg Lock after Gresham goes for it.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Brian Myers. Myers says he has pinned Joe Hendry with ease and that he will do it again. He says his first title reign was epic, and that his second reign will be even better. Moose shows up and says the world saw Myers beat Hendry with a little help from him, and tonight, he will make sure lightning strikes twice when he helps him become the new Digital Media Champion. Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up and tells Moose he has banned him from ringside.
Before the next match, Joe Hendry says that every so often, the British government will send a member of the royal family to Canada to connect with the people, and this year, there was a massive debate about who to send. He then says that an education will be dished out to Brian Myers as he smacks his face from left to right. Four-time Stanley Cup winner and Detroit Red Wings legend Darren McCarty of the Detroit Red Wings is then seen in the front row as the match begins.
Joe Hendry retains the Impact Wrestling Digital Media Championship against Brian Myers.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Director of Authority Santino Marella and Mickie James. Mickie says she is not feeling good and that she has a broken rib, and while it will not be a long time, it will be some time, and she cannot defend the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship. She says that Jordynne Grace warned her against wrestling so close to Sacrifice and that she was looking forward to their match as she knew it would be something special, and that she does not want to leave her or the fans disappointed. She also says that she will not be able to compete at Mulitverse United, and hopes to compete at Rebellion. Santino Marella announces that in case Mickie cannot compete at Rebellion, Jordynne Grace will square off against the winner of the women's Four-Way Match at Multiverse United for the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship. In case Mickie James is able to heal in time for Rebellion, it will be a three-way match. Mickie says she wants to be cleared for Rebellion, but Impact Wrestling and the locker room deserve a fighting champion, and she will either defend the title with all that she has or giving the championship to the woman who wins that match.
"The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo beats "The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw with the Venus de Milo. After the match, Savannah Evans attacks Deonna Purrazzo, then Tasha Steelz shows up and tries to get Savannah to attack Purrazzo again. When Savannah goes for it, Tasha punches her in the back of the head. Jai Vidal grabs Tasha Steelz from behind, but she fends Savannah and Vidal off with a Tornado DDT before laying Vidal out with a cutter.
PCO beats Kenny King. During the match, Eddie Kingston throws a Kendo stick into the ring to distract the referee so that Kenny King can get a chair. Kenny hits PCO with the chair, but it has no effect, and Kenny goes for another chair strike only for PCO to punch it into Kenny's head for the win.
We see a vignette for Jody Threat, who is coming soon to Impact Wrestling.
Steve Maclin meets with Frankie Kazarian and Rich Swann and says he did not want "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander sitting on the sideline, then says everyone is talking about Alexander and not him. As Swann chews out Maclin, Kazarian stops him and tells Maclin that he is out of line and that tonight, he is their partner, not their friend, and that this partnership has to work out. Maclin says he wants this to work out so he can prepare for KUSHIDA at Rebellion, then says that even when the people he served with did not see eye-to-eye with him, they still got the job done.
Trey Miguel retains the Impact Wrestling X Division Championship against Lince Dorado.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews TMDK ("Hysterical" Shane Haste and Bad Dude Tito). Haste says he told Bullet Club he would keep an eye on them, and now he has called for Bad Dude Tito. Tito says Haste called him concerning beating Bullet Club for championship gold, saying that "the micro mini Bullet Club" will be easier to beat. Haste then says that they will see Bullet Club at Multiverse United after getting the job done tonight.
Bullet Club ("Inevitable" Ace Austin and Chris Bey) retain the Impact Wrestling World Tag Championships against TMDK ("Hysterical" Shane Haste and Bad Dude Tito).
Bully Ray beats Tommy Dreamer in a Busted Open Match. During the match, Bully Ray drinks four-time Stanley Cup winner and Detroit Red Wings legend Darren McCarty's beer and spits it into his face before piefacing him at the front row, and security has to hold an angered McCarty back. Sometime later, Tommy Dreamer inadvertently splashes the referee in the corner, then busts Bully Ray open with a cheese grater to the forehead. Despite this, the match keeps going, and The Good Hands get involved in the match while Bully Ray busts Dreamer open by sending him face-first into the ring post. Bully hides the fact that he is busted open with a towel while The Good Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch) revive the referee long enough to get the referee to call the match with the win going to Bully Ray. After the match, The Good Hands and Bully Ray set up a table, then Yuya Uemura show up and fight Bully only to get laid out. Darren McCarty jumps the barricade and tries to get past security, who hold him back. Bully Ray sees this happen, then tells McCarty that if he wants to fight him, then security can let him go so he can do that. Security lets McCarty go, and McCarty gets in the ring and gets in a hockey fight with Bully Ray. As McCarty gets the upper hand, The Good Hands attack him, then Bully Ray and The Good Hands put McCarty through a table. Suddenly, Scott D'Amore returns for the first time since Bully Ray injured him, then Hath, Rhino, Jonathan Gresham, "Speedball" Mike Bailey and Joe Hendry show up and charge the ring. Bully Ray and The Good Hands retreat, but Jason Hotch gets back in the ring to attack Scott D'Amore only for D'Amore to hit him with a Canadian Destroyer. Darren McCarty is then helped up off the mat.
Time Machine (Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, KUSHIDA) beat Steve Maclin, Rich Swann and Frankie Kazarian with a Hoverboard Lock from KUSHIDA to Maclin.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Kelly Kincaid interviews Lola Vice, who says she has fought in the cage with the dream of wrestling in WWE one day, and now that she is here, she will show what real knockout power is like to anyone who thinks they can take her on.
Backstage, we hear from Kale Dixon, who says that while Odyssey Jones is a good, big, athletic competitor, he has been doing this for five years. He says that if he had five years experience, he would have made Odyssey Jones look like a big old pile of trash. He says that nobody has an upside like him or looks as good as him and that everything in his life comes easy, and that he will soon beat a big man like Odyssey Jones and it will be hard to deny that Kale Dixon is the greatest thing ever.
Malik Blade and Edris Enofe beat Damon Kemp and Tavion Heights.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Ludwig Kaiser. Paul Heyman shows up early in the match to watch from the stage, and later on, Solo Sikoa shows up and heads down to ringsde with Heyman. After the match, Heyman and Solo get on the apron, and Heyman tells Cody that he is owed an apology and that ring announcer Samantha Irvin did "a lousy job" of announcing Cody's victory before doing it himself, calling Cody a challenger as he does. He says that Cody will see his road to WrestleMania with a pothole in front of him on Monday night when he faces Solo Sikoa, and if Cody survives against Solo, all roads will lead to Roman Reigns, who will see Cody one final time face-to-face next week. Cody asks Heyman if he is moving the goalposts for him before calling him out for interrupting the fans as they sang his entrance theme, and tells Solo once again that he is not ready. Cody then tells Heyman that at WrestleMania, Roman Reigns will find out that he is not ready, either.
It is announced that John Cena will kick off WrestleMania weekend with his match against Austin Theory for the WWE United States Championship at the beginning of Night One.
WrestleMania 39 is eight days away!
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. Charlotte says becoming a 14-time world champion was not built by fear, insecurity or nepotism, as this business was built on respect - not on fear - and that she respects, not fears, Rhea Ripley, and that she only feared her own potential. After stating that she respected all of her opponents, she admits that she has her insecurities, and that she has built her house on all the bricks that people have thrown at her. As for nepotism, she states that she loves her father and that she will never apologize for building on the greatest legacy in sports entertainment before declaring that diamonds are forever and that so is she.
Las Vegas magician Piff the Magic Dragon is seen in the crowd.
LA Knight beats Rey Mysterio. Before the match, it is noted that Rey Mysterio's wife and their daughter Aliyah are in the front row. Later in the match, Dominik Mysterio shows up, distracting Rey. Near the end of the match, Dominik trips Rey on the outside as he goes for the 619, allowing LA Knight to win with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Dominik asks Rey if he is going to give him what he wants while proceeding to shove him around. Rey says no and rolls out of the ring, and Dominik tells Rey to walk away like he always does before asking his mother in the front row what it is like to be married to a loser who cannot stand up to his own son.Dominik then tells his mother that she married a deadbeat and that she sat there every night while Rey was gone, and that makes her a deadbeat mom. Aliyah confronts Dominik, who tells her that she does not understand. Dominik then tells his mother to shut up and sit down, and Rey approaches Dominik and punches him out. Dominik then tells his mother to shut up and sit down, and Rey approaches Dominik and punches him out. Rey then tells Dominik that he pushed him to this point by disrespecting his mother, and if he wants a fight at WrestleMania, he has it.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez watch the next match from ringside.
Natalya and Shotzi beat Xia Li and Lacey Evans with a Sharpshooter from Natalya to Xia Li to qualify for the women's WrestleMania Showcase match. After the match, as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez confront Shotzi and Natalya on the apron, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey show up. Shayna says Natalya and Shotzi have a reason to fight them, and they might as well fight them tonight. Ronda then says that they have given Las Vegas, Nevada more than they deserve and that it is not happening tonight, then Baszler announces that she and Ronda have been added to the women's WrestleMania Showcase match.
WWE official Adam Pearce moderates a contract signing between Drew McIntyre, Sheamus and Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania. McIntyre appears before the commercial break, and Sheamus shows up with Butch and Ridge Holland after it. Sheamus says he is angry with Drew McIntyre because he has worked towards a goal for the last fifteen years and told McIntyre about it only for McIntyre to go behind his back and go for it before he could. He then says that he gets the chance to smash his face in at WrestleMania, but McIntyre tells Sheamus that he keeps trying to guilt trip him when they should be friends, but Sheamus cannot separate what is business from what is personal. McIntyre says he has beaten Sheamus and that he can beat Gunther while Sheamus cannot. Pearce reminds both men that he needs signatures on the contract right now, and both McIntyre and Sheamus sign the contract. Gunther then heads to the ring and demands Pearce to justify the decision of a Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship to him, but Pearce tells him to sign the contract, which Gunther does. Gunther then says that whatever he does to keep the Intercontinental Championship will be justified, and as he threatens to beat everyone up as well as Ridge Holland and Butch, Butch jumps Gunther, who then takes his anger out on Pearce, demanding a match against Butch.
Gunther beats Butch after Drew McIntyre fights Sheamus and Ridge Holland. After the match, Sheamus confronts Gunther, then dodges a Claymore Kick from McIntyre that hits Gunther. McIntyre and Sheamus then have a staredown.
We hear from The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), who hype up the men's WrestleMania Showcase match before Braun Strowman and Ricochet show up and say they will prove they are the better team.
It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Tonight's guest is Sami Zayn. Sami asks Kevin if he knows what they are on the verge of doing, then says they are on the verge of winning the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania, which he says feels different this year. Owens says he has not lost sight of that, but he know what they are about to do. He then gifts Sami with a "KO Mania Goes Hollywood" shirt, but Kevin Owens is on the back while "WrestleZaynia Goes Hollywood" is on the front. Both men hug it out, but they are both attacked by The Usos, who hit Sami with the 1D before Owens chases them out of the ring with a chair.
Here are the full highlights from tonight's show!
Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: LA Knight! Shotzi and Natalya! Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, GIovanni Vinci)!
Time Machine (Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, KUSHIDA) beat The Design (Deaner, Kon, Angels) in a six-man tag team match with a Hoverboard Lock from KUSHIDA to Angels after Sabin kicks Angels' arm off the bottom rope.
We hear from The Coven (Taylor Wilde and KiLynn King). Taylor Wilde says that what The Coven does takes a thousand shapes, and KiLynn King says that what Rosemary does is not much different. Taylor Wilde takes offense to being called a fraud, and KiLynn states that Rosemary sealed The Demon Dollz' (Rosemary, Taya Valkyrie, Jessicka) fate.
We hear from Raj Singh, who says that he turned a few dollars into a bed of cash and that Las Vegas has been good to him and Shera while the city eats other people and spits them out. He proclaims that they now live a life of luxury, then announces that "Champagne Singh" has arrived.
We hear from Kenny King and Eddie Edwards. Eddie says he has tried to end things with PCO, but it has not worked out, so he has brought in Kenny King. Kenny King says that their history as part of Honor No More does not matter and that they realized that they are family when they re-united in the midst of Jay Briscoe's funeral, and that he is stepping up because PCO was never family. King says that at Sacrifice, he will put PCO out when the family comes together.
"The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo beats Savannah Evans with a cruficix bomb after "The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw and Jai Vidal's interference attempt backfires. After the match, Savannah attacks Purrazzo and puts her in the full nelson before Vidal, Savannah and Gisele gang up on Purrazzo. Savannah then hits Purrazzo with the full nelson slam. Savannah then holds Purrazzo down so that Gisele can hit Purrazzo with the Denouement.
The Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week is Beer Money ("The Cowboy" James Storm and Bobby Roode) vs. The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) vs. Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) from Sacrifice 2010.
Backstage, The Death Dollz (Rosemary, Taya Valkyrie, Jessicka) take offense to The Coven (Taylor Wilde and KiLynn King) taking the Knockouts Tag Team Championships. Jessicka says that they should be winning all the time with Rosemary's magic, and Taya warns Jessicka against approaching magic and promises they will get the titles back if they come up with a plan. Jessicka makes up her mind to go after The Coven herself, and Rosemary has to send Taya after Jessicka. Jessicka soon finds a casket, and when she opens it up, Taya shows up and closes the casket, telling her not to look at the white light. A hand then comes out of the casket and grabs Taya, then pulls her into the casket. The casket lid then shuts, and a distraught Jessicka calls for Rosemary. (This writes Taya Valkyrie out of Impact Wrestling for the second time, with Taya having recently signed to All Elite Wrestling.)
Bully Ray and Masha Slamovich beat Tommy Dreamer and Mickie James with a low blow and a piledriver from Bully Ray to Dreamer behind the referee's back after Dreamer and Mickie try to get a table into the ring. After the match, Masha gets Mickie in the ring as Bully sets up the table, then Bully Ray goes for a powerbomb on Mickie into the table before Jordynne Grace shows up and hits Bully Ray in the back with a Kendo stick. Jordynne, wanting to make sure Mickie is 100% for their match at Sacrifice, decides to fight Bully Ray, but she inadvertently hits Mickie James with a Spear instead of Bully.
Backstage, Rich Swann and Frankie Kazarian talk about Steve Maclin, and Swann thinks that Maclin is getting to him. Kazarian tells Swann to talk to "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander and take care of their Steve Maclin problem before Sacrifice. After the commercial break, Rich Swann finds Steve Maclin going through Josh Alexander's belongings.
It is announced that a special live edition of Impact Wrestling will air next week from Los Angeles, California as a countdown for Multiverse United and will include some never-before-seen matches featuring Miyu Yamashita and Will Ospreay.
Before the next match, Joe Hendry announces that tonight is special as everyone will see the tag team of him and Dirty Dango, and that this is all the motivation to say two magic words. Dango yells "Suck it!", and Hendry thanks Dango for the enthusiasm before Dango says the real two words "We Believe!"
Moose and Brian Myers beat Joe Hendry and Dirty Dango.
Backstage, "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander finds Rich Swann, who tells him that Steve Maclin has been in his belongings. Alexander heads to the ring to get things figured out.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander heads to the ring. Alexander brings up Steve Maclin's history in Impact and admits that he has a ton of respect for Maclin as a wrestler and combat veteran, yet also admits that Maclin has lost him with the complaining and claiming that the deck has been stacked against him. He also says that he has lost respect for Maclin due to Maclin claiming he has ducked him, when Maclin has ducked him to take out everyone else, and states that as long as Maclin stays a challenger, he always has a hypothetical chance of becoming champion. Alexander then tells Maclin that their World title match will finally happen at Sacrifice and that they will see if Maclin has what it takes, and if Maclin loses, he will go back down to the bottom of the ladder. He then accuses Maclin of being afraid of being a soldier with no mission and "a forgotten son."Maclin shows up and says he has had opportunity to challenge Alexander for the title and has watched other people challenge Alexander when he could have. He admits that he is afraid to fail and go back to the bottom, and that he picked the right time so he could be prepared. He says he wants no room for error because he is obsessed with winning the Impact World Championship, then shows some footage of himself scouting Alexander from backstage. Maclin tells Alexander he may have built his legacy becoming Impact World Champion, but he is obsessed with winning the championship. Alexander states that while he has underestimated Maclin, this changes nothing, and he is still a fighting champion. Alexander then asks why they should wait until Rebellion when they could do this match right now, but Maclin says he is doing it his way, and if he is going to take the World title off of Alexander, he will do it in his hometown at Rebellion.
