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.
Claudio Castagnoli retains the Ring of Honor World Championship against Komander by referee stoppage after knocking him out in mid-air with a European uppercut.
Shawn Spears beats The Blade.
We see a video package for the quarterfinals of the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament tomorrow on Collision.
QTV (Johnny TV and QT Marshall) beat Matt Hardy and Brother Zay. After the match, Johnny TV and QT Marshall provoke "All Ego" Ethan Page. Ethan Page hits Johnny TV but gets superkicked by QT Marshall, and Johnny TV and QT Marshall retreat after The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn) run into the ring.
We hear from Wheeler Yuta, who says that The Bloodpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Jon Moxley, "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson) will end The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, "Hangman" Adam Page) in a preview of Wheeler Yuta vs. Kenny Omega next week on Dynamite.
Hikaru Shida beats Taya Valkyrie after countering the Road to Valhalla with an O'Connor Roll.
Aunty Cheryl Penrith welcomes everyone to tonight's show.
Slex beats Adam Brooks after getting the knees up on the swanton bomb.
We hear from The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). Sabin welcomes everyone to the Motor City Machine Guns experience before talking about how he was here twenty years ago defending the X Divison Championship against Frankie Kazarian just like he is tonight, with the only difference being that twenty years ago was his first reign as X Division Champion and he is now in his ninth. Shelley tells Steve Maclin that if he thinks he can take the IMPACT World Championship from him on his first defense, he is not thinking hard enough, because everything in the world is his and he and Sabin are the best tag team in it, and when Detroit, Michigan needed heroes, they got them.
"The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw beats Erika Reid with an arm bar.
We hear from Steve Maclin, who say he is not afraid to admit when he is wrong. He says he prepared for and completed the mission to become IMPACT World Champion, but admits that he got ahead of himself and looked past Alex Shelely at Against All Odds.He says Shelley was the bestter man that night, as he had his eyes on "The National Treasure" Nick Aldis at Slammiversary only to let the IMPACT World Championship slip straight through his fingers. He then says that Shelley is not going to be the better man tonight because he will not let his sights off of him and that he will become a two-time IMPACT World Champion.
Before the next match, Joe Hendry says that he is in a good mood and the reason is because IMPACT Wrestling is making its debut in Australia, and in Wagga Wagga, of all places. He then says that the other two words everyone else needs to know is "We believe," then announces he has an "Eddie sucks" chant for Eddie Edwards.
Joe Hendry retains the IMPACT Wrestling Digital Media Championship against Eddie Edwards after countering the Boston Knee Party with the Standing Ovation.
We see IMPACT Wrestling superstars at the Wagga Wagga Zoo.
Killer Kelly beats Aysha with the Killer Clutch despite Aysha spitting champagne into her face.
Chris Sabin retains the IMPACT Wrestling X Division Championship against Robbie Eagles and Frankie Kazarian in a three-way match.
ABC ("Inevitable" Ace Austin and Chris Bey) beat Moose and Brian Myers after Bey shoves Myers into Moose to stop the Roster Cut and pins Myers with a schoolkid pin.
We see various scenes of life in Wagga Wagga, Australia in a tourism commercial for the city.
We hear from Steph de Lander, who says that she made her IMPACT debut six months ago and lost against "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo and Jordynne Grace, and she was told that she was not ready and to go out and get more experience. She says she has done just that and solidified herself as one of the top wrestlers in the industry, and tonight, she will take on Deonna once again and she will be leaving with a win over the champion and continue to rise in IMPACT Wrestling.
Before the next match, Steph de Lander says she is home and that she has her green and gold gear on, saying she could not be any more Australian if she tried before stating that she hates Wagga Wagga. She says that she is "The Indy Goddess" and more of a superstar than "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo and that she belongs in arenas and not "basketball halls in the worst town in the country."
"The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo beats Steph de Lander with the Fujiwara Arm Bar after Steph de Lander tries to hit Deonna with a microphone.
Alex Shelley retains the IMPACT Wrestling World Championship against Steve Maclin.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Kelly Kincaid interviews Myles Borne. Borne says it has been rough in NXT, but he is polishing his skills up. He says he has a challenge tonight against Joe Coffey, and there is no better way to prove himself than to go up against a big name, and maybe tonight, it will be "Myles Borne on top."
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince).
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews WWE official Adam Pearce. He is soon met by The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch), with Ridge Holland wanting a piece of Solo Sikoa. Pearce says this cannot happen due to Solo having other business, and Ridge will face Austin Theory. If he wins, he is in line for the United States Championship.
Austin Theory beats Ridge Holland after hitting him in the Adam's apple prior to the rolling drop kick. After the match, Theory attacks Ridge, but Sheamus runs into the ring. Theory ducks the Brogue Kick and retreats.
We hear from Karrion Kross, who reminds "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles of how phenomenal it felt to put him in the Kross Jacket and beat him in only three moves, and tells him that next week is "checkmate."
Bayley beats Shotzi to stay in the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after Iyo Sky puts Bayley's foot on the rope during a pinfall attempt by Shotzi. When Iyo Sky distracts the referee after Shotzi grabs her, Bayley rakes Shotzi's eyes before hitting the Rose Plant to win. (Had Shotzi won, she would have taken Bayley's place.)
Backstage, Shotzi confronts Bayley, and the confrontation soon gets physical. Shotzi hits Bayley and Iyo Sky, but the two of them suplex Shotzi onto a table and cut part of her hair off.
It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. Tonight's guest is Logan Paul. Logan says that having the Money In The Bank contract would mean a whole lot, and that his dreams will not end until he has a WWE championship around his waist. He says that he will cash in on who he wants when he wants, or he may not cash in at all and hit LA Knight with the briefcase. LA Knight shows up and says Logan Paul has proven himself with what he has been given, but he himself has not been given him a thing. He respects Logan Paul making a name for himself on social media, but Logan Paul is standing in his ring. He says all eyes are on him because he is the only megastar around here, then Logan Paul says LA Knight keep calling himself a megastar when all he sees is some guy who is "mega-manager" following a lackluster 20-year career. As LA Knight and Logan Paul argue, Santos Escobar shows up and says he will become the next Money In The Bank winner when Butch runs into the ring and attacks Logan Paul, starting a brawl.
Logan Paul watches the next match from ringside.
Butch beats Santos Escobar and LA Knight in a Triple Threat Match after LA Knight confronts Logan Paul on the outside and Escobar goes for a tope suicida only to hit Logan Paul instead. After the match, Butch grabs a ladder and climbs to the briefcases, but LA Knight pulls him down. LA Knight climbs up, but he gets pulled down by Logan Paul. Logan Paul then tries to climb, but Butch pull shim down before climbing up and grabbing a briefcase.
We hear from "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, who tells Karrion Kross beat him in three moves because he cannot play by the rules, and states that if he cannot keep his poodle on a leash, he has someone who will in Mia Yim. He then accepts Kross' challenge.
Before the next match, Bianca Belair - who is barred from ringside - is in the front row with a ticket.
Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka for the WWE Women's Championship ends with Charlotte Flair inadvertently hitting Bianca Belair with a big boot, leading to Bianca confronting Charlotte before brawling with her and Asuka and slamming them both onto the announce table with the K.O.D.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa head to the ring. Roman says that for a long time, he has allowed The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) to say "We da ones," but the truth is, he is the only one. He says he is the best, the greatest of all time, the head of the table and the Tribal Chief. He says he is the only one who cares about and loves The Usos, gave them opportunity and opportunity and allowed them into the promised land, and he is the only one in the family who wants to give them a second chance. He demands that The Usos come to the ring, bow down, acknowledge him, apologize and move on. The Usos show up, and Jimmy says they are past the apology stages and are now focused on consequences, such as what would happen if Roman Reigns lost on Saturday. Jey says that tomorrow night, they will go to war, and when Roman loses, Roman will be the only one out and he will not be Tribal Chief anymore, as he and Jimmy have no interest in being Tribal Chief. They then say they have the right person for the job, and even though "he is trippin'," they have his vote. Roman laughs before looking at Solo, who looks back. Roman tells The Usos to shut up and that this is not a game. Jey confronts Roman on the apron, and Roman tells Jey that he is nothing without him. He says that nobody cares about Jey and that he made all of this, then Jey piefaces Roman before Jimmy superkicks Roman. The Usos then brawl with Roman and Solo, and security and officials show up only for the security to be laid out as Roman hits Jey with a Superman Punch. The brawl continues as the show fades to black.
Johnny Swinger beats Bhupinder Gujjar following a fast count - and biased refereeing - by referee "Outlandish" Zicky Dice.
Trey Miguel vs. Chris Sabin for the IMPACT Wrestling X Division Championship ends in a no-contest when Sabin is suddenly attacked from behind by Zachary Wentz, who has not been seen since he headed to (and got fired from) WWE. Wentz and Trey gang up on Sabin, then flee when Alex Shelley make the save.
We hear from Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz. Trey says the more things change, the more they stay the same, as it has been three years since The Rascalz have been in Impact. He also says he is after more than X Division gold. Wentz says that the fans abandoned Trey while he had his back, and that he left and went through hell and was abandoned by the fans himself. He says that The Rascalz are back and that they are taking what is theirs.
"The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo guests on commentary for the next match.
Trinity beats Jai Vidal with Starstruck. After the match, "The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw and Savannah Evans gang up on Trinity, and when Deonna Purrazzo heads to the ring, she waits before Gisele Shaw sees her and runs her mouth towards her. Purrazzo then get in the ring and cleans house to save Trinity.
Backstage, Moose is met by Brian Myers and The Good Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch). Myers says he is glad Moose came to his senses, and at Slammiversary, they will be the tag team champions. Moose says that with their talents combined, they are guaranteed to win tag team gold, but it is his and Myers', not The Good Hands'. He tells Myers to "ditch the dead weight" and leaves. Myers tells The Good Hands that this is only temporary and leaves. John Skyler asks what happened, and Jason Hotch says "I think we just got jobbed."
Backstage, Johnny Swinger and "Outlandish" Zicky Dice celebrate their victory on tonight's BTI when referee Daniel Spencer shows up and tells them that Swinger's win does not count due to Zicky's fast count, as per Director of Authority Santino Marella. He also warns Zicky that if he does a fast count again, he will be stripped of his referee's license.
Lio Rush beats Jack Prince in his IMPACT debut.
In footage from last week, Dirty Dango says it is his fault that he was hit by the Cobra and that Director of Authority Santino Marella only has a career because Jim Cornette slapped him in the face and "the evil empire" was forced to fire Cornette. Dirty Dango then shows interest in Santino's daughter (who is in WWE as Arianna Grace), asking if "she is being slapped around over there." We hear from Santino Marella, who says Dirty Dango is out of his mind. He says he is the captain of his ship and his hands are tied right now, but after Scott D'Amore is back on the job, he is going to get back in the ring and humiliate him like never before for mocking his career and bringing his daughter into this, and tells him that he will pay.
Backstage, Eddie and Alisha Edwards are confronted by Frankie Kazarian, who says he is having a hard time wrapping his head around what happened in last week's match. Eddie says he tried to be on his side because they are both "Kowalski guys," but Kazarian's ego is too big for them to be a team and they are better off as opponents. Eddie and Alisha then leave.
Masha Slamovich beats KiLynn King after Killer Kelly shows up and chokes Taylor Wilde with a chain. After the match, Masha and Kelly have a staredown in the middle of the ring before tying the other end of the chain around her neck and leaving with Kelly.
We see a video package about Scott D'Amore.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Scott D'Amore. He says he may not be able to jump back comfortably into in-ring action at Slammiversary, but he has been training daily and he feels as ready as he is going to be. He says that he Darren McCarty as special guest enforcer is an interesting choice as there will not be many rules, The Good Hands shows up showing their dissatisfaction with recent events that have happened to them earlier tonight and wanting to give him a receipt. D'Amore mentions that he knows PCO and says he can set them up for a two-on-one handicap match with him next week after he talks to Director of Authority Santino Marella, whom he has a good relationship with.
Before the next match, Joe Hendry is seen in the production truck.
Kenny King beats Yuya Uemura. After the match, Joe Hendry shows up and congratulates Kenny King on winning before saying he has a gift for Kenny King and that it is time that Kenny got more respect around. He then premieres a music video where he makes fun of Kenny being a Chippendale dancer in the past. This leads to a "Stripper Kenny' chant from the fans.
"The National Treasure" Nick Aldis heads to the ring. He says that for two weeks, people have harassed him online and have demanded an explanation for his actions towards Alex Shelley, and states that the time is right for that explanation. Before he can do that, he wants Alex Shelley in the ring, as he has been asking for that explanation, and calls him to the ring so he can give him that explanation to his face. Alex Shelley shows up and tells Aldis that he is standing in his ring, and that nobody cares about his explanation. Aldis says he will have the ring all to himself if he wants his explanation following Shelley's superkick to Jimmy Jacobs. After mentioning that this is "an unsafe work environment," Aldis tells Shelley that he has a seat for him near the Impact fans, since he represents the fans. Shelley says he does not take this as an insult like Aldis thinks he does, as he is their world champion. Shelley then sits with the fans, and Aldis tells Shelley he is starting to believe his own propaganda. He says that he was doing well in their match when Chris Sabin tried to be the hero, found himself in deep water and nearly cost them the match. He says that he was the best candidate for the tag, but he tagged in Shelley instead, and Shelley tried to expose him, calling it a concerted effort to minimize and humiliate him when he was the best man in the match. Aldis says the time to be nice guy was over and time to put Shelley in his place, as Shelley acts like the good guy when he and Sabin have run the place for twenty years and tried to get rid of guys like him "like a fake revolutionary" as soon as he got a seat at the table. He says that Shelley had "a propaganda machine" and tried to take the business into a place that is "very dark and nasty" while he himself was being endorsed by wrestling legends, then says Shelley's reign is over once he exposes him at Slammiversary. Shelley tells Aldis to shut up and that nobody bought a ticket to hear him whine and bitch, and that Aldis will have to come to him and shut him up personally. When Aldis asks if Shelley wants him to come shut his mouth, Shelley says "Yup." After Aldis takes his jacket off, Shelley beats him up on the outside, and this starts a brawl. As Aldis is about to blast Shelley with the World Championship again, Sabin shows up and takes the title away from him. As Aldis walks away, Lio Rush suddenly shows up from behind and attacks Sabin before doing the same to Shelley. Lio Rush and Nick Aldis then go on the attack, and Lio holds Sabin down as Aldis hits Shelley with the World title. Lio Rush then blasts Sabin with the X Division Championship, and both men make their intentions to dethrone Sabin and Aldis known.
Here is tonight's post-show!
Here are the must-see moments from tonight's show!
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Tony Khan and Stokely Hathaway. He says that this week's episode is a very special episode and that some of the stars from Forbidden Door are still in town for a memorable ROH show tonight. He also mentinos that the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships are on the line, and that he will be backstage at the producer's chair all night. Stokely Hathaway says he will take care of everything backstage.
La Faccion Ingobernable (Preston Vance and Dralistico) beat Vikram Prashar and Mark Wheeler.
The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) beat The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds and John Silver) after Stu Grayson hits Alex Reynolds with a running pump knee behind the referee's back. After the match, Evil Uno shows up with a chair, but when he is about to hit Vincent, Stu Grayson gets in the way and dares Uno to hit him. Evil Uno cannot do it, and Stu kicks it out of his hand before leaving.
Diamante beats Leila Grey (and also gets a piece of "Smart" Mark Sterling).
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Claudio Castagnoli. Claudio is wondering himself what he should do next and that it seems like nobody wants to step up, then Chuck Taylor shows up and says that he has fought and beaten him before and that if he is looking for challengers, he is right here. Claudio feels insulted after Chuck leaves, saying he should be calling him "sir" and that if he wants a shot at his title, he has no problem with it. He also announces that he is doing away with the time limit for the match and that if Chuck Taylor wants his title, he will have to beat him.
The Lucha Bros. (Penta el Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix), El Hijo del Vikingo and Komander beat Gringo Loco, The Workhorsemen (JD Drake and Anthony Henry) and Shane Taylor in an eight-man tag match.
We hear from Samoa Joe, who says that this week, he takes on Roderick Strong in the men's Owen Hart Tournament. He says that while Roderick Strong is talented, he always comes up short against him, and this week will be no different. Suddenly, as Samoa Joe praises Tony Khan, Stokely Hathaway shows up and demands the same gratitude he is giving Tony Khan. Samoa Joe says he can get behind that, then tells him that while Stokely Hathaway runs things, he runs Stokely, much to Stokely's horror.
The Firm (Big Bill and Lee Moriarty) beat Karou and Tariq.
The Embassy ("The Machine" Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun, Toa Lion) retain the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships against Los Ingobernables (Hiromu Takahashi, BUSHI, Shingo Takagi).
We hear from United Empire (Kyle Fletcher, Jeff Cobb, TJP). Fletcher states that he has brough Jeff Cobb and TJP with him tonight because he is all about opening the Forbidden Door. TJP tells that they hold the crown and nobody can hold them, and Jeff Cobb says that no matter who among them is there or where they are, the United Empire runs the world.
El Desperado beats Willie Mack.
Roppongi Vice (Rocky "Azucar" Romero and Trent Beretta) beat The House of Torture (Sho and Yujiro Takahashi). After the match, The House of Torture go on the attack on Romero and Barretta, but retreat when Orange Cassidy shows up.
Darius Martin, Action Andretti and "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels beat United Empire (Kyle Fletcher, Jeff Cobb, TJP) in a six-man tag match.
Backage, Jerry Lynn peaks with The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis-Bennett) regarding their words from last week. Taven says he loved watching Jerry Lynn back in ECW and that Stokely Hathaway is jealous of Jerry being "history of Ring of Honor." Mike Bennett also brings up retiring Jerry Lynn in the latter's last match in Ring of Honor, and Jerry Lynn brings up Maria Kanellis-Bennett getting involved in that match. Jerry says he will go over Stokely's head and give them a tag match, but it ends up being a six-man tag match against The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) in which Maria also has to wrestle. Both Taven and Maria blame Mike for getting them into this.
Athena beats KC Spinelli in an ROH Women's World Championship Proving Ground Match, then attacks Spinelli after the match.
Claudio Castagnoli beats Chuck Taylor in an ROH World Championship Proving Ground Match.
Jon Moxley beats Tomohiro Ishii. During the match, Eddie Kingston shows up and briefly confronts Moxley and keep Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta from getting physically involved in the match. After the match, Moxley disrespectfully bumps into Eddie on the way out. Eddie yells at Moxley and both men almost meet on the ramp before Moxley heads to the back and Eddie follows him there.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Adam Cole, who has just shown up. Suddenly, MJF also shows up at the arena. MJF congratulates Cole on pretending to be sick at Forbidden Door, but Cole tells him he was actually sick. MJF then says that the Blind Tag Eliminator is a good opportunity for him, as Adam Cole is close to his level, and asks Cole to think of what they could do as a team and how they could both run AEW. He proposes they bond and hang out together, and Cole accepts the offer. MJF then gifts Adam Cole with a "Better Than You Bay Bay" shirt, much to both Cole's chagrin and outright horror.
Backstage, Renee Paquette is talking to Jon Moxley when Eddie Kingston confronts Moxley again. Renee tries to get between them as Eddie tells Moxley that his carcass belongs to him. Moxley walks away, and Renee tells Eddie to stop before telling him "You'd better fix this. I'm done."
Orange Cassidy, "Limitless" Keith Lee and El Hijo del Vikingo beat The Jericho Appreciation Society ("Cool Hand" Angelo Parker, "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard, Daniel Garcia) in a trios match.
We hear from The Elite (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, "Hangman" Adam Page). Adam Page says that tonight, he and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) have an open challenge, and The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, John Silver) suddenly shows up and immediately answers it. Alex Reynolds wants to fight The Elite, and Evil Uno says that Page abandoned them after they were there at his lowest point.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara. Jericho says that a few days ago, he and Sting were in the ring together for the very first time and that they should have been on TBS with Tony Schiavone commentating years ago. He then proposes that he go deeper in time and become "The Painmaker" tonight, as Sting knows what it is like to be in the darkness, and that he will put the white paint in the dirt.
The Elite (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, "Hangman" Adam Page) beat The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, John Silver) in a trios match. After the match, The Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta) rush in and attack The Elite while The Dark Order watch before eventually leaving. Konosuke Takeshita joins in as well, and Eddie Kingston runs in to even the numbers only to also be attacked. Moxley says it has been a real blast and that it is about time that things came to an end and that they finished this, as they pushed each other to the limit and they will now push each other beyond their limits. He says that on July 19th, there will be a Blood and Guts Match.
Backstage, Roderick Strong meets with Adam Cole and tells him he cannot trust MJF. Cole says he is playing along, then MJF shows up and tells Cole it is time to head out. Cole wishes Strong luck in his match with Samoa Joe before he and MJF leave.
"Jungle Boy" Jack Perry heads to the ring. He says that everyone has ruined "Tarzan Boy" by Baltimora for him so much that it will never be heard again. He says he is still young, still cashing "fat checks" and "still banging the hottest woman in the entire place" before asking the fans if he turned on Hook or if everyone turned on him. Jungle Boy says that after everything he has done for AEW and being robbed of two world championship, he will not sit here and watch "an entitled second-generation little prick" dangle his title in his face when it is not even officially recognized. He also tells Hook that he does not even recognize him before calling him a fraud and telling him he never needed him and that JungleHook was special because of him, especially when his last team was world tag team champions. Jungle Boy says he knows the importance of the FTW Championship to Hook and his family, and that this is why he is going to take it from him. He says that when he gets his hands on Hook, he will "beat the shit out of him." Hook shows up, but Jungle Boy jumps the barricade and Hook gives chase to the back. The chase soon goes backstage, where Jungle Boy dives into a car that soon speeds off.
Ruby Soho beats Alexia Nicole with the Lockjaw to send a message to Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (Ruby's opponent for tonight was originally Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. in the first round of the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament, but Britt Baker is not medically cleared due to illness.) After the match, Alexia Nicole gets spray painted. Ruby Soho thanks the fans for "their disgusting, filthy, germ-ridden country" getting Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. sick before stating they will wrestle next week and that first-year rookies get what they want in AEW. She calls Adam Cole and Britt Baker's potential kids "weak little bastards" before addressing Britt telling her in their last meeting that she did not know who she was before stating she loves who she is now and that Britt is now a shell of her former self. Ruby then says that Britt barely beat her last year on her best day, and since then, The Outcasts have taken everything away from her and that next week, she will take being a two-time tournament winner away from her and ensure she is ultimately nothing.
We hear from QT Marshall, Johnny TV and Harley Cameron. Johnny TV says he is now in production, and this Friday, The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn) will find out that Johnny TV and QTV always make hits.
Sting and Darby Allin beat The Jericho Appreciation Society ("The Painmaker" Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara) in a Texas Tornado Tag Match with a Scorpion Deathlock from Sting to Jericho.
Tiffany Stratton retains the NXT Women's Championship against Thea Hail after Charlie Dempsey gets involved in the match from the outside, trigger an argument between Thea and Dempsey. Drew Gulak distracts the referee, and while Thea makes Tiffany tap out, Gulak's distraction makes it so that the referee cannot see this. When Thea confronts the referee, Tiffany retains with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Duke Hudson confronts Drew Gulak and Charlie Dempsey only to be ganged up on and attacked by them. All of a sudden, Chase Hudson suddenly returns and makes the save before he and Hudson take Gulak and Dempsey down for good.
We hear from Ilja Dragunov, who says that while he takes the pain of conflict like any other man, he endures, embraces and becomes that pain, and that his mind is unbreakable and his will unstoppable. He says that no matter what evil he faces, he will always be "Unbesiegbar."
In backstage footage from last week, Dana Brooke is met by Kelani Jordan in the trainer's room. Kelani considers Dana's match inspiring and says she is happy Dana is here in NXT. Dana hopes to have a match with Kelani when she heals up.
Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against Malik Blade and Edris Enofe. During the match, Los Lotharios (Humberto Carillo and Angel Garza) are seen watching the match from the balcony. Later on in the match, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo goes to tackle Mark Coffey only to inadvertently hit Edris Enofe when Mark Coffey dodges, which allows Gallus to retain.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews The Meta-Four (Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson). Noam Dar still cannot comprehend losing the NXT Heritage Cup, and while the Meta-Four try to stay positive, Noam Dar is in a funk. Lash brags about her and Jakara's win last week, and Jakara says that their win could be "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler's future. Oro Mensah says they are more focused on the future.
Schism (Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler, Jagger Reid, Ava Raine) holds a family meeting in the ring where everyone is able to air their grievances openly. Jagger Reid says that they were part of Schism a year ago after thinking it would enhance their lives, but that they seem to be enhancing Gacy's more. Gacy says that they might have enhanced his life, but if it were not for him, Rip Fowler would not even let him have a voice. Fowler admits they were in a bad blace when they met and that Gacy showed them a new way, but he admits they have seen cracks and that Gacy has not only flipped between inclusivity and exclusivity, but things have never added up. Gacy says that if he is a dictator, but they have become different and that Fowler and Jagger have been more ready to take on the world than they were a year ago. Diamond Mine (Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile) shows up, and Brutus Creed says that they are tired of this family meeting, and Julius Creed mentions Ava Raine cheating to keep them from tag team gold before telling them to hurry up and implode. Gacy asks Julius Creed what his problem is, and Julius Creed says he considers them toxic to NXT. Gacy proposes a match between The Creed Brothers and The Dyad (Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid), with the stipulation that the losers leave NXT. Julius Creed accepts, much to Fowler and Jagger's chagrin.
We see a vignette for Bronco Nima and Lucien Price.
Hank Walker and Tank Ledger chat with Axiom and Scrypts when Nathan Frazer shows up. Axiom congratules Frazer on winning the Heritage Cup, and when Scrypts mentions that Axiom has his eyes on the Cup, Axiom says he is drawn to it.
Backstage, Trick Williams talks about Carmelo Hayes put the work in to become champion and how tonight is his. Carmelo and Trick are soon met by Rhea Ripley, who tells them they made a a big mistake and that by stepping into The Judgment Day's (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) business, they become their business.
Nathan Frazer retains the NXT Heritage Cup against Dragon Lee. Valentina Feroz is the cornerperson for Dragon Lee, and Yulisa Leon is the cornerperson for Nathan Frazer. Axiom is seen watching from the outside halfway through Round 1. Nathan Frazer scores the first fall with a sudden pinfall attempt with 1:50 (one minute, fifty seconds) left in Round 2. Dragon Lee scores the second fall with a sit-out powerbomb with 1:15 (one minute, fifteen seconds) left in Round 4. Nathan Frazer scores the third and deciding fall in one of a series of roll-ups between both men with 0:01 (one second) left in Round 5.
We see a video package of Raw Underground from 2020.
We see Eddy Thorpe train with Gabe Steveson. Steveson tells Thorpe to stick to the gameplan and to not let Damon Kemp get into his head. Afterwards, Eddy asks Steveson to be in his corner, which Steveson accepts.
Backstage, Wes Lee talks with Myles Borne when Mustafa Ali shows up. Borne leaves, and Ali apologizes for slapping him in the face. He also tells him that he wanted a clear victory and that he got too involved. Tyler Bate confronts Mustafa Ali for his referee skills and wants a rematch, but Ali says he had his chants and wants Wes Lee in a title match. When Tyler asks who his special guest referee, Ali questions Tyler's ability to call it down the middle. As Ali and Tyler argue, Wes Lee leaves.
Backstage, Mr. Stone looks for Von Wagner when he finally finds him. Von Wagner is torn over what his family had to go through to make sure he stayed alive as a child, and that he cannot handle thinking about the childhood trauma.
Gigi Dolin beats Kiana James after Kiana's attempt at using her business bag as a weapon fails. After the match, Kiana hits Gigi from behind with her bag, which contains cans of orange and blue paint that she dumps on Gigi afterwards.
In prison, Tony D'Angelo is met by Joe Coffey. Coffey says he knows people, too, and that things are not what they seem. He says a lot has been changed since he was locked up, and D'Angelo accuses Joe Coffey of ratting on him and that Stacks will handle things. Joe Coffey tells Tony D'Angelo that Stacks has a mind of his own and that he sold him out. When D'Angelo does not believe him, Joe Coffey provides audio proof of Stacks telling him to lay low for a week and that he is tired of being the underboss, and that there is a new don on the streets.
We see footage of Roxanne Perez being attacked by Blair Davenport as she answers Twitter questions on Snapchat.
Backstage, Jacy Jayne talks about Lyra Valkyrie behind her back and says she will not make if she cannot handle one little comment. Tatum Paxley tells her to tell her off, and Jacy continues to talk about Lyra until Lyra shows up, punches her in the face, and tells her she does not play games before leaving. Suddenly, Rhea Ripley shows up and says "You kinda deserved it it...Lyra's a badass."
Backstage, Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid are angry with Joe Gacy making decisions for them. Ava Raine tells them to trust Joe Gacy, for he has a plan. Fowler says Gacy had better have a plan, because if he does not, they will.
Carmelo Hayes retains the NXT Championship against Baron Corbin.
Backstage, Bron Breakker storms out of Shawn Michaels' office angry, saying he cannot be controlled, and Bron announces that everyone will find out why next week.
Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio are in the ring to start tonight's show. Dominik cannot even welcome everyone in the arena to the show without being booed, so Rhea has to take the microphone. Rhea calls "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes "a wannabe and a loser" and says that Dominik will beat Cody at Money In The Bank. Suddenly Cody shows up and heads to the ring. Cody welcomes everyone to the show to spit Dominik, and Rhea says that while Cody can bully Dominik as much as he likes, Dominik is a dangerous man. She also tells Cody that he will find out how dangerous Dominik is when Dominik gets booed again. Cody says that despite his cheap shot, Dominik is a smart guy, and tells him to be who he is and say how he feels, as those who don't matter mind and those who mind don't matter.He then says that Dominik is scared and calls him "a scared little boy," and Rhea and Dominik leave, with Cody saying that Damian Priest is not scared of him and offering Dominik a free shot. Dominik heads back to the ring and gets on the apron, then jumps back off and leaves with Rhea again. Cody says that while Dominik's cheap shots are dirty and effect, Dominik will be stepping in an entirely different body of water on Saturday. He then tells Dominik to either prove that he is half the man his father is or that he is "Mami's little boy."
Bronson Reed watches from ringside for the next match. He soon gets ejected from ringside after distracting Shinsuke Nakamura and climbing onto the ring apron in full view of the referee.
Ricochet beats Shinsuke Nakamura.
In footage from earlier today, Matt Riddle announces that he will challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship at Money In The Bank.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Matt Riddle. Riddle says his ankle is good and that he is tured of Gunther hiding behind his friends. Ludwig Kaiser shows up and tells Riddle he got what he deserves and asks him what makes him think he has a chance. Riddle reminds Kaiser that he beat him last week, and Kaiser says that will never happen again. Riddle punches him and goes for his arm, but he gets booted by Gunther, who accepts Riddle's challenge before stomping his hurt leg.
Backstage, Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley demand a match tonight from WWE official Adam Pearce. When asked who he wants as his opponent, Dominik says he will get back to him after Rhea whispers in his ear.
We see Money In The Bank, by the numbers.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey beats Raquel Rodriguez with an arm bar into a pinfall attempt as Liv Morgan attacks "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler for getting involved in the match.
We hear from Finn Balor. He says that the man who beat Seth "Freakin'" Rollins seven years ago is dead and that the present Finn Balor is much worse. He mentions his injures from that match that forced him to relinquish the Universal Championship, and how Rollins showed up and laughed in his face at his lowest point out of spite and jealousy. He says that Rollins made him bitter and that the bitterness is all he has while Rollins has it all before expressing his jealousy towards Rollins and stating that all that matters is vengeance and Rollins' title. Finn Balor says he will take it all back at Money In The Bank and that all Rollins will hear is ringing in his ears when he becomes a champion.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins introduces Carmelo Hayes, who is seen in the front row, and thanks him for having his back last week on NXT. After mentioning that they are both fighting champions, Rollins tells Carmelo to "whup on that bum-ass Corbin" before mentioning his own title match against Finn Balor. Rollins tells Finn Balor that despite all that has happened, he is still standing, and he calls Finn Balor out and tells him to finish the job right now. Finn fails to show up, and Rollins admits that Finn is now the smartest and most dangerous he has ever been after surrounding himself with all the right people and that he will hide in the shadows while he has convinced himself he will take everything from him. He admits that he will not be 100% at Money In The Bank, but that as good as Finn Balor is, Finn Balor has not accounted for him, for when the bell rings, the best version of Finn Balor is not as good as the best version of Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Suddenly, Balor shows up, and a brawl starts between both men. Balor grabs a chair, but Carmelo Hayes takes it away from him, and Rollins chases Finn Balor into the crowd.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Tommaso Ciampa says he spent the last nine months of his life recovering from hip surgery and that The Miz never checked on him, and that everyone warned him that The Miz was a user and that they were right. He says the injury was a blessing in disguise and that nine months is a long time for a man to be alone with his thoughts, and that he asked himself why he was playing second fiddle to The Miz. He says that this time around, he creates his own opportunity.
It is announced that Carmelo Hayes will wrestle Finn Balor in his Raw debut tonight.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. The Miz ends before it begins after The Miz assaults Ciampa from behind.
Backstage, Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser are met by Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. Kaiser tells them to keep walking, but they confront them for their actions against Matt Riddle earlier tonight. Kaiser tells them to be careful with their words or else Gunther will teach them the same lesson he taught Owens a few weeks ago. Owens says he learned nothing, then Sami says it took all three members of Imperium (Gunther, Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) before challenging Gunther to a match tonight. Gunther says he is fully aware that Sami wants to ride on his coattails, then tells him to be his guest.
Dominik Mysterio's opponent is revealed to be Akira Tozawa.
Dominik Mysterio beats Akira Tozawa following the distraction from Rhea Ripley.
We hear from The Viking Raiders (Ivar, Erik, Valhalla). Valhalla says the gods have not spoken to her in weeks, and to do so, they must do terrible things. Ivar says they must destroy Alpha Academy, and Valhalla says she will hear the gods again and it will be beautiful.
Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark head to the ring. After the match, Becky Lynch, Iyo Sky, Bayley and Zelina Vega are also in the ring along with Corey Graves, who oversees a women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match summit. Bayley boasts about having being the only one in the ring who has won the briefcase before, and Iyo Sky says "May the best woman win" when Bayley says Iyo's chances of winning are as good as hers. Zelina says she is tried of the two of them dismissing everyone else in the match, Zelina says she is tried of the two of them dismissing everyone else in the match, but when she says she will become the next Ms. Money In The Bank, Bayley laughs, but Zelina says nobody asked her. Bayley and Zelina argue, then Trish Stratus says she sees nothing but "little girls" and that she was needed to save the women's division because she is a woman, not a little girl, and the best and the greatest woman to ever do this. She says that this may be her first ladder match, but winning is what she does, and when she wins the contract, everyone can thank her for being part of such a historic moment. Trish then asks Becky Lynch if she will be man enough to thank her when all is said and done, and Becky punches her in the face, starting a brawl. The brawl ends with Becky Lynch holding the women's Money In The Bank briefcase.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says Seth Rollins invited him here and calls it an honor to be here, as he is a Superstar and champion he aspires to be, and that he will solve the Seth Rollins problem by beating Finn Balor. If he says he has to go out in a blaze of glory, he will do it, as one has to take shots to make shots and he will not miss.
Backstage, Becky Lynch meets Rhea Ripley. Rhea tells Becky to hope she does not win on Saturday, because if she cashes in on her, it will be the last thing she ever does. Becky says she would defend the title in every town in the main event, then calls Rhea "a main event sidepiece" and says that the title needs her, and that she plans to win the briefcase and make her squirm.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match.
Gunther beats Sami Zayn after Giovanni Vinci - who shows up in the middle of the match on crutches - hits Sami Zayn with a crutch as Ludwig Kaiser distracts the referee. After the match, Imperium (Gunther, Kaiser, Vinci) goes on the attack, but Matt Riddle runs into the ring and attacks all three members of Imperium with one of Vinci's crutches. Owens then hits Kaiser with a Stunner.
We see a video package of Carmelo Hayes in NXT.
Backstage, Omen and Maxxine Dupri are training when Chad Gable shows up and questions The Viking Raiders' (Ivar, Erik, Valhalla) words about them. Maxxine Dupri says she may have not had a match, she has destroyed Valhalla as of late and she is ready for anything she will throw at her. Gable says they will be here next week so The Viking Raiders can say what they want to say to their faces and that they are sticking to their plan. Otis says the plan is sheer carnage.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Natalya. Natalya says she signed up for this life and that Rhea Ripley is part of it as the top of the mountain., but her biggest battle is in her mind and that the fear of losing is not as bad as the fear of giving up. She says she has been broken, down and shaken, but she is still here and she wants Rhea Ripley to bring her championship and face her woman-to-woman, as there is not one woman who can erase or defeat what she has done in this company.
Finn Balor beats Carmelo Hayes.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Cody Rhodes (and Pharaoh). Cody says Damian Priest is walking into Money In The Bank with bruises not on his body, but on his ego, and he wishes he could boo Dominik Mysterio while part of the crowd. He says that at Money In The Bank, Dominik will not have The Judgment Day (Finn Blaor, Damian Priet, Rhea Ripley), and while he has not laid a finger on "Dirty Dom," he will soon see what Dominik does have.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Damian Priest despite the interference from Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. After the match, Dominik hits Cody with another cheap shot.
This week on Raw Talk: Ricochet! The Miz! Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan!
The Mogul Embassy (Swerve Strickland, Kaun, Toa Liona, "The Machine" Brian Cage) beat CHAOS (Rocky "Azucar" Romero, Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta) and El Desperado in an eight-man tag match at Zero Hour.
Athena beats Billie Starkz to advance in the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament at Zero Hour after Billie Starks misses on the top rope somersault senton onto the ring apron.
El Phantasmo beats Stu Grayson at Zero Hour.
Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi) beats United Empire (Kyle Fletcher, Jeff Cobb, TJP) in a trios match at Zero Hour.
MJF retains the AEW World Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi after hitting Tanahashi with the Dynamite Diamond Ring after Tanahashi nearly runs into the referee in the corner.
CM Punk beats Satoshi Kojima to advance in the Owen Hart Foundation Men's Tournament.
All Out is live on pay-per-view from Chicago, Illinois on September 3rd!
Orange Cassidy retains the AEW International Championship against Daniel Garcia, Katsuyori Shibata and Zack Sabre Jr. in a four-way match. After the match, Zack Sabre Jr. tells Orange Cassidy and Katsuyori Shibata he wants to face them for their respective championships, then Orange and Shibata shake hands in the middle of the ring.
SANADA retains the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry. After the match, Hook helps Jungle Boy up the ramp, but after Hook raises his hand, Jungle Boy punches him in the face. Afterwards, Jungle Boy tosses the FTW Championship to Hook before leaving through the heel entrance. Afterwards, Taz storms off commentary.
The Elite ("Hangman" Adam Page, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson), Eddie Kingston, and Tomohiro Ishii beat Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli), Konosuke Takeshita, and Shota Umino in a ten-man tag match. Afterwards, Eddie Kingston argues with everyone else on his team after having moved Moxley out of the way of a doubel superkick by Matt and Nick Jackson.
We are introduced to the Japanese announce team.
Toni Storm retains the AEW Women's World Championship against Willow Nightingale after Toni uses the referee as a shield and Willow moves the referee out of the way only for Toni to gouge her eyes and hit the Storm Zero to win.
Will Ospreay comes out to "Elevated" before the next match.
Will Ospreay beats Kenny Omega to become the IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion in a match that sees Don Callis get ejected only to come back and sneak a screwdriver into the match. Ospreay hits Omega with the screwdriver, but even then, Omega continues to put up a fight for many minutes afterwards.
Sting, Darby Allin and Tetsuya Naito beat Le Suzuki Gods (Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Minoru Suzuki) in a trios match following some teamwork between Sting and Naito on Jericho. After the match, Jericho attacks Naito with a bat from behind, but Sting takes him out.
"The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson comes out to "The Final Countdown" before the next match.
"The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson beats "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada by submission after working the right arm while transitioning out of the Lebell Lock.
This week's episode is a compilation of never-before-seen matches from Derby City Wrestling (which once again, are this week's matches).
Ted "The Trailer" McNaler and Dustin Jackson beat Jayden Dominic Rose and Damian Chambers after Jayden Dominic Rose inadvertently kicks Damian Priest in the head with an enzuigiri. After the match, Damian Chambers and Jayden Dominic Rose argue in the ring before Chambers shoves Jayden. When Jayden begs Chambers to come back, Chambers walks away.
Dane Becker interviews Jake Crist and Rohit Raju. Crist says he is the fire starter and tells everyone to jump on his bandwagon along with Bobby Olsen - the first person to jump on his bandwagon - as he sets the world on fire, while Rohit says he is concentrating on his future in Derby City Wrestling and that Crist is standing in his way of success. He says Crist is good, but he does know how great he is and he will tip his bandwagon over. Crist says that he and Bobby are headed to the moon and tells Rohit to strap in and jump on their rocket while they head to outer space.
"Pretty" Peter Avalon guests on commentary for the next match.
Rohit Raju beats Jake Crist after putting his hands on Bobby Olsen, causing Crist to nearly inadvertently collide with Bobby before Rohit hits Crist with a jumping knee followed by the Mumbai Drive-By.
Danny Limelight guests on commentary for the next match.
Moose beats Jordan Clearwater to become #1 contender for the United World Championship. During the match, the referee goes down after Clearwater hits Moose with a corner splash, sandwiching Moose between Clearwater and the referee. Later on, Clearwater is about to hit Moose with a chair when Danny Limelight snatches the chair away, allowing Moose to hit Clearwater with the Spear and become #1 contender. After the match, Clearwater attacks Moose from behind, but he flees when Danny Limelight runs back into the ring. Clearwater then gets back in the ring as Danny checks on Moose to hit Danny with the Midas Touch, then Jake Something gets in the ring to attack Clearwater. After helping Danny Limelight clothesline Clearwater out of the ring, Jake Something and Clearwater brawl their way to the back before Moose and Danny Limelight shake hands in the middle of the ring. Moose then kicks Danny Limelight in the groin before telling the fans to stick it and standing in the middle of the ring with the United World Championship.
This week's episode is a compilation of never-before-seen matches from Derby City Wrestling (which once again, are this week's matches).
Ted "The Trailer" McNaler and Dustin Jackson beat Jayden Dominic Rose and Damian Chambers after Jayden Dominic Rose inadvertently kicks Damian Priest in the head with an enzuigiri. After the match, Damian Chambers and Jayden Dominic Rose argue in the ring before Chambers shoves Jayden. When Jayden begs Chambers to come back, Chambers walks away.
Dane Becker interviews Jake Crist and Rohit Raju. Crist says he is the fire starter and tells everyone to jump on his bandwagon along with Bobby Olsen - the first person to jump on his bandwagon - as he sets the world on fire, while Rohit says he is concentrating on his future in Derby City Wrestling and that Crist is standing in his way of success. He says Crist is good, but he does know how great he is and he will tip his bandwagon over. Crist says that he and Bobby are headed to the moon and tells Rohit to strap in and jump on their rocket while they head to outer space.
"Pretty" Peter Avalon guests on commentary for the next match.
Rohit Raju beats Jake Crist after putting his hands on Bobby Olsen, causing Crist to nearly inadvertently collide with Bobby before Rohit hits Crist with a jumping knee followed by the Mumbai Drive-By.
Danny Limelight guests on commentary for the next match.
Moose beats Jordan Clearwater to become #1 contender for the United World Championship. During the match, the referee goes down after Clearwater hits Moose with a corner splash, sandwiching Moose between Clearwater and the referee. Later on, Clearwater is about to hit Moose with a chair when Danny Limelight snatches the chair away, allowing Moose to hit Clearwater with the Spear and become #1 contender. After the match, Clearwater attacks Moose from behind, but he flees when Danny Limelight runs back into the ring. Clearwater then gets back in the ring as Danny checks on Moose to hit Danny with the Midas Touch, then Jake Something gets in the ring to attack Clearwater. After helping Danny Limelight clothesline Clearwater out of the ring, Jake Something and Clearwater brawl their way to the back before Moose and Danny Limelight shake hands in the middle of the ring. Moose then kicks Danny Limelight in the groin before telling the fans to stick it and standing in the middle of the ring with the United World Championship.
We hear from the team of CM Punk, FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and "Absolute" Ricky Starks and the team of The Gunns (Austin and Colten Gunn) and Bullet Club Gold ("Switchblade" Jay White and "Rock Hard" Juice Robinson) prior to their main event match tonight.
Tony Schiavone is about to interview Sting and Darby Allin in the ring when Chris Jericho and Minoru Suzuki show up and head to the ring. Jericho tells the fans not to pander to him, because he is not from Toronto, Ontario, Canada but from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - "you idiots" - then tells Sting who he is going to get as a tag team partner who is tougher than Minoru Suzuki or sexier or crazier than himself. He then says that Sammy Guevara is not here because he is a little miffed that he and Suzuki are friends before the two of them do a handshake, then says Guevara is one of the best high-flyers of any generation and a future world champion. Jericho asks who Sting will get who is more intimidating than the three of them, then states that they are tired of waiting and that he knows Tony Schiavone knows who the partner is, despite Schiavone absolutely denying knowledge. Sting and Darby show up, and Darby says Guevara is probably not here because common sense kicked in about what kind of legacy he wants to leave for his daughter as well as not wanting to be near Jericho, and says that if Guevara shows up, he will kick his ass like their partner kicked Jericho's ass at the Tokyo Dome. Tetsuya Naito then shows up and joins Sting and Darby in the ring. Jericho and Naito have a brief staredown, then Jericho and Suzuki leave.
We hear from Miro, who says that he was exile for almost a year before he was summoned by the council and told he would be his favorite champion again. He says there was blessings in his muscles he would never lose again, and all he had to do was praise him. He then realized that he was a coward, and that The Redeemer kneels before no man or god and that he must walk alone, seeking righteousness without reward while renouncing his god, his gold and his beautiful wife, for he is The Redeemer and he is godless.
Hiroshi Tanahashi beats Swerve Strickland after nearly tripping off the top turnbuckle and having to fend Strickland off before hitting the splash. After the match, MJF shows up, making his first appearance on Collision. Instead of appearing on the stage, he shows up on the video screen, saying he would not show up in person for him and that he will embarrass him and everyone who thought he was on his level. He then says he is only because he is not staying in "a dump like Canada" any longer than he has to and because he is the AEW World Champion and does not want to spend his time watching "indy jabrones from Japan" wrestle. He says he will take Tanahashi's air guitar and shove it straight up his ass, because Tanahashi is not on "the level of The Devil."
Andrade el Idolo beats Brody King by disqualification after Buddy Matthews rushes into the ring and attacks Andrade as he has Brody in the Figure Eight. After the match, Buddy Matthews continues to attack Andrade so that Brody King can clothesline him, then Buddy gets Andrade up so that Brody can hit the Gonzo Bomb. Malakai Black shows up on the video screen as Julia Hart raises up Andrade's mask, then the lights go out.
Tony Schiavone interviews Christian Cage and Luchasaurus in the ring. After mocking Toronto, Ontario, Canada and the Toronto Maple Leafs by saying they are full of losers and that the city breeds losers, Christian Cage says that the TNT Championship open challenges are gone and that if anyone wants championship gold, they will have to scratch and claw for it just like he and Luchsaurus did, and after a mocking reference to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, promises that he will take the TNT Championship to new heights and make it the most sought-after championship in AEW as they stay the face of TNT now and forever.
We see a video package for the first round of the Owen Hart Foundation Men's Tournament.
Willow Nightingale beats "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose to advance in the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament. After the match, The Outcasts (Saraya, Toni Storm, Ruby Soho) show up and surround the ring, but Skye Blue shows up with a chair and makes them retreat.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Scorpio Sky. He says his return vignette should have made him feel good, but it did not. After going over his own AEW accomplishments, which he did as a shadow of his true self, he says that everyone will know who he really is.
Powerhouse Hobbs beats Jeremy Prophet.
The Gunns (Austin and Colten Gunn) and Bullet Club Gold ("Switchblade" Jay White and "Rock Hard" Juice Robinson) beat CM Punk, FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and "Absolute" Ricky Starks in an eight-man tag match.
Dustin Starr interviews Danny Limelight at the announce table. Limelight says it feels great to be in Memphis, then says he is here for "The GunShow" Brett Michaels, who shows up. Limelight says the fans are chanting for Brett for a reason, and while Brett is the champion here, he is the champ everywhere else. Brett says Limelight might be the man, but this is his house. Suddenly, The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) show up, and Limelight and Brett lay their championships on the announce desk before brawling with The Posse around the ring. Referees rush in to restore order. After the commercial break, Limelight tells Brett that they need to handle The Posse, and Brett says that if Limelight wants it, the fans can have it.
Reverend Ash Taylor guests on commentary (with his own podium) for the next match.
Ray Collins beats "Righteous" Ryan Rembrandt by disqualification after Brother Bruce gets in the ring and attacks Ray Collins. After the match, Rembrandt hits Ray Collins with Reverend Ash Taylor's collection plate, then Reverend Ash Taylor makes the referee count a pinfall from Rembrandt.
Backstage, a mysterious championship belt with a red leather strap is seen in Big John Dalton's bag. When his back is turned, Ellsworth Enterprises steals it.
"The Goddess of the Night" Nyxx retains the Memphis Wrestling Women's Championship against Diana Taylor. During the match, Ellsworth Enterprises (Matt Williams and Storybook Prince Gaston) guests on commetary, and Matt Williams mentions that he has the championship belt - known as the Ingomar Baseball Derby Birds Championship - because he wants to cost Big John Dalton everything in response to Big John Dalton costing them the tag team titles. He also mentions a championship ring that has run in his family. Soon afterwards, Dalton shows up and fights Ellsworth Enterprises, but he gets laid out following a punch from Matt Williams with the hand wearing the ring. Nyxx bets Diana Taylor to retain the Women's Championship, and Big John is soon struck with a baseball bat by Matt Williams.
We hear from Reverend Ash Taylor, who says that if "The Pope" Elijah Burke that if he graces "The Righteous Center" with his presence at tomorrow's TV tapings, there will be consequences.
The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamont) vs. Steel Cross (Ethan Steel and Alex Cross) ends with both teams being attacked by two men in black and gold known as The O'Neill Brothers.
"Big Swole" Justin Cole beats Draco. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews "Big Swole" Justin Cole at the announce desk, and Justin Cole says he has eyes on championship gold and that he is undeniable.
We see one of "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock's bodyguards get their arm checked on.
K-Toomer beats "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts by disqualification after Big Red and Cordale Roberts attack K-Toomer. After the match, Mike Anthony shows up and fights The Roberts Family Legacy (Aaron Roberts, Cordale Roberts, Big Red) with a Kendo stick, but he is soon overpowered. Cordale and Big Red hold K-Toomer up foa low blow, then King Cobra suddenly shows up and confronts The Roberts Family Legacy and evens the odds in the brawl. K-Toomer, King Cobra and Mike Anthony stand tall in the ring after sending The Roberts Family Legacy running, and Mike Anthony clotheslines Justin Case when he gets on the ring apron. Security shows up when The Roberts Family Legacy try to get back in the ring.
United Empire (Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, Jeff Cobb) and Swerve Strickland beat CHAOS (Rocky "Azucar" Romero, Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta, YOH) in an eight-man tag match.
Adam Cole heads to the ring, followed by MJF, who makes his first appearance on Rampage. MJF thanks Cole for giving him the confidence to face Hiroshi Tanahashi at Forbidden Door, then says that he has returned the favor by getting him booked against "Filthy" Tom Lawlor. Lawlor then shows up with Royce Isaacs, and both men attack Cole while MJF mockingly heads to the ring to save the day only to stop halfway down the ramp and Isaacs and Lawlor to run away. MJF then mockingly wishes Cole luck.
The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn) beat three unnamed opponents (who are really Darius Latrell, Koda Hernandez and Axel Rico). After the match, Harley Cameron shows up with two masked men and declares herself an incredible journalist and an amazing musician, and proposes a partnership between them and makes sure that she writes a hit that will go straight to number one. Harley starts singing before Daddy Ass interrupts and tells her that they have the greatest rapper in the world and that this is their thing, and Harley says that she has written a rap for them to hear before binging the masked men into the ring. Harley raps before trying to hit on Bowens, who tells Harley that he is not into her before asking her if she was kicked in the head by a kangaroo too many times as a kid before telling her he is gay. QT Marshall and Aaron Solo and praises Harley's rap before saying he preferred Max Caster's act back in 2003 when John Cena and he didn't need Daddy Ass to get over. One of the masked men then unmasks to reveal himself as John Hennigan - known now as "Johnny TV" - before superkicking Daddy Ass. Harley tells Daddy Ass to suck it before dropping the microphone on him.
We see a video package for Swerve Strickland vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi this Saturday on Collision.
Skye Blue beats Anna Jay A.S. to advance in the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament.
We see a video package for CM Punk, "Absolute" Ricky Starks and FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) vs. Bullet Club Gold ("Switchblade" Jay White and "Rock Hard" Juice Robinson) and The Gunns (Austin and Colten Gunn) on Collision.
"Jungle Boy" Jack Perry beats Douki with the Skull End to send a message to SANADA. After the match, SANADA shows up and has a staredown with Jungle Boy in the middle of the ring to end the show.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Kelly Kincaid interviews Tavion Heights. Tavion says that cheating and sleazy tactics are temporary success and tarnish the very essence of competition. He says he is not only fighting for his first victory, but for the integrity of this sport, and he will not let deceit overshadow the true spirit of the business as he brings the same intensity he brought to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Luca Crusifino beats Tavion Heights after grabbing the bottom rope for leverage as Tavion goes for the Doctor Bomb.
he Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Jey Uso says that family should lift each other up and have each other's backs, not fight each other, and Jimmy tells Jey that he made "the absolute perfect choice." Jey Uso says that family should lift each other up and have each other's backs, not fight each other, and Jimmy tells Jey that he made "the absolute perfect choice." Jimmy says they were raised on respect, and that they were the most dominant tag team when they fell in line, Roman ended up on his island of relevancy alone with Paul Heyman as soon as he told them they were worthless to him. Jey calls Paul Heyman "the biggest snake of them all," and Jimmy asks how Paul Heyman could take orders from someone who would drive a wedge between them when they were raised on love and respect. Jey says that civil war in The Bloodline is on the horizon in London, then he and Jimmy welcome Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa to the Uso Penitentiary.
LA Knight beats Rey Mysterio. After the match, LA Knight tires to attack Rey again, but he rolls out of the ring when Santos Escobar runs in.
Backstage, Ridge Holland walks into Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman's path. When he says something to Solo, Solo almost immediately hits him with the Samoan Spike.
Backstage, Adam Pearce checks on Ridge Holland, and Sheamus tells Pearce that he wants Solo Sikoa. Shortly afterwards, Sheamus shows up on the stage and calls Solo Sikoa out for the fight of his life tonight.
Raquel Rodriguez watches the next match from ringside.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn to unify the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships with the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships with simultaneous submission holds. After the match, Ronda calls out Raquel as Raquel is heading up the ramp and asks Raquel what she is doing here in the first place. Raquel says she wants a rematch for the title "we" never lost. Baszler wants to know who "we" is when she and Ronda tore everyone apart, then Liv Morgan shows up for the first time since her injury and steps into the ring with Raquel for a staredown with Ronda and Shayna.
It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. Tonight's guests are Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince). Pretty Deadly declare that Grayson Waller's show is better than Kevin Owens', and Waller says it is great to have guests with good fashion sense and good banter. Waller addresses Pretty Deadly's tag team title match against Owens and Sami Zayn in London, which Kit Wilson calls "the greatest city" before stating that they are taking their tag team title match seriously. Elton Prince then says that they are not getting respect, especially when Sami stated that them becoming #1 contenders to the tag team titles were a surprise, as they have done it before. He says that Owens and Sami can continue to argue and try to fit two egos in one team while they are on the same page and running the tag team division. Waller says he is not surprised, and that Pretty Deadly were the "iron men" of last week's Gauntlet Match. Kit likes the idea of being "the iron men on SmackDown," and he and Elton then brag about "beating" the rest of the teams in the match. When they mention The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), however, The Street Profits show up and introduce them to "the smoke."
Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) beat The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) after Elton Prince uses the middle rope for leverage while stacking up Montez Ford for the win.
Charlotte Flair beats Lacey Evans with the Figure Eight. After the match, Asuka attacks Charlotte as she still has Lacey in the Figure Eight while also mocking Lacey's salute.
Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is met by Bianca Belair, and lets her know that she will be barred from ringside in next week's women's championship match in case Asuka or Charlotte Flair take a shot at her, and that she will get a shot at the WWE Women's Championship. Bianca makes it known to Pearce that she does not exactly trust him in that regard.
Sheamus vs. Solo Sikoa ends when Solo Sikoa knocks Sheamus out with a running hip attack that breaks through the barricade. After the attack, the referee calls for medical help for Sheamus only for Solo Sikoa to attack the EMTs. Suddenly, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up and lay out Solo Sikoa to end the show.
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Charlotte Flair! Grayson Waller! "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler!
Before the next match, Brian Myers tells the fans that they may be used to "outlaw mudshows" in the area, but they are about to see some real pros. John Skyler says he would take everything over Ohio because everything is better than Ohio, including his team.
Brian Myers and The Good Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch) beat oVe (Sami Callihan, Jake Crist, Madman Fulton) after Moose trips Jake Crist up on the top rope, allowing Brian Myers to hit Jake Crist with the Roster Cut as Callihan and Fulton chase Moose to the back.
Frankie Kazarian is met backstage by Eddie Edwards, who tells Kazarian that neither of them asked for tonight's match and that he can trust him. Kazarian says he finds that hard to believe after Eddie turned on everyone and that they had one moment in the back. Eddie swears on Killer Kowalski's grave that Kazarian can trust him, then leaves.
Backstage, Sami Callihan is met by Rich Swann. Callihan blows up on Swann, and Swann says he should have been there and that he knows how Brian Myers and The Good Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch) are like. He then says that he has Callihan's back from now on and that Myers and The Good Hands are his priority. Both men high-five each other.
Before the next match, Dirty Dango says "Boy, do I hate professional wrestling."
Dirty Dango beats Bhupinder Gujjar. After the match, Dirty Dango goes through the smartphone in Bhupinder Gujjar's jacket and leaves a video message for him. Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up, and when Dango slides out of the ring, Gujjar throws him back in so Santino can hit the Cobra.
Backstage, Jody Threat and Nevaeh show good sportsmanship, then Nevaeh meets Courtney Rush and Jessicka. Nevaeh quickly figures out they were in the Undead Realm and changed forms from being there, then Courtney and Jessicka talk among themselves and ask Nevaeh what she knows. Nevaeh says there is a lot more to everything than they know, and that they will have to go back to The Undead Realm to start at the beginning.
We see a video a preview of next week's episode of Diary, which focuses on Rosemary.
Backstage, "Outlandish" Zicky Dice passes his test for this referee's license with help from Johnny Swinger, which makes him an official referee for IMPACT, and referee Daniel Spencer tells him that this makes him part of a brotherhood of unsung ring heroes. After the referee leaves, Johnny Swinger celebrates that he has someone in his pocket who can help him cheat his way to fifty wins.
Jonathan Gresham and "Speedball" Mike Bailey beat The Design (Angels and Kon) after Deaner - who is accidentally hit by Angels after Speedball shoves Angels towards him - gets on the apron and tells Angels to finish Speedball off, which allows Speedball to avoid the splash and hit the Tornado Kick and the Ultima Weapon for the win.
The IMPACT Plus Flashback Moment of the Week is Jeff Hardy is the finish to the Dixieland Match between Jeff Hardy and Magnus (Nick Aldis) from the December 18, 2013 episode of IMPACT Wrestling.
It is announced that "The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw and Gail Kim will team up on this season of Amazing Race Canada.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Trinity. Trinity says she knows Deonna Purrazzo will handle business like she always does, but if Gisele Shaw becomes champion, she has no problem taking the fight to her again. She says that Savannah Evans and Jai Vidal will not be far behind getting involved, and since Jai Vidal wants to step to her, she proposes they have a match, assuming Gisele will let him.
Backstage, Jimmy Jacobs reads a statement from Nick Aldis. Aldis states he will not be on tonight's show following the threats and harassments from what happened last week and that it is in his best interest to not be there tonight before challenging Alex Shelley. Shelley shows up, not buying Aldis' statement, and Jimmy Jacobs defends Aldis before stating that Aldis will be returning next week to explain himself and that Shelley has a front row seat. Shelley leaves, then Jimmy says that being world champion has gotten to Shelley's head before Shelley surprisingly hits him in the face. Chris Sabin shows up and asks Shelley "Changed your mind, huh?" Shelley replies "Yep."
Killer Kelly beat Taylor Wilde by countering a roll-up from Wilde with one of her own. After the match, KiLynn King attacks Killer Kelly, then Masha Slamovich suddenly shows up with a dog collar on a chain. She looks at Kelly, then goes after KiLynn King, and Killer Kelly joins in. Killer Kelly and Masha Slamovich soon send The Coven fleeing the ring, then Kelly and Masha look at each other before Masha rolls out of the ring.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Scott D'Amore. D'Amore takes off his headset, hit suit jacket and his watch before saying he has not been in this spot in a long time, and admits that while he was not a great wrestler, he has proven time and again that he can get down and dirty and that there is no rule he will not break or a line he will not cross. He also says he brought Bully Ray into IMPACT, but he will have to take him out, and that Maclin will get the respect he deserves when he takes him on. D'Amore says he does not know how his match at Slammiversary will end, but it will rain holy hell in his hometown and that there will be a war where someone will not be walking out of the ring under their own power.
Before the next match, Joe Hendry states that extraterrestrials have made contact with Earth, then asks if it is a coincidence when he is Digital Media Champion right now. He says that while everyone is trying to figure out what they are saying, he can save the government time and money, because he knows that they believe in Joe Hendry and that Joe Hendry is the answer to the secrets of the universe. Kenny King and Sheldon Jean show up at the start of the match to guest on commentary.
Joe Hendry retains the IMPACT Wrestling Digital Media Championship against Yuya Uemura after rolling out of a top rope cross body and hitting the Standing Ovation. After the match, Kenny King and Sheldon Jean take the Digital Media Championship and enter the ring to present the championship belt to Hendry before Kenny mockingly claps for him. They then leave the ring.
Steve Maclin and Bully Ray beat Eddie Edwards and Frankie Kazarian after Bully Ray shoves Eddie Edwards into Frankie Kazarian and Eddie superkicks Kazarian in the face as Kazarian has Maclin in the crossface chickenwing.
