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.
Adam Copeland heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Copeland says he has finally closed the book on Christian Cage and that it is time to go back to "The Cope Open," and this time, the stakes are higher, as he is putting the TNT Championship on the line. He says that he will not run and hide like Christian; instead, he is here to fight. He issues the open challenge to anyone in the back who wants to face him, and Matt Cardona answers the challenge.
Adam Copeland retains the TNT Championship against Matt Cardona. After the match, the lights go out, and when they come back on, Malakai Black stands in the center of the ring. Black mist emanates from his mouth before Copeland is attacked from behind by Buddy Matthews. Suddenly, Mark Briscoe gets in the ring, but Malakai and Buddy overpower him. Eddie Kingston then shows up, and as Copeland and Mark Briscoe stand with him, the lights go out. When they come back on, Malakai and Buddy disappear.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Lexy Nair interviews FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler). Wheeler says he and Harwood are not exactly the favorites in this tournament, as they have been on a losing streak as of late, and they cannot look past The Infantry tonight. Harwood says The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) are "the Cinderella team," but they have to win and go on to become the first-ever three-time AEW tag champs when all is said and done.
Tony Schiavone interviews The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn) in the ring. Billy Gunn says that he is pissed off at "Switchblade" Jay White, and while he can get past hitting him with a chair, he cannot get past invading his home. He also says he has sold out Madison Square Garden so many times he cannot remember, and reminds Jay White that he lost in their match and that he will lose next week when they square off on Dynamite. Max Caster says that while Billy Gunn is beating down Jay White, they will stay in the back, and that The Gunns will too if they have faith in Jay White, as there is no way Jay White can beat Billy Gunn in a fight. Anthony Bowens says he was proven right when he said that Jay White was a coward and that Jay White and The Gunns ran when Billy Gunn confronted them in his home, and next week, Bullet Club Gold's ("Switchblade" Jay White, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn) demise begins.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) beat The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) to advance to the semi-finals of the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Big Bill and "Absolute" Ricky Starks. Big Bill says they are not looking past Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) and that Top Flight are not going to the dance, and Ricky Starks says that they will go to defeat FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and guarantees that they will prove again why they are the best tag team AEW has ever seen.
Backstage, we hear from Adam Copeland, Mark Briscoe and Eddie Kingston. He says that if The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, Buddy Matthews) wants to get in his business, then they can face off at Dynasty. Mark Briscoe mentions his match with Eddie and tells Eddie to promise him a dogfight, then tells The House of Black they are in for a long time. Eddie says that after Dynasty, The House of Black will be spitting out blood and teeth instead of black mist.
Kyle O'Reilly beats JD Drake with the cross arm breaker. During the match, it is announced that Collision will start next week at 11:30 PM Eastern, 10:30 PM Central. After the match, Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett) show up and celebrate with O'Reilly.
Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) beat Big Bill and "Absolute" Ricky Starks to advance to the semi-finals of the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament.
Backstage, we hear from "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels. He says Malakai Black likes to attack people from behind and make his presence known, then challenges Malakai to a one-on-one match next week on Rampage.
Thunder Rosa beats Lady Frost.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "Timeless" Toni Storm, Mariah May and Luther. Upon finding out that Mariah May and Thunder Rosa will face each other to be #1 contender for the AEW Women's World Championship on Dynamite, Toni Storm kisses Mariah May for getting to this point and says she sees herself in her and she loves herself. She then calls Thunder Rosa "Lightning Daffodil," says she should have retired and says she will never be champion again.
The Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli and "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson) and Katsuyori Shibata beats Lance Archer and The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) in a trios match.
"The GunShow" Brett Michaels beats Draco. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Brett Michaels at the announce desk. Brett gives credit where credit is due to K-Toomer, saying he played his cards right and got the job done, then says that while he likes to wear gold, he does not have to have it, and he is now at a fork in the road. Suddenly, Reverend Ash Taylor shows up and gives Brett an opportunity to pick the right path - the Righteous Path - and hands him a pamphlet. Brett tears it up immediately, saying "Not a chance."
We see a vignette for The Twins of Salem (Jacksyn Crowley and Abel Booker).
Zay Washington beats Gio Savage.
We hear from Derrick King and Ray Ray Sanders. As they talk about their match today, they are approached by The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamont), who proceed to make fun of them for sounding like they are tag team champions before Derrick King call them "sell-outs."
Mackenzie Morgan beats Just Jodie, then celebrates with a fan after the match. Mackenzie says she loves the fans and without them, she is nothing, and she never asked to be the face of Memphis Wrestling or the women's division. Suddenly, Cassandra Golden shows up. Cassandra says Mackenzie cannot handle being champion, but she can, and Mackenzie keeps the title away from Cassandra as she tries to take it and says that while he did not ask for this, she still wants this, and she says that she keeps the grass cut low to "see the snakes" and calls Cassandra the biggest snake of all before security and referees prevent a brawl.
Derrick King and Ray Ray Sanders beat Steele Cross (Ethan Steele and Alex Cross). During the match, The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamont) show up, and despite the distraction, Ray Ray Sanders is able to win with a Sunset Flip.
Backstage, "Main Event" Brad Skimahorn and Big Nasty Phil confront Assistant Matchmaker Michael over the identity of J. Webb's mystery partner. Michael refuses to reveal who it is, and leaves with Matchmaker King Cobra.
We see a vignette of Tim Bosby training in the ring.
Dustin Starr interviews "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts and Justin Case at the announce desk. Justin Case says showing a vignette of Tim Bosby was a bad idea, as Aaron Roberts is about to cause bodily harm to Denzel Rollins. He also says that Aaron Roberts is "better than the best."
"The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts beats Denzel Rollins. After the match, Aaron Roberts hits Denzel Rollins with the Problem Bomb.
We hear from Barnabas the Leader, who says that time is the most precious commodity and that time was ripped away from him and Maurice the Strong in 2023, but now time is on their side and that all that was taken from them will be regained. Barnabas then declares that time will be running out will everyone else next week.
Before the next match, "Main Event" Brad Skimahorn says nobody is here to have J. Webb's back, but all of a sudden, Lance Archer shows up as J. Webb's tag team partner.
J. Webb and Lance Archer beat "Main Event" Brad Skimahorn and Big Nasty Phil.
We hear from Bullet Club Gold ("Switchblade" Jay White, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn). "Switchblade" Jay White shows up with a gold baseball bat and joins Austin and Colten Gunn as they enter "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn's house. As Austin and Colten mess around in the kitchen, Jay White notices there are no photos of The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens), then brags about how he beat up MJF before saying Bullet Club Gold will win the trios titles. As he is about to smash the TV set, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn shows up with his wife, then chases after Bullet Club Gold.
We see a video package chronicling the events so far in the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament.
"The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo beats Rose with the Fuijwara Arm Bar.
We see a video package chronicling the recent events leading up to Will Ospreay vs. "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson at Dynasty.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Zak Knight and Harley Cameron. Knight says he is in Angelo Parker's head and he can see the sweat dripping down his brow, and that he already has him beat. Suddenly, Angelo Parker rushes up to Zak Knight and attacks him, starting a brawl. Parker gets the upper hand after hitting him with a lead pipe, but after Zak Knight runs away, he sees Ruby Soho, who says she told him not to pick a fight for a reason, and after she kisses him, says that she cannot be part of this.
We hear from The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch). Vincent says being crazy used to mean something, but now everyone is crazy. Dutch says life is like a knife and that it is up to you which side of the knife you are on - the handle or the blade. The two of them then talk about fighting through pain, how pain teaches one things and that one must stare death in the eye and see who blinks first.
Roderick Strong beats "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard in an AEW International Championship Eliminator following the distraction by Matt Taven and Mike Bennett. After the match, Taven and Bennett gang up on Daddy Magic, but all of a sudden, Best Friends (Orange Cassidy and Trent Bennett) show up. Roddy retreats as Best Friends lay out Taven and Bennett. Suddenly, The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) show up and hit Best Friends with simultaneous low blows to end the show.
We look back on Rhino vs. Rob Van Dam in an Old School Rules Match from the December 10, 2019 episode of IMPACT Wrestling.
It's time for Around The Ring. This week, Gia Miller interviews Dani Luna. Dani Luna talks about how she got a beaver tattoo on her arm, the tattoo of a mana potion that she also has on her arm, and her love for cold brew coffee.
We look back on Chris Sabin vs. Steve Maclin from this week's iMPACT!.
Meta-Four (Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson) beat Carlie Bright and Kendal Grey.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Sarah Schreiber interviews Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. They think their opponets in their final match of the best-of-three series, Tyriek Igwe and Tyson Dupont, are great guys, but once they get in the ring, it is all business. Igwe and Dupont show up, and everyone shakes hand before Igwe and Dupont raise the stakes: if Hank and Tank lose, Tank has to give them his mother's meatloaf recipe. Tank accepts, but states that if he and Hank win, they get Igwe and Dupont's boots.
WrestleMania 40 is eight days away!
Je'Von Evans beats Scrypts despite the interference by the rest of OTM (Jaida Parker, Bronco Nima, Lucien Price).
Hank Walker and Tank Ledger beat Tyriek Igwe and Tyson Dupont to win their best-of-three series after Hank Walker and Tyriek Igwe knock each other out at the same time and Hank falls on top of Igwe. Hank and Tank raise Igwe and Dupont's hands in a show of respect after the match.
Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) beat Randy Orton and Kevin Owens after Logan Paul knocks out Kevin Owens as Pretty Deadly attack Orton on the outside. After the match, Randy Orton watches the TitanTron and sees what is going on, then Orton looks for Logan Paul. With Owens' help, he finds him, then drags him out of the ring and beats him up. As Orton is about to put Logan through the announce table, he is attacked by Pretty Deadly again, but Owens hits Elton Prince with a Stunner and Orton hits Kit Wilson with an RKO. Orton then chases Logan Paul through the crowd and to the back, but Logan Paul soon gets away by stealing a red convertible.
The first hour of next week's Raw will be commercial-free.
WrestleMania 40 is eight days away!
We hear from Iyo Sky. She says Bayley started Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane) because she was lost, and not because of new talent. She says Bayley wanted the spotlight and that wanted everyone else to succeed so she could take credit. She calls Bayley a narcissist who played the victim, and says that Bayley's hypocrisy makes her sick. She admits Bayley helped her become champion, but she made Bayley relevant, and she and Dakota were obligated to keep Bayley around. They then got sick of her and outgrew her, and they knew what to do. Iyo says there was a time she viewed Bayley as a friend, and says she regrets that as she calls Bayley an embarrassment to the company. After Iyo says she hopes never to see Bayley again, she is suddenly attacked by Bayley, and the two brawl.
General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring. Aldis says his singular goal is to make SmackDown the number one show for the fans, and he firmly believes that the acquisition of a certain Superstar takes him one step closer to that goal. He then introduces Jade Cargill. Jade Cargill heads to the ring and signs her contract, then takes the microphone and says it is about damn time. She then says WWE has one of the best female rosters in the world, but they are not Jade Cargill. She then announces that the storm has arrived.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane). Dakota Kai says Jade Cargill has done nothing in WWE but stand there, and that she will get rid of Bianca Belair, saying that if Bianca was smart, she would not have gotten involved in their business.
Backstage, Isla Dawn trues to get with General Manager Nick Aldis, but Alba Fyre drags her away. Aldis then runs in to "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, and when Aldis tells Styles he told L.A. Knight not to show up tonight after being asked "Did you tell him?", Styles says "You shoulda told him!"
Backstage, Bobby Lashley tells The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) that they have tonight's match and that they will soon be heading to WrestleMania. B-Fab mentions the champagne that is already set up on the nearby table.
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory beat The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) to qualify for the 6-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match at WrestleMania. After the match, The Street Profits are attacked by The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar). Karrion Kross, Scarlett and Paul Ellering head to the ring, and Karrion Kross directs traffic as AOP hits the Super Collider. Afterwards, Bobby Lashley heads to the ring and attacks Kross, but he is ganged up on by AOP, who hold him in place for a Kross Hammer to the back of the neck.
Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Humberto, Angel, Elektra Lopez) head to the ring. Santos Escobar says he hates to be that guy, then tells the fans that he told them so, and he wants everyone to remember that it was him who put Rey Mysterio on the shelf for months. He then boasts about beating Rey in the middle of the ring last week, and says Rey used to be the greatest luchador in the world until he outsmarted him, and all it took was one phone call to a man who despised Rey just as much as he did. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up and enters the ring, and Escobar thanks him before apologizing, saying they did not see eye to eye at first and that Dominik was right. Dominik says he will do everything in his power to make Rey's life a living hell as the crowd boos him out of the building, and Escobar says that Rey always turns on his friends before The Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro, Zelina Vega, Carlito) show up. Rey says it is a shame and that he truly believed he was done fighting Dominik, but since Escobar dragged him into this and he wants to be a part of this, having Escobar and Dominik in front of him is truly a divine intervention. He says he now has the opportunity to beat respect into both of them, and proposes that the two of them face himself and a partner of his choosing in a tag team match at WrestleMania. When Dominik asks Rey which "dork" is going to be the one to tag with him, Rey says it is the newest member of the Latino World Order: Dragon Lee. Dragon Lee shows up wearing an LWO shirt, then Elektra Lopez talks trash to Zelina Vega, who then slaps Elektra. This leads to a five-on-five brawl all over the ring, and Carlito stops Dominik from hitting the 619 before Dragon Lee takes out Legado del Fantasma.
Backstage, Naomi meets up with Bianca Belair and wishes her well in tonight's match, and tells her that she has her back just like she had hers if Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane) get involved. Bianca says it is no longer about Bayley and that they are in this together, and Naomi says that Damage CTRL will not want anything from either of them.
Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, JD McDonagh) are surprised by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio's recent actions, especially when he did not tell anyone in the group what he was going to do. Dominik shows up and apologizes to everyone, saying he wanted to take care of business and make everyone proud. After McDonagh helps Dominik to medical, Damian Priest says that WrestleMania is crucial to them not just as a team, but as individuals.
New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne) beat Legado del Fantasma (Humberto and Angel) to qualify for the 6-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match at WrestleMania.
We see post-show footage from last week's SmackDown where The Rock hits "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes with his own weight belt.
We hear from Paul Heyman, who says The Rock took out "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes on orders of Roman Reigns. Jimmy Uso is next to him, and says it is him vs. "Main Event" Jey Uso on Roman's order. We then see Solo Sikoa, who says that he will take Jey Uso out on Roman's orders.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles heads to the ring. Styles says it has been a little over a week, and says the fans are the reason why LA Knight came to his house and assaulted him in his front yard. He admits that he should have had Knight locked up, but he has bigger plans for him. Styles says that he wants the spotlight on Knight at WrestleMania so he can expose him for the "overachieving, undertalented piece of trash" that he is, and while General Manager Nick Aldis told Knight not to show up, he knows LA Knight is here. Styles calls Knight out, saying that he could be anywhere and could even be hiding in plain sight. After harassing the cameraman in the ring, security suddenly gets their hands on a masked, hooded man, but it is not LA Knight. Styles asks if the games are done, and says that he will not be playing games at WrestleMania. Suddenly, LA Knight is near him at the announce desk as Styles threatens to knock Knight's teeth down his throat. When Styles looks to the TitanTron, Knight jumps him, then grabs a chair and nearly hits him with it before Styles runs away through the crowd. Knight then says Styles must be the biggest piece of walking human waste he has ever seen, then tells Styles to do what he needs to, because at WrestleMania, he will know whose game this is.
We see a vignette for Tiffany Stratton, who says that carrying the burden of perfection is not as easy as she makes it look and that she vows to always look hot and spare the fans' eyes from "the Uggos." She also says everyone will find out what Tiffy Time is all about.
Bianca Belair beats Dakota Kai. After the match, The Kabuki Warriors attack Bianca, then Naomi shows up to make the save only to be attacked as well. All of a sudden, Jade Cargill shows up and demolishes Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai, then hits Kairi Sane with Jaded.
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: The Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro, Zelina Vega, Carlito, Dragon Lee)! Grayson Waller and Austin Theory! LA Knight!
Before the next match, Ash by Elegance shows up in pain. George Iceman announces that she cannot compete due to some work done on her face and that her face cannot be touched for 72 hours. Her replacement in the match is Steph de Lander. George Iceman and Ash by Elegance then watch the match from ringside.
Rosemary, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna and Steph de Lander beat Havok, Masha Slamovich, Alisha Edwards and Jody Threat in an eight-woman tag match as part of an 8-4-1 match. After this part of the match, Masha Slamovich goes on the attack but is thrown out of the ring, then Xia Brookside is thrown into Ash by Elegance, hitting her in the face in the process. When Ash by Elegance attacks Brookside, she and George Iceman are ejected. Shortly after this happens, Matt Cardona shows up and hits Rosemary with Radio Silence, allowing Steph de Lander to hit the TKO on Rosemary for the win. Steph de Lander beats Rosemary, Dani Luna and Xia Brookside in a four-way match to earn a shot at the Knockouts Championship at Rebellion.
In a digital exclusive from last week, Steve Maclin and The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) inamicably split. As Maclin leaves, he runs into Chris Sabin. Both men get angry with each other, and that leads to both men facing each other in the ring the following week.
Backstage, Chris Sabin talks with Alex Shelley and KUSHIDA. When Sabin says he does not want Shelley and KUSHIDA at ringside in his match, Shelley takes this as Sabin wanting to climb the ranks himself, and says he should do the same thing.
Backstage, Ace Austin and Chris Bey talk about the Rebellion Referendum match, and Ace Austin says that they should focus on the tag titles. Chris Bey says he is talented enough to hold more gold, and mentions Ace Austin facing Frankie Kazarian on his own. Austin says he did this to stand up for the both of them, and this leads to Chris Bey saying he will look for Kazarian himself and face him.
The Grizzled Young Vets (Zack Gibson and James Drake) are in the ring. Zack Gibson says they only lost because Deaner stuck his nose in their business, and calls him out. Deaner - now known as Cody Deaner again - tells Zack Gibson to shut his mouth, then says Director of Authority Santino Marella has allowed him to do just that and face on them in a one-on-one match. He then gives the fans the choice on what he does next, and Zack Gibson makes fun of the fans before asking if he really wants to put his career in their hands. Deaner says yes, then gives the fans the choice, which ends up being "both." Deaner fights both men, and this leads to a two-on-one handicap match.
The Grizzled Young Vets (Zack Gibson and James Drake) beat Cody Deaner in a two-on-one handicap match.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth. As Nemeth talks about how he knows how Moose and The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose) do things, Alex Shelley shows up and tells Nemeth not to listen to Moose, and tells him he can beat Moose and The System, as he has done it himself. Nemeth says he has wanted to face Shelley in the ring, and says he wants to defend the World title against him. Shelley asks why they should wait when Nemeth can get ready against an opponent the caliber of Moose. Nemeth and Shelley shake hands on it.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander enters the ring. Alexander says he has missed Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, home of some of the greatest matches in wrestling history and some of the most violent and bloody scores ever settled. He then says he has a score to settle himself, and states that Director of Authority Santino Marella has given him an open contract for tonight. He then calls out Hammerstone so they can settle things right now. Hammerstone fails to show, and "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams shows up instead. Tracy Williams says Alexander should be worried about the best professional wrestlers in the world before stating he is one of them. Williams then says he has been waiting for his opportunity in TNA and that he is now looking at it, and if Hammerstone does not want to face him, he will take him on. Alexander says he did not lace his boots up tonight for nothing, and the match begins.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander beats "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams. Both men shake hands after the match, and Alexander raises Williams' hand. All of a sudden, both men are attacked from behind by Hammerstone, who then chokes Williams with Alexander's headgear before putting him in the Torture Rack.
It is announced that Mustafa Ali is on the cover of the newest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated hitting newsstands April 16th. Backstage, Mustafa Ali talks with Director of Authority Santino Marella brings up the cover, then mentions that Jake Something is not qualified for the X Division title and that there should be limits for the title, but Santino says the lack of limits is what makes the title great. Santino mentions Samoa Joe and Rhino holding the title, and Rhino shows up behind Mustafa as Mustafa makes fun of his name. This leads to Rhino challenging him to an Old School Rules match next week as soon as Mustafa turns around.
Eddie Edwards beats "Speedball" Mike Bailey following interference by Brian Myers and Alisha Edwards.
We see PCO calling out Kon for a Monster's Ball Match.
The Full Blooded Italians - FBI - will be coming next week.
We hear from Frankie Kazarian, who says that Eric Young sees himself as righteous and him as wicked, and that he sees himself as the hero of his own story as he challenges him at Rebellion. He then says no matter what he does, he will match it and up the ante and beat him for the betterment of TNA, as he is The King of TNA. Suddenly, Chris Bey shows up and tells Kazarian that he wants his throne next week. Kazarian accepts the challenge.
AJ Francis and Rich Swann are in the ring. Francis says the two of them make up "First Class," and says that it has been nothing but pretty women and first class flights ever since Swann saw the light, and that he has not been this happy since he played for the New York Giant and he beat the Philadelphia Eagles. Swann says that he is a former champion, and that it is no secret that he has been in a bit of a slump. He says that when he went to the back every week, Francis would be there, promising him to take him to even higher heights. Swann, knowing how Francis operated, said he wanted to do it the right way, but after he kept getting beaten week after week, and just when he was going to get his first win in week, Hendry steals the win from him and bring him into the ring to celebrate. He then says Hendry stole the spotlight from him, and when he headed to the back, Francis checked on him, and after enough persistence, Swann saw the fire he used to have in him. Swann also mentions being TNA World Champion when there was no crowd in the building, then says that he never needed the fans. Francis says that as long as the two of them are together, everything smells like money, and "if you're not First Class, you're last."
Backstage, Tom Hannifan interviews Laredo Kid. Laredo Kid talks about how he started in Mexico in 2003 and worked his way up to AAA before making it to TNA Wrestling. He goes into detail about his perforated intestine from 2022, saying he almost died from it and he was afraid he would never come back. On the subject of missing out on a Digital Media title shot, he says he will get that shot again. Laredo Kid tells Crazzy Steve that he is coming for his title.
Steve Maclin beats Chris Sabin after rolling out of a Northern Lights Suplex and hitting KIA.
Here are the must-see moments from tonight's show!
Athena beats Nikita by submission in an ROH Women's World Championship Proving Grounds Match, then attacks her again after the match. As Athena is about to drop kick the championship belt into Nikita's face, Hikaru Shida tuns in and chases Athena out of the ring.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "Big Shotty" Lee Johnson, who says that he is here in ROH not to take part, but to take over and take titles. He says that tonight, there is a Television title match between "All Heart" Blake Christian and Kyle Fletcher, and he is calling his shot against the winner at Supercard of Honor.
Cole Karter and Griff Garrison beat Kaz Jordan and Victor Castella.
Dalton Castle beats Nick Comoroto. After the match, Taya Valkyrie shows up and confronts Dalton for calling her and Johnny TV irresponsible, then calls The Boys (Brandon and Brent Tate) annoying and rude before she reveals that they lost them on purpose becaue they are "bad, bad boys." She also says that Dalton never loved The Boys, and that Dalton should get what he deserves. Dalton is then attacked inside the ring by Johnny TV, then he and Taya make out on top of Dalton.
We hear from Mark Briscoe. He says that Philadelpha, Pennsylvania is the origin of professional wrestling for him and Jay Briscoe, then talks about how he has had to fly solo ever since Jay passed away, and how he and Eddie Kingston have both had their ups and downs. Mark also mentions how Eddie has had to look back to the past to become ruthless, then says that he will prove that he is top dog at Supercard of Honor. Mark Briscoe then says it is time to man up.
Colt Cabana and Brandon Cutler beat Rex Lawless and Bryce Donovan.
Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) and Action Andretti beat KPK (Abu, Ahmed, Karou) in a six-man tag match.
Kiera Hogan beats Diamante.
Evil Uno beats JD Drake after Drake misses a top rope moonsault.
We hear from Hikaru Shida. Shida says that in AEW, she won the World Women's title three times and beat almost everyone, and now both she and Athena need stimulation. She says that when they faced each other in the ring, she knew that Athena and the fans were excited, but she was excited the most. She says hello to ROH before telling them to prepare for a new era, because she has arrived.
Kyle Fletcher retains the ROH World Television Championship against "All Heart" Blake Christian. After the match, "Big Shotty" Lee Johnson stares down Kyle Fletcher from the stage.
Will Ospreay beats Katsuyori Shibata. After the match, Ospreay and Shibata bow in a sign of mutual respect.
We see a video package for "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson which chronicles Danielson's career leading up to his match with Will Ospreay at Dynasty.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson). Nicholas takes offense to being asked about their tag team tournament loss, and Matthew says they came back months ago to retire Sting and restructure The Elite by adding "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, who they have asked to watch their match tonight. He then says their biggest goal is to get back the AEW World Tag Team Championships, and they plan to beat Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) tonight, as their loss to Private Party caused them to have the worst year of their lives and because lightning never strikes the same place twice. Matthew then tells Renee to smile more.
A red Ferrari shows up outside of the arena, and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada steps out of the driver's seat.
The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) beat Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) to advance to the semi-finals of the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament after Marq Quen misses on a top rope 630, allowing The Young Bucks to hit the EVP-Trigger to win. During the match, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada is seen watching the match backstage.
It is announced that you can get your very own ROH-era Claudio Castagnoli, Kenny Omega and Brody King figurines at Jazwares' Vault website.
We hear from Don Callis, who says that "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita has defeated everyone in his path so far and that Swerve Strickland in the way of what they want. He says that Swerve's house is on his family's street and in his neighborhood, then says he takes what he wants and that Takeshita will take everything, including #1 contendership for the World title, away from him.
We see Darby Allin - now on crutches - and Tony Hawk. Darby says that he was going to climb Mt. Everest for Tony Hawk's charity, The Skatepark Project, which funds skate parks for underprivileged kids, but broke his foot. Tony Hawk talks about his charity, which has made over 900 skate parks possible, then Darby asks fans to donate to The Skatepark Project. Darby Allin says that with his broken foot, they have another plan this year.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Chris Jericho and Hook. Jericho says Hook exceeded his expectations in their recent match and has shown him something he has not seen in a long time, and says Hook's talents, though raw, are highly tuned. He offers Hook his advice and says he is here for him. Hook says he will take Jericho's advice, and says that he knows who he is. Jericho says he knows who Hook is, but knows who he can be. Both men fist bump, then agree to get to work.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes. Dustin says he has started 2024 with a bang and states that the locker has been talented, and he has had very good matches with the AEW locker room in the last five years, and he has been as passionate as he has ever been. The Butcher shows up, saying that if Dustin wants a fight, then they can fight on Friday, as he has some receipts for him. Dustin accepts the challenge, and tells The Butcher that he will find out why he is a natural-born legend.
We hear from "Timeless" Toni Storm and Ben Mankiewicz in the Turner Classic Movies studio. Ben thanks Toni for being AEW World Women's Champion and "helping to redefinte the artistry of professional wrestling." Toni thanks Ben for doing his job and asks Ben to "crispen his enunciation."
We hear from Swerve Strickland, who says tonight comes down to himself and "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita. He admits Takeshita has impressed him, but says their motivations are vastly different. He says he is not taking this lightly, and after he beats Takeshita, he will have no distractions when he has Samoa Joe for the World title, and Joe will not forget what he does to him.
Best Friends (Orange Cassidy and Trent Beretta) beat Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) to advance to the semi-finals of the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament after Chuck Taylor stops a double-team piledriver attempt by Undisputed Kingdom in response to Roderick Strong hitting him with a forearm. After the match, The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) show up and briefly stare down Best Friends from the stage.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Kyle O'Reilly, who says that there is no way to prepare to get in a wrestling ring in front of a live crowd, and while it is great to have the bandage off, there is no such thing as an easy match with the AEW locker room. He says he will do it on his own again next week and prove that he belongs.
We hear from Adam Copeland, who says that when one dedicates themselves to professional wrestling, one expects nights like the one he had with Christian Cage. He says he will take this memory with him to the grave, and while he is a mess, he has the TNT Championship. He feels like he has won a championship properly for the first time since 2011, and that this chapter with Christian has closed. Copeland says it is time to move on and defend the TNT Championship, and this week on Collision, the Cope Open is back.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
Swerve Strickland beats "The Alpha" Konsouke Takeshita to face Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship at Dynasty. After the match, Renee Paquette interviews Samoa Joe backstage. Joe says Swerve is celebrate the biggest fade he will ever catch in his life, and that he will make Swerve know exactly what he is in for, as Swerve will not be the man to beat him.
Dijak beats Shawn Spears. During the match, Joe Gacy peeks out from underneath the ring and takes Shawn Spears' metal folding chair away. After the match, Joe Gacy is seen playing air guitar with Spears' chair.
We see a video package where Roxanne Perez regrets the first year of her time in NXT, saying that she regrets getting everyone to like her, that her heroes have gotten her nothing and that she is her own hero now. She says it has all gotten her discarded and without a title, and that she is now looking out for herself and being herself, breaking the rules and doing it her way, and that it has gotten he results. Roxanne says she has no feelings for Lyra Valkyria, calling her the woman who is barely carrying her title, which she proclaims will be back where it belongs.
In backstage footage from earlier today, numerous NXT Superstars try out for the privilege of hosting Stand & Deliver.
Thea Hail beats Jazymn Nyx with the Kimura Lock after Jacy Jayne slaps Thea from the apron. After the match, Jacy attacks Thea, and Kiana James and Izzi Dame get in the ring and join in. Suddenly, Fallon Henley and Kiana James get in the ring and not only even the numbers game, but also clean house.
We see Part One of NXT Prime Target chronicling the events leading up to Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams at Stand & Deliver.
Backstage, Maxxine Dupri keeps Otis and Akira Tozawa focused. Otis has an eye for Lash Legend, but he says it is time for fighting, as does Tozawa.
Lola Vice heads to the ring and announces that she has put out an open challenge to any woman who thinks they can handle her. She says nobody can handle Lola Vice and that she is the complete package, and hopes whoever comes out is ready to be put to sleep. Natalya shows up to answer the open challenge, and while she says that Lola is one of the fastest-growing Superstars in NXT, her resume is growing as much as her ego and it is time to put her in her place. She says that she sees everything in Lola, but she would love to be the one who kicks her ass. This leads to a match that starts almost immediately when Lola hits her with a takedown.
Natalya beats Lola Vice with a roll-up. During the match, Karmen Petrovic shows up and stands in Natalya's corner.
Backstage, Shawn Spears says Joe Gacy is now on his radar for his recent actions. Suddenly, a chair drops down from the top of the building, and Joe Gacy yells from the roof that he meant to give it back. Oba Femi shows up as the camera focuses on the chair.
She says that she has thought about what she will do to Blair. She says that rehab sucked, but she is back and she is pissed off. Sol Ruca says next week is more than a match, and next week, she will snatch Blair's soul. Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Blair Davenport, who says that Sol Ruca is like sand: annoying, disgusting and impossible to get rid of. She says that attracting a Tiktok audience will not help her, and that she will be on another road to recovery when she is done.
Ilja Dragunov beats Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo. Backstage, Tony D'Angelo tells Luca Crusifino to invite Ilja Dragunov to dinner at a more special location.
We see Part Two of NXT Prime Target chronicling the events leading up to Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams at Stand & Deliver.
Backstage, as Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker talk about Corbin's pale complexion, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson show up wanting a shot at the tag team titles and says that Breakker and Corbin will have more on their plate when the #1 contender's match becomes a Triple Threat Match. Breakker says that will not happen and that they will get the job done tonight.
Ridge Holland is in the ring. He thanks the staff of NXT for seeing something in him and giving him the time to say what he has to say. He then admits that he has been a step off in his career, and that he cannot risk hurting himself or others again. He says that he has seen all the talk about him and admits it has had an effect on him, and that he is tired of taking his work home with him and having his job take away from what he treasures doing in life, which is being the best man and father he can be. Ridge states that he has had two difficulty conversations - one with his loved ones and the other with himself - lately, and says once again that he has been a step off and that he has made the difficult decision to step away from in-ring competition indefinitely. He says that as hard as this decision has been to make, he has been fortunate to step foot in WWE, let alone perform in front of millions all over the world and have one more shot at redemption in NXT, and that he appreciates the fans more than they will ever know.
We hear from Lyra Valkyria, who says there are two paths one can walk: the right one and the wrong one. She says the path to NXT Women's Champion makes or breaks those who walk it. She says everything changes when one reaches the top, as there is a certain force that comes with the championship that also drove her to come to America, face her idol and test her moral compass every single day. She then says that how she deals with everything is where she and Roxanne are at a crossroads, and that it is too hard for Roxanne when she looks in the mirror. Lyra says that Roxanne was beaten the moment she could not climb that ladder, and while she understands Roxanne's emotions, the championship deserves better than her, as she let the championship break her. She says that Roxanne thinks she is the chosen one, but her time has passed, and she will do everything to retain the title and keep Roxanne away from it.
Dijak guests on commentary for the next match.
Josh Briggs beats Duke Hudson. After the match, Dijak is about to confront Josh Briggs in the ring when Oba Femi shows up on the balcony. Oba Femi says that Dijak and Briggs are worthy contenders, but at Stand & Deliver, he will prove that nobody will reach the summit when he faces them in a Triple Threat Match.
We see Part Three of NXT Prime Target chronicling the events leading up to Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams at Stand & Deliver.
Backstage, Meta-Four (Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Lash Legend, Jakara JacksoN) have taken over the production truck, and Noam Dar announces that they are the hosts of Stand & Deliver.
In an Instagram video, Arianna Grace finds the perfect dress for Gigi Dolin.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Ilja Dragunov, who says that Tony D'Angelo's family has done their homework. Luca Crusifino shows up and invites Dragunov to dinner with Tony D'Angelo, but instead of at the restaurant, it is at a place that requires an invitation.
Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin beat Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa). (Had Alpha Academy won, they would have been part of the tag team title picture at Stand & Deliver.) After the match, The Latino World Order (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro), The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) and the team of Nathan Frazer and Axiom show up, and all three teams and the NXT tag champs brawl in the ring as the show ends.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody says that we are in the awkward last two weeks before WrestleMania, and mentions how Roman Reigns was on Pat McAfee's show before getting a pop for both McAfee and Michael Cole. He talks about how Roman had called him "a politician" and accused him of making promises he could not keep, and that even Chicago, Illinois should know that when he makes a promise, he keeps it. He talks about how he has been at a fan's wedding and bachelor party, made it to Raw for a five-year-old kid, and even met with a school wrestling club, and says that he does what he does for a reason that is lost on Roman Reigns: he pretends to be the champion because the champion is not here. Cody says that while he respects Roman Reigns, he also screwed him out of the biggest dream of his life at WrestleMania, and he hates his guts. He says it is fine with him if Roman hates him too, especially when he and The Rock cannot have "the wankfest" that they wanted after he won the Royal Rumble not once, but twice. Cody says he learned that from last year's WrestleMania to this year's, he cannot do it alone, and while he does not ask for anything back, he will ask for something back, and he asks the fans to ride with him and fight with him. He then says that if he is going to point at the WrestleMania sign, then so will the fans. Cody and the fans then point at the WrestleMania 40 sign in unison as Cody says he will finish his story, then The Rock shows up. Cody and The Rock have a staredown, then The Rock says something to Cody that cannot be heard. The Rock leaves, and Cody does not seem to know what to make of what The Rock said to him.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews The Rock, who says "Go ask Cody Rhodes," when asked what he said to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) want JD McDonagh to take care of Ricochet after Ricochet has made fools out of him and Dominik. Priest says they have a plan to keep the odds in their favor at WrestleMania.
Ricochet beats JD McDonagh after "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio gets ejected from ringside for pulling down the top rope in an attempt to trip Ricochet down. The ejection distracts McDonagh, which allows Ricochet to win with a Shooting Star Press.
CM Punk heads to the ring. Punk says that he will be at WrestleMania, even though his elbow is not great and he is not medically cleared, and says that his mouth still works. He says that a lot of people have speculated what he will do at WrestleMania if he is there and that a lot of people have been talking about him, then brings up Roman Reigns guesting on Pat McAfee's podcast. He says that he and Roman will see each other pretty soon as he goes up the ladder while Roman goes down, then brings up Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and how they do not see eye-to-eye. CM Punk also brings up The Rock and how he has not said a word to him, and that The Rock remembers how his arms were too short to box with God. He then brings up Drew McIntyre. Punk says he does not live terminally on the Internet and that he handles his business in real life like a man, then Drew McIntyre shows up. Punk tells McIntyre to get in the ring, and McIntyre tells Punk that last time they were in the ring, he stomped his arm, but Punk wants to know if McIntyre is "a Scottish psycho in a kilt" or "an Internet troll in a skirt." McIntyre goes on to talk about his new shirt, but CM Punk says he never had to put another man's name on a shirt to sell it. He rips it up to reveal his old CM Punk-related shirt and says Punk spends all his time in rehab for someone who has not done drink or drugs. He then goes on to say that he does not hate Punk; instead, Punk completes him. He says that when he thinks about CM Punk, he gets things done, and refuses to get in the ring. McIntyre then says he wants Punk should have a front row seat at WrestleMania as he should be in his position, then says that he has always been "The Chosen One," to which Punk responds by asking who chose McIntyre. McIntyre proposes that CM Punk be guest commentator in his World title match with Seth Rollins when he finally has his moment with live fans in a stadium, then Rollins shows up. Punk and Rollins have a staredown in the center of the ring, and says that if Punk and McIntyre had even one brain cell between, they would know they cannot make decisions regarding the World title match when they are not in it. He then says that since they want to take everyone's opinions except for himself into consideration, he might as well go all the way, and asks the fans if CM Punk should be on commentary. The fans then chant "Referee!" Rollins then says that Punk's counting arm is injured, and Punk makes a three-count with his other arm before saying he could not be impartial "with these two dipshits." McIntyre says "PG, brother!" Rollins then says he does not think anything about Punk and that Punk has not crossed his mind since their last meeting in the ring, and that he does not give a damn about him and considers him a non-factor. He says he does not care what Punk does at WrestleMania, then says Punk needs him for a moment at WrestleMania, not the other way around, and says the irony of CM Punk on commentary has not been lost on him. Rollins says it is the closest Punk will get to a world title ever again, then tells Punk to stay out of his way. Punk then says he will be on commentary at WrestleMania and guarantees that he will make both men in the match interesting. As Punk leaves, McIntyre says Punk will not get the last word, and after he gets in the ring and sarcastically tells Punk to write him back as he is obsessed with him, Rollins superkicks him and hits him with The Stomp.
We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura. He says "Main Event" Jey Uso gets to have his dream match against his brother at WrestleMania, then asks why Jey's dream gets to come true and asks about his own. He says that tonight, he will turn Jey's dream into a nightmare.
Candice LeRae beats Ivy Nile after feigning injury, allowing her to stack up Ivy Nile and use the ropes for leverage.
Backstage, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) question each others' team names when The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) shows up. R-Truth says tonight's match will be the best match when The New Day faces "DX" and that he told JBL that The Awesome Truth will be on commentary. Miz tells R-Truth that he really talked to Pat McAfee, not JBL. As this goes on, Drew McIntyre is seen talking with Paul Heyman in the background.
We look back at The Headshrinkers (Fatu and Samu) vs. The Steiner Brothers (Scott and Rick Steiner) at WrestleMania 9, courtesy of "Main Event" Jey Uso and Snickers.
The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) guests on commentary for the next match.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) ends in a no-contest when The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) attacks both teams. The Miz gets in the ring only to get laid out while R-Truth still does commentary, then The Judgment Day surround R-Truth and throw him in the ring only for R-Truth to fight them. This ends with Damian Priest hitting R-Truth with the Razor's Edge and Finn hitting R-Truth with the Coup de Grace.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody apologizes, saying that what The Rock said to him is something that he cannot repeat, then says it is a promise that The Rock cannot keep.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Gunther. Gunther says that Sami Zayn's words are empty and that Sami does not believe he can beat him. He says that the "nerds" in the crowd are just like Sami and do not believe Sami can beat him, either. He also thinks Sami cannot beat "Big" Bronson Reed tonight.
Andrade beats Giovanni Vinci. (Ivar was originally Andrade's opponent tonight, but he was not medically cleared for tonight.)
Rhea Ripley and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio head to the ring. Rhea tells Dominik that she is not getting enough attention and feels that a certain someone has not been giving her her full attention, and says that she could have gotten it by attacking Becky Lynch in one of her matches, she has decided to be respectful. She then says that she is becoming impatient, and tells Dom to tell Becky to give her her full attention. Before Dom can say very much, Becky Lynch shows up and heads to the ring. Becky mentions that Rhea never wrestles on Raw anymore, and Rhea asks why she would wrestle before WrestleMania to get the fans' attention, and says she does not have to prove herself week after week. Becky says that this is the person and that the both of them have different ideas about what a champion is and that she is about busting her ass to prove herself, as there is always someone newer, younger and hotter and the long game is about skill, merit and survival. Rhea says that she cannot take that away from Becky, then says that Becky is "a cockroach" who is hard, but not impossible, to kill. She says she will not take it that far at WrestleMania so that Becky can watch as her daughter Roux calls her "Mami." Becky warns Rhea not to bring up her daughter ever again, saying that her father never got to meet her daughter and that he would be proud of the mother that she has become, and while it is a joke to Rhea, it is not a joke to her. She also says there is nothing respectful about Rhea, because Rhea knows that when she throws the first punch, there is no going back, and that the two of them will never be the same again after WrestleMania. Dominik backs Rhea away from Becky, but when Becky gets the last word, Dominik confronts her only to get knocked out. Rhea then attacks Becky and leaves with Dominik, but Becky Lynch goes after both of them and brawls with Rhea as referees get between them.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by Chad Gable. Sami says there is nothing left to say following last week, but Gable says Gunther wants to ruin Sami's focus and to get his head out of his ass. Sami says Gable is right, and that he knows what he needs to do. Both men shake hands.
WrestleMania 40 is 12 days away!
"Big" Bronson Reed beats Sami Zayn after Sami is distracted by Gunther, who shows up midway through the match.
Backstage, we hear from Jey Uso, who tells Shinsuke Nakamura that he slept on him for way too long and that he is about to get woken up. Suddenly, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso show up, and Jimmy says "No Yeet."
Backstage, Sami Zayn is angry with himself over tonight's loss when Chad Gable shows up. Sami says he still let Gunther into his head, and Gable says Gunther plants seeds of doubt into his opponents' heads and beats them down with their doubts. He says that he will need a different approach, and if he needs one, they can talk.
Backstage, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins meets with "Main Event" Jey Uso, saying something does not feel right tonight and tells Jey Uso to get the win while he and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes have his back.
"Main Event" Jey Uso beats Shinsuke Nakamura. During the match, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa show up, but so do "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, and as Rollins brawls with Solo, he is attacked by Drew McIntyre, who hits Rollins with a Future Shock DDT on the outside. After the match, Cody and Jimmy continue to brawl backstage, and when Cody throws Jimmy out of the arena, Solo goes after him. Suddenly, Cody is attacked from behind by The Rock, who then hits him with a trash can. The Rock then drags Cody outside into the rain, and throws Cody into his own tour bus before telling the world to look at Cody and doing it again. He says it does not have to be like this, but Cody stuck his nose in his business. The Rock soon busts Cody open before producing a weight belt with the words "Mama Rhodes" on it, then takes the blood from Cody's forehead and rubs it onto the weight belt. He then says he will teach Cody hard times for life because "this is what happens when you fuck with The Final Boss." After throwing Cody into the bus one more time, The Rock says it did not have to be this way, but now, it is the only way.
This week on Raw Talk: The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)! Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri (and Indi Hartwell)! Ricochet!
We are welcomed to the show by David Marquez, who says that Kevin Martenson has sent back the Heritage Championship - which now has a new design - and says that he originally decided to put the title on hiatus, but will not at Kevin Martenson's request. Zicky Dice shows up and says life is not fair, then says he thought of the perfect man to hold the title in the meantime: himself. He then takes the title despite David Marquez' protestings, and dares Marquez to hit him.
The Krusty Krew (Dom Kubrick and Lucas Riley) beat Fidel Bravo and AJ Mana.
Backstage, Danny Limelight and "Pretty" Peter Avalon talk about their recent match. Avalon says Limelight brought a fire back out of him, and Limelight praises Avalon for taking him to his limits and holding the "Day 1" challenges. Suddenly, Jordan Oasis shows up wanting a title shot and an open challenge. Avalon leaves, and Oasis tries to get a title shot out of Limelight. When Limelight refuses, Oasis calls Limelight "a fake champion," and Limelight threatens to defend the championship against him right then and there. General Manager Jonny Loquasto butts in and make a match where if Oasis wins, he will get a title shot down the road, much to Limelight's annoyance.
Backstage, "Pretty" Peter Avalon is on the phone when "King FatBoy" Papo Esco asks him if he has seen Slice Boogie. Avalon says he hasn't, but shows his annoyance with Slice Boogie for getting a title shot before him. Papo tells Avalon to put respect on Slice's name, as Slice is still his brother.
Vinnie Massaro beats Jack Painter.
Bryce Saturn beats Damian Desire.
Backstage, "King FatBoy" Papo Esco talks with Danny Limelight before his match, and tells him he has his eyes out for Bad Dude Tito and Slice Boogie while Limelight rocks the house. Esco tells Limelight that he has nothing to worry about.
It's time for the United Wrestling Network News Desk. We hear from Daniel Evans, who says that he originally wanted nothing to do with Mikey O'Shea, but now he has his eyes on him after he spit water in his face, and now he is going to put him in his place. We hear from Flex McCalleon, who says that he is having a lot of fun introducing everyone to the Tenderizer, and that he will have one word branded in everyone's minds: "BEEF!" We hear from "Outlandish" Zicky Dice, who now holds both the Television and Heritage titles as he says that things are starting to shape up for him and that this is what happens when one takes control of their own destiny.
Jordan Oasis vs. Danny Limelight ends in a no-contest after both men are attacked by a man in a black hoodie, who ends up being "Benevolent" Jack Banning. "King FatBoy" Papo Esco makes it to the ring and Banning retreats, and Limelight is left not knowing what to think regarding his relationship with the rest of The Bodega (Esco, Slice Boogie).
We are welcomed to the show by David Marquez, who says that Kevin Martenson has sent back the Heritage Championship - which now has a new design - and says that he originally decided to put the title on hiatus, but will not at Kevin Martenson's request. Zicky Dice shows up and says life is not fair, then says he thought of the perfect man to hold the title in the meantime: himself. He then takes the title despite David Marquez' protestings, and dares Marquez to hit him.
The Krusty Krew (Dom Kubrick and Lucas Riley) beat Fidel Bravo and AJ Mana.
Backstage, Danny Limelight and "Pretty" Peter Avalon talk about their recent match. Avalon says Limelight brought a fire back out of him, and Limelight praises Avalon for taking him to his limits and holding the "Day 1" challenges. Suddenly, Jordan Oasis shows up wanting a title shot and an open challenge. Avalon leaves, and Oasis tries to get a title shot out of Limelight. When Limelight refuses, Oasis calls Limelight "a fake champion," and Limelight threatens to defend the championship against him right then and there. General Manager Jonny Loquasto butts in and make a match where if Oasis wins, he will get a title shot down the road, much to Limelight's annoyance.
Backstage, "Pretty" Peter Avalon is on the phone when "King FatBoy" Papo Esco asks him if he has seen Slice Boogie. Avalon says he hasn't, but shows his annoyance with Slice Boogie for getting a title shot before him. Papo tells Avalon to put respect on Slice's name, as Slice is still his brother.
Alex Gracia beats J-Rod after countering the Torture Rack with a Sunset Flip, handing J-Rod her first loss in the United Wrestling Network. During the match, we hear from Savanna Stone, who says that she is looking for opportunity and that when J-Rod and Alex Gracia are in the ring, they know where to find her.
Backstage, "King FatBoy" Papo Esco talks with Danny Limelight before his match, and tells him he has his eyes out for Bad Dude Tito and Slice Boogie while Limelight rocks the house. Esco tells Limelight that he has nothing to worry about.
It's time for the United Wrestling Network News Desk. We hear from Daniel Evans, who says that he originally wanted nothing to do with Mikey O'Shea, but now he has his eyes on him after he spit water in his face, and now he is going to put him in his place. We hear from Flex McCalleon, who says that he is having a lot of fun introducing everyone to the Tenderizer, and that he will have one word branded in everyone's minds: "BEEF!" We hear from "Outlandish" Zicky Dice, who now holds both the Television and Heritage titles as he says that things are starting to shape up for him and that this is what happens when one takes control of their own destiny.
Jordan Oasis vs. Danny Limelight ends in a no-contest after both men are attacked by a man in a black hoodie, who ends up being "Benevolent" Jack Banning. "King FatBoy" Papo Esco makes it to the ring and Banning retreats, and Limelight is left not knowing what to think regarding his relationship with the rest of The Bodega (Esco, Slice Boogie).
In footage from after last week's show, Dustin Starr raises K-Toomer's hand after K-Toomer becomes the new Memphis Wrestling Heritage Champion. K-Toomer then celebrates with the fans.
Dustin Starr interviews K-Toomer at the announce desk. K-Toomer says that Krule ran off with the title and that he went off and got it, then says that the Heritage Championship represents history and without it, the title does not represent anything. K-Toomer then gets the crowd fired up with the questions he usually asks, then asks one more question: "Am I now the new Memphis Heritage Champion? Sho' 'nuff."
Cassandra Golden beats Makkari Kandy with the Golden Rings. (The match is Makkari's debut match as well as her first-ever wrestling match.) After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Cassandra Golden at the announce desk. Cassandra calls Mackenzie Morgan "a former friend" and says that she is the best women's wrestler in Memphis Wrestling, and yet she is out here babysitting. She says that these women are crying, and that she will soon become a two-time Women's Champion. After some post-show media scrum footage where Mackenzie Morgan is frustrated with Cassandra Golden, Cassandra says she is done with babysitting the women's division and that she deserves gold around her waist.
Backstage, King Cobra meets with Michael, who is soon handed a note by J. Webb, who wants a tag match with "Main Event" Brad Skimahorn and Big Nasty Phil. J. Webb gets that match for next week.
Jay Smooth vs. Sycho Simon ends in a double count-out. After the match, Sycho Simon painfully grabs Dustin Starr by the arm and neck and pulls him closer, then asks the fans if they know what it is like for your closest friend to call you "a psycho," then says he is "a walking, talking, eating, breathing, sleeping nightmare" and threatens to bite Dustin Starr's fingers off right in front of the camera if he touches his hand.
Backstage, Derrick King watches his tag team title rematch back. Ray Ray Sanders shows up, and Derrick tells Ray Ray Sanders that he is not turning on him and apologizes to him, saying he did not mean to superkick him. Ray Ray says he believes him, but Derrick says it is his fault they lost the tag team titles and apologizes for everything that has happened. Ray Ray tells Derrick that he believes him, but he is less reluctant this time, and both men shake hands before getting back to work.
Dustin Starr interviews Sir Matthew and Lord Gaston at the announce desk. Sir Matthews asks the fans if they were surprised and says Derrick King was not going to be their hero, then Sir Matthew and Lord Gaston guest on commentary, much to Dustin's chagrin.
Too Kool II (Tim Grind and Flex) beat Colton Cage and Austin Mulitalo (now known as "The Superstars of Seduction").
We hear from Reverend Ash Taylor. He says that after SuperBout III, The Righteous Path (Reverend Ash Taylor, Brother Bruce, "Righteous" Ryan Rembrandt) have become stronger and bigger than ever with the addition of their newest member, and that we will know more about him at a later time. He promises that next week, The Righteous Path will only get bigger and stronger than anyone has ever seen before.
Backstage, Sir Matthew and Lord Gaston make fun of Too Kool II (Tim Grind and Flex) - saying the best part of their matches are when they are over - when they run into Big John Dalton and make fun of him for losing at SuperBout III while they won. After Matthew and Gaston leave, Big John Dalton then says to the person he is talking to on the phone - someone named Mark - that he must have heard all that, and that he needs his advice.
Dustin Starr interviews The Hollywood Clique ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock, Van Viciouss, Secret Service), who have arranged a contract renewal party, at the announce desk. Jimmy Blaylock demands his own private dressing room, despite it not being in the contract, and demands his contract be brought out so he can sign it. Matchmaker King Cobra and Assistant Matchmaker Michael show up with the new contract, and Blaylock demands a raise as well as back pay, then Michael says he gotten him his green M&M's and his money and that all Blaylock has to do is sign. Blaylock signs the contract, and King Cobra tells Blaylock not to forget who makes the matches. Blaylock demands that King Cobra be fair, then Michael says they notice The Hollywood Clique are enjoying their party and knows a guy who also enjoys a party: "The Cowboy" James Storm, who shows up. Blaylock, saying he has never partied with a cowboy before, calls for a toast. He gets one, but Storm gets beer all over him and Blaylock demands an apology. Storm says he is sorry...about his damn luck. James Storm then slaps Van Viciouss in the face and gets him in the ring.
We see some photos of Jerry Lawler and Jeff Jarrett for Grind City Wrestling.
"The Cowboy" James Storm beats Van Viciouss. After the match, James Storm shoves Blaylock's face into the cake again, then throws some cake into the face of one of the Secret Service members.
We look back at Bobby Roode vs. Eric Young for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from the May 1, 2014 episode of Impact Wrestling.
It's time for Around The Ring. This week, Gia Miller interviews Bhupinder Gujjar. Bhuphinder Gujjar talks about winning the Alumni Distinction Award from St. Clair College, where he graduated from in 2021, being the first person of Indian descent to win the award, and the steep competition he faced in the process of getting it. He says that he has more responsibility for himself and that he wants to do better in his professional wrestling career.
We look back on Kazarian vs. Jay Lethal for the TNA X Division Championship from Genesis 2011.
Rosemary beats Masha Slamovich after Masha inadvertently knocks Killer Kelly off the apron as the referee is dealing with Havok.
Tavion Heights beats Saquon Shugars. (Saquon Shugars has previously competed on the independent scene as Lucky Ali.)
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Uriah Connors. Connors admits he started off on the wrong foot with Shawn Spears, but this is early days and he is here for the long haul as he shows the world who he is. He says his family has been fighting for a long time and it will not stop anytime soon, and he is taking on a heavy hitter in the returning Eddy Thorpe. He says that Eddy was a big brother to him in a past life, but now he will show him who the real big brother is.
Santos Escobar beats Rey Mysterio after a person in a Rey Mysterio mask trips up Rey on the outside. The person reveals themselves to be none other than "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio.
Backstage, Bayley thanks Naomi for her help next week, and Naomi says that she has her and that she is just doing the right thing. She says her anger is towards Iyo after what she did to her, and that Iyo will feel her anger tonight. Bianca shows up and confronts Bayley, saying she is only sorry because her past is catching up to her. Both Bianca and Bayley start to argue, and Naomi has to take Bianca aside.
Backstage, Bianca Belair tells Naomi that she is putting herself in the same position that she was in for the last two years. Naomi tells Bianca that everything she is saying is valid, but she cannot do anything about the past. She says she has Bianca's back and that she will take care of business, but she cannot do it alone and neither can Bianca.
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory beat The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) in the SmackDown Tag Team Qualifier Bracket #2 after Theory gets his feet on the ropes for leverage on a schoolkid pin.
Before the next match, Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane) shows up without Iyo Sky at first. Iyo Sky is then seen attacking Bayley backstage before showing up.
Iyo Sky beats Naomi following the interference by the rest of Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane). After the match, Naomi fights off Damage CTRL, but is blinded by Asuka's blue mist. Bianca Belair shows up and makes the save, but Dakota Kai hits her with a chop block as she goes for the K.O.D. on Kairi Sane. Damage CTRL then gang up on Bianca, and Naomi gets on top of Bianca to protect her.
We see a vignette for Jade Cargill, who makes her first official appearance as a SmackDown Superstar next week.
Backstage, Bianca Belair and a medical team member helps Naomi clean out her eyes when Tiffany Stratton shows up, calls the blue mist a good look for Naomi, and walks off.
Backstage, Kevin Owens is talking with General Manager Nick Aldis when Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) interrupt wanting a match. This leads to Pretty Deadly saying Kevin Owens knows nothing about tag team wrestling. Owens mentions being a tag team champion and punching out Grayson Waller and Austin Theory at one time before challenging them to a tag team match with Randy Orton, who is suddenly in the room and admiring Elton Prince's jacket. Orton and Owens leave, then Aldis tells Pretty Deadly that they have a match next week and that standing close to each other is not a good idea. Owens suddenly comes back to punch both members of Pretty Deadly in the face at the same time.
In interview footage from last night, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles is at his home when he finds out that LA Knight is outside. This leads to a brawl that ends with LA Knight being arrested and carried away by police.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) in the SmackDown Tag Team Qualifier Bracket #2 with an inside cradle from Montez to Akam to face Grayson Waller and Austin Theory for a spot in the 6-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania.
Backstge, Paul Heyman is on the phone with Roman Reigns, and tells him that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is in the arena alone and that the public awaits.
Roman Reigns is seen entering the arena before he and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman then states that Heyman made a promise, and that he his kept his word. He says that he is here alone with only Heyman, then states that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes will soon join them. Cody is seen backstage heading towards the ring before the commercial break, and after the commercial break, Cody enters the ring. Cody says that if Roman came alone, then he came alone. Roman says Cody is a fool and that Cody is "stupid to [him]," and that from his perspective, he is not fit to be on top and to be face of the company because he is an idiot. He says that Cody thinks with his heart and that he thinks people have his back when he should be thinking with his head as nobody cares. He also questions Seth "Freakin'" Rollins' true colors, bringing up the fact that Seth stabbed him in the back and broke their bond. Roman then says that the same thing will happen to Cody. Cody says he remembers The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Rollins, Reigns), and reminds him that he was part of the first team that beat The Shield. Cody then says that he appreciates the history lesson and notes the "Family Above All" slogan on Roman's jacket, then asks the fans if he can trust Rollins before stating that Rollins might hate his guts, but he hates Roman even more. He then asks Roman if he can trust The Rock at WrestleMania, and asks if Roman or The Rock is really in charge. Roman mentions Cody asking The Rock the same question the other way around, and says he is spinning the question and trying to run for governor, then says Cody does nothing but promise things and never deliver. He says that this is because Cody Rhodes is "number two" and "the greatest number two of all time," then says that is all Cody will ever be because he is number one forever. Cody mentions that the both of them grew up in the industry and that Roman wanted to grow up and become the face of a generation, then says he has ceded to the idea that the next generation wants to be "the next Roman Reigns." He says that this is Roman's destiny, yet Roman is unfamiliar with his, and that when it comes to who will beat him for the title he has held all this time, he is not number two; he is "The One." Cody wishes Roman good luck and extends his hand, but Roman drops his microphone in disgust and refuses to shake his hand. He then shakes hands with Heyman before the two of them leave. Roman then stops to snap his fingers, and his theme plays before he and Heyman stand across from the ring. Suddenly, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa are spotted in the crowd, but Cody sees them coming as they climb over the barricade. Jimmy and Solo soon move across ringside to stand alongside Roman and Heyman, but Jey Uso and Seth Rollins are soon seen in the crowd and hopping over the barricade. Jey and Rollins stand near the ring alongside Cody Rhodes to end the show.
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Bianca Belair! Bobby Lashley, B-Fab and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)! Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince)!
Mustafa Ali guests on commentary for the next match. Before the next match, John Skyler states that Jason Hotch is in the Rebellion Referendum to show support and is not entering to challenge Mustafa Ali, but to keep everyone else from earning an X Division title shot, as only Mustafa Ali is fit to be the X Division Champion. He is soon interrupted by Kevin Knight.
Jake Something beats Jason Hotch, Kevin Knight, Leon Slater, Chris Bey and Alan Angels in the Rebellion Referendum to earn an X Division title shot against Mustafa Ali, much to Mustafa's chagrin.
We hear from Dirty Dango, who talks about the one time he bought a Range Rover and how the wrestling dirtsheets will not even write about him. He talks about how "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander only beat him because his shoelaces were untied and calls Windsor, Ontario, Canada "Detroit's stupid cousin" due to its cold temperatures, then says everyone only cares about five-star matches. He says that one is only as good as who they surround themselves with, then says that he has two anchors holding him down right now. When he gets angry at Oleg Prudius for losing to Josh Alexander, Prudius comes close to beat him up.
Backstage, Gia Miller gets an interview with AJ Francis and Rich Swann. Francis tells Gia to address all questions to him, then says that everything will be explained next week before he and Swann leave to catch a first-class flight.
Deaner is in the ring. He says that for the last couple of years, he has not been himself, and when he looks at all the decision they have made, he realizes that they have all led to failure. He blames himself for all of those failures and poor decision, and that the best decision he ever made was falling in love with professional wrestling. He says that the fans have the same passion that he does, but he has since lost that passion and he can only get it back with the help of the fans. He says that from now on, every decision that he makes will be in the fans' hands. The Grizzed Young Vets (Zack Gibson and James Drake) show up for their match, and Zack Gibson asks Deaner if he is ill and if he thinks anybody cares about him or his "pathetic" life, then says he should be taking advice from them, not from the fans. He also says that he should be more like the fans and hang up the boots, because they always give up on their dreams and he offers nothing to professional wrestling just like them. Gibson then tells Deaner to "jog on" and leave the ring so that the professionals can go to work. Deaner then says he made a promise to these people, then asks the fans if he should leave or stay. The fans make it clear he should stay. Gibson tells Deaner should not be taking advice from people claiming benefits and threatens that he and James Drake will do something to him that he will not enjoy if he does not leave. Deaner says the people have spoken and fights The Grizzled Young Vets, and this leads to Time Splitters (KUSHIDA and Alex Shelley) running into the ring, getting the next match started.
Time Splitters (KUSHIDA and Alex Shelley) beat The Grizzed Young Vets (Zack Gibson and James Drake) with a Hoverboard Lock from KUSHIDA to Drake after Shelley superkicks Drake.
In footage from earlier today, Tom Hannifan interviews Hammerstone. Hammerstone says signing to TNA has been a long time in the making since he had his first TNA match on Xplosion in 2018, and he was told he was not ready, which put a chip on his shoulder. He says that he travelled all over the world to become ready for this, and dominated everywhere. He says he had to come swim in the ocean after being a big fish in a small pond, and he could not be more excited to face Josh Alexander due to how good he was. Hammerstone admits he had nerves, but confidence breaks nerves, and he was ready. He also says that Alexander had to roll out of the ring to beat him at Hard to Kill. On the subject of his win at Sacrifice, Hammerstone says he does not have to prove he is the better wrestler, and that he proved he was smarter at Sacrifice as he also broke Alexander's spirit and took his headgear as a trophy. He says that his headgear will be a reminder of Alexander's loss to him, and if Alexander wants another match, he will give him another reminder.
Crazzy Steve retains the TNA Digital Media Championship against PCO. During the match, Kon shows up with a bunch of weapons, and PCO beats him up. Crazzy Steve soon gouges PCO's eyes from the inside of the ring, then grabs a chain thrown into the ring by Kon, which distracts the referee as Kon slams PCO into some metal folding chairs and rolls PCO back into the ring. Crazzy Steve wins the match and retains with a schoolkid pin.
Backstage, we hear from Decay (Rosemary and Havok). Havok says they have their eyes on Spitfire (Dani Luna and Jody Threat), and Rosemary says they have a contractually obligate rematch for the Knockouts Tag Team titles. MK Ultra (Masha Slamovich and Killer Kelly) shows up from behind and declare that their rematch is first, and Rosemary declares that the only way to settle this is in the ring.
Eric Young heads to the ring. Eric Young says he was so close to winning but came up short at Sacrifice, and that he promised to keep moving forward and he is proud of that. He says that Moose has the biggest bullseye in the world on his back and that they are not through, then tells Frankie Kazarian to watch what he wishes for and that he has made a mistake getting his attention. He says that if Kazarian wants to be "heavy metal," then they can square off in a Full Metal Mayhem match at Rebellion.
Ash By Elegance beats Seleziya Sparx. Ash By Elegance punches Seleziya a few times after the match, then her concierge George Iceman hands him a metal folding chair to choke Seleziya out with it. She then goes up top for another Rarified Air, but Xia Brookside show up to stop Ash. Ash leaves the ring, and calls Xia Brookside "trash" on the way out.
"The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth heads to the ring. Nemeth talks about how he slid into the ring and stood face-to-face with Moose on his first night in TNA, and promised that he will become TNA World Champion. He also says that he respects the locker room too much to be handed a title shot and that he wants to earn it, and talks about his first challenge in Steve Maclin, who said that he would run him out of TNA only for Nemeth to prove he was here to stay. He says that he was going to keep fighting and bide his time until the fans really wanted him, but Moose could not wait, and now, because of his action, he has a World title shot at Rebellion. As Nemeth proclaims that he will not let this slip through his fingers and that he will walk out World Champion, The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose) shows up. Moose says there is no denying how well-accomplished Nemeth is, and that throughout his career, he has defeated some of the greatest of all time. He then says that if anyone knows anything about Nemeth's career, they know that the one thing he has never been able to beat is The System.
Jordynne Grace retains the TNA Knockouts World Championship against Tasha Steelz.
