Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
We hear from The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn). "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn says he will be watching Max Caster and Bowens from the back. Max Caster says that he is the best wrestler alive compared to Kazuchika Okada, and Bowens says that they have Hiroshi Tanahashi and that he cannot wait to kick Okada in the groin.
Kyle Fletcher, no longer the Ring of Honor World Television Championship after losing it in a CMLL event last Friday, beats Serpentico with a brainbuster into the top turnbuckle in the pre-show.
The House of Black (Malakai Black and Brody King) beats Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy), the team of Gabe Kidd and Roderick Strong and the team of Tomohiro Ishii and Kyle O'Reilly in a four-way tag team match during the pre-show. During the match, Gabe Kidd and Roderick Strong fail to get on the same page regarding Kyle O'Reilly.
Willow Nightingale and Tam Nakano beat Kris Statlander and Momo Watanabe in the pre-show.
Mariah May beats Saraya with a surprise roll-up to advance in the women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament on the pre-show. After the match, Mina Shirakawa shows up to celebrates Mariah's win, and Mariah has to keep Mina and Toni Storm from getting at each other's throats.
Mistico and The Lucha Brothers (Penta el Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix) beat Los Ingobernables de Japon (Hiromu Tanahashi, Yota Tsuji, Titan) with an arm bar from Mistico to Titan in the pre-show.
MJF beats Rey Hechicero with a top rope Sunset Bomb followed by a sheer drop brainbuster.
The Elite (Nicholas Jackson, Matthew Jackson, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada) beats The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) and Hiroshi Tanahashi in a trios match. After the match, Okada is about to attack Tanahashi again when he is chased out of the ring by "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn.
"The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson beats Shingo Takagi by submission to advance in the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
"Timeless" Toni Storm shows up dressed as The Statue of Liberty before the next match, holding up a torch as "The Star Spangled Banner" plays.
"Timeless" Toni Storm retains the AEW Women's World Championship against Mina Shirakawa as Mariah May watches from a neutral corner. After the match, Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa shake hands, then hug it out. The two of them and Mariah May then have a three-way kiss.
Zack Sabre Jr. beats Orange Cassidy by submission.
Before the next match, "The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho counters the "Please retire" chants by saying that he is from Long Island, New York, just like the fans in the arena tonight.
Samoa Joe, Hook and "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata beat The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho and Big Bill) and Jeff Cobb in a trios match after Hook hits Jericho with the Judas Effect as Shibata and Joe have sleeper holds on Big Bill and Jeff Cobb, respectively.
"Scapegoat" Jack Perry beats "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita, Mark Briscoe, Dante Martin, Lio Rush and El Phantasmo in a ladder match to become the new TNT Champion!
Mercedes Moné beats Steph Vaquer with the Moné Maker into the crossface to retain the AEW TBS Championship and win the New Japan Pro Wrestling Strong Women's Championship! After the match, Dr. Britt Baker shows up for the first time in months and stares down Mercedes Moné from the stage.
We see a advertisement for New Japan Pro Wrestling Wrestle Dynasty, which AEW will be a part of, on January 5, 2025.
Tetsuya Naito beats Jon Moxley to become the Independent Wrestling Grand Prix World Heavyweight Champion for the second time.
Jim Jones introduces Swerve Strickland before the next match.
Swerve Strickland retains the AEW World Championship against Will Ospreay. During the match, Don Callis shows up and hands Ospreay a screwdriver only to get shoved to the floor by Prince Nana. Ospreay threatens Nana with the screwdriver, but decides against hurting him.
Note: This episode is a repeat of Championship Wrestling From Atlanta from October 24, 2021.
Before the next match, Howdy Price says he and Levi Shapiro have officially arrived and that they can see why they waited: it smells bad here due to the manure used for Georgia's peaches. He says that he has brought something more exciting that than the new tree that has sprouted out around here, and that they will lay down an open challenge to anyone in the locker room with one year of experience. Suddenly, Jonah Turk shows up to accept the challenge.
Levi Shapiro quickly retains the United Television Championship against Jonah Turk with the claw from the top rope.
Backstage, Dustin Starr interviews Manny Lemons, who reminds the people who he is after saying that he has not lost his zest.
Baron Black beats Manny Lemons with a Texas Cloverleaf. After the match, Baron Black calls out Lord Crewe, saying he just woken one of the biggest technical giants, that it is "on sight," and that his ass is grass the next time he sees him.
Backstage, we hear from Effy, who says that he tends to make Championship Wrestling From Atlanta his personal buffet table and take it over, and that he will be eating those oysters, collecting those pearls, and that Atlanta will soon be his home.
Heather Monroe beats Reka Tehaka. During the match, Heather grabs the timekeeper's chair. When the referee takes it away, Heather hits Reka with her fan, then hits a backpack stunner for the win. Reka Tehaka tries to kick out, but she kicks out too late.
Backstage, Marti Belle interviews Lord Krewe. Krewe says his recent actions spoke louder than his words, then says "Any other questions?"
The Tate Twins (Brandon and Brent Tate) beat inFAMy (Robin Steele and Joeasa). After the match, inFAMy hit The Tate Twins with a low blow as The Rapture watch from ringside and enjoy what they see.
Backstage, Marti Belle interviews "Outlandish" Zicky Dice. Zicky says that what others call "chaos," he calls "outlandish." Suddenly, Dani Jordyn shows up and tells Zicky Dice there's something he'll want to see backstage, then tells Marti Belle she "smells like a baby prostitute."
Effy beats "Uptown" Andy Brown after reversing the Fatality into a jackknife pin.
Note: This is a repeat of Championship Wrestling From Atlanta from October 30, 2021.
Juicy Finau beats Dean Alexander.
We hear from Heather Monroe, who is on vacation after her win against Reka Tehaka. She says she wants to address the fans and says that Reka's win against her is a fan and while she appreciates that Reka wants to go up against her, she is the face of Championship Wrestling. She then tells Reka to take a step back and realize who her superior is.
The Washington Bullets (John and Trey Willliams) beat TSF (Hunter Knott and Rosario Grillo).
Backstage, Marti Belle interviews Marina Shafir. Marina says her father told her she could be different and be the best, which has created this nagging, consistent desire to overcome the demons that drive her, and that has made her become "The Problem."
Marina Shafir beats Cassandra Golden with Greedy.
Backstage, Dustin Starr interviews David Ali. David says that Tony Nese is lost and trying to reclaim his title as a premier athlete, but he will step up to "The Savior" and be pushed to his limit, and if Nese needs to find himself again, he is the man to do it. He then tells Nese to let him save him.
Backstage, an angry Baron Black looks for Lord Crewe and finds him. He then says "You son of a bitch," and the locker room has to keep Baron from charging at Lord Crewe before telling him to leave.
Carlie Bravo beats Owen Knight after targeting Knight's left arm and shoulder throughout the match.
Backstage, Marti Belle interviews Suge D. Suge D says the biggest thing is opportunity, which he says is raging through his mind. He says he has been looking for that opportunity for years, but he says it has been here all along. He says that he has built his "mind palace" tall and wide waiting for opportunity to reach his front door, and says he will not waste opportunity's time, saying time is relative and he is dead in the center.
David Ali beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese after hitting Nese with a low blow after distracting the ref by bringing his barbed wire baseball bat into the ring.
Orange Cassidy and Tomohiro Ishii beat TMDK ("Hysterical" Shane Haste and Robbie Eagles).
We see a video of "Hangman" Adam Page drinking alone in his home and then heading out interspersed with video of recent happenings in AEW.
We hear from The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) as they walk around backstage as they move around backstage and tell the trainer how to roll wrist tape. After hearing advice from Jericho to take a roll of wrist tape from the trainer's room in order to get free wrist tape, Bryan Keith steals a whole bunch of stuff from the trainer's room.
Mercedes Moné watches the next match from ringside.
Stephanie Vaquer beats Lady Frost. After the match, Vaquer and Mercedes Moné have a staredown in the middle of the ring. Vaquer leaves, then Mercedes is attacked from behind by Zeuxis, but she gets the better of her with a Backstabber. Vaquer gets back in the ring and thrust kicks Mercedes, then hits her with the package backbreaker before lifting up both the New Japan Pro Wrestling Strong Women's Championship and the TBS Championship.
Backstage, The Lucha Brothers (Penta el Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix) announce that at Forbidden Door, they and PAC have something special when Titan and Himoru Takahashi show up to challenge them to a trios match. Penta says PAC is focused on the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, but he and Fenix have another partner in Mistico.
Serena Deeb beats Kelly Madan. After the match, Serena Deeb says she has fallen short on her quest to become AEW Women's World Champion, but she refuses to be put into wrestling purgatory. She says she is the best and demands someone to wrestle that is on her level. Serena Deeb's challenge is accepted by Riho, who has not been seen in some time, and the two of them have a staredown in the ring.
Backstage, "The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho heads to the restroom and asks someone walking out if they have washed their hands, as germs spread easily this time of year. The person Jericho is talking to walks back into the restroom.
Backstage, Big Bill and "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith learn about the Zamboni from "The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho. When Jericho checks on the Zamboni crew to see if they can man it properly, they are attacked by Samoa Joe, Hook and Katsuyori Shibata. The brawl soon spills its way into the crowd and then into the ring, then Jeff Cobb suddenly shows up and takes out Hook and Shibata before brawling with Joe, whom he takes out with ease. Jericho then raises Cobb's hand, revealing him to be his and Big Bill's partner at Forbidden Door.
We see a video package for Orange Cassidy vs. Zack Sabre Jr. at Forbidden Door.
Backstage, Orange Cassidy says things are not going great for him right now and that his world is falling apart, and tomorrow, he has a fight against the best technical wrestler. He wants to know where Zack Sabre Jr. was during his match when Zack finally shows up. Zack says he did not need to watch his match because he knows all of his tricks after a year and that Orange is out of ideas, but Orange says Zack has waited a year to be pinned with his hands in his pockets. Orange grabs Zack by the shirt collar, but Zack is unphased, saying he has already won.
Hechicero beats Kevin Blackwood by submission.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne, Luchasaurus, Mama Wayne). Christian Cage says his eyes are squarely on the trios titles, as he has held AEW on his back for the past year and he deserves to be recognized as a champion. He says that all of the championship belts will look good on them when The Bang Bang Gang ("Switchblade" Jay White, "Rock Hard" Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn) shows up. "Switchblade" Jay White asks Christian Cage if he has apologized to his family for saying "I Quit" before mocking the rest of The Patriarchy and telling Christian that the Switchblade Spotlight is too bright even for him.
Daniel Garcia beats The Butcher in "The Battle of Buffalo." After the match, Garcia raises The Butcher's hand, then the two of them head to the back together.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Will Ospreay, who is soon met by Don Callis and his family. Ospreay tells Callis that he can handle the weigh-in on his own, but tells Kyle Fletcher that Swerve Strickland will have his entire crew with him at the weigh-in and needs someone to have his back. Ospreay and Kyle leave, then Rush shows up and has a staredown with Callis.
We see another ad for Champs Sports' Brodie Lee classic Reebok sneaker, this time narrated by Brodie Lee Jr. aka -1. The shoes are available Monday.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Jack Perry. He says he never agreed to his match tonight and that he only teams with The Elite (Nicholas Jackson, Matthew Jackson, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada). Interim EVP Christopher Daniels shows up and tells him that if he does not wrestle tonight, he will be taken out of the TNT Championship Ladder Match at Forbidden Door.
Hikaru Shida beats "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo to advance in the women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament after hitting the Katana following a series of Victory Roll attempts. After the match, Deonna attacks Shida, but she is chased out of the ring by Thunder Rosa.
Karen Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh and Sonjay Dutt wish Jeff Jarrett the best of luck in the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
We see "Timeless" Toni Storm walk barefoot on broken glass as she talks about her entrance to her match at Forbidden Door.
"The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita, El Phantasmo and "Scapegoat" Jack Perry beat Mark Briscoe, Lio Rush and Dante Martin in a trios match. After the match, Jack Perry attacks Takeshita from behind with the TNT Championship. This leads to everyone in the match fighting against each other, and Mark Briscoe climbs a ladder with the TNT Championship before leaping off and hitting everyone on the outside.
It is time for the weigh-in for Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship at Forbidden Door. Will Ospreay is weighed first, and he officially weighs in at 220 lbs. Swerve is weighed second, and he officially weighs in at 230 lbs. When it comes time for the official photographs, Swerve and Ospreay have an intense staredown and war of words, then Ospreay says he will knock the grills out of Swerve's mouth when he starts a new era. Swerve says all the pressure is on Ospreay, not him, and that he is the one on another level and the one who has been a world champion. He says he handles his business like a champion, then mentions his wife only to get piefaced. Security and posses move quickly into place to stop a brawl, and when things calm down, Ospreay hits Swerve with a Hidden Blade and knocks him out before holding up both the International and World Championships.
Dustin Starr interviews Tim Bosby at the announce desk. Bosby says that at Championship Saturday, "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts cheated him even after he made him tap out in the middle of the ring, then says he knows Roberts is here today and that he wants one more match. He also says that Roberts is nothing more than an egg-sucking dog, to which the fans agree, and demands Roberts accept the challenge, even asking for Matchmaker King Cobra and Assistant Matchmaker Michael to make the match official. Matchmaker King Cobra shows up and says he has some good news and bad news. The good news is that he has a contract for the championship match today, but the bad news is that in order to get the signature, Bosby has to put his Memphis Wrestling contract. If Bosby wins, he is the champion again, but if he loses, he is gone from Memphis Wrestling. Bosby says that if this is what it takes, then he is on, as Roberts started this and he will end this and become a three-time champion.
Backstage, Big John Dalton is met by Coach Miller, who reminds him that all of the dirtsheets are talking about him and that he has gotten Memphis Wrestling a lot of views, and that he must keep the momentum going. He tells Big John Dalton that he should challenge for the Internet Championship, which Big John thinks is a good idea. Big John leaves to challenge for the Internet Championship.
Denzel Rollins beats Kirk Swiss with the Dismem-Bar.
Before the next match, Lord Gaston shows up with Sir Matthew with a cast on his right foot and a crutch.
Sir Matthew beats Tim Grind after Sir Matthew shoves Flex on the outside to distract the referee, which allows Lord Gaston to hit Tim Grind with his crutch to help Sir Matthew win. After the match, Tim Grind chases Lord Gaston to the back, and it becomes obvious that Gaston is not injured.
Backstage, "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock is on the phone with Van Viciouss, saying that the person he wants is at the bottom of the barrel and that he wants to help him out. Suddenly, one of the Secret Service agents tells him that everything is good to go.
"DDT" Diana Taylor beats Tootie Lynn after Tootie Lynn kicks the candy out of Makkari Kandy's hand, allowing Diana to get Tootie back into the ring for the DDT and the win.
"Main Event" Brad Skimahorn and Big Nasty Phil beat Steele Cross (Ethan Steele and Alex Cross) after Main Event Bradley hits Alex Cross with a foreign object from the ring apron.
Backstage, Assistant Matchmaker Michael is worried about Tim Bosby putting his Memphis Wrestling contract on the line. Matchmaker King Cobra says he trained Tim Bosby and knows he can get the job done. Meanwhile, J. Webb is spying on them.
Next week: "The GunShow" Brett Michaels!
We see images of sky, grass and a bonfire. "Reverend" Ash Taylor stands in front of this bonfire with Brother Bruce and Marrow, then points forward. Ash Taylor carries a red shinai in his hand, then Brother Bruce braces himself against a fence and takes lashes from it. Marrow also takes the same punishment. While Brother Bruce thanks Ash Taylor, Marrow simply laughs. Afterwards, Ash Taylor raises the shinai into the air.
Dustin Starr interviews Mackenzie Morgan at the announce desk. Mackenzie says that he loves the fans and that they are her world, and while she is in a world of war, she chooses peace, and she is a fighter for the fans. She says that she is the sound of his mother's scream and the message of his father's whisper as she conquers anything in her way. As for what is next, what happens happens, and she wants to be the fans' favorite. All of a sudden, an unknown female wrestler shows up, and she introduces herself to Mackenzie by punching her in the face. After another punch to the face, she gets Mackenzie in the ring and hits her with a Michinoku Driver before caressing her face. She then hits Mackenzie with a leg drop as security is at the ring. The mystery woman then makes it clear that she wants the Memphis Wrestling Women's Championship.
Tim Bosby beats "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts to become Memphis Wrestling Internet Champion for a third time despite a pre-bell attack with the championship belt by Roberts and constant referee distraction by Justin Case after Bosby ducks a championship belt shot by Roberts, which hits Justin Case and knocks him off the ring apron. This allows Bosby to lock in the ankle lock and grapevine it, and without Justin Case on the ring apron to distract the referee again, Aaron Roberts has no choice but to tap out. (Had Tim Bosby lost, he would have been gone from Memphis Wrestling.)
Orange Cassidy beats The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) in a two-on-one handicap match.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith). As Chris Jericho is on the phone, Big Bill says that according to Jericho, when all the cards are down, one just gets a new deck. After Bryan Keith demands respect for Jericho regardless of the card game being played, Jericho gets off the phone and announces that they have a new tag team partner, and that he will be revealed on Collision.
Gabe Kidd and Roderick Strong beat The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo).
It is announced that the legacy of Brodie Lee will be celebrated in the form of a Reebok classic leather sneaker created in partnership with Brodie Lee Jr. aka -1 and has quotes from Brodie Lee themselves printed on it. They will be available from Champs Sports on July 1st.
El Phantasmo beats AR Fox in a TNT Championship Ladder Match qualifier.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo, who says that Hikaru Shida has done a lot in AEW, then asks what she has done lately and comes to the conclusion that it is not much. She says the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament was made for her, not part-timers, and that Hikaru Shida's broken arm could not hold the Owen Hart Cup, anyway.
Shingo Takagi beats Dalton Castle.
Backstage, we hear from Saraya and Harley Cameron. Saraya says that Toni Storm cannot beat her and that Mariah May cannot beat her, either. Saraya says wants Mariah wants to be her so badly, but that seat is taken, and she has a whole country who is waiting for her to come home and be champion again.
Queen Aminata beats Skye Blue after countering the Code Blue. After the match, Queen Aminata helps Skye Blue up, but Skye Blue headbutts her in response. She then continues to attack Aminata and lock in a Dragon Sleeper, but Red Velvet runs into the ring and chases Skye Blue away.
We look back on Manik vs. Tigre Uno vs. Davey Richards vs. Eddie Edwards vs. Crazzy Steve vs. SANADA in a six-way ladder match for the TNA X Division Championship at Slammiversary 2014.
Gia Miller interviews Moose for Around The Ring. In this interview, we learn that Moose has over 500 pairs of shoes and over 20 pairs of headphones, and can play the piano very well. Also, Moose cannot read music, but he can play by ear if he hears something long enough (for about an hour).
We look back at Rich Swann vs. "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth in a Road to Slammiversary qualifier from last night's show.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Sarah Schreiber interviews Jazmyn Nyx and Jacy Jayne. Jazmyn says Kendal Grey cannot beat the rest of the women's division just because she managed to pick up one win, and that she has Jacy Jayne is in her corner. She says that a former amateur wrestling standout will not get past her and her kicks before Jacy ends the interview.
The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) arrives backstage. Paul Heyman asks Solo Sikoa where Jacob Fatu is, and Solo merely pats Heyman on the chest before gesturing towards the ring. The Bloodline and Paul Heyman then make their way to the ring to start tonight's show. All of a sudden, Paul Heyman looks towards the Minitron and notices that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens and Randy Orton are making their way to the ring. This leads to a brawl on the stage. The brawl makes its way all over the arena, and Owens puts Tama Tonga through a table on the outside. Finally, General Manager Nick Aldis show up with security, who keeps both teams separated. After the commercial break, General Manager Nick Aldis wants Cody, Orton and Owens to leave. When they refuses, a security officer gets in the ring and receives an RKO as a results. This leads to Orton, Cody and Owens fighting the rest of security and laying them out. Nick Aldis has no choice but to walk to the back, and Kevin Owens tells The Bloodline that they are not waiting until Money In The Bank. Orton talks about how The Bloodline put him on the shelf for over a year and how they will put The Bloodline down for good. Cody says The Bloodline looks at them and sees three victims, but Cody says he sees three of the most dangerous men on the planet and a sold-out Madison Square Garden. He says he should be defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against a credible opponent in front of a crowd like this, but he is fighting The Bloodline in a war that he thought he finished at WrestleMania. General Manager Nick Aldis comes back with New York City police officers as Cody says he sees nothing but a seat-filler for their match at Money In The Bank.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton tries to get an interview with General Manager Nick Aldis, who refuses to give one at the current time as "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens are escorted out of the arena.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is seen in the crowd.
Tiffany Stratton beats Candice LeRae and Jade Cargill in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. During the match, Nia Jax shows up to watch from ringside, and she is soon confronted by Bianca Belair before the commercial break as Bianca also shows up to watch the match from ringside. Later on in the match, Nia Jax is about to make fun of Jade Cargill when Bianca confronts her, and this allows Indi Hartwell to show up and shove Jade into the ring post. Bianca chases Indi to the back, and Tiffany gets the win after getting the knees up for Candice's springboard moonsault and hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
Backstage, Naomi is met by Bayley, and Naomi says that she is going to take care of business tonight. Naomi mentions that this may lead to her cashing in on Bayley, and as Bayley says they will deal with this down the road, Blair Davenport shows up and says that Naomi is not winning tonight and that Bayley should hold on to her championship because her days are numbered.
Backstage, "Michin" Mia Yim tries to get a match with Nia Jax from General Manager Nick Aldis, then B-Fab and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up wanting a match with The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Jacob Fatu). Aldis says this is not happening tonight and it is possible for next week, then Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) show up to interrupt to announce their return and try to pitch a musical. B-Fab and The Street Profits take offense to this, and this leads to The Street Profits getting a match with Pretty Deadly, who are absolutely livid.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks is seen in the crowd before the next match.
Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Solo Sikoa that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens have been escorted from the building, then asks Solo to let him serve him and asks where Jacob Fatu is. Solo says Jacob is dangerous and that he is not here as per Heyman's advice, which he states that he is now taking, and that he will officially make Heyman his wiseman tonight.
Before the next match, Logan Paul announces that he will perform in tonight's legendary venue, and that he has put someone in his corner who knows how to win in Madison Square Garden: Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers. As Logan and Haliburton make their way to the ring, Haliburon has a brief staredown with Jalen Brunson at the front row.
LA Knight beats Logan Paul and Santos Escobar in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after countering a roll-up from Logan with one of his own while grabbing the tights. During the match, Tyrese Halibuton grabs the brass knuckles for Logan Paul, but he is soon confronted by Jalen Brunson after Brunson jumps the barricade. This distracts Logan, and almost costs him the match, and when Knight hits the BFT on Escobar, Logan tries to roll Knight up only for Knight to counter with one of his own while grabbing the tights. After the match, Logan and Haliburton confront Knight, but Jalen Brunson gets in the ring with a metal folding chair and stands with Logan Paul. Logan and Haliburton soon leave the ring.
Backstage, Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews talk about the previous match and laugh about Santos Escobar not qualifying when Carmelo Hayes shows up and pitches a "Melo In The Bank" T-shirt. Apollo tells Carmelo that he is naive and in over his head, but Carmelo says he pinned Randy Orton last week and that people should be putting their money on him.
In memory of Leati Sika Anoa'i, 1945 - 2021.
We hear from Andrade, who says that Money In The Bank is where careers are made and destroyed. He says it is a chance at glory for some, but for him, it is his destiny. Andrade says he fights to destroy, for he is here to take over, and he is not taking just the briefcase; he is taking everything.
ESPN analyst Ryan Clark is seen in the crowd before the next match.
Naomi beats Indi Hartwell and Blair Davenport in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after Jade Cargill shows up and attacks Indi Hartwell at ringside, allowing Naomi to get the win.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). Ciampa says he and Gargano have a lot of history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, then Austin Theory shows up and says he had plenty of time to think about what Gargano had to say. Gargano says they were talking to Grayson, then Theory says he and Grayson will show up and defend their titles, but Gargano tells Theory that Grayson is not his friend and is only using him to keep the WWE tag titles. #DIY is suddenly attacked from behind by Grayson, and Theory has to pull Grayson off of Gargano.
The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa) head to the ring. Solo Sikoa introduces Jacob Fatu, who suddenly shows up and heads to the ring despite Solo Sikoa telling Paul Heyman that Jacob Fatu was not here tonight. After the commercial break, Solo Sikoa aggressively demands that everyone acknowledge him, much to the shock of Paul Heyman. Solo then demands that Tama Tonga step up and acknowledge him, which Tama does. Solo then demands Tanga Loa step up and acknowledge him, which he does. Solo then demands Jacob Fatu step up and acknowledge him, which he does. Solo then gives Heyman his one chance to lead, and demands that he acknowledge him as his Tribal Chief as Tama Tonga produces the red shell necklace that Roman Reigns once wore from a black bag. Heyman says he loves Solo, but he does not acknowledge him as his Tribal Chief. Solo hits Heyman with the Samoan Spike, then Jacob Fatu goes up to the top rope and hits Heyman with a flying headbutt as referees surround the ring. Jacob, Tama and Tanga Loa then powerbomb Paul Heyman through the announce table before Jacob places the red shell necklace around Solo Sikoa's neck.
Here are the highlights from tonight's show!
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Tiffany Stratton! #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)! Naomi!
Gia Miller interviews Jordynne Grace in the ring to start tonight's show. Jordynne says Ash By Elegance has been watching her for months ever since she arrived, and has tried to get her attention. She says Ash has her attention, and now she is giving Ash a Knockouts World title shot tonight. The personal concierge George Iceman shows up in a neck brace and introduces Ash By Elegance, who is escorted to the ring by private security. George Iceman tells Jordynne that she should have read the fine print, for they have also gotten with their lawyers to make sure the match happens at Slammiversary instead of tonight, and since the contract has already been signed, Ash will be on vacation in The Bahamas until then. George and Ash then sic security on Jordynne only for the security to be immediately laid out. Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up to get Jordynne to stop just before Alisha Edwards and Masha Slamovich show up for the next match. This leads to a staredown between them and Jordynne as Jordynne makes her way out.
Masha Slamovich beats Xia Brookside following the distraction by Alisha Edwards.
Backstage, Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and Rich Swann) hang out with DJ Whoo Kid, and AJ Francis brags about being the TNA Digital Media Champion. Whoo Kid then pulls out the International Heavyweight Wrestling Championship, which Francis has bought in straight cash, and declares himself the new International Heavyweight Wrestling Champion. He then says that Rich Swann will be one step closer to being a two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion tonight, then Whoo Kid pulls out some cans of Snoop Dogg Gin and Juice.
Backstage, Jody Threat talks with Dani Luna regarding their rematch. Lars Frederikksen shows up and says the work does not stop, and that they must double down, and as part of one final test, they must face each other and bring the pain and violence to each other.
Campaign Singh is in the ring, where he introduces Mustafa Ali for his State of the Union address. Mustafa Ali addresses the hidden camera footage from before his match with Trent Seven at Against All Odds, saying it is "lies, smears and propaganda made to ruin his good name" and that it had distorted images and audio. He says that he has found the truth and that he had Campaign Singh launch an investigation regarding the video, and that the video is "fake news" and "AI-generated." Mustafa Ali says he would not lie to the people or belittle the great town of Chicago and that Chicago is number one, even though some of it is crime-related, then says it is time to look forward to the future as well as new title challengers. Mustafa says he has seen TNA's locker room as well as locker rooms and has seen challengers, and asks who is worthy of being the next number one contender. Mustafa counters the "We Want Speedball" chants by stating that "Speedball" Mike Bailey could not hang with him if his life depended on it, then gets a few men in the front row tossed out. One of them tosses a drink at Mustafa, starting a brawl between the fan and Mustafa, who beats the fan up. (The fan is portrayed by independent wrestler "V Guy" Vaughn Vertigo.) One of them tosses a drink at Mustafa, starting a brawl between the fan and Mustafa, who beats the fan up. Mustafa continues the beatdown of the fan in the ring, and suddenly, "Speedball" Mike Bailey rushes into the ring to stop Mustafa Ali, with Trent Seven also showing up. This leads to a brawl between Mustafa and Speedball, and it is broken up only for Mustafa to attack Speedball on the outside, and Mustafa is held back as Speedball holds up the X Division Championship. Mustafa says he is sick of people chanting Speedball's name and saying that he fears him, and if Speedball wants to ruin his homecoming, he will ruins his, and challenges him in an X Division Championship match at Slammiversary.
Backstage, "Speedball" Mike Bailey says Mustafa Ali's campaign is falling apart and that the real Mustafa Ali is starting to be seen, and that challenging him in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada with the X Division title on the line at Slammiversary is Ali's biggest mistake.
Before the next match, Cody Deaner says he has just talked to Director of Authority Santino Marella and that Santino is excited that he and Jake Something are a team again, and that if they want, they can get one step closer to the tag team titles with a win tonight. He then says it is not their choice, but the people's choice, whether or not that happens. Zachary Wentz then says that Deaner does not want to listen to the people of Chicago, Illinois because they suck, and Trey Miguel reminds them that the last time they faced off, they lost and Deaner and Jake had to have a match to get on the same page. Chris Bey then gives The Rascalz (Trey and Wentz) the choice of shutting up, then Ace Austin chooses to start the match right now with Chris Bey leaping over the ropes to take out The Rascalz.
ABC ("Inevitable" Ace Austin and Chris Bey) beat the team of Jake Something and Cody Deaner and The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) in a three-way tag team match.
Backstage, we hear from The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose). Alisha thinks that Director of Authority Santino Marella thinks he is so cute trying to shut them down, but they will remain champions. Eddie says that no matter who is put in front of them, they will always prevail. Myers says they are the most dominant faction in wrestling today and that their run will never end. Moose says he is not worried about the Slammiversary main event, even though there is one person who could cause problems, and says JDC will take care of that problem. JDC says he will take care of that problem and leaves as Moose says that you can always trust The System.
Steve Maclin beats Sami Callihan in a Road To Slammiversary qualifier to qualify for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match at Slammiversary.
KUSHIDA beats "The Frontman" Alan Angels with the Hoverboard Lock. After the match, Jonathan Gresham runs into the ring and attacks KUSHIDA from behind, then tries to spit black ink into KUSHIDA's mouth. Masked security guards show up and stop Gresham in time.
It is announced that "Broken" Matt Hardy and Reby Sky will take on Eddie and Alisha Edwards next week.
"The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth beats Rich Swann in a Road To Slammiversary qualifier to qualify for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match. During the match, AJ Francis gets caught trying to attack Nic Nemeth on the outside, and he and DJ Whoo Kid are ejected from ringside as a result.
Backstage, Athena has called an emergency Minion Emergency Meeting, saying that Queen Aminata and Red Velvet have taken four more months from her career and left her sidelined for a year, and that she has hired two minions as private security. Billie Starkz is angry with the disrespect, and Lexy Nair says that Aminata and Red Velvet need to learn that they run Ring of Honor.
"Big Shotty" Lee Johnson beats Alex Reynolds.
"The Problem" Marina Shafir beats Erica Leigh with Mother's Milk.
Backstage, Arkady Aura interviews Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett). Taven keeps asking Arkady what her real name just to make fun of it, then says that he is sick and tired of having his time wasted just like it is with the rest of the teams in ROH. Bennett says they need more competition, and prays to Tony Khan for more competition that is as strong, talented, accomplished and maybe as good-looking as they are before demanding competition from the rest of the teams in ROH and All Elite Wrestling, as they are among the best in the world have traveled around the world and are simply wanting a challenge.
Lance Archer and The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) beat Duke Davis, Victor Benjamin and Ganon Jones Jr.
Taya Valkyrie beats Trish Adora.
Backstage, Arkady Aura interviews "Legit" Leyla Hirsch. Leyla says she has faced Diamanté four times, and while Diamanté has kept pushing her to her limit, she has always gotten the win. She is not surprised that Diamanté attacked her after their last match, as Diamanté could never beat her at the end of the day. Diamanté shows up and says people only remember her leaving Leyla laid out and that she has only beaten her in a wrestling match, and that she is in the mood for a fight. Leyla challenges Diamanté to a street fight, which Diamanté accepts.
Billie Starkz beats Angelica Risk in a ROH World Women's Television Championship Proving Ground Match by submission.
Mark Briscoe retains the ROH World Championship against Kyle Fletcher.
MJF heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before he can speak, he is suddenly joined by Daniel Garcia. MJF thanks Garcia for saving him last week, even though he got in his business, and somewhat expects MJF to say bad stuff about his city or his family before declaring he will do something the locker room is afraid to do: say nice things about MJF. MJF is slightly surprised, and Garcia talks about how MJF saw him as more than just a lackey and more like a pillar of AEW much like himself, and says that while he got his World title shot against MJF, it was one of the most embarrassing moments of his entire life. This inspired Garcia to go on the road that he has been on that has led to him to wrestle in some great matches, and Garcia no longer wants to be a pillar, but a backbone that AEW is built on. Garcia thanks MJF, but warns him that if he starts talking shit, he will come off as two-faced and have Buffalo, New York on him. MJF says he is here to plug his match against "a poorly-drawn comic book character" in Hechicero at Forbidden Door, then shills his appearance in Memphis, Tennessee for Collision. MJF says he was going to ask Garcia to come to the ring, then thanks Garcia for thanking him for what he has done behind the scenes, and says that while some people want his shots, he sees one person getting closer and closer, and that was Garcia. He tells Garcia that he earned his title shot, then tells him that he reminds him of himself in a lot of ways, yet when he gave him the opportunity to take his spot, he beat him without breaking a sweat. MJF says that Garcia improved since then and did not run away from the grind because he is the grind, then entertains giving him one more shot at All In. Garcia admits that this is a huge deal, then Will Ospreay shows up. Ospreay acknowledges Garcia wanting a shot at the International title and says that he loves the way that he is doing it, and tells him that he has his title match next week, and if he wins the World title, he will also put it on the line. Garcia accepts Ospreay's challenge, then Ospreay leaves after a glance at MJF. MJF tells Garcia that Ospreay's challenge is a big deal and that he should focus on that, then wishes him luck.
Backstage, Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana have been watching tonight's opening promo. Swerve says Ospreay is offering title opportunities before winning the title and that he is putting the cart before the horse, and that he does not have what it takes. He tells Ospreay to hold his end of the bargain tonight, then says that Ospreay has focus problems that are not championship material.
"The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson guests on commentary for the next match.
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli) vs. Los Ingobernable de Japon (Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi, Titan) in a trios match ends with Moxley hitting Takahashi in the back with a chair. After the match, as everyone goes at it, Tetsuya Naito shows up, and Moxley and Naito go at it on the ramp. Meanwhile, Shingo Takagi hits Wheeler Yuta with hammer and anvil elbows, and this leads to "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson sliding into the ring to confront Takagi.
"Switchblade" Jay White beats Rey Fenix to advance in the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. At the beginning of the match, all seconds are immediately ejected from ringside by referee Rick Knox after things get tepid on the outside to ensure a fair match. After the match, The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne, Killswitch, Mama Wayne) shows up and heads to the ring, and this leads to a staredown between the two teams.
Backstage, we hear from The Young Bucks (Nicholas and Matthew Jackson). Nicholas admits he was angry with The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) and that The Acclaimed took advantage of that anger, then says the results will be different when the tag titles are on the line. Matthew says that after Forbidden Door, "Scapegoat" Jack Perry will become the TNT Champion, then announces that they have inserted their own wild card into the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament to bring the AEW World Championship to The Elite to ensure they have all the power and all the gold.
The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn) make their way to the ring. Max Caster talks about how The Acclaimed beat The Young Bucks (Nicholas and Matthew Jackson) to earn a tag team title shots and exposed them as the "soft-ass, self-important Executive Vice Presidents that they are are" before taking their titles. Anthony Bowens says they just have to beat The Young Bucks one more time, and that there will be no excuses when they meet in the ring and they become two-time AEW World Tag Team Champions. The Young Bucks soon show up with "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, who says "Scissor me, bitch!", and The Young Bucks announce that the three of them challenge The Acclaimed to a match at Forbidden Door. "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn says he knows how to deal with EVP's and that he happens to know people in high places as well as a President. Hiroshi Tanahashi shows up on the video screen, and announces that he will face Okada and The Young Bucks at Forbidden Door.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Kyle O'Reilly, Mark Briscoe and Orange Cassidy. Mark Briscoe says that "The Conglomeration" will be at Forbidden Door and that he will add the TNT Championship to his collection, then Kyle O'Reilly says that he will beat Zack Sabre Jr. tonight while simultaneously making fun of him, with Mark Briscoe saying Sabre Jr. is nothing but "fish and chips with a spot of tea."
"Timeless" Toni Storm, Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa beat The Outcasts (Saraya, Harley Cameron, Anna Jay) in a trios match despite Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa not getting along. After the match, Toni and Mina have a slightly reluctant champagne toast, then Mina grabs her bottle of champagne and tries to hit Toni with it only to inadvertently smash it into Mariah May's head. Toni and Mina are initially shocked, then they get angry. Referees have to keep them apart as Mariah May is checked on.
We see a video package for Mercedes Moné vs. Stephanie Vaquer for both the TBS Championship and the New Japan Pro Wrestling Strong Women's Championship.
Backstage, we hear from Mercedes Moné, who says that she came to Mexico to watch Stephanie Vaquer's match, yet Vaquer is nowhere to be seen tonight. She says that Vaquer will be having a match on Rampage, and that she will be sitting ringside for it before she becomes a double champion.
The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) heads to the ring. Big Bill mentions that Bryan Keith's right arm is in a sling after what Samoa Joe, Hook and "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata did to them last week before challenging them to a match, and says that while one door closes, another one opens, according to Jericho. Jericho says that everyone who knows him knows that he is in AEW for one reason and one reason only - the young guys - and that he brings so many into "the Jericho vortex" to help their career, and says it is not fair that Bryan Keith got hurt. He then says the joke is on "Samoa Joke," as they have found another partner in one of the toughest men he has ever met in his time in Japan. That partner is Minoru Suzuki, who appears on the video screen, and says that while he understands why Jericho wants to team with him, he wants to wrestle Jericho one-on-one instead of teaming with him, and says Jericho is avoiding him because he is scared and accuses him of chickening out. He says he hates Jericho's soft way of thinking, and that he wants nothing to do with The Learning Tree. He also wants the FTW Championship on the line in their match. After Bryan Keith says that Jericho is no "lame ass chicken," Samoa Joe, Hook, and Shibata show up. Joe says The Learning Tree was looking for a savior but struck out again, and that The Learning Tree is just like the Jericho family tree in which it just does not have enough branches. He then says they have watched every one of The Learning Tree's segments to see what they are dealing with, then Shibata says through his phone "Oh, brother! This guy sucks!" This leads to a staredown between Samoa Joe and Jericho where Joe slaps Jericho only tog et headbutted, and this leads to a brawl where Joe, Hook and Shibata come out on top.
Orange Cassidy guests on commentary for the next match.
Zack Sabre Jr. beats Kyle O'Reilly by submisson. The Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett) and Gabe Kidd are seen in the crowd during the match. After the match, Orange Cassidy checks on Kyle O'Reilly, but is shoved out of the way by Roderick Strong. Zack Sabre Jr. then grabs Orange Cassidy, then Robbie Eagles and Shane Haste show up to stand alongside Sabre as he and Orange have a staredown. All of a sudden, Tomohiro Ishii shows up and stands alongside Orange. Robbie Eagles shoves Orange, which almost stops a brawl, but Sabre keeps him back. As this goes on, Gabe Kidd mouths off at Tomohiro Ishii.
Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay beat Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona) despite some slight miscommunication between Swerve and Ospreay that leads to Ospreay inadvertently Superkicking Swerve. After the match, Ospreay is able to snatch the AEW World Championship away from Swerve as Swerve walks away, but Swerve makes him pay for it and hits him with the House Call to end the show.
In footage from earlier today, General Manager Ava tells the referees and security to get ready to be on top of any issues that arise during tonight's show.
Chase University (Andre Chase and Duke Hudson) beat Edris Enofé and Malik Blade, Legado del Fantasma (Angel and Berto), The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) and New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne) to earn a shot at the NXT Tag Team Championships at Heatwave. Legado del Fantasma are eliminated after Apollo Crews shows up and distracts them, even as security steps in and forces him to the back. When The O.C. are eliminated, OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) also show up, and The O.C. approach them as OTM head to the back. Chase University gets the win after Ridge Holland hits Tyler Bate behind the ref's back.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Roxanne Perez chews out the entire women's locker room, especially Karmen Petrovic, and says Lola Vice is not on her level. Karmen senses that Roxanne is lacking in confidence.
In memory of Leati Sika Anoa'i, 1945 - 2024.
Backstage, Nathan Frazer is looking for a cornerman for his Heritage Cup match, and finds one in Dante Chen after not having talked to Axiom in a few days. Axiom shows up and admits that while he is worried about Frazer's aspirations, but he is his partner and he is in his corner tonight.
"All Ego" Ethan Page heads to the ring. Ethan says that Heatwave is a week away, and that Je'Von Evans will be facing Trick Williams for the NXT Championship. He then says that he was never officially eliminated from the battle royal that Je'Von won, yet he pinned Je'Von in a match later that night. Ethan then says the match should be scrapped and that he, not Je'Von, should be facing Trick, and demands General Manager Ava show up and make the change. Ava shows up, and Ethan demands Ava change the main event. Ava tells Ethan that she does not like being backed into a corner, but admits that Ethan have a point. All of a sudden, Shawn Spears arrives. Spears says he cannot have Ava making rash decisions, then says he has nothing against Ethan as they have went down similar paths and finds it refreshing that he is following in his footsteps, as he defeated Je'Von first. Ethan reminds Spears that Je'Von eliminated him in the recent battle royal, but Spears tells Ethan he cannot do that even on his best day. He then says that he will beat Trick tonight and make Ava's decision a whole lot easier, then Trick shows up. Trick tells Spears to sit down, then says it does not matter who his opponent is and that people will be chanting "Whoop that trick." Spears and Ethan attack Trick, then Je'Von rushes into the ring and teams up with Trick. Trick and Je'Von clean house, and security stops Spears and Ethan from getting back in the ring.
Backstage, New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne) confront Ridge Holland for his recent actions. Ridge leaves, then Hank Williams and Tank Ledger show up and challenge them to a match, saying that they want to face the best. Tyler Bate gives them the match for next week.
Stevie Turner meets with Mr. Stone, now named Robert Stone again. Stone says he has helped General Manager Ava make some big decisions, but Stevie says she has helped Ava with some big decisions. Stone thinks Stevie is a snitch for her recent actions, which Stevie takes offense to.
Wes Lee beats Joe Coffey. After the match, Oba Femi is seen on the balcony, and he congratulates Wes Lee for earning his first and last shot against him for the North American Championship.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Tony D'Angelo, who says that Nathan Frazer is dangerously fast and that he will have to slow him down, and while Frazer has Heritage Cup experience, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Luca Crusifino have helped him make a battle plan.
Backstage, Duke Hudson and Ridge Holland are handed a manila folder before they are met by Thea Hail, Andre Chase and Riley Osborne. Ridge keeps the folder hidden as Chase entertains the idea of them all being two-time tag team champions.
Tony D'Angelo retains the NXT Heritage Cup Championship against Nathan Frazer two falls to one (2-1). Frazer scores the first fall with 2:20 (two minutes, twenty seconds) left in Round 1 by stacking D'Angelo up. D'Angelo scores the second fall with 1:50 (one minute, fifty seconds) left in Round 2 with a spinebuster. D'Angelo scores the third and deciding fall with 1:50 (one minute, fifty seconds) left in Round 6 with a super overhead release belly-to-belly suplex followed by a spinebuster.
Backstage, Je'Von Evans meets with Trick Williams, who thanks him for having his back, and tells him that he will be in his corner. Trick tells Je'Von that he has a match with him to focus on and that championship gold makes a man go crazy, and that he will take care of things on his own tonight.
Lola Vice guests on commentary for the next match.
Roxanne Perez beats Karmen Petrovic. After the match, Lola Vice gets in the ring, catches a punch from Roxanne and knocks her out with the spinning back first. Lola then walks out with the NXT Women's Championship.
Backstage, Noam Dar thanks the rest of Meta-Four (Oro Mensah, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson), then tells them that "All Ego" Ethan Page did a number on his leg and that he will be out for a while. Oro Mensah says that this runs deep and that he never thought he would fit in anywhere until he met the rest of Meta-Four after his father was in a car accident that burned 60% of his body and the recovery process sent him, his father, and his brother to Switzerland while his mother was still in Nigeria, where he and his brother had to live in a foster home. Oro says he cannot and will not rest until he gets his revenge on Ethan for what he did to Noam.
Backstage, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson have attacked OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price), and "Michin" Mia Yim and Jaida Parker have to be seperated when they start brawling with each other.
Backstage, General Manager Ava meets with Kendal Grey and Carlee Bright, and Carlee gets a match with Wendy Choo next week. Lola Vice then shows up with the NXT Women's Championship, and leaves it on the desk as she demands a title shot at Heatwave.
Tavion Heights beats Damon Kemp to become a member of No Quarter Catch Crew.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Kelani Jordan. Kelani says beating "Michin" Mia Yim was a morale booster, and while she thought she would face Sol Ruca for the title, she just wants to be the best champion she can be, beat her challenger and move on to the next. She says Sol Ruca is cool and laid back while Arianna Grace is the exact opposite, but gives Arianna credit for talking her way into a #1 contender's match. After Kelani leaves, Jaida Parker suddenly shows up and calls out Michin, and challenges her to a Street Fight next week.
Backstage, Brinley Reece talks with Malik Blade and Edris Enofé about the Tag Team Turmoil match when Izzi Dame shows up and says Malik and Edris do not want her around when she fills them full of positivity when they will not amount to anything. As this goes on, Tatum Paxley shows up in the background, but Izzi Dame slaps the nearby glass to get her to go away.
Backstage, Nathan Frazer says he thought he had Tony D'Angelo, and Axiom says they can now focus on their tag team title match. Frazer says he has a match tomorrow on WWE Speed and that he has to get ready for that after checking on his back.
Sol Ruca beats Arianna Grace to become #1 contender for the NXT Women's North American Championship at Heatwave. After the match, Kelani Jordan shows up and raises Sol Ruca's hand.
Backstage, Roxanne Perez shows up in General Manager Ava's office and takes the NXT Women's Championship while blaming Ava for her title being on Ava's fesk, then finds out that she has a match for the title against Lola Vice at Heatwave.
Backstage, Kelani Jordan and Sol Ruca tell each other that they will see each other at Heatwave, then Jazmyn Nyx and Jacy Jayne make fun of them before Fallon Henley joins in. They talk about Sol Ruca, saying she has a title shot that should be going to them, and that they should take care of her.
"All Ego" Ethan Page guests on commentary for the next match.
Shawn Spears beats Trick Williams. During the match, Brooks Jensen tries to storm the ring, and as security and referees try to get him out of the building, Jensen hits Trick with the top of the commentary table after throwing Vic Joseph's candy at Booker T. Spears then hits Trick with a C4 into the corner for the win.
Backstage, General Manager Ava makes the NXT Championship match at Heatwave a Fatal 4-Way Match between Trick Williams, Je'Von Evans, "All Ego" Ethan Page and Shawn Spears.
The Miz replaces Pat McAfee on commentary this week.
Drew McIntyre suddenly heads to the ring to start tonight's show. McIntyre brags about what he did to CM Punk on last week's SmackDown and even asks for a replay. McIntyre says he prayed for this and that "the big man made it happen...me." He then proclaims he is done with the "CM Punk" chanters, as they are chanting in his memory after everything Punk had done to him. He then proclaims that the "CM Punk" chanters are dead to him and do not exist before addressing Punk, hoping that he is uncomfortable, in pain and being fed through a straw after what he did to him. McIntyre claims that he not only took his dignity, but also a friendship bracelet with his dog Larry's name as well as AJ Lee's name, and mocks the bracelet as well as its meaning, saying Punk is now alone and in pain because of him. McIntyre then declares for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match, hoping Punk watches alone, in pain and in misery. He then says that he was once alone, but no longer, as he wears the bracelet, as he has Punk's family in his corner now and he will win and cash in to become World Heavyweight Champion in spite of Punk.
Chad Gable is surrounded by security as he heads into the arena, and he does not want a camera pointed at him.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley reports that Chad Gable's dressing room is secured both inside and outside, and that others find it shocking that Gable is even here tonight after the end-of-show attack from last week.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Ludwig Kaiser. Kaiser says Bron Breakker may be strong, explosive and fast, but he will prove that he is destined for greatness and that Bron Breakker "is no Ludwig Kaiser."
Bron Breakker vs. Ludwig Kaiser ends with Kaiser being smacked out of nowhere by Sheamus on the outside. After the match, Sheamus goes for a powerbomb through the announce table, but he gets hit with a Spear by Bron Breakker.
Backstage at The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) clubhouse, everyone is playing WWE 2K24 on a PlayStation 5. Dominik Mysterio mentions that it is all a gift from Liv Morgan, then Dominik shows Priest something on his phone which proves that Liv Morgan has his phone number (and is implied to be Liv's nudes). Priest tells Dominik that he has to find a way to end things with Liv Morgan tonight. Dominik leaves, then Priest mentions that they still have a Braun Strowman problem and also leaves. Finn Balor tells Carlito and JD McDonagh that they have to take care of Strowman tonight.
Backstage, Bron Breakker forcefully meets with General Manager Adam Pearce and mentions that he is sick of other people getting involved in his match, and mentions that he also wants a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Suddenly, Sami Zayn shows up, wanting the time and place. Breakker picks Money In The Bank, and Sami tells Pearce to tell Breakker that he has his match. Breakker tells Sami he will destroy him, then walks off.
Lyra Valkyria beats Kairi Sane and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after Lyra rolls out of the Kirifuda Clutch and Kairi hits Baszler with the In-Sane Elbow, which allows Lyra to hit Kairi with Nightwing to qualify.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce tells Drew McIntyre that he is not deserving of anything after being disruptive on both Raw and SmackDown and that he will have to earn his way to a World title shot, but McIntyre says that Pearce will do the right thing or else he will know the meaning of disruption. As McIntyre leaves, the camera then focuses on Liv Morgan, who heads to the ring.
It is announced that Royal Rumble 2025, SummerSlam 2025 and WrestleMania 42 in 2026 will be at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Tyrese Haliburton is seen in the front row.
Liv Morgan is in the ring. Liv Morgan is in the ring. She calls out "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio to get his attention, hoping that she enjoyed the gifts she gave him and the text she sent him even more. She says that Dominik is playing hard to get, but when Dominik is honest with himself and realizes he wants her, she has more in store for him. Liv says that Rhea Ripley never sent Dominik any gifts, then says Dominik can thank her for the gifts so she can give him one more in front of the fans. Zelina Vega shows up and says she has the gift of shutting Liv Morgan up, then says she does not understand why Liv is interested in "Rhea Ripley's sloppy seconds" before proclaiming she is out here for championship gold. Liv says she has not forgotten about the Women's World Championship and that she put Rhea Ripley into early retirement to get it, and that it means more to her than anything. Zelina says Liv is more focused on having fun, and that Liv schemed for championship opportunities while she starved for hers. Zelina then dares Liv to put her title on the line tonight, and Liv says she will do it next week. Zelina says she is not waiting for next week as Liv calls for Dominik, then Dominik shows up. Dominik says he did not like the gifts before Liv asks Dominik if he liked her text as she helps him into the ring. Zelina asks what is going on as she pretends to throw up in her mouth, then says Liv did not have to put her man in her way if she was afraid to fight. Dominik says he is not Liv's man, and tells Zelina that if she is going to fight for the Women's World Championship, then she wants to help. He knows that Zelina and Rhea Ripley have had their differences, but he would rather see anyone but Liv with the Women's World title. As Zelina is clearly not buying this and telling Dominik she does not need his help, Liv attacks Zelina. Rey Mysterio suddenly shows up and pulls Liv off of Zelina. Dominik then shoves Rey, which turns Liv on before Dominik leaves. Liv then follows Dominik to the back.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley is reporting from outside Chad Gable's dressing room. He says that Gable has been medically attended to when General Manager Adam Pearce shows up from inside the dressing room. He says Gable is shaken up, but is medically cleared to compete and focused on tonight's match. As for last week's attack, Pearce says it is not his story to tell and that Gable is not ready to tell it yet.
Backstage, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio wants nothing to do with Liv Morgan, who thanks Dominik for being her hero against "his deadbeat dad" Rey Mysterio. After Dominik leaves, R-Truth shows up and says reluctant heroes like "Tom and Nick Mysterio" are the best kinds of heroes, and Liv gets the idea of helping Dom get a match against Rey next week. She also wants to get a tag team title match for Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, and despite R-Truth not liking JD, R-Truth says he can make it happen. After Liv leaves, R-Truth mentions that he thinks Liv is Carmella. The Miz then has to run backstage from the commentary table to talk sense into R-Truth backstage.
Before the next match, Chad Gable asks the fans if they believe in miracles, then says the news of his demise was greatly exaggerated. Gable states that while he was left for dead by "a bunch of monsters," "Chad Gable cannot be killed," and he has decided in a show of bravery to face two more monsters and become "Master In The Bank."
Chad Gable beats "Big" Bronson Reed and Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) and Carlito attack Strowman on the outside to allow Gable to hit Bronson with a top rope moonsault to win and qualify. After the match, the lights start going out little by little, Bray Wyatt stile, with Chad Gable standing in the middle of the ring as fog forms around the mat. "Abbie" shows up from underneath the ring and corners Gable, and Gable is able to slide out of the ring. "Abbie" then crawls out of the ring and places a box in front of Michael Cole at the announce table before leaving through the crowd.
After the break, it is announced that the box handed to Michael Cole earlier is addressed to Pat McAfee, who is not here tonight. Michael Cole opens the box and finds a VHS tape with the words "Play Me" on the side label.
Backstage, Chad Gable meets with Alpha Academy (Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa), and tells them that his life flashed before his eyes last week and that he has been wrong for the last two months, which he admits have been rough, and apologizes. Gable says families fight, but family sticks together. Otis says anyone who hurts Tozawa or Maxxine is not family, and that they are done. Maxxine tells Gable that he put them through a lot, but he really hurt Otis. She then says that they are all glad that he is okay, and that Otis just needs some time before telling Gable that he will talk to Otis. Afterwards, Chad Gable is met by Ivy Nile and The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed), and Gable tells them that he is not okay and that he needs help.
The Unholy Union (Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre) beat Katana Chance and Kayden Carter. After the match, Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane) attacks both teams, then Iyo Sky hits Alba and Isla with Over The Moonsault.
Backstage, Damian Priest finds Liv Morgan leaving the Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) clubhouse, then finds Finn Balor on the Sony PlayStation 5. Finn tells Priest that thanks to Liv, Dominik has a match with Rey Mysterio next week, while he and JD McDonagh have a World Tag Team title shot tonight.
Backstage, The Miz catches up with R-Truth and finds out that the World Tag Team title match is official and that R-Truth says he "did it for love." The Miz says it is more about them and their titles, but R-Truth says he only loves Miz as a friend.
Damian Priest heads to the ring. Priest says he understands why Seth "Freakin'" Rollins sees himself in him, then says he sees a man who he does not want to become in Rollins. He says he does not want to see someone who is his successor, and while Rollins is great, but as long as he remains World Champion, Rollins will never see the mountaintop again. Rollins then shows up and heads to the ring, then says tonight is still his show before addressing Priest's claims that he will never be champion again for as long as Priest himself is champion, saying he does not believe him. Rollins thinks that Priest has "a false bravado" and "does not believe the bullcrap that is coming out of [his] mouth," and says the fans do not buy Priest as World champion because his words do not match with his actions. He says that Priest has stated that he does not need help, but in both of his title defenses, he really needed that help. Priest says he gets where Rollins is coming from, and while he did not ask for help, people got involved. He says he cannot change what happened, but he can stand at the present holding the world title while Rollins represents the past and holds nothing. Rollins says "For now." Rollins then says he is not here to run Priest down, as he has respect for him, then says he does not like being one-upped and that he is here to one-up Priest, as he wants to sweeten the pot at Money In The Bank. Rollins says this is more akin to a "side bet" or "gentlemen's agreement," and says that if Priest can beat him, he will get his wish and he will never challenge for the title again. However, if he were to win, they get to find out once and for all if Priest can stand on his own two feet, and Priest will have no choice but to leave The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh). Rollins says that if this were to happen, we would see if Priest really could walk a mile in his shoes. Priest laughs, and says that to him, The Judgment Day needs him more than he needs them, and as Rollins' agreement goes, he accepts. Priest and Rollins shake hands, then Gunther arrives to the ring and says he fully understands that a lot is on the line, then wishes good luck to both men and says he cannot wait to see their match and hopes the better man wins. He then says that at SummerSlam, the better man will become the lesser man in the ring with him. Gunther then leaves.
We see the contents of the VHS cassette tape. We see Uncle Howdy asks someone if they are happy and if they are lost, and if they feel as though they have been forgotten. He also asks if they remember who they are, then we see Bo Dallas, who says "I am nobody." Uncle Howdy then asks Bo Dallas how he felt when Bray Wyatt died, and Bo says the most important thing in his life was taken away from him. He also says that he felt nothing was ever going to matter again, and Uncle Howdy asks Bo if he thinks that he is exploiting his brother's legacy. Bo says that all he ever wanted in his whole life was to be like his brother, as he looked up to him and wanted to be next to him. He says that they were going to rule together, and they had it, and then it was taken away from him, and nobody feels more hurt or feels what he feels than him. Bo says that he had to be a mausoleum so that everyone would remember what Bray stood for and believed, but everyone wanted to forget about "all of us." He says that they made them all remember, then Uncle Howdy laughs and says "Yes, we did."
Karrion Kross beats Kofi Kingston after the rest of The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) attack Xavier Woods backstage, which distracts Kofi and allows Kross to hit the Final Prayer for the win.
It is announced that Randy Orton, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Jacob Fatu) in a six-man tag match is official for Money In The Bank.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) beat The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) to become the World Tag Team Champions! Liv Morgan shows up during the match to watch from ringside. Later on, Braun Strowman shows up after Carlito puts McDonagh's foot on the bottom rope to save the match to chase Carlito through the crowd. Later on, after R-Truth hits Finn and McDonagh with a double Five Knuckle Shuffle, Liv Morgan distracts R-Truth while McDonagh distracts the referee, then rams R-Truth throat first into the top rope. This allows Finn Balor to hit R-Truth with the Coup de Grace to win the match and the titles. After the match, Liv celebrates with Finn and McDonagh.
Here are the full hlightlights for tonight's show!
This week on Raw Talk: Karrion Kross! Ivy Nile! The Unholy Union (Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre)!
Note: This episode is a repeat of Championship Wrestling From Atlanta from October 24, 2021.
Before the next match, Howdy Price says he and Levi Shapiro have officially arrived and that they can see why they waited: it smells bad here due to the manure used for Georgia's peaches. He says that he has brought something more exciting that than the new tree that has sprouted out around here, and that they will lay down an open challenge to anyone in the locker room with one year of experience. Suddenly, Jonah Turk shows up to accept the challenge.
Levi Shapiro quickly retains the United Television Championship against Jonah Turk with the claw from the top rope.
Backstage, Dustin Starr interviews Manny Lemons, who reminds the people who he is after saying that he has not lost his zest.
Baron Black beats Manny Lemons with a Texas Cloverleaf. After the match, Baron Black calls out Lord Crewe, saying he just woken one of the biggest technical giants, that it is "on sight," and that his ass is grass the next time he sees him.
Backstage, we hear from Effy, who says that he tends to make Championship Wrestling From Atlanta his personal buffet table and take it over, and that he will be eating those oysters, collecting those pearls, and that Atlanta will soon be his home.
Heather Monroe beats Reka Tehaka. During the match, Heather grabs the timekeeper's chair. When the referee takes it away, Heather hits Reka with her fan, then hits a backpack stunner for the win. Reka Tehaka tries to kick out, but she kicks out too late.
Backstage, Marti Belle interviews Lord Krewe. Krewe says his recent actions spoke louder than his words, then says "Any other questions?"
The Tate Twins (Brandon and Brent Tate) beat inFAMy (Robin Steele and Joeasa). After the match, inFAMy hit The Tate Twins with a low blow as The Rapture watch from ringside and enjoy what they see.
Backstage, Marti Belle interviews "Outlandish" Zicky Dice. Zicky says that what others call "chaos," he calls "outlandish." Suddenly, Dani Jordyn shows up and tells Zicky Dice there's something he'll want to see backstage, then tells Marti Belle she "smells like a baby prostitute."
Effy beats "Uptown" Andy Brown after reversing the Fatality into a jackknife pin.
Samoa Joe, Hook and "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata beat The Premier Athletes (Tony Nese, Ariya Daivari, Josh Woods) in a trios match with a cross arm breaker from Shibata to Nese.
Backstage, we hear from The Bang Bang Gang ("Rock Hard" Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, Colton Gunn). Juice Robinson says AEW refuses to recognize him as a Unified Trios Champion under Freebird Rules while The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, Buddy Matthews) gets a title shot, and after Austin mentions his own anger with recent events, Juice says that Jay White has been training for the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and is coming back with ten abs.
The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho and Big Bill) beat Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) after Big Bill distracts the referee so "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith hits Isiah Kassidy from the outside with brass knuckles, which he then hides. After the match, The Learning Tree and Bryan Keith continues to attack Private Party, then Samoa Joe, Hook and "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata run in and clean house, with Shibata stomping Bryan Keith's arm. Joe says that every idea that comes from Jericho's learning tree "absolutely sucks," and that they both come from different schools of throught. Joe then says the best ideas survive the crucible of combat, then challenges The Learning Tree at Forbidden Door.
"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada beats Ultimo Guerrero in an AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match after pulling Guerrero's mask off to hit the Rainmaker.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Top Flight and Action Andretti. Dante Martin says that he broke a few bones in his last ladder match and that he had to relearn how to move and to be inhuman, and now he is having another one. He says that while people say it is crazy, he says it takes a little crazy to become TNT Champion at Forbidden Door. Suddenly, Lio Rush shows up to talk about last week, and tells Dante that while he will always have his back, he will also be in the ladder match, and he wants the TNT Championship, too.
Before the next match, Jacked Jameson says that The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, Killswitch, "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne, Mama Wayne) are better than they have ever been, but takes offense to Killswitch and Nick Wayne attacking them before saying that The Iron Savages (Boulder and Bronson) are taking the both of them to "the milk farm."
Christian Cage guests on commentary for the next match.
The Patriarchy ("The Prodigy" Nick Wayne and Killswitch) beat The Iron Savages (Boulder and Bronson) after Christian Cage - who is not even in the match - gets in the ring and hits the Killswitch on Bronson.
We hear from Meredes Moné, who says that she came to CMLL to make a statement and that she will be walking out of Forbidden Door with two championships after she beats Stephanie Vaquer.
"Timeless" Toni Storm and Mariah May beat "Legit" Leyla Hirsch and Lady Frost.
Backstage, we hear from Serena Deeb. Serena says she was untouchable and at 6-0 until she had three of the toughest losses against the best women in the company, but she has shown perseverance and she will issue an open challenge next week to remind herself of who she is.
The House of Black (Malakai Black and Brody King) beat LSG and MSG. After the match, Ian Riccaboni interviews The House of Black on the stage. Malakai refuses to ask any questions regarding Buddy Matthews' recent injury, saying it is "such a human question" before leaving, then Brody King says revenge is never a straight line and that they feel nothing.
Hechicero beats "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard by submission. It is revealed that Matt Menard's arm is injured after the match.
We hear from Jeff Jarrett, who tears up as he remembers his days as Owen Hart's tag team partner like they were yesterday. He says that the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament is the most important thing he has ever done, and while he is not as good as he wants was, he is dead pressed on winning it.
Will Ospreay retains the AEW International Championship against "The Machine" Brian Cage.
