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 look back on Trent Seven vs. Mustafa Ali for the TNA X Division Championship from Against All Odds 2024.
Gia Miller interviews Jason Hotch for Around the Ring. Gia Miller and Jason Hotch talk about being back-up dancers for "Michin" Mia Yim during her IMPACT run (Gia wore the kitty mask, while Hotch wore the mask with the X's for eyes).
We look back on "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth and "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth vs. Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and KC Navarro) from last night's show.
Before the next match, John Skyler calls the fans "the largest collection of illiterate people" he has seen in his entire life and says that Texas has some of "the biggest women he has ever seen in [his] life," and as he says that Texas has some of "the biggest losers he has ever seen in [his] life," he calls Maclin the biggest loser of all and says that he will lose in embarrassing fashion like the Texas Longhorns. When he gets in the ring, he immediately eats a Busaiku Knee from Steve Maclin.
Michael Cole introduces Pat McAfee. Pat McAfee says he has worked to bring the Royal Rumble to Indianapolis, Indiana, and he tells everyone from outside of the city that Indianapolis hosts the biggest show on Earth every single year. He says that the entire city is ready, then says he loves the city and WWE and that he is thankful to be here. Afterwards, Joe Tessitore interviews Kevin Owens in the ring. Owens mocks Tessitore for caring only for Cody Rhodes' feelings while disrespecting his and states that he will be the one to become Undisputed WWE Champion on Saturday. When Tessitore apologizes for potentially coming up short in his coverage of him, Owens tells him to shove it up his ass, then takes back the Winged Eagle Championship only for CM Punk to show up. Punk apologizes for interrupting him, then says he heard his name being invoked. He also apologizes for making it seem like he is looking past him on the way to win the Royal Rumble and potentially face Owens in the main event. Punk tells Owens that when he wins the Royal Rumble, he is coming for him and that his reign will not last long. Owens says he likes everyone else in the Royal Rumble more than Punk, but entertains the thought of beating Punk in the WrestleMania main event. Owens says he knows how much winning the Royal Rumble means to Punk, and admits that he loves the idea of CM Punk not winning the Royal Rumble and obsessing over what could have been before going to his grave as a miserable failure. After Owens says he hopes Punk does not win the Royal Rumble and attempts to leave, Punk says Owens may have accomplished a lot in WWE, he has never lost five title matches at Royal Rumble or to Logan Paul, or took shortcuts to win a title. Punk then dares Owens to get in the ring right now so he can kick his ass, and says that while he may not main event WrestleMania, he can still kick his ass. Owens teases getting in the ring, but leaves instead.
Backstage, The Miz meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. As The Miz says he could have taught Andrade so much and that he would punch him in the face right now, Miz finds out Andrade is in the room. Andrade challenges The Miz to a match tonight, and while The Miz has nothing to prove, he will teach him greatness any time, anywhere. Aldis makes the match official for tonight.
Backstage, Jimmy Uso says Carmelo Hayes has a lot to prove tonight and that if Carmelo misses tonight, it is over for him.
Before the next match, Carmelo Hayes says Jimmy Uso is talking like he is "The One" when he is really "The Two," then says he will not miss because his name is not Tyrese Halliburton (who is in the crowd).
Jimmy Uso beats Carmelo Hayes with a schoolkid pin and a grab of the tights after kicking out of a roll-up in which Carmelo grabs the middle rope for leverage.
Royal Rumble, by the numbers.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Chelsea says "Michin" Mia Yim tried to destroy "the face of the United States," then says she will return the favor, win the Royal Rumble, and win at WrestleMania.
"Michin" Mia Yim beats Chelsea Green by disqualification after Chelsea hits her with a shinai. Chelsea Green retains the WWE Women's United States Championship. After the match, Michin fights back and starts striking Chelsea with the shinai until Chelsea runs away.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bianca Belair and Naomi. Bianca says that she and Naomi will be a tag team before and after the Royal Rumble, and Naomi says they will support each other no matter what. Bianca says that if one of them does not win, the other will. Bianca says that she and Naomi are going to stay Women's Tag Team Champions no mater what, and Naomi says that Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez should be ready to rumble.
We see another vignette for Charlotte Flair. She agrees that she is arrogant and greedy and that she has worked her ass off in the last year to get where she is, and says that the stories she has heard are all true. She says it is lonely at the top because she does not need to make friends, and that she has reached her goal to stay on top for ten years and that she is not going to let the last year define her. Charlotte says she is fortunate and blessed, but also history-making, record-breaking, never scared and "the woman of WWE."
Stephanie McMahon is seen in the crowd.
Damian Priest heads to the ring. Priest talks about how he started four years ago on Raw and only cared about his name living forever, making an impact and wanting to be know. He says he went from betrayer to betrayed, follower to leader, and nobody to World Heavyweight Champion. He says he does not want to live in the past anymore and that the goal now is championships, and that will start by throwing people over the top rope in the Royal Rumble to secure his spot at WrestleMania and getting his hand raised as world champion. Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga get in the ring. Jacob says he knows who Priest is and what he has done, and says Priest has accomplished more than everyone in the back. He says they both came out of the gutter and from the streets, with the only difference being he was in prison. He tells Priest not to get things twisted, as he is off the leash and it is "all gas, no brakes," and that he will not let Priest make a name for himself because he and Tama run SmackDown. Priest makes it clear he is not intimidated and that Jacob should no better, then asks why they are even talking before superkicking Tama. After a staredown, Priest and Jacob brawl, and Priest gets the upper hand until Tama jumps back in. At this point, the numbers game takes over, and Tama grabs a metal folding chair. LA Knight suddenly shows up and bootsthe chair into Tama's face before smacking it into Jacob's back. It has no effect, but that allows Priest to hit a superkick and gives LA Knight the upper hand. LA Knight then challenges Jacob Fatu to a tag team match against him and Damian Priest.
Backstage, Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Berto, Garza) are met by The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). Sabin admits both teams do not like each other, but he wants to make sure they are on the same page, and Shelley wants to make sure they are ready to win. Santos makes it clear that he and the rest of Legado del Fantasma have to fight to get what they want, and while The Motor City Machine Guns want to have their backs, Los Garza (Berto and Garza) say they can take care of themselves and that they will be coming after the Machine Guns at the Royal Rumble.
It is announced that Paul "Triple H" Levesque will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) beat Los Garza (Berto and Garza) and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) after Los Garza walk out on The Motor City Machine Guns, Tommaso Ciampa accidentally boots Elton Prince in the face and Chris Sabin pins Ciampa with a victory roll.
Backstage, Tama Tonga notices the WWE Tag Team Championships, and when #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) come to take them, Tama simply goes "yeah, yeah, yeah" before DIY leave. DIY then argue with Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) over their loss and booting Elton Prince in the head, but Gargano says it is not the time to argue and says that if they lose their titles, Pretty Deadly can kiss their title opportunity goodbye. Elton Prince tells #DIY they are on their own.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee interview Tyrese Halliburton. Halliburton says he is excited to see the Royal Rumble in Indianapolis, Indiana. He says tomorrow's game with the Atlanta Hawks will be a good game, and that he looks forward to the Royal Rumble. We then see footage of Michael Cole and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes crowdsurfing before the show through the Pat-a-Strator.
We see a video package for Kevin Owens vs. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in a ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.
Naomi beats Liv Morgan after Bianca Belair pulls Raquel Rodriguez off the apron and Naomi reverses a Sunset Flip from Liv Morgan and pins Liv's shoulders to the mat. After the match, Liv and Raquel attack Bianca and Naomi and come out on top.
Andrade beats The Miz with a devastating spinning back elbow.
Backstage, Damian Priest is met by Santos Escobar, who says that SmackDown can be a very hard place to survive in and offers his help. Priest says he is not in the mood, and Escobar says that "Dominik" was right about him having a big ego. Priest tells Santos to pick his next words carefully, but Santos says he will be seeing him. Priest then runs into R-Truth, who thinks tonight is Raw and that General Manager Nick Aldis is Adam Pearce. He then runs into LA Knight, and the two of them agree to team up tonight, but Priest says that on Saturday, he does not know him. As this goes on, Shinsuke Nakamura watches from the background. R-Truth then proposes that the three of them should form a team.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton runs into Zelina Vega, who entertains the idea of winning the Royal Rumble and going after the WWE Women's Championship. Tiffany says she will be sitting pretty while Zelina fights for her life against 29 other women.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee interview Tiffany Stratton in the ring. Tiffany says the WWE Women's Championship may be her first title on SmackDown, but she has always been championship material, and now, everyone knows it. She says it does not matter who wins the Royal Rumble, because it is always Tiffy Time, and if Nia Jax wins tomorrow, that is fine with her. Candice LeRae suddenly shows up and calls Tiffany "pathetic," saying she is not deserving of the championship after she betrayed Nia, and that Tiffany is jealous that Nia prefers her as a tag team partner. She tells Tiffany to enjoy what little bit of "Tiffy Time" she has left, as she has entered the Royal Rumble and will make her regret her actions. As she tells Candice that she is the champion while Candice will stay Nia Jax's sidekick, she sees Nia Jax coming. Nia accidentally smashes Candice in the corner, but she soon gets the upper hand on Tiffany and hits her with the A-Nia-Lator.
LA Knight and Damian Priest beat Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu. After the match, Jacob gets back in the ring and superkicks Priest before hitting him with a Samoan Drop and a top rope moonsault to end the show.
"The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He says that while Genesis was a great night, it was not great for him, and admits that Joe Hendry was the better man that night and is now TNA World Champion. Nemeth says that when you get knocked down, you get back up and make something happen, and he will go back to what he has been doing and going for the TNA World Championship again. Suddenly, Ryan Nemeth interrupts. Ryan says that Nic is not happy and that he got robbed while Hendry got lucky, then says Hendry is a poser and a flash in the pan while Nic is "the real champion" even if he is too humble to say it. He says that while 2025 will be Nic's year, Hendry is a fraud. Nic stops him, saying Hendry earned the championship and that 2025 is not all doom and gloom and that it can be their year. Suddenly, Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and KC Navarro) show up. Francis tells "the Nemeth brother that actually matters" that he does not deserve to go after the World title after losing to "that bum" Joe Hendry, and says that their match from last year caused TNA to give him the most lucrative deal in history. He then says that he and Navarro not only want the money, they want the spotlight, and they are sick and tired of old-timers taking the spotlight when this is "the TNAJ Francis era." As Ryan declares that his brother does not deserve to be interrupted, Nic admits that Fir$t Cla$$ had a good year last year, and Ryan says that if they want a match, they will get it, much to Nic's chagrin. Suddenly, Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up and makes the tag team match official for the main event.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews NXT-TNA Liaison Arianna Grace when Tessa Blanchard shows up. Arianna introduces herself, but Tessa says this is not NXT and she is not letter Arianna tell her what to do. She says that Arianna plays dress-up and had everything handed to her thanks to her father, unlike her. She tells both Arianna and Gia to go away, then makes it known that she answers to nobody.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Cora Jade is looking for Masha Slamovich when she runs into Xia Brookside. Cora tells her to go away, but this soon leads to a confrontation that has to be stopped when Brookside calls her out for her rudeness.
Cora Jade beats Hyan. After the match, Cora Jade continues to attack Hyan until Xia Brookside rushes in and chases her out of the ring. Cora slips back into the ring and attacks Brookside from behind before hitting her with Jaded. Suddenly, Masha Slamovich shows up, and Cora Jade retreats when Masha gets in the ring.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe. Wes Lee says that The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) are so fixated on the NXT Tag Team Championships that they are no longer aligned, and that he wants the NXT Championship for himself and the tag titles for Tyson and Tyriek. He believes that Tyson and Tyriek will take him to the promised land, and until then, they will tear off everyone's heads, starting tonight with "Inevitable" Ace Austin's.
Backstage, Director of Authority Santino Marella are met by personal concierge George Iceman, Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance, who says that they were robbed of the Knockouts tag titles due to referee incompetence and the wrong person getting the pin. Iceman provides documents proving this and demands Santino do something. Santino says he will look at the documents, then announces there will be a battle royal where the winner gets a shot at the Knockouts World Championship. Spitfire (Jody Threat and Dani Luna) show up and find out they are also in the match, and this leads to both teams arguing with each other. Santino tells them to save it for next week as he stands between them.
Brian Myers beats Leon Slater after Alisha Edwards slips Myers some brass knuckles to knock Slater out with after Slater fends off the rest of The System (Eddie Edwards, Moose, JDC).
Backstage, we hear from Steph de Lander and Mance Warner. Steph and Mance say the Digital Media Championship is theirs, then he is suddenly attacked from behind by Sami Callihan.
Rebellion is live on Sunday, April 27th!
Backstage, Frankie Kazarian approaches Leon Slater with the offer to be his mentor, but Slater is not interested. The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose, JDC) show up and says Slater passed the test, and Moose gives him the opportunity to be his lackey. The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) then show up and defend Slater, and Matt says they will gladly stand beside him as they challenge The System to a match. The System leave, then Kazarian shows off his Call Your Shot Gauntlet trophy as he struts away.
Sami Callihan and Mance Warner are seen brawling through the crowd and towards the ring. then grabs a baseball bat and a metal folding chair and starts smacking Warner with the chair. Sami then puts the open chair over Warner's neck, and Steph de Lancer shows up and slides the Digital Media Championship into the ring. Sami goes after Steph, then Warner hits Callihan with the belt. Steph then holds Callihan down for a running knee strike by Warner.
Backstage, Steve Maclin meets with Eric Young regarding "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander. Eric says he knows Alexander and that he knows people, and asks Maclin to trust him. Maclin says he trusts Eric, but he is reluctant to trust Alexander, and wishes him luck.
Mustafa Ali beats Laredo Kid.
Backstage, we hear from Mustafa Ali. Mustafa says his campaign is starting off hot with a victory and that the fans love him, then says his campaign will continue before Mike Santana shows up. Santana says he expects respect and that last week was not it, and that he has no problem handling this in the ring. Mustafa says he has just competed, then says he knows a supporter of the campaign who is always ready and will face him.
Eric Young and "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander vs. The Northern Armory (Judas Icarus and Travis Williams) ends with Eric Young hitting Alexander before he and The Northern Armory attack him. Eric Young then lays Alexander out with a piledriver.
Wes Lee beats "Inevitable" Ace Austin following the distraction and interference by Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe.
After the match, Wes, Tyson and Tyriek attack Ace Austin, but flee when The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) slide into the ring.
We hear from Joe Hendry, who says that he will be a fighting champion and defend the World Championship against anyone from anywhere. He then announces that next week, he will be in concert.
"The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth and "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth beat Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and KC Navarro) after Ryan tags himself as Nic readies the Danger Zone.
Here are the must-see moments from tonight's show!
"Big Shotty" Lee Johnson lasts ten minutes against Komander in a ROH World Television Championship Proving Ground Match, and therefore earns a shot at the ROH World Television Championship.
Serpentico beats Brandon Cutler.
We look back on Tony Deppen vs. Samoa Joe for the ROH World Television Championship from the March 9, 2023 episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling.
Backstage, we hear from The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo). Carlie Bravo says a lot about them has changed, including their pockets, as Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, Dean, Carlie, Trish Adora) has the Brinks truck backed up and they are getting paid. Shawn Dean says that ROH is on notice and that everyone is getting double stomped, and both of them state that ROH now stands for "Run or hide."
Blake Christian beats Evil Uno.
Red Velvet retains the ROH Women's World Television Championship against Leila Grey.
Before the next match, Don Callis tells Will Ospreay to look at the video screen. It is revealed that Kenny Omega has been attacked backstage, allowing "The Machine" Brian Cage to hit a cheap shot. Don Callis then guests on commentary for the next match.
Will Ospreay beats "The Machine" Brian Cage after knocking Cage into Lance Archer to knock Archer off the apron and hitting him with the Styles Clash. After the match, Cage and Archer attack Ospreay, and Don Callis commands them to finish Ospreay off. Kenny Omega shows up with a metal folding chair and hits Archer with it before throwing it at Cage's head. "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita and "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher soon run to the ring and attack Ospreay and Omega from behind, hitting both of them with stereo piledrivers. The Don Callis Family then stands tall. Takeshita's music hits, but The Don Callis attacks Ospreay and Omega a little bit more before leaving the ring. Takeshita's music hits again, but Fletcher and Konosuke stomp at Omega on the way out when they see him trying to get up.
Backstage, Renee Paquette tries to interview Swerve Strickland when "Hangman" Adam Page starts looking for somebody. He runs into MJF, then leaves, and MJF and Renee tries to get an interview with him. MJF says nobody will ruin his mood and that his words are prophecy, and that Jeff Jarrett will learn the hard way when he faces Claudio Castagnoli.
We hear from Powerhouse Hobbs, who says that he is not cleared for travel tonight. He warns Big Bill that they are going to Hell and that when he is cleared, he will show him that Hell is just the beginning.
Claudio Castagnoli beats Jeff Jarrett thanks to Wheeler Yuta, who places a metal folding chair in the ring for Claudio to use before distracting the refeee, and Jon Moxley, who hits Jarrett with the Death Rider before Claudio hits Jarrett with two Neutralizers. After the match, the crowd chants for Jarrett before MJF shows up, spits out his gum, and hits him with a clothesline. MJF then tells Jarrett that he respects his elders, which is why he will not tell Jarrett "I told you so."
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Ricochet. It is mentioned that if Swerve Strickland interferes tonight, he will forfeit his match with Ricochet. Ricochet says he will take care of Swerve, then takes offense to having to face AR Fox and states he will have to take care of him quickly.
Ricochet beats AR Fox. After the match, Ricochet pulls some golden scissors out from the bottom turnbuckle, but he is suddenly pulled out of the ring by Swerve Strickland and thrown into the ring steps. Swerve goes to the top turnbuckle, but Ricochet takes AR Fox hostage with the golden scissors and uses him as a human shield to escape to the back.
We see more of Renee Paquette's interview with Jon Moxley for AEW Close Up on YouTube.
"Daddy Magic" Matt Menard plus some of the merchandise on Shop AEW in thirty seconds.
We see a commercial for the movie Dark Match.
We see The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, "The Redwood" Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) for another New York Minute. Chris Jericho plus Dark Match, which he stars in, then brags about Big Bill taking out Powerhouse Hobbs. Big Bill says it is one thing to share Jericho's teachings, but another to put them into action, and he understands them like he never did before and feels stronger. Jericho is proud of himself for being such a great mentor, then says Big Bill did not take Hobbs permanently. Jericho then says that The Learning Tree will take out The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd), and expects Big Bill to make him proud this time.
"Switchblade" Jay White beats Wheeler Yuta. After the match, Switchblade hits Wheeler with another Blade Runner, but before he can make it a trifecta, Jon Moxley shows up and stares him down from the apron. Claudio Castagnoli shows up and attacks Switchblade from behind. As Claudio and Moxley go on the attack, Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler) rush into the ring, causing them to retreat. Dax Harwood says he does not hate how The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, Wheeler Yuta) operate, but he hates their trying to end Ricky Morton's career. He then challenges The Death Riders to a Mid-South Street Fight on Collision.
We see a video package chronicling the events leading up to Toni Storm vs. "The Glamour" Mariah May for the AEW Women's World Championship at Grand Slam Australia.
Renee Paquette interviews "The Glamour" Mariah May on the stage. Mariah May says Toni Storm is not real and rips the microphone away from Renee, then says that if Toni wants to play herself, then she should play the Toni who gave her heart to the woman who used her for championship gold or the Toni who was bleeding and crying in her hands. She also tells Toni to play the Toni that had to wrestle all over the world because she could not touch her, then says she can play any role she wants because the end will be the same. Mariah says she does not have to roleplay because she is so good she does not have to change a thing. She says she is "the woman from Hell" and always will be, and she will remind Toni for the rest of her life.
We see a video package for The Gunns (Austin and Colten Gunn), who are seen looking back on their past in AEW while training and getting ready for what is next.
We hear from The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin). MVP says that Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) are warriors who fought hard, then says that they will keep the AEW tag team titles for as long as they want to while accepting any challenge, any time and any place.
We see a video package for "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita.
Chad Gable beats Chris Sabin with Chaos Theory with only 19 seconds left to advance in the eighth men's tournament and face Dragon Lee for the WWE Speed Championship. The match takes place on Saturday at 12 PM Eastern time on X/Twitter.
Giulia and Bayley beat Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade.
We hear from Eddy Thorpe, who says that he has been overlooked in NXT. He says that he has stood up and proved that he belongs in the NXT Championship picture. Thorpe says he has readied himself and that he will make his mark in NXT, because he cannot be broken.
It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. Tonight's guest is Oba Femi. Oba says the NXT Championship is where it is supposed to be before Austin Theory sings Oba's praises until he suddenly states that he and Grayson do not see his potential to reach the main roster. Oba says he never saw either of them as NXT Champion, and that he has accomplished more than both of them combined.Grayson says he wants to see what Oba Femi is capable of first-hand but also states that Oba sits there waiting to do what he and Theory can do, and Theory boasts about being in three WrestleManias before Oba Femi signed to WWE. Theory says he and Grayson are in the big leagues and that Oba Femi will end up in catering before selling T-shirts on the indies before bragging about how he and Grayson make unforgettable moments. Oba Femi says he sees no championships on them because of their big mouths cashing checks that their hands cannot cash, and says that his empire, which he has made brick by brick will be built. As Trick Williams watches from backstage, Oba Femi challenges A-Town Down Under (Grayson and Theory) to a one-on-one match at Vengeance Day. As Grayson answers Oba's challenge, General Manager Ava shows up as Trick heads to the stage. Ava states that she is the one makes the matches, not Grayson, before Trick Williams suddenly gets in the ring and confronts Oba before knocking A-Town Down Under out of the ring. Oba Femi then hits Trick with the Fall From Grace.
Sarah Schreiber interviews Izzi Dame. Izzi says there is nothing going on between Tony D'Angelo and herself besides having a common enemy in Shawn Spears, but admits that thanks to her efforts, Tony D'Angelo is champion for a little while longer. Ridge Holland shows up and calls Izzi a liar, saying that if it were not for her, he would be North American Champion. Suddenly, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo confronts Ridge, but Ridge tells him to get out of his face. Referees have to hold both men back.
Wes Lee beats Trick Williams by disqualification after shoving the referee as he stomps at Wes Lee at the corner in frustration. After the match, Tyson Dupont tries to hit Trick Williams with a metal folding chair, but Trick kicks the chair into his face, takes the chair, and swings it around.
Backstage, General Manager Ava is watching from her office when Oba Femi shows up. Ava tells Oba that she makes the matches and that at Vengeance Day, it will be him vs. Grayson Waller vs. Austin Theory for the NXT Championship.
Backstage, General Manager Ava confronts Trick Williams. After finding out about the NXT Championship match at Vengeance Day, Trick says A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) are unworthy of a title shot. Ava tells him to prove it in a tag team match against them with Oba Femi as his partner.
Fallon Henley retains the NXT Women's North American Championship against Shotzi Blackheart. After the match, Stephanie Vaquer shows up and has a staredown with Fallon.
Backstage, Karmen Petrovic thanks Kelani Jordan for the assist, but Kelani says she did it for herself, and says it is only a matter of time before Ashante "Thee" Adonis leaves her.
Backstage, Sarah Schrieber interviews General Manager Ava. Ava says she wants to find the best competitor for Giulia when Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade show up, with Roxanne wanting her rematch with Giulia. Ava makes Giulia vs. Bayley vs. Roxanne for the NXT Women's Championship at Vengeance Day, much to the irritation of Cora Jade.
Rapper Killer Mike is seen in the crowd.
"All Ego" Ethan Page beats Cedric Alexander after targeting Cedric's left hand throughout the match. After the match, Ethan Page removes a bottom turnbuckle, then Je'Von Evans shows up and fights Ethan to keep him from attacking Cedric further.
Backstage, Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley are both angry at Stephanie Vaquer, and Jayne says that Fallon will show Stephanie not to mess with Fatal Influence (Jacy, Fallon, Jazmyn Nyx) at Vengeance Day. Meanwhile, Jacy has a match with Stephanie next week.
We hear from Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura. He gifts Inamura with a leather vest and says that they will beat Nathan Frazer and Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
Bianca Belair and Naomi retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Meta-Four (Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson). During the match, Cora Jade is looking for General Manager Ava, demanding to have a word with her.
The end of the show sees a series of color bars. The words "WWE Transmission" are replaced with "Vengeance Day."
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins talks about his recent loss to CM Punk and how it led him to re-think who he is and who he wants to before realizing who he is and that he does not stay down for very long, for when he is most focused, there is no one better than him. He then talks about how he started his path to redemption last week and how he will keep it going at the Royal Rumble when he tosses everyone out of the ring, especially Roman Reigns. Rollins especially hopes to toss CM Punk out of the ring and crush his WrestleMania dreams to dust, then questions which championship he will go after. As he does, Gunther shows up. Gunther asks Rollins where he has been the last few months, as he has been defending the World Heavyweight Championship against "Main Event" Jey Uso, who he calls "a clown," then says Rollins has forgotten what matters in the company. He tells Rollins to focus on the Royal Rumble even though he is unsure Rollins still has it in him, but Rollins reminds Gunther that his title would not exist without him, as he made the title. Gunther tells Rollins he is aware of who he is, but tells him that he is not the best wrestler in the world anymore, as he is the World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther then tells Rollins to win the Royal Rumble, challenge him and square off with him at WrestleMania so he can make him feel what his past opponents have felt and realize that the only name synonymous with the World Championship is his. All of a sudden, Logan Paul shows up, and the crowd proceeds to boo him out of the building as he brags about how great he is at everything he does. He says this is "the Netflix era" and that it needs a new face oozing with charisma and confidence. He says Rollins and Gunther are good at wrestling while he is even better as the fans, and brags about building a career faster than the both of them before declaring for the Royal Rumble and bragging that he will work smarter and not harder. Logan then says that when he wins the Royal Rumble, he can choose which champion to go for, and entertains the idea of wrestling Gunther. Gunther then changes his mind, saying he wants Logan to win the Rumble so he can embarrass him when he slaps the smirk off his face. Rollins agrees, but says that Gunther will be embarrassed if he chooses to take back the World Heavyweight Championship.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews CM Punk. CM Punk says that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins will fare as well as everyone else in the Royal Rumble when Sami Zayn shows up and confronts Punk for saying he is not on his level, then says he agrees as he has main evented WrestleMania while Punk has not. Sami leaves, then runs into Karrion Kross. Sami tells Kross to stop doing whatever it is he is trying to do, but Kross tells Sami to think with his head instead of his heart, as he is in the best position yet and he has a world of opportunity. Kross leaves, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes greets Sami.
Actor Noah Centineo, rapper Lil Yachty, rapper 2 Chainz, rapper Quavo, A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory), and The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) are seen in the crowd.
The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) retain the World Tag Team Championships against The Judgment Day (JD McDonagh and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) despite Carlito spitting apple into Ivar's face as McDonagh distracts the referee.
Backstage, Ludwig Kaiser catches up with Pete Dunne. All of a sudden, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) shows up, and both of them walk away. Cathy Kelley then interviews Kofi Kingston, who announces that "Atlanta's favorite son" Xavier Woods has come home. Cathy thinks it is Austin Theory or Cody Rhodes at first until Woods says it is him and that he will beat Rey Mysterio tonight while his family watches in the front row.
Rappers Lil Baby and Killer Mike are seen in the crowd. Meanwhile, there is reserved seating in the front row for Xavier Woods' family.
Rey Mysterio beats Xavier Woods after Xavier Woods finally sees his family in the crowd only for his family - and Lil Yachty - to turn on him. After the match, The Latino World Order (Rey, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro, Zelina Vega) celebrates with Woods' family at the front row. During the match it is announced that Zelina Vega has been transferred to SmackDown.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and tells him that the Helluva Kick was an accident. Rollins agrees, but admits that his relationship with Roman Reigns does not rest well with him. He also says that if it happens again, he will not be so sure. Sami says he understands, and after both men get back on the same page, Rollins tells Sami to get the win against Drew McIntyre tonight.
"Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring along with rapper Quavo. After Jey Uso and Quavo get the crowd fired up for several minutes, Jey Uso thanks the fans. Jey Uso admits that he lost to Gunther, but says he knows he can beat him. He mentions Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and Gunther mentioning him, then says he will win the Royal Rumble, main event WrestleMania and become World Champion.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Lyra Valkyria. Lyra says she is taking the next big fight in front of her and declaring for the Royal Rumble before American Made (Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile) show up. Chad Gable tells Lyra not to get used as champion, as Ivy Nile will take it. Lyra says this is the closest anyone in American Made will get to it, and Ivy Nile threatens to clip Lyra's wings at the Royal Rumble. American Male then run into Alpha Academy (Otis, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri) making a video for social media, and Gable chews them out and says they should be ashamed of themselves before Ivy Nile calls Maxxine Dupri "pathetic."
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez beat Bianca Belair and Naomi following the distraction by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Naomi hits Liv with the split leg moonsault, but Raquel hits her with a Tejana Bomb on the ring apron, allowing Liv to get the pin and the win.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley. Rhea admits her body is banged up thanks to Nia Jax, but she reminded Nia why she is always on top. As Rhea thinks about who might win the Royal Rumble this year, Bayley shows up and says it might be her. Rhea leaves, then Bayley runs into Iyo Sky, who says "See you Saturday."
We look back on Michael Cole's entrance at WrestleMania 27.
Livestreamer Kai Cenat is seen in the crowd.
We hear from Penta, who says that this is only the beginning and that he will become the best in the world by facing the best in WWE. He declares for the Royal Rumble and says that after it is over, he will have his WrestleMania moment.
Paul Heyman heads to the ring. Heyman announces that Roman Reigns will be the cover athlete for WWE 2K25 and that Roman can handle the responsibility of being the cover athlete, then announces that Roman Reigns will take back the Undisputed WWE Championship like he took back his ula fala. Heyman then announces that Roman Reigns will be in the Royal Rumble. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre shows up and says Heyman should love him due to all the success that he has gotten, as he considers himself "the daddy of The Bloodline." McIntyre talks about how he won the Royal Rumble in 2020, beat Brock Lesnar to become WWE Champion at WrestleMania, and how Lesnar left Heyman at sea to swim to shore and become Roman's wise man. He says that because of this, Heyman is on the corner of the cover art, and that Heyman should be thanking him. Heyman thanks him, but tells him he is crowding him right now. McIntyre apologizes and backs off, then asks Heyman to tell "[his] boy" that he will target him and beat him within an inch of his life before he eliminates him at the Royal Rumble. Heyman says he will pass the message on to Roman, but McIntyre stops him as he decides to leave. McIntyre says he was not talking about Roman, but about CM Punk. He then lets Heyman leave.
Drew McIntyre beats Sami Zayn after avoiding the Helluva Kick and using the ropes for leverage on the stack-up pin. After the match, McIntyre attacks Sami from behind as Sami argues with the ref. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes runs in and fights McIntyre, and when Sami goes for the Helluva Kick, he accidentally hits Cody. Kevin Owens then shows up, looks at Sami, then rolls out of the ring.
We see Roman Reigns on the set of the WWE 2K25 commercial shoot.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is in the ring. He says that in the last seven months, it is the mindset and the work, not the belt, that makes one a champion, and that he looks forward to Royal Rumble when he can move past Kevin Owens. Suddenly, CM Punk shows up and says all of this is getting to Cody a little bit, as he knows what the championship can do to a man and that it weighed on him and turned him into something he did not want to be around the 300-day mark. He says that Cody wants to do it all, but nobody is Superman. Cody says he considers CM Punk a friend, and CM Punk agrees, saying he will always be Cody's friend partly because of a promise to his father and partly because he loves him. He feels like he let him down, but admits that nobody could have prepared Cody for this. Punk says that when you are champion, there are no friends, and heavy is the head that wears the crown. Cody mentions that last year, Punk had a prediction that had a lot of truth to it, and asks Punk what is next for him. Punk says that in the short term, he gets to sleep in his own bed tonight, but he may not sleep at all due to the day ahead. He says that even if he is lucky enough to spend time with his wife and daughter, he will still be focused on Royal Rumble, and even if Cody can get past Owens, there is the next show, and there is the sacrifice. Punk says this means something to guys like them, but somebody will be on the way up while Cody is on the way down. Punk says that this is the good news, and that the bad news is that this somebody is him. Punk says that since he is his one true friend, he will stab him in the front. Cody says that when he came into the wrestling business, everyone chased CM Punk down in OVW, and even when Punk was gone, that chase never ended. He then says that in that time, the relationship has changed, because Punk is now chasing him. Cody tells Punk he hopes that he wins the Royal Rumble, because he wants him to catch up. Punk stops Cody says a lot of men have hoped it is him that catches them, but there are a graveyard of careers who wanted him to until they did. Cody stops Punk and says he wants Punk to win so he can see the look on his face when the best in the world finds out he is not the best in the world anymore.
We hear from The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne, Mother Wayne, Kip Sabian), Toni Storm, "The Glamour" Mariah May and Samoa Joe at the start of tonight's show.
Samoa Joe beats "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne. Before the match, Hook and "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata show up as The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, Nick Wayne, Mother Wayne, Kip Sabian) before standing in Samoa Joe's corner. At the end of the match, Christian and Sabian get on the ring apron only to get pulled down and beaten up by Hook and Shibata as Samoa Joe wins with the Muscle Buster.
"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada beats Komander. After the match, Okada shakes Komander's hand, then attacks him from behind before leaving.
Backstage, "The Redwood" Big Bill throws a brick at Powerhouse Hobbs before brawling with him. Security eventually shows up to restore order.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews The Costco Guys (Big Boom AJ and Big Justice). All of a sudden, Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly) shows up, and Adam Cole shows up to do a "Boom!" with AJ and Big Justice. Undisputed Kingdom gets five big booms.
Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) beats Daniel Garcia, "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard and "Cool Hand" Angelo Parker in a trios match. During the match, Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) is seen mouthing off at Garcia at ringside. Both teams shake hands after the match.
Backstage, we hear from "Platinum" Max Caster. Caster says that both Anthony Bowens and "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn have turned their backs on him in front of the whole world. He says the response has been overwhelmed and that he has realized that he is a survivor, then announces his open challenge series. He wants to see who can survive "The Best Wrestler Alive" and see who else is a survivor, because while there are some great wrestlers in the locker room, they cannot be him.
We see a vignette for Hologram in the form of computer code.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Top Flight (Darius Martin, Dante Martin, Leila Grey). Dante says they cannot find Lio Rush or Action Andretti anywhere, and Darius says this is no surprise, saying that Lio became part of the group thanks to Dante and that while Action Andretti held it down when Dante was gone and almost got them to the trios titles when he returned, Lio left him high and dry when he was gone. Darius says he now has to clean the mess that Lio started up, and challenges Lio to a one-on-one match.
Tony Schiavone moderates a face-to-face meeting between "The Glamour" Mariah May and Toni Storm. Mariah shows up first, followed by Toni. Toni offers to shake Mariah's hand, but Mariah flatly refuses. Mariah says that when she looks at Toni, she sees nothing, and when she thinks of her, she feels nothing, and in the hearts of the fans, Toni is nothing. Mariah calls Toni a joke and a meme that the fans laugh at before forgetting about her, just like she knew they would, and admits she does not and has never cared about Toni, who she calls "the easiest, dumbest pawn" that she used to dominate the game, and if she has to remind her again at Grand Slam Australia, so be it, because as good as she feels right now, she will get off humiliating her in her hometown. Toni says that she is Mariah's biggest fan and that she has seen everything Mariah has done, and calls her "amazing" and "an inspiration," and says that one day, she wants to be just like her. Toni then hugs Mariah, who then slaps her. Mariah tells Schiavone to get out of the ring before hitting Toni with the Women's World Championship while two referees and two security guards tell her to stop. Mariah then spits on Toni, who then grabs the microphone as two more security guards tell Mariah to leave. Toni suddenly says that she has not forgotten, then removes hasks Mariah what makes her think that their dance is done. She says that she will feel every scar and drop of blood forever, but now, it is her moment in the sun. Toni says the hardest role one will ever play is one self as she strips down to her "Timeless" gimmick, and that the fans have witnessed the performance of a lifetime. She says Mariah may be "the woman from Hell," but she came from her womb, and she will shove her back up there and spit her out, for she is "Timeless" Toni Storm and she is going to "rip [her] tits off."
We see footage of Renee Paquette's interview with Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli for AEW Close Up on YouTube.
Brody King and Buddy Matthews - now known as the Hounds of Hell - beat Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona).
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Harley Cameron and The Costco Guys (Big Boom AJ and Big Justice). As Harley is about to sing, The Vendetta ("The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo) shows up, and Taya Valkyrie says that they are not going to listen to "a Tiktok family" and a wrestler going after the TBS Championship who cannot even win on TV. Purrazzo says she will win tonight's four-way match.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Penelope Ford and Thunder Rosa. Rosa says Daily's Place is the heart of AEW and reminisces about the great matches that she had there, but Penelope says this is the present and that it is time that AEW saw the real star in her, and if she has to tear apart Thunder Rosa to show it, she will. Thunder Rosa takes this as a challenge, and Penelope Ford challenges her to a match and promises to put her in the ground and have something to reminisce about. Thunder Rosa sarcastically tells Penelope that she will make it very fun and very memorable.
Yuka Sakazaki beats "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo, Serena Deeb and Queen Aminata in a four-way TBS Championship qualifier match. During the match, Harley Cameron shows up and makes the save for Yuka when Purrazzo and Taya Valkyrie go for a double-team vertical suplex on her. Harley hits Taya with a step-up enzuigiri, but Purrazzo hits Harley with a pump kick. Purrazzo soon goes for the Fujiwara Arm Bar on Yuka, but Yuka reverses with a La Magistral Cradle to win.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews The Hounds of Hell (Brody King, Buddy Matthews, Julia Hart). Buddy says that when they bark, they bark together. Suddenly, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada shows up and laughs at Buddy before telling him "You bark like a bitch." Buddy immediately challenges Okada to a match for the Continental Championship, but Okada flips him off and says no. Buddy retorts "I guess you're the bitch, then." Okada says "I'm no bitch!" after The Hounds of Hell leave.
"The Redwood" Big Bill is in the ring. He says that if Powerhouse Hobbs wants to assault him in the parking lot, then tonight, he will make sure Hobbs gets locked up for what he did. Big Bill mocks Hobss talking about where Daily's Place was where it all began for him, then tells him to take his bum knee and get into the ring so he can finish it. Hobbs shows up and manhandles the security guards in front of him as well as the ones that show up afterwards, then gets in the ring and brawls with Big Bill. Big Bill kicks the hurt knee, then kicks Hobbs in the face before hitting him with his backpack on the stage. Inside the backpack is a several items, including a pair of handcuffs, bricsk and Hobbs' knee brace. Big Bill bloodies Hobbs' nose with several punches, then the two of them brawl in front of the crwod on the way to the announce table. Big Bill then hits Hobbs in the back with a metal folding chair before continuing to attack him with it on the way back to the stage. Big Bill then grabs the knee brace and mocks Hobbs before throwing it down and punching Hobbs some more. Bill then reas back with a brick before Hoobs kicks him in the groin, hitting him with several knees and belly-to-belly suplexing him off the stage and through a table.
We see footage of Don Callis and his family ("The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita, "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher, "The Machine" Brian Cage, Lance Archer) at Callis' mansion. Callis says that Kenny Omega is not the same man who faded away into the night a year ago and that this Kenny Omega is bloodthirsty and lacks empathy and will not stop until he spills his and the family's blood. He says that Omega's alliance with Will Ospreay must not be allowed. Brian Cage says there is five of them and only two of Omega and Ospreay, but Callis warns him not to sell Omega short and says a barely focused Omega won three world titles in three months. He also implies there is more than just the five of them.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita retains the AEW International Championship against "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata.
"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase is seen entering the building.
Rhea Ripley retains the Women's World Championship against Nia Jax.
Alundra Blayze aka Madusa is seen in the crowd with her WWF Women's Championship belt from the 1990s. WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry is also seen in the crowd.
Jesse "The Body" Ventura guests on commentary for the next match. Comedian and WWE fan Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias is seen in the crowd.
Bron Breakker retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Sheamus.
WWE Hall of Famers Ted DiBiase, Dory Funk Jr. and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan are seen in the crowd.
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels heads to the ring to moderate the contract signing between "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens for their Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Royal Rumble. After the commercial break, the ring is set up for the contract signing, and Shawn Michaels says it is good to be back home in San Antonio, Texas. He says he has one job tonight: to walk out with Cody and Owens' signatures. He says that General Manager Nick Aldis has sent in the closer, and that it is happening tonight. Owens is introduced first, followed by Cody. Shawn says that Cody and Owens have battered each other for months, and that as much as the fans have enjoyed it, he needs their signatures for their match. Cody signs the contract as soon as Shawn presents it. Owens looks the contract over, then brings up Cody mentioning him taking the easy way out before calling him a liar. He says he could have done that at Bash In Berlin, but he cared about their friendship more than Cody ever did. He then accuses Cody of doing the same thing when he left WWE before Cody tells him to shut up. He says that nobody cares about the past or what Owens has to say, and tells him to sign the contract. Owens says that once he signs the contract, he will make it official and he will shut everyone who says he is not the rightful champion up. He says that when he wins the title, everything Cody got when he came back is going to him. Shawn chalks this all up to jealousy, telling Owens that he just sounds jealous. Owens takes this as Shawn siding with Cody and says that Shawn quit when things got tough, and that he made the WWE Championship mean more than Shawn ever did. Owens says that he will give everyone a champion to be proud of, and says the only person losing their smile is Cody. He signs the contract, then the two WWE Championship belts are hung above the ring. Shawn wishes both men good luck, then shakes hands with Cody after Owens refuses. Owens then hits Cody with a cheap shot, and when he goes to attack Shawn, Cody makes the save, and Shawn hits Owens with Sweet Chin Music.
Before the next match, Jacob Fatu says Braun Strowman may be tough, but he has never been in the ring with someone like him and he is about to beat his ass from post to post on NBC from coast to coast.
Braun Strowman beats Jacob Fatu by disqualification after Fatu shoves the ref out of the ring to repeatedly hit Strowman with hip attacks in the corner. After the match, Fatu tosses a metal folding chair into the ring. The referee has to call for SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, referees and security to get in the ring only for security to get laid out. It is then revealed that Strowman is bleeding from the mouth. Jacob Fatu hits Braun Strowman with a moonsault in the middle of the ring, and Tama Tonga has to get in the ring to get Jacob Fatu to calm down. This leads to Fatu hitting Strowman with another moonsault, and Tonga has to get Jacob out of the ring as the fans chant for Jacob. Halfway down the ramp, Jacob gets back in the ring and hits yet another top rope moonsault on Strowman, and Tonga has to get him out of the ring again.
WWE Hall of Famers Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard are seen in the crowd.
We see footage of Triple H inviting iShowSpeed to stream at Royal Rumble.
Gunther retains the World Heavyweight Championship against "Main Event" Jey Uso.
Dustin Starr interviews AJ Francis at the announce desk. He calls Joe Hendry and Big John Dalton "a consequence of their own actions" for messing with him, then introduces his own "Million Dolla Championship" and proclaims "the biggest, baddest mane in Memphis." He says that Big John Dalton deserves nothing due to getting all his support from the fans, then Big John Dalton shows up and says Memphis Wrestling is his house before mentioning his 2024 accomplishments. After calling AJ Francis out for his actions at the Grind City Rumble, he challenges him to a match. Francis tells Big John Dalton he knows nothing about money, and tells him he is "too broke" to be Million Dolla Champion and to keep money on his mind before hitting him with the belt.
The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamont) retain the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships against The Righteous Path (Brother Bruce and Morrow) after Barnabas shows up to call out "Reverend" Ash Taylor and after a woman in a leather mask made of faces shows up and snaps Jackson Crowley out of Sister Asa's trance.
We hear from Violent J, who says he is here to make Juggalo Championship Wrestling's presence known by bringing its Tag Team Champions - JP and Tommy Grayson - The Backseat Boys - to the ring for in-ring action next week.
We hear from Draco, who brags about crushing Gio Savage's championship dreams before declaring that their war has just begun. He says that Savage and the whole world will know why he is who he says he is.
"The Problem" Aaron Roberts quickly retains the Memphis Wrestling Heritage Championsip against Allister. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Justin Case at the announced desk. He says that Roberts cannot be controlled because he is angry and that the fans make his angry, and says that this is an example of what will happen to "The GunShow" Brett Michaels. As the fans chant for GunShow, Roberts says the chants will only make things worse for him, then says that the Heritage Championship makes him the best in Memphis. He says that GunShow has him at Superbout, but it will not be sunshine and rainbows until then.
We hear from Big Nasty Phil and "Main Event" Bradley. Phil says that they will get a shot at the Juggalo Championship Wrestling Tag Team Championships and they will destroy "[Violent J's] boys." Bradley says that they are "done with these clowns," then takes a drink of orange Faygo before spitting it out in a nearby trash can.
Dustin Starr interviews Diana Taylor at the announce desk. Diana Taylor calls the Championship Scramble Match for the Women's title was very competitive and that the other women in the match deserve their flowers as well, then Erica Torres shows up. Torres calls "Diarrhea Taylor" a crook and a shyster who paid off the referee and claims that the fans personally witnessed her be the first to jump on and pin C-Rex before Makkari Kandy and J. Webb show up. Makkari says she was also part of the pin and that she wants a title shot as well, then Xya Wolf shows up also wanting a title shot.
Next week: The Cobra Cup tournament begins with two Fatal 4-Way matches - a Blue Match and a Red Match. The winners of these matches will face off for the cup at Superbout.
We see footage of Joe Hendry with the fans at the WrestleCenter.
Erica Torres beats Makkari Kandy and Xya Wolfe by submission with a modified single leg crab on Makkari Kandy.
We hear from Sycho Simon, who says that there is a still heart left in Derrick King's body and that if there is to be a match, there must be no rules and only a pinfall. He tells Derrick King to bring everything he has, because he is going to kill him, pin him and get rid of him forever.
Big John Dalton beats AJ Francis with a schoolkid pin after K-Toomer shows up with a box of Cheez-its and starts throwing bags of Cheez-its to the fans.
Joe Tessitore interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in the ring to start tonight's show. Cody considers Shawn Michaels the perfect person to moderate the contract signing for his and Owens' Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship and says he has no problem handing his championship to him. He then says that it is important how one walks into and main events WrestleMania, and that one should have the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cody admits that Kevin Owens elicits a mixed bag of emotions and is capable of more than people think, but when given the choice between the easy way out and the hard way, Owens usually chooses the easy way. He states that with a ladder match, there is no referee who can stop them, as it is all about who can climb the ladder and take the championship first. Cody admits that he appears to be a good guy, then lists off the people he has recently beaten as champion and reminds everyone that he can be as mean as he can get before wishing Kevin Owens good luck.
Backstage, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) meet with #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), and Johnny Gargano mentions that he has a match with Apollo Crews tonight. Ciampa tells Pretty Deadly to handle their business, and Gargano tells them to do what it takes to get the job done against The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). #DIY leave, then Pretty Deadly run into Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Angel, Berto) and have a brief staredown before they walk on.
The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince).
Backstage, The Miz meets with General Manager Nick Aldis and finds out that he has been transferred to SmackDown. Miz realizes that Karrion Kross got him moved to the brand along with The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross), and Aldis advises Miz that he should make some new friends quickly.
We see a video package for Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu at Saturday Night's Main Event.
Kevin Owens suddenly shows up wanting to know where his interview is and says that Joe Tessitore is making him miss Michael Cole, who he says is kissing Pat McAfee's ass like everyone kisses "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' ass. He then asks why everyone wants to be Cody's friend only to be used by Cody before stating that he will be the rightful WWE Champion after Saturday Night's Main Event. He then has an argument with Matthew McConaughey before Jimmy Uso shows up. Owens wants to know why Jimmy is here, and Jimmy says it is because Owens talks too much before smacking him and nearly hitting him with the Uso Splash. When Owens retreats, Jimmy challenges him to a match.
2024 PBR World Champions the Austin Gamblers are seen in the front row. Also, it is announced that Jimmy Uso vs. Kevin Owens is official for tonight's main event.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. He finds out his match with Jimmy Uso is next week and that he will be facing a debuting SmackDown transfer tonight. Carmelo wants to know who this new transfer is, and Aldis says he will find out if he sticks around.
"Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab beat Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes finds out his opponent is Damian Priest. Priest says he is ready to work and ready to punish, much to Carmelo's chagrin.
We see another vignette for Charlotte Flair. She says that confidence is knowing that one is the greatest without having to say that they are. She says that she has created a legacy nobody can touch and that she is back, and says that she will remind everyone who owns the night when she returns at the Royal Rumble.
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring. She says that once again, she is the center of attention when thirty women face each other in the Royal Rumble for a chance to face her at WrestleMania. She says she has beaten last year's winner and that she is not worried, and that her next challenger will be running on Tiffy Time. Suddenly, Rhea Ripley heads to the ring and reminds Tiffany that she is also a champion. Rhea admits she respects what Tiffany did to Nia Jax, but says it will be nothing compared to what she does to her at Saturday Night's Main Event. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae show up, and Nia declares herself for the Royal Rumble, which she proclaims that she will win. She also says she will enter after beating Rhea for her title before taking Tiffany's title back. Bianca Belair and Naomi soon show up, and Naomi declares for the Royal Rumble and states that she will win. Bianca also proclaims for the match and states that she will be the winner. They both agree that one of them will be the winner before Liv Morgan arrives. Liv Morgan shows up with Raquel Rodriguez and makes fun of everyone in the ring before declaring herself and her victory for the Royal Rumble. She also boasts that Raquel will ensure her victory before Rhea Ripley headbutts her. This starts a brawl between everyone in the ring, and General Manager Nick Aldis heads towards the ring before the commercial break.
The Mobley Family are the recipients of the Papa Johns Seat Upgrade.
Nia Jax, Candice LeRae and Liv Morgan beat Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair and Naomi with a crucifix pin from Liv to Bianca.
Backstage, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven are met by "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab, who say that the numbers were evened tonight before Michin tells Chelsea that they have a Women's United States title match next week.
Apollo Crews beats Johnny Gargano with a surprise roll-up as The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) head towards the ring.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu says he is both Godzilla and King Kong regarding his match with Braun Strowman on the way to the ring for the next match.
Actor and comedian Shane Gillman, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, and comedian and WWE fan Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias are seen in the crowd.
Before the next match, LA Knight says that Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu have hell to pay and that tonight, he will give Tama Tonga a BFT and kick Jacob Fatu so hard that there will be no way to stop the shakes, even if that means there is nothing left for Braun Strowman.
LA Knight beats Tama Tonga. After the match, Jacob Fatu attacks LA Knight and throws him at the announce table, then Braun Strowman shows up. Jacob gets in the ring, and Strowman somehow avoids the distraction by Tama Tonga to fend Jacob off.
Backstage, The Miz meets with A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) and says that the three of them will run SmackDown. General Manager Nick Aldis then shows up and tells A-Town Down Under that they are going to Raw, much to A-Town Down Under's excitement and Miz's disappointment.
We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura, who warns everyone who challenges him for the United States title that their efforts will be fruitless and that they will get nothing but a crushed, hurt and shattered body while the title still stays in his hands. He then declares himself for the Royal Rumble and that declares that he will seize victory again, as 2025 will be the year of his conquest beginning with the Royal Rumble.
Damian Priest beats Carmelo Hayes.
Backstage, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) finds out from General Manager Nick Aldis and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) that they have a two-out-of-three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Championships against the Machine Guns at Royal Rumble. #DIY is furious.
WWE Legend Michelle McCool and WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry are seen in the crowd.
Backstage, Damian Priest meets "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and shakes hands with him. Cody welcomes him aboard, and Priest tells Cody that he will see him soon.
Backstage, The Miz tries to start a partnership with Andrade, who leaves after he tells The Miz to let him find someone. Jimmy Uso then shows up on his way to the ring and runs into Carmelo Hayes, telling him that it will take only three moves to beat him. As Jimmy heads to the ring, Carmelo attacks him from behind before officials stop him.
Kevin Owens beats Jimmy Uso. After the match, Owens is about to put Jimmy through the announce table with the package piledriver before Cody Rhodes runs in and fights Owens. Both men continue to go at it as the show ends.
In footage from earlier today, Gia Miller interviews Director of Authority Santino Marella, says there is electricity in the air as well as plenty of surprises. As he leaves, a black SUV pulls up.
Joe Hendry heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He thanks the fans for their support during the uphill battle to become World Champion, then says that he will not only be a fighting champion, but put the title on the line against anyone from anywhere. Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up and congratulates Hendry, then says he has someone who has taken Hendry up on his offer, and in tonight's main event, Hendry will defend against Matt Cardona.
In backstage footage from earlier this week, Eric Young confronts "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander for quitting. Alexander just walks away. Afterwards, we see Steve Maclin talking to Eric Young backstage. Young says he sees something in Alexander and says he is worth saving. Maclin mentions Alexander's actions towards them, TNA and the fans, but Young says Alexander is in a dark place and he plans to pull him up like he did Maclin. Maclin says Alexander is owed nothing, to which Young agrees, then Alexander shows up and says he is not here to make excuses and that he respects both men before thanking them for everything over the years. He shakes hands with Young, but Maclin refuses the handshake.
Backstage, Gia Miller gets an impromptu interview from "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth when "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth shows up, tells Ryan to relax, and says that he will address everything next week.
Before the next match, personal concierge George Iceman stomps his cowboy hat and says that San Antonio, Texas is trash before introducing Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance.
Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance and Rosemary beat Masha Slamovich and Spitfire (Jody Threat and Dani Luna) in a six-Knockout tag team match after Cora Jade shows up and hands Masha Slamovich a pink envelope containing a photo of Masha with a red X across it. This distraction allows Ash by Elegance to shove Dani Luna into Masha and roll her up for the win.
The Northern Armory ("The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander, Judas Icarus, Travis Williams) heads to the ring. Alexander addresses quitting TNA at Genesis, then thanks TNA for giving him the opportunity to address everything. He says he has been a wrestler for 20 years, and for every moment, he has prided himself on being unbreakable and giving all he has in the ring. He admits that he broke at Genesis after throwing everything he could at Mike Santana only for it to not be enough, and that he does not like who he has been for the past few months. Alexander says that he does not want to be remembered this way after his time in TNA has come to an end and that his six-year-old son only knows him as a TNA wrestler. He then talks about how he became a fan of TNA in 2002 when he was just fifteen years old, and that his time in TNA over the last six years have been a dream come true. Alexander then says it is time to step away. He tells Judas Icarus and Travis Williams that they have all the talent in the world and that he saw that talent, and that The Motor City Machine Guns also saw that talent. He calls them the best up-and-coming tag team, and tells them to do it the right way, as it will be without him. Williams tells Alexander that he cannot leave, and Williams hits him with a chop block before Judas hits him with a shoulder tackle. Eric Young runs out and saves Alexander, then challenges them to a tag team match.
The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat The System (Moose and JDC) despite Alisha Edwards distracting the referee. After the match, the lights go out and "23" shows up. After the commercial break, Sami Callihan is in the ring, demanding to know who "23" is. After the commercial break, Sami Callihan is in the ring, demanding to know who "23" is. Steph de Lander suddenly shows up and says it is her as she walks out with the Digital Media Championship, saying she won it in her divorce from PCO. She then introduces her new boyfriend: Mance Warner, who attacks Sami Callihan from behind with a clothesline before hitting him with the Digital Media Championship. De Lander and Warner then make out in the middle of the ring. (PCO is no longer in TNA, his contract having expired at the end of 2024. Recently PCO has made headlines for taking a sledgehammer to the Digital Media Championship at a Game Changer Wrestling event.)
NXT-TNA Liaison Arianna Grace guests on commentary for the next match.
Nathan Frazer and Axiom retain the WWE NXT Tag Team Championships against The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) after Wes Lee shows up and distract the referee while Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe attack The Rascalz from the outside. For the first time, a WWE championship was defended in a TNA ring.
Mike Santana heads to the ring. He talks about how his father taught him to be a man of his word and how he has been exactly that, and mentions his big win against "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander at Genesis. He says that Alexander not only passed the torch to him, but also said "I Quit," then says that in 2025, the goals remain the same and that he is here to be the best, climb the mountain and become World Champion. As he leaves the ring, Mustafa Ali suddenly shows up with his Secret Service entourage for the first time in months and heads to the ring. Mustafa Ali announces that he has signed with TNA Wrestling and that there is work to be done, as TNA needs great leadership and he is that great leader. He says he wants to give the fans something to truly believe in. He then launches a campaign in which he becomes the next World Champion, then leaves the ring. Mustafa Ali refuses to acknowledge Santana's presence throughout.
Tessa Blanchard heads to the stage. Tully Blanchard is seen in the crowd as Tessa talks about how her family practically owns San Antonio, Texas ever since her grandfather Joe Blanchard brought Southwest Championship Wrestling to national prominence. She says that the Spurs do not count as a professional sports team and that San Antonio is only famous for losing the Alamo, then mentions her father being in the crowd and how her father and grandfather knew there was something in her that could not be taught. She says that thing was greater than any Von Erich, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin or Funk and that they said that she is going to be great. She says not everyone's parents tell their children that, and that a price has to be paid to be great. Tessa then says that the fans will not hear that she is great. She says the standard has just been raised in TNA and that it is time to put up or shut up. She says she took out the trash at Genesis and that it is time to get down to business, and that she answers to no one.
Frankie Kazarian guests on commentary for the next match.
Joe Hendry retains the TNA World Championship against Matt Cardona. During the match, Cardona inadvertently takes out referee Daniel Spencer, and Hendry hits Cardona with the Standing Ovation. Hendry then wills Cardona up, and Cardona hits Hendry with a low blow. Cardona then leaves the ring to grab the World Championship to use it as a weapon, but John Layfield shows up from out of the crowd to hit Cardona with a Clothesline From Hell. Layfield then has a staredown with Hendry before leaving through the crowd. Cardona then hits Hendry with the World Championship. Referee Daniel Spencer comes to, but Hendry kicks out. Cardona tries to use the World Championship as a weapon again only for Hendry to hit him with the Standing Ovation to retain.
Here are the must-see moments from tonight's show!
We hear from Mark Briscoe, who celebrates 100 episodes of Ring of Honor under Tony Khan.
Komander retains the ROH World Television Championship against QT Marshall after Marshall punches Alex Abrahantes in the gut on the ramp. After the match, "Big Shotty" Lee Johnson shows up, wanting to challenge Komander for the title.
Leila Grey beats Marti Belle by submission with a Dragon Sleeper.
The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) beat Rosario Grillo and Jon Cruz.
We hear from Athena, who says that nobody is celebrating episode #100 without her, and says that while she is still on her world tour, she will be back soon to prove why ROH is her show.
The Beast Mortos beats Lord Crewe.
We look back on SHINGO and CIMA vs. "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal from ROH International Challenge from December 22, 2006.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Leila Grey. Leila celebrates her first win of the year and says she is coming out guns blazing and expecting more wins and some championship gold. Leila then says it is time to challenge for something real: the ROH Women's World Television Championship. She says that she sees Red Velvet holding the title and proclaims it is time for a real baddie to take the stand and challenges Red Velvet for the title next week before stating that she will be the one walking out champion.
Taya Valkyrie beats Lady Frost.
Backstage, Jacked Jameson meets with Preston Vance, Griff Garrison and Cole Karter to start a new fraternity group in Ring of Honor. Vance is not exactly sold on it, especially with the "chicks and parties" stuff. Jameson says that is just part of it and that the three of them are lost in the shuffle, that they just need some focus and guidance, and that he can help get them there. Garrison says they will get back to him, then band together. The three of them agree that they do not like Jameson, but also agree to hear him out. Vance says they will think about it and will meet with him next week, although all three men still want to beat him up.
Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona) beat Jay Lucas and Terry Yaki.
Backstage, we hear from "The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, who congratulates Ring of Honor on reaching 100 episodes.
"The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata beats Shane Taylor. After the match, the rest of Shane Taylor Promotions ("Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) attack Shibata before holding him down so that Shane Taylor can knock him out. Shane Taylor gets a metal folding chair, but as he is about to lay Shibata out, Daniel Garcia shows up. He stops short of entering the ring before Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) join him. Shane Taylor Promotions retreats as soon as all four men get in the ring.
Backstage, Don Callis puts "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita on a pedestal and says "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata is not better than Takeshita, and challenges Shibata to a match against Takeshita on AEW Collision.
