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.
Backstage, David Marquez interviews Bad Dude Tito and Slice Boogie. Tito says Slice loves to run his mouth and act tough, but he has gone through guys like Slice on the way to matches. He also says that Danny Limelight is not here anymore and that there will be no controversy or scandal when he beats him tonight. Slice says that Tito is salty with Che Cabrera and is taking his anger out on the younger wrestlers, then says that this is a showcase for the best and that he will walk all over Tito.
Jordan Cruz retains the UWN World Championship against BYP. After the match, Jordan Cruz says he lets the results speak for themselves and says that regardless of the size of the opponent, he is not going to lose.
The Red Carpet Rumble is coming on August 9th!
"Poppin'" EJ Sparks beats Joey Lancaster.
We see a vignette for Delirium (Slade and McCalleon).
"All Day" Will Allday vs. "Platinum" Max Caster from Gotham Wrestling is replayed.
We hear from Bateman, who wants to know who Ray Jaz thinks he is. He says he had plenty of business left with Evan Daniels until Ray Jaz put his hands on him, and says that Ray Jaz has made a mistake. Bateman says he does not give or take quarter, and that he laid him flat. He then says that he is not done with Evan Daniels yet.
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and "Jungle" Jack Perry beat The Lethal Twist (Jay Lethal, "Vanilla Baby" Blake Christian, "Big Shotty" Lee Johnson) in a trios match.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Mina Shirakawa, Harley Cameron and Kris Statlander. Mina tells Statlander that she warned her when it came to Hikaru Shida, then says she has never won championship gold in AEW and that she is ready to fight. Statlander says she is also ready and that she has beaten her once before, and while Mina needs this, she was made for this. Harley says she will be guesting on commentary, and she wants a good clean fight as the best woman wins, then mentions that she has her Survival of the Fittest qualifying match and that she will be facing one of them soon. Mina and Statlander then shake hands.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Hikaru Shida. Shida says she is already in the Survival of the Fittest match and that everybody who tried to embarrass her will now have to face each other to get in. Shida then says she will win the Survival of the Fittest match, then TBS will stands for "The Best is Shida."
Harley Cameron guests on commentary for the next match.
Kris Statlander beats Mina Shirakawa in a Survival of the Fittest qualifier after reversing a crossface attempt into a successful pinfall attempt. Both women shake hands after the match, and they and Harley Cameron hug in the center of the ring.
We see a commercial for The Bang Bang Gang's (Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, Colton Gunn, Ace Austin) "Spay and Neuter Center for Lost Dogs" Juice Robinson says The Dogs' (Clark Connors and David Finlay) visit is booked and that either they face them or they will make a home visit, and that either way, they are getting snipped.
We hear from "Jungle" Jack Perry, who talks about how Zack Sabre Jr. went out of his way to make him feel welcome in Japan early in his career and even shared a few adult beverages together. He then asks Zack Sabre Jr. to wrestle him next week on Dynamite so he can test himself before the two of them have another round of drinks where the tab is on him, because the winner should always pay.
The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) beat Fly Def (Warren Johnson and Zack Mason). After the match, MVP says that this match was a commercial for The Hurt Syndicate with all their finest skills on display, as they are merchants of misery and purveyors of pain. He then says they are not interested in competing for championship gold, but for money, then says that The Hurt Syndicate are business men in the business of hurt who are neither friend or enemy with anybody. He then says that if one wants somebody beaten up properly, all one has to do is bring the money and they will bring the pain. MVP then says that The Hurt Syndicate is open for business, and lets the fans in attendance make it known that they hurt people.
Backstage, we hear from Skyflight (Christopher Daniels, Scorpio Sky, Darius Martin, Dante Martin). Christopher Daniels says that they are all about facing the best competition, and tonight, Dante Martin will go one-on-one with one of the best wrestlers in the world in Mistico. He also says that one of his favorite tag team partners is coming back from injury: Matt Sydal, who has not been seen in AEW in two years. Sydal shows up, and Daniels tells Sydal that whatever path he takes, Skylfight has his back. Sydal says that he had a hard recovery, but he will take things to higher heights than ever seen before.
Backstage, Nigel McGuinness interviews Tommaso Ciampa and Chris Jericho in the ring. Ciampa enters the ring first, followed by Jericho. Jericho tells Ciampa that he considers him worthy of seeing a more serious version of him, as he knows how good he is and has been waiting to face him. He also says that he knows how smart he is, but asks if Ciampa can say the same about him. He says that Ciampa can list his accolades, but he has no way of knowing which version of Jericho he will get and that all of them will kick his ass. Ciampa says that this is the version of Jericho that he wanted from the beginning and that he wanted this match for a very long time. He then says that he has an idea, and that at Beach Break on July 8th, they will have a match, and Jericho will either prove who he says he is or prove that Ciampa is better than him. Jericho accepts the challenge, then says that tonight, they fight. Jericho punches Ciampa, and Ciampa has to kick Jericho in the groin as he teases an escape just so he can beat him up around the ring. Ciampa then bites Jericho's forehead before getting him back in the ring to knee him in the head.
We hear from PAC, who hopes that Shota Umino got the message in Japan before inviting him to America to wrestle him with the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship on the line.
Mistico beats Dante Martin.
Backstage, we hear from The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona). Ricochet says that "The Alpha" Konosuke Takehita is not very good at hiding the fact that he is afraid of him and is using the situation with The Don Callis Family as a distraction, and if they met in the ring, he would beat him for the AEW International Championship. He demands that Takeshita face him in the ring and put the title on the line. Ricochet then mentions that Matt Sydal is back, and tells Sydal to meet him in the ring when he remembers how to wrestle so he can give him some airtime.
Backstage, we hear from The Dogs (Clark Connors and David Finlay), and Finlay asks Adam Copeland and Christian Cage who they think they are before asking them what they could possibly teach him that he has not already learned from his father. Clark Connors tells Copeland and Christian to bring everything they have when they face them, then Finlay says they have taken everything they have ever wanted and that they will take the AEW World Tag Team Championship at Forbidden Door.
Jon Moxley guests on commentary for the next match.
PAC beats Jay Alexander by submission with the Brutalizer.
Backstage, we hear from Thunder Rosa, who says that she has been in CMLL for a while but has been paying attention to what is going on in AEW. She is impressed with The Divine Dominion's (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross) Women's World Tag Team Championship reign, but she loves a challenge, and says she wants to face them for the title, saying it took a hundred days for them to build a legacy and only one day to lose it.
Zack Sabre Jr. beats Adam Priest by submission.
Backstage, we hear from The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross). Bayne says that she put Thunder Rosa through a lot when she debuted, and that she will put her through even more. Kross introduces herself to Thunder Rosa, saying that her heaven is Thunder Rosa's hell. Bayne tells Thunder Rosa to find a partner in CMLL just so she can regret facing the two of them. Kross says that Thunder Rosa is just another sacrifice on their altar.
Backstage, we hear from Chris Jericho, who thanks Tommaso Ciampa for the baeting he gave him, then says that Ciampa will not be thanking him for what happens now.
Backstage, Derrick King and "The Gift" Ray Sanders try to come up with a third man. Sanders asks if King has an idea, and King says that he has an idea, but he might not like it.
Dustin Starr interviews Big John Dalton at the announce desk to start today's show. Big John says he is here today to kick some butt, then "Slick" Nick Scott suddenly shows up and says he liked Big John a lot more when he was at home taking care of his daddy. Big John Dalton immediately takes offense to this and slaps Slick Nick, and this leads to a match.
Big John Dalton beats "Slick" Nick Scott after countering a neckbreaker with the Bam Bam Slam. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Big John Dalton again, and Big John Dalton says that this and every match afterwards is both for the fans and for Big Daddy, and that the WrestleCenter is his house and he is coming for championship gold.
It is announced that highlights of Kick Ass Wrestling are now available on the Memphis Wrestling YouTube Channel. We also see a a video package of KAW footage. (Kick Ass Wrestling would eventually become Memphis Championship Wrestling and become part of the WWF (now WWE) developmental system.) We then see a message from Kick Ass Wrestling founder Terry Golden, saying he chose to walk away on his own terms and that he wanted better for himself and his children. He announces that he will be here next week "with some of his old, broken down buddies" "who were kicked to the side" and that the blood will be all over the WrestleCenter.
We hear from Xya, who says that if Raven Black and Bobbi Thunder wants a fight, she will get it, and that she has friends, too.
We hear from Ally X (formerly Mama Ally and Mama Money), who says that "Mama Money" is gone and that the fans . She says that "Ally X" is here and that she is here to fight, and calls out anybody who wants to fight here so she can beat them in the middle of the ring. When Ally X heads to the ring, her open challenge is answered by C-Rex.
C-Rex quickly beats Ally X.
Backstage, Big Vito and The Hollywood Clique ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock and Secret Service) look at the portraits on the wall. Big Vito says that King Cobra is going to go, and after he and The Hollywood Clique take over Memphis Wrestling for good, the portrait of King Cobra is going in the dumpster. After the commercial break, Blaylock looks forward to firing a whole bunch of people and bring in a whole new regime, and Big Vito hopes that Blaylock is ready for a big takeover as he also reminds Blaylock not to screw him.
Warwolf (formerly Bruce) beats Notorious Bradley with a schoolkid pin after Marrow scares Ruffshot Lamonte to the back.
It is announced that Kevin and Gavin White beat The Bizness Dawgs (Tim Grind and Lil' Homie) for the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships in Jackson, Tennessee and that there will be more details about this next week.
We see a man dressed as a clown make a balloon animal before popping it with a pin and waving hello to the camera before laughing.
Dustin Starr interviews Marko "Hangtime" Harris at the announce desk. Marko Harris says that he did what he said he would to VaShawn Harvey in Jackson, Tennessee, and now he wants Marko Stunt.
Marko "Hangtime" Harris beats Marko Stunt by disqualification after VaShawn Harvey runs into the ring and attacks Marko Harris before hitting him with the Memphis Wresting Internet Championship. Marko Stunt then hits Marko Harris with a shiranui.
We see a video package honoring the career of "The Best of the Best" Austin Lane, who is now retiring. Dustin Starr then interviews Austin and his wife, Nikki Lane, at the announce desk. Austin talks about how he watched Memphis Wrestling with his grandmother every Saturday morning and dreaming of being a wrestling superstar. He says that he met his wife and a lot of fans along the way and even had a few rivalries along the way in his 28-year career. He admits that when Memphis Wrestling was no longer on television and was dying as a result, he was ecstatic to see Dustin Starr and Matchmaker King Cobra bring it back. He mentions his accomplishments in Memphis Wrestling, then says that his neck is broken and that he no longer has feeling in his hands. Austin Lane thanks the fans for standing behind him and his wife for the last 28 years and says it was worth every minute, and says that he and his wife were the best of the best before thanking the fans. Tim Bosby suddenly shows up and asks who gives a damn if Austin Lane is retiring, and says he dropped Austin Lane on his neck multiple times before saying he is the new "best of the best" and that Austin is not the best wrestler in his marriage. Austin Lane slaps Bosby, and Bosby kicks him in the gut before sending him into the ring post. Bosby then grabs a metal folding chair, and when Nikki Lane tries to stop him, Bosby shoves her ot the side before wrapping the chair around Austin Lane's neck. Mike Anthony shows up as Bosby is on the second rope, and Bosby retreats as the show ends.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther in a commercial-free match. Sami Zayn is the special guest referee for this match. During the match, Gunther gets angry with Sami for pulling him away from a sleeper hold when Cody grabs the bottom rope. Gunther responds by kicking Sami in the gut and powerbombing him with Sami slaps him for shoving and piefacing him, and a second referee soon shows up. When Gunther hits a powerbomb followed by a stack-up pinfall attempt later in the match, Sami pulls the second referee out of the ring and gets angry with Gunther, but lets the match continue. Cody Rhodes then hits a Super Cody Cutter, and when he goes for a Sunset Flip, Gunther grabs the top rope only for Sami to kick Gunther's arms off of the rope and make a fast count, allowing Cody to win and retain. After the match, General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and argues with Sami Zayn.
Backstage, Gunther, Sami Zayn and General Manager Nick Aldis argue with each other while "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads back to the ring and grabs a microphone. Cody then demands that the Undisputed WWE Championship be restarted right now, and when Sami Zayn does not want to do it, Gunther throws Sami Zayn into the wall, then heads to the ring with the second referee. Cody Rhodes is soon able to put Gunther in a sleeper hold, but Gunther escapes to lock in one of his own. Cody punches his way out of the sleeper, then goes for his own sleeper. Gunther escapes and locks in another sleeper. Gunther backs into the corner, and Sami Zayn runs into the ring and hits Gunther with a Helluva Kick. This ends the match, and Sami punches the referee and takes the Undisputed WWE Championship and argues with Gunther. When Cody grabs Sami from behind, Sami hits him with the championship. When Cody grabs Sami from behind, Sami hits him with the championship. Sami is distraught again, and he throws the title down and loses all composure before leaving the ring and tearing a "Sami Sux" sign to pieces on the way out.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim. Cargill says that she does what she wants and that the three of them run the division. The three of them have plans for Tiffany Stratton, and Cargill wants Tiffany to put the United States Women's Championship on the line so she can take it like she did the last one: easily.
Backstage, Gunther accuses General Manager Nick Aldis of screwing him out of being champion twice and tells him to do his job. He then demands another Undisputed WWE Championship match at Night of Champions.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu meets up with Solo Sikoa, who does not want to rejoin The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu). Jacob just wants to make sure nobody interferes in Jey Uso's match tonight, and that he knows Solo is about to make the wrong decision and is running out of time to make the right choice. Jacob leaves, then Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga show up, and Solo says that the two of them will win the WWE Tag Team Championships back. When he says they should do it as a family, Tama tells Solo to stay backstage, as both families' businesses are about to clash and there is no telling who will follow Solo. Talla says the tag team titles, not The Bloodline, is their problem.
We hear from Blake Monroe, who writes about Giulia in her diary before stating that there is a starring role waiting to be filled. Blake Monroe is coming soon to SmackDown.
Damian Priest and R-Truth retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga). During the match, Solo Sikoa shows up, much to Talla Tonga's surprise, and Priest attacks Solo before narrowly avoiding a choke slam into the commentary table by Talla Tonga, who soon hits the ring post. R-Truth then goes for a schoolkid pin on a distracted Tama Tonga, and he wins and retains for his team. After the match, Tama and Talla walk away from Solo Sikoa.
Backstage, Sami Zayn talks to a planking Johnny Gargano while Candice LeRae watches. All of a sudden, General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and chews out Sami for the fast count, and Sami reminds him that he did not ask to be special guest referee and that he tried to call it down the middle, and that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes should be thanking him as he is still Undisputed WWE Champion. He then says he did not ask for any of this and that he is not going away easily.
Backstage, Je'Von Evans interrupts "Main Event" Jey Uso as he talks about his match tonight, saying that he has been a fan of his for years. When he calls Jey "unc," Jey responds by telling him to keep this same energy so he can slap him so hard he makes him his son.
Ricky Saints beats Carmelo Hayes to become #1 contender for the WWE United States Championship after throwing Carmelo crotch-first into a turnbuckle inadvertently exposed by Carmelo before booting Carmelo into the turnbuckle after Carmelo hits him with the First 48.
Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes meets with General Manager Nick Aldis, apologizing for his actions before stating he is tired of Sami Zayn's actions and that he wants to beat both Sami and Gunther at Night of Champions. Aldis makes the Undisputed WWE Championship match at Night of Champions a Triple Threat Match.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair, who says that while she has done it all in WWE, the hunger for championship gold has never faded, and she has proven she is the queen with or without a crown. She aims to win the Queen of the Ring Tournament and hit the fast track to SummerSlam, and she will prove to Liv Morgan why she is queen then, now and forever.
Backstage, Danhausen tries to reprogram The Miz and Kit Wilson back to their old selves when Los Garza demands that Danhausen pay them back for costing them a huge bet for not cursing the Knicks. Matt Cardona comes to Danhausen's rescue, and Los Garza leaves Matt Cardona then briefly turns back into Zack Ryder when he touches Miz and gets zapped.
Backstage, R-Truth is met by Finn Balor. The awkward meeting leads to Damian Priest showing up, and Priest makes it clear that he does not trust Finn Balor.
"Main Event" Jey Uso beats Je'Von Evans to advance to the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu is met by Solo Sikoa, who thinks that Jacob is here to get in his head so that Roman Reigns can get in his business. He says that if Roman wants to mess with his family, then he should come on to Roman's show and mess with Roman's family.
We hear from Giulia, who talks about her international success in WWE before saying that she and Kiana James will see who can survive without the other next week.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton shows up and says that if Jade Cargill wants a title match, she has got it, and she can beat Cargill on her own. Chelsea Green shows up wanting to be friends with Tiffany again, but Tiffany says she will get the job done on her own.
We hear from Liv Morgan, who says that Charlotte Flair's Queen of the Ring run stops here and that Charlotte is the past.
We hear from Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says Women's Tag Team Champions has not been easy, and Paige agrees. Brie says that Bayley and Lyra Valkyria are good, and Paige says they are up to the challenge. Brie says that Bayley and Lyra will go home empty-handed, and Paige says that there is nothing that they cannot handle as champions.
Backstage, we hear from Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid). Jacy Jayne is irritated with being ejected from the ring in their tag team title match. Lainey says that if Brie Bella and Paige are still tag team champions after next week, they will be getting heir rematch.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Jey has just one more match before they finally meet for the Undisputed WWE Championship, but Cody tells Jey not to forget about Oba Femi. Cody leaves, then Jey runs into Sami Zayn, who admits that he has not been doing great and feels that Jey will be King of the Ring, but he will be champion and not Cody. When Sami asks what they will do when that happens, Jey says he will do what he has to do. Sami tells Jey to say hello to his family for him.
Charlotte Flair runs into Jade Cargill, B-Fab and Mcihin. Cargill says that Charlotte only has a match tonight because of Tiffany Stratton, but Charlotte says that she and Tiffany are not friends and tells Cargill to get moving. Cargill and company leave, then turn around and attack Charlotte from behind, hurting her left knee in the process.
Before the next match, Liv Morgan laughs as Charlotte Flair is checked on backstage. After Liv's entrance, Charlotte heads to the ring despite being injured, insisting that she have her match tonight. Liv hits Charlotte with a cheap shot to the knee before the match, and Charlotte has to shove medical staff away as General Manager Nick Aldis tells her not to do this. Charlotte still insists on having the match.
Liv Morgan beats an injured Charlotte Flair by submission with a single leg Boston Crab to advance to the finals of the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
Xia Brookside heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Brookside says the fans act like she did something wrong and committed an unforgivable crime for turning on Lei Ying Lee. She says that The Angel Warriors should have been about her becoming a star, but every single week, it was about Lei Ying Lee. She says she should have done this a long time ago, then says her favorite part in all of this is the look on Lei Ying Lee's face when her whole world was shattered. She says Lei Ying Lee did not see it coming because she is "a dumbass," and at Slammiversary, she will become Knockouts World Champion. Lei Ying Lee shows up and says she treated Brookside like a sister, but now she sees who she really is: a snake and a rat. She says something in Mandarin, then translates herself, saying she will not wait until Slammiversary and do it right now. Brookside tries to run away, but Lei Ying Lee gets her hands on her, and security has to show up and break up the ensuing brawl. Lei Ying Lee soon starts beating up security guards just to get to Brookside, who grabs her by the hair to continue the brawl. Lei Ying Lee soon comes out on top in the brawl. (One of the security guards is played by West Coast independent wrestler Mathias.)
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Mike Santana. Santana says there is a reason he does not trust people and that he should have trusted his gut with "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth, as he would soon show his true colors. Despite Daria Rae making his life a living hell and making it so that he and Nemeth cannot go at it during their match, he knows how to be a pro, and at Slammiversary, he will spin the block on Nemeth and rip the heart out of his chest. KC Navarro shows up and says taht while he understands what is going on, tonight is not about Nic Nemeth, and that Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, John Skyler, Jason Hotch) are going to take advantage of what has been happening. He says that they must coexist tonight. Santana says that he has known Navarro for a long time, and tells him not to forget who is looking out for him.
Mike Santana, KC Navarro and "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth beat Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, John Skyler, Jason Hotch) following a double Rolling Buck Fifty followed by a double Danger Zone on Skyler and Hotch, who both get pinned at the same time by Nic Nemeth and Mike Santana. After the match, "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth shows up and attacks Santana from behind as Navarro gets between Santana and Nic Nemeth, and when Santana goes for a clothesline on Ryan, he inadvertently hits Navarro. Nic Nemeth then hits Santana with a superkick.
Backstage, "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth checks on KC Navarro and tells him not to trust anybody. Nemeth says that Mike Santana should not have hit Navarro as Navarro says that it was all inadvertent, and "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth shows up and says Navarro deserved it. Santana shows up, surrounded by security who have to break up a brawl. Santana checks on Navarro, who tells Santana to get his head in the game.
It's time for The King's Speech. Frankie Kazarian gives a brief history of the Ultimate X Match because the fans in Denver, Colorado "live in the mountains and don't get much information" before saying that the match was made for him and has won more of them than anyone else. Kazarian then introduces Leon Slater, who heads to the ring first, before introducing Cedric Alexander, who heads to the ring second. Kazarian asks Slater how it felt to come up short of making history, and Slater says he would be lying if he said it did not hurt. Cedric laughs and says he is glad it hurt, and Slater threatens to slap the look off his face before telling Cedric that he does not know what it is like to have so many people count on him only to fail. Cedric continues to brag about stopping Slater from having the longest reign with the X Division Championship, then says that he proved that Slater was not on his level and that everyone will remember how he beat Slater and stole his dream. Kazarian has to stop a brawl between the two men when Slater shoves Cedric in response and tell them to save it for Slammiversary, then says that Daria Rae gave him some information on their Ultimate X match: he is the third opponent in the match. He says that it does not matter if Cedric is champion or that Slater was champion, as the king will reign supreme.
As per the Bioflex Injury Report: KC Navarro is in evaluation following his left knee injury being re-aggravated. Lei Ying Lee has suffered a chipped tooth from tonight's brawl, yet remains cleared to compete. The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) are medically cleared to return to action tonight.
We see a Behind The Music-style parody (called "Inside the Music"), where AJ Francis mentions Elijah not wanting to work with him, saying that he was inspired by Suge Knight to ensure that Elijah does not have the rights to his own music, and how he is a music mogul for owning Elijah's music catalog.
Eric Young guests on commentary for the next match.
Ricky Sosa beats Dak Draper in his first match in TNA in three months.
Backstage, The Elegance Brand (The Personal Concierge George Iceman, Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, M by Elegance, Mr. Elegance) knock on Daria Rae's door. The Personal Concierge asks if Mr. Elegance can fill one of the spots for the Ultimate X Match at Slammiversary, and Daria Rae says that Mr. Elegance is in. Suddenly, Indi Hartwell runs into Ash by Elegance. Ash sarcastically wishes Indi luck, and Indi hopes that Ash is watching so she can learn a thing or two.
Backstage, Fabian Aichner asks Director of Authority Santino Marella for a slot in the Ultimate X Match to get revenge on The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Bear Bronson, Cedric Alexander) by beating Cedric Alexander, and he gets it. "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth then shows up and asks if KC Navarro can be part of the match as well, and Santino slots KC Navarro into the match.
Backstage, Gia Miller is interrupted by Mike Santana, who says he is tired of "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth's games before telling Nic Nemeth to meet him in the ring after the main event.
The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Bear Bronson) beat Moose and The Broken Hardys (Brother Nero and "Broken" Matt Hardy) in a six-man tag match after The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) show up with a ladder and distract The Broken Hardys before Alisha Edwards is able to hit Moose with a shinai on the outside.
Mike Santana heads to the ring. Santana calls out "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth so they can handle things man-to-man, but he gets "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth instead. Ryan says Nic is the greatest wrestler in the world and the next TNA World Champion, but Santana says that Ryan's big brother is "a big bitch." This leads to a "He's a bitch" chant when Ryan disagrees, and Santana says he is still waiting. Nic Nemeth shows up and says Santana is "too emotional" and feeding off the people, then gives credit where it is due and says Santana has made the most of his fifteen minutes of fame before stating he is the best and that Santana is on borrowed time. Nic Nemeth states that he will become the TNA World Champion at Slammiversary, which leads to the crowd chanting "You're a bitch" before Santana says Nic is still at the top of the ramp and not in the ring, which makes him a bitch. Santana says he will see Nic Nemeth at Slammiversary, where he will spin the block, rip his head off and remain TNA World Champion.
Lexy Nair interviews MJF and The Don Callis Family. MJF says that the AEW World Championship is the only world title that matters and that he is the best in the world, then mentions everyone he is teaming with - "The Jet" Kevin Knight, Andrade el Idolo, Jake Doyle, Kazuchika Okada, and "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher - and says he is better than all of them. He then says that while everyone else he has mentioned is a star, Mark Briscoe is not, and that he hates Mark because the fans only like him because his brother died and because he is delusional enough to think he can take his title. Don Callis says that his family will be bringing the power tonight, and as he lists who will be in the ring tonight, Andrade wants nothing of a partnership with MJF. Don Callis tells Andrade that he will be a great world champion, "but for now, do the match."
Kenny Omega beats Tony Nese. After the match, Kenny Omega takes the microphone, but he is interrupted by Zack Sabre Jr., Mikey Nicholls and Bad Dude Tito before he can even speak. Omega gets out of the ring and slides the microphone over to the threesome and he walks to the ramp and is soon joined by Jack Perry and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson). Sabre then kicks the microphone back to Omega. Omega addresses Sabre, noting that he has gotten his message loud and clear and that both men have something the other want. He knows Sabre wants to beat him, but he wants to beat Sabre.
Brodido (Brody King and Bandido) beats The Death Riders (Jon Moxley and Daniel Garcia).
Backstage, we hear from "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada. Fletcher says they will be in tonight's main event and Forbidden Door's steel cage match, but they will still be bringing the International Championship back to The Don Callis Family. Okada agrees, As they wonder who will stand across the ring from them, they soon reveal who will not be: Tomohiro Ishii, who the two of them have laid out.
Backstage, we hear from Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa says he has just one reason to hate Chris Jericho, yet he did not always hate him; he used to respect him. He admits he hates what Jericho is now, and wants this Jericho out of his world. He then says that if Jericho still has it in him and considers him worthy, then they can dance. He says the ball is in Jericho's court, and that he should not drop it.
The Dogs (Clark Connors and David Finlay) are met by Adam Copeland and Christian Cage before they can head to the ring, and this leads to a brawl between the two teams that makes its way to the ring. Finlay saves Connors before Copeland and Christian can both rush at him, then Christian says that after what happened a couple of weeks ago, most people are expecting him to say something unsavory about a family member. He then says that even he has standards, and by that, he has never come cross another tag team who are named after their mothers. He also says that if Finlay thinks he is a gift to wrestling, then his father should have let him run down the inside of his leg. Copeland says The Dogs have been on a winning streak lately and why he is jumping and mocking them in order to make a name off of their backs, then says that he and Christian are The Dogs' learning curve. Copeland lists the tag teams they learned and picked intangibles from, then says that at Forbidden Door, he and Christian will use their old man strength, knowledge and grumpiness to make sure they walk out of their house as "housebroken little pups."
Backstage, we hear from Thekla. She says that she did everything Starlight Kid did in Japan, and while Starlight Kid became a hero, she was kicked out and had to go it on her own. Thekla says she does not have to worry about being anybody's favorite wrestler like Starlight Kid does, and tells Starlight Kid to stay in Japan, because she runs AEW on the other side of the forbidden door.
We see a video package for Maya World vs. Athena in the Women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament semi-finals this Saturday on Collision.
Tony Schiavone introduces Will Ospreay followed by Swerve Strickland for a face-to-face meeting. Before introducing Swerve, Schiavone mentions that Ospreay has recently tied the knot with Alex Windsor, who has agreed to postpone the honeymoon so that Ospreay can chase the AEW World Championship. Swerve then shows up with Prince Nana, who makes fun of Schiavone's suit before telling him to get out of the ring and handing the microphone to Swerve. Swerve says it has been a year and that he has been keeping an eye on him, then says Swerve has changed and that he does not like it. Ospreay asks if they have a problem, to which Swerve says yes, as he finds it weird that Ospreay is hanging around Jon Moxley. Ospreay says he has not forgiven or forgotten what Moxley did to him, and that he had to let it go. He says that he and Moxley are training partners, and his neck feel great and his ground game is better. Ospreay mentions everything that happened at All In Texas last year and how Swerve did not help out with taking the AEW World Championship off of Jon Moxley. He asks why Swerve did not help, then smacks the microphone before stating Forbidden Door is bigger than an explanation. He says that Forbidden Door is Swerve's redemption, but it is his destiny. He says that this is the semi-finals for his World Cup and he wants to kick the winning goal at Wembley Stadium, and that Swerve is standing in the way of his dream and will not hesitate to end it. Ospreay says he will end Swerve if he has to, but Swerve says "Not if I do it first." Swerve mentions Ospreay saying that last year was "Hangman" Adam Page's time and how he agreed with him and fought alongside him, then asks where Hangman is now. He says that everything they did off Ospreay's word was for nothing, and that he will not just step aside for him. Swerve says he is done stepping aside to let people take opportunities he deserve and letting veterans step on his time. Swerve says he has made a career out of throwing Molotov cocktails at the system, as has Ospreay, and that the two of them have changed the conversation on what pro wrestling before and they will do it again at Forbidden Door. Swerve then says his victory is certain, as Ospreay has not beaten him in ten years, and when he goes over him to Wembley and wins the AEW World Championship again, Ospreay can challenge him again and get beaten again. He says that Ospreay is not better than him on his worst day with a fragile neck, and Ospreay punches Swerve. Prince Nana hands Swerve a chain, and The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Daniel Garcia, PAC, "The Problem" Marina Shafir) show up. Swerve tells Ospreay that he really ahs changed before leaving with Prince Nana on the ramp.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Chris Jericho. Jericho proposes that he and Tommaso Ciampa meet face-to-face and get serious on Collision.
Backstage, Jon Moxley tells Will Ospreay that words cannot hurt unless one lets them and not to lose control or focus as Ospreay is about to jump Daniel Garcia for mentioning what Swerve Strickland said earlier.
Before the next match, Mark Briscoe says he has heard it all before and that he has some partners in Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong and that Tomohiro Ishii will be back. Kyle O'Reilly mentions that if anyone gets disqualified, they are out of Forbidden Door. Briscoe says that they will have to do things by the book, then introduces someone who wants to get their hands on "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher: "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita. Takeshita says he hates both Fletcher and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, then Briscoe introduces someone who is not fond of MJF or Kevin Knight: Darby Allin, who says that they will win tonight before Mark Briscoe takes the AEW World Championship.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
MJF and The Don Callis Family ("The Jet" Kevin Knight, Andrade el Idolo, Jake Doyle, Kazuchika Okada, "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher) beat Mark Briscoe, The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong), "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita and Darby Allin in a twelve-man tag match by submission with The Salt of the Earth from MJF to Roderick Strong after Don Callis distracts the referee following Mark Briscoe hitting MJF with the Jay Driller. After the match, MJF and the The Don Callis Family goes on the attack, then MJF tells Andrade to get Briscoe up so he can hit him with the Dynamite Diamond Ring. Andrade only does it when Don Callis tells him to, and Mark Briscoe gets dropped by MJF to end the show.
Zaria heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Zaria says that she spent so long in Sol Ruca's shadow that she forgot what the sun looked like, and after setting the women's division ablaze, she is the new Women's North American Champion. She says that she did this all of her own after being overlooked, underestimated and looked past in favor of Sol Ruca, but now, she holds a title, and the power is in her hands. She calls this a course correction, not a dream come true, that she owes nothing to anybody. Zaria then promises that her name will not be in the shadows ever again before Kelani Jordan shows up and congratulates Zaria. Kelani then gives Zaria some advice: enjoy all of this, as the people who chant that she deserves this will switch it up on her before the week is even over, and no matter what she does, it will never be good enough. She tells Zaria to hold on to the Women's North American Championship as tightly as possible, as she may never hold another title again. As Kelani talks about how she only needs one shot to beat Lola Vice and become NXT Women's Champion, Kendal Grey shows up. Kendal says she has already beaten Kelani and that Kelani will be watching her beat Lola Vice to become NXT Women's Champion, and that if Kelani ends up back in her path, she will beat her again. As Zaria complains about somebody making this about themselves, Lola Vice shows up and tells Zaria to get over Sol Ruca, then says she will beat Kendal Grey again. All four women argue, then General Manager Robert Stone shows up. All four women see themselves in a tag team match against each other coming, which Stone more or less confirms.
Tavion Heights beats Jackson Drake in an NXT North American Championship #1 contender's match after Myles Borne stops Brad Baylor and "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes from interfering after Tavion sends Drake flying into the both of them.
In backstage from last week, comedian Matt Mathews, Aaron Rourke, Hank Walker and Tank Ledger meet with General Manager Robert Stone when Birthright (Lexis King, Uriah Connors, Charlie Dempsey, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, Arianna Grace) interrupts. Matt Mathews mocks Birthright when Lexis King thanks Stone for putting Arianna in the Women's Speed Championship Tournament where she will soon be "the fastest woman alive," and the ensuing argument leads to Birthright getting kicked out of the office.
Izzi Dame beats Thea Hail to advance in the WWE Women's Speed Championship Tournament.
Backstage, Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair talk about each others' matches and state that they will both be champions by the end of The Great American Bash. Lola Vice shows up and tells Kendal not to get ahead of herself, and Kendal tells Lola not to hit her on accident again while Wren heads out to ensure she is medically cleared.
Tony D'Angelo meets with Naraku, who has the contract for their match. D'Angelo says he can see through Naraku's nice guy act and knows about his accomplishments as the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon, and says Naraku left Japan for his title. D'Angelo says that Naraku is a man without a family who has moved his life halfway across the world for something he cannot accomplish, and says that the NXT Championship is staying with him. D'Angelo signs the contract after noticing that Naraku has yet to sign, then tells Naraku to get ready for war. D'Angelo leaves, then Naraku says "Evil is coming."
We see a video package for Jaida Parker vs. Nattie in this week's NXT Focus.
Backstage, General Manager Robert Stone is met by Keanu Carver. EK Prosper shows up, and Keanu Carver finds out EK Prosper is his opponent next week. Carver does not think highly of Prosper, and Prosper takes offense to the disrespect as he tells Carver that he will humble him.
Nattie beats Jaida Parker by submission with the Sharpshooter after keeping Jaida away from the ropes.
Backstage, Mason Rook and Lizzy Rain talk about their title aspirations when they run into Tristan Angels shows up and says that he will be representing England properly as Mr. NXT. As Aaron Rourke reminds Tristan that the fans voted for Shiloh Hill, Tristan mentions that if Shiloh cannot perform his duty, the title goes to the runner-up, which he says is worthy of a championship match. Rourke challenges Tristan to a match, reminding Tristan that he has a history of coming up short. Tristan gets angry and leaves, and Rook and Lizzy tell Rourke to kick Tristan's ass.
Arianna Grace beats Layla Diggs with an inside cradle to advance in the WWE Women's Speed Championship Tournament after Layla Diggs takes out the rest of Birthright (Lexis King, Uriah Connors, Charlie Dempsey, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo) with a top rope moonsault to the outside.
Backstage, Romeo Moreno, Noam Dar, Dorian Van Dux and Sean Legacy talk about Noam Dar's new success as a tag team wrestler. Romeo and Noam agree that they make a great tag team, and Legacy believes that he and Dorian make a good tag team.
We hear from Tate Wilder, who says that one cannot grow without risks, but with risks comes consequences. He says that he has yet to get his first win, but he is driven by reward, and he hopes to get that first win and many more.
In this week's NXT Chronicle, we learn more about Saquon Shugars, who talks about his violent upbringing in Washington D.C., the beating he gave Cutler James and Osiris Griffin with a baseball bat, and how he plans to beat Dion Lennox at The Great American Bash. Backstage, Lennox says that Saquon is the one who has made a mistake, and says that he will see Saquon next week.
Lola Vice and Kendal Grey beat Kelani Jordan and Zaria after Tatum Paxley shows up in the front row and distracts Zaria, allowing Lola to get Zaria back in the ring for the spinning back fist and the win. After the match, Tatum attacks Zaria from out of the crowd, and officials have to keep both women apart. Meanwhile, Kelani gets between Kendal and Lola and takes the NXT Women's Championship, and when Kendal takes the title away from Kendal, she knocks out Lola.
Roman Reigns meets with The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) as he heads into the arena. As he three of them head to the ring, they are joined by Jacob Fatu. Eric Andre is seen in the front row in the corner between the ramp and the outside of the ring. Roman Reigns says that the four of them are feeling good, as Jey Uso has made it to the next level, and tells the fans to acknowledge Jey. Roman says there are people who are trying to poke holes and piss him off by seemingly only favoring Jey, saying that if it were not for Jimmy Uso, there would be no Bloodline. He then tells the crowd to acknowledge Jimmy.Roman then address Jacob for not wanting to The Usos. Jacob snatches the microphone from Roman and says that Roman is the only one that he acknowledges. He then slowly hands the microphone back to Roman. Roman says there is no need for "yes men" around here, then calls for somebody to bring a small wooden box with an ula fala in it. Roman takes the ula fala out of the box. Roman says that the locker room is getting scared and knowing that The Bloodline is taking over again, then says The Bloodline has always been here and will be forever, noting past accomplishments and achievements by past members of the Anao'i family. Roman then tells Jacob that he is no longer on the outside and that he is on the inside now, and welcomes Jacob to the family business and to The Bloodline. He then puts the ula fala around Jacob's neck, then all four members gradually raise one finger in the air. Eric Andre is acknowledged by commentary afterwards. When Eric Andre touches Jacob Fatu's ula fala after high-fiving Roman and The Usos on their way out, Jacob attacks Andre, and officials have to stop the beating. Roman gets back to the ring and has to tell Jacob not to do it, then changes his mind and has Jacob hit Eric Andre with the splash from the top rope. Just when it seems to be over, Roman has Jacob Fatu hit Eric Andre with one more top splash, and Jacob obliges.
Iyo Sky beas Raquel Rodriguez to advance to the Queen of the Ring Tournament finals.
Backstage, Liv Morgan says that The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) will be focusing on her and Dominik at this point. Roxanne says that Charlotte will not be at 100% on Friday. Liv Morgan then meets with Danhausen, hoping that he can curse somebody, but Danhausen wants to be part of Liv's music career in addition to wanting a lot of money. Liv walks away.
We see a video package of Danhausen and NBA Champions the New York Knicks, who went all the way after Danhausen uncursed them.
We hear from Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. He says that he brought Bron Breakker into his vision and tries to give him the world, but Breakker took his world from him. He says that Breakker took away the World Heavyweight Championship and months of his career that he will never get back, and says that at Night of Champions, they will settle things in a steel cage.
After meeting with Lyra Valkyria involving a match, General Manager Adam Pearce is met by LA Knight, who says that everything happened as he expected it to regarding The Bloodline, then says that he still does not trust Pearce and that he will do things his way.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Chad Gable. Gable says that after losing the mask and gaining respect for the mask and lucha libre itself, he knows he has gotten a lot wrong and that he has a lot of people to make amends to. He says that he has other people to make amends to after beating Rusev, then heads to the ring, briefly meeting Maxxine Dupri on the way.
Chad Gable beats Rusev by submission with the ankle lock after breaking out of the Accolade. After the match, "All Ego" Ethan Page attacks Chad Gable, and Rusev joins in. All of a sudden, Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee run to the ring. Ethan gets back in the ring after an initial retreat, but Rey and Dragon Lee soon send him packing. Afterwards, Rey and Dragon Lee help Gable up, then raise his hands in victory.
Backstage, Roman Reigns is met by The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso), who want to know what was up with Jacob Fatu earlier. Roman says that they cannot have infighting as everyone hates them, then wants to know why LA Knight has not been handled yet, and wants to sic Jacob Fatu on him. Jimmy says he will deal with Knight.
Lance Corporal Jheyco Borda is hailed as a WWE Hometown Hero for fighting off an attempted carjacking in Oxon Hill in Baltimore. We then see Jheyco Borda in the front row.Middleweight boxer Jalil Hackett and light heavyweight boxer Nasheed Smith are also seen in the crowd.
We hear from Bron Breakker, who says that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins has relied on underhanded tactics to create his career, yet plays the victim. He says that Rollins is a sheep in wolf's clothing, not a visionary, then says he will be locked with him in a steel cage at Night of Champions. He says that in the end, the dog always makes it out of the cage.
LA Knight heads to the ring. He talks about how he ended up laid out on SmackDown and how he was right about The Bloodline, then talks about how he had to get to Baltimore, Maryland. He says that with or without a championship, it is still his game. He says that he has always fought the odds and has never quit or given up because he does not know, then talks about how he is not part of a famous wrestling family before recapping what happened to him on Friday. This leads to Jimmy Uso making his way to the ring and telling him that the past is the past and that things are different, and that Solo Sikoa does not run with The Bloodline. Jey Uso shows up and says that he is better than Jey and that he knocked him out of the tournament, then says that he wants Knight one-on-one Friday and he wants Knight to acknowledge him.Knight wants to make sure that the match is one-on-one, then acknowledges Jey Uso kissing his ass. This starts a brawl, and Jimmy Uso has to superkick Knight as Knight pummels Jey. Jey grabs a chair, but Jimmy stops Jey as Jey is about to go after Knight. Jey goes after Knight anyway, and Knight overpowers Jey and hits both of The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) with the chair. Jacob Fatu then runs into the ring, puts Knight in the Tongan Death Grip, and leaves.
Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) argue when Jacob Fatu says that they did not get the job done and that things had to be done "the OTC way."
We see Alexa Bliss' road through NXT as part of this week's NXT Origins.
Charlotte Flair beats Roxanne Perez by submission with the Figure Eight, despite Roxanne doing damage to Charlotte's right hand throughout the match.
Jackie Redmond interviews Je'Von Evans in the ring. Je'Von says he knows Jey Uso is watching and that he knows Jey Uso has all the experience, but he plans to knock Jey out of the King of the Ring Tournament. All of a sudden, Logan Paul shows up with Austin Theory. Logan is wearing a cast that covers his entire left arm. Logan says he has been watching Je'Von Evans and that Je'Von is "a generational talent," then says Je'Von has untapped potential, then says he cannot be a ruthless killer without the right people. Logan then invites Je'Von to join The Vision (Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Austin Theory), to which Je'Von replies "Hell naw." Logan says that this was a mandate, not an invitation, and Je'Von demands Logan leave the ring. Theory demands Je'Von join, and Je'Von removes his pants to reveal ring gear underneath. Je'Von then calls for a referee, and this leads to a match.
Je'Von Evans beats Austin Theory by disqualification after Bron Breakker shows up and Spears Je'Von out of the air in the middle of an OG Cuter.. After the match, The Vision are about to gang up on Je'Von when The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up. The Street Profits soon clean house and take out Theory and Breakker.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu tells Roman Reigns that LA Knight is handled, and that The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) are not happy about it. Roman says The Usos do not understand, and that as long as they are together, they are understandable. Roman then gives Jacob one more command, to which Jacob says "Say no more."
Next week's show has a special start time of 2 PM Eastern/11 AM Pacific due to being in London, England.
Oba Femi beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio to advance to the King of the Ring Tournament finals after decimatng both him and JD McDonagh. After the match, Oba says he is one match away, and then the ruler will have his crown. He is also surprised that Brock Lesnar did not show up, as he used to look up to him before Lesnar made him question if he is a man at all. Oba then says he knows who he is, and that it is how he will also be he remembered. He says he will be the king while Lesnar will be remembered as the man who ran from Oba Femi.
We see Chris Island be the first person to enter the WWE Performance Center to work out at 6:15 in the morning. He talks about his time in NXT and everything that he had to go through to get to this point, as well as being the first one in and the last to leave, and when asked who Chris Island, Chris says "The hardest worker ever known."
Matt Bloom meets with Kevin Owens, Johnny Gargano, and Booker T for this week. Johnny Gargano gets to work with Jaime Garcia - who has a lot of bad habits out of the independent scene - and Chris Island. (Jaime Garcia later gets a name change to Romeo Moreno.) Kevin Owens gets Nathan Cranton and Mike DeRudder. Matt Bloom mentions that DeRudder has a bit of a. Booker T gets Nikkita Lyons - who asked for Booker T this week - and Zena Sterling, who Matt Bloom feels needs a different voice. Booker T tells Matt Bloom to give him 60 minutes.
We hear from Jaime Garcia, who started out in soccer, but ended up becoming a professional wrestler, and instead of learning English, he went to wrestling school. Jaime wants to pick Gargano's brain and ask a lot of questions, due to working with someone who has excelled at something he wants to excel at. Johnny Gargano thinks that Chris Island has something special and wants him to be himself, and also notes that being one's self sometimes gets lost in the shuffle.
Chris Island beats Jaime Garcia. After the match, Chris Island says that the match felt great, and that whatever happens, happens. Jaime Garcia gets some advice from Johnny Gargano on how to fight from underneath. Matt Bloom tells Chris Island that the man he saw out of him is much better than what he saw in the last match, and tells Garcia not to pander for the people before making the cover.
Nathan Cranton and Mike DeRudder look forward to working with each other. Kevin Owens says that Cranton reminds him of Triple H's blueblood gimmick as he helps Cranton out on becoming more vicious and underhanded.
Mike DeRudder beats Nathan Cranton. Kevin Owens says that while both men are great, he did not feel a whole lot of emotion behind their match. Matt Bloom reminds them that they are "a TV company," and that their faces should be seen on camera while across from the hard cam.
Booker T meets with Nikkita Lyons and Zena Sterling. Booker wants Zena not to act like a wrestler, but to be the wrestler, and not to act, but to react. Zena notes how Booker T perceives certain things in wrestling and notes that Booker can give her pointers that Bubba Ray Dudley may not be able to give her, and says that when Booker T put the finishing touches on their match, things made more sense.
Nikkita Lyons beats Zena Sterling. Booker T likes what he sees throughout the match, but says that Zena's punches could have been better. Zena asks about emotion, and Booker T says that her emotion was "damn near spot on." Zena is glad to have done something different in the ring for the first time, then says she feels more confident and that there is nowhere to go but upwards.
Rex Lawless and Pat Buck beat The Backseat Boyz (JP and Tommy Grayson).
Backstage, Jake Redondo is interrupted by Brett Ryan Gosselin and "D-Man" Dan Parker. Redondo is not in the mood for their arguing, and tells them to kick rocks. They leave, then Redondo says he has been working for over a year and that he has the lottery ticket one does not have to scratch to know that he is a winner.
Sebastian Amor vs. Dan Joseph ends in a double count-out after both men beat each other up on the outside when Sebastian Amor ducks a clothesline and Dan Joseph inadvertently knocks Nat Castle off the ring apron.
Fred Rosser vs. Jordan Cruz for the UWN World Championship from April's Sunday Night Slam is replayed.
Backstage, Javi plans to keep going after his team lost the Five Boroughs Classic. Nick Dos Santos shows up and says that he can beat anybody in the ring before challenging him to a match next week.
Backstage, "D-Man" Dan Parker and brett Ryan Gosselin attack Bam Solomon as he leaves the arena, then throws him - and his suitcase - into a truck and locks him in. The truck then drives off.
"Platinum" Max Caster beats "Mr. All Day" Will Allday after shoving away a hurricanrana attempt from Allday and hitting a top rope elbow drop for the pin and the win.
Delirium (Slade and McCallion) beat Frequency (Honest John and Trinelle).
Backstage, David Marquez interviews Jordan Cruz and The Epic. Cruz says he and The Epic are both muscle, but he is the brains, and Alex Ace is just a continuation of what he has made with The Epic. He says that The Epic is coal he has made into a diamond that will stop Alex Ace tonight.
OXP beats Buck Skynyr.
Backstage, we hear from Fidel Bravo, who says that he has Vinny Pacifico tonight and that he has seen his dirty work. Pacifico shows up and says that while Bravo is good in the ring, he has a challenge against the biggest challenge in Championship Wrestling, and brags that he is taller than Bravo. Bravo says that he has been known for a long time in Championship Wrestling and that he will prove he is "the real short king."
Backstage, Rob McKnight takes a leak, then turns around and says he is excited for Vinny Pacifico in his match tonight before smelling the energy drink can in his hand, implying that he has urinated in it.
Fidel Bravo beats Vinny Pacifico. During the match, Rob McKnight shows up and replaces Vinny Pacifico's can of energy drink with the one that he has compromised, and when Pacifico takes it to the ring and drinks it, he spits it out and realizes what has happened. Fidel Bravo then hits a spinning Falcon Arrow for the win.
"The Anomaly" Alex Ace beats The Epic by disqualification after The Epic shoves the referee away following a five-count in the corner, even after Alex Ace did the same thing just moments earlier. After the match, Alex Ace and The Epic brawl to the point that multiple referees have to get involved, and when Jordan Cruz tells The Epic to get back in the ring and take out Alex Ace, The Epic sends Cruz into the ring instead. Alex Ace soon grabs Jordan Cruz by the neck and choke slams him out of his shoes to end the show. (Christian Rosenberg, Alex Ace's manager, is now known as "The Conscience.")
Galeno beats Galio and Golden Jacket in a handicap match.
Backstage, Dorian Roldan tells Omo that Galeno just won another two-on-one handicap match. Omos tells Roldan to give him three opponents.
El Fiscal, Octagon Jr. and La Parka beat Los Vipers (Abismo Negro Jr., Histeria and Taurus) in a six-man tag match after El Fiscal and Abismo Negro Jr. brawl their way to the back.
Omos beats Chris Carter, Kingu and Daimo in a three-on-one handicap match.
Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana retain the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships against Joaquin Wilde and La Hiedra. After the match, La Hiedra confronts Mr. Iguana and punches him, and when Lola fights La Hiedra, Joaquin Wilde gets involved only to get hit with a spinning back fist. Flammer and Maravilla run in to make the save for La Hiedra, who joins in on a three-on-one beatdown on Lola. Bayley and La Catalina soon show up and make the save for Lola, and Flammer ends up surrounded until Maravilla pulls her out of the ring.
Kenny Omega beats Bad Dude Tito. After the match, Omega says it has been a week, and that his next action is to get back to the top. He says he could make it back in time for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, but he did get a challenge from Zack Sabre Jr. Omega says that before Bryan Danielson and even Nigel McGuinness graced AEW, Zack Sabre Jr. was there, and people still mention his name. Omega says Zack Sabre Jr. will take him to the next level, and he will see him at Forbidden Door. He also says it is a matter of time before he meets MJF again.
We hear from Mark Davis and "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher backstage. Fletcher says Mark Davis was taken out of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament because of "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita, who Fletcher says cannot keep his name out of his mouth. He says it is time to take some revenge against Takeshita and bring the International Championship back to the family. "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada shows up and agrees with Fletcher.
Hikaru Shida beats "The Real Deal" Zayda Steel in a TBS Championship Survival of the Fittest qualifier by submission. It takes Christopher Daniels as well as the ref to get Shida off of Zayda after the match.
The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Dezmond Xavier) beat Aaron and Austin Atlas. After the match, Dezmond Xavier says The Rascalz have gone from mile high madness to summer blockbusters and have become the hottest trio in wrestling. Zachary Wentz says that the fans deserve to see all three of them, then bring out Myron Reed. Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Jet" Kevin Knight retains the TNT Championship against Myron Reed.
We hear from The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross). Kross says that because of their domination, there will be no one left, and Megan Bayne wonders if there is anyone who can beat them.
We hear from Maya World, whose brother - who introduced her to wrestling - recently passed away. She felt she needed to be in AEW with her second family, and after her win in the Women's Omen Hart Tournament, she will have to face Athena again. Maya says she is no Cinderella story and that this is the opportunity of her life, and she is taking that opportunity. We then hear from Athena, who is more focused on the work that she herself has put in, and states that she did not teach Maya everything that she knew. She says she never made it past the second round and it put a fire in her, and that just because Maya World is "the It Girl" does not mean that she is not in her world.
Athena beats Tiara James. After the match, Athena attacks Tiara James again, but gets out of the ring when Maya World runs in. Suddenly, Athena runs back into the ring and lays out both women, with Tiara's face being rammed into the Ring of Honor Women's World Championship.
Backstage, we hear from The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona). Ricochet has had success after success, yet he has had as many downs as ups. He says that he is focused on championship gold and that he wants the International Championship.
The Dogs (David Finlay and Clark Connors) beat The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson).
Backstage, we hear from The Conglomeration (Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong, Tomohiro Ishii). Kyle O'Reilly says they have a path to Mark Briscoe's World title shot, and while it is rocky, it is a path nonetheless. Roderick Strong says he hates MJF, and O'Reilly says that Mark Briscoe will be the next World Champion.
Tony Schiavone is about to apologize on behalf of AEW to Stardom for "The Toxic Spider" Thekla's recent actions when Thekla shows up and says she will not apologize, then says she has reached the top of the world after Stardom fired her. She says she did Stardom a favor when she spat on their logo, and says her saliva is worth more than anything Stardom has in the locker room before daring Stardom to send their best for a shot at the AEW Women's World Championship. Thekla also offers a free first-class flight to Forbidden Door to the president of Stardom so he can see the the monster that he created and the biggest mistake that he ever made.
We hear from The Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, Ace Austin). All four members have plans to neuter The Dogs (Clark Connors and David Finlay).
Persephone beats Julia Hart in a TBS Championship Survival of the Fittest qualifier.
We see a video package for Starlight Kid. Lexy Nair then interviews "The Toxic Spider" Thekla, who says that she despites everything about her just like Stardom and that Starlight' Kid's first time in AEW will be her last. She says that she will spit on Starlight Kid's grave and that the blood of Stardom will be on her hands.
"The Jet" Kevin Knight guests on commentary for the next match.
Jake Doyle beats "Speedball" Mike Bailey.
The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, PAC, "The Problem" Marina Shafir) beat Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo, "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, Trish Adora) in a Cincinnati Street Fight.
"Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock shows up at the WrestleCenter, and with him is Big Vito LoGrasso. Blaylock says he has the paperwork, then Big Vito says that he came a long way to do business and threatens to throw Blaylock in a dumpster if he screws him. Blaylock says he has the most trusted people in Memphis with him, but Big Vito warns Blaylock that it is the most trusted people that he needs to watch out for.
K-Toomer retains the Big Mane Fight Championship against Atua the Samoan Brute.
We hear from Marko "Hangtime" Harris, who says that he will face VaShawn Harvey for the Internet Championship in Jackson, Tennessee, take the title back, and come for Marko Stunt back in Memphis.
Dustin Starr interviews The Hollywood Clique ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock, Jay Smooth, Kale, Secret Service) and Big Vito LoGrasso at the announce desk. Big Vito tells the fans to wipe the smiles off their faces, for he is the protector of the investment for The Hollywood Clique, then says the fans are disrespectful and tells them to boo louder before threatening to beat the fans up if he has to. He then tells The Hollywood Clique not to acknowledge the fans, as even telling them to shut up is too good, then Jimmy Blaylock demands that Derrick King, "The Gift" Ray Sanders and Matchmaker King Cobra come to the desk. Derrick, Sanders, and Cobra show up, and Blaylock says there will be a ladder match between The Hollywood Clique and the team of Derrick, Sanders and King Cobra in a ladder match where the winners take control of Memphis Wrestling. After Blaylock says that he will be looking forward to fire the three of them when his team wins, Cobra says they are not going anywhere and they will not leave until they are ready to leave. Cobra accepts the challenge, and Derrick guarantees he will get rid of The Hollywood Clique. Cobra accepts the challenge, and Derrick guarantees he will get rid of The Hollywood Clique. Security has to step in as Big Vito says that they might as well do it right now. Cobra says he does not wrestle anymore, but his team does have a third person in mind.
Backstage, Ruffshot Lamonte is in the bathroom when he hears some weird laughter. It ends up being the laughter of Marrow, and he almost thinks he sees Marrow behind him as he washes his hands.
Dustin Starr interviews Kevin and Gavin White at the announce desk. Kevin says he was one of the baddest over twenty years ago and still is, and when he lost Brian Christopher, he promised to put family and friends first. Kevin asks The Bizzness Dawgs (Tim Grind and Lil' Homie) to come to the ring, and they do. Tim Grind says there might have been a misunderstanding, but Lil Homie does not believe that. Tim Grind says he and Kevin go way back, but they were always opponents and never friends. Kevin says he is glad Tim Grind said that, as he knows where he stands, and he is in 100% agreement. He then challenges The Bizness Dawgs to a father-son tag team match for the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships at Jackson, Tennessee on June 19th. Grind questions if Gavin has even had a match yet, then says Kevin is nothing more than a rich little white boy with a silver spoon in his mouth, and grabs Gavin by the throat. Gavin throws a punch, starting a brawl security has to stop.
Backstage, "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock shows Big Vito LoGrasso the Cobra Cup, then shows his distaste for King Cobra. Big Vito says Cobra is an old dog who has paid his dues, then says it is time for a new regime, and Blaylock says they should rename the cup "The Hollywood Cup." Big Vito agrees, and says they should make some changes for the fans. Blaylock makes the newly christened Hollywood Cup the focus of the main event.
Backstage, we hear from Tim Bosby, who mentions the bounty he has put on Mike Anthony's head and how nobody has been able to take Mike Anthony out. He says he saved himself $10,000 by snapping Mike Anthony Anthony's ankle, then says Anthony should be in a psych ward for thinking he can take him on. He then wishes Mike Anthony good luck on his one ankle when he challenges him.
Bobbi Thunder beats "Sweet" Judy Lee.
Backstage, Matchmaker King Cobra tells Derrick King and "The Gift" Ray Sanders that they need a third person. Sanders and Derrick are stuck wondering who will even team with them. Cobra tells them to come up with some names, or they are all out of Memphis Wrestling.
Dustin Starr interviews Diana Taylor at the announce desk. Diana Taylor mentions that Raven Black is running roughshod in Memphis Wrestling, then says she is a fighting champion and a three-time Women's Champion for a reason. Raven Black shows up and punches Diana, starting a brawl. Raven Black then pulls out a battle, but Xya shows up with a crutch before Raven Black can hit Diana. Raven walks away, and Diana says that Raven wants a fight, she has it.
We hear from "The Gold Standard" Eli Knox and Moses. Eli Knox says that if Colton Cage will put the Junior Heritage Championship back on the line, he and Moses will be in Jackson, Tennessee on June 19th.
Big Vito LoGrasso guests on commentary for the next match.
We see footage of the nurse from the past few weeks working at the hospital. The only person in the waiting room is J. Webb.
Jay Smooth last eliminates "The King of Pow" Chris Lexx and Kale to win the Hollywood Scramble Match and win the Hollywood Cup. During the match, J. Webb returns along with Nurse IV, who has been teased in the last couple of weeks.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Aldis says he has not heard from Gunther yet, but he is assured they will hear from him tonight. Cody hopes that they have a good show tonight. Cody then runs into The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) and fist bumps them, then Jey says that tonight is his King of the Ring match, and he will win tonight, win the tournament and face him for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cody hopes Jey is right, as Jey deserves to chase his title, but he hopes it is his decision and not Roman Reigns'.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill. Cargill says she has built a career off of pressure and has nothing to worry about, and "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab are certain that Cargill will win tonight. Cargill tells Rhea Ripley that she will get her lick back, and that she will see her at SummerSlam.
Charlotte Flair beats Lyra Valkyria, Sol Ruca and Jade Cargill by submission with a Figure Eight to Lyra to advance in the Queen of the Ring Tournament. During the match, Alexa Bliss and Tiffany Stratton show up to fight "Michin" Mia Yim when they get involved in the match, and this leads to a brawl that makes its way to the back.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says that Jade Cargill should not be champion, and when "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab confront Tiffany, Chelsea Green comes to the rescue with a shinai.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu meets with The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). Jacob Fatu says he is here for Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy says he is here to ensure nobody stops Jey. Solo says that they have their business and that he has his.
We see footage of Carmelo Hayes with the New England Patriots, who are seen in the front row.
We hear from Blake Monroe, who admires Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss as she writes in her diary, then says they have deluded themselves into thinking they are stronger together only to become weak and soft. She says that stars shine brighter alone before stating that she is coming soon to SmackDown.
Gunther meets with General Manager Nick Aldis backstage. Gunther says that he will be picking the referee for his match with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, then says that he will know who the referee is by the end of the night.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Finn Balor, who is excited to be on SmackDown. He says that he has old friends and old foes and that his past is not erased by being here, then he is met by R-Truth, who declares that The Judgment Day is back together. Damian Priest shows up, and he and Finn are not exactly happy to see each other. Finn leaves for his match, and Priest says that all they need are each other and that they will still be champions after their match with The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga).
Tiffany Stratton and Chelesa Green vs. "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab is official for later tonight.
Brie Bella and Paige beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) after Brie reverses Fallon's inside cradle on Paige behind the referee's back as the referee ejects Jacy Jayne for pulling Fallon Henley out of a submission hold from the outside of the ring.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is talking to Johnny Gargano again while Candice LeRae is on her phone. Sami takes Candice's advice to Gargano to "get up and do something about it" as advice for himself, and Sami then leaves to look for General Manager Nick Aldis.
Backstage, Los Garza (Angel and Berto) meets with Danhausen, asking him to re-curse the New York Knicks. They then hand him a bag of human money, then leave as Matt Cardona shows up. After Matt Cardona hands Danhausen his watch and a ring to keep the New York Knicks uncursed, Kit Wilson shows up with an electrified Miz, and Danhausen's like for a Frankenstein's Monster-like Miz causes Kit Wilson to swing a metal rod at Danhausen only to miss and hit a wire, which in turn electrifies Kit Wilson.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami says that the "ride or dies" showed up in full force for him in Europe compared to Providence, Rhode Island, and says the fans can either sit there with a sour look on their faces and boo him or ride and die with "the last real good guy." Sami then says that something has been brewing for months and months, and that it needs to come to an end. He says that he needs to clear the air, and asks that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes come to the ring. Cody comes to the ring, and Sami says they have had months' worth of misunderstandings where he helps Cody and ends up paying for it while Cody stands all, and wants to know if this is in an accident. Cody says that he cannot just turn this off and that they should not be in the ring this way. As Cody mentions WrestleMania 40, Sami says he was and still is happy for him, but mentions that Cody has lost past friends and wants to if it is them of if it is Cody. Cody says that he could not be honest with them like he can be honest with Sami, then tells Cody that the fans hate him and tell him that he sucks because he whines and cries and has become desperate. He says that the Undipusted WWE Championship is the only thing between them, then apologizes for holding the championship and that it means he never will. Sami slaps Cody, then starts apologizing. Cody slaps Sami back. Sami slowly leaves the ring, then comes back with a chair. Sami stands on the apron with the chair, then tosses it to the side and leaves.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu confronts Solo Sikoa with a message from Roman Reigns. He says it has been way too long and long enough, and that Roman needs him to come home. Solo says that is not home and that Jacob is Roman's lap dog, then wants to know what happened to Jacob. He says that Jacob used to be a killer that everyone was afraid of and was so close to beating Roman. Solo says Roman has done nothing but embarrass and humiliate him, which is not how someone treats somebody they love. Solo then tells Jacob to tell Roman that he can go to Hell. Jacob says he knows where Solo is coming from, but he has made his decision and he will stand on business, and if Roman sends him for him, he will come for him. Solo tells Jacob to tell Roman that if he wants him to come home, then he can come and get him.
Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Axiom.
Backstage, Gunther meets with General Manager Nick Aldis, stating that he has made a decision. He says that he needs somebody with experience as well as their heart in the right place. He says he needs a good guy - the last real good guy - and says Sami Zayn will be the referee for next week's WWE Championship match.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty show up at the arena.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring. Trick Williams is not happy that he lost in the King of the Ring Tournament, then says that it woke up something in him and lit a fire that he has not felt in a long time. Trick says he wants to step his game up and bring SmackDown to new heights. He says that he is the king of the new school and that he is still the United States Champion. All of a sudden, Ricky Saints shows up. As Saints makes his way to the ring, however, Carmelo Hayes shows up and shoves Saints out of his way to the ring. Saints beats Carmelo to the ring as Carmelo tells Trick to make up his mind, and Saints says that he beat Carmelo as Carmelo wants Trick to defend his title. Both men start arguing, and Trick tells them to battle it out so he can defend the title against the winner. As Trick leaves, Saints shoves Carmelo into Trick, and that leads to a brawl between Carmelo and Saints. Trick gets back into the ring and sends Carmelo into the ring post, then hits the Book End on Saints.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Royce Keys. All of a sudden, Solo Sikoa shows up and tells him that The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jacob Fatu) is here to ensure Jey Uso wins tonight, and that Jacob Fatu is there to help him. He tells Royce that he does not have to fight with him, but he does not want Royce to be a casualty in Roman Reigns' war.
"Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab beat Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green after Jade Cargill pulls Tiffany Stratton off the ring apron before Chelsea Green can tag her in, which allows Michin to hit Chelsea with Styles Clash for the win. After the match, Jade Cargill gets in the ring, and Tiffany Stratton ends up being the victim of a three-on-one beatdown.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Kiana James. Kiana says she did everything for Giulia and that Giulia needed her, and the one time she asks her for help, she is useful. Giulia says she needed help with English and with contract, but Kiana says she did not need her for anything. Giulia says Kiana used her momentum, but Kiana says she eclisped her. Giulia says her English is better now, then slaps Kiana in the face.
Backstage, Tama Tonga welcomes Finn Balor to SmackDown, and he is also not happy to see Finn.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says that Sami Zayn is an emotional wreck and all over the place before Sami suddenly shows up. Sami uses Cody's words against him before sarcastically wishing him good luck next week.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews LA Knight. Knight says that he saw it coming and that Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu are going to ensure Jey Uso wins tonight and are also trying to get Solo Sikoa back in the fold. He then says he will not make any promises, but if he can defy the odds, he will win the tournament and stomp Roman Reigns out.
"Main Event" Jey Uso beats Royce Keys, LA Knight and Finn Balor to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament after Royce hits Knight with a spinebuster only for Jey Uso to hit a top rope splash and pin Royce for the win. During the match, Solo Sikoa shows up to watch from ringside, and LA Knight ends up booting Royce Keys into him near the end of the match.
