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.
La Parka and Rey Fenix beat Money Machine (Colmillo De Plata and Garra De Oro).
We look back at El Texano Jr. and El Mesias at Guerra de Titanes 2012 for the AAA Mega Championship in anticipation for tonight's main event.
We see La Catalina at WrestleMania. La Catalina says it is incredible to be in WWE and AAA and hopes to be at WrestleMania one day. At the event, La Catalina meets John Cena and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. La Catalina talks about how she always dreamed of becoming AAA Reina de Reinas Champion, and talks about her time in WWE five years ago when she was in her late teams in a mask under the same name of La Catalina, and how she had to reinvent herself to come back. She tells Las Toxicas to be worried, as she will triumph for all the little girls in Latin America who watch WWE and AAA.
El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. beats Laredo Kid. After the match, El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. personally hands the AAA Cruiserweight Championship to Laredo Kid, then both men shake hands.
We look back on El Mesias vs. El Texano Jr. for the AAA Mega Championship in 2016 in anticipation for tonight's main event.
Backstage, Rey Fenix tells Laredo Kid that tonight was a bad night and that he is better than this. Laredo Kid says he knows Rey Fenix wants the AAA Cruiserweight Championship and that Fenix is jealous because he does not have a championship like his brother Penta does.
We hear from AAA President Marisela Pena, who announces that it has been one year since WWE purchased and acquired AAA, and that it is time to make history again. She states that after a few weeks of careful reflection, AAA will need a new General Manager. She states that she will be looking for the best candidate in the next few weeks to assume this important and powerful role and take lucha libre to heights never seen before. She announces that the new General Manager will be announced in Mexico City, Mexico on Saturday, May 23, and thanks the fans for their incredible support, and to prepare themselves for a new General Manager, as nothing in AAA will be the same.
El Texano Jr. and El Grande Americano II beat Mecha Wolf and El Mesias by submission with La Cabernaria from El Grande Americano II to Mecha Wolf after El Grande Americano II punches the black mist out of Mecha Wolf's mouth. After the match, El Texano Jr. is attacked from behind by El Grande Americano I, who then puts El Texano Jr. in the ankle lock in the corner. El Grande Americano II comes back, but El Grande Americano I retreats before El Grande Americano II can get in the ring.
We hear from The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong), FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Stokely Hathaway backstage. As Kyle O'Reilly looks forward to defending the Trios titles, FTR and Stokely show up to tell The Conglomeration that everyone knows they will lose the Trios title to The Don Callis Family (Andrade el Idolo, Hechicero, Lance Archer). FTR and Stokely then make their way to the ring. Wheeler addresses Adam Copeland's challenge, saying all Copeland had to do is bring something to the table to entice them and that the potential end of Copeland and Christian Cage is enticing. Harwood says that Copeland and Christian are not deserving of the tag team titles and that nobody wants them in AEW, including them and the fans. He says that Copeland did not have to challenge their manhood or play mind games; all he had to do was put his and Christian's tag team careers on the line. He says a New York Street Fight is fine, but if they are to have this match, he wants Copeland to say "I quit." After that, Copeland and Christian can continue with their nostalgia run while FTR continues to best the best tag team in the business. He then puts the ball in Copeland and Christian's court. The Conglomeration then show up for the next match as FTR and Stokely leave, and Harwood and Stokely get shoved to the floor.
The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) retains the AEW World Trios Championships against The Don Callis Family (Andrade el Idolo, Hechicero, Lance Archer).
In backstage footage from after Dynamite, The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia, "The Problem" Marina Shafir) bring Will Ospreay to Jon Moxley, who wants to know what motivates Ospreay and what Ospreay is chasing. He feels Ospreay does not know the answer after having seen him for the first time seven years ago, and tells him that his body will break eventually. He says there is a door that Ospreay just has to enter and he can be whoever he wants on the other side, and tells him that if he can take dominion of his own mind, he can become a weapon unlike anything professional wrestling has ever seen. The rest of The Death Riders leave Moxley and Ospreay alone as Moxley says that Ospreay can either be like everyone else or everything he was meant to be as he dares Ospreay to injure him with a metal folding chair. As Moxley lays on the floor face down waiting for Ospreay to make his move, Ospreay shoves the camera away and tells the person holding it to leave now.
Jon Moxley guests on commentary for the next match.
The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia) and The Dogs (Clark Connors and David Finlay) beat The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, Myron Reed) and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) in a ten-man tag match.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Hikaru Shida, Kris Statlander, Harley Cameron and Mina Shirakawa. Mina wants an apology for what Shida said about Harley behind her back. Shida says Harley is not and has never been on her level, and that she and Statlander will do what she and Mina could not: defeat The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross) for the women's tag titles. Mina and Harley get angry at Shida, and Statlander walks off.
Kris Statlander beats B3cca after countering the Code of Silence with Staturday Night Fever.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross). Lena Kross says they should not be worried about Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida, as they have been ready and waiting. Megan Bayne says Statlander and Shida only think they have a chance, and Kross says that they no one else looks, moves and destroys like they do. Bayne says this is not a challenge, but fate, and asks Statlander and Shida if they accept it.
Rush beats Adam Priest. After the match, Rush tells Adam Priest that when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.
In backstage footage from after Dynamite, "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita says that he tried to avoid this, but if "The Raimaker" Kazuchika Okada wants to face him at Double or Nothing, he will take his title. We then hear from Kazuchika Okada, who admits that he does not like Takeshita and proclaims that at Double or Nothing, Takeshita will lose.
Triangle of Madness (Skye Blue and "The Toxic Spider" Thekla) beat Persephone and Alex Windsor after Thekla distracts referee Paul Turner so that Julia Hart can spit black mist in Persephone's face, allowing Skye Blue to hit the Code Blue for the win.
"Jungle" Jack Perry retains the AEW National Championship against El Clon.
We hear from Willow Nightingale, who calls herself "the comeback queen" and that she is willing to face anybody willing to step up as TBS Champion.
Backstage, Anthony Bowens meets up with Samoa Joe and Hook only to find out there are no more vacancies in The Opps (Samoa Joe, Hook, "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata). Bowens remains stoic, and Samoa Joe tells Bowens that he passed the test, making Bowens a member of The Opps.
MVP guests on commentary for the next match.
The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona) beat Chris Jericho and The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) in a trios match after Ricochet hits Jericho with a low blow behind referee Aubrey Edwards' back, allowing him to hit the Ricosault for the win.
In footage from earlier today, Matchmaker King Cobra and Big Dan check on the steel cage ring outside of the arena.
Colton Cage beats "The Gold Standard" Eli Knox by disqualification after Moses pulls the referee out of the ring when Colton Cage hits Eli Knox with a springboard Cold Hearted Cutter. "The Gold Standard" Eli Knox retains the Memphis Wrestling Junior Heritage Championship. After the match, Moses attacks and choke slams Colton Cage.
Backstage, Memphis Wrestling veterans Kevin White is with his son Gavin White at the WrestleCenter. Kevin talks about how he beat Tim Grind for his first of five tag team titles, and Gavin says they should shoot for number six.
Dustin Starr interviews Kevin and Gavin White at the announce desk. Kevin says he is coming back for his son Gavin, who has been training to become a wrestler, when The Bizness Dawgs (Tim Grind and Lil' Homie) show up. Tim Grind says he remembers having a lot of battles with Kevin White as well as Dustin Starr. He wants to leave the past in the past and talk about the future. He says that Memphis Wrestling has some of the best young guys in the business, and he is excited about Gavin White and Lil' Homie. As for the present, The Bizness Dawgs are the tag team champions and the best father-son team in the business. Lil' Homie tells everyone to take a seat and see how the tag team champions take care of business. Kevin White guests on commentary for the next match.
The Bizness Dawgs (Tim Grind and Lil' Homie) beat DJ Cash and Zach Daniels.
Jake Brewer announces that K-Toomer made a surprise appearance at the recent Arkansas Travelers baseball game, and that K-Toomer will be returning to the WrestleCenter next week.
"The Ember" Shawn Aries beats Major Curtis after Major Curtis bumps into Robbie Maddox as Maddox is on the ring apron with his drink and Aries dodges Curtis.
In the WrestleCenter parking lot, Matchmaker King Cobra and head of security Big Dan make sure that the lock for the steel cage is in place and that nothing will go anywhere.
Mike Anthony beats "Slick" Nick Scott with the Genetic Dream followed by two brainbusters. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Mike Anthony at the announce table. Mike Anthony tells Tim Bosby "Your ass belongs to the Nightmare, bitch!"
We hear from The Slaughterhouse (Reverend Ash Taylor, Jagged James, Nasty Nick). Reverend Ash Taylor says today is the day and that it all ends in the steel cage. He says that skin will be torn and bones will be broken, and that the real monsters will walk out. We then hear from The Modern Day Monsters (Bruce, Morrow, Sister Asa), who head towards the steel cage ring with a purpose.
The Slaughterhouse (Jagged James and Nasty Nick) beat The Modern Day Monsters (Bruce and Morrow) in a steel cage match, with Reverend Ash Taylor getting the pin and the win on Bruce as Morrow breaks free from being handcuffed to the cage wall.
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Once again, ring announcer Mark Nash is corrected by Cena. Before Cena can utter a word, however, Randy Orton heads to the ring. Orton says that in a couple of months, it will be 25 years to the day that he and Cena first shook hands, and in those 25 years, Cena was always about hustle, loyalty and respect and it was a way of life and a mantra. He then says that has gotten him thinking, and that he feels there is a void in Cena. He says that Cena was a source of motivation that children looked up to and feels that this certainly means something to him. He also mentions the Make-a-Wish kids that were left with a piece of his heart and knows that they mean something to Cena, too. Orton then says he has figured out how to fill the void, and tells Cena that he needs to "have some damn kids." Orton feels that being a father would make Cena a better human being, but Cena takes offense to Orton trying to "parent shame" him in an attempt to make him feel better. Cena then says he has no children because he spent the last 25 years raising everyone else's, and by the sound of the fans, he has done an impeccable job. He says that for the last 25 years, he has been a better parent to everyone's children than the children's own parents and has been "policing brats." Orton says the fans are still why the reason Cena is in the ring as well as in Hollywood, and that WWE is how Cena honed his skills to get to Hollywood. Orton says he has made his mistakes, but he can stand in the locker room and hold his head up high, as he is the furniture, then says Cena is "just a guest." Cena says there is a matter of perspective, and says that everything he did, he did on his own. He then mentions the predictability of the fans and how the fans mean nothing to him and are hypocrites who put their energy into anyone else when they get tired of him. He then says that if he puts his energy into anything else, he is suddenly an outcast, and because of this, the relationship between him and the fans is abusive and manipulative. Orton admits that he is suddenly stupid for believing that his word would penetrate Cena's head, then mentions that his family is another royal family, that wrestling has given him everything, and that Cena will only ruin wrestling over his dead body. Cena tells Orton that when he leaves, Orton will be "forever frozen" as a 14-time world champion. He then calls Orton "a babbling moron" before declaring that three generations of Orton's family will be erased when he leaves. Orton tells Cena to prove he is "the last real champ" and put the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line right now, but Cena declines, telling him he is doing it to save Orton's ass and that it should not happen here. He says that it should happen at Backlash in St. Louis, Missouri, where Orton is from. Cena states that he wants Orton at his best so that when he fails, he has no excuses, for he is what the last real champion looks like and it is as close as Orton will get to the title. Cena then throws the title to Orton and sucker punches him before stomping him near the ropes. Cena then goes for a championship belt shot to the head, but Orton dodges and hits the RKO.
We see a video package for Nathan Frazer and Axiom, who are now on SmackDown from NXT.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto).
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring. Tiffany talks about how she went toe-to-toe with Charlotte Flair and remained WWE Women's Champion in the end despite moments of doubt. She says that she is not the next Charlotte Flair, as there is only one Charlotte Flair and only one Tiffany Stratton. Suddenly, Jade Cargilll shows up. Jade admits that Tiffany's match with Charlotte was impressive, but she tells Tiffany that it put a bigger target on her back. She then says it is time to remind everyone why she came to WWE: become a champion. She also reminds Tiffany that she is not the best if she is yet to beat her. Tiffany tells Jade to put her money where her mouth is, then calls for a referee, who shows up.
Jade Cargill vs. Tiffany Stratton ends after Jade is suddenly attacked by Naomi. After the match, Naomi sends Jade shoulder-first into three ring posts before laughing maniacally. Tiffany gets back in the ring and confronts Naomi, who rolls out of the ring before Nia Jax suddenly attacks Tiffany from behind. Nia soon hits the leg drop followed by the A-Nia-Lator, then holds up the WWE Women's Championship.
Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu head to the ring. Solo says that Jacob has proven himself to be the future of WWE at WrestleMania, and mentions how nobody except him wanted Jacob in WWE, saying Jacob was trouble and too much of a risk. He says that Jacob is here and is champion because of him, then Jacob takes the microphone and says he would win the United States Championship and bring it to the family with or without Solo, and that he did what he said he would do. Jacob then says that the United States Championship makes him "America's Most Wanted" and "a menace to society," then LA Knight shows up. LA Knight says he hit Jacob Fatu with a BFT, yet Jacob managed to survive. As LA Knight demands a championship rematch, Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre brags about how he beat Damian Priest at WrestleMania after Priest repeatedly screwed him, then says Randy Orton jumped the line to the Undisputed WWE Championship. He says that John Cen is "a punk" now and that he wants to fight the baddest champion in the yard, which is Jacob Fatu. He also says Knight's last United States title run was a joke when Knight wants him to shut up. Knight says McIntyre's last title run could have been a joke, but he cannot remember it. Knight then dares McIntyre to fight him, then General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes McIntyre vs. Knight for later tonight. He declares that the winner will be #1 contender for the United States Championship.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Zelina Vega, who admits that she is speechless because she has always wanted a title match for so long. She says that she will either go big or go home and that she will not stop until she has gold around her waist.
Zelina Vega beats Chelsea Green to become the WWE Women's United States Champion!
Backstage, The Miz tells Carmelo Hayes that he will go down as the greatest Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner of all time due to his vision, then gifts him with a pendant of Andre the Giant's head. The Miz then says that he is inspired and that he will win tonight, then tells Carmelo to enjoy the moment because he will make his.
The Miz is in the ring. He says that he has been an integral part of WrestleMania for the last twenty years, but he did not have a WrestleMania match last year despite having main evented against John Cena and beaten him at WrestleMania 27. He complains about people who cannot even lace his boots getting positions over him, including Joe Hendry, then the lights go out. When they come back on, Malakai Black - now known as Aleister Black once again - shows up with his original NXT entrance and theme song. The Miz confronts Aleister only to get kicked right in the head with a Black Mass.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bianca Belair. Bianca mentions that the fingers on her left hand are broken, and while she did not win, her match was still fantastic. She says that Iyo Sky was able to find a way to win and that Rhea Ripley was able to find a way into the match, but right now, she is focused on healing. Bianca says that when she returns, she will have some business to take care of.
Backstage, Nia Jax meets with Naomi. She says that she does not care about Naomi's revenge towards Jade Cargill and tells her to stay out of her way. Naomi says "As long as you proceed with caution," then leaves.
Drew McIntyre beats LA Knight by disqualification in a match to decide a #1 contender for the WWE United States Championship after Solo Sikoa hits LA Knight with the Samoan Spike and McIntyre being pulled out of the ring and attacked by Damian Priest. After the match, Priest takes McIntyre South of Heaven through the announce table. Knight confronts Priest afterwards, and both men get blasted with a surprise tope suicida by Jacob Fatu, who then throws both men into ring steps. Jacob then gets both men back into the ring and hits them both with the corner hip attack followed by the top rope moonsault.
Backstage, R-Truth talks to John Cena, saying he is glad that Cena won the championship and to give him a call if he needs him. When Jimmy Uso shows up and asks when Cena became "so wack," R-Truth says Cena is a real champion and that when he grows up, he wants to be just like him. After R-Truth leaves, Jimmy Uso says "You already grown up, though!"
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) in a TLC Match. The Street Profits celebrate in the crowd after the match.
We look back on Tessa Blanchard vs. Gail Kim from Rebellion 2019.
Gia Miller interviews announcer Tom Hannifan for Around the Ring. Topics include Hannifan's his time at Penn State, the work that goes on behind the scenes for TNA's shows as well as their other causes, and who Gia Miller's voice is reminiscent of.
We look back on Joe Hendry and Elijah vs. "All Ego" Ethan Page and Frankie Kazarian from last night's show.
The D'Angelo Family (Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo) beat Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) in a Trunk Match. After the match, Tony D'Angelo and Channing Lorenzo drive off in the car.
We hear from Tiffany Stratton, who says that she will give the fans a break when she takes her place at the top of the women's division when she beats Roxanne Perez and Indi Hartwell for the NXT Women's Championship.
Backstage, Duke Hudson meets with Andre Chase, who is gathering his thoughts. He knows that it will be a battle against Bron Breakker, but he must stand up for himself and for Chase University, and Chase says he will give Breakker a Chase University-sized ass whupping.
Bron Breakker beats Andre Chase with the Steiner Recliner.
We see a video package for Carmelo Hayes.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell tries to interview Ilja Dragunov, but Dragunov gets booted in the face by Dijak, who proceeds to throw Dragunov into multiple ladders and trap him underneath a steel sliding door. Multiple officials try to restore order.
Cora Jade beats Lyra Valkyria as the referee tries to keep Cora Jade from using her Kendo stick.
Outside of the arena, Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo are driving around when Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) start making noises. Stacks slams the trunk door on them several times, then tells D'Angelo it was nothing.
Carmelo Hayes retains the NXT Championship against Grayson Waller. After the match, Carmelo Hayes challenges Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship at Battlegrounds on May 28th while simultaneously calling him out. When Bron Breakker shows up, Trick Williams sees Bron Breakker rushing in from behind, but Bron Breakker lays him out and powerslams Carmelo Hayes before putting Trick in the Steiner Recliner. Breakker then puts Carmelo Hayes through part of the stage with a Spear, and Carmelo Hayes has to be taken out on a stretcher.
We hear from Roxanne Perez, who talks about how her friends wanted to be more like Disney princesses and how she saw WWE for the first time and got hooked. After talking about how she represents young female fans who want to be seen, she says she has a chance to win back the NXT Women's Championship and do it not just for herself, but for those fans.
Backstage, Joe Coffey is met by Joe Gacy. Ava Raine also shows up and says The Dyad (Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid) want a far tag team title match, and Gacy knows that Joe Coffey wants to punch him in the face and tells him that he can get the chance to do so next week. Ava Raine adds that if Joe Coffey wins, The Dyad cannot challenge for the NXT Tag Team Championships as long as Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) are champions. Joe Coffey accepts the challenge.
Josh Briggs and Fallon Henley beat Brooks Jensen and Kiana James in a mixed tag tea match after Jensen tosses Kiana's bag at Briggs and misses. After the match, Kiana tries to slap Jensen, but Jensen catches the slap, Kiana tells Jensen that she never loved him, takes her bag and leaves. Afterwards, Briggs tells Jensen he is still there for him.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Dragon Lee, who says that he has seen a little of what Noam Dar can do and that he will show him what heritage is when they meet again. Suddenly, a message from Scrypts is shown on the nearby screen, where Scrypts says that he has gotten to Axiom and that everyone will learn who believes in themselves more between the two of them.
Oba Femi debuts next!
We hear from Indi Hartwell, who says that is has been a long year and that the NXT Women's Championship was all she ever wanted. She says everyone can say what they want, but she fought hard for the title and that this was the result of a long career in WWE. Indi then says it can be undone in three seconds, but it will not happen tonight.
Oba Femi beats Oro Mensah. After the match, Gigi Dolin takes a commentary headset and calls out Jacy Jayne for involving her family in everything and mocking her life choices and tells her that her baby brother will be watching at ringside when she pounds her face in.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Drew Gulak and Charlie Dempsey. Both of them agree that Wes Lee uses his talents improperly as he defends the North American title at a record pace, and Drew Gulak says he will break Wes Lee, telling him this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Backstage, Tyler Bate meets with Wes Lee and says he is worried that Wes will wear himself out. Wes Lee says he is okay, but Tyler Bate asks to be in his corner to bring some balance. Wes Lee agrees to the idea.
Despite injuring her leg and being taken to the back, Indi Hartwell retains the NXT Women's Championship against Roxanne Perez and Tiffany Stratton in a Triple Threat Match.
We find out that Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo have thrown Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) into the ocean, and that they are focusing on the NXT Tag Team Championships. They then head out to celebrate.
Backstage, we hear from Brock Andesron and Brian Pillman Jr. Anderson says wrestling is a family business, and while some people get into the business for fun or money, they are in it because it is in their blood and that it is the reason why they have a roof over their head and food on their table. Pillman says they do not have a choice and that wrestling is the one thing they do best, and because they have "looks that kill and the lineage that will."
"All Heart" Blake Christian beats "Big Shotty" Lee Johnson.
Brock Anderson and Brian Pillman Jr. beat The Wingmen (Cezar Bononi and "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth) with an inside cradle from Anderson to Nemeth.
Mei Suruga and Emi Sakura beat Reka Tehaka and Ashley D'Amboise.
Backstage, we hear from "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth. He says he has more in common with the fans that the fans might think, as he went into a expensive private school for all of twelve years and an extremely elite Division I college where he thrived academically and athletically. He then went through a very dark job and had to get a real job for three months, and holds back tears as he says this. He then says that he made it and has become the man everyone knows today, and tells everyone not to give up. He then asks the director if the tears were real enough and if that was good enough, then tells everyone to put what he just said on social media as he leaves.
"The Reality" Zack Clayton beats Jake Logan.
The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds and John Silver) beat The Varsity Athletes ("The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese and "The Technical Beast" Josh Woods).
Matt Riddle is in the ring while the rest of the locker room surrounds the ring. Riddle welcomes everyone to the show and to the 20th anniversary celebration of Randy Orton, who debuted on SmackDown in a match against Hardcore Holly twenty years ago tonight. After a video package chronicling Orton's WWE career, Riddle then introduces Orton. Orton says he appreciates the gesture, then mentions that he was born in Knoxville, Tennessee before stating that even through there have been twists and turns, he is not going anywhere. Orton says he has made a lot of killer relationships and had some awesome matches with other great wrestlers in the last twenty years, and credits Mick Foley for him becoming "The Legend Killer." He then says he is having more fun now than he has had throughout his career and credits that to Riddle, then says that he and the fans have both had twists and turns and yet have always come back to him, and thanks them for their support throughout the years. Riddle then says that he has a surprise for him: a second-generation Superstar who says Orton has been like a mentor to him: "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, who shows up. As Cody and Orton hug and shake hands, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins interrupts and tells Orton not to trust Cody, as he is here to steal Orton's spotlight like he stole his at WrestleMania. Rollins tells Cody that not everything is about him, then tells Orton that his best years are behind him and that he is the past, not the present or the future. He also says that Cody is not the future, either, and that future Superstars will be inspired by him. Ezekiel interrupts Rollins, then introduces himself to Orton before talking about how he and his brother Elias watched him as "The Legend Killer." Kevin Owens then shows up from the crowd and says Ezekiel is Elias. Owens asks Orton if he is going to let Ezekiel lie to him, and as Riddle tries to tell Owens to calm down, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. The Usos also talk about how they saw Orton in the ring growing up and promise that they will enjoy beating RK-Bro to unify the Raw and SmackDown tag titles at WrestleMania Backlash. WWE official Adam Pearce then shows up and makes a match where Seth Rollins tags with Kevin Owens and The Usos against Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel and RK-Bro later tonight. Owens punches Ezekiel, then Orton hits Owens with an RKO. Everyone else on Owens' newly-formed team backs off.
Bianca Belair is seen talking with Knoxville, Tennessee mayor Glenn Jacobs (aka Kane) backstage.
Bianca Belair retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Sonya Deville. At first Bianca beats Sonya Deville by count-out, but Sonya uses her powers as an official to restart the match with no count-outs. Not long after, Sonya hits Bianca with a steel chair after Bianca hits her with her ponytail and gets disqualified, then Sonya restarts the match with no count-outs and no disqualifications before bringing out Carmella and Queen Zelina. Despite all this, Bianca is able to fend Carmella and Zelina off and hit Sonya with the K.O.D. for the win.
Backstage, Sonya Deville confronts Carmella and Queen Zelina as they argue and tells them that since they cost her the Raw Women's title, they have lost their women's tag title opportunity. Sonya slaps Zelina, and when Carmella tries to slap her, Sonya catches it and reminds Carmella that she is still her boss. When Carmella blames it all on Zelina, Sonya slaps her anyway.
We hear from Edge and Damian Priest. Edge says that they lok down on everyone from their mountain of omnipotence and that anyone who gets too close will get kicked down the mountain. After stating that Priest will take care of unfinished business tonight, he says that they have yet to show their true potential. Edge says they are better than the fans' favorites, then makes fun of AJ Styles' shoulder injury that they caused last week. Edge says AJ Styles will not have a chance of beating him at WrestleMania Backlash with one good arm, then tells him not to get over his head and to stay at home. Priest then tells Finn Balor his fate has been decided and that judgment day has arrived.
Veer Mahaan quickly beats Sam Smothers with the cervical clutch. After the match, Veer sends Smothers into the ring post, then puts him in the cervical clutch again on the outside. Referees have to get Veer to break the hold, then Veer grabs Smothers and slams him on the announce table. Veer then puts Smothers on the cervical clutch on top of the announce table. (Sam Smothers is independent wrestler "Marvelous" Michael Stevens, who previously performed in WWE under the name "Gary Heck.")
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Bobby Lashley as he shadow boxes backstage. Lashley says that he is stronger than Omos, but if things go wrong, he has to be ready for Omos and MVP.
Omos and MVP are in the ring. MVP says he has waited for the day that Bobby Lashley was destroyed by his own ego that made him "The All Mighty," made him think he could do without him and made him challenge Omos to an arm wrestling match. He says that Omos will crush Lashley's hand and rip it off straight from the wrist, then Lashley shows up. The arm wrestling match then happens, and MVP tries to get in Lashley's head by saying he is nothing without him, but that fires Lashley up. Lashley is able to get the upper hand on Omos and beat him. Omos attacks Lashley after the arm wrestling match and slams him into the table, then lays him out with a short arm clothesline. At the behest of MVP, Omos then grabs the arm wrestling table and slams it into Lashley's chest before burying the table in it, and multiple referees have to tell Omos to stop. Omos then takes the table and throws it out of the ring.
In backstage footage from earlier today, R-Truth plays group couple counselor for Dana Brooke, Reggie, Tamina and Akira Tozawa, then says that he will tear them apart to keep them together before announcing he has set up a mixed tag team match. He states that WWE 24/7 Championship rules are suspended during the match and that he will be special guest referee.
Akira Tozawa and Tamina beat Dana Brooke and Reggie in a mixed tag team match with R-Truth as special guest referee. After the match, Tamina attacks Dana so that Tozawa can pin her, but Truth pulls Tozawa off. R-Truth then tries to pin Dana Brooke for the WWE 24/7 Championship, but Dana Brooke is able to get away.
Becky Lynch heads to the ring. Becky says it has been three years since she has walked out to the ring without a championship and that nobody ahs beaten her in that time, then says she does not know who she is without a championship. She says that she has rock bottom, but there is nowhere else to go but up. Becky calls this the beginning of her comeback and that nobody can do a comeback like her, and that she cannot be down with "the shlubs of the Earth." She says that people will be inspired to her rise back to the top and championship gold, and that she will be champion forever and nobody wills top her. Suddenly, Asuka shows up for the first time in months. Asuka says to Becky "I will stop you, because nobody is ready for Asuka!" Becky punches at Asuka after Asuka flicks at her nose, but Asuka punches back and Becky retreats.
We hear from The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), who recap the night so far before hyping up tonight's eight-man tag match and making it known that they want tag team gold.
Damian Priest beats Finn Balor.
It's time for Miz TV. Tonight's guest is Theory. Miz reminisces on being United States Champion back in 2010, and Theory talks about how he grew up watching The Miz overcome the odds and succeed in WWE, then says he will uphold The Miz's standards and prove why he is the best investment Vince McMahon ever made. Theory also says that he will take the United States Championship to new heights, and that while he is the youngest to hold the title, he plans to be the best to ever hold it. Miz tells Theory that when one has a title, everyone becomes jealous, and says everyone should earn a shot at the United States Championship. Suddenly, Mustafa Ali shows up for the first time in months. Miz asks Ali if he still works here, and Theory asks Ali if he the guy who took his ball and went home. Miz then calls Ali "Mufasa, Mustafa Ali's younger brother," but Ali says that if he needs a laugh, all he needs to do is watch him wrestle. Ali then says he was discussing matters with WWE official Adam Pearce and that he is here for a United States title shot tonight. Theory says "no," but Ali questions Theory's courage and accuses him of running away from a fight like The Miz. Theory defends The Miz's accomplishment and says The Miz would not run away, and The Miz says Ali is using his name to get notoriety. He says he does not have a magic wand to make a match, but Theory texts Vince and makes the match between Miz and Ali official. Miz - who did not expect to get a match - tells Ali that after he is done with him, he will wish he got his walking papers, which earns him a smack in the face from Ali.
Randy Orton is seen talking with Knoxville, Tennessee mayor Glenn Jacobs (aka Kane) backstage.
Mustafa Ali beats The Miz after countering the Figure Four Leg Lock into a roll-up. After the match, Ali is suddenly attacked on the stage by Tommaso Ciampa.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Rhea Ripley, who says she attacked Liv Morgan last week because she finally opened up her eyes. She says that when she first showed up, she became champion on her own, and since then, she has been in the tag division where everyone has dragged her down to their level. As Rhea says she is done, she is attacked by Liv Morgan. Officials rush in to break up the brawl.
Backstage, Kevin Owens wants Chad Gable to give him results that prove that Ezekiel is Elias, then Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up. After Alpha Academy (Gable and Otis) leaves and Owens refuses to pay Gable, Owens confronts Rollins for his words and actions last week. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) then show up and says that everyone needs to be on the same page, and that they need to win. As Rollins laugh and says this is his and Owens' show, Owens takes Rollins' arm off from around his shoulder.
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews MVP and Omos. MVP says that tonight's arm wrestling match was about brains, not brawn, and that Bobby Lashley could not see that. He also says that Lashley is nothing without him. MVP then announces that Omos has challenged Lashley to a match at WrestleMania Baclash, and Omos says that after he is done with Lashley, there will not be much left of him.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel and RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) beat Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, Kevin Owens and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in an eight-man tag match.
This week on Raw Talk: Asuka! Mustafa Ali! Sonya Deville!
The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alex Reynolds, Alan "5" Angels, Preston "10" Vance) beat Luther, Bulk Nasty, Tito Oric, Jake Omen and RC Dupree.
Kris Statlander beats Julia Hart.
Konosuke Takeshita beats Brandon Cutler.
Before the next match, "Smart" Mark Sterling brags about "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese - whom he calls "the best free agent signing in history" - winning two matches in a row and asking for the best local competition there is to offer, then complains that The Steel City Brawler. He then says there are plenty of jokes getting opportunities over guys like Nese, and that people want to chant Nese's name instead of the The Steel City Brawler's. This leads to people chanting for The Steel City Brawler.
"The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese beats The Steel City Brawler.
Minoru Suzuki beats QT Marshall.
John Silver beats Vince Valor.
Ruby Soho, Anna Jay, and Skye Blue beat "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose, Emi Sakura and The Bunny with the Queenslayer from Anna Jay to The Bunny.
Rosemary and Havok beat Kimber Lee and Susan in the pre-show. During the match, Susan briefly locks the Mandible Claw in on Havok after several forearms to the forehead, but Rosemary makes the save.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander beats "Inevitable" Ace Austin and TJP in a three-way match to become the Impact X Division Champion!
We hear from Eric Young, who says that the eyes of the wrestling world will be on him, Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner, Rhino) and Rebellion. He says the disease tried to take him, but he is still here steering the ship. He is seen talking to somebody whom Eric Young has deemed not ready for the truth, but Eric knows that he has potential to do what must be done tonight.
Before the next match, Eric Young's place is taken by W. Morrisey (formerly known as WWE Superstar Big Cass and is also currently known as CaZXL).
Violent By Design (Joe Doering, Deaner, Rhino) and W. Morrissey beat "The Cowboy" James Storm, Chris Sabin, Eddie Edwards and Willie Mack in an eight-man tag match. After the match, the referee - who gets shoved out of the way - has to tell Morrissey the match is over as Morrissey continues to pound on Willie Mack in the center of the ring.
Brian Myers beats Matt Cardona after grabbing Cardona - whose knee is hurt near the end of the match - and hitting him with a clothesline followed by the Roster Cut.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Tony Khan, who is surrounded by Tony Schiavone, Jerry Lynn and Aubrey Edwards. Tony Khan states that Aubrey Edwards will referee the World Title versus World Title match tonight, then Scott D'Amore shows up with referee Brian Hebner. When Khan does not trust Brian, D'Amore allows both referees for the match.
Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering beat Fire 'n Flava (Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz) to become the Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champions!
Trey Miguel beats Sami Callihan in a Last Man Standing Match after Trey avoids being trapped underneath the steel steps and hits Sami with a cutter from the ring apron onto a table.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Rich Swann. Rich Swann calls his match tonight one of the biggest matches in the industry. He admits that Don Callis may have gotten into his head, but not one mind game will stop him from proving why he is the best. He says that while it is the biggest match of his career, it is also the biggest match of Kenny Omega's career, for while both men have won world championships, one person will take home all the gold when the bell rings. Swann also reminds Omega that he is in his house, and that he will not let him come in and take away his prize and his pride, for he will rebel against the invisible hand and Omega's arrogance as he brings the fight to him all night long.
Juice Robinson and David Finlay retain the Impact World Tag Team Championships against The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) after stopping Magic Killer cold, allowing Robinson to win with an inside cradle.
Backstage, Gia Miller tries to interview Kenny Omega, but Don Callis shows up and says that two champions will collide and only one will walk away with all the gold while everyone is living history. Callis congratulates Rich Swann for getting him out of his head, as he has only Kenny Omega to worry about, then says that unlike Swann, Omega has him for family and that Swann is an orphan who will leave without his toy. Callis says that he and Omega will leave with both world titles in what will be part of history.
"The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo retains the Impact Knockouts Championship against Tenille Dashwood. After the match, Kimber Lee, Susan and Deonna gang up on Tenille, then Taylor Wilde shows up for the first time in years and beats up Kimber and Susan.
Under Siege is live on Impact Plus on May 15th! Against All Odds is live on June 12th! Slammiversary is live in July!
Mauro Ranallo guests on commentary for the next match.
Kenny Omega retains the AEW World Championship and beats Rich Swann to become the Impact World Champion!
This week's episode is a "best of" episode featuring the best moments and matches of "The Mercenary" Flip Gordon. Highlights and matches include:
Flip Gordon spending time with his dog, talking about growing up in Montana and being sent to mental hospitals for behavior problems, finding wrestling in middle school, getting into amateur wrestling and MMA, becoming a college sports mascot and getting into gymnastics from there, his enlistment into the Army, and training for his professional wrestling career.
Flip Gordon in his Ring of Honor debut vs. Matt Sydal, April 8, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland
Flip Gordon vs. Bully Ray in an "I Quit" Match at Final Battle 2018
Flip Gordon talking about suffering back-to-back injuries and coming up with the Mercenary gimmick to allow himself to rely less on his acrobatic moves
"The Mercenary" Flip Gordon vs. Bandido at War of the Worlds 2019
Flip Gordon packing for his next trip on the road and talking about how he is now living his dream and how everything has now paid off
This week's episode is a "best-of" episode. Matches and highlights include:
The Classic Connection (Buddy Royal and Levi Shapiro) vs. The Wolf Zaddies (Che Cabrera and Bad Dude Tito) at Milestone 2020
Nikko Marquez stripping Adrian Quest of the United Television Championship, as he did not sanction his match against Royce Isaacs to be for the title before telling him that he must challenge Isaacs for the title again
Zicky Dice, Ice Williams and Andy Brown vs. Frankie Frank, Jordan Clearwater and Anthony Idol in a PP3 Cup Tournament qualifier at Milestone 2020
Kathy Campanelli interviewing Adrian Quest, who says that he is getting played and that the UWN Television Championship was taken away from him when Johnny Yuma tells him to stop complaining only to get punched in the face
John Roberts interviewing The Question Mark at Milestone 2020
EJ Sparks vs. R-Three for the Arizona State Championship at Milestone 2020
Note: This week's episode is a replay of the very first episode from April 6, 2019.
"Professional" Peter Avalon beats Caleb Perez with a single leg crab in his first match after recovering from surgery. After the match, Kathy Campanelli interviews Avalon, who says that Championship Wrestling From Hollywood is his home, and after a lot of thinking, he knows what he wants and states that he will stop at nothing until he gets it.
Dicky Mayer beats Takeshi Minamino after throwing an elbow pad at Takeshi. After the match, Ty Matthews states that the sacrifice of Jordan Clearwater is necessary, and warns Ray Rosas that tampering with that sacrifice will stop things bigger than him. He warns him to stay out of his business, or else he will be set on a path to wellness.
We see highlights from a recent Memphis Grizzlies "wrestling night" basketball game involving Buff Bagwell, The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner), Rikishi and Jerry "The King" Lawler.
Before the next match, Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe and Luster The Legend) says that they are back and that after what happened to Double Platinum (Suede Thompson and Chris Bey), everyone should just pack up and go home.
Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe and Luster The Legend) beat JK Frizm and Jeffrey Excellence. After the match, CWFH Minority Owner Nikko Marquez shows up and welcomes Reno Scum back, and announces that they will get a shot at the United Tag Team Championships in a triple threat tag team match along with The Rocknes Monsters and Double Platinum (Suede Thompson and Chris Bey).
We see what Halston Boddy, Heather Monroe, Gentleman Jervis, and Zicky Dice are up to while everyone is social distancing.
Watts beats "D-Man" Dan Parker. During the match, Watts takes the microphone and demands his music be played early - as the match is already over in his mind - then he hits Parker with a choke bomb for the win.
Backstage, Kathy Campanelli interviews Brandon Cutler, who says he is aware that Jamie Iovine will be at ringside, but he does have a history with Royce Isaacs. Culter says family is not a weakness; he is proud to be a family man and a dork, and proclaims that everyone will see who the real dork is when he takes the Television title from him.
Royce Isaacs retains the United Television Championship against Brandon Cutler following the distraction by Jamie Iovine. Before the match begins, Cutler lays out Jamie Iovine with a Diamond Cutler, but it is not enough to take him out for the entire match.
At the end of the episode, hosts Maria and Dustin Starr celebrate a successful first episode with some cake, but Dustin drops the cake, much to Maria's chagrin.
The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) shows up to start tonight's show. Adam Cole tells the rest of The Undisputed Era to relish the moment due to all the gold they have, as it is what happens when they are backed into a corner. He says that NXT has done everything in their power to keep this from happening, but here they stand. Fish says that they were thrown to the wolves during the last two NXT TakeOver events, but at every single turn, they remained one step ahead and now they are dripping in championship gold. Strong then says everyone wants to know why he turned on Pete Dunne to join The Undisputed Era. He says that he does not always pat himself on the back for something, but he has The Undisputed Era for that, which they do. Strong says he did something for himself and made the best decision of his life. He could have won the gold with Pete Dunne, but Pete Dunne would have eventually turned on him over the WWE United Kingdom Championship. He then says he has seen The Undisputed Era take a bullet for himself, and at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, he had an epiphany. It may be "Roddy vs. The World," but why fight alone when he can work with The Undisputed Era and take over NXT? O'Reilly says they are tired of being backed into a corner, and that now, they cannot be stopped and that this is their era. He says times are changing, and they are leaving everybody in the dust. Cole says they will prove that when he defends the NXT North American Championship against Oney Lorcan right now and defend it on his own, as he won it on his own and will continue to defend it on his own. Cole says they will prove that when he defends the NXT North American Championship against Oney Lorcan right now and defend it on his own, as he won it on his own and will continue to defend it on his own. Cole then mockingly states he does not need any help beating Oney Lorcan, and asks the rest of The Undisputed Era to watch from backstage. He then says their time is here, and that it is forever their time to shock the system.
Adam Cole retains the NXT North American Championship against Oney Lorcan when the rest of The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) show up with a trainer to check on Cole, which is soon revealed to be a front for Bobby Fish to do some damage behind the referee's back. After the match, The Undisputed Era (Cole, Fish, O'Reilly, Strong) take the boots to Oney Lorcan. Danny Burch runs in to fight off The Undisputed Era, but he falls victim to an Adam Cole superkick before getting laid out by the rest of The Undisputed Era.
We see a video package for "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.
Next week: Candice LeRae vs. Bianca Belair!
We see a video package for Bianca Belair.
Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic) beat Tino Sabbatelli and Riddick Moss after Tino Sabbatelli turns his back on Riddick Moss again. After the match, Heavy Machinery call out War Raiders (Hanson and Raymond Rowe) for attacking them from behind, and says they will rain on their buffets and take all the steaks. Dozovic says they will lift all the gyms and lift all the weights. They then challenge War Raiders to a match.
We see a video package for Nikki Cross, Aliyah and Kairi Sane.
We see footage from earlier today where Cathy Kelley interviews Dakota Kai. Kai says she does not feel comfortable about the incident in the WWE Performance Center, and that she prefers not to talk about it. "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up and tells Kai to look at her, then asks her how it feels to know that the reality that a women's division run by her is her worst nightmare.
We see another vignette for "The Finest" Kona Reeves, who is coming back to NXT next week.
We see a video package for Lacey Evans, Vanessa Borne and Candice LeRae, all of whom want a shot at "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.
Next week: TM61 (Shane Thorne and Nick Miller) vs. Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)! Pete Dunne vs. Roderick Strong!
Tommaso Ciampa attacks Johnny Gargano before Gargano can take on Aleister Black for the NXT Championship. Ciampa, who now has an eye patch over his right eye, asks Gargano if he thought he was done! He gets up in a Fireman's Carry, but Gargano fights out of it and strikes back against Ciampa. Ciampa eventually kicks Gargano in the groin before pushing him down on the stage. The crowd chants "You tapped out" to Ciampa, who then hits Gargano with a running knee to the side of the face, smashing Gargano's face into a nearby LED board. Referees eventually show up and check on Gargano, and as they tell Ciampa to go back to the back, Ciampa grabs Gargano and hits him with a running White Noise into a table just off the stage. Candice LeRae runs out to check on Gargano as the referees call for medical assistance. Meanwhile, Ciampa stares on at Gargano, nonperturbed, as EMTs show up to put Gargano on a stretcher. Kassius Ohno shows up to help Gargano into the ambulance, and Aleister Black walks by, the NXT Championship still on his shoulder as he watches Gargano gets placed inside. Afterwards, the ambulance drives away, and Tommaso Ciampa can be seen on the top of a tractor trailer waving goodbye to the ambulance. Meanwhile, Aleister Black makes his way to the ring. He calls out Ciampa, but before he can say more, SAnitY (Eric Young, Killian Dain, Alexander Wolfe) show up. SAnity surround Aleister in the ring, and Eric Young says Gargano provided hope. He then says chaos took away that hope, but in chaos, SAnitY will find greatness and sanity. Aleister tells Eric Young that if he is looking for the NXT Championship, then they can go at it for the title right now.
Aleister Black retains the NXT Championship against Eric Young. After the match, Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain rush at Aleister Black, but he hits them both with Black Mass.
Akira Tozawa and Rich Swann beat The Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar. After the match, Tozawa tells Kendrick that choosing a partner is very important and that he chose partner. He teaches Lesson #4: "Always choose wisely."
Dasha Fuentes interviews Neville. Neville says he has proven again and again that Gallagher doesn't belong in the same ring as him and that he will prove that again tonight, After stating that Austin Aries will suffer the same fate. He says he cannot be stopped, and wonders when people will realize that.
Before the next match, Drew Gulak guests on commentary after declaring the arena a no-fly zone to protest Mustafa Ali's high-flying style.
"The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese beats Mustafa Ali by disqualification after Drew Gulak drags Nese out of the ring to get him away from the reverse 450 splash from the top rope. Nese wins by disqualification due to Nese making first contact with him. After the match, Mustafa Ali hits Drew Gulak with a somersault senton from the top rope.
Austin Aries is seen talking to "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher in the locker room.
Neville beats "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher with the Rings of Saturn. During the match, Neville takes Gallagher's umbrella William III and tosses the umbrella all the way to the stage, and Gallagher responds with a suicide dive through the ropes. After the match, Neville boots Gallagher in the face and tries to reapply the Rings of Saturn, but Austin Aries stops him and briefly locks in Last Chancery.
Renee Young interviews "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura. Dolph Ziggler interrupts before the interview can even start, and says if Shinsuke wants to play interview, they'll play interview. Ziggler doesn't give Nakamura much of a chance to speak, and says Nakamura is really Michael Jackson, who really disappeared into obscurity and came back as Shinsuke Nakamura, which means "petty, pathetic, overrated freak." Nakamura takes the microphone away, turns the tables by asking Ziggler what his problem is and calling Ziggler a jackass. Ziggler kicks Nakamura in the gut, but Nakamura replies with an exploder suplex, forcing Ziggler to retreat.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match.
AJ Styles beats Baron Corbin with a roll-up despite interference from Kevin Owens. Owens and Corbin attack Styles after the match, but Sami Zayn runs in. Owens retreats, and Corbin eventually ends up eating a Helluva Kick. Owens then runs back in and hits Sami Zayn with a pop-up powerbomb.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Charlotte. She says gold runs through her veins, and that she needs it to exist. Tonight, she will complete "the drive for five" and prove she is the best WWE Superstar in history.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beat The Colons (Primo and Epico Colon) in the first match of a Beat The Clock Challenge to decide the #1 contenders for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships with a time of 5:17 (5 minutes and 17 seconds).
We see footage from Rusev from earlier today, stating that he hates SmackDown Live's management and the Superstar Shake-Up. Unless he is given a championship match at Money In The Bank, he will pack his bags and go back home to Bulgaria.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Becky Lynch. She isn't the biggest fan of Charlotte due to what has happened between them on main roster. Carmella, Natalya, James Ellsworth and Tamina show up, wanting to know where Becky Lynch stands on Charlotte, and tell her to choose wisely.
Randy Orton beats Erick Rowan in a no-disqualification match. After the match, Orton says he doesn't exactly know what a House of Horrors Match is, but he'll find out Sunday when he makes it Bray Wyatt's hell. Jinder Mahal shows up, saying Orton is overlooking and disrespecting and that he is the real threat to the WWE Championship as he has more talent, culture and class than anyone else in the arena. He says Orton overlooks him due to how Jinder looks as well as due to arrogance and lack of tolerance, and that he will bring the WWE Championship back to his people, who he will address in Punjabi. Jinder tries to fight Orton, and Orton gets the upper hand until The Bollywood Boyz (Harv and Gurv Sihra) pin Orton down. After the beating to Orton, Jinder lifts the WWE Championship over his head.
We see Lana dance in another vignette.
During the break, Jinder Mahal and The Bollywood Boyz (Harv and Gurv Sihra) are seen leaving in a Hummer limousine with the WWE Championship.
Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) with 2:36 left on the clock in the second match of a #1 Contender's Beat The Clock Challenge to become #1 Contenders for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Neville says he will dismantle "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher tonight on 205 Live, and tells Austin Aries he will suffer the same fate at Payback.
We see a video package of the events leading up to the House of Horrors Match between Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt at Payback.
Renee Young interviews Naomi. Naomi says Charlotte is a stand-out competitor, but she's no Muhammad Ali and she's going to feel the glow.
Charlotte vs. Naomi for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship ends with the interference of Natalya, Carmella, Tamina and James Ellsworth, who all attack Charlotte after a brawl that also involves Naomi.
On Talking Smack, Sami Zayn is viciously attacked by Baron Corbin.
It is mentioned on the pre-show that John Cena has confirmed his return to WWE on the Memorial Day edition of Raw.
Renee Young interviews Kalisto during the pre-show. Kalisto says he's afraid of a lot of things, but competition is not one of them. He compares to Spider-Man in the sense that he can overcome any obstacle. He says that John Cena held the WWE United States title like a fighting champion, and he plans to uphold that legacy. He plans to prove at Payback that bigger isn't always better.
Tonight's episode is in memory of WWE alumni Chyna, who suddenly passed away last week at the age of 46.
Shane McMahon starts off tonight's show. He welcomes everyone to the sow and plans to keep it fresh, but suddenly, Stephanie McMahon makes her first appearance since WrestleMania. She says that the Hartford, Connecticut crowd is full of tough people, as she considers herself from there as she was born there. She then tells Shane this is his last night running Raw, and that at Payback, Vince McMahon will decide who runs Raw once and for all. Shane then asks the crowd who they want to see run the show. Not surprisingly, they want him. Stephanie McMahon mocks the crowd for their choice, and when Shane tells Stephanie to get out the ring. She refuses, and Shane sics security on her, telling her to leave our ring. Stephanie complies, but not before yelling something nondescript at Shane. She then suddenly attacks security, who fire back by grabbing her and pushing her to the back. Shane then gets the show started proper by introducing AJ Styles.
AJ Styles beats Sheamus. After the match, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows show up and celebrate Styles' win at the top of the entrance ramp.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) join Roman Reigns backstage. Roman doesn't sweat AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. The Usos tell Roman they've got his back, but tell roman that sometimes "the one needs help from the all," but Roman counters by saying that "the all needs help from the one."
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) show up. They are curious as to who will take them on for the WWE Tag Team Championship, and that when they retain, they will "party like it's 1999." The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) show up and say that when they take the titles, they will "party like it's 1899." Then Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady show up, and tell The Vaudevillains that the tag team title shot is going to them. The New Day then say that whoever wins, they're still staying tag champs.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in their WWE debut. After the match, Gallows and Anderson attack The Usos, but Roman Reigns shows up and makes the save, forcing Anderson and Gallows to retreat.
Renee Young interviews AJ Styles, but Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows show up concerning the Roman Reigns situation, and say they know AJ can win the World Heavyweight title on his own.
We see a video package documenting the beginning of the feud between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Sami Zayn gets a surprise victory on Rusev. After the match, Zayn is attacked from behind by Kevin Owens.
Renee Young interviews Apollo Crews, when Stardust suddenly shows up. Crews talks about working with Stardust's "dad" Dusty Rhodes in NXT, and Stardust takes notice of Apollo Crews' name before saying that not even Dusty can make Apollo a star.
Apollo Crews beats Stardust.
Dean Ambrose shows up. He's in a foul mood after being attacked from behind recently, and he plans to beat Chris Jericho at Payback. He says that Jericho acts entitled, and says that he isn't like that. He then calls Chris Jericho out, and Chris Jericho shows up. Chris Jericho tells Ambrose that the two of them are on completely different levels, and says that when he says he's the best in the world at what he does, he means it. Jericho then commands Ambrose to apologize for disrespecting him, and Ambrose apologizes...for Jericho's existence. He then beats him up until Jericho fights back and puts Ambrose in the Walls of Jericho on the announce table.
Charlotte guests on commentary for the next match.
Natalya beats Emma with the Sharpshooter.
We see a video package celebrating the life and career of Chyna.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin is official for Payback.
Baron Corbin is blindsided by Dolph Ziggler before his match against Damien Sandow can even take place.
We see another vignette for Primo and Epico.
The Miz and Maryse are in the ring. The Miz is surprised that the fans want Cesaro to take the Intercontinental title from him, then gets angry at them and tells them to respect him for bringing respect and prestige to the Intercontinental Championship before making fun of the Cesaro fans. Cesaro shows up and says the WWE Universe to too smart to start liking The Miz now, and that he will take the Intercontinental Championship from him at Payback. Both men end the promo quoting Dirty Harry. As The Miz leaves, Cesaro hits Miz with a strong European Uppercut, and almost puts him in the Cesaro Swing before Maryse protects Miz.
AJ Styles confronts Roman Reigns, and tells him he's taking the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from him. Roman Reigns says that Styles has front row tickets for Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Roman Reigns grants a wish for Make-A-Wish Ivan Rodriguez. Ivan and his family have front row seats for tonight's Raw.
Despite the distraction from Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Roman Reigns beats Alberto Del Rio. Gallows and Anderson attack Reigns after the match. AJ Styles rushes in and tells them to stop, and they do. Anderson and Gallows leave, then Roman Reigns hits Styles with a Superman Punch. Anderson and Gallows rush back in only to get beat up a second time, then Styles hits the Phenomenal Forearm on Roman Reigns from the top rope.
Vickie Guerrero shows up. She announces The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) are in another 11-on-3 handicap match tonight before starting a debate between Zeb Colter and Paul Heyman. It ends with both men nearly beating each other up, especially after Paul Heyamn keeps mentioning his client Brock Lesnar conquered The Streak.
Cesaro beats Jack Swagger. The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) show up and power bomb Swagger.
Tamina Snuka beats Natalya.
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) take out 3MB (Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal) backstage.
Vickie Guerrero takes the night off as per her phone call with Triple H. Brad Maddox has plans for The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns).
Curtis Axel beats Jey Uso. (During the break, Curtis Axel is attacked by The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) backstage after Ryback leaves him alone. This was only shown on the WWE App, and wasn't mentioned until just before the main event.)
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan) send a message to John Cena from the inside of a steel cage.
The Wyatt Family (Luke Harper and Erick Rowan) beat The Brotherhood (Cody Rhodes and Goldust).
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) destroy Brad Maddox.
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) put Fandango through a table before Fandango and Layla vs. Santino Marella and Emma can take place.
Stephanie McMahon will apologize to Daniel Bryan next week on Raw.
Rob Van Dam and Bad News Barrett square off in the finals for the Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's tournament next week on Raw!
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) beat Alberto Del Rio, Titus O'Neil, Damien Sandow, Ryback and Bad News Barrett.
Security tries to stop Aces and Eights, but Bully Ray bullies them out of the way.
James Storm is in the ring. He says he got a good fight out of AJ Styles, whom he finds in the audience. He tells Aces and Eights that if they wanted a fight, they should have asked. He calls them out, but Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) show up and say they've been victims of those guys, too. They say Hulk Hogan may not have the answer to Aces and Eights, but they do...and the answer is four...Fortune Four. They want AJ to join them, but even James Storm isn't buying it. Kazarian calls Storm irrelevant, and this causes Storm to flip out and go at it with them only to get floored. Aces and Eights then show up and try to put Storm through a table, but Joseph Park rushes to the ring. He tries to take down Aces and Eights only to metaphorically take a bullet. Bully Ray tells them to hold up as he and Devon want him for getting into "family business." They then put Park through the table with a 3D - a Dudley Death Drop. It's the first one since Devon and Bully Ray originally split.
After the break, Bully Ray tells the audience that Aces and Eights aren't fooling around. He called out Hulk Hogan last week...and says Hulk has until the end of the show to respond to his challenge.
Mickie James tells TNA interviewers "It's about damn time I shine," concerning her match against Velvet Sky for the Knockouts title.
Hulk Hogan has no time for interviews...
Taryn Terrell steals a victory from a cocky Tara with a schoolgirl pin.
Robbie E wants Jesse to take out Rob Terry, and also wants to be in his corner.
Even with Robbie E, Jesse still couldn't beat Rob Terry.
Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) want Bobby Roode to reunite with them and reform Fortune Four. Austin Aries eavesdrops on the conversation from near a doorway...
We see a video package for Chris Sabin, who is coming back to the X Division after several months off due to a knee injury. Hail Sabin!
Austin Aries confronts Bobby Roode before their match concerning his conversation with Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) concerning the reformation of Fortune Four, and puts him through a little guilt trip. What's it gonna be, Bobby?
Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) guest on commentary for the next match.
Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez retain the TNA Tag Team Championships against Bobby Roode and Austin Aries after the interference attempts of Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) fail miserably.
Matt Morgan heads to the ring after talking about how Hulk Hogan is signing his death warrant against Bully Ray tonight.
Matt Morgan enters the ring and talks about how he can't get his way because Hulk Hogan is one big bunch of mistakes. He has a solution concerning Aces and Eights, and calls out Hogan so he can explain it. Hogan shows up. He wants to take on Bully Ray in exchange for a World title shot. Hulk believes in him, but sees right through what he's trying to do and says Morgan is in this for the wrong reasons. He declines and says he'll get all this done himself.
Aces and Eights laugh about the 3D to Joseph Park as well as Hulk Hogan taking on Bully Ray tonight. Bully asks the club to let him take care of this himself.
Velvet Sky retains the TNA Knockouts Championship against Mickie James with a roll-up, despite taking damage to her injured knee.
Bully Ray and Devon talk about taking down Hulk Hogan.
Hulk Hogan has a moment with his daughter, Brooke Hogan. Brooke doesn't want him to do this, but Hulk knows he has to.
Bully Ray comes to the ring and rattles off all the names of those that Aces and Eights have taken down. He calls out Hulk Hogan. Hogan shows. They stare each other down. Bully says Hulk is scared of him. Hulk says otherwise, and that Hulkamania will never die. Another staredown occurs. Hulk gets emotional at first, and Bully turns his back with glee...but Hulk rip his shirt. Both men point at each other in typical Hulkster fashion before Hulk punches Bully, who bails out as Aces and Eights come out to the ring. Bully orders Aces and Eights to surround him, but the lights go out. When they come back on, Sting is in the ring pointing his bat at a cornered Hogan. He turns around and pushes the hat off Bully Ray's head with the bat. Hulk and Sting clean house, but Sting points the bat at Hogan again before walking away. What will the tension between Sting and Hogan lead to? Stay tuned!
