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.
Ricky Sosa beats Brian Myers. During the match, Bear Bronson distracts the referee, allowing Cedric Alexander to show up. Sosa hits Cedric with the headshot only for Myers to take advantage, then Myers takes the TNA X-Divison Championship to use as a weapon only for Leon Slater to show up and take the championship away. This allows Ricky Sosa to hit the Heashot on Myers for the win. After the match, Leon Slater says that Cedric Alexander denied him a title shot two weeks ago because Cedric knows he is a "little bitch." Slater then challenges Cedric for the X-Division Championship, saying he will give whatever it takes. Cedric says he has no reason to be jealous of Slater, and says he will put the title on the line if Slater puts his record on the line. If Slater wins, he is champion again, but if Cedric wins, Slater's record is erased for good. Slater accepts the challenge, and says he will see Cedric at Lockdown. Cedric then says that when Slater's record is gone and he is forgotten, he only has himself to blame.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Rich Swann and BDE. Rich Swann says that he and BDE are ready to go against Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Special Agent Zero, John Skyler), and says that Mustafa Ali thought he could control everything only to find out he could not. BDE says their partner has been waiting for the right moment to get his hands on Mustafa again. Swann says everyone is going to find out who their mystery tag team partner is very soon.
We hear from AJ Francis as he is in the recording studio. He is about to record vocals for a new song when Elias' guitar is heard. Elijah is on the other side of the booth, and he says there will be no excuses and only a steel cage and the judgment to come in "The Final Encore" at Lockdown. AJ Francis tries to run only to find out the booth is locked, then Elijah disappears.
Moose heads to the ring for "The Face of the Franchise's Speech." Moose mocks Frankie Kazarian throughout, showing off the sunglasses and scarf he stole from him which he says make him look like a douchebag. He tosses the sunglasses and scarf away. Moose calls the fans in Philadelphia his very special guests for tonight, then has some fun with the fans and gets a "Moose!" chant going, saying he will beat Kazarian at Lockdown before Kazarian shows up. Kazarian calls what is going on right now "stupid" and fails miserably to get the crowd on his side before declaring that he is royalty while Moose is "a failed football player" and stating that comparing the two of them is like comparing filet mignon to Wawa gas station food. This gets a brief "Wawa" chant started before Moose tells Kazarian that while he can insult him, he does not insult his guests, and that he will punch him in the face. Kazarian says he does what he wants when he does, then says Moose is a miserable failure as a husband and a father. Moose punches Kazarian in the face anyway, starting a brawl, and security has to jump in and separate both men. (One of the security guards holding Moose back is independent wrestler Lord Crewe.)
We see a video package chronicling the recent events between The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) and The Nemeths ("The Wanted Man" Nic and "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth) leading up to tonight's TNA World Championship main event.
Rich Swann and BDE's mystery partner is revealed to be Trey Miguel, who has not been seen since injuring his knee in his match with Mustafa Ali for the TNA International Championship at Rebellion.
Rich Swann, BDE and Trey Miguel beat Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Special Agent Zero, John Skyler) in a six-man tag match. After the match, Special Agent Zero almost lays out Trey Miguel, but retreats when Jason Hotch rushes into the ring.
Backstage, Xia Brookside is a jerk to the make-up artist as she is getting her make-up done.
As per the TNA Injury Report, Jason Hotch is cleared despite what he has gone through to win the TNA International Championship. Trey Miguel is cleared for competition with no restrictions after four months after clearing all medical evaluations. "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth is in "pristine condition" for tonight's TNA World Championship main event match.
Backstage, Xia Brookside finds out that her make-up has been made worse by the make-up artist, who is none other than Elayna Black, who suddenly shows up. Both women have a shoving match before brawling, and Brookside gets the upper hand before running away.
M by Elegance beats Indi Hartwell to advance to the finals of the TNA Knockouts Television Championship Tournament after Xia Brookside and Elayna Black brawl their way down the ramp and into the crowd, distracting Indi and allowing M to get the win.
We see a video package chronicling Harley Hudson's road to TNA and the events leading up to her career-threatening match with Alisha Edwards next week.
It is announced that Moose was found attacked backstage during the commercial break.
KC Navarro beats Eddie Edwards. During the match, Alisha throws her shoe in the ring, then distracts the referee. This allows Eddie to grab a shinai, but Navarro is able to use it against Eddie and hit Blessing in Disguise for the win. After the match, Bear Bronson and Brian Myers run into the ring and attack KC Navarro, and Myers grabs a metal folding chair from underneath the ring. The chair is wrap around Navarro's head, but Ricky Sosa, Jada Stone and Fabian Aichner run to the ring and make the save. Director of Authority Santino Marella then shows up. Santino admits he does not like the use of weapons, but says there will be a time and place for it, as Aichner, Navarro, Sosa and Jada will face The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Bear Bronson) in a Lethal Lockdown Match with weapons at Lockdown.
Backstage, Allie finds a message on a bathroom mirror: "The Struggle is Real."
"The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth retains the TNA World Championship against "The Enlightened Enigma" Jeff Hardy after getting the knees up to block the Swanton Bomb and countering the Twist of Fate with the Danger Zone.
MJF heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He is soon joined by "Hangman" Adam Page. MJF says he has known Hangman for a long time and it has become clear to him that Hangman is most vulnerable when he is angry, and he plans to make him so angry that he loses the AEW World Championship on the first defense. MJF says Hangman is only standing because he does not feel like breaking him right now. Hangman slaps the microphone out of MJF's hand before getting tired of his "edgelord shit" and tells him that he will not defend unless MJF cashes in his Casino Gauntlet contract. He says that if MJF is not here to cash in his contract, then he can walk away and tell everyone he does not have the stomach to face him. MJF says that Hangman, not he, is the problem, as he is treated like he is perfect. He says that he has learned from getting beaten up for being just a little bit different that if God is all-knowing and all-powerful, he is not all good, and he will prove Hangman is nothing more than a fraud and "a weak-minded, alcoholic little boy." MJF also says that he would rather been seen as "the Devil" rather than a fake like Hangman, because at least he is real. He then says he will pull the wolf's sheep clothing and crucify the fan's God Hangman. Hangman says he understands the point MJF is trying to make, but nobody knows his faults more than he does, and as much as he has tried to look past them, he will not run from them like MJF would. He says that MJF talks about Forbidden Door as if he has a match even though he does not, yet he has a contract for the World Championship any time he wants, and he will not take his shot because he is afraid and he wants an insurance policy as he does not have what it takes. Hangman tells MJF that if he wants the fans' respect, then he should take his shot, and he should prove to the fans that he is more than "an insecure, gutless coward." MJF becomes incensed and announces he will execute his contract at Forbidden Door, then realizes what he has done before the fans chant "You fucked up!" Hangman tells MJF "I'll see you at Forbidden Door...dumbass." MJF is livid as Hangman leaves.
We hear from Jon Moxley, who tells Darby Allin that whatever he thinks is happening at Forbidden Door will not be happening.
Jon Moxley beats "The Jet" Kevin Knight by submission with an inverted triangle sleeper after getting the knees up for the UFO Splash. After the match, "Speedball" Mike Bailey checks on Kevin Knight, but he is attacked by Wheeler Yuta. Darby Allin suddenly shows up with a skateboard in one hand and a body bag in the other. Kevin Knight drop kicks Moxley from out of nowhere as Marina Shafir stares down Darby, and when Wheeler Yuta charges at Darby, Darby lays him out with the skateboard and puts him in the body bag as Shafir runs away. Darby then goes for a Coffin Drop on Yuta only to be stopped and clobbered by Claudio Castagnoli, who then frees Yuta from the body bag before putting Darby in it, spinning him around and throwing him down. Yuta then grabs a metal folding chair, then wraps Darby's head around it. Will Ospreay shows up before Claudio Castagnoli can do even more damage, and he takes out not only Claudio, but also Yuta. Moxley, Yuta, Claudio and Shafir retreat, but Will Ospreay says that in return for trying to snap his neck, he will snap Moxley's. He then challenges The Death Riders (Moxley, Yuta, Claudio, Shafir) to a Lights Out Steel Cage Match at Forbidden Door.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Adam Copeland and FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) so far, leading up to Adam Copeland vs. Stokely Hathaway later tonight.
"Timeless" Toni Storm is seen in the upper level of the arena before the next match, but all of a sudden, so is Athena, with her Casino Gauntlet contract in her hands.
Queen Aminata, Alex Windsor and Willow Nightingale beat Mercedes Moné, "The Toxic Spider" Thekla and Skye Blue in a trios match by submission following the Sharpshooter from Windsor to Skye Blue. After the match, Athena and "Timeless" Toni Storm brawl in the upper level of the arena while both teams brawl in the ring with Julia Hart joining in. Mercedes Moné gives Windsor a beating while telling her she will never be champion at her expense. Athena and Toni's brawl soon makes its way to the ring, and Toni soon gets the better of Athena. Windsor soon gets up and clotheslines Athena, then Toni gets in the ring and challenges Mercedes and Athena to a tag match next week.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Will Ospreay. Ospreay says he has gotten with Tony Khan regarding the Lights Out Steel Cage Match, then announces that "The Ace" Hiroshi Tanahashi will be on his team as part of the match. Regarding his herniated disks, he is fine, then says he wants a chat with Jon Moxley next week.
Before the next match, two security guards have to force Stokely Hathaway into the ring.
Adam Copeland beats Stokely Hathaway by disqualification after FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) get involved - making their restraining order null and void - and Stokely throws powder into Copeland's face. As FTR go for the double-team spike piledriver, Christian Cage suddenly shows up with Spike in his hands. Christian swings at FTR, then "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne shows up with a metal folding chair. Christian gets the better of him, and Kip Sabian shows up only to get Speared. Christian and Copeland then back into each other, but both men soon let their guard down and Christian hands Spike back to Copeland before walking off. Copeland stops Christian and both men hug it out. Christian nods, then leaves the ring.
We see footage of a skyscraper as a storm brews. We then see the Hook signal in the sky.
The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) get pyro, but no entrance music, when they show up for the next match. The TitanTron says "Mr. Instant Replay" and "Slick Nick" as the crowd chants "Jobbers." They also get no chyron and are called "these guys" by ring announcer Justin Roberts.
Brody King, Tomohiro Ishii, Hologram, and Hiromu Takahashi beat The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) and The Don Callis Family ("The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher and "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander) in an eight-man tag match. Early on in the match, The Young Bucks superkick ring announcer Justin Roberts. After the commercial break, it is announced that The Young Bucks have both been individually fined $10,000 and that there will be no more ring announcing for the rest of the night, although Roberts is replaced by Tony Schiavone at the end of the match.
Renee Paquette interviews Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana at the ramp. Swerve says that wrestlers are tough people and get hurt all the time, and that he is focused on the AEW Unified Championship, when asked about meeting with AEW medical earlier today. Suddenly, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada shows up and tells Swerve he has no chance, and that he might as well give up now. Swerve simply says "Whose house?" Okada then calls Swerve a bitch, and gets shoved. Security swiftly intervenes before things get worse.
Backstage, Alicia Atout interivews The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir). Upon finding out that Hiroshi Tanahashi is in the Lights Out Steel Cage Match, Moxley heads towards the extras room, where he finds The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson).
It is announced by Tony Schiavone that Adam Copeland and Christian Cage will face "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne and Kip Sabian at Forbidden Door. It is also announced that The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson), The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta) and Gabe Kidd will face Darby Allin, "The Ace" Hiroshi Tanahashi, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi in the Lights Out Steel Cage Match.
The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata) beat La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dralistico, The Beast Mortos) in a trios match with a Coaquina Clutch from Samoa Joe to Dralistico.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "Hangman" Adam Page in the parking lot when Hangman is suddenly attacked from behind by MJF, who then tells Hangman that when it comes to breaking him, "You ain't seen nothin' yet."
Backstage, Wes Lee is interviewed by Sarah Schreiber on his way into the building. Wes Lee says it is time to take what is his and leaves, then "All Ego" Ethan Page takes over the microphone with his own cube and announces that he is coming to the ring to address the fans. Ethan heads to the ring, then says the fans wanted so badly for Oro Mensah to dethrone him as NXT Champion, but everyone, including Oro, found out that he does what he says he will do and has the skills to back it up and the right to do so. He proclaims that his momentum is rolling on strong and that nobody is taking the NXT Championship from him, as "The Era of Ego" will roll on, as it is not NXT, but "N-X-Me." Suddenly, Joe Hendry shows up. Hendry reminds everyone that he stated that one not need to say his name last week, as he would simply appear, then gives credit where credit is due to Ethan Page for becoming champion only for him to steal his thunder at the end of Heatwave. He then says the fans left The Great American Bash talking about Wes Lee and not Ethan, and says that Ethan's ego says one but that reality says another. Ethan tells Hendry to go back to TNA, as he has no idea why he is still hanging around. Hendry says he is here for the same reason as everyone else - to win the NXT Championship - and Ethan acknowledges that everyone believes in Hendry, but he does not. Instead, he believes that Hendry's song makes him sick to his stomach whenever he hears it and that Hendry is on the fourteenth of his fifteen minutes of fame, and that if Hendry is silly enough to come after him and his title, he will expose him as a flash in the pan. Hendry says he is no overnight success and that he has been grinding for over ten years and has made believers out of many people, and says that he will take the NXT Championship all over the world as he leads the crowd into song. As Ethan leaves, Hendry is attacked from behind by Wes Lee.
Backstage, Wren Sinclair drives Charlie Dempsey crazy as he gets ready for his Heritage Cup Championship match.
The women's division meets with General Manager Ava, Robert Stone and Stevie Turner. There is a tumbler on the table to decide six random competitors who have not yet had a title shot to compete in an elimination Gauntlet Match. Wren Sinclair, Adrianna Rizzo, Sol Ruca are first three chosen, with the next three to be chosen later.
Charlie Dempsey beats Tony D'Angelo two falls to one (2-1) to become the NXT Heritage Cup Champion! Tony D'Angelo scores the first fall with a Fisherman's Buster with 2:04 (two minutes, four seconds) left in Round 2. Charlie Dempsey scores the second fall with a jackknife pin with 1:08 (one minute, eight seconds) left in Round 4, following a Round 3 that almost ends in disqualification when everyone gets in the ring and Wren Sinclair slapping sense into Dempsey. Dempsey scores the third and deciding fall with 0:59 (59 seconds) left after Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo tries to attack Dempsey only to be tossed out of the ring and Wren Sinclair tripping D'Angelo off the top rope as the referee is distracted to allow Dempsey to win the match and the title with a German suplex bridge pin.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Lola Vice and Kelani Jordan are having a converdsation when they both notice a distraught Tatum Paxley, who says that nobody is her friend as she accuses Lola of having everything handed to her. Lola says she has no idea where Tatum is going with this, and Tatum says she will show her.
Lexis King beats Eddy Thorpe.
We hear from Trick Williams, who says that he will figure Pete Dunne because he solves problems and fixes issues, just like he did with Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov. He talks about how he dealt with three men breaking into his car with rocks early in his college football career as he says that he and Dunne are more similar than they realize, then says one loss will not scare him away and that he will figure Pete Dunne out.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Pete Dunne, who says that Trick Williams has no chance against him and that he is moving forward to the NXT Championship while men like Trick "bitch and moan." In the background, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson confront Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx for their hypocrisy.
Kelani Jordan guests on commentary for the next match.
Lola Vice beats Tatum Paxley as Kelani Jordan is suddenly attacked by Wendy Choo. After the match, Lola Vice helps Tatum Paxley up, but then notices Wendy Choo holding up the NXT Women's North American Championship over a downed Kelani.
Backstage, Adrianne Rizzo thanks Ava for the gauntlet match opportunity, then it is revealed that Jaida Parker, Kendal Grey and Karmen Petrovic are in the Gauntlet Match eliminator. Brinley Reece congratulates Karmen on the opportunity when Izzi Dame says she should have been in the gauntlet match before suddenly blurting out that she never liked Karmen since their tryout.
Wes Lee heads to the ring. Wes says he shocked the world as well as himself, as he thought he would win the NXT tag titles, but Zachary Wentz let him down again. He says this goes back to two years ago when Wentz let him down when he got released (which is not mentioned). He says that everyone felt sorry for Wentz more than they did for him, but he picked himself up and became the greatest NXT North American Champion of all time. He then says that Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz abandoned him and got back together in TNA while he broke his back to become a top star in NXT, and while they aspired to reach greatness together, it was he and he alone who achieved that greatness. Wes says he is done being Wentz's caretaker and worrying about what he will say or do, as he was the one who kept everything together in The Rascalz (Trey, Wentz, Wes Lee), and he is tired of taking care of him. He then says that he cannot ride their coattails anymore, that they only came back because of the NXT-TNA partnership and that he knows he and Wentz will have their match, and that Wentz will realize that everything he said was true. Wes says he will show no mercy when he beats the hell out Wentz, then says Wentz and Trey can go back to TNA to have a meaningful career while he moves on to the NXT Championship. He then says "On behalf of Wes Lee, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors." Suddenly, Pete Dunne shows up. Dunne admits he is impressed, as somebody has finally started to figure out, but tells Wes Lee not to get too carried away, as he beat Trick Williams and he is focused on the NXT Championship. Joe Hendry suddenly shows up from behind Wes Lee and shoves him into Pete Dunne, and security and officials have to stop the brawl between all three men.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Nathan Frazer and Axiom. Frazer admits they have not been eye-to-eye, but Axiom says last week was a thing of the past. Frazer says they are locked in and focused on defending the NXT tag titles. Axiom agrees, and says that they are locked in and that they will defend the tag titles against Chase University (Andre Chase and Ridge Holland).
Backstage, Tony D'Angelo admits that Charlie Dempsey and Wren Sinclair got one over on him. Oba Femi then suddenly shows up and says it is time for his open challenge, and tonight, he is ready for battle with Otis.
Backstage, Duke Hudson apologizes to Ridge Holland, as he and Riley Osborne were taken aback, and that it does not matter who wins the NXT tag title as long as they come to Chase University. Riley says that if Chase and Ridge win, they all win. Ridge thanks Chase University for continuing to believe in him and being behind him, and says he will do all in his power to bring home the NXT Tag Team Championships and make it the title reign to end all title reigns.
Oba Femi retains the NXT North American Championship in an open challenge against Otis.
We hear from Brooks Jensen, who says that he hit rock bottom and that he felt that people who were looking out were just nothing but empty words, then says that somebody was really looking out for him and wanted to make sure he was safe. He says this place is cutthroat and that people are turning on each other and out for themselves, then we find out he is talking about Shawn Spears, who says that his words were perfect, and not Josh Briggs.
Backstage, Malik Blade and Edris Enofé cannot believe what they have just seen, and neither can Hank Walker. Tank Ledger shows up, and Hank finds out he and Tank have a match next week with The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson).
We see footage from the SummerSlam try out from earlier this month. We also get some background on Izzi's words from earlier: Izzi Dame tried out at the SummerSlam 2022 tryouts, as did Brinley Reece.
Izzi Dame beats Brinley Reece.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews General Manager Ava, who mentions the No Mercy Gauntlet Eliminator Match with the winner facing Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Championship. She also mentions a #1 contender's match between Joe Hendry, Pete Dunne and Wes Lee for the NXT Championship. Roxanne Perez shows up and brags about winning a similar gauntlet match to launch her career, and says that somebody will try to be the next Roxanne Perez but will be waiting a long time before touching the NXT Women's Championship.
Shawn Michaels announces that NXT is now going on the road for two weeks in a row as part of its debut on The CW, and while NXT has been on fire for the last year, it will be "a whole different animal" with The CW.
Backstage, Ashante "Thee" Adonis says everyone should be shooting their shot with him while everyone is shooting for the NXT Championship as he is surrounded by women. He then finds Dion Lennox reading a book, and challenges him to a match, not realizing "It Ends With This" is the name of the book Lennox is reading.
Chase University (Andre Chase and Ridge Holland) beat Nathan Frazer and Axiom to become the NXT Tag Team Champions! This happens after Andre Chase shoves Frazer off the top turnbuckle to prevent the Phoenix Splash, and after Axiom hits Chase with the Golden Ratio, Ridge clocks Axiom with a lariat and hits him with a DDT to win the match and the titles. After the match, Chase U students celebrate with Chase University in the ring as confetti falls and fog machines go off.
Backstage, "King FatBoy" Papo Esco is looking for Slice Boogie. Jonny Loquasto tells Esco that Slice is here, as he left a trash can full of weapons for him. Danny Limelight shows up and says Slice Boogie may a wildcard, but he will show up.
Before the next match, Jonny Loquasto shows up and tells Kevin Martenson that Bateman did not show and that Bateman has sent a message saying he will face him on his own time and has sent a replacement - probably to soften Martenson up - if Martenson is up for it. Martenson is up for it, and Martenson's new opponent is "Dead Ringer" Aaron Williams.
Kevin Martenson retains the United Heritage Championship against "Dead Ringer" Aaron Williams.
Backstage, Jeremy McPete interviews Marti Belle, who was impressed with Savanna Stone and Zeda Zhang, stating both are the future of professional wrestling. She then says that she is not going anywhere because she is the present, and when she becomes United Women's Champion, nobody is getting in her way.
"Benevolent" Jack Banning retains the United Television Championship against "King FatBoy" Papo Esco in a Bodega Street Fight following interference from the rest of The Institution (Honest John, Brendan Divine, Savanna Stone) and despite assistance from Danny Limelight.
We hear from "Outlandish" Zicky Dice, "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater and Slice Boogie before this week's main event.
Slice Boogie beats "Outlandish" Zicky Dice and "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater in the finals of the Golden Opportunity Tournament to earn a guaranteed shot at the United World Championship after Invictus Khash shows up and hits Clearwater in the back with a chair and Slice Boogie hits the Statue of Misery on Zicky Dice.
Backstage, "King FatBoy" Papo Esco is looking for Slice Boogie. Jonny Loquasto tells Esco that Slice is here, as he left a trash can full of weapons for him. Danny Limelight shows up and says Slice Boogie may a wildcard, but he will show up.
Before the next match, Jonny Loquasto shows up and tells Kevin Martenson that Bateman did not show and that Bateman has sent a message saying he will face him on his own time and has sent a replacement - probably to soften Martenson up - if Martenson is up for it. Martenson is up for it, and Martenson's new opponent is "Dead Ringer" Aaron Williams.
Kevin Martenson retains the United Heritage Championship against "Dead Ringer" Aaron Williams.
Backstage, Jeremy McPete interviews Marti Belle, who was impressed with Savanna Stone and Zeda Zhang, stating both are the future of professional wrestling. She then says that she is not going anywhere because she is the present, and when she becomes United Women's Champion, nobody is getting in her way.
"Benevolent" Jack Banning retains the United Television Championship against "King FatBoy" Papo Esco in a Bodega Street Fight following interference from the rest of The Institution (Honest John, Brendan Divine, Savanna Stone) and despite assistance from Danny Limelight.
We hear from "Outlandish" Zicky Dice, "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater and Slice Boogie before this week's main event.
Slice Boogie beats "Outlandish" Zicky Dice and "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater in the finals of the Golden Opportunity Tournament to earn a guaranteed shot at the United World Championship after Invictus Khash shows up and hits Clearwater in the back with a chair and Slice Boogie hits the Statue of Misery on Zicky Dice.
Dustin Starr interviews "Outlandish" Zicky Dice at the announce desk. Zicky Dice says it is great to be back, the followers are coming through, and he is waiting for a worthy challenger. He then mentions Mike Anthony vs. Zay Washington from two weeks ago, then challenges Zay Washington to a match for the Memphis Internet Championship tonight. Zay Washington soon shows up. Zicky Dice says that he is impressed and that Zay Washington could soon be an Internet star. After Zay Washington accepts his challenge, Mike Anthony shows up. Anthony says that this is his show, which means it is his time. Zicky Dice and Zay Washington leave before Dustin Starr interviews Mike Anthony. Anthony says he does not have to pay anybody off when he has respect. He then says that in seven days, he will be out here to witness "The GunShow" Brett Michaels' demise and destruction, then Brett Michaels will understand once and for all that he is loved by few, hated by many, dared by none and respected by all.
Van Viciouss beats "The True American" Trace Lee Hunt after referee Ray Sanders keeps Trace Lee Hunt from hitting the top rope diving head butt, allowing Viciouss to shake the top rope to trip Hunt down, slam him and win.
The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) retain the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships against Country Rock (Carter Matthews and Chris Hayes) after the Posse stop the Country Rock Drop and Simon grabs the tights on the schoolkid pin on Carter Matthews.
Backstage, The Hot Shots (Brandon Savage, Ethan Ross, "Too Fine" Justin Klein) harass some fans and help themselves to their nachos. Needless to say, the fans are not impressed.
Before the next match, Matt Williams fails to shot when his entrance theme hits. Five members of security have to carry Matt Williams - who is still wearing a neck brace - screaming to the ring. Matt Williams takes the neck brace off as soon as he gets the upper hand.
Austin Lane beats Matt Williams by count-out after Matt Williams slides out of the ring and heads back to the locker room, apparently wanting nothing more to do with Austin Lane.
We hear from Nyxx, who says that at Gauntlet For The Gold, she was so prepared to win the Memphis Women's Championship, but "Dirty" Diana Taylor knew what she had coming and sent The Hollywood Clique to take her gear and trash her car. However, she did not stop her, even as Diana Taylor won the Memphis Women's Championship, then says there is only one goddess in Memphis Wrestling and it is her.
Memphis Wrestling is coing to Dyersburg, Mississippi for Dyer Country Clash on September 10th!
Zay Washington beats "Outlandish" Zicky Dice to become the Memphis Wrestling Internet Champion! After the match, Aaron Roberts celebrates with Zay Washington, then smacks Zicky Dice, then lays out Zay Washington and squashes both of them in the corner.
In backstage from earlier tongith, Joe Briggs says that the last time he was here, he was dominant; now he is back and he is angry. He says he does not care about the rules or the weight limit anymore, and when he wants to fight someone, he fights someone. Briggs says that after he beats Joe Gacy down, he will go home, look in the mirror and know that he doesn't like him.
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. With school back in session, Cena calls Roman Reigns "a D, a below-average D, a D-head, a D-bag and a huge D-ssapointment," as WWE has tried to sell the fans Roman and only Roman is buying. He says that he has come back to give Roman an F, but before he does, he wants to know what the Tulsa, Oklahoma crowd think about it, and asks them if they think Roman will beat the crap out of him at SummerSlam. Cena gets a loud, divided reaction, then says that Roman will beat the crap out of him before saying that Roman will still lose and that there is nothing anybody can do about it. Suddenly, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman show up. After the commercial break, Cena tells Roman he will embarrass him at SummerSlam, and says that when he looks at him, he sees a guy who acts like he owns SmackDown and everybody has to play by his rules and act like WWE is his company. Cena says WWE belongs to the fans, and says he is back because Roman thinks he is above everyone else and he is the only one who can shut Roman up, as Roman has been pushed for ten years despite many failures, for he is the best chance they have got. He says that Roman has been provided with layers of protection and that he will give Roman a serving of humble pie at SummerSlam, and that even the fans know they have one week left to pick a side and that SummerSlam will be history. Roman shows his disappointment with Cena's choice of jokes and asks him to hit him with something good, then Cena says Roman will kick his ass at SummerSlam before saying he does not have to prove himself and just has to pin Roman. He says having a 17th world title would set a record given how decorated he is, and says it is really all about Roman at SummerSlam and that he is just trying to help him. Roman says that he respects Cena and declares him the greatest of all time and is good enough to juggle all of the things he is doing right now as well as win the WWE Championship, but says he is not good enough to win the Universal title. He says twenty years of missionary might have been good enough for Cena, but not for Nikki Bella, and that he will smash him, retain the Universal title and send him back to Hollywood before telling him to enjoy it, as this might be the last time Cena is in the ring. Cena says that Roman wants a compelling story and wants to mock him for his jokes, but says Roman has been protected and not embarrassed throughout his career, and while Roman is right about much, even Heyman knows how much punishment he can take and not quit. He once again tells Roman that all he has to do is pin him and Roman gets answered and becomes an answer to a trivia question before he takes the Universal Championship and rides off into the sunset with it, as nobody can protect Roman anymore and "the champ is gone" at SummerSlam.
King Nakamura beats Apollo Crews to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion for a second time!
We see a video package chronicling the history between The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and the team of Otis and Chad Gable.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Montez Ford says being crushed by Otis was the most painful thing in his life, but now he is back and he is excited to face Otis and Chad Gable. Angelo Dawkins says The Street Profits are not only back, but that they are up and they want the smoke.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat The Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) after Gable inadvertently tags himself into the match and argues with the referee over this.
In the production truck, Seth Rollins is seen arguing with everyone inside to make sure things are to his liking.
Seth Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins says Tulsa, Oklahoma has been on fire tonight, and says that while he hates to play the role of party pooper, Edge is not here tonight. He says he wants to put his fist through Edge's face for all the lies he made about him last week. The crowd chants "We Want Edge," but Rollins mockingly says that Tulsa has the next best thing in "Edge Light," saying that Edge has done all there is to do in WWE and yet can't stand that his career has been a little bit better than his. He says that there is documentable, verifiable proof of this, and that he has made a comparable career retrospective video package between his career and Edge's. After a video package that puts Edge down while putting Rollins on a pedestal, Rollins says the video doesn't lie, then has a revelation, saying Edge as well as the fans should be thanking him. He says that if he curb stomped Edge back in 2014, this conversation would not be happening and the last seven years would have gone worse for Edge, saying his daughters would be pushing him in a wheelchair instead of Edge pushing his daughters on a swing set. Rollins says that Edge has gotten in his head and made him say and do things he would not do to the point that he is compromising his future and that of his family, then tells Edge it is not 2014 anymore and that he will not hold back at SummerSlam. Rollins tells Edge that he will stomp his head into the mat, and if it puts Edge out for good, so be it.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio tells Dominik Mysterio that he needs to stay humble and stay hungry as they face Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode tonight.
Rey and Dominik Mysterio beat Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. During the match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up on the TitanTron and distracting both Rey and Dominik Mysterio. Roode tags in and Rey takes a bullet for Dominik, who gets the win with a victory roll on Roode. After the match, The Usos tell Rey and Dominik that they won't be able to beat them for the SmackDown tag titles at SummerSlam.
Baron Corbin heads to the ring. Corbin says he has been down on his luck lately and that if things do not change soon, he will have to file for bankruptcy. He also says that when someone falls, the people want to keep him down, and for that, this is his last plea for help from the fans. He says he is used to a certain way of life, and asks everyone to contribute a minimum of $100,000, and says he has a credit card scanner on his phone. Suddenly, Kevin Owens shows up. Owens tells Corbin to stop begging and embarrassing himself, saying that Corbin has failed to learn from his mistakes and just wants to use people to benefit himself before asking him who begs for $100,000. Corbin answers with "someone who needs $100,000" before telling Owens that he will not leave the ring unless Owens gives him $1,000. Owens agrees, but on the condition that Owens beats him in a match. He then says that if Corbin loses, Corbin has to stop begging for money and embarrassing WWE, and has to help himself. Corbin agrees but says he would not be in this situation if he was a cheap piece of something. Corbin gets a Stunner before he finishes his sentence.
Kevin Owens beats Baron Corbin with a Sunset Flip. As per pre-match stipulation, Baron Corbin cannot beg the fans for money. After the match, Owens gives Corbin a Stunner.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Baron Corbin and asks "What now?" Suddenly, Corbin breaks into a run and steals Big E's Money In The Bank Contract.
WWE official Sonya Deville moderates a contract signing between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam. Sasha arrives first, followed by Bianca. Bianca says she should have known Sasha would stab her in the back, and that if Sasha wanted a title shot, all she had to do was ask. Sasha says Bianca's braid kept her on the shelf for months, then says she is not going to be her friend. After Sasha says "Get real, bitch!" at Bianca, Sonya tells them that the arguing stops and that both women will sign the contract now. Sasha then says she needs witnesses before she signs, and Carmella and Zelina Vega show up. Sasha says she is always two steps ahead of Bianca, then signs the contract. Bianca quickly follows suit, then throws the contract at Sasha before fighting off all three people across from her. The numbers game eventually catches up, however, and Sasha beats Bianca down on the table before standing on it and holding up the SmackDown Women's Championship. Sasha then puts Bianca in the Banks Statement with Bianca's own ponytail to end the show.
Christian Cage beats Kenny Omega to become Impact World Champion for the third time (the first two were under the TNA name). During the match, Kris Statlander, Orange Cassidy and The Varsity Blonds (Griff Garrison, Brian Pillman Jr., Julia Hart) are seen in the crowd watching the match. Later on in the match, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) bring Omega a chair as Don Callis distracts the referee, but Christian reverses the One-Winged Angel into a Killswitch on the chair for the win. After the match, Christian celebrates with Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus and Scott D'Amore.
Backstage, Mark Henry interviews Christian Cage. Christian Cage says that Kenny Omega is as advertised and is one of the toughest and most talented he has faced, and while it will be hard to win the AEW World title, he is in Omega's head right now and he will win the title at All Out.
We hear from Fuego del Sol, who says that this is the match of his life for him and his family. He says that the fans believe in him and that AEW is everything he has ever dreamt of and worked for. He that that this is his moment, and that "God's favorite champion" is going to be baptized by fire.
Miro retains the AEW TNT Championship against Fuego del Sol depsite Fuego hitting Miro with three Tornado DDTs at the beginning of the match. After the match, Miro tears up Fuego del Sol's potential full-time AEW contract. After the commercial break, Fuego del Sol is still in the ring, and Sammy Guevara shows up with Tony Khan. Khan hands Sammy a contract, then Sammy says that even though Fuego lost, there is sometimes victory in defeat. He says that despite his win-loss record, both the fans and the locker room love Fuego del Sol, and Khan says it was only right for him to tell Fuego that he is All Elite. Fuego del Sol and Sammy hug as Fuego is confirmed as a full-time AEW roster member.
Darby Allin and Sting are seen up in the rafters.
Backstage, Mark Henry interviews Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. and Red Velvet. Red Velvet says she not only wanted to ruin Britt's night in her hometown, but that she wants to ruin it a second time and stir her up. Britt says that Red Velvet ruined nothing and that it never rains in Brittsburgh as long as she is champion, and says she will stay champion after tonight.
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. retains the AEW Women's World Championship with the Lockjaw after switching sides and using her other hand to apply the hold. During the match, Kris Statlander is seen watching the match from the crowd. After the match, Britt Baker lays out Red Velvet with a spinning neckbreaker, but before she can curb stomp Red Velvet, Kris Statlander gets in the ring to attack her. Suddenly, Jamie Hayter runs into the ring and lays out Kris Statlander.
This week's episode is more never-before-seen hidden gems.
In footage from Download Festival 2019, Adam Cole beats Zack Gibson.
We see a vignette for Aoife Vakyrie.
We hear from The Hunt (Wild Boar and Primate), who state that they love panic and chaos and that the rest of the locker room is the hunted.
In footage from March 6, 2020, Xia Brookside beats Nina Samuels with a top rope cross body after Nina Samuels gets caught grabbing the tights on a roll-up pinfall attempt.
We here from Amale, who says that the NXT UK Women's Division is in need of a revolution and that she plans to become the first-ever French champion in WWE history. She says that she was once a nobody like the fans, but she is a leader - not a follower - and she plans to make history.
Next week: Superstar Picks!
In footage from July 20, 2019, Pete Dunne beats Alexander Wolfe.
Akira Tozawa beats "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher despite Gallagher putting his foot on the bottom rope. During the replay, it is noted that The Brian Kendrick has inadvertently slapped the bottom rope, unintentionally knocking Gallagher's foot off the rope.
We hear from Oney Lorcan, who says that he should have won the Cruiserwight Championship at SummerSlam. Instead, Drew Gulak punched him in the throat, and their war is not over until he beats Gulak and wins the Cruiserweight title.
Before the next match, footage from earlier today is shown. General Manager Drake Maverick and Humberto Carrillo notice that Gran Metalik has been attacked. Maverick replaces Metalik with Carrillo in tonight's six-man tag match.
Humberto Carrillo and The Lucha House Party (Kalisto and Lince Dorado) beat Ariya Daivari and The Singh Brothers (Samir and Sunil Singh).
We hear from Drew Gulak, who says that change is inevitable and that he asks for a worthy challenger to step up or step aside. Instead, ghosts have stepped up to him as if nothing has changed. He says that his 205 Live is a battlefield where all is fair in war, and if one has not made the necessary sacrifices, he will go through them. He says that the only constant is change and that he is the law.
We hear from "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. He may have lost his opportunity to go to SummerSlam, but he has learned that he must start from scratch, learn from his mistake, and work his way back up to the Cruiserweight Championship.
Drew Gulak retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Oney Lorcan in a SummerSlam rematch after Lorcan passes out from the Gu-Lock.
Kevin Owens shows up to start tonight's show. Owens says tonight is the five-year anniversary of signing his WWE contract, and that he has experienced things he never thought he would experienced and wrestled the absolute best in the industry before facing Shane McMahon. He says that while Shane's title of "Best In The World" is far from reality as can be, SummerSlam will be a night he will never forget as his entire family got to see him in an arena full of people wanting him to beat Shane's ass, which is exactly what he did. He then goes on to say that he will always remember hitting Owens with the Stunner in the middle of the ring that night. Now that Shane McMahon is behind him, he is focused on the King of the Ring tournament. Having been a fan of WWE his entire life, the King of the Ring tournament is always something he has looked forward to. He is proud that it has been brought back and that he is in it, as he wants to be in the same list of tournament winners as countless legends. Suddenly, Shane McMahon shows up and says that Owens has a "tainted victory" over him, and replays how Owens won at SummerSlam. The crowd reacts with "You deserve it" as Shane says this is not competition and that Owens is not a man. Owens says he will not be lectured on how to be a man by someone like Shane and that he has been a man for the last couple of weeks. Shane calls Owens a lowlife who will always be known as a cheater. He goes on to say that Owens should be in the unemployment line and that seeing him makes him want to fight him again, but he does not want to soil his hands tonight. As he says that he will find out who his opponent is later tonight, he then replays what happened to Elias. Shane says that Elias is so traumatized that he has the night off and that the WWE 24/7 Championship is suspended for the night, then says Owens came after Elias with malice and reminds him that Elias was wearing a referee's jersey. In order to set an example so that WWE officials are protected, Owens will be fined $100,000. Owens tells him to reconsider, as it is nothing to Shane but everything to him, but Shane says "nope." Owens follows him backstage.
Kevin Owens confronts Shane McMahon. Shane threatens to sue Owens and put his entire family in peril if he hits him, and says that an example has to be set. Owens throws a stool at the nearby television and leaves.
Charlotte Flair beats Ember Moon with the Figure Eight after weakening Ember Moon's left knee during the match.
"The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan show up. Daniel Bryan says there is no question now that someone is out to get Roman Reigns, and says that he and Rowan had nothing to do with the car crash or the backstage incident despite Buddy Murphy accusing them. He calls Buddy Murphy a liar, but he does not blame him, as the fans would all lie and cave if Roman had their faces pressed against the wall, too. He says that Murphy had to give a name, but Murphy gave the wrong name. The crowd responds with "It was you" chants, and an irate Daniel says that when someone tells a lie, it spreads and becomes a truth. He insists that he and Rowan had nothing to do with these incidents and that they will prove it tonight.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Shane McMahon. Suddenly, Samoa Joe shows up and says that while Kevin Owens is being a badass tonight, the only badass here tonight is him. Shane says that Joe will become Owens' opponent and that Owens will learn to respect authority.
We get a closer look at Ali, courtesy of DriveTime.
We hear from Aleister Black, who wonders who has a debt to pay so they can look their inner demons in the eye and say they are done, for all must pay a debt and his will be paid in self-inflicted anguish, for it is his burden. He says he will find an end for any member of the locker room and himself, for all they have to do is knock.
Roman Reigns beats Buddy Murphy.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder). They have challenged The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) because their brief status as co-24/7 Champions was a slap in the face to them and the rest of the tag team division, and the real champions are ruining tag team wrestling. They say that The New Day have never defeated them, and that they will soon see the true meaning of a "punchline."
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods), who mock The Revival's (Scott Dawson and Big E) accusations of ruining the tag team division. Kofi says he smacked Randy Orton with a Kendo stick at SummerSlam for looking towards his family. He then says he will be in The New Day's corner for their match against The Revival.
Before the next match, it is announced that Elias has been appointed as an outside special guest enforcer.
Samoa Joe beats Kevin Owens after Elias yanks the referee out of the ring and immediately calls for the bell after Joe goes for a schoolkid pin. Elias immediately runs to the back after the match.
Backstage, "The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan enter the locker room and clear everyone except for Buddy Murphy. Daniel demands that Murphy admit that he lied as well as to how he lied. When Murphy refuses, Rowan attacks him. Rowan pins Murphy to the wall, and Murphy yells "I lied!" as Daniel Bryan yells at him. As Daniel Bryan says he hates liars, Rowan tosses Murphy around one more time.
Backstage, Roman Reigns looks for "The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan.
Before the next match, Randy Orton shows up and asks Kofi Kingston how he can cheerlead The New Day when he ran away from a fight at SummerSlam, saying he ran away because he knows he cannot beat him and that he ran away in front of his family. He then says Kofi's sons will ask Kofi why he ran away and took the easy way out, and that he will tell them that he could not beat him. He then gives him one more chance to opportunity to prove himself with the two of them joining in, turning the match from a tag team match into a six-man tag match.
Randy Orton and The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods). After the match, The Revival continue to attack The New Day, but Kofi takes them out only to fall victim to an RKO. Orton is about to grab Kofi by the hair, then he hits Woods with an RKO. With help from The Revival, he does the same to Big E before hitting Kofi with another one.
Backstage, Roman Reigns finds "The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan in the locker room. Daniel demands an apology, and says they have conducted their own investigation and found out who did it. He says that he will bring him the culprit next week.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
At Castle Marmiz, Maryse asks for help with putting plastic on the couches from Barbara and Marjo, so that the dogs do not ruin them. When Mike sees what is going, he asks why they are not going with his original idea of not allowing pets on the couches. Marjo swears, and this leads to Mike mentioning that everyone needs to stop cursing in front of Monroe. A swear jar is initially proposed, but Miz replaces the swear jar with ten Burpees since he can easily put $100 in the jar and curse all day. This leads to Maryse teaching Marjo and Barbara what a Burpee is.
Mike surprises Maryse with new baby clothes for Monroe. Maryse messes with Mike by having him take weirdly angled photos from on top of an outside wall.
At SmackDown Live in Birmingham, Alabama, Mike and Xavier Woods talk video games, with Mike saying he has little time for anything outside of the ring due to family commitments.
At Castle Marmiz, Mike and Maryse are working in the yard when Mike says he has a surprise for her. Mike tells Maryse to wear something comfortable. Suddenly, Maryse notices a snake, and despite Mike going after it with a garden spade, Maryse grabs it with her bare hands and poses for pictures with it, then places it in a box on the patio.
Mike and Maryse head to Mike's surprise destination. Maryse decides to let the snake out near a river, but the snake is not in the box (and thankfully, not in the house), but it is in the car. Mike leaps out of the car, but Maryse takes the snake and sets it free. They eventually make it to the destination: a Renaissance fair. Mike likes the idea, but Maryse is reluctant until shopping is involved, much to Mike's annoyance.
At the Renaissance Fair, the king of the festival welcomes them and proposes that Mike and Maryse dress more for the period before being treated as guests of honor. Mike gets his wish of Maryse having fun, even though he gets put in the stocks for not doing twenty Burpees for cussing and Maryse throws tomatoes at him.
At SmackDown Live in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mike talks with Mike and Maria Kanellis about the trip to the Renaissance Fair before going through Maryse's Instagram. Mike begins to doubt if Maryse went through with it simply because he enjoyed it after seing her face in the photos, and thinks he should do something that makes Maryse happy. He also gets some photo taking tips from Maria.
At Castle Marmiz, Mike surprise Maryse with a helicopter in the backyard. After Mike takes some photos using Maria's advice, the two of them see the city of Austin, Texas by helicopter before landing at to Salt Lick Cellars, for some wine tasting.
Bonus clip: Mike and Maryse fool around at a gardening supply store.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey shows up to start tonight's show. It is also announced that Renee Young will replace Johnathan Coachman - who is on assignment - on commentary this week. Ronda announces that Natalya's father, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, has passed away. She calls fathers "pillars of strength in a hostile world" and "reassurance that everything is going to be okay." She says that when that reassurance is ripped away, we learn that they have raised up to be the pillars of strength that families need when they are gone. She asks Natalya to stay strong, and says that the WWE locker room loves her. Ronda goes on to say that Natalya was the first to greet her at the door, and that she will be the first to defend her in her absence. She says that Alexa Bliss has cheated time and time again, but this Sunday, she will beat Alexa to become Raw Women's Champion. She then introduces the woman who will beat Alexa Bliss tonight: Ember Moon. Ember Moon shows up, but Alexa Bliss shows up soon afterward with Alicia Fox, and tells Ronda to make all the friends she can as her good times are about to come to an end. She continues to call Ronda a spoiled brat and an overhyper rookie, and that SummerSlam will be her utter humiliation, not her crowning moment. Alexa then says she is tired of hearing about and seeing Ronda week after week, as well as General Manager Kurt Angle protecting everybody except her. After saying that Ronda is going to attack her while in Ember Moon's corner, she announces that she has talked to Constable Baron Cobin, who has suggested that she hire her own security. She then calls for security, who show up. Four security guards show up, and Alexa says they are highly trained and highly aggressive, and suggest that she not try anything. Alexa and Alicia then head down the ramp, with security at their front. The security guards then stand between both groups as Alexa and Alicia get in the ring. Ronda is about to leave the ring when Alexa pushes Ember Moon into Ronda from behind. Ronda tries to go after Alexa, but security gets in the way. Ronda makes quick work of three of them, and the fourth man quickly rolls out of the ring as soon as Ronda looks at her. Ronda then goes after Alicia, forcing her and Alexa to retreat.
Ember Moon beats Alexa Bliss by disqualification after Alicia Fox breaks up a pinfall. After the match, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey gets Alicia Fox in a few arm drags before Alicia manages to roll out of the ring.
We see a recap of the events at the end of last night's show, where Brock Lesnar F5's General Manager Kurt Angle and pins Paul Heyman to the mat.
We see footage from last Monday that did not make it to air. After Paul Heyman is asked who will win between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, Heyman says "Unless..." then takes off his microphone and leaves.
Backstage, General Manager Kurt Angle says he cannot believe Constable Baron Corbin went over his head for the match he has just made. Corbin says he does not his permission; all he needs to do is go to the ring. After Corbin leaves, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre show up, demanding to know where Seth Rollins is. Angle says Rollins will be here tonight, then Dolph and Drew scoff at Angle.
Baron Corbin beats Tyler Breeze. Before the match, it is announced that Constable Baron Corbin has set up two matches - one for himself, one for Finn Balor - as preparation for SummerSlam this Sunday. After the match, Baron Corbin brags that he is good and that this is a small taste of what he will do to Finn Balor at SummerSlam. He then says it is time for Finn Balor to show what he can do, and introduces his opponent for tonight: Jinder Mahal. Jinder Mahal shows up with Sunil Singh, and Corbin says Finn Balor fancies himself as a big man and a big star, and decides to put Balor in a handicap match. He then introduces Finn Balor's other opponent: Kevin Owens, before introducing Finn Balor as "the little engine that can't." Before the match can begin, however, General Manager Kurt Angle shows up and says that while Commissioner Stephanie McMahon approves matches, he makes the matches around here, and while he can't cancel, he can add to it. Angle then announces that Braun Strowman is Finn Balor's tag team partner.
Finn Balor and Braun Strowman beat Jinder Mahal and Kevin Owens. After the match, Braun Strowman chases Kevin Owens to the back, but Constable Baron Corbin sneaks up on Finn Balor and hits him with End of Days.
Backstage, General Manager Kurt Angle asks Seth Rollins to call him back on the telephone. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre show up, saying Seth Rollins is scared and that they may have broken him. Angle insists that Rollins will show up, and Ziggler asks to see the contract to see if anything has fallen through the cracks.
We get a short look at the WWE career of Seth Rollins, courtesy of Subway.
Local country singer Ricky Roberts is in the ring. He says his favorite musician in the entire world is Elias. He says he may not be able to play the guitar, but one day, he will be so good he will be in the Country Music Hall of Fame. When that day comes, Elias will show up and say "Hello, I am Elias." Instead of Ricky speaking those words, they are spoken by Elias himself, who sits in a stool on the stage. He tells Ricky there is only one Elias in the world, and asks if he is a big enough fan to buy his own "What Would Elias Do?" bracelet for $5. He says that if he purchases it, he will never make another bad decision again. He then says that if Ricky Roberts can beat and humiliate Bobby Lashley tonight, he just might be able to impress him. Elias then talks about how whirlwind his life has been in the past year, and announces that this Saturday, he will perform at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City. He then says that at SummerSlam, he will sing his greatest song yet. Before performing, Elias says he is a harsh critic, but he speaks the truth. He then says the locals are hard and resilient enough to wake up in their own garbage town every morning before Bobby Lashley shows up. Lashley tells Ricky Robert to find himself a new schtick, as WWE already has a clown that plays guitar. The match is about to start when Ricky smashes his guitar into Lashley, who then grabs him and slams him into the mat after an Irish whip, ending this confrontation as quickly as it started. (Ricky Roberts is portrayed by independent wrestler John Skyler, who has appeared in NXT in the past as enhancement talent.)
In the locker room, Bo Dallas tells Curtis Axel it is hard to be positive when the odds of them winning are lower than ever due to having to face two teams. He says that their chances of winning are at 33.333% and they are in trouble. Curtis Axel says teamwork, not math, got them to where they are tonight. He says that if they fail now, it will be the best run of their lives. They then go out to the ring to run for their lives.
We see a short interview with the cast of the upcoming movie Mile 22, co-starring "Rowdy" Ronda Rowsey.
The B-Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships against the team of Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt and The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) after Curtis Axel steals the victory from The Revival, who hit Shatter Machine on Bray Wyatt, not knowing that Curtis Axel has tagged into the match off of Scott Dawson.
Backstage, Roman Reigns is met by The B-Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel), who tells him not to sleep on The B-Team.
Backstage, General Manager Kurt Angle is met by Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, who take offense to the clause that allows Seth Rollins to have someone in his corner in their match at SummerSlam. Angle says he can take it out, making it so that Drew McIntyre is taken out of the match. Ziggler then says the clause is fine before handing the contract back and leaving.
Roman Reigns shows up. Roman says that he tells himself to leave WWE better than he found it, and says he will never be able to do that with Brock Lesnar here. He says it is time for Brock Lesnar to go, as he is sick and tired of him. He says that this will all end Sunday at SummerSlam, when he takes the WWE Universal Championship from Lesnar, who he will send flying into UFC and into Dana White's ass. Suddenly, Paul Heyman shows up, and says it is a new day while stating that The Usos are the future of the tag team division in WWE before focusing on Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns says Heyman is a bit confused, but says tonight is going to be good, as he wants to see what Heyman can do. He allows Heyman to step into the ring. Heyman says this is Roman's week to make history, but he asks why he has to wait until Sunday when he could do it tonight. He then says that Roman does not stand a chance against Lesnar unless he tells him every one of Lesnar's big, dirty secrets. He tries to convince Roman that with his help, he will be guaranteed a victory against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam to become WWE Universal Champion. Heyman then offers his hand, but Roman tells Heyman he does not need his inside tools or info, as he had Lesnar beat at Greatest Royal Rumble and that he wouldn't have won if he Speared him through the steel cage. He also says he would have beaten him quicker if it were not for Heyman. Heyman admits Roman is right, then says he is here not to talk about the past, but about the future, as he has the vision of Roman as Universal Champion if he allows him to be his representative. Heyman extends his hand. Roman tells him he is trying, but it is not good enough. He tells Heyman that his father groomed him for the business and taught him to swim with the sharks in the business and identify who is "drowning." He says Heyman is drowning, and wishes him luck in his future endeavors. Heyman says he is drowning, but in the knowledge from his uncle Afa and his brother Sika, and mentions something Afa taught him in Samoan. Heyman then pulls out a piece of paper, saying there is no pressure and no games, and asks Roman to look it over and give him his answer this Sunday at SummerSlam.As Roman reads the paper, Heyman sprays his eyes with pepper spray, blinding him. A production assistant helps Roman Reigns, but it is not long before Brock Lesnar's music hits while Roman is still blind. Lesnar gets in the ring and goes on the attack, kneeing Roman multiple times before going for the Kimura Lock. Lesnar puts Roman Reigns to sleep before leaving the ring. Lesnar and Heyman make their way up the ramp, but at the stage, Lesnar turns around and gets in the ring again to hit Roman with an F5.
Bobby Roode and Titus Worldwide (Titus O'Neil and Apollo Crews) beat Mojo Rawley and The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar).
Roman Reigns is tended to in the trainer's room following Paul Heyman's pepper spray attack.
We get a look at Triple H's ring smarts, courtesy of Just For Men Control GX Shampoo.
We see a tribute for Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, who passed away earlier today at the age of 63.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) vs. The B-Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships is confirmed for the SummerSlam kick-off.
Ruby Riott beats Sasha Banks following involvement in the match by Bayley and The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan).
Backstage, General Manager Kurt Angle finds out that Seth Rollins has still not made it yet. Constable Baron Corbin chews out Angle for waiting until now to do the contract signing, and says this is Angle's problem, not his.
General Manager Kurt Angle is in the ring to moderate the contract signing between Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam. Before then, he announces that Roman Reigns will still be able to compete at SummerSlam, and that he will not suspend Brock Lesnar or strip him of the Universal title as he wants Roman to beat him for the title. As Angle says Lesnar is the worst champion of all time, Dolph and McIntyre show up and accuses Angle of playing favorites again before wanting to know if they have to show up at SummerSlam or not. Angle introduces Seth Rollins, but Rollins is nowhere to be seen. He introduces Rollins again, but once again, nothing happens. Ziggler tells Angle to call the match, and McIntyre accuses Rollins of cowardice. Ziggler says Rollins was a great champion, but he could not beat them and he quit. McIntyre says he and Ziggler respect Rollins, as their union was created to rid Raw of complacency. He says that Rollins tried to prove he was the best each and every week, and though he tried, Seth was the architect of his own failure. Ziggler says he wore himself out too much for the fans, and says that is "a one-way street." He says that the fans loved when Seth "burned it down," and that they used to love when he stole the show, then says that the first time a shiny object loses its luster, the fans turn their back, and they did it to him, and they will do it to Seth and the next guy. Ziggler says it's easy to be there during the fun times, and asks the fans where they were during the hard times. He says that one by one, the fans left, but he now has McIntyre to egg him on to better himself each and every night. He then says he does not care about the fans or stealing the show, as he and McIntyre have taken what they wanted and they have taken the show over. Ziggler then asks for the contract so that the match can be made a Seth Rollins forfeit. Angle hands Ziggler the contract, which he signs. Suddenly, Seth Rollins' music hits, and Rollins shows up. Rollins apologizes for being late and for the fans sitting through a "Dolph Ziggler therapy session." He admits that he has been here for a little while, and says he waited until Ziggler signed the contract.He says he was afraid Ziggler would change his mind after what he has to say: he had travel issues to deal with, but not his own. Due to the clause in the contract from earlier, since Dolph will have "The Scottish Psychopath" in his corner, he will have a lunatic in his. Dean Ambrose - now with much shorter - makes his first appearance on WWE television in months. McIntyre tosses the table out of the ring, and he and Ziggler dare Rollins and Ambrose to get in the ring. This leads to a brawl between the two teams. Ambrose hits McIntyre with Dirty Deeds, and McIntyre and Rollins are forced to retreat to end the show.
Lio Rush beats Donovan Dijak after reversing Feast Your Eyes into a crucifix pin. Dijak and Prince Nana stomp a mudhole in Lio Rush after the match. Jay White makes the save, but Kamaitachi attacks Jay White. Officials have to hold Dijak back.
The Cabinet (Kenny King, Rhett Titus, Caprice Coleman) interrupt Dalton Castle's backstage promo. Rhett Titus tries to borrow one of Castle's boys, and Caprice Coleman says he can't protect his boys forever, but Castle says that his boys are like him and that they know what they're doing. Needless to say, The Cabinet want Dalton Castle removed from wrestling.
We see exclusive footage from earlier today where War Machine (Hanson and Rowe) are attacked by Shane Taylor and Kevin Lee.
Kenny King interviews "The Hangman" Adam Page, who says that every move he makes is for the bidding of Bullet Club, and they plan to grab any gold that they can find. He says The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) have something he wants: the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Jay is supposed to be the most violent, but at Death Before Dishonor, the ring is his gallows, and the crowd wil see how much he can man up before he "puts his mangy ass down." Jay Briscoe shows up as if on cue and attacks Page, and backstage crew have to hold both men back.
During the commercial break, The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) proclaim they have the night off now that War Machine (Hanson and Rowe) cannot compete for the tag team titles, but Roppongi Vice (Trent Baretta and Rocky Romero) show up and challenge them for the ROH World Tag Team Championships. Suddenly, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) show up wanting a piece of the action as well, wanting to make the match a five-star classic. Nigel McGuinness says that as much as he'd like to make this a three-way dance, there is no way he can make the match. He says Roppongi Vice have deserved a title shot, but the Bucks have not. With War Machine and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) out, he makes a match between Roppongi Vice and The Young Bucks, and the winners get a tag team title shot in two weeks.
The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) guest on commentary for the next match.
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) beat Roppongi Vice (Trent Baretta and Rocky Romero) to earn a shot at the ROH World Tag Team Championships. After the match, The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) attack the Bucks in revenge for being superkicked during the match.
Adam Cole and Jay Lethal show up for their contract signing for Death Before Dishonor, with Nigel McGuinness moderating. Both men are allowed final words before ink is on paper. Adam Cole asks Jay Lethal if he is sure he wants to defend the ROH World Championship, saying that if he's angry now, he'll be even angrier when he takes the title from him. He says that he shaved Lethal's head to prove he can take anything from him, including the World title, because Lethal walks around thinking he's the best when it's Adam Cole who really runs the show. Lethal may be the best, but so is he, and the only thing he intends to steal at Death Before Dishonor is the title, not the show. Jay Lethal tells Adam Cole that just about every match he has had in Ring of Honor has always been about a Ring of Honor World Championship, no matter what. He says that ROH titles are the most prestigious in the wrestling business, and for the first time, it's not about a championship...it's personal. All he can think about is revenge, and he needs it every time he looks in a mirror and is reminded of what Adam Cole did to him. He has no catch-phrases or one-liners, and at Death Before Dishonor, he's coming to fight. He signs. Adam Cole makes a promise, saying that Lethal signed away the World Championship. As Cole signs, Lethal tosses a pair of scissors onto the table. Cole picks them up and looks at them. Lethal slams Cole's head on the table and both men brawl. Adam Cole picks up the world title and says it's already his, but Lethal hits a low blow and is about to take the scissors to Cole's hair when The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) pull Cole to safety. Lethal raises the World title in the air as he stares down Adam Cole and the Bucks to close out the show.
