Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
We look back on Bobby Lashley vs. "The Cowboy" James Storm for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, the TNA X-Division Championship and the TNA King of the Mountain Championship from the August 11, 2016 episode of iMPACT!.
We look back on Trey Miguel vs. Special Agent Zero from Countdown to Lockdown.
We look back on for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (3rd Belt), TNA X-Division Championship and the TNA World Tag Team Championship at Hard Justice 2007.
Before the next match, "The Mecca" Brian Johnson says it has been "Mecca vs. Everybody" since day one and that as he looks out and sees family and friends jump on his backwagon, he can tell them from the bottom of his heart that they can bent. He says he was the little engine that could yet nobody thought he would, then says he will step up for the franchise, step over the competition and change TNA into his image.
"The Mecca" Brian Johnson beats Cheeseburger after Cheeseburger nearly inadvertently runs into referee Daniel Spencer and Johnson pokes Cheeserburger in the eye behind Spencer's back before hitting The Process.
Kevin Owens heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Owens admits that this is not how he wanted to come back to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, as he has lost many WWE Championship matches and yet none of them felt as bad to lose as the one on Friday in Toronto. He says that it was perfect, as he did not know if he would ever get back in the ring, and when he was medically cleared, he got in the ring as soon as he could so he could be in that #1 contender's match and win the WWE Championship not just to do it in front of his own countrymen, but because his parents would be able to be at that show, as when he was here two years ago, his mother was fighting for her life, and luckily, she kicked out and is still here. He mentions that travel is more difficult for her now, but she and her father came to Friday's show. Owens then says that Sami Zayn made sure he did not win the WWE Championship in front of his parents, and that while he and Sami have done horrible things to each other, he cannot forgive or forget, as it was not just about winning the WWE Championship, but because he will never get another opportunity like Friday again. Owens tells Sami that he will deal with him when the time comes, but on that night, everyone knows that he had CM Punk beat and that he was better than the best in the world. Owens says that Punk got lucky and capitalized on Sami's actions, then tells Punk that they are far from done and just getting started, and that he will not stop until he takes the WWE Championship from him. All of a suddenly, CM Punk suddenly shows up and says he does need Sami's help and that he will send Owens packing again. General Manager Nick Aldis quickly gets between them as Punk gets to the ring, then Gunther shows up. Gunther says that if he keeps listening to this, his ears will start to bleed, then realizes that Punk and Owens hate each other so much because when they look at each other, they see themselves, then says that he is here to remind them of what matters now. Gunther tells Owens that while he is glad that his mother kicked out, he is glad that Owens did not. Before Gunther can address Punk, however, Finn Balor shows up, and Gunther interrupts Finn only for Finn to tell him to shut up and that everyone is getting tired of his act. He says that Owens already had his opportunity and that Owens and Gunther have yet to beat him, then says that the line now begins with him. General Manager Nick Aldis says that there is nothing more to discuss, and has Owens, Gunther and Finn Balor face each other in a #1 contender's Triple Threat Match in tonight's main event.
Backstage, Chelsea Green is met by Tiffany Stratton. Chelsea says she is heading out to the ring, and Tiffany says that she does not want anything to jeopardize Chelsea's championship reign. Chelsea tells Tiffany that she will be by her side and that she will see her out there.
The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) beat Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton. During the match, Nia Jax re-breaks Chelsea Green's orbital bone with a headbutt, forcing Tiffany Stratton to wrestle on her own for a while as medical checks on Chelsea, but as medical helps Chelsea to the back, Chelsea gets back to the ring and tags herself in to save the match. The match ends with Nia Jax hitting Chelsea Green with the A-Nia-Lator.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Danhausen, then Gunther shows up. Danhausen is impressed to meet Gunther, who is not happy that Aldis is making him jump through hoops. Aldis tells him that there are no shenanigans and no other hoops to jump through, confirming that if he wins tonight, he gets a shot at the WWE Championship. To Danhausen's disappointment, Danhausen cannot get into the match to make it a Fatal 4-Way.
Jacy Jayne retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against Paige with an inside cradle following the distraction by Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. After the match, Paige is attacked from behind by Nikki Bella, who then hits Paige with the Rack Attack 2.0.
Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Finn Balor, who mentions tonight's main event and tells Cody that by the time Cody is done with Randy Orton, there will be a new WWE Champion around here, and they can face each other for the title. Cody tells Finn that he will see him on the other side.
Backstage, Trick Williams meets with Lil Yachty regarding last week, asking him if he is ready for Baron Corbin, as Corbin is a monster. Lil Yachty says he has had bigger fish fried in his pan and that Corbin disrespected both of them. Lil Yachty says he will do the impossible and last the five minutes, then Trick will whup that trick and get the United States Championship back. Yachty leaves, then Trick runs into Corbin, who says that he does not ahave friends because friends make people do stupid things, then says he will whup Yachty. Trick says Corbin is not as entertaining as he is, but Corbin says he does not have to be entertaining because he is the champ.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Rhodes addresses Orton, saying that while he wants to beat Orton up right now, he does not think it accomplishes the whole "killing the Legend Killer" thing. Cody says that a fifteenth world championship is not in the cards for Orton anymore, as every time Orton moves up, he screws up and beats himself. Cody talks about how he was there first-hand when others got shown the door while Orton got slaps on the wrist and do-overs, and says that Orton screwed up again by getting between him and the WWE Championship at SummerSlam, and that it will be him killing the Legend Killer and not Randy beating Randy. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and heads to the ring, and says that he had zero accountability for his actions and made bad decision after bad decision while Cody was in the driver's seat for it, both figuratively and literally, and says that if he were Cody, he would punch him right in the face. Orton dares Cody to take a swing at him, which Cody refuses to do, then Orton says that he came back after a 100-day vacation to ensure that Cody did not beat Punk for the WWE Championship, and asks Cody if that makes him want to take another swing. Orton then mentions Cody's dog Pharaoh, and Cody takes his jacket off and walks in a circle around the ring before Orton tells Cody that he will beat him in his hometown at Sunday Night's Main Event. Orton then asks Cody if he will make sure that his "trailer park trash" mother is watching in the front row as he beats his ass, which causes Cody to loosen his tie. Orton then mentions Brandi Rhodes, asking if Brandi will be there before daring Cody to take a swing again. Cody says that he knows what Orton is doing and that he knew Orton would do this just to get out of their match, and that he is counting the days until Sunday Night's Main Event to find out if Orton really is the once-in-a-lifetime superstar like Dusty Rhodes or a first-class screw-up like "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr. Cody then tells Orton that he will see him in Atlanta, Georgia.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Tatum Paxley. Tatum says her mind has been racing, then whispers a secret into Jackie's ear. Jackie thanks Tatum, then laves. Tatum then meets with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss and thanks them for the brunch, then finds out that they will face Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab in a six-woman tag match at Sunday Night's Main Event. Charlotte tells Tatum not to make her regret this as Tatum high-fives her and Alexa, then Tatum says she will see Charlotte and Alexa in the ring.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Rey Fenix. Fenix says he loves his brother Penta, but this is his moment, and he will be a World Heavyweight Champion. Ricky Saints shows up and says that Fenix will lose the tournament, come back with his tail tucked between his legs, and give him a shot at the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship. Fenix says he will win the tournament, then win the title, come back, and shut Saints up.
Tatum Paxley beats "Michin" Mia Yim in her main roster debut match.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Blake Monroe. Blake says her match with Giulia was beneath her, and asks why General Manager Nick Aldis would put her in a match like that in the first place. Blake then says that she will make her debut when she gets an opponent of her caliber, then she is suddenly attacked from behind by Guilia.
Backstage, Kevin Owens runs into Randy Orton, who says that while Owens was right about "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, he has not forgotten how Owens dropped him on his head.
We hear from The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) and Haku. Tama Tonga says Damian Priest and R-Truth brought everything they had, but it was not enough, and they put them down. Tama says that not everybody has gotten the message. Talla Tonga says that he put Nakamura on the shelf for months, but Nakamura is now back and he has brought Kyoki with him. Tama says that Kyoki is not in Japan anymore, and that he is in his territory just to get put in the dirt. Haku says they must not undestimate their enemies, and that their challengers should be destroyed because they are "the motherfuckin' Tongans." Backstage, Damian Priest has watched the promo, and R-Truth walks in and says that he and Priest are going to get the WWE Tag Team Championships back. Priest says the past summer has been incredible, but they no longer have the titles and that it is time to move on. Priest says he wanted to focus on singles championships, then tells R-Truth that he still has his back. The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up wanting to give R-Truth and Priest the beating they wanted to give to The MFT's, but R-Truth takes this as a challenge and dares The War Raiders to put the AAA World Tag Team Championships on the line. Erik says they can do this in Mexico City, Mexico, and R-Truth says they have a match, much to Priest's chagrin.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia Jax wants a championship match, but Aldis says Chelsea Green needs to be re-evaluated. Nia reminds Aldis of Chelsea's 30-days defense clause, and tells him that if she does not get a shot at the Interim WWE Women's Championship in two weeks, she will take it by force. The Irresistible Forces leave, then The Miz and Kit Wilson - who are now back to normal - show up and mention what Danhausen did to them and that Aldis owes them for what they had to go through with Danhausen. Aldis puts The Miz and Shinsuke and Kyoki.
Kevin Owens vs. Gunther vs. Finn Balor in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's Triple Threat Match ends in a no-contest. During the match, Finn Balor hits Gunther with the Coup de Grace only to be pulled out of the pinfall attempt by Sami Zayn, who then punches out referee Dan Engler when confronted by Engler. Owens hits Gunther with a Stunner, but the referee is down. Another referee heads to the ring, but Sami Zayn takes him out as well. CM Punk arrives and beats Sami up, saying "This is justice!" before throwing him into a ring post. Punk chases Sami into the ring only for Owens to brawl with him, and Owens lays Punk out only for Sami to hit Owens with the Undisputed WWE Championship and do the same to Finn Balor. Gunther gets in the ring and puts Sami in a sleeper hold, but Sami hits him with the WWE Championship. Punk then runs at Sami only to be hit with the title as well. Sami then lifts up the Undisputed WWE Championship and says "No justice, no peace" as the show ends.
Mike Santana and Steve Maclin beat AJ Francis and Trick Williams with a schoolkid pin from Santana to Trick after Trick inadvertently superkicks AJ Francis. After the match, Trick and Santana brawl in the ring briefly, but Santana comes out on top.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Leon Slater and Cedric Alexander. Cedric says that Slater has gone to war to become X Division Champion, and says there is no way Slater cannot be a tag team champion after what he has learned from The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy). Slater admits he has learned a lot from The Hardys, and Cedric is confident that they can win the tag team titles.
Eric Young beats Myron Reed. During the match, Eric Young threatens to attack the referee, and when Zachary Wentz confronts him, Eric Young kicks Myron Reed in the groin before hitting him with a piledriver for the win.
Backstage, we hear from Dani Luna, who says that the whole world is talking about her action. She says she did what she told as part of Spitfire with Jody Threat, but as soon as she went solo, Indi Hartwell gets lucky while she just gets a pat on the back. She says she is done being quiet, passed by and in second place, for she is out of limbo.
Backstage, Ash by Elegance celebrates becoming TNA Knockouts World Champion with the rest of The Elegance Brand (Personal Concierge George Iceman, Heather by Elegance, M by Elegance) and says TNA should be thanking her for saving them, as the champion would be tarnished in the hands of the enemy. She states that they ahve entered "The Elegance Era" and that she wants a lavish celebration live next week in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for she is "the savior of TNA."
The IInspiration (Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee) beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx).
As per the Bioflex Injury Report: Indi Hartwell is cleared following bruising from Dani Luna's attack last week. JDC suffered head trauma from last week's attack by Agent Zero and that JDC is out of action indefinitely with no timetable for a return. The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy), Leon Slater and Cedric Alexander are all cleared for tonight's main event.
Backstage, Trick Williams is on the phone, where he is telling his lawyer to get to the arena right now.
"The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth heads to the ring to announce that "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth will return to TNA next week. All of a sudden, Eddie and Alisha Edwards show up, and after Alisha proclaims that the fans love their new attitude and making amends from past mistakes, she declares that a right will be wronged when somebody becomes the one person to shut Ryan's mouth. Ryan thinks Alisha wants to wrestle him, but Eddie ends up being his opponent instead after he chops Ryan and tells him that their match starts right now.
Eddie Edwards beats "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Indi Hartwell. Indi says she is okay, and while she is not mad, she is disappointed in Dani Luna. She says she will not back down from Dani Luna when Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up and puts Indi in a #1 contender's match for the TNA Knockouts World Championship against Jody Threat. Dani shows up and says that she lasted the entire gauntlet match, and Indi - admitting Dani Luna has a point - asks Santino to add Dani to the match. Santino does just that and makes the match a Triple Threat Match.
We see photographs of Joe Hendry's match against The Miz in Manchester, England during WWE's recent European tour.
Backstage, we hear from Eric Young, who says that he is the only one who can see clearly and that a cleanse is coming. We then find out that he has laid out Joe Hendry by choking him out with thick cables, then says that it started with him and that it will not end there.
The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat Leon Slater and Cedric Alexander.
Trick Williams heads to the ring with his lawyer. Trick says he was brutally attacked by Mike Santana after the bell and calls TNA "a crime scene," which is why he brought his lawyer to combat unsafe working conditions. He also says that he has 50 days to defend his title. As he speaks, his lawyer whispers into his ear. Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up and states that Trick Williams will defend the TNA World Championship at Bound for Glory. Suddenly, the lawyer interrupts and tells Santino to silence his voice when Trick is speaking and that he will adhere to Trick's contract, but Santino hits him with the Cobra to end the show.
Before the next match, Sheamus says it is great to be back in Dublin, Ireland before getting an "Ooh Aah! Fella!" chant started. The chant gets spoiled when Kit Wilson attacks him before the bell.
Sheamus beats Kit Wilson. After the match, Sheamus wraps an Irish flag around himself and takes a lucky young fan backstage.
In backstage footage from Dynamite earlier this week, we hear from Bandido and Brody King. Brody King says they may have lot the first match, but they won the second match, and they are looking to the future not the past. Bandido says that he will continue to hold both the ROH World Championship and half of the All Elite Wrestling World Tag Team Championships.
Lance Archer beats Beef.
In footage from RevPro from last Friday, Athena brags that she will beat Mina Shirakawa in such an extreme way that it will cause The Sandman to shit his pants and Sabu to shed a tear from heaven, then demands respect as she brags about how she is the forever ROH Women's World Champion. She and Billie Starkz then attacks somebody who is already down in the ring, with Billie Starkz piledriving them into the ROH Women's World Championship to send a message to Mina Shirakawa. Athena then grabs a metal folding chair and wraps it around the hand of their downed victim, but as Athena is about to stomp the chair and injure their hand, Mina Shirakawa shows up with a shinai. Athena escapes, but Biie is forced to fight Mina only to be smacked with the shinai.
Taya Valkyrie beats Allysin Kay. After the match, Mansoor demands the fans give Taya a round of applause. He then says that everyone in the back is too ugly to answer MxM TV's (Mansoor, Mason Madden, Johnny TV, Taya Valkyrie) open challenge before he, Mansoor, Johnny TV and Taya pose for the camera. All of a sudden, The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, John Silver) show up for the next match.
MxM TV (Mansoor, Mason Madden, Johnny TV) beat The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, John Silver) in a six-man tag match.
Spanish Announce Project (Angelico and Serpentico) beat Danny Orion and Stephen Wolf by submission.
It's time for QTV. QT Marshall says that Paul Walter Hauser is not "one of the boys" and that if he sees him, he will throw him out on the street. Meanwhile, the skit makes fun of the fact that QTV never really broke up, as Harley Cameron is initially reluctant to roll the footage of Marshall beating up Hauser. Marshall then says Hauser almost looked like a wrestler, then hopes that he bleeds like one, too.
Okumura beats the debuting Stigma.
It is announced that the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships have been declared vacant, yet Sammy Guevara and The Von Erichs (Marshall and Ross Von Erich) will have a chance to re-earn them in a six-man tag match against Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) at Death Before Dishonor. Meanwhile, Sammy Guevara will be defending the ROH World Tag Team Championships against The Outrunners at Death Before Dishonor with a mystery tag team partner.
El Sky Team (Mistico, Mascara Dorada, Neon) beat The Workhorsemen (JD Drake and Anthony Henry) and Adam Priest in a Lucha Rules by submission from Mistico to Anthony Henry. After the match, Mistico addresses the crowd, but he is attacked by a masked man. It becomes very apparent that this is MJF disguised as Mistico. MJF tells Mistico that he warned him not to come to the United States, as he owns the United States and he now owns Mexico. He then says that if he wants his title back, then he had better be ready to put everything on the line.
Jon Moxley shows up for the first time since Forbidden Door to start tonight's show, and he heads to the ring. From there, Tony Schiavone interviews Moxley in the ring. Moxley says he has been doing more thinking than talking lately, and that he has been thinking about things he needs to get done. He says he has come to have a conversation who is not here and is simultaneously nothing and everything like him: Darby Allin. Moxley says it is about time they had a talk and that he is not hard to find. Before Moxley leaves the ring, he says it will take time for everyone to wrap their head around this, then tells Schiavone "This is not your company anymore" while pointing at him. He then leaves.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Kyle O'Reilly, Orange Cassidy, Tomohiro Ishii), Willow Nightingale and Hook. Mark Briscoe says they have a lot going on tonight, as Ishii will beat "Hangman" Adam Page and they have an eight-man tag team match. While they were not succesful in the Casino Gauntlet, Hook was able to take back his title, which Hook says was "pretty cool." He also says that Ishii and Willow were also successful, and Willow says that she wants to kick so much butt that CMLL does not want to sanction the match she wants: a Chicago Street Fight. Briscoe says the word of the day is "indefatigability."
"Hangman" Adam Page beats Tomohiro Ishii. After the match, Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana show up, and Swerve and Hangman have a staredown in the middle of the ring before Swerve tells Hangman he should stomp him into a bloody mess right now for getting involved at All In. Instead, he feels sorry for him, as he is the one who has become "a petulant little child," and with every tirade and tantrum he throws, Hangman gets further from success while he moves closer to it. He says he may not have a title belt right now, but he will always be referred to as a world champion and this will always be his house, and for this, Hangman fails. Hangman says Swerve is not a champion of anything and calls him "a piece of shit" for breaking into his home, wrestling him three times and never being able to beat him on his own. He says it took Prince Nana the first time, Prince Nana and Brian Cage the second time, and the third time was a time limit draw. Hangman says he just wants the two of them like this began, and he wants Swerve on his knees while everyone else is locked out. Swerve says they can lock each other in with a steel cage match at All Out. He then asks Hangman what kind of man he will be in the steel cage, then talks about how he went to Hangman's house this morning and saw him escorting his pregnant wife down the stairs with bag packed heading to the hospital to give birth to their second child. Swerve says this is the man Hangman was supposed to be, then says that he has to become the best in the world by beating the best, and that he has done it before and that he will do it again. He then says Hangman is so focused on him that he cannot win, and that he challenged him to show what "Cowboy Shit" was all about, yet Hangman's career is the one going up in flames. He then asks what kind of man Hangman will be in the cage as well as what kind of man he will be to his kids. Hangman leaves.
Jamie Hayter beats Harley Cameron. After the match, Saraya shoves Harley Cameron into Jamie Hayter, then jumps the barricade and flees through the crowd.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) and Roderick Strong. Big Bill says that according to Jericho, "the opinion changes like leaves falling off the learning tree," and that change, like fall, is right around the corner. Jericho says that after his FTW Championship reign, his match was hard-fought and that Hook came out on top after taking his advice, and that he is champion because of the lessons he has taught him. Roderick Strong says it is a huge honor to be part of the Jericho vortex if only for one night, and says that he cannot get Kyle O'Reilly away from Orange Cassidy. Jericho says Orange still owes him $7,000 from ruining his jacket three years ago and that The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Kyle O'Reilly, Orange Cassidy) will pay the price. Bryan Keith says "Pay the damn price!"
MJF heads to the ring. He says he is in a tremendous amount of pain and has a splitting headache, and threatens to hop the barricade and jump the fans in "this podunk arena" if they do not pipe down. He says he has lost his Dynamite Diamond Ring and his American Championship and has two herniated disks in his spine, then says the fans did not have his back when he defended this country and this company. MJF then renounces his American citizenship and wants nothing to do with this country, and that Plainview, Long Island, New York is the only place that matters. He also denounces the "so-called fans" that show him no respect after everything he has done for AEW, the fans and this sports, and that he is tired of having the people living in lies, as AEW without him is "a circus." MJF calls Will Ospreay "a circus act" before saying that he had him beat, and that Ospreay cheated like "a gutless little worm." He says this is not over by a long shot and tells Ospreay to keep his head on a swivel, as he will cut him out at the knees with a smile on his face as he comes close to becoming a world champion. He also addresses Daniel Garcia and starts screaming, and as he says what he will do to him if he sees him again, he is attacked from behind by Garcia, who puts him in a guillotine choke and sends him into unconsciousness. He entertains putting him in a piledriver, but decides against it and takes him to the top rope before security shows up. Garcia knocks them out as soon as they get in the ring, and MJF takes advantage of the situation by cheap shotting Garcia. MJF tries to get back into the ring, but he is also stopped by security. MJF is kept out of the ring while Garcia is kept in, and Garcia tells MJF it will not be that easy and tells him that he pawned the Dynamite Diamond Ring off in Brooklyn, New York to get to him in London. He says that his mother watched him get wheeled out of the ring in his hometown was worse than anything MJF has had to go through, and that ruining MJF's life is now his obsession and his fetish and that he has talked to Tony Khan, and that at All Out, he will piledrive him and break his neck. He says that if anyone cares about MJF, they will have to suffer with him. Garcia then throws the microphone at MJF, who is absolutely incensed as he is forced to the back. Garcia then runs to the back, and security scrambles there with him.
The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Kyle O'Reilly, Orange Cassidy) and Hook beat The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) and Roderick Strong in an eight-man tag match after Hook makes Strong tap to Redrum despite his foot being underneath the bottom rope, which referee Aubrey Edwards does not see. After the match, both teams brawl with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett getting involved, and security and referees have to break it up as Strong, Taven and Bennett attack Hook.
Tony Schiavione interviews "The Glamour" Mariah May on the stage. Mariah says she regrets to inform everyone that her championship celebration has been postponed, as she is not doing it in this town, saying Champagne, Illinois should be renamed "Flat, stale, piss-warm beer." She also says the fans here are used to swilling that down as well as looking at average women, and says the fans desperately need some glamor, which is everything she is, then takes her robe off to reveal her black lingerie and the AEW Women's World Championship. She then puts her robe back on, saying that is enough, and leaves.
In footage from All In, we hear from Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Dreake) in the parking lot. The Young Bucks (Nicholas and Matthew Jackson) show up and clap for them, saying they have a lot in common, but Zack Gibson says they are not cut from the same cloth and that their message was for the entire tag division. He says that they are here to stay in AEW and coming for the tag team titles, and James Drake reminds them to grit their teeth when they see them coming. We then hear from Grizzled Young Veterans backstage. Zack Gibson says they are not playing around and that everyone is going to learn their intentions on Rampage, and James Drake once again tells everyone to grit their teeth when they seem them coming.
We see a video package of "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita in the G1 Climax and in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
Ricochet beats Kyle Fletcher. After the match, Will Ospreay shows up, but he is attacked from behind by PAC, who hits him with a reverse hurricanrana on the stage. PAC warns Will Ospreay not to forget about him, then welcomes Ricochet to AEW before telling him to get to the back of the line. PAC then says that Ospreay belongs to him, then Ricochet checks on Ospreay after PAC leaves.
Backstage, Jon Moxley says not to cast pearls before swine, then says "Maybe just one," before grabbing a nearby man. A woman attacks the man and the other man near him, and Moxley says this is a lesson in humility after a third man gets jumped and a fourth man shows up only to run away. The woman, who is none other than "The Problem" Marina Shafir, then shoves the cameraman away.
"The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson heads to the ring to discuss his future in professional wrestling. Danielson says that after repeatedly trying and failing, he is finally AEW World Champion. He says that when he got to the back, his daughter Birdie said that this was the best day of her life, and says that while the Peppa Pig double-decker tour bus may have had a hand in it, it also became the best moment of his career when he was thanked by his peers. Danielson then mentions that his AEW contract on August 1st and that he will be needing neck surgery sooner rather than later, and that his family is waiting for him to come home. He says that he has had a lot of thinking to do since Sunday, then thanks the founders of this company and the fans, saying he has always loved professional wrestling and that AEW's existence has made his life and career better. He then thought of his peers as well as those who would perform in AEW in the future, then says it probably is time for him to go home...but not yet. He says he will not retire as champion and that he will fight for the world championship as much as he possibly can. He says that his full-time career will end when his championship reign ends, and that will not be any time soon as he has a lot of heads to kick in. Danielson then issues a "first come, first served" open challenge to anyone who wants to face him for the AEW World Championship at All Out, which is answered by "Scapegoat" Jack Perry, who says that he knows his future. He says nobody wanted him back in AEW, including Danielson, and that he had to create his own future and destroy whoever he had to in order to do it. He also says he has beaten Danielson and will do it again, for his future is to retire Danielson and become World Champion, for his future and that of AEW are one and the same while Danielson's is behind him. All of a sudden, Jack Perry is attacking Danielson from behind in the ring. The show ends with Jack Perry laying Danielson out and holding up both the TNT and AEW World Championships.
In memory of Terry Funk, 1944 - 2023. In memory of Windham "Bray Wyatt" Rotunda, 1987 - 2023.
Damian Priest beats Sami Zayn after JD McDonagh grabs Sami's foot as he goes for the Helluva Kick on Priest. After the match, JD McDonagh gets in the ring and raises Priest's hand, but Priest shoves him away. Priest then walks away, and when JD McDonagh turns around, Sami Zayn is behind him with Kevin Owens, the latter of whom hits McDonagh with the Stunner before Sami gives McDonagh the Helluva Kick.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre is met by Akira Tozawa, who awkwardly tells him that he looks great before walking away. Matt Riddle shows up, and we see that McIntyre has a picture of himself in Matt Riddle's trunks. Riddle then proposes they get front row seats for The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) in order to scout them. McIntyre says he looks forward to seeing The Viking Raiders getting beaten tonight.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez, with Raquel saying only she is more dominant that Rhea and that she will not let Rhea run the division after what she did to her to Liv Morgan. Raquel says she has waited for weeks to show Rhea what it is like to be at the mercy of someone bigger and stronger, and since every bully has a weakness in their insecurity, she will cut Rhea down to size and take her title.
LA Knight's music hits, but The Miz shows up dressed like LA Knight and heads to the ring. The Miz makes fun of LA Knight as he speaks, and says it takes more than a catchphrase to gain fan support as the fans are smart, sophisticated and discerning and that this is why he brought a bag with him. He says the bag is full of free LA Knight T-shirts and tells the fans to say "Yeah!" if they want free shirts, then tosses a shirt down instead of into the crowd and tosses the bag out of the ring before removing his leather vest and LA Knight shirt. Miz then says that the fans are pathetic and will chant for anything, then says anybody can be LA Knight and that he does not do catchphrases, as when he says he is awesome, it is the truth. He says that when he beats up LA Knight and Knight is battered and broken, it is broken, because everyone will cheer for T-shirts and catchphrases but nobody cheers for losers, and he will show LA Knight whose game it really is.
Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle watch from ringside for the next match.
The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) after Ivar slams Kofi into both Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle, which causes McIntyre to throw one chair at Ivar and another one at Erik. Ivar avoids the first chair, but the second chair connects with Woods when Erik avoids the chair.
Backstage, Finn Balor tells Damian Priest that they need to get on the same page for Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Priest agrees, saying they should focus on people who matter and not people like JD McDonagh, whom he admits he does not care about. Rhea Ripley yells at Finn and Priest for arguing again and says she cannot be distracted, and tells them to make it right at Payback and remind everyone that they are a force to be reckoned and can win when it matters, or else there will be some changes around here.
WWE remembers the life and career of Bray Wyatt. A wooden rocking chair is seen on the stage as Bray Wyatt's original entrance theme plays.
Backstage, Kofi Kingston comes out of the trainer's room and tells Matt Riddle and Drew McIntyre that Xavier Woods will be alright, and tells McIntyre not to worry as Xavier Woods understands. McIntyre makes up his mind to take down The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) once and for all.
Before the next match, Gunther says that last week, Chad Gable made history by being the first man to beat him in more than 500 days, albeit by count-out in a championship match. He says that while Chad Gable has gained the victory, he has won nothing, as he still stands as Intercontinental Champion. Gunther then says that Gable has managed to piss him off, and now Gable has his attention and his focus, and if he is the last thing between himself and his rightful legacy, so be it, for next week, Gable will challenge him for the Intercontinental Championship. He then says Gable will not beat him next and that he will not beat Ludwig Kaiser tonight before Alpha Academy show up. Gable says he would normally give Gunther a "shoosh," but Gunther is making some solid points before bragging about beating him last week, then says it will take only three seconds for him to take his title. He then dares Ludwig Kaiser to get in the ring so he can cook him up Memphis-style, leading to the fans chanting "Whoop that trick."
Chad Gable beats Ludwig Kaiser by disqualification after Giovanni Vinci gets physically involved in the match by breaking up a pinfall attempt by Gable. After the match, Otis gets in the ring and makes short work of Vinci, but the numbers game quickly takes over and Vinci and Kaiser drive Otis shoulder-first into the ring post before going to town on Gable. Gunther then shows up and tries to powerbomb Gable, but Gable counters with an ankle lock. Once again, the numbers game catches up to Gable, and Gunther hits Gable with the powerbomb.
We look back on the late Bob Barker's guest host appearance on Raw in 2009.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins tells Shinsuke Nakamura that this Saturday at Payback, he will give him a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins then demands that Nakamura give him what he wants, as he has more mind games to play and mean things to say and he wants him to do them to his face. When Nakamura fails to show, Rollins proposes heading down to Beale Street, but Nakamura is seen on the TitanTron stating that he does not want to just defeat Seth Rollins the champion, but dismantle Seth Rollins the man. He says he wants his wife to know he is the reason she has to help Rollins out of bed and why he won't be able to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. He says he will break Rollins he is already broken and his body has betrayed him, and that he will break his back and put him out of his misery. he says Rollins has no honor or code, and that he has no future. Rollins is unimpressed that he only got a video package out of Nakamura, and wants to know what happened to the Nakamura that headlined the Tokyo Dome or set the world on fire when he came to NXT. He says he would have given the shirt off his broken back to Nakamura a month ago, then says his broken back did not stand in the way of becoming champion and it will not stand in the way of him beating Nakamura's ass at Payback. He says that he will beat Nakamura down until someone pulls him off of Nakamura, and when Nakamura lies defeated, he will know better than to take anything from him, be it his title, his future or his family. Suddenly, Rollins is attacked from behind by Nakamura, who tells Rollins that he told him to watch his back before kicking him in the face.
Backstage, Sami Zayn says he is sick and tired of having to deal with The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) again and again as they keep coming back and playing the numbers game. He says that if The Judgment Day want to do this one more time, that is fine with him, then Kevin Owens says that the rules will not play in their favor because they went to WWE official Adam Pearce and made their match a Steel City Street Fight. Owens says that what has happened to him before in Pittsburgh will be nothing compared to what happens in Payback because he and Sami will end this once and for all.
Before the next match, "Big" Bronson Reed attacks Tommaso Ciampa from behind, but Ciampa is able to get back up and fight back against Bronson.
Tommaso Ciampa barely beats "Big" Bronson Reed with a crucifix bomb.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Becky Lynch, who admits that she has had second thought and that they are all about whipping Zoey Stark all over the arena. She says she has been hounded by Zoey and Trish Stratus, but she is not taking the easy way out and she is bringing a lot of chaos with her.
Tiffany Stratton is seen in the front row.
Rhea Ripley and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio head to the ring. Rhea Ripley calls Raquel Rodriguez out for outsmarting her and says this is the last time that this will happen as her resume speaks for itself and the championship around her waist proves absolutely everything. She says Raquel is an idiot if she thinks she will take her title from her, for even if she is big and tough, she is not Rhea Ripley. Rhea says Raquel can talk all she wants, but at Payback, she is walking out champion. As she says that Raquel does not learn her lesson, Raquel shows up. Raquel slides into the ring and brawls with Rhea, and she soon gets the other hand before Dominik gets in the ring. Raquel turns around and spots Dominik, but that gives Rhea Ripley the opportunity to headbutt Raquel and hit her with Riptide. Raquel is able to counter Riptide, however, and she soon overpowers Rhea again. This time, Rhea and Dominik retreat.
Backstage, we hear from Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark. Trish calls Becky Lynch an idiot for wanting tonight's falls count anywhere match, and Zoey says that when she is done with Becky tonight, she will leave plenty of Becky for Trish at Payback.
It is announced that WWE and NFL are teaming up for a line of legacy championship belts for all NFL teams.
WWE celebrates the life and career of Terry Funk.
Tiffany Stratton is seen in the front row again. (Local independent wrestler "The Goddess of the Night" Nyxx is seen to the immediate right of Tiffany on both occasions.)
Becky Lynch beats Zoey Stark in a Falls Count Anywhere Match after Zoey Stark inadvertently pushes Trish Stratus off a stack of crates and through a table. (After the match, "The Goddess of the Night" Nyxx is seen again behind Becky, but so is fellow local independent wrestler Tim Bosby.)
This week on Raw Talk: Raquel Rodriguez! Tommaso Ciampa! Matt Riddle and Drew McIntyre!
The Midnight Heat ("Rockin'" Ricky Gibson and "Precious" Eddie Edwards) beat Beef Candy (Richie Slade and Flex McCalleon) to become the United World Tag Team Champions after Guy Tweakacetti holds Richie Slade down with his tie as he suplexes Eddie Pearl back into the ring.
Backstage, Jack Farmer interviews Jordan Cruz, who says that his life in the past few months has been nothing short of a nightmare. He says he has no beef with "King FatBoy" Papo Esco and wanted nothing to do with Zicky Dice, but he wants to be Television Champion. After he says that the title will end his nightmare, Papo Esco shows up and asks him if he is ready. Cruz says he is ready, and Papo Esco says that while he makes the title look good, he wants to make sure he is ready to handle the pressure, as everyone will be watching. He says that Jordan Cruz is not ready for that pressure and that he will be walking out as the champion as he was born "the man," then tells him that not only will his nightmare continue, but his dream will end, too.
Jordan Cruz beats "King FatBoy" Papo Esco to win the United World Television Championship despite both men being distracted by Guy Tweakacetti during the match. After the match, Jordan Cruz and Papo Esco shake hands.
"Outlandish" Zicky Dice retains the United Heritage Championship against "Poppin'" EJ Sparks after using the referee as a human shield, allowing him to hit a low blow followed by Snake, Rattle and Roll to retain the title when Sparks gently moves the referee out of the way.
Ian Riccoboni substitutes for Quinn McKay at the start of tonight's show.
We hear from Angelina Love before the next match. She says that she will not give up the next match and lay down for Max The Impaler despite Amy Rose's threats, and that everyone should expect her hand to be raised in victory.
Before the next match, Amy Rose asks Angelina Rose if she still wants to have the match before telling her "I warned you."
Angelina Love beats Max The Impaler by disqualification to advance to the semi-finals of the ROH Women's Championship Tournament when Max chokes Angelina on the top rope and refuses to let go before referee Joe Mandak's five count.
Trish Adora beats Allysin Kay to advance to the semi-finals of the ROH Women's Championship Tournament.
Dalton Castle guests on commentary for the next match.
Dragon Lee retains the ROH World Television Championship against Eli Isom.
Memphis Grizzlies play-by-play announcer Pete Pranica guests on commentary this week.
The Allied Empire (Meklakov and Ken Dang) beat Carter Matthews and Chris Hayes. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews The Allied Empire. Meklakov says they are the next tag team champions, and Ken Dang says that the next time they meet The Yung GOATs (Aaron Roberts and Zay Washington), they will take the tag titles.
Dustin Starr interviews Precious at the announce table. Precious shows up wearing all black and with sunglasses, and accompanied by Jay Smooth and Kross, the latter of whom insists Precious' name is "Martin." When Dustin Starr asks what Kross and Smooth have done with Precious, Kross says "We don't know who that is," as does Precious, who does not seem like himself.
Jay Smooth beats Carlos Alexander Rios after Smooth grabs onto Kross' hands during a sit-down pin, which the referee does not see. After the match, Kross says he and Jay Smooth are going straight to the top, and insists that Precious' name is Martin.
Backstage, Van Viciouss apologizes to "INKredible" Darius Lee about what happened last week at the insistence of Miss Beronica.
Mike Anthony beats "Big Swole" Justin Cole to become #1 contender for the Memphis Heritage Championship.
Alan Steel retains the Memphis Heritage Championship against Simon. During the match, Lil Chris and Johnny Dotson both get ejected from the match after constant interference. Later in the match, The Hollywood Horror Show (Jacksyn Crowley, Otis Crowley, The Revenant of Walker Hayes) shows up carrying a laid-out Lil Chris, distracting Simon, giving Johnny Dotson a chance to return to ringside and allowing Steel to hit Simon with the Memphis Heritage Championship to retain and win. After the match, Simon fights The Hollywood Horror Show, but the numbers game takes over and Jacksyn Crowley applies a cloth covered in ether on Simon before pulling out a pair of scissors and cutting off his ponytail.
Derrick King beats Tiger Joe (formerly known as Joe Exotic and Joe) with a superkick and a piledriver after Tiger Joe uses stalling tactics such as being with a few fans and emptying out his packets. (When he empties his pockets, the camera shows the business cards that he dropped, identifying him as Las Vegas Joe Exotic impersonator and body double Vegas Joe X - real name Bradley Weldon - who played the role of Joe Exotic in the Netflix series "Tiger King" and was Carole Baskin's process server in her lawsuit against the real Joe Exotic in real life. He also made waves on TMZ showing up in Las Vegas, Nevada with Tiger King co-stars Jeff and Lauren Lowe, with his resemblance to the real Joe Exotic being uncanny enough to cause fans to believe the real Joe Exotic got out of prison.) After the match, Tiger Joe (formerly known as Joe Exotic and Joe) is checked on, and Danny B. Good shows up looking confused. A stretcher is brought out to the arena courtesy of LifeTech, and Derrick has to be kept in the corner away from Tiger Joe. Tiger Joe is fitted with a neck brace and strapped into the stretcher, all while referees and security keep Derrick King - who is just watching at this point - back in a corner until Tiger Joe is out of the building.
The Brian Kendrick beats Tehuti Miles with an inside cradle as Tehuti kneels down to mouth off on him. After the match, Tehuti seems to reluctantly shake Kendrick's hand.
"The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese beats Liam Gray.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch beats Ever-Rise (Chase Parker and Matt Martel) with a crossface from Burch to Parker after Ever-Rise argue with the referee when Martel gets caught holding on to Lorcan's foot on the outside during a pinfall attempt by Parker.
Backstage, Adam Pearce tells to keep everything secure as best as they can, as all the top stars are here and Vince McMahon is in the house. He then meets with Vince, who asks him to get signatures from Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman on the contract for their match at Payback. Vince recommends he start with Bray Wyatt first, and gives him "the proper attire" for Firefly Fun House before telling him to say hello to Huskus The Pig Boy for him.
Jeff Hardy shows up to start tonight's show. He says that after what "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles did to his knee last week, he is glad to be standing anywhere, much less the ring, and as he says he is ready to defend the Intercontinental Championship, Styles shows up. Styles calls Jeff a liar and a cheat, then says he has had knee injuries before and did not whine and cry to a doctor to get an illegal object on his knee. He says that Jeff had a plan involving the brace he got last week, and that he had him beat last week. Styles says that Jeff knew what he was doing and knew how to play the system, and says that the doctor who treated Jeff will not medically clear him tonight, blaming him for that. Jeff says he was about to issue a challenge...to anyone but him. As Styles becomes further aggressive towards Jeff, Jeff hits Styles with a forearm.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles guests on commentary for the next match.
Jeff Hardy retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura in an open challenge that sees Jeff toss Nakamura into "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles at the announce table. After the match, Sami Zayn shows up for the first time in months with an Intercontinental Championship belt of his own and declares himself the real Intercontinental Championship before both men look at Styles, who is in the ring. Sami Zayn kicks Jeff Hardy in the face as Jeff looks at Styles, then calls Jeff a fraud and leaves.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Sami Zayn, who says that Jeff Hardy is pretending to be the Intercontinental Champion much like AJ Styles before him, and calls them fradulent champions. When asked why he has not defended the championship for five months, he says he has many reasons and that he is a man of the world and the true Intercontinental Champion in every sense of the word. He then speaks in French and leaves.
It's time for Firefly Fun House. Bray Wyatt says it feels good to be back home with all of his friends, but he cannot help but feel something is missing. He then produces the WWE Universal Championship, and neither monster can take it away this time. He then tells Roman Reigns that it has been a long time and that it is good to see him again. The doorbell then ring, and Adam Pearce shows up dressed as a postman. When "Postman Pearce" asks him to sign the contract for the match at Payback, Bray asks why. He says there is a connection between Bray and "him," then Bray signs. He says that if he knows The Fiends like he does, he just signed a couple of death warrants. "Postman Pearce" then leaves while being weirded out towards Bray, and the segment ends.
Matt Riddle shows up. Riddle says that King Corbin has said that anyone who felt he did not belong on SmackDown was welcome to the King's Ransom, and says that Corbin is scared to face him. He then tells Corbin that if he has something to prove to prove him wrong. After the commercial break, Riddle is still waiting for Corbin, and calls him out again. Corbin soon shows up, but as he approaches the ring, Riddle is attacked from behind by Shorty G before Corbin accepts Riddle's challenge on behalf of Shorty G.
Matt Riddle beats Shorty G. After the match, King Corbin charges into the ring, but retreats when Riddle sees him coming and outsmarts him.
In a WWE Network exclusive from earlier today, Big E is met by The Miz and John Morrison when he does not want to be on Miz TV following their argument on Talking Smack. Sheamus joins Miz and Morrison, but Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) joins Big E.
Backstage, Big E and Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) are looking at sausage in a green-and-yellow lunch box when Bayley and Sasha Banks show up and make fun of them for "playing with their meat" and saying they are only capable of handling a tag team championship.
Backstage, Adam Pearce knocks on Roman Reigns' door to get his signature for the contract, but does not get him and leaves. Meanwhile, Kayla Braxton interviews King Corbin, who says he will break Matt Riddle and prove Riddle does not belong in his kingdom on SmackDown.
Bayley and Sasha Banks show up. Bayley says this is one of the most difficult weeks of her and Sasha's careers, as they have had to defend both of their singles titles and will soon have to defend the Women's tag titles at Payback. She then says that she and Sasha are still the best tag team in the history of the women's division, but when Sasha gets cross with her, Bayley says that Asuka beating her for the Raw Women's Championship is all her fault. After mentioning Sasha's inability to defend a singles title, she says that they have to keep moving forward and that they cannot lose at Payback. Sasha agrees, and says that while Bayley has her back, they can get through anything. She says that while she is no longer "Two Belts Banks," they are still best friends and she knows who she is. Suddenly, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax show up on the TitanTron. Shayna says Sasha and Bayley's week is about to get worse, and Nia says she hates them even more than Shayna. Shayna also admits she does not like Nia, then says Sasha is known for everything except winning. Sasha is undeterred and says she will get her vengeance on Sunday.
Backstage, Adam Pearce asks Drew Gulak if he has seen Roman Reigns. Gulak asks Pearce if he has seen Braun Strowman, then finds Strowman and hits him with a steel chair before tossing the chair to Pearce. Pearce explains what's going on, and asks Strowman to sign the contract. Strowman says he knows he is looking for Roman, and says he will sign the contract if he can get Drew Gulak in the ring right now.
Backstage, Cesaro asks Nakamura to let him know when he goes for a singles title as they are a time, then Sami Zayn shows up and meets them for the first time in months. Nakamura mentions that Sami has not even given them a phone call, and Cesaro mentions that things have changed in the last four months, such as them being tag team champions. Sami says this was part of his plan. As he proceeds to celebrate with "fellow champions," Cesaro tells Sami that they were in the middle of a private conversation. Sami seems slighted and says that he had to go, then leaves.
Braun Strowman beats Drew Gulak. After the match, Braun Strowman signs the contract on the stage.
Backstage, Kalisto asks Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik to stay backstage, as he has learned from Lince's mistakes from Cesaro last week. After Kalisto leaves, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura attack Lince and Metalik from behind.
Cesaro beats Kalisto after Shinsuke Nakamura grabs Kalisto from behind, despite Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik stepping in to stop Nakamura. After the match, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik make up with Kalisto.
Backstage, Adam Pearce meets with Vince McMahon concerning Roman Reigns. McMahon tells him to knock the doors to his dressing room down with his own body.
Backstage, Tamina speaks with Nikki Cross concerning Alexa Bliss. Alexa shows up wearing pigtails with pink tips, saying she has never been better. Nikki cannot help but be reminded of "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt. Alexa goes off on Nikki Cross, grabs the coffee mug in Nikki's hands - the one she gave Nikki last year - and throws it on the floor, shattering it.
Backstage, Sheamus meets with The Miz and John Morrison concerning strategy for The Miz. Morrison says Big E and Heavy Machinery cannot be let into the ring, which causes Sheamus to tell them to follow his lead.
Backstage, Adam Pearce finally meets Roman Reigns. Reigns looks at the contract.
Big E and Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) beat The Miz, John Morrison and Sheamus after Sheamus walks out on Miz and Morrison after being knocked off the ring apron after Tucker sends Morrison into him as he complains about the referee not seeing him tag in.
Backstage, Roman Reigns tells Adam Pearce that he will wreck Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt to take back the WWE Universal Championship he never lost in the first place, and says that's not a prediction, that's a spoiler. It is then revealed that Paul Heyman is sitting next to Roman to end the show.
Talking Smack: Sami Zayn demands to be called the Intercontinental Champion.
Io Shirai beats Cami Fields by submission with the Harajuku Clutch. (Cami Fields is best known as Holidead from Ring of Honor.) After the match, Shirai pulls a Kendo stick out from underneath the ring, but Candice LeRae shows up, takes it from her and swings it at her, forcing Shirai to retreat.
We see a vignette for KUSHIDA.
Dominik Dijakovic beats Keith Lee in his first match since returning from injury.
We see an NXT career retrospective for Johnny Gargano.
Shane Thorne shows up and says that Johnny Gargano is the past, while he is the present and the future. He asks why people aren't talking about him.
We see footage of Mia Yim trying to get another match against "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler from General Manager William Regal only to come up empty-handed.
Marina Shafir, Jessamyn Duke and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler show up. Before Shayna Baszler can even speak, Rhea Ripley shows up. Rhea snatches the microphone from Baszler's hand and says she knows what she's going to say, and that she has yet to beat her.
We see a vignette of Pete Dunne talking about his time in WWE.
Next week: Velveteen Dream vs. "The Finest" Kona Reeves! Jordan Myles vs. Adam Cole for the NXT Championship!
The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) beat Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) to win the NXT Tag Team Championships for a record-setting third time.
In footage from earlier today, "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher asks who the better British wrestler: him or Kassius Ohno. He says that Ohno decided to complicate matters last time by moving his foot off the rope after the match, and next week, he plans to prove Ohno wrong.
Joseph Conners beats the debuting Oliver Carter.
In footage from last week, Cesaro says he is not just flying to China, but he is paying a visit to Cardiff, Wales after hearing a lot of things about NXT UK to find out firsthand what it is all about and maybe take a "hands-on approach."
Next week: Piper Niven vs. Rhea Ripley!
Jordan Devlin beats "The Lucky Yin" Kenny Williams.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) shows up. Zach Gibson takes exception to their match at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff being made a triple threat match, but it is not long before Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) shows up. As Gibson says the only thing worse is "Flash" Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews showing up, Andrews and Wesbter show up and attack Grizzled Young Veterans. The show ends with a three-way brawl.
Before the next match, The Brian Kendrick tells "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher that there is one thing he cannot stand. Gallagher asks if it is Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but Kendrick says that goes without saying and says that it is really people who don't know their place. Gallagher says that describes Akira Tozawa well, and Kendrick tells Tozawa it was just business when they attacked him. Instead of moving on, however, Tozawa demanded a match against him, and Kendrick promises he will get more pain and suffering.
Akira Tozawa beats The Brian Kendrick.
Kayla Braxton interviews Buddy Murphy and "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. Murphy says he came to 205 Live to become the Cruiserweight Champion, and he almost did it. When Kalisto cheated them, it opened his eyes, and tonight, he and Nese are sick of playing around.
Hideo Itami vs. Michael Blaise ends when Mustafa Ali's music hits, and Ali - in street clothes - chases Hideo Itami out of the ring and into the crowd, daring Hideo Itami to fight him.
We hear from Cedric Alexander, who says Drew Gulak sunk to an all-new low last week by attacking two men to complain about losing before running away when he showed up. He says that Gulak exposed himself as a spineless hypocrite, and gives him one chance to redeem himself next week when he calls him out so he can finish what Gulak started.
Buddy Murphy beats Kalisto in an intense match that also sees Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik and "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese get ejected from ringside due to physical involvement in the match.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) show up to start tonight's show with a replica of the Stanley Cup, which is placed on a podium. Xavier Woods said that The New Day did what they said they would do and became WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Kofi admits The Bludgeon Brothers were ferocious, but they had them out like a light. Big E says he has waited a long time to do this, and before he can announce that they are five-time tag team champions, Booker T - as King Booker - shows up. The New Day get down on one knee, and makes a royal decree where he grants "Lord Xavier the Wise," "Sir Kofi the Brave," and Big E access to the most royal club of them all, but Big E demands a royal name. Booker T says he already has "Big" in his name, but Big E says he just "Saxoned" him. Booker T says he should be on his knees, and says there is only one who is deemed worthy of "The Five-Timers Championship Club..." until now. Booker welcomes them into the club. Afterwards, The New Day help King Booker out with the cape and crown, and he performs the Spinaroonie in the middle of the ring. Xavier Woods then does one of his own, followed by Kofi and Big E, the latter of whom has to be spun around the middle of the ring. It is then announced that The New Day will guest on commentary for the next match with their own custom commentary table, complete with pancake platters and boxes of Booty-O's.
The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) beat Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) and The Colons (Primo and Epico Colon) in a Triple Threat tag team match. After the match, The Bar confront The New Day at their custom commentary table.
General Manager Paige meets with Rusev, Lana and Aiden English backstage. She tells Rusev and Aiden English they will face SAnitY and The Usos in a Triple Threat Match next week where the winner faces The Bar to decide #1 contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. As Rusev thanks Lana for this, Lana says it wasn't her, and it is revealed that Aiden English got them this chance at a title shot.
Jeff Hardy shows up. Jeff says that since he has returned to SmackDown Live, Orton has been messing with him both physically and mentally. He credits Orton making him believe he can fly for his actions towards him last week. He says Orton may be some object of affection or an obstacle in his career, but when Orton did what he did to him, he felt like the Jeff Hardy of old. He calls Orton out so he can finish what Orton started. Orton shows up, and congratulates Jeff for rediscovering himself and giving him the credit for all of that. He then says he is not finished working on him yet, and this this version of Jeff Hardy is the identity he is going to take away and the career he will end. He plans to leave Jeff Hardy as a heap of lifeless bones in the ring, and says Jeff can call him whatever he wants, but Jeff Hardy tells Orton he will take him to Hell in Hell In A Cell. Orton then drops the microphone and backs away.
Backstage, Renee Young interviews Carmella. She says that the attention she brought the blue brand women's division made Evolution possible, and says that Charlotte Flair never pinned her. Tonight, she will beat Charlotte, and the buzz will be back on her when she is champ again. Suddenly, R-Truth shows up looking for Carmella, but "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger tells him to let it go. R-Truth takes this as a matter of timing, and in a matter of time, the truth shall set Carmella free.
Before the next match, Billie Kay says she can see the future, just like when she said that Peyton Royce would beat Naomi. She also says that the Toronto Raptors will have a dismal season and Naomi having nightmares about losing again tonight. Billie and Peyton then begin to make fun of how Naomi looks before saying that the future is IIconic.
Billie Kay beats Naomi with an assist from Peyton Royce.
Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella show up. Daniel Bryan talks about how The Miz mocked his retirement as well as how he is a very poor actor, saying that Miz could not even act like a tough guy and used Maryse as a human shield. When that happened, Brie Bella ran into the ring. Brie says Daniel doesn't need her to fight his battle, but Maryse is always helping Miz cheat to win, and while she was out there to go after Maryse, it felt good to punch Miz in the face. Daniel Bryan also says that it was pretty hot before putting Brie over as a supermom and saying Maryse and Miz won't be able to hide behind each other at Hell In A Cell. Suddenly, Zelina Vega and Andrade "Cien" Almas show up. Zelina calls it an honor to be in front of two legends before declaring herself and Almas as legends. After a brief introduction where she boasts that Almas put Sin Cara on the shelf permanently, took AJ Styles to the limit and destroyed Rusev, she says that The Miz outsmarted Daniel Bryan and that it is time that Almas out-wrestled him. Almas says Daniel Bryan can have his battle, but he is the only star in the ring. Daniel Bryan says he would like to make this match official, but he is no longer General Manager and wishes there was somebody who could make this match. General Manager Paige shows up a little late due to her office being on the other side of the building and running in heels. Paige says she does not want to give the fans a match they don't want, and asks the fans if they want to see the match. The fans chant "Yes!", and Paige brings out a referee to make the match official.
Daniel Bryan beats Andrade "Cien" Almas by disqualification. During the match, The Miz shows up, after having watched the match backstage with Maryse, and tries to distract Daniel Bryan, but it does not work. After a distraction from Maryse that sees Brie Bella beat her up, The Miz then gets in the ring and attacks Daniel Bryan, ending the match. After the match, Almas hits the Hammerlock DDT, then Miz puts Daniel Bryan in the Yes Lock while Maryse forces Brie Bella to watch as Zelina hits Brie with the double knees. Maryse and Miz then celebrate with a kiss after Maryse hits Brie Bella with a DDT.
Backstage, Renee Young interviews Charlotte Flair, who says that Becky Lynch does not deserve anything that she did not win, and wants to blame her for not winning the big one. She refuses to apologize for giving her all every night and won't let anybody take that from her. After she goes through Carmella tonight, she plans to give Becky Lynch just what she deserves.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles shows up. Styles says his match with Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship at Hell In A Cell is now official, and that Joe is good with mind games as he has him right where he wants him. He then says Joe has proved he is not man enough to take the title from him. He also says that Joe will not look him in the eye and face him like a man because he is not a man, and that he will end his mind games right here and now. Styles says he is the WWE Champion and that he makes the rules around here, and that they do not have to wait until Hell In A Cell. He demands Joe get in the ring with him right now so he can knock his teeth down his throat. Samoa Joe is seen backstage on the Titantron instead, and says he will not be coming out tonight before bringing up Styles' family again. He then pulls out his cellphone and calls AJ's wife Wendy, who is not exactly happy to hear from him. He tells Wendy that he will send AJ Styles back home, then asks if they are on for the back-to-school barbecue next week and to save him a plate. An irate AJ Styles then runs to the back.
Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton in a Hell In A Cell Match is now official for Hell In A Cell.
Backstage, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles searches frantically for Samoa Joe, and nearly beats up a security guard.
Charlotte Flair retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Carmella with the Figure Eight. After the match, Charlotte is attacked from behind by Becky Lynch, who then takes a microphone. She grabs the SmackDown Women's title, kisses it, then tells Charlotte that when she gets her way, come Hell In A Cell, she is taking the title back. She then calls her a bitch before throwing the microphone down on her and raising the title up in the air.
In Austin, Texas, Mike and company finally arrive in their home, dubbed "Castle Marmiz." To their surprise, things are still being worked on in and around the house.
Mike gets his Texas driver's license in the mail as he is getting ready to head to Saudi Arabia for Greatest Royal Rumble. Meanwhile, Mike and Maryse are still waiting for more of their stuff to show up. Also, Mike has to get protective masks for everyone working in the house due to all the dust being moved around as everyone is getting work done as well as to make sure that two-week-old Monroe Sky does not catch any germs.
Mike and Marjo head to a medical supply store for gloves and masks. Meanwhile, Marjo rides around on an electric scooter and runs into things.
Mike finds out that the moving truck with his things will not make it until next week, and that according to the driver's note, it was Mike's preference, but it was not set in stone. Maryse blurts out "It's a fucking contract!" as she finds what the woman on the other end is saying to be absurd.
Pumpkin runs off, unbeknownst to everyone else. Pumpkin is at Marjo's casita, but since the gate is open, Mike and Maryse think that Pumpkin has run away from home. When Maryse finds out that Pumpkin is in Marjo's casita, Mike is relieved. Unfortunately, Maryse has stepped in dog poop while she and Mike looked for Pumpkin, and everyone smells it in Marjo's casita.
Mike and Maryse have a restaurant date in the middle of their move in an attempt to relax. During their meal, they make fun of the fact that they are complaining about their move while eating caviar.
Back at Castle Marmiz, Mike shows up wearing a cowboy hat and boots, having found a dude ranch nearby. At the River Horse, Marjo - who is as outspoken as ever - learns how to ride a horse - and also catches a cowboy - and everyone learns to line dance.
The moving truck finally arrives at Castle Marmiz while Mike is out of the country for Greatest Royal Rumble. When Mike comes back, he is surprised at how the move has been handled during his absence.
The first season ends with Mike being thankful for having an amazing family and a beautiful, healthy baby daughter.
