Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Naomi. Naomi says she is sweating confidence and that she will not lose her title tonight after not having held one for eight years.
We see Michael Cole's interview with Becky Lynch.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins). Montez says that the SmackDown tag team division is their division, and now that they have their first premium live event match in 16 months, they will show up and show out and take back what is theirs. Angelo Dawkins says they won the last one and that they will win this one.
Backstage, Sam Roberts and Megan Morant interview "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Dominik says that he is the best Intercontinental Champion and the best Mysterio of all time. When asked about "The Phnomenal" AJ Styles, however, Dominik gets irritated and walks away.
Tigilily Gold sings God Bless America to start tonight's show.
Druski welcomes everyone to tonight's show.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque welcomes everyone to tonight's show.
We are introduced to the Spanish announce team of Marcelo Rodriguez and Jerry Soto.
Before the next match, noted guitarist and Naomi's father, Shawn McCray, plays Naomi to the ring.
Naomi retains the Women's World Championship against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky after Rhea hits Iyo Sky with Riptide only for Naomi to pin Rhea Ripley with a schoolkid pin and grab the tights.
Indiana Pacers two-time NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, Hulk Hogan's son Nick Hogan, and WWE Hall of Famer Michelle McCool are all in the crowd.
The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) and The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) are in the crowd in honor of the 25th anniversary of the very first TLC Match, which took place in SummerSlam 2000.
SummerSlam is coming to Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 1st and 2nd, 2026!
The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins), #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley), Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), and the team of Andrade and Rey Fenix in a Six-Pack TLC Match.
Becky Lynch retains the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Lyra Valkyria after Bayley, who shows up to beat up Becky Lynch, inadvertently punches Lyra Valkyria with a chain wrapped around her first that is meant for Becky, allowing Becky Lynch to win and retain the title. As per pre-match stipulation, Lyra Valkyria can no longer challenge for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship for as long as Becky is champion.
Grammy Award-winning musician Jelly Roll, multi-platinum hip hop artist Metro Boomin, Tigirlily Gold, and ten time NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson are all in the crowd.
Solo Sikoa retains the WWE United States Championship against Jacob Fatu thanks to the involvement of JC Mateo, Tonga Loa and Talla Tonga, despite Jacob being handcuffed to the top of the cage by Talla Tonga only to be able to rip the handcuffs apart and go after Solo. After the match, Jimmy Uso goes at it with JC Mateo, then throws him into the cage and holds the door closed. Tonga Loa and JC Mateo get superkicked and beaten down by Jacob Fatu, who then hits them both with a moonsault from the top of the cage.
Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown are seen in the crowd.
Before the next match, AJ Styles comes to the ring with his son Avery in a Chevrolet low rider in a tribute to Eddie Guerrero.
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. During the match, Styles has Dominik in the Calf Crusher, and Dominik escapes out of his boot. Styles dives at Dominik afterwards and nearly hits the ref, which allows Dominik to use his boot as a weapon and retain. On the replay, it is revealed via an alternate camera angle that Dominik loosened the boot on purpose, revealing that this was all by design.
Stephanie McMahon that 60,561 people are in attendance for tonight's show. The grand total for SummerSlam 2025 is 113,722, making it the biggest SummerSlam in history.
SSgt. Luis Martinez Jr. is the recipient of tonight's Wheatley American Vodka seat upgrade.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats John Cena in a Street Fight to become Undisputed WWE Champion for a second time. After the match, John Cena hands the Undisputed WWE Championship, and Cena and Cody exchange words in the middle of the ring. Cody says "Thank you for everything" to Cena before Cena raises Cody's hand and the pyro goes off. Cody leaves the ring to allow Cena to have the ring to himself for a standing ovation as the fans chant "Thank You, Cena." All of a sudden, Brock Lesnar returns. Lesnar, now with his hair and beard died brown, heads to the ring in a leather vest and black cowboy hat and almost immediately hits Cena with an F5.
Here are the top 25 moments from this year's SummerSlam!
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, who says that Damian Priest is more than ready to retain the World Heavyweight Championship, Rhea Ripley is ready to win back the Women's World Championship, and that The Judgment Day is ready to retain all their gold and stay "one, big happy family."
Carlo and Luca Prati, winners of the SummerSlam T-Shirt contest winners design, are interviewed by Byron Saxton.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bron Breakker. Breakker says he does not know how Sami Zayn's comedy show went, then says he is happy for Sami because it is his future. He then says that Sami's future as Intercontinental Champion is over.
Peter Rosenberg interviews Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth). R-Truth brings hors d'ouevres while The Miz interviews two kids in the crowd.
We see Peter Rosenberg interview Damian Priest in The Bronx.
Jackie Redmond interviews Rhea Ripley.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Liv Morgan. Liv says she does not care how Rhea Ripley thinks or feels and that Rhea will be the only one crying when she ends her tonight.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax. Nia hopes to be reckless and clumsy with Bayley as she wrecks her tonight and becomes WWE Women's Champion. Nia Jax interrupts Tiffany when Byron Saxton asks Tiffany if there will be any chance of a cash-in tonight.
We see part one of Michael Cole's interview with CM Punk.
Jackie Redmond interviews Logan Paul.
Pat McAfee interviews Jelly Roll backstage.
NXT premieres on The CW on October 1st!
Joe Tessitore is introduced to the WWE broadcast team by Michael Cole, with his first show being on the September 2, 2024 edition of Raw while Cole moves over to SmackDown.
SmackDown premieres on USA Network on September 13th!
We see part two of Michael Cole's interview with CM Punk.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre still feels like beating CM Punk up until his heart stops, as Cleveland, Ohio is where CM Punk left WWE, where his first match back in ten-and-a-half years and where his career will end. He says that you can never tell what a psychopath is thinking and that he plans to extend the pain that he will inflict on Punk, and if he gets his way, he will put Punk to sleep permanently.
Jelly Roll sings God Bless America.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque welcomes everyone to tonight's show, then Jelly Roll performs again.
The Miz is seen in the crowd getting everyone hyped up.
Liv Morgan retains the Women's World Championship against Rhea Ripley. During the match, Liv introduces a chair into the match, and when Rhea is about to use it, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio takes it away, wanting Rhea to win the title. Later on, Dominik sneaks the chair into the ring and tells Liv where the chair is, allowing her to hit Ob-Liv-Ion on the chair as he distracts the referee, allowing Liv to win and retain and revealing that Dominik was in cahoots with Liv the whole time. After the match, Dom helps Liv Morgan up and kisses her, then flips the fans off as he and Liv head to the back. Rhea is inconsolable.
Backstage in The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, JD McDonagh) clubhouse, Damian Priest wants "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio's head, and after Damian almost takes his anger out on Finn Balor, Finn, JD McDonagh and Carlito go looking for Dominik.
Bron Breakker beats Sami Zayn to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion!
Stephanie McMahon is seen in the front row.
MGK reveals himself to be a friend of Logan Paul's before the next match. Also before the next match, LA Knight shows up in Logan's Prime Energy truck and bashes the driver's side window with a long piece of PVC pipe before proclaiming that he has come to collect the WWE United States Championship.
LA Knight beats Logan Paul - despite MGK handing Logan Paul some brass knuckles to use against Knight - to become the WWE United States Champion! After the knuckles shot, Knight blocks the Buckshot Lariat from Logan and hits the BFT to win the match and the title.
Carlo and Luca Prati, winners of the SummerSlam T-Shirt contest winners design, are seen in the front row.
Backstage, Apollo Crews, Baron Corbin and Alpha Academy (Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa) advertise for Manscaped.
Nia Jax beats Bayley to become WWE Women's Champion after a failed Money In The Bank cash-in by Tiffany Stratton, which distracts Bayley.
Drew McIntyre beats CM Punk, with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins as the special guest referee for the match. During the match, McIntyre knocks Punk into Rollins and knocks Rollins out of the ring after Punk notices Rollins wearing his bracelet, which Punk himself tried to put on during the match after getting it away from McIntyre. Punk gets angry after hitting the GTS and Rollins takes a few seconds to get back in the ring, and Rollins gets angry at Punk in return, telling Punk that he is not needed here and that it is not always about him. Punk hits Rollins with the GTS and tells Rollins it may not always be about him, but it is not about Rollins. This allows McIntyre to hit a low blow followed by a Claymore Kick, and McIntyre gets the win after a slower, more reluctant count by Rollins. After the match, McIntyre takes Punk's bracelet and wears it once again.
Backstage, both Damian Priest and Finn Balor come to the conclusion that "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio has left the arena, then they both apologize to each other. Finn then tells Priest that he is in his corner in case Priest changes his mind.
We see the WWE Legends Suite in the skybox area.
Gunther beats Damian Priest to become the World Heavyweight Champion. During the match, Finn Balor shows up to watch from ringside and is eventually booted in the head by Gunther. Priest hits Gunther with the Razor's Edge and South of Heaven, but Gunther is too close to the ropes for the pinfall and Finn Balor puts Gunther's foot on the bottom rope, stabbing Damian Priest in the back in the process. Priest is able to put two and two together, and he becomes so enraged that he focuses more on getting his hands on Finn Balor than defending his title. Gunther wins following two powerbombs and two sleeper holds, the second of which causes Priest to fade completely. After the match, Jinny congratulates Gunther at the front row, then Gunther celebrates on top of the announce table.
Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) is in the ring. The Miz announces that the fans have set an all-time American SummerSlam attendance record of 57,791 people. Suddenly, Grayson Waller and Austin Theory show up. Theory calls The Miz "disgusting" just like all the fans in Cleveland and calls the Cleveland Browns "the worst football team of all time." Theory also says the fans look like Jelly Roll, then puts MGK over while saying Jelly Roll's music is worse than R-Truth's. R-Truth gets Grayson and Theory confused with Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton of The Rock and Roll Express, respectively. as Jelly Roll gets in the ring with a metal folding chair. Awesome Truth, along with Jelly Roll, get the better of Theory and Grayson, and Jelly Roll hits Theory with a one-handed choke slam. Awesome Truth and Jelly Roll then hit Theory with three simultaneous Five Knuckle Shuffles.
Bash In Berlin takes place live in Berlin, Germany on August 31st at 1 PM Eastern, 10 AM Pacific on Peacock and WWE Network!
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes takes his dog Pharoah with him on the way to the ring. On the way there, he is met by Arn Anderson, who says that he knows what Cody is up against and that he has had a few conversations, and that Cody has a few friends on the way. Pharoah is dropped off with a handler near the Gorilla position, where he receives his "American Nightmare" coat and headgear for his entrance.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa in a Bloodline Rules Match that sees Kevin Owens and Randy Orton come back to fight Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. The match ends with Roman Reigns making his first appearance since WrestleMania 40, where he hits Solo Sikoa with a Superman Punch and a Spear, allowing Cody to hit Solo with the Cross Rhodes to retain.
The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne, Killswitch, Mama Wayne) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Christian talks about how a couple of weeks ago, THe Patriarchy did what he said they would went they became the AEW World Trios Champions, and that on his road back to becoming World Heavyweight Championship, he would use the Trios titles as a vehicle and a gift to his family for showing their support to him over the past year. He says that a belt is used to hold up one's pants or discipline a naught child, and that what he has around his waist is a title, and until one realizes this, they are not deserving of being a champion. Christian then says that he is proud to say that his family has realized what these championship titles really mean, and with his spirit growing with him, he will present The Patriarchy with their championship titles. Christian puts Nick Wayne on a pedestal as he admires the leaps and bounds he has grown since the beginning and how he is the prodigy that he claimed he was, and that Nick Wayne is now the youngest champion in AEW history. As for Killswitch, he has been the finisher and muscle that does all the dirty work that is needed as Christian has asked him to be, and Christian says that The Patriarchy does not work without Killswitch. Christian hugs Killswitch as he acknowledges him and tells him how much he means to him, but since he did not give birth to a prodigy, his title goes to Mama Wayne instead. As Killswitch is about to confront Christian, The House of Black (Malakai Black and Brody King) shows up. Christian calls Brody King "Jelly Roll" as he says that The House of Black are not a trio anymore due to what The Patriarchy did to Buddy Matthew and that they are only here because they look at him and realize that everything he touches turns to gold. Christian says he has heard about the hype train behind Malakai Black and that Malakai is asking for "fatherly advice" after not living up to that hype, and says that after The Patriarchy went through The Bang Bang Gang ("Rock Hard" Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn) like a hot knife through butter, Malakai and Brody should imagine what they could do to the two of them. When Christian asks them what they were thinking, Malakai says "This." The lights go out, and when they come back on, Buddy Matthews stands with Malakai and Brody. The Patriarchy immediately retreats, but The Bang Bang Gang suddenly shows up, and The Patriarchy is surrounded and forced to flee through the crowd. Unfortunately, Nick Wayne is caught by Kip Sabian, who throws him back over the barricade. The Bang Bang Gang throws Nick Wayne back into the ring, and The House of Black demoish Nick Wayne while the rest of The Patriarchy can only watch. Both The House of Black and The Bang Bang Gang then play tug-of-war with the reamining Trios title, as Christian declares that neither trio deserves title shots.
Backstage, Lexy Nair intervews "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes and The Von Erichs (Marshall and Ross Von Erich). Dustin says it has been a very emotional couple of weeks, and that it is an honor to be 55 years old and step into the ring one more time with a wrestling family that he has watched since he was a child with their up-and-coming progeny, take their opponents to the limit and become "Texas' best" and Ring of Honor World Six-Man Tag Team Champions. Marshall says that the fans don't see what is behind twelve years in the business and to have a payoff like this with Dustin around and their father present is the greatest night of his career. Ross proclaims that "The Von Erich-Rhodes Era has officially begun," then Sammy Guevara shows up. Sammy says that he and Dustin have a long history and that Dustin does not trust him, but Dustin tells Sammy that trust is earned. Sammy says he is looking to earn trust, as he is stuck in a vortex and he can be his own man for the first time in five years. He says that he wants to team with Dustin and The Von Erichs, as they are all "four Texas legends." Dustin shakes his hand and accepts Sammy's proposition.
Before the next match, "Smart" Mark Sterling says that Mistico and Hologram do not even belong in the same sport as The Premier Athletes (Tony Nese and Ariya Daivairi), much less the same ring, and that they should be working on their floor routine or on the balance beam losing to the superior athletes over in Paris, France. He then says tonight will deliver the same results, with the only difference being that Mistico and Hologram will lose to superior athletes in Texas "in front of fat people."
Mistico and Hologram beat The Premier Athletes (Tony Nese and Ariya Daivairi).
We see a video package where Kyle Fletcher talks about how he first met Will Ospreay and was taken under his wing, and says that he will have Ospreay's back until the day that he dies.
We see footage from last night's CMLL event where MJF defends the AEW American Championship against Templario, and says that by coming to Mexico, he gets to show off "a superior athlete" and "a superior culture."
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
Kyle Fletcher beats "The Machine" Brian Cage. After the match, Kyle Fletcher addresses MJF, who he calls "the most self-centered son of a bitch" he has ever met, then says that if he hits MJF with the piledriver like he did to Brian Cage, MJF might not even make it to Wembley Stadium, and that fills him with joy. He then says that if MJF is the American hero that he claims to be, then he will put the AEW American Championship on the line so that he can become AEW International Champion and face his best friend Will Ospreay. MJF shows up on the video screen and says Kyle Fletcher sounds like an idiot while he sounds like "a perfect American," then says Fletcher is a typical foreign invader trying to steal things away from hard working Americans like himself that he has not earned. He says there is a laundry list of people who want a shot at his title and that not everyone becomes famous by beating him and that others become famous by beating Will Ospreay without breaking a sweat. He says he would not expect Kyle Fletcher to do that because he is not an American hero like himself. MJF then says he is not just an American hero and not just humble or handsome, he is the salt of the earth, and he proposes an AEW American Championship Eliminator Match on Dynamite. He states that if Fletcher can beat him "in North Carolina in front of all those redneck hicks," he is willing to give him a title shot the following week, then says it will not happen because he is a professional wrestler and an American hero, not an Australian barbarian, and he plants to teach Fletcher a lesson.
We see a video package of Wheeler Yuta and "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson training in preparation for Swerve Strickland at All In.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Jeff Jarrett, Karen Jarrett, Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt. Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt agree that if it were not for "Hangman" Adam Page, Jeff jarrett would have a shot at the AEW World Championship by now, and as Karen Jarrett says something needs to be done regarding Adam Page, Jeff Jarrett says that neither he nor Hangman got what they wanted and that the difference between them is that he is the one who going to make the most out of his situation. Jeff Jarrett says he could not be more thrilled to be a part of getting "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson ready for All In, but Danielson must not just get ready for All In; he must get ready for Swerve Strickland. He says Swerve is the msot dangerous manin all of AEW, and if he wants to get ready for Swerve, he must get ready for anything, and proposes that they make their match anything goes with no rules. Jeff says he respects Danielson as both a wrestler and a man, but Danielson is now on the fighting side of him and he is going to introduces Danielson to "The Last Outlaw." After this, it is announced that Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat will be a special guest for the match.
Claudio Castagnoli beats "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty and Tomohiro Ishii in a Continental Collision three-way match.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Top Flight (Darius Martin, Dante Martin, Leila Grey). Leila says that when Top Flight rang her flight attendant call button, she answered, and now they are rising sraight to the top. Dante says that means a new look with the same goals, which attracts the attention of MxM Collection (Mansoon and Mason Madden). Mansoor says that "TSA" stands for "Their Style is Ass," before proceeding to make fun of Leila Grey's gear while Mason Madden mocks Darius and Dante's intelligence, saying that they Milan is a cookie. Dante says that this just got MxM Collection on their no-fly list, because what they did did not fly. Mansoor declares the interview over, even though Dante says it was their interview, then he and Madden strike a pose.
Thunder Rosa beats Taya Valkyrie with a modified Cobra Clutch, then immediately calls out "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo after the match. Deonna shows up, wanting to know what Thunder Rosa wants from her, then sarcastically congratulates her for being on a winning streak which she has broken three times in a row. Thunder Rosa says that Deonna never truly beat her, but Deonna says the record books will show that she has beaten Thunder Rosa in a singles match, a no-disqualification match and a lumberjack match. Thunder Rosa proposes another match - a Texas Bullrope match - next week.
Darby Allin, Mark Briscoe and FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) beat The Beast Mortos and Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett) in snright-msn tag team match. After the match, Dax Harwood says that he loves professional wresling. The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, {Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn) show up with Max Caster directly questioning Dax's claim, asking where FTR was during their battles with The Elite (Matthew Jackson, Nicholas Jackson, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, "Scapegoat" Jack Perry). Bowens says they do not now what to do to earn FTR's respect, saying that he stabbed a man in the ad with a pair of scissors so that FTR can talk about their legacy that they do not care about, as they are building their own and they are a homegrown tag team. Bowens asys that FTR does not get to cut the line to face The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) for the tag team titles, as that belongs to The Acclaimed, and that the scoreboard reads "Acclaimed 1, FTR 0," and if FTR has a problem with it, they can nut up or shut up. FTR and The Acclaimed almost get into a brawl, but Mark Briscoe says that this is what The Young Bucks want and that there needs to be unity, as they are all AEW. FTR offers a handshake, but The Acclaimed refuse it and leave.
Dustin Starr interviews "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock at the announce desk. Blaylock introduces Mike Anthony as the newest member of The Hollywood Clique (Blaylock, Van Viciouss, Secret Service). Blaylock says he is the most caring manager in Memphis and that he cares for people, then gives Blaylock a necklace he bought in Beverly Hills. Dustin Starr reads the package and says it came from Temu. Blaylock also puts 24-karat gold glasses on Mike Anthony's face, then says Mike Anthony looks better already and is ready for "The Cowboy" James Storm, who has embarrassed him not once, but twice, and will pay for what he has done to him.
We see footage from after last week's show where Coach Pillar is helped out of the WrestleCenter.
Big John Dalton beats "Main Event" Brad Skimahorn after being able to hit the Bam Bam Slam despite missing big on a top rope splash.
Backstage, Zaya interviews Mackenzie Morgan, who says that she is feeling so good that she will be back in action next week. Mackenzie says she is concerned about the mystery woman, as everyone should be, but everything will be taken care of.
Jay Smooth pulls up to the WrestleCenter in a white Cadillac after "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock refuses to answer his calls or texts and just decides to show up.
We see footage from last month's Kids Camp.
Kirk Swiss beats JT Williams.
We hear from Marti Belle, who is looking for championship gold and is appearing next week.
Dustin Starr interviews Assistant Matchmaker Michael at the announce desk. Michael says he started something at SuperBout that he did not finish, and now Sycho Simon is ruining the shows and he is sick of it. He then calls Sycho Simon out for a fight, and Sycho Simon shows up. Michael says he is tired of this and he has had enough. Simon hits a cheap shot to the throat as he tells Michael to lower his voice, then knocks him out and slams him on the ring steps. Simon then pulls out a table from underneath the ring, and Michael starts to fight back and even grabs some chairs from the side of the arena as he puts the table near the wall. Simon gets the better of Michael and smashes Michael through the table. Simon then makes Dustin Starr look at the destruction, and says that he is going to Mississippi next week while Tommy Dreamer leaves in a body bag. Michael is helped through the back.
The Twins of Salem (Jacksyn Crowley and Abel Booker) beat The O'Neal Brothers (Steven and Devin O'Neal).
We hear from Lord Crewe, who says that he is here to find the biggest, baddest, meanest guy Memphis Wrestling can throw at him. He says he has been scouting the talent and has seen people who are good, but not quite who he is looking for. He says that the target will be acquired next week and that he will find out how tough his opponent is.
Matchmaker King Cobra gets a phone call and finds out what has happened to Assistant Matchmaker Michael, and heads off to meet Michael right now.
Before the next match, "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock calls out "The Cowboy" James Storm, who shows up. Blaylock says he has made sure the WrestleCenter is alcohol-free so that Storm cannot spit beer in his face, then blames James Storm for his diabetes and health issues when he shoved his face in a cake not once, but twice. James Storm says this is just business and tells Jimmy Blaylock to be a man, as a real man gets knocked down and gets back up. He also says that he will not be drinking beer because he will beating him up all over the WrestleCenter before grabbing Blaylock. Mike Anthony then starts fighting James Storm, and the match begins.
"The Cowboy" James Storm beats Mike Anthony after Jay Smooth shows up to grab Storm from behind and Mike Anthony wants Jay Smooth out of the ring while "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock distracts the referee. After the match, Jimmy Blaylock chews out Jay Smooth, then James Storm tells Mike Anthony to stand on his own feet and be a man, for America is built off men who get back up, as Mike Anthony is way too good to be with The Hollywood Clique ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock, Van Viciouss, Secret Service). He tells Mike Anthony to go home, look in the mirror, and remember the fans chanting for him.
"The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw beats Heather Reckless in the BTI match.
Trinity heads to the ring to start tonight's show. She says that Chicago, Illinois holds a special place in her heart, as this is the very building where she made her IMPACT debut and it is so surreal to her because not long ago, she was at her lowest and considered giving up on wrestling. She then reached her highest when she debuted in IMPACT Wrestling, and on that very night in that very same building, she said she would become Knockouts Champion, and now, she has done it. "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo suddenly shows up and states that if they are recreating Trinity's debut, it is only natural that she show up and interrupt her. The crowd chants "You tapped out" as Deonna says the only difference is that the role of champion and challenger and reversed as she congratulates her, and says she knows that while she knows what it is like to win the Knockouts Championship on the first opportunity after having done it herself. She then says the difference between herself and Trinity is that she is not a quitter. This leads to another "You tapped out" chant, which Trinity reminds her about. Deonna tells Trinity that she will get her title rematch and that nobody beats her twice, to which Trinity responds "I bet you I can." The Coven shows up, and KiLynn King says this is not "The Trinity and Deonna Show" and that nobody wants to hear Trinity speak or see Deonna's face again. KiLynn then mentions that she was Trinity's opponent during her debut, and the crowd chants "You lost." KiLynn tells Trinity that she got lucky that night and says that if things turned out differently, there would be a different Knockouts Champion in the ring right now. As she says that her loss does not sit well with her the more she thinks about it, Taylor Wilde mentions the fact that they are in Chicago and how she hates having been beaten by Trinity. Trinity dares The Coven to do something about it, and KiLynn proposes that Taylor give Trinity "a little card reading." Taylor throws her cards at Trinity and attacks her, and Deonna has to fend The Coven off with Trinity. Security separates all four women before Director of Authority Santino Marella arrives and makes a tag team match between all four women for later tonight. Deonna says she is here for a fight and wants the match right now, and the fans agree, leading Santino to make the match the first one of the night before security leaves.
The Coven (Taylor Wilde and KiLynn King) beat Trinity and "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo after Trinity inadvertently kicks Deonna in the head.
Backstage, we hear from The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz). Trey says this is their first tag team match in an IMPACT ring in three years, then says it should be for the tag team titles before saying they will beat Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham on the way to the titles. Wentz says that they will soon get their match with Subculture (Mark Andrews and "Flash" Morgan Webster) and make the tag team titles theirs. Scott D'Amore shows up and docks them two weeks' pay for returning to the building after being ejected from it before telling them they will still have their tag team tournament tonight. He then tells them that if they interfere in any tournament matches, they will be suspended indefinitely.
Backstage, we hear from Eddie and Alisha Edwards. As Alisha brags about running Traci Brooks out of IMPACT, Jody Threat shows up and says Traci has decided Alisha is not worth her time. When Eddie tries to bully Jody, Jody pushes back, and when Alisha threatens to run Jody out of IMPACT, Jody challenges Alisha to a match next week. Alisha accepts.
Heath beats Alan Angels with the Wake-Up Call after ducking the Halo Strike.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Eric Young. Eric Young says he had a feeling that The Design (Deaner and Kon) would attack him and that he will deal with it very shortly. On the subject of his "death," he says the world who saw the video thought they knew the truth and that it was furthest from the truth, and that the world will see what really happened tonight.
Jake Something beats Davey Vega.
Backstge, Bully Ray, Brian Myers and Moose meet with Lio Rush. Bully Ray says they are excited and proud that he has joined them, but Lio Rush insists that he is not here to make friends, but Moose says they do not want him as a friend, but as a member of a team. Lio Rush says he can be trusted, but tells them that this will not last for long. Bully Ray says this can last forever if Lio lets it, then says that management does not like them and that he wants Lio to experience their trust. After mentioning that they want him to be on their team in a six-man tag match next week, Bully says that they can trust Lio unless he gives them a reason not to, then he, Moose and Myers leave.
Before the next match, Joe Hendry says life is all about lessons, and he has learned that life is short and his title reigns are long. He then says that because life is short, one should tell their friends how they truly feel, including letting friends interject themselves into your title match and letting friends say the two magic words "We believe." After Yuya Uemura makes his entrance, he simply introduces himself as a champion.
Kenny King retains the IMPACT Wrestling Digital Media Championship against Yuya Uemura and Joe Hendry after Sheldon Jean pulls Hendry out of the ring from the outside and Kenny shoves Uemura into Hendry before hitting the Royal Flush to retain.
The Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week is Mike Bailey vs. Jack Evans for the IMPACT Wrestling X Division Championship from Emergence 2022.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews "Speedball" Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham. Gresham says he is feeling confident in beating The Rascalz, especially with Bailey, but Bailey says he had to convince Gresham that they stand a chance of winning together due to rules not being enforced. Gresham reminds him that he lost his last match because of cheating, but Bailey says they can win as long as they have the right mindset and optimism. Gresham says optimism does not win matches and that they must watch each others' backs.
We hear from Josh Alexander and Time Machine (Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, KUSHIDA), who want a match with Moose, Brian Myers, Bully Ray and Lio Rush at Emergence.
Backstage, The Death Dollz (Courtney Rush and Jessicka) try to figure out how to get a Knockouts Tag Team Championship match when they run into Crazzy Steve. Steve says they need to talk, but Courtney and Jessicka are too busy trying to get a tag title match.
The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) beat "Speedball" Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham to advance in the #1 Contender's Tag Team Championship Tournament after Wentz tosses a can of spray paint to Trey, who sprays paint into Gresham's eyes behind the referee's back.
We see a video that shows what happened after Deaner supposedly killed Eric Young. Deaner puts the bloody shank on the table, then Eric Young suddenly comes back to life and crawls to his motorcycle before riding off into the night. Eric Young ponders both life and death, particularly death itself and its finality, then says that death can be beautiful and that he is not dead yet. He says he has lived a thousand lives in the business and that while a man can be killed, a body can be disposed of, and flesh can be removed, an idea is eternal and can live forever. Eric Young says that he is more than a man, more than life, more than death, then says that he is an idea and that he will live forever.
Shane Taylor beats "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels to advance in the ROH World Television Championship Eliminator Tournament.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Lexy Nair interviews The Iron Savages (Boulder and Bronson) and Jacked Jameson. Boulder says they see Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis) as a couple of men and that they were close to winning tag team gold, and when they get a taste of gold, they do not stop until they are full. Bronson says that they are calling Aussie Open out and dares them to put the ROH tag titles on the line.
Before the next match, Kyle Fletcher tells The Iron Savages (Boulder and Bronson) and Jacked Jameson that the ROH World Tag Team Championships are not going anywhere before telling Tony Khan and Stokely Hathaway to keep the belts warm for them.
Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis) beat The Iron Savages (Boulder and Bronson). After the match, they celebrate with Tony Khan.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Stokely Hathaway, who thanks the fans for their positive feedback towards the ROH World Television Championship Eliminator Tournament and that he may have to make another tournament for Samoa Joe. Suddenly, Dalton Castle and The Boys (Brandon and Brent Tate) confront Stokely, saying that Stokely stole the World Television Championship from him at Death Before Dishonor and kept him out of the tournament. Dalton tells Stokely that he was on his way to beating Samoa Joe and that Stokely knew it, and that they all know that he can beat Joe the second time around. Joe shows up and confronts Dalton for confronting Stokely and puts The Boys in a tag team match against himself and Stokely, much to Stokely's confusion.
Katsuyori Shibata retains the ROH Pure Championship against "The Technical Beast" Josh Woods with the sleeper.
Dalton Castle beats "The Reality" Zack Clayton.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews "The Technical Beast" Josh Woods. Woods mentions his collegiate sports and professional wrestling accolades, and while they have gotten him here, he has lost two big title matches. Woods says something has to change.
The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) beats Nick Comoroto and Jora Johl.
"Legit" Leyla Hirsch beats Miranda Vionette with a cross arm breaker. Maria Kanellis-Bennett is seen watching the match from the stage.
Before the next match, "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese says that the Whalers leaving Hartford, Connecticut is the dumbest thing ever, because all he sees in the city is whales. He then tries to lead the fans in their "battle against gravity" with group training before Gravity interrupts.
Gravity beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese to advance in the ROH World Television Championship Eliminator Tournament.
Athena retains the ROH Women's World Championship against Diamante. After the match, Athena entertains the idea of ramming Diamante's head into the women's title, but decides not to.
The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona) beat The Boys (Brandon and Brent Tate).
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Diamate, but she is interrupted by Athena, who saw that she saw something in familiar in Diamante's eyes that reminded her of a younger version of herself. She tells Diamante to change it up, as she has what it takes and is missing something, then tells her to stay away from her and figure it out.
Cole Karter beats LSG. Maria Kanellis-Bennett is seen watching the match from the stage.
In backstage footage from Death Before Dishonor, Vincent says that they got what they wanted from The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, John Silver) when The Dark Order shows up. Evil Uno shakes Stu Grayson's hand and thanks him. Stu says "Finally!"
Robyn Renegade beats Christina Marie by submission.
Komander and El Hijo del Vikingo beat The Workhorsemen (JD Drake and Anthony Henry).
Jay Lethal beats Orange Cassidy. After the match, Sonjay Dutt congratulates Lethal on his victory and "interviews" him about Wardlow. Lethal says Wardlow stuck his nose in their business to defend Orange Cassidy, then tells Wardlow to get in the ring before he puts Orange in the Figure Four Leg Lock. Best Friends show up to check on Orange Cassidy, but so does Wardlow, and Lethal, Sonjay and Singh retreat. Sonjay then dates Wardlow to put the TNT Championship on the line against Lethal at Battle of the Belts III. Wardlow says it does not matter where or when the match happens, as it will end with him whipping Lethal's ass.
The Undisputed Elite show up for the first time in months and head to the ring. Adam Cole says it feels good to be back in the ring, especially with the rest of The Undisputed Elite. He announces that he is still not medically cleared, but he has taken time to process The Undisputed Elite's success and what they need to work on. Cole calls The Undisputed Elite "five of the very best" and one of the most loyal groups of people in AEW, and says that loyalty is everything. Adam Cole then says he wants The Undisputed Elite to be the winners of the upcoming Trios Tournament, then says The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) cannot do the tournament without him or Kyle O'Reilly, even if they will not pick Bobby Fish. Adam Cole then elaborates, saying they will not be physically capable of being in the tournament before O'Reilly and Fish attack The Young Bucks from behind. When Brandon Cutler confronts Cole, he is also attacked. As Fish wraps a chair around Matt Jackson's head and Cole is about to stomp on it, "Hangman" Adam Page runs into the ring with a pipe and chases Cole, O'Reilly and Fish away before helping Matt Jackson up.
We hear from Jon Moxley, who says that the last survivor of the Hart Dungeon faces the first survivor of The Blackpool Combat Club (William Regal, Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Wheeler Yuta) next week for a shot at the Interim AEW World Championship. Moxley says he does not care who wins, because when the bell rings, he has no respect for anybody and he is focused on breaking his opponent, and he will not stop until someone is in the hospital. Moxley then says that when all is said and done, The Blackpool Combat Club will make the Hart Dungeon look like a daycare, and that regardless of who wins tonight, the victor had better be ready, for this is his life and it is not a game.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Tony Schiavone interviews Christian Cage, who talks trash about Jungle Boy before Jungle Boy nearly runs him over in an SUV. Security quickly moves in to hold Jungle Boy back.
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. and Jamie Hayter beat Thunderstorm (Thunder Rosa and Toni Storm) after Toni Storm inadvertently hits Thunder Rosa with a hip attack in the corner.
The marriage of Sammy Guevara and Tay Conti is announced. Meanwhile, Eddie Kingston is backstage wondering why he has to hear about it before saying nobody cares about the marriage and everyone cares about him getting his hands on Sammy. He tells Sammy to check the mail and sign the contract for their match at All Out after he is done getting married.
Taz announces that Team Taz is done after Hobbs' betrayal of "Absolute" Ricky Starks.
Powerhouse Hobbs quickly beats Ren Jones. After the match, "Absolute" Ricky Starks runs into the ring and fights Powerhouse Hobbs, but Hobbs plants him with a spinebuster.
We hear from Miro, who asks his god what he can trust, then says he needs time, not a mask, because everyone reveals themselves in the end and he will too.
We hear from Darby Allin, who says that Brody King is here because of him and that it eats Brody King alive, and says that Brody King wants his respect and to build everything off of him. He tells Brody King that he asked for their Coffin Match and that his hand - with the words "The Coffin Shuts on Brody King" on it - will be the last thing Brody ever sees.
Jim Ross joins the commentary table for the second hour.
Christian Cage beats Matt Hardy after avoiding a diving elbow drop through the table from Matt Hardy. After the match, Christian grabs two chairs and goes for a Con-Chair-To on Matt Hardy, then Luchasaurus shows up. Suddenly, Jungle Boy shows up from behind and swings a chair at Christian, forcing him to retreat.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews Daniel Garcia, who says that he has the biggest win of his career over Bryan Danielson after making him submit and calls himself "The Dragonslayer." He then tells Danielson to face him again, as he has his number and will slay him again.
"All Ego" Ethan Page is in the ring. Stokely Hathaway heads to the ring as he asks why he is not in the ring every week, why he does not have an action figure and why he is not even on the side of the tour bus before saying he deserves better. When the crowd cheers, Page asks why the fans are cheering when they are first in line for everyone else but him and that says that for every week he is not on TV, the fans and AEW are leaving money on the table. When the crowd cheers, Page asks why the fans are cheering when they are first in line for everyone else but him and that says that for every week he is not on TV, the fans and AEW are leaving money on the table. Page catches up to Stokley and leaves with him.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews Matt Menard, Anna Jay and Angelo Parker. Menard says that next week, Chris Jericho will become AEW World Champion again, and Angelo Parker says it is time to get wise and for the fans to appreciate them. Anna Jay says she proved she is the toughest and the sexist last week, then chokes out a member of staff.
The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) beat The Gunn Club (Austin and Colten Gunn) in a Dumpster Match. After the match, The Acclaimed zip tie the lid shut, then shove the dumpster off the side of the stage with The Gunn Club still in it.
We see a video package for Konosuke Takeshita vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the ROH World Championship at Battle of the Belts III.
William Regal guests on commentary for the next match, and Claudio Castagnoli suddenly appears to stand in Wheeler Yuta's corner.
Chris Jericho beats Wheeler Yuta with the Walls of Jericho to retain his shot against Jon Moxley for the Interim AEW World Championship next week. After the match, Jericho continues to keep Yuta in the Walls of Jericho, and he only lets go when Jon Moxley shows up and forces him to retreat. Jericho tells Moxley that he has unleashed the demon and opened Pandora's Box, and if he wants the Jericho of old, he has it, and he will "stretch the shit" out of Moxley and become an AEW World Champion.
Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla) beat Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza) by disuqalification after Santos Escobar hits Top Dolla in the back with a steel chair on the outside. After the match, Swerve gets in the ring, but Legado del Fantasma take him out before Santos Escobar forcefully removes his gold teeth. B-Fab hits Joaquin Wilde with a chair from behind, then Top Dollar and Swerve take him and Mendoza out as Escobar retreats.
Backstage, General Manager William Regal walks up to Samoa Joe with a security detail and tells Joe that security will watch him to make sure he does nothing to Karrion Kross between now and NXT TakeOver 36.
We see Dexter Lumis draw pictures of himself and Indi Hartwell concerning their relationship.
Ridge Holland beats Ikemen Jiro. After the match, Pete Dunne says everyone thinks they are bad until a real bad man steps into the room, then says Tommaso Ciampa thought he was bad until he, Holland and Oney Lorcan stepped into the room. He then tells Timothy Thatcher that is he back to knock the rest of his teeth out and force him to pick them up with broken fingers before saying that he, Lorcan and Holland are the three most dangerous men in NXT.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Robert Stone, Jessi Kamea and Franky Monet. Franky says that what happened last week is due to Robert Stone's interference, and tells Stone and Kamea that she is not a loser. She says that if they are to win, their brand will be rebuilt in her image and under her rules.
We see a vignette for Roderick Strong vs. Bobby Fish, which is up next.
We hear from Trey Baxter before his match in the NXT Breakout Tournament tonight.
Roderick Strong beats Bobby Fish.
Backstage, Cameron Grimes and L.A. Knight ask each other if they have each other's back. Both men agree that they are men of their word, then Grimes shines L.A. Knight's boot.
Before the next match, James Drake calls Cameron Grimes living proof that one cannot polish a turd, and Zack Gibson tells Grimes and LA Knight to stay out of their way.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) beat LA Knight and Cameron Grimes after LA Knight leaves Grimes high and dry and makes him wrestle Grizzled Young Veterans on his own. After the match, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase shows up and tells Grimes that LA Knight is hanging him out to dry and that he needs to find a way to get out of his situation. DiBiase then helps Grimes to the back.
We see a video package chronicling Samoa Joe's return to NXT and the road to his match with Karrion Kross at NXT TakeOver 36.
We hear from Dakota Kai. She talks about how she needed someone to trust eighteen month ago and found it in Raquel Gonzalez, and says that without her, Raquel would be nothing. She simply wanted Raquel to stand, watch and take out anyone in her way, and in that time, Raquel not only dominated everyone, but became a star in her own right. She says those wins were because of her. Dakota then says that Raquel took an opportunity for the NXT Women's Championship away from her when she challenged Io Shirai, and says she should have been the Women's Champion. Dakota then says that she wanted Raquel to return the favor, but she did not, and from then on, she was known as "Raquel's sidekick." She then says she is nobody's sidekick. She says that the only back she should have is her own, and says that Raquel did not even see her betrayal coming. She then says that there is someone left, and that is her. She says she took Raquel into this world, and she will take her out of it and become champion.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Gargano and Candice say that they know what is best for Indi Hartwell, and Gargano says the fate of The Way and Indi's life is in his hands and that he must protect Indi at all costs. Gargano says that tonight, he will end "In-Dex," and Candice says it will be for good.
We hear from Joe Gacy prior to his match in the NXT Breakout Tournament tonight.
It is announced that Adam Cole has suffered neck compression, spinal compression and spinal injuries after the events of last week and is not medically cleared to compete.
Next week: a face-to-face meeting between Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly moderated by General Manager William Regal!
Trey Baxter beats Joe Gacy to advance in the NXT Breakout Tournament.
In footage from earlier today, Io Shirai and Zoey Stark head to a sushi bar in Zoey Stark's attempt to form a bond. Shirai does her order in Japanese, then Zoey has what Shirai is having. This ends up with Zoey Stark having a lot of food that she ends up not liking. Afterwards, Shirai leaves Zoey with the bill. Zoey ends up finding out that Shirai and the waitress are not friends and both just happen to know Japanese, and that the waitress is from Kansas.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Indi Hartwell. She says that on one hand, she has family, but on the other, she has true love. She says that if Dexter Lumis were to win and Gargano and Candice were to give him a chance, they would learn he is misunderstood. She says that in the end, his relationship with Dexter either is or is not meant to be.
Karrion Kross shows up and tells Samoa Joe that he cannot control NXT, then asks Samoa Joe "Who provoked who?" Samoa Joe shows up with a bevy of security guards surrounding him, but he beats up security on the way to the ring as Kross flees. Samoa Joe then lays out a couple of security guards before putting one of them in the Coaquina Clutch and he looks into the camera and tells Kross that he is coming for him.
We see a Prime Target video package for Ilja Dragunov vs. Walter for the NXT UK Championship at NXT TakeOver 36.
We hear from KUSHIDA, who says that Roderick Strong has proven himself, and that if Strong wants a shot at the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, he has got it.
Next week: Raquel Gonzalez breaks her silence! Ember Moon vs. Sarray! Ilja Dragunov is live!
Johnny Gargano beats Dexter Lumis in a Love Her Or Leave Her Match after Dexter Lumis is inadvertently knocked into Indi Hartwell after Gargano kicks out of a schoolkid pin. After the match, Indi runs back to the ring and makes out with Dexter Lumis.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks guests on commentary for the next match.
Best Friends (Chuck Taylor, Wheeler Yuta, Orange Cassidy) beat The Wingmen ("The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth, JD Drake, Cezar Bononi) with a La Magistral Cradle from Wheeler Yuta to JD Drake. After the match, "Pretty" Peter Avalon grabs Wheeler Yuta, but gets an Orange Punch and an Awful Waffle for his efforts.
We hear from Jack Evans, who says that PAC follows him wherever he goes, and that he will end it for good by giving him such a beating that he will probably return home to Newcastle, England in a body bag.
"The Bastard" PAC beats Jack Evans with the Brutalizer. After the match, Andrade el Idolo shows up with Chavo Guerrero Jr. Both men head to the ring, but when Andrade is about to enter the ring, Chavo tells him not to, and both men step away.
We hear from Red Velvet, who says she has been on the hottest run of her career as of late and she is just gettin started. She says that she has tunnel vision since re-entering the Top 5, and all she sees at the end is the AEW Women's World Championship around her waist. She tells Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. - who has called herself "special order" - that nobody knows "special order" better than "the chef herself," and she hopes Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. is ready, as she will be seeing her real, real soon.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks guests on commentary for the next match.
Tay Conti beats Kenzi Paige.
Jake Hager guests on commentary for the next match.
The Pinnacle (Shawn Spears and Wardlow) beat "The Captain" Shawn Dean and Fuego del Sol.
Hikaru Shida beats Madi Maxx.
The Lucha Brothers (Penta el Zero M and Rey Fenix) beat Chaos Project (Luther and Serpentico).
The Hardy Family Office (Matt Hardy and The Blade) and The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) beat The Varsity Blonds (Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman) and The Sydal Brothers (Matt and Mike Sydal) after The Bunny distracts the referee so that The Blade can knock Mike Sydal out with brass knuckles. (After the show airs, it has to be re-uploaded without The Acclaimed's entrance, much less anyone else's, due to the lines "make you claim mental health like Simone Biles" and "I'm gonna treat these bitches like Duke lacrosse" - references to Simone Biles pulling out of the Tokyo Olympcs and the 2006 Duke University men's lacrosse team rape scandal - as well as a "Julie [Hart]'s vagina" lyric being censored by Anthony Bowen in Max Caster's entrance rap causing a furor with fans even after footage of the entrance - which is constantly being taken down on social media via DMCA takedown notices - is posted on social media by fans who recorded it at the venue before Dark aired. This causes Tony Khan to condemn the lyrics in this entrance and take over editing duties for Dark from this point forward.) After the match, Matt Hardy, The Blade and The Bunny attack Mike Sydal until Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Marko Stunt, Luchasaurus) chase them out of the ring. The Varsity Blonds and The Acclaimed then brawl in the ring, with The Varsity Blonds coming out on top.
Legit" Leyla Hirsch beats Diamante with the cross arm breaker. During the match, The Bunny runs to the ring with a chair, places it in the ring and distracts Leyla Hirsch. As Hirsch is distracted, Diamante goes for the chair, but Big Swole keeps her from taking it. Leyla Hirsch soon locks in the cross arm breaker for the win. After the match, Big Swole gets in the ring and beats Diamante up, then both women brawl on the ramp.
Jon Moxley beats Brick Aldridge with a sleeper.
Penelope Ford beats Reka Tehaka by submission.
Jade Cargill and "Smart" Mark Sterling show up. Sterling addresses the submissions for the Jade Brand sent in by fans, and Cargill and Sterling state that they are all horrible, with Cargill stating that nobody could come up with one decent idea. She says that she is "the crossover" and that people stop flipping channels when they see her. Sterling then announces that the Jade Brand is part of the Nocking Point Winery and that he is studying to be a sommelier before stating that the characteristics of Charlotte, North Carolina are a hint of burnt rubber, wafting scents of body odor and a pitch of human feces. Sterling then puts Jade Cargill on a pedestal and says that the fans cannot wait to see what is next.
Eddie Kingston beats Dante Martin. Before the match, Darius Martin returns for the first time in months to accompany Dante to the ring.
The lights briefly go out before the first match of the night. They also go out briefly during Apollo Crews' entrance and during the next match.
Before the next match begins, MVP says that he is the real WWE United States Champion after Apollo Crews failed to show at Extreme Rules, and says that "their beef is done" after this match when he stays champion and Apollo rejoins Cedric Alexander and Ricochet in catering.
Apollo Crews retains the WWE United States Championship against MVP and wins MVP's version of the championship. After the match, Bobby Lashley goes after Apollo, but Apollo escapes him and the Full Nelson.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Apollo Crews. Apollo says Bobby Lashley's strength is like nothing else and that it hurt him and his children see MVP claim to be champion, and says he will celebrate by putting the old title on his wall. Meanwhile, MVP complains about the lights flickering on and off, and says Apollo Crews stole his United States Championship before telling him he does not care about his family and that he wants his rematch. After Shelton Benjamin whispers in his ears, MVP says he wants that rematch at SummerSlam.
We see a large bodyguard near a door backstage.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Bayley and Sasha Banks. Bayley brags about the both of them having all the women's championships, then says they have brought something special for everyone tonight: a new video package of themselves. After the video package is interrupted by Asuka, Bayley and Sasha complain about being disrespected, then "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up, says she has waited long enough to have her own fun, then punches Sasha out.
Backstage, Kevin Owens is met by The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce), who say they would be great guests for his show tonight. Owens says he already has guests tonight, then leaves.
It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Owens' guest tonight is Ruby Riott. Ruby says it is no secret that she has bad luck since she came back, and that The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) have done their best rubbing salt into that wound just to bring her down in order to bring themselves back up. She says that she recently stuck it to them, but she feels that it would have been better if Liv Morgan was out there with her to celebrate. Owens then brings out Liv, much to Ruby's surprise. Liv says she is here to hear what Ruby has to say and that Owens asked her to be here, then Owens says that when they started, they had something special, and while they are great individuals, they bring the best out of each other. Owens says he has said crappy things and lost friendships to better his career, and while he cannot say if it is worth it for them to be friends, the least Liv can do is hear Ruby out. Ruby says that when she returned, she thought everything would be the same, but she was wrong, and Liv was not only different, but thriving, and felt Liv did not need her, especially after Liv beat her twice. She says that she was not ready for all that change and she took her anger out on her, and that she took it out on Liv, which she admits was wrong. She then remembers the tattoo of their main roster debut on Liv's neck. As Ruby says that she wants The Riott Squad to be stronger than it has ever been, The IIconics show up. Peyton says everyone is sick of hearing them, and says Liv should have stayed in the bathtub. Billie Kay says she is sick of the social media posts concerning them, and says it is time for facts over emotion. The IIconics says that they have been dominating over the last few months and that they are better than them. After Peyton says Liv and Ruby are not IIconic like them, Liv agrees, then says nobody starts a riot like them. Peyton tells Liv and Ruby they have nothing on The IIconics and challenges them to a match. Kevin Owens asks for more technical difficulties for The IIconics when they cannot decide who says their catchphrase, then The IIconics both slap him. Owens asks Ruby and Liv to attack them, which they do.
A man with refreshments is dwarfed in size by the bodyguard by the door backstage.
Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott beat The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce). After the match, The IIconics attacks Liv, but Ruby Riott makes the save. Liv and Ruby then lay Bilie Kay out.
Backstage, Charly Caruso reports on a large box falling over and debris on the ground. Thankfully, nobody was in the area, and that the toppled box may be deliberate. MVP shows up and says that the glitches in the arena should be her real story, and Charly informs him that Apollo Crews has accepted his rematch at SummerSlam. Shelton Benjamin shows up and tells MVP that somebody has stolen the 24/7 Championship, then MVP and Shelton leave.
Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre says that Randy Orton has spent 20 years preying on vulnerability and that he is not the guy who would never show how he felt or show a lot of emotion, and would wait until the match is finished to hit someone with an RKO. McIntyre says that is on him and that it will never happen again, then says he knows how motivated Orton is to take the WWE Championship, which is just as much as he is to keep it. McIntyre talks about a time when Vince McMahon looked them in the eye and told them they were the future of the industry, and while things did not quite go to plan, Orton had it handed to him while he had to earn it. McIntyre says Orton's early accolades were fed to him due to his father being "Cowboy" Bob Orton, then says that nobody was cleaning up behind him and says he was fired for his mistakes, unlike Orton. McIntyre then says he has talked to people who have had to clean up after Orton and says that Orton should have been fired far more times than he was. Suddenly, Orton and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair show up. Orton asks McIntyre if his respect for him is not enough, saying he has repaid his respect by saying he was handed everything and does not want to be here, then says he wants to be here and enjoys beating his opponents. Orton admits he appreciates his fighting spirit and says it will make it sweeter when he beats him for the WWE Championship, then admits he should have been fired over and over again. He then says he was never fired because he is more valuable to the company than McIntyre ever will be, then challenges McIntyre to come up with one original opinion about him on his own. McIntyre tells Orton that he represents everything wrong in WWE, and says Orton was the most important part of The Undertaker's documentary was The Undertaker pulling him up to his level when he did not have to due to his love of the business. He then says that Orton has not done the same for anyone else, much like Edge did for him ten years ago, and remembers Orton walking past him in catering as his world crumbled around him, saying nothing to him. McIntyre says he sees "a selfish prick," not a leader, and that he has a bunch of receipts from both him and a host of other people and that he will rip Orton's head off, and that Orton will see it coming.
Backstage, Nia Jax is seen talking with Pat Buck, the same official that she attacked last week.
Backstage, Kevin Owens is talking with Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan when "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair wants a word with him alone. Flair feels that Owens is turning into too much of a guidance counselor, but Owens says he has sacrificed a lot of friendships and said some crappy things to advance his career, but now he wants to take a different path to the top and wants to be a leader. He says that this is the path Randy Orton would take if he wanted to take it, then Flair tells Owens to mind his own business and take care of himself, then he might get a title opportunity at SummerSlam. Owens says that if Flair is so concerned about his career, then he can show what kind of fight he has and Orton can meet him in the ring.
Nia Jax and Pat Buck are in the ring. Nia says she is here to own up to what she did last week. She says she has taken to heart that millions idolize her, and says that when a "scrawny little runt" from WWE management who couldn't cut it in the ring wants to step to her, it is time to step back. Nia then challenges Pat Buck to a match, but Pat Buck says he was only in the ring for the apology. Nia says he will get it after their match, and promises to start off slow so his "little legs" can keep up. Pat is not interested, and Nia says that if he does not want to take the opportunity and that they do not want to talk in private, then he can say what he has to say right now. Pat Buck indefinitely suspends Nia without pay. Nia Jax attacks Pat Buck in response. After Nia Jax leaves, R-Truth runs around ringside with the WWE 24/7 Championship in his hands as he is chased by Akira Tozawa's ninjas and then Shelton Benjamin.
Akira Tozawa beats R-Truth and Shelton Benjamin with the help of his ninjas distracting Shelton, MVP and Bobby Lashley to win the WWE 24/7 Championship for the third time.
Backstage, we see Shane McMahon - who hasn't been seen in almost a year - advertising Raw Underground, which is tonight at 10 PM while an unsanctioned MMA fight is happening in the background.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Dominik Mysterio, who says that while it may be crazy to keep fighting Seth Rollins and that his mind is not in the right place, but if people think he is crazy now, people will think he is even more crazy after wanting a match with Rollins at SummerSlam.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler vs. Sasha Banks ends in a no-contest after Asuka attacks Bayley at ringside. After the match, Asuka chases Sasha Banks out of the ring.
Charly Caruso interviews Asuka in the ring. After some footage of what happened in the ring last week, Asuka says that Kairi Sane will be okay, but now, she is not here while she, Bayley and Sasha Banks are. Asuka says she wants a rematch against Sasha for the Raw Women's title at SummerSlam. Suddenly, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler is in the ring. Baszler says she is rooting for her and tells her to win the title back from Sasha while she supports her, as she will be so excited to dismember her and take the title off of her. Sasha and Bayley then show up, and Sasha says the Raw Women's Championship is hers. Sasha then says Asuka can have her rematch, but only if she can beat Bayley next week.
Backstage, Angel Garza flirts with Demi Burnett from The Bachelor, then Andrade shows up. Zelina Vega then says Demi does not belong here, and that she and Garza need to talk. Garza tells Demi he will find a seat for her for his match.
We see Shane McMahon advertise Raw Underground again as another unsanctioned MMA fight happens and dancers are seen in the background.
We are backstage in the foggy room with a ropeless ring. A big man named Dabba-Kato (formerly known as Babatunde) steps onto the ring and absolutely destroys his opponent. Another guy steps onto the ring, but he suffers a very similar fate.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up. Montez Ford mentions Andrade and Angel Garza attacking him and Angelo Dawkins at the commentary table, then Dawkins tells Demi Burnett should be getting a rose from him. Montez Ford then mentions Angel Garza's "velvet track suit," then says it is August and that velvet does not breathe. He then says that The Street Profits have a real bond, unlike Andrade and Garza, whom Zelina Vega just put together.
Angel Garza beats Angelo Dawkins after Montez Ford suddenly collapses at ringside.
Montez Ford collapses again during his match with Andrade.
Backstage, Murphy watches footage of Rollins sacrificing Aleister Black, then stands up after seeing Rollins. Rollins tells Murphy he made the right decision and that he is proud of him, and that Murphy should be proud of himself. After Rollins tells him to look to the future, Murphy asks Rolilns about Dominik, and asks if what Dominik is trying to do is ridiculous. Rollins simply walks away.
Backstage at Raw Underground, Erik decimates an opponent in an MMA fight.
Backstage, Charly Caruso reports from the trainer's room when Angel Garza shows up and tries to flirt with Charly and give her a rose. Zelina Vega and Andrade show up, saying they are all concerned about Montez Ford. As she asks what this means for the Raw Tag Team Championships, Angelo Dawkins comes out of the ring and says that Montez might have been poisoned before the match. Bianca Belair walks out of the room and accuses Zelina, Andrade and Garza of poisoning her husband Montez, and as Zelina asks if she thinks she is stupid enough to do this, Bianca slowly takes her earrings off and lunges at her. Both women have to be separated.
We see footage from earlier today where a bunch of people dressed as ninjas throw firebombs at a power generator.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. MVP says that the whole night has been sabotaged, and that all the sabotage has been happening at the same time that Raw Underground started. When Charly Caruso tells them that Raw Underground is taking place nearby, MVP, Lashley and Shelton head for the underground ring.
Seth Rollins and Murphy show up. Rollins says that he and Murphy have some housekeeping to tend to before addressing Dominik Mysterio, and asks Tom Phillips if he considers himself a professional and an unbiased journalist who takes pride in his job and his body of work. Rollins then asks Phillips what he was doing last week when Dominik Mysterio was assaulting him with a Kendo stick, then tells him he was cheering him on and inciting his rage. Rollins says that Tom's voice matters, for he is the voice of Raw, and he is part of the greater good whether he likes it or not, for his voice tells people what to think and it is his job to call it down the middle, or else he incites bias, does a poor job and incites liability. He says it is time to find a new voice, then commands Murphy to take Philips. Samoa Joe stands up and confronts Rollins and Murphy, and gives them a choice to either get in the ring and make their point or make it physical. He also tells Rollins and Murphy that he was laughing harder than anyone at the announce table. Rollins tells Joe he does not want to do this, but Joe says he does. He takes the headset off, and Murphy and Rollins back off. Rollins says that if Joe wants to do this, then they can settle it in the ring, and tells Joe that whatever happens to him is his fault. After the commercial break, Seth Rollins and Murphy are in the ring with steel chairs while Samoa Joe is outside of the ring. Suddenly, Dominik Mysterio shows up with a Kendo stick and fights Rollins and Murphy. Once again, Dominik outsmarts Rollins and Murphy at their own game, and Rollins tells Dominik that if he wants to fight him at SummerSlam, he accepts.
Backstage at Raw Underground, Dolph Ziggler takes down an opponent and makes him tap to a sleeper hold. Suddenly, MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin show up, and MVP announces that Raw Underground is under new management. He says that The Hurt Business now runs Raw Underground, and Bobby Lashley gets his first opponent, whom he immediately lays waste to. MVP then wants an opponent, and The Hurt Business gang up on a random guy who quickly gets beaten up by MVP. All of a sudden, Brennan Williams wants to pick a fight, and he is laid out by Shelton Benjamin. MVP, Shelton and Lashley then attack whoever has yet to leave the room. MVP then says that he, Lashley and Shelton are The Hurt Business, and that business is booming.
Raw Talk: R-Truth talks about whether he will fight on Raw Underground.
Veda Scott is on commentary, Shaul Guerrero is the ring announcer, and Madusa introduces everyone to the tournament.
In footage from earlier today, Dasha interviews The Nightmare Sisters (Allie and Brandi Rhodes), who may be forced to have different partners in the tournament. Brandi says she is disappointed that this is a possibility, but rules are rules. Brandi draws Red out of the box, and Allie peaks in the box behind Dasha and Brandi's backs to pick Red on purpose. Dasha also interviews "Superbad" Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford. Ford draws Blue, and her tag team partner is revealed to be Mel.
The Nightmare Sisters (Allie and Brandi Rhodes) beat Mel and Penelope Ford to advance in the tournament as Allie rakes Mel's eyes behind the referee's back while "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes is dealing with "Superbad" Kip Sabian, who has just attacked QT Marshall.
In footage from last Wednesday, Dasha Gonzales interviews Vicki Guerrero and "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose in footage from earlier today. Vicki and Nyla draw Purple, and Dasha reveals that someone else has already drawn that color. Their tag team partner is none other than Ariane Andrews, formerly known as Cameron in WWE. In footage from earlier today, Anna Jay - who refuses to talk about joining The Dark Order - draws Black. Her partner is revealed to be Tay Conti (formerly known as Taynara Conti and Taynara in NXT).
Tay Conti and Anna Jay beat Ariane Andrews and "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose to advance in the tournament. After the match, Nyla Rose clotheslines Ariane for being pinned. Conti and Ariane show respect after the match.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews The Nightmare Sisters (Allie and Brandi Rhodes). Brandi says their win is a huge win, and that tonight is the first night that she realizes she is a huge deal in AEW. Allie says she did a pretty good job in the ring, too, and Brandi says they will win this tournament before bragging about her action figure.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Tay Conti and Anna Jay. Conti says they are the prettiest and most dangerous tag team in he tournament, while Anna Jay refuses to talk about her joining The Dark Order.
