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.
Brett Ryan Gosselin beats Dan Joseph after grabbing the ring skirt at Dan Joseph drags him towards the center, allowing BRG to gouge Joseph's eyes and hit a spinning neckbreaker for the win.
Backstage, Samirah interviews VSK and "Uptown" Andy Brown. VSK sprays Andy Brown with perfume as he says he is the main character, but Andy Brown says he is the man around here before the two of them start arguing.
"Hollywood" Nicholas Dos Santos beats Jay Mesias.
5150 head to the ring. Slice Boogie says that this is the first time they have wrestled in the state of New York as a tag team, and Danny Limelight calls the fans "Canadians" only for Slice Boogie to correct him, saying they are "Northern New Jersians." As Slice Boogie calls the place "Lower Albany" and says he would rather wrestling in New York City, Danny Limelight says there is nothing good here, and that includes opponents. Ray Jaz shows up and says 5150 left New York because they could not handle it and went to Los Angeles where it was easier, then says 5150 should be "6-7" as they are mediocre as the city they moved to. Danny Limelight takes exception to this and asks Ray Jaz what he is going to do, and Ray Jaz says that he will find somebody who is willing to slap the taste out of 5150's mouths and send them back to the West Coast empty-handed. Danny Limelight tells Ray Jaz that if he can find a tag team partner, then he has a tag team title match. Ray Jaz says that he will find somebody.
We see an interview with "Uptown" Andy Brown from 2020 prior to his Gotham Wrestling debut.
Backstage, Samira interviews Big Mama, who says that she defends the UWN Women's Championship day in and day out. She says that she and Marti Bell are no strangers, and that she will welcome her home. She tells Marti Bell to bring all the fight she has if she wants to take her title.
VSK beats "Uptown" Andy Brown after ripping a turnbuckle cover off as Andy Brown has him on his shoulders, allowing him to hit a superkick followed by a top rope frog splash for the win.
We hear from Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler), The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd), Powerhouse Hobbs, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and "Hangman" Adam Page at the start of the show.
"Hangman" Adam Page beats "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels in a Texas Death Match. After the match, Hangman re-enters the ring after walking halfway to the back to hit Daniels with the Angel's Wings, then leaves as Daniels is given medical attention.
Tony Schiavone interviews Toni Storm in the ring. Toni calls her Women's Casino Gauntlet Match victory "surreal" and says she is going to wrestle in the same building where she saw her first wrestling match and mentions the sacrifices her mother made so she could have a career. She says that Mariah May has been killing it as AEW Women's World Champion but has yet to introduce herself, and says it is time that they meet face-to-face next week. Tony Schiavone tries to tell her that they have met before, but Toni is too fired up to listen.
In backstage footage from Dynamite, MVP says The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Bobby Lashley) have made a statement, and that next week, they want the tag team titles on the line.
Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) beat Shane Taylor Promotions ("Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) in a trios match. After the match, Shane Taylor attacks Undisputed Kingdom from behind and lays them out, then calls out "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard, who takes this as a challenge and confronts Shane Taylor. All of a sudden, Daniel Garcia shows up and fights Shane Taylor, and that allows Undisputed Kingdom to recover and help Garcia out.
In backstage footage from Dynamite, Will Ospreay says that the battles he has had with Kenny Omega have been legendary. He then calls out Omega for a little chat next week.
Murder Machines (Lance Archer and "The Machine" Brian Cage) beat Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin). After the match, Action Andretti shows up, and that allows Lio Rush to come out of the crowd and attack Top Flight from behind.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, "The Redwood" Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith). Big Bill says absence make the heart grow fonder concerning Jon Moxley's interview absence, and Jericho says that Moxley is not an interview guy and will not allow for muckraking. Jericho also says he and Moxley have known each other for a long time, but tonight, they have a common enemy and that he knows it behooves Moxley to cooperate tonight.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard and Daniel Garcia when Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) show up to thank Garcia. He then challenges Garcia and Menard to a trios match, wishing they had a third man, but Menard and Garcia says "Cool Hand" Angelo Parker will be there.
"Platinum" Max Caster is in the ring with a Gucci bag in his hand. He says there are issues within The Acclaimed (Caster, Anthony Bowens, "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn), and asks Anthony Bowens to come to the ring so they can clear the air. Bowens shows up, and Caster says this has gone on long enough. He says they are a great team and great friends, but Bowens will not admit he is the best wrestler alive. Bowens says it is time for Caster to listen, as he has tried to protect him everywhere for the past five years and has to live with the truth that he has made him a liar, as he has had to lie about who Caster is as a person. He calls Caster "an arrogant, cocky, edgelord piece of shit" and says the people think that Caster absolutely suck. Caster pulls out his trademark for "Best Wrestler Alive," then Bowens says that he is more than "The Scissor King" and has the tools to be world champion.He says that he is a five-tool player and that he does not need a piece of paper from the government to prove it, then "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn shows up. Billy Gunn wants to know what is going on, but Caster says Billy Gunn does not care about them and attached himself to them just to hear his name and make things about him when it should be about him and Caster. Caster admits they were put together randomly, but they became the winningest team in AEW history. He also says that every team Gunn has been a part of has been broken up, including the Gunn Club, and when Gunn corners Caster, Caster makes Bowens choose between him and Billy Gunn. Bowens goes for a scissor, but flips Caster off. Caster calls Bowens "Bad Decision Bowens," then says he is walking away from them and blames everyone except himself for this decision and says he will prove that he is the best alive and prove everyone else sucks. Bowens says he did not need Caster then or now and tells him to get out of his life, then he and Gunn do one last scissor.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana. Swerve says the more time he spends talking, the more time Ricochet has to get away from them, and that it ends between himself and Ricochet now. Swerve also says he plans on getting his hands on Ricochet well before their match.
"The Rainmaker" Kazuhcika Okada retains the AEW Continental Classic against Tomohiro Ishii after bringing the ring bell in as a weapon. When the referee takes it away, Okada hits Ishii with a kick to the groin and hits the Rainmaker to retain.
We see a video package for Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona), who are in action next week.
"The Natural" Dustin Rhodes beats Adam Priest.
We see a video package of what has been going on with The House of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews, Julia Hart) as of late.
Julia Hart beats Harley Cameron by submission with Hartless.
It is revealed that The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, "The Redwood" Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) have attacked Powerhouse Hobbs backstage and have targeted his right knee.
Powerhouse Hobbs, Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler) and The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) beat The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, "The Redwood" Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) and The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta) in a twelve-man tag match after Rated FTR and The Death Riders brawl their way into the crowd after attempted interference by Marina Shafir allows PAC to strike and The Death Riders to put a black bag over Copeland's head before Dax and Cash make the save and after Powerhouse Hobbs shows up late in the match to tag out Turbo Floyd. Near the end of the match, Bryan Keith tries to use the Ring of Honor World Championship as a weapon, but Powerhouse Hobbs puts a stop to that and hits him with a spinebuster for the win.
Dustin Starr interviews "The GunShow" Brett Michaels at the announce desk. GunShow tells "The Problem" Aaron Roberts that just when he thought he was done with him, it has only just begun. All of a sudden, Vashawn Harvey shows up. Vashawn tosses his sunglasses to The GunShow, who then says "I'll be right back."
"The GunShow" Brett Michaels quickly beats Vashawn Harvey. After the match, The GunShow continues with his interview, but is interrupted again, this time by The New Wave (Justin Case, "The Chosen One" Jay Washington, Denzel Rollins). "The Problem" Aaron Roberts is conspicuous by his absence, and Justin Case says Roberts shows up when he wants to and does not want to be here right now. Justin Case says GunShow will not make it to the title shot that he earned and that he will have to fight his way to it. GunShow looks at Washington and Rollins and tells them "Why don't you two goofs get your ass in the ring?" Justin Case holds Washington and Rollins back, saying it will be on their time.
Dustin Starr interviews Van Viciouss at the announce desk. Van Viciouss says he is here today for one reason: he wants "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock. The Hollywood Clique shows up, and Viciouss calls Blaylock "a Twinkie eating con-artist," saying he owes him a bounced check. Blaylock says this is not the time or the place, but Viciouss says it is and that Blaylock has taken too much from him. Blaylock tells him not to make false accusations in public and chalks this up to jealousy towards his success. Blaylock says Viciouss never won a match and that Ray Collins is better than him in every way, but Vicious calls Collins a fake and warns him that he is being led by someone with bad intentions. He then tells Jay Smooth, who he initially says he has nothing again, to wake up and punches him. The numbers game soon takes over, and this leads to a match between Jay Smooth and Van Viciouss as soon as Matchmaker King Cobra shows up with a referee.
Van Viciouss beats Jay Smooth by submission with a Cobra Clutch after clobbering "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock's Secret Service agents when they get on the ring apron.
We see footage of Violent J with the fans at the WrestleCenter. Afterwards, Dustin Starr interviews Violent J at the announce desk. Violent J says the honor is all his and calls Memphis Wrestling one of the most honorable promotions, then talks about his Commissioner position in Juggalo Championship Wrestling, and wants to be affiliated with Memphis Wrestling, saying it is the place to be. Violent J says Shaggy 2 Dope may not be here right now, but he and Dustin Starr can get in the ring and throw down a concert right now. Suddenly, Main Event Bradley and Big Nasty Phil show up. Main Event Bradley says Big Nasty Phil was a big Insane Clown Posse fan until a Juggalo bit his pinky off, then threatens to honk Violent J nose before heading to the ring for the next match. Violent J guests on commentary for the next match.
Main Event Bradley and Big Nasty Phil beat Kale and James Curtis. After the match, Violent J says he is bringing in the Juggalo Championship Wrestling Tag Team Champions to deal with Bradley and Phil.
Backstage, CJ Money's mother complains about the lack of CJ Money merchandise, and says that CJ Blaine is "irrelevant" and deserves to go in the trash.
Dustin Starr interviews Ray Ray Sanders at the announce desk. He says he knew Sycho Simon would attack Derrick King at his retirement ceremony, and after Simon attacked him from behind at the Grind City Rumble, he is done playing games. He calls Simon out, and tells him to face him like a man right now.Simon shows up with a metal folding chair, and swings it at him only for Sanders to duck and hit him with a springboard punch. Sanders then grabs the chair and hits Simon in the back with it a few times, but Simon gets the upper hand on the outside. Simon then powerbombs Sanders onto the ring apron before grabbing a table from backstage. Two referees show up to tell him not to do this before Derrick King suddenly shows up, much to Simon's surprise. Derrick and Simon get in the ring, and Derrick hits Simon with the Superkick. After the commercial break, Dustin Starr interviews Derrick King at the announce desk. Derrick says it is good to be back, and he warns Sycho Simon that he is coming back not to wrestle, but to fight, and at SuperBout, he is going to kick Simon's teeth down his throat.
Outside of the WrestleCenter, Big John Dalton sees a limousine pull up. AJ Francis returns next week.
Dustin Starr interviews Kerry Morton at the announce desk. Kerry says he is excited to be here after wrestling all over the world, and says that Tennessee always speaks to him. He says he came to Memphis Wrestling to see what it is all about, and describes it as "electric." He says he could go on and on about his father Ricky Morton's accolades and how he did it for the fans, then talks about how he represents the South, the NWA and Juggalo Championship Wrestling, he is proud to represent Memphis Wrestling. Kerry says he wants to see what Memphis has to offer and wants to know who is the very best and willing to step up and answer his challenge. Mike Anthony shows up, and Kerry Morton challenges him to a match for the Memphis Wrestling Internet Championship. Mike Anthony says Kerry asked for the best and got "The MVP," then accepts the challenge. Kerry Morton then kicks Mike Anthony in the groin and holds up the Internet Championship.
Mike Anthony retains the Memphis Wrestling Internet Championship against Kerry Morton after countering the running knee from the corner with a victory roll.
Jake Something beats Laredo Kid, "Speedball" Mike Bailey, El Hijo del Vikingo, KUSHIDA and Trey Miguel in a six-way X Division match.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Will Ospreay. Ospreay reminds "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander of how he left him laying in his own ring and that TNA is the reason why he is the best wrestler in the world today. He tells Alexander that he has one chance to step up and put him down.
We see a vignette for Ash By Elegance.
We hear from "The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw, who says she did what she said she would do and now has a shot at the Knockouts World Championship. She tells Jordynne Grace to keep her head on a swivel when Gail Kim shows up. Gail Kim tells Gisele Shaw that she did not need The Shaw-tourage (Savannah Evans and Jai Vidal) to win, especially when they mess things up for her, and that Gisele was the quintessential diva she knew at Hard To Kill. Gisele is about to say something, but rethinks it and leaves.
Xia Brookside beats Tasha Steelz with the Brooksy Bomb followed by a jackknife pin.
We hear from Joe Hendry, who talks about what happened to him at Hard To Kill. He says he should be upset, but he sees AJ Francis' point. He says that when you are Cheez-It Champion, you have a target on your back, then calls for a truce with AJ Francis before throwing away DJ Whoo Kid's laptop. When he does, we find out that Hendry has laid DJ Whoo Kid out and has left him laying in a trash can.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) beat Frankie Kazarian and Eric Young after Kazarian inadvertently hits Eric Young. After the match, Frankie Kazarian lays out Eric Young with a clothesline. He tells Eric Young that 2024 is supposed to be his year before hitting him with Fade To Black.
Backstage, The System (Moose, Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers) have dinner as they celebrate their success at Hard To Kill. Eddie Edwards says "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada and The Motor City Machine Guns should be running scared because they run TNA, then Moose says this is a new beginning for all of them.
Nic Nemeth heads to the ring. Nic Nemeth says that Hard To Kill was a great show and that TNA is back, then says he has been fortunate to be in the professional wrestling business for nineteen years. He says that he was fortunate to rack up a lot of accomplishments, but he did it all in one world, and while he admits that being elsewhere is a little intimidating, he is excited, and he picked his time and place to show up and face the champion. Nic then says that he will become TNA World Champion, and when he does, he will celebrate with all of the fans and it will be "the best damn night of [his] career." He also says that he respects the men and women of the locker room too much to waltz right up and get it, and that this is his "day one" in TNA where he does it all over again, and this time, he will earn his way to the top. Nic says that this is the first time in his life that he gets to do it as himself, then Steve Maclin shows up. Maclin says he agrees with everything Nic has said, as this was how he felt three years ago. He says that they both came from the same land and got released out into the wild, and says he worked from the bottom to get to the TNA title and did just that. Maclin then says the difference between the two of them is that he meant what he said while he sees "a phony" in Nic Nemeth and can tell by his intentions, as all he has done is give and never take and that he is here to take. Maclin refuses to let Nic speak for himself as he says Nic is here to suck the blood out of TNA before leaving and going somewhere else, then calls TNA his sandbox and area of operations before stating that nobody will remember Nic's name and that everyone will ask whatever happened to Dolph Ziggler. This leads to a quick brawl where Nic Nemeth quickly gets the better of Steve Maclin and lays him out.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Jordynne Grace. Jordynne says Hard To Kill was an incredible night for her and for TNA, and that she could not have asked for anything more. As Jordynne says she is at the top of her games, Trinity shows up and congratulates her before announcing they will have their rematch next week.
Jai Vidal heads to the ring. He says he is trying to take everything, as he is back where he broke into professional wrestling in Las Vegas, Nevada, and as he looks around, the fans remind him why he left to begin with. He says that there is not one person in the building who could beat him up before PCO suddenly makes his appearance.
PCO beats Jai Vidal.
We hear from The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and ALex Shelley). Alex Shelley says Hard To Kill may have gone better for Sabin than for him, but it was a good night all around. Chris Sabin says they have seen "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada's career and that there is nobody else they would rather team up with next week. Okada shows up and says that next week, he returns to TNA.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander beats Will Ospreay with a Styles Clash in the middle of the ring followed by a C4 Spike. After the match, Scott D'Amore heads to the ring. He says that he has loved this business since he watched it at his dying grandfather's bedside, has spent over thirty years in the business, has seen TNA at its lowest and seen TNA revived. He says that the "TNA" chants are proof that TNA never died, as it never died because of the fans and the locker room. He says TNA is back and that it is never, ever going away.
Backstage, Billie Starkz is angry that "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose attacked Athena on her own turf. Lexy Nair says they need to calm down and refocus, and Billie refocuses on the ROH World Television Championship, but Billie still wants to beat Nyla's head in.
"The Native Beast" Nyla Rose beats Erica Leigh.
Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships against The Iron Savages (Boulder and Bronson).
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Robyn Renegade, Taya Valkyrie, "Legit" Leyla Hirsch and Rachael Ellering. Robyn says she does not like everyone and that she will show what she is made while everyone does whatever they want before leaving. As Rachael gets the team focused, Taya says that she would not choose to team with her and Leyla willingly, and if they are to be seen in public, they need to do something about Leyla's wardrobe.
Claudio Castagnoli beats "The Bounty Hunter" Bryan Keith.
Billie Starkz, Queen Aminata, Kiera Hogan and Lady Frost beat Taya Valkyrie, Robyn Renegade, "Legit" Leyla Hirsch and Rachael Ellering in an eight-woman tag match. After the match, Abadon shows up to stare everyone down from the stage.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Action Andretti stays ready for El Hijo del Vikingo before riding off in a golf cart with Top Flight.
Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) beats The Butcher and The Blade.
Mark Briscoe beats Serpentico.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose. Nyla says she had a little meeting with Athena and mutually agreed that she should be the new minion overlord. She puts a MIT T-shirt over Lexy's hed, then says she could have either squeaked the door open for an opportunity or put Athena through a door, and she did the latter. Nyla says Athena should enjoy the time off that she gave her, and if Athena comes back, she will keep making statements until there is Ring of Honor gold around her waist.
Diamante beats Dreamgirl Ellie.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Johnny TV and Taya Valkyrie. When Johnny TV says he will not give Dalton Castle a match and calls him "Macho Man Randy Average," Dalton Castle bursts into the room, throws a warm piece of cheese at Taya and hits here with it, then chases Johnny TV - who has to jump over a road crate and slide under a pallet while throwing a leather couch seat at Dalton Castle - down a hallway. Johnny TV locks himself in a room as Dalton dares him to come out so he can smash his face, then decides to wait for him to come out as he will come out eventually.
Kyle Fletcher retains the ROH World Television Championship against "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels.
Backstage, Lexy Nair intervews "All Ego" Ethan Page. Ethan says vague goals bring vague results, and that he and Kyle Fletcher both had good matches at Final Battle. Ethan targets Kyle Fletcher for the ROH World Television Championship, which he calls his goal for 2024. He also gives Kyle credit for coming to ROH solo, then says he will keep it solo to earn the respect of the current champion and earn his way to a World Television title match.
El Hijo del Vikingo retains the AAA Mega Championship against Action Andretti.
Dustin Starr interviews The Hollywood Clique in an impromptu interview. "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock says "Casanova" Colton Cage made the biggest mistake of his career by walking out on them and that they do not need him, and that nobody walks out on the Clique. He says that Colton Cage will miss everything about The Hollywood Clique, and Van Viciouss says that Colton was never Clique material and he should have listened. Blaylock then says he makes the rules here when he says that Van Viciouss will be taking Jason Vain's place in the Cobra Cup tournament.
"Big Trouble" Ben Bishop beats Van Viciouss (who takes Jason Vain's place in the tournament) to advance to the finals of the Cobra Cup Tournament following the distraction from "Casanova" Colton Cage.
After the commercial break, Dustin Starr is about to interview "Casanova" Colton Cage when The Hollywood Clique tries to attack him. He says joining the Clique was the biggest mistake of his career and calls Jimmy Blaylock a con artist who makes false promises. He calls the Clique security goons in suits who should not be within 200 feet of a wrestling ring, then calls Van Viciouss a posing punk before challenging him to a match at SuperBout.
The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamont) beat The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) after The Posse refuses to listen to the referee. The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) retain the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships. The Posse continue to attack The L.A. Hustlers after the match and refuse to listen to the referees that show up. Suddenly, Derrick King shows up, and Ray Ray Sanders puts Simon in a sleeper from behind as Derrick fights Mr. Chris. Afterwards, Dustin Starr interviews Derrick and Ray Ray, and Derrick tells The Posse that they will take the tag team titles and take them now. Ray Ray then says they want The Posse at SuperBout.
Maurice the Strong beats Bulletproof Bruce following the distraction from Big Jack. After the match, Big Jack knocks Bulletproof Bruce out with a knee to the face.
Brother Red beats Uncle Mikey to the finals of the Cobra Cup Tournament. As Reverend Ash Taylor distracts the referee, "Main Event" Brad Skimahorn trips Uncle Mikey off the top rope, allowing Brother Red to hit the choke slam for the win. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Uncle Mikey at the announce desk. Mikey says Brad thinks that he is the only person with friends in the family, then says there were some talks at Thanksgiving and says that he is calling his cousin for some help.
Dustin Starr interviews James Ellsworth, Matt Williams and Storybook Prince Gaston. Ellsworth says they are about to show that men are superior to women in every single way and that their match will be the shortest in Memphis history before he leaves the town. Matt says Cassandra Golden and Nyxx chose to stick their noses in the ring and that they will pay the price, and Gaston says there is nothing wrong with supporting his fellow men against "hussies like them." Dustin Starr then interviews Mackenzie Morgan, Cassandra Golden and "The Goddess of the Night" Nyxx. Mackenzie says that girls rule and boys rule. Nyxx says she does not do a lot of talking and that she wants to fight. Cassandra says that as Women's Champion, Mackenzie and Nyxx are her business, and the three of them will show what the women's division can do.
Mackenzie Morgan, Cassandra Golden and "The Goddess of the Night" Nyxx beat James Ellsworth, Matt Williams and Storybook Prince Gaston. During the match, "Dirty" Diana Taylor shows up and hits Mackenzie with a DDT, but Mackenzie kicks out. Mackenzie then counters the Sweet Chin Music from Ellsworth with a Zig-Zag as everyone else fights on the outside to get the win for her team.
In memory of Jamin Pugh aka Jay Briscoe, 1984 - 2023.
Jeff Jarrett and Satnam Singh are seen coming down the stairway in the crowd at the start of the next match. Sonjay Dutt is soon seen with them as they kick fans out of their seats for a front row view. All of a sudden, Danhausen shows up dressed as an usher. He checks their tickets, then Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta) suddenly show up with popcorn and beer, much to the chagrin of Jay Lethal, who soon eats a tope suicida from Orange Cassidy. It has been announced on commentary that if any of them interfere in this match, Sonjay Dutt will be fired.
Orange Cassidy retains the AEW All-Atlantic Championship against Jay Lethal. During the match, Sonjay Dutt has the referee's attention after Trent Beretta pours popcorn on his head, and as the referee is distracted, Jeff Jarrett tries to pass his guitar to Lethal only for Danhausen to intercept it and curse Jay Lethal. After the match, Satnam Singh gets in the ring and grabs Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta by the neck, and Sonjay Dutt has to call him off. Jeff Jarrett goes for a guitar shot, and Sonjay has to stop it, too. Orange Cassidy then goes for his trademark kicks, and Sonjay has to be held back when he gets angered by it.
We see a video package for KUSHIDA vs. Darby Allin for the TNT Championship later tonight.
Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) beat The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) after Darius Martin ducks the BTE-Trigger and wins with a roll-up.
The Gunns (Austin and Colten Gunn) head to the ring. After Colten proclaims The Gunns are the best tag team in the world and Austin checks his watch, Austin says last week, The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) embarrassed them on national television. Austin then says they made The Acclaimed popular and even champion, and that they even gave them their father. He then says that will be the last time they embarrass them before The Acclaimed show up. Austin Gunn interrupt "Platinum" Max Caster before he can even freestyle, but Max Caster gets Austin's cut off so he can perform and call the Gunns out for lying. Both teams then brawl in the ring. The Gunns retreat after "Daddy Ass" Billy Gunn pulls The Acclaimed off of them, then tells The Gunns to stop lying and The Acclaimed to start acting like tag team champions before declaring a sit-down between the two teams.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "Hangman" Adam Page. Page says he physically feels fine, but after their first match, Moxley took his word from him when he knocked him out, and now he has his word back. On being told that Moxley brings the better out of him and that he despises and cherishes his matches with him, he says that he stuck to his word about knocking Moxley out, and if Moxley has anything to say about it, he can say it to his face. As for where to go from here, Page says that there have been tough conversations needed to be had and fences to be mended, but he leaves it at that. Page asks about Moxley's condition - which is hurting one way or another like he has been for the past ten years, then leaves.
Chris Jericho guests on commentary for the next match.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks beats Jake Hager despite the distraction from "Cool Hand" Angelo Parker and "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard, then escapes through the crowd.
We see a video package for Adam Cole's return to AEW.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews Chris Jericho, Daniel Garcia and Sammy Guevara. Jericho says "Absolute" Ricky Starks has been getting the upper hand, but next week, Starks and Action Andretti will face Sammy Guevara and Daniel Garcia. Daniel Garcia says he has Starks on Friday and also wants to get his hands on Starks and wants to be Chris Jericho's tag team partner. Guevara hugs Garcia and says that if he can win Friday, he can have his spot. He also gifts Garcia with leather pants. Jericho says that regardless of who faces who, Starks' lucky streak will run out next week.
"The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson beats Bandido. After the match, MJF is seen on the video screen. He says he has read about what the fans have said about him, then says people have forgotten who he is and how he became AEW World Champion. He says that since he and Danielson have first met, he has only met "Masked Max," who likes to keep things light. MJF then says that his mask will begin to slip off the closer they get to their Iron Man Match, and that nobody wants this, not even Danielson. He says that Danielson may be a dragon, but a dragon is no match for the monster behind the mask.
We see Saraya and Toni Storm talking with Hikaru Shida. Saraya chews Shida out for throwing a Kendo stick in the ring, but Storm says this was a slip-up and that the AEW homegrown girls do not know what they know. Storm says that she will show Willow Nightingale why they are the best, then Saraya tells Shida to stay backstage.
It is announced that next week, "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson will take on "The Machine" Brian Cage. Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Prince Nana and Brian Cage. They are soon met by MJF, who says that he needs a machine, then pulls out an envelope with more money than either man has ever seen in their lives just to break Bryan Danielson's arm. MJF then slaps Brian Cage, and Brian Cage grabs MJF by the neck. Prince Nana reminds Cage of the money, then MJF says that feeling is hate and that there is no greater motivator, and to use that motivation against Danielson next week as he hands Prince Nana the money.
Toni Storm beats Willow Nightingale with a schoolkid pin following the distraction by Saraya. During the match, Hikaru Shida shows up with a Kendo stick. After the match, Saraya and Toni Storm continue to attack Willow, then Ruby Soho runs into the ring, and Saraya and Toni Storm retreat. Meanwhile, Hikaru Shida keeps away from everything that is going on.
We hear from "All Ego" Ethan Page and Stokely Hathaway. Hathaway says that he and Ethan Page are not done with "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry, and Ethan says that after having his fun on Dark and Dark Elevation, the fun is over, and he will get payback on Rampage.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Konosuke Takeshita. Takeshita says he enjoyed wrestling "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson and learned so much, then says he does not trust MJF. He then calls MJF an asshole in Japanese.
Darby Allin retains the TNT Championship against KUSHIDA with The Last Supper. KUSHIDA and Darby Allin shake hands after the match, and KUSHIDA raises Allin's hand.
LA Knight shows up at the arena. He tells Andre Chase and Bodhi Hayward to keep an eye on the ring for a teachable moment, then wishes Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen luck tonight before heading to the ring. Knight calls Grayson Waller out so he can finish what he started last week, but Grayson Waller fails to show. Knight says that week after week, Grayson says that as much as the people say he sucks, he fears the name of the man who will drop him on his head. He says that Grayson Waller failed to get the job done against him, then Grayson finally shows up with a manila envelope in his hands. Grayson Waller says it is a restraining order that states that LA Knight cannot touch him, and says that there is nothing he would like more than beating him in the ring after all he has done; however, his lawyer advised him to file a restraining order. LA Knight takes a look at the restraining order, which states that Knight will be arrested immediately if he comes within 50 feet of him. Knight says that while he may have a restraining order him, he does not have one against Dexter Lumis. Lumis crawls out from underneath the ring and sneaks up behind Grayson Waller before attempting Silence. Knight tells Grayson he can either lift the restraining order or get choked out by Lumis; either way, he is getting his ass kicked.
Grayson Waller beats Dexter Lumis after a man in a blue suit throws Dexter Lumis into the ring post behind the referee's back. Grayson acknowledges the man after the match. After the replay, Grayson calls the man his "insurance policy." (The man in the blue suit is actually Saurav, who has not been seen in NXT in quite some time.)
In footage from this past weekend, Walter confronts Malcolm Bivens as he calls Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel) "a bunch of bitches" and presses him against a set of lockers. Roderick Strong shows up and tells Walter to put him down, then tells Walter that he is not afraid of him. Walter tells Strong he should be scared.
We take a quick look at the teams in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic this year.
Backstage, MSK (Nash Carter and Wes Lee) look forward to the next match as well as their match with Jacket Time next week, then take Matt Riddle's advice to heart before Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza) show up to tell them that they will end their chances at the Dusty Cup.
The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) beat Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen to advance in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
We hear from Dante Chen, who talks about his debut as well as a leg injury that has put him out of action while his peers have seen success. He then says that his father, who saw his debut match, passed away two months ago. He says that he has many more matches for his father and the whole country of Singapore to represent, and today, he is back and ready to compete. Dante Chen is coming up next.
Backstage, Walter congratulates Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel on representing Imperium to the best of their ability. He then says today is the day that they start their mission of dominating NXT with a win over Roderick Strong.
Dante Chen vs. Guru Raaj ends with Duke Hudson showing up and attacking both men.
Backstage, Joe Gacy tells Harland that it could have been them in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, then says he is not angry, just disappointed. As he thinks that times like these are times of growth and opportunity, Odyssey Jones asks Gacy if he believes what he says while on crutches. When asked, Jones says he will be back in a couple of weeks. Gacy then helps him with the door before telling Harland that having the strength to face negativity instead of allowing it to spread like wildfire is a true measure of progress.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Bron Breakker, who says that being NXT Champion has set in and that he is ready. He says Santos Escobar is a great competitor and former champion, but everyone is gunning for him now. Elektra Lopez shows up, but Bron Breakker says he is not interested in anything she wants. Santos Escobar says Bron may be champion, but he cannot hold the brand on his shoulders, and that the NXT Championship looks better around his waist. Bron tells Escobar to give him a reason why he should kick his ass right now, but Escobar tells him he will learn that things will be done on his time.
Tony D'Angelo is in the ring with a black casket to celebrate the career of "Petey Poppins" aka Pete Dunne. He says Pete Dunne did not listen to anyone and that he needed to learn a lesson the hard way. He says that his cousin taught him to handle his business by any means necessary, then says this is a closed casket ceremony after what he did to Pete Dunne with a crowbar. Tony says he cannot mourn forever and has moved on to bigger and better things, then says it is time to add some more gold to his collection with the North American Championship. Suddenly, Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams show up on the balcony. Tony says he has his own "boys" and that the three of them are just teammates, and Carmelo says the North American title is his business. Carmelo tells Tony to keep the title out of his mouth or else he will have a closed casket ceremony as well. Suddenly, Cameron Grimes shows up. Cameron Grimes tells Tony to go to the back of the line before addressing Carmelo Hayes, then Carmelo and Trick propose that Tony and Cameron face each other with the winner facing Carmelo. Tony D'Angelo goes for a cheap shot as Cameron Grimes says he will fight anybody, but Cameron ducks it and hits Tony with the picture of Pete Dunne.
Backstage, Josh Briggs tells Brooks Jensen that men are made by handling obstacles, then Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter show up and propose they have some drinks. Wendy Choo is seen watching them from above, and says that Jensen likes Kayden. Jensen tries to explain himself, but Kayden tells him to hit the showers and Briggs says "Less is more."
We hear from Valentina Feroz and Yulisa Leon, who talk about their last two months as a tag team and their athletic backgrounds, and say that they fight and play hard and want the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships. Afterwards, they are interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell, and soon met by Dakota Kai, who advises them that nothing divides friendships more than success. Yulisa and Valentina have none of this, and Dakota Kai says she will see about this later tonight.
Ivy Nile beats Kay Lee Ray with a Sunset Flip following the distraction by Mandy Rose. After the match, Mandy Rose and Kay Lee Ray brawl. Jacy Jayne and Gigi Dolin soon show up to assist Mandy, but as the three of them gang up on Kay Lee Ray, Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta show up to even the numbers game.
It is revealed that Harland has attacked an injured Odyssey Jones as he leaves with Joe Gacy backstage.
We hear from Sarray, who says that her first year in NXT did not go as expected and went back to Japan to regroup. She then found the necklace her grandmother gave her, and remembered who she was. She says that she is returning to NXT with a new passion and energy.
Malik Blade and Edris Enofe beat Legado del Fantasma (Joquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza) to advance in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic after Santos Escobar trips Malik Blade from the outside and gets ejected from ringside. When Escobar argues with the referee, Bron Breakker shows up and carries him away, and Malik Blade and Edris Enofe win off the distraction.
We hear from Malcolm Bivens, who says that Diamond Mine are two for two and will become three for three when Roderick Strong wipes the mat with Walter. He says the mat is a revenue generator, not something sacred, and that it belongs to Diamond Mine.
We hear from Solo Sikoa, who says that Boa took it to the next level last week. He says that if Boa wants to use some ancestral powers, he will find out he is not the only one with warriors for ancestors or the only one with war paint, for next week, they will go to war.
Dakota Kai beats Yulisa Leon. After the match, Dakota Kai tries to attack Valentina Feroz, but Yulisa Leon makes the save.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Raquel Gonzalez, who says that she does not make excuses and that she is still coming for the NXT Women's Championship. Cora Jade shows up and asks Raquel if she wants to be a back-to-back Dusty Cup winner. Raquel tells Jade that she has no title because of her, and tells her not to get in her way again before saying "thanks but no thanks." Jade says she will convince Raquel after Raquel leaves.
Backstage, Malik Blade and Edris Enofe celebrate their victory tonight when Bron Breakker shows up and says it was all them before wishing them luck in the next round.
Walter beats Roderick Strong. After the match, Walter takes the microphone and says "The winner of the match...is Gunther!" Afterwards, Diamond Mine (Roderick Strong, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed) and Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel) brawl in the ring.
Adam Cole beats Kaun. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews Cole, who takes the microphone and tells Schiavone to get out of the ring. He says Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. is the greatest Women's World Champion in AEW history and that he is undefeated in competition as well as the best new signing any company has ever seen. He says that together, they are unstoppable, and as hard as a Kris Statlander or Orange Cassidy could try to be top players, they will be nothing more than laughingstocks and should be embarassed for themselves, then says that they will embarrass them because he and Britt Baker are just getting started and there is nothing anybody can do about it.
The Gunn Club (Austin and Colten Gunn) beat Bison XL and Larintiz X.
"Legit" Leyla Hirsch beats Katalina Perez.
Lance Archer beats Liam Cross.
The Varsity Blonds (Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman Jr.) beat The Skulk (Liam Gray and Adrian Alanis). After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews The Varsity Blonds. Garrison says he is sick of the mind games, and that this Wednesday, they will beat Brody King and Malakai Black. Pillman says that if King and Black want violence, then they are not afraid of a little violence.
Red Velvet beats Vipress.
Skye Blue beats Robyn Renegade.
Anna Jay beats Tiffany Nieves with the Queenslayer.
Daniel Garcia beats Anthony Greene by submission. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews 2point0 (Jeff Parker and Matt Lee) and Garcia. Parker says they have a lot of problems with a lot of people, and Lee asks Chris Jericho if he remembers what they did to him six weeks ago, saying it was for having a big mouth and that he is going to get worse for costing Garcia the World title. Garcia says that if you hang with a rat, you're a rat, too, and he is coming for The Inner Circle as well as the TNT Championship, saying that he is tired of having competitive matches and wants gold around his waist.
Bear Country (Bear Boulder and Bear Bronson) beat Brandon Bullock and Jameson Ryan.
Best Friends (Orange Cassidy and Wheeler Yuta) beat The Wingmen ("Pretty" Peter Avalon and JD Drake).
We hear from Randy Orton, who mentions that the people who fight fire with fire end up with the ashes of those responsible for their affliction. He is soon seen wearing an old-school wrestling mask, and he says the voices in his head have never been louder. He also says that his voices encapsulate his every thought like his mask encapsulates his face, and when Alexa Bliss wanted him to set her on fire, he showed a compassionate side that he did not know existed. After watching the ending to Raw from three weeks ago, he says that the pure hatred he had for himself needed to be redirected, and his next victim arrived like a lamb to the slaughter until Alexa Bliss interrupted. He says that the burns on his face are what he receives for his compassion, and whenever he closes his eyes, he sees the fireball that Alexa Bliss threw at him. Orton says the inescapable feeling of the fire burning his flesh will never go away, then says he wears a mask to protect not just himself but everyone else from the horror that he endured. He says that the agony he felt that would mortify a lesser man, he considers lucky to have only suffered first-degree burns and that his face could have been disfigured forever, then blames The Fiend, not Alexa Bliss, for this. Orton says there is no doubt The Fiend is responsible for this, and that Alexa was merely a vehicle. He says The Fiend wants to stop him from achieving the inevitable: another Royal Rumble victory. Orton says he knows everyone in the locker room enjoyed seeing his face get burned, knowing their biggest threat may be eliminated, but even having his limbs cut off will not stop him, for despite his affliction, he will still be in the men's Royal Rumble match. He says he can still compete as long as he can tolerate the pain, but admits that he actually enjoys the pain, as it fuels his every move. He then lights a match after saying everyone can thank The Fiend for their Royal Rumble dreams being burned to ashes as he wins. Orton then blows the match out.
In footage from earlier today, Lacey Evans and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair are interviewed by Charly Caruso. Lacey Evans is protective of his relationship with Ric Flair, and says he is the dirtiest player in the game and that he is learning from one of the best in the business.
Peyton Royce attacks Charlotte Flair from behind before the next match, and both women have to be separated before the match can begin.
Charlotte Flair beats Peyton Royce with the Figure Eight. During the match, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Lacey Evans show up, distracting Charlotte and almost costing her the match in the process. After the match, Charlotte Flair keeps the Figure Eight locked in and lets go after a second referee arrives.
Backstage, The Hurt Business (MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander) are met by Matt Riddle, who compliments The Hurt Business on how they look backhandedly. Bobby Lashley tells Riddle that he likes his flip flops, then says they are bad for his feet before stomping the toes on his left foot.
Backstage, The Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik) are concerned for Matt Riddle, who says that he will tape his toes up and be good to go for their match tonight.
In footage from earlier today, who says that Xavier Woods sitting home with a broken jaw is not enough, and he wants to break both his heart and his spirit. He says that he hopes Woods' jaw injury will keep him from being in the men's Royal Rumble, then says he is still upset that Kofi Kingston took the opportunity that was his some time ago.
Mace beats Xavier Woods after the rest of Retribution (Mustafa Ali, T-Bar, Slapjack) surrounds the ring. At the start of the match, Woods punches Mustafa Ali in the face for mouthing off at him.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Asuka, who says that she does not know what to expect in her appearance on Alexa's Playground, and hopes that she does not see Alexa's dark side.
It is announced that WrestleMania 37 will be hosted at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, that WrestleMania 38 will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and that WrestleMania 39 will be in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
It's time for Alexa's Playground. Tonight's guest is Asuka. When the show starts, Alexa tells Randy Orton she just wanted to talk to him last week, but then things got a little heated. Alexa then introduces Asuka to the segment. After it is mentioned that Alexa has an invisible friend on the other swing of the swingset, Alexa says she wants to have some fun, and declares her entry into the women's Royal Rumble match. Asuka wishes Alexa luck, then Alexa says that if she wins, they could possibly face each other at WrestleMania. Asuka loves the idea, saying she is a big friend of Alexa's. Alexa cringes when Asuka says "Yowie Wowie" and dances to her entrance theme. Alexa forcefully tells her to stop dancing, then gets sad and blames herself for the death of The Fiend. When Asuka tries to console her and mentions The Fiend, Alexa tells her not to say his name, then the nearby rocking horse moves on its own and Asuka leaves.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews The Miz and John Morrison. Miz and Morrison mock Sarah for wanting to know what to expect from The Dirt Sheet tonight, and Miz says that there will be controversy.
Backstage, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler brags about making Mandy Rose tap out before tossing her out of the ring, then says she will do it again tonight before saying she will toss everyone out in the women's Royal Rumble, much to the chagrin of Nia Jax.
We hear from Jeff Jarrett, who predicts that Goldberg will win the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.
Nia Jax guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beats Mandy Rose with the Kirifuda Clutch after targeting Mandy's left arm throughout the match. After the match, Nia and Shayna argue at ringside, and Dana Brooke drop kicks Nia in the back of the neck from the ring apron.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Nia Jax and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. Nia and Baszler say they have never gotten along, but neither are Asuka and Charlotte Flair, and that it is time for them to get a rematch for the women's tag team titles.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Charlotte Flair, who says she has always been accused of living off her last name and getting opportunities she has not earned, and says Lacey Evans is using her father "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair to get to her. She says that while she has learned from the dirtiest player in the game, but she has never gone down that path. As she says that she should rethink going that path, Lacey says that while she can wear her robe, she can never wear her crown.
Backstage, Adam Pearce talks with Ricochet, who tells him that a win can go a long way towards an opportunity. Ricochet hopes to start his road to WrestleMania. Suddenly, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Omos show up. AJ asks who would take advice from Adam Pearce after Pearce tucked his tail and ran from Roman Reigns, then says Ricochet will lose but will still keep his dignity. Ricochet mentions Styles' loss at TLC, then says it will take more than a seven-foot-tall giant to stop him. After Ricochet heads to the ring, Styles tells Pearce he does not like him anymore, and says that if he does not like him, then neither does Omos.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Ricochet after slamming Ricochet into the top rope, causing Ricochet to rebound off the rope and Styles to catch him for the Styles Clash for the win. (Had Ricochet won the match, he would have entered the men's Royal Rumble match.)
It's time for The Dirt Sheet. Tonight's guest is Goldberg. Instead of Goldberg, however, Gillberg shows up. When asked how he is preparing for the big match, Gillberg says he bashes his head into the wall because he is so pumped up. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre's entrance theme hits, then another man dressed mockingly like McIntyre shows up. After placing a dagger that mocks McIntyre's sword, the fake McIntyre says he is here to meet Gillberg face-to-face, then says he will kick Gillberg's ass back to 1998 before going back home to eat some haggis. Suddenly, the show briefly goes off the rails when the fake McIntyre does not have a fake accent and comes from New Jersey, then Miz and Morrison says there are two losers in the ring because Miz will cash in the Money In The Bank briefcase and become WWE Champion.
The Hurt Business (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander) beat The Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik) and Matt Riddle with the Hurt Lock to Gran Metalik. During the match, Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin refuse to get along, and it gts tot he point that Lashley has to tag himself in to win with a Hurt Lock to Gran Metalik. After the match, Riddle blindsides Lashley before running away.
Backstage, Elias asks Jaxson Ryker not to have another misunderstanding, and tells him to finish what he started when he faces Jeff Hardy again tonight.
We hear from Drew McIntyre, who says that he had a laugh at tonight's edition of The Dirt Sheet and that he still cannot be here tonight, and while he respects Goldberg despite putting words in his mouth and showing him the real him, he wants the real Goldberg. He says that if he does not get the real Goldberg, he will eat him alive in two minutes. McIntyre then announces that he will come back to Raw next week.
Jeff Hardy beats Jaxson Ryker by disqualification after Elias is caught knocking Jeff Hardy off the top rope. It is announced before the match that Jeff Hardy will be in the men's Royal Rumble match. After the match, Elias and Jeff Hardy have another misunderstanding, and when Jeff Hardy attacks Elias, Jaxson Ryker makes him pay for it by plowing him into the mat.
Next week: Goldberg and Drew McIntyre return!
Alexa Bliss beats Asuka. During the match, the arena goes dark. After the commercial break, the arena lights are back on have a purple tinge and Alexa Bliss has a darker appearance. Alexa's mannerisms also change, becoming more Fiend-like. When Alexa's black lipstick is slightly smeared, Alexa goes for the Mandible Claw, and Asuka fights it only to eat a right hand. Asuka fights back, but Alexa Bliss hits the Sister Abigail for the win. Alexa Bliss goes back to "normal" after the match, then says "Let Me In" in The Fiend's voice to end the show.
Raw Talk: R-Truth must choose between The Miz and John Morrison.
The Soul Burners (Ryan Taylor and Tomaste) retain the UWN Tag Team Championships against Wasted Youth (Adriel Noctis and Sketch). Before the match, it is announced that Double Platinum (Suede Thompson and Chris Bey) are not in the match due to contract disputes with Jamie Iovine, and that Vermin (Johnny Yuma and Kevin Martenson) are not in the match due to recent actions.
We see footage of The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) superkicking a Minnesota Timberwolves fan during a Memphis Grizzlies game.
Heather Monroe beats Lacey Ryan two falls to one (2-1) in a two-out-of-three falls match. Lacey gets the first fall early on, while Heather gets the other two following interference from Halston Boddy for her first and the Bad Bitchinoku Driver for her second.
Backstage, Ricky Starks says he respects Watts for his power and size, but he is known for knocking them down, big or small. He tells Watts that with great power comes a very high electricity bill, and he will "knock [his] damn lights out."
Watts retains the Hollywood Heritage Championship against Ricky Starks after The Question Mark shows up and pushes Starks off the top rope.
KM vs. Caleb Konley ends in a no-contest. Backstage, an enraged "The Machine" Brian Cage threatens people on his way to the ring in search for Johnny Impact. He then gets involved in the math and takes out KM before doing the same to Konley. Fallah Bahh tries to fend off Cage, but he fares no better. Cage eventually hits KM with an F5 on the ramp before plowing through referee John E. Bravo with a clothesline and a Drill Claw. Cage then takes the microphone and calls Johnny Impact out, saying all the chaos he is creating is on his hands. He is enraged that Johnny reneged on his promise to give him the next world title shot, and says he will get a close look at next week's world title match. Johnny Impact shows up. Before he can respond to Cage, he is blindsided by Killer Kross and Moose, who lay him out on the stage. Kross and Moose back off as Cage approaches them, then Cage drags Johnny by the leg into the ring. Kross and Moose run back into the ring to ambush Cage, then Kross hits Johnny with a Doomsday Saito.
Backstage, "The Machine" Brian Cage says all he cares about is Johnny Impact and the World title, and tells Moose that if he wants to Spear him, then he will Spear him into next week. He says that Johnny has him tonight.
Eli Drake guests on commentary for the next match.
Ethan Page beats Eddie Edwards by disqualification after Eddie uses Kenny the Kendo stick during the match. After the match, Eli Drake leaves the commentary table and tells Eddie to look at what he has done to himself, and tells him that if he packs down a few more pancakes and beers, he will look like Tommy Dreamer. He tells Eddie that he used to be a champion wrestler, but now he has gone hardcore and it has not gotten him back into the title scene. Eli says it should be time to don the green tights and become the Eddie Edwards of old again. Eli then proposes a challenge to Eddie: drop the Kendo stick and find the champion that he used to be, for all he sees right now is a hardcore loser.
The GWN Flashback of the Moment is Raven and The Gathering (CM Punk and Julio Dinero) vs. Abyss and Red Shirt Security (Kevin Northcutt and Legend) in a steel cage match from 2003.
We hear from Sami Callihan, who says that family is everything and that it is time that Rich Swann comes home. As for tonight, he and oVe (Sami, Jake Crist, Dave Crist) face The Latin-American Xchange (Konnan, Santana, Ortiz). He says Konnan talks about family, but the only family they know is Ohio. He says that he and oVe will come out on top tonight.
We hear from The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz). Trey Miguel says he found out that Homecoming was not a high school-style homecoming, and mentions his match with Rich Swann tonight. Dezmond and Zachary Wentz then think that The Lucha Bros. have superpowers. Trey Miguel then lets out a really nasty fart before leaving.
Jordynne Grace beats Allie. After the match, Su Yung is about to help Allie up when the lights go out. When they come back on, Rosemary is standing in Su Yung's place. Allie rolls out of the ring.
We hear from "The Smoke Show" Scarlett Bordeaux, who says that she has helped so many people's careers and that it only made sense to set up a talent search for the next big star. She then announces that she has found her winner: herself. She says nobody should be surprised, as she is so beautiful and gifted that she has gotten her own show and gotten over in Impact, and soon she will have her first TV match.
"The Machine' Brian Cage beats Moose despite Moose bringing a steel cage into the match.
We hear from Taka Valkyrie, who gives the fans a health update from home. She is glad to be Knockouts Champion, and while she is not medically cleared yet, and while she wants to get her hands on Killer Kross, Kross will get his. As for Tessa Blanchard, she says that Tessa had bullied everybody for months and that she got a taste of her own medicine at Homecoming. She will be medically cleared next week, and she is more than ready for another match with Tessa.
We hear from Killer Kross, who asks Johnny Impact if he is angry about what he did to his wife before saying that the fans are turning their backs on him. Next week, they step back in the ring, and Johnny's legacy will die while his begins as World Champion.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Tessa Blanchard, who says that she would still be Knockouts Champion is Gail Kim was not the referee. She terrorizes Mackenzie before choking out a backstage worker and elbowing another. Gail Kim has to pull Tessa off the woman, and Tessa hits her, saying her loss is Gail Kim's fault. As Tessa brandishes a wrench, Gail strikes back and says it is all on her. This starts a brawl where Tessa comes out on top when she chokes Gail with a cable. Backstage officials have to separate both women before checking on Gail.
Backstage, Sonjay Dutt and Scott D'Amore confront Tessa Blanchard, who tells Tessa that she is suspended.
Rich Swann beats Trey Miguel. After the match, oVe (Sami Callihan, Jake Crist, Dave Crist) show up. They produce an oVe shirt, then Sami Callihan tosses it at Swann. Before Swann can do much of anything, The Latin-American Xchange (Konnan, Santana, Ortiz) show up for the next match.
The Latin-American Xchange (Santana and Ortiz) beat oVe (Jake and Dave Crist). After the match, LAX is met by The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) Afterwards, Ortiz tells The Lucha Bros. to let LAX know if they want "another ass-whupping." Konnan responds by screaming at Ortiz "What are you doing?"
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Taiji Ishimori retains the Impact X Division Championship against Dezmond Xavier. Both men shake hands and hug after the match, then Dezmond Xavier raises Taiji Ishimori's hand.
We hear from oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Sami Callihan) who say that they will show no prisoners as they take over everything tonight.
We see part one of a preview for Barbed Wire Massacre III, which is advertised as "too violent for television.:
We see a video package for Moose vs. Lashley, which will take place next week at Genesis.
This week's GWN Flashback Moment of the Week is Eddie Edwards vs. Aron Rex for the Impact Grand Championship.
We see a video package for Matt Sydal vs. Ethan Carter III for the Impact Grand Championship, which will take place next week at Genesis.
We see a video package for Allie vs. Laurel Van Ness for the Impact Knockouts Championship, which will take place next week at Genesis.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Allie, who says she is ready for Laurel Van Ness after proving herself the last few months. Laurel has been playing games for months, and she has been playing along, but she is not playing anymore as she has not forgotten how Laurel has treated her. Next week, she finally gets her one-on-one shot against Laurel Van Ness, and she will be taking the Knockouts Championship from her.
Kongo Kong beats Chandler Park. After the match, Kongo Kong flattens Chandler Park with a splash from the top rope. Joseph Park checks on Chandler Park, but is intimidated by Kongo Kong and Jimmy Jacobs.
We see a video package for Alberto El Patron vs. Johnny Impact vs. Eli Drake for the Impact Global Championship in Detroit City for Border City Wrestling for Motor City Mayhem.
In Detroit, Michigan for Border City Wrestling, Alberto El Patron vs. Johnny Impact vs. Eli Drake for the Impact Global Championship ends in a no-contest. During the match, the referee gets irritated at all three men after Eli Drake gets angry with him for poking him in the chest, and gets superkicked by all three men in the match for it. He is immediately replaced with another referee, who gets hit with the Gravy Train by Eli Drake after an argument over a pinfall attempt. Border City Wrestling officials and wrestlers have to keep all three men apart, and the match is thrown out. All three men in the match immediately clean house.
Rosemary beats KC Spinelli after faking her out with the mist. During the match, it is announced that Alberto El Patron vs. Johnny Impact vs. Eli Drake for the Impact Global Championship in a steel cage is official for Genesis. After the match, she talks about Laurel Van Ness becoming the Impact Knockouts Championship, but she is not angry, as anyone crazy enough to stop her mist with their bare hand is worthy of her respect. At Genesis, Laurel will defend the title against Allie. She says she is proud of Allie and how she has come so far, but if Allie wins the title, their alliance will not save her as she will be coming for the Impact Knockouts Championship. All of a sudden, a woman in black rushes into the ring and blindsides Rosemary, and the woman is soon identified on commentary by Jeremy Borash as Hania the Huntress. Security guards and referees show up to force Hania the Huntress to the back after she hits Rosemary with a reverse DDT on the top of the steel steps.
We see part two of a preview for Barbed Wire Massacre III.
We see a video package running down the card for Genesis.
We hear from oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Sami Callihan), who talk about how they relish the pain they are about to deliver to The Latin-American Xchange (Homicide, Santana, Ortiz) at Barbed Wire Massacre III before they walk out the victors.
In a match that is deemed too violent for television and is shown on Impact Wrestling's new Twitch channel, The Latin-American Xchange (Santana, Ortiz, Homicide) beat oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Sami Callihan) in Barbed Wire Massacre III after Homicide drives a fistful of wooden skewers into Dave Crist's head before sending him through two tables with a vertical suplex off the top of a ladder.
Nikki Cross beats Kennedy Louis. During the match, it is made official that Asuka will defend the NXT Women's Championship against Billie Kay, Peyton Royce and Nikki Cross in a Fatal Four-Way match at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
No Way Jose plans to make 2017 fun inside the ring and out, saying it's a new year but the same him. He is suddenly confronted by Kona Reeves, who says that he helped Rich Swann over him when SAnitY attacked them and that he doesn't reward disloyalty. No Way Jose takes this as a challenge, and tells him that if he wants to fight him, so be it. Kona smiles, then leaves.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) says 2016 was their year, and 2017 was no different. TM61 (Nick Thorne and Shane Miller) show up, wanting to make 2017 their year, too. This leads to a match between both teams tonight.
Roderick Strong beats Steve Cutler. After the match, Roderick Strong says that he doesn't care what Andrade "Cien" Almas has to say, as he's here in NXT to win the NXT Championship.
Ember Moon says she will forge her own destiny to the NXT Women's Championship after NXT TakeOver: San Antonio. Liv Morgan shows up, knowing they both want the same thing, and challenges her to a match. Ember Moon accepts.
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger shows up, and says he ended 2016 with a big question mark. The crowd chants "Royal Rumble! Number ten!", then Dillinger says that he's let people close to him down one too many times and questions if he still has it. He then realizes General Manager William Regal and the fans believe in him, then SAnitY shows up. Eric Young tells Dillinger he didn't have it, but he could, and that all he needs is some guidance and a proper path. He offers him a spot in SAnitY, and Alexander Wulfe walks up to the apron with a leather jacket. Dillinger takes the jacket and drops it over the top rope. Young says he gets it, saying that the right decision can sometimes feel wrong and that the right decision can be unclear, as he has been there. He says 2016 should have been his year, but it wasn't, but now he plans to do that with 2017 and do it all his way, and he offers that choice to Dillinger, this time telling him he's not asking. Dillinger takes the jacket, then drops it in front of him before fighting him and Wulfe. All of a sudden, Dillinger - who is about to hit the Tye Breaker on Eric Young - is Speared by Big Damo, who then finishes Dillinger off. Eric Young then offers the jacket to Damo, who slings it over the shoulder, confirming himself as the newest of SAnitY.
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger will take on Eric Young at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) beat The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) after Thorne grabs Wilder's leg and Miller puts Dawson in an inside cradle. After the match, The Revival go on the warpath, and potentially injures Shane Thorne's knee in the process. Medical staff have to tend to Thorne while The Revival are forced to the back.
It is announced that Roderick Strong and Andrade "Cien" Almas will square off at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
Next week: Ember Moon vs. Liv Morgan!
General Manager William Regal moderates the contract signing for the NXT Championship match at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio between Bobby Roode and "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura. Roode says there will be no physicality or fighting in this contact signing, as he can see the dollar signs in Regal's eyes and knows the match is a big money maker. He says he has followed Nakamura's career in Japan and is familiar with him, but felt he was never really worth his time. He also explains the NXT TakeOver: Dallas ticket, saying it was when the Nakamura era began. He says that Nakamura calls himself "The King of Strong Style," but says he has no style and makes fun of his hair and jacket. Nakamura says he knew their paths would cross, and says Roode looks like a Shibu Inue. The crowd starts a "Shibu Inue" chant, then Roode calls Japan "the land of zero talent" before calling himself the greatest wrestler on God's green earth and Nakamura a joke. He says the wrestlers and the fans are becoming more like him, and he plans to take the NXT Championship title from him at San Antonio, Texas. He signs the contract, but before he can say his title win will be glorious, Nakamura tells him he looks great but he won't win after he signs the contract. He tells Bobby Roode he will kick his off...and it will be glorious.
Lana is having a bachelorette party before she gets married. Only problem is, Rusev is against a bachelorette party because a friend of his made out with the bride at one.
Brie and Nikki talk about their busy lives as they get a manicure. John Cena will be hosting the ESPY Awards, and Nikki will be walking the red carpet for the first time.
Lana, Renee and Trinity see Rusev and Lana's hotel suite in Las Vegas, which is the Hardwood Suite at The Palms. Everyone shoots hoops as it is noted that Rusev has never been in Las Vegas before.
Lana, Trinity, Renee and Rusev have a meal at the bar. A married couple - a young woman pushing a young man in a wheelchair -show up, and the idea of the bachelorette party is brought up while Renee invited them to the bachelorette party. Trinity finds it strange that Renee would invite total strangers to the bachelorette party. When asked why he doesn't like the idea of bachelorette party, Rusev says he doesn't see the point of one. It becomes apparent that Rusev is not budging on the issue at all. Trinity thinks Rusev doesn't trust them.
J.J. and mother Kathy meet Brie and Nikki in Los Angeles. Nikki is on the phone, doing business, and everyone thinks she's playing around on it and looking at her Instagram.
Renee Young head to the lobby for a few cocktails before going to a male stripper show called "Thunder Down Under." All of a sudden, a friend and ex-boyfriend of Lana's, Isaiah - who is very well known for some Old Spice commercials - shows up, asking how Lana is doing. Renee They have a brief chat, then Renee, Trinity and Lana head to the show.
Brie, Nikki, Kathy and J.J. talk about how there are so many paparazzi in Los Angeles, and try to come up with a safe word in case any are around.
Renee, Lana and Trinity ride on a pink party bus. Lana and Renee are loving it, especially when they have fun with the host of the bus, but Trinity is freaked out by the guy. They then see the "Thunder Down Under" show, and Lana gets to be on stage with one of the guys. On the ride back to the hotel, Lana says she is glad she did this, but says she has no idea Rusev will react to the bachelorette party, especially when an ex-boyfriend has been invited.
Back at the Palms, the gang meets up with Rusev. Lana mentions the "Thunder Down Under" show, and Rusev says that they just proved his point. At the same time, Rusev says she can't stop Lana from doing whatever she wants to do. Nevertheless, they all go to the party, and the woman from the married couple that Renee invited at dinner the night before shows up with a friend of hers, and says that she wants to make out with Rusev. Trinity notices that the woman is drunk. All of a sudden, the two girls start fighting, and Trinity has to separate the both of them. Lana is furious with Rusev for entertaining the idea.
J.J., Brie, Nikki and Kathy meet with Nikki's media trainer, and the four of them practice their interview skills for when they hit the red carpet. Once again, Nikki is on her phone. J.J. learns how anything he said can be taken out of context by the media.
Renee, Trinity and Lana talk about the idea of marriage, and the conversation makes Lana really nervous.
Renee, Trinity and Lana head to a pool party at the MGM Grand Hotel, and run into a woman who acts like a cat. They also run into Isaiah, who tells Lana that he is happy for her and Rusev, and tells her that if she feels scared and wants to run, to run to Rusev. Lana is crying, knowing that she is scared of the wedding, and tells Renee and Trinity, and feels what Isaiah said is really relatable, but she doesn't know why she is afraid. Trinity wonders if Lana has cold feet about the wedding, and tells her to let go of the past and move forward.
Brie and Nikki sunbathe on the roof, and Nikki is tired of having ugly pictures taken of her everywhere. Once again, Nikki is on her phone, and Brie feels Nikki needs to calm down and have fun. J.J. throws Nikki's phone into the pool.
Lana tells Rusev that the idea of marriage scares her, and is afraid that the marriage won't work out. Rusev tells her it's okay, but Lana is afraid of what might happen, like Rusev cheating on her or the two of them growing apart. Rusev can't understand why marriage is treated like a bad word, and tells Lana to go into marriage head-on.
Lana, Renee, Rusev, Trinity and family and friends have dinner and a magic show, all made possible by Renee. There are two people in masks dressed as wrestlers who are part of the show. Turns out, it's the married couple from dinner a few nights ago...and the man is not in a wheelchair. Then the host of the party bus shows up, followed by the girl who acted like a cat at the pool party. Turns out, all the weird stuff from the trip to Vegas was a prank by Renee, and the behavior of everyone involved in the prank was planned the whole time.
It is the day of the ESPYs, and everyone in the Bella family handles the pre-show interviews with aplomb. John Cena then hosts the ESPYs.
Bonus clip: Brie and Nikki teach the family how to walk the red carpet.
Bonus clip: Rusev, Lana, Trinity and Renee go on an aquatic adventure.
