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.
General Manager Rey Mysterio heads to the ring. He says that for generations, AAA has been the place for the biggest stars in Latin wrestling, and today, their vision is bigger than ever. He wants AAA to be the place for the biggest stars in the world, and as General Manager of AAA, it is an honor for him to introduce one of the biggest Latinos in the world and a wrestler who represents the lucha libre culture: Damian Priest. Priest enters the ring and introduces himself to the AAA fans and talks about how he has traveled the world and beaten the best, and how he plans to do the same in AAA, which he has heard so much about. He says he is not here to make enemies, but he is also not here to make friends, as he is here to dominate AAA. Damian Priest says that anyone who faces him will fall before him, and if anyone has a championship, they are going to get to know him very well. Damian Priest then says that he has arrived in AAA.
Lady Shani beats Flammer after La Catalina shows up and stops Flammer from using the Reina de Reinas Championship as a weapon.
We see backstage footage from an anonymous source from last week where Psycho Clown curses himself for not trusting Pagano as Pagano is wheeled out on a stretcher into an ambulance. Psycho Clown says that whoever did this will pay.
We hear from El Grande Americano, who says that he did not expect Los Perros del Mal (Angel, Berto, Daga, Bronco Nima, Karmen Petrovic) to attack him. He says that they had their moment and tells them to enjoy it, because next week, he will be waiting for them. He dares them to show up again, and warns them that he will not be alone. He says that Los Perros del Mal may not forgive, but neither does he.
La Parka and Mr. Iguana beat the team of Dinamico and Drago and Money Machine (Colmillo de Plata and Garra de Oro) in a Triple Threat tag team match.
We look back on El Mesias vs. Cibernetico vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. in a steel cage match from Verano de Escandalo 2009.
Rey Mysterio is interviewed by the press. He feels pride in Damian Priest's debut, saying that he knows him so well that he knows that he can represent lucha libre culture and can make his own path in AAA. He says that Damian Priest and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio are going to be at next week's show in San Luis Potosi, which is going to be so interesting that security will have to be reinforced when asked about the subject of El Grande Americano calling out Los Perros del Mal (Angel, Berto, Daga, Bronco Nima, Karmen Petrovic). Rey then announces that Verano de Escandalo will take place in Aguascalientes on July 25th, and that they will also be in Torreon and South Texas in August.
El Fiscal vs. Abismo Negro ends with both men being attacked by Los Perros del Mal (Angel, Berto, Daga, Bronco Nima, Karmen Petrovic). El Fiscal takes the brunt of the beating.
It is announced that after the end of last week's episode, Derrick King, Matchmaker King Cobra and "The Gift" Ray Sanders are attacked by members of Kick Ass Wrestling led by Terry Golden. Security and officials are also attacked in the process. Motley Crew, David Rocker, Danny B. Good and "The Hotstepper" DJ Brown are among those carrying out the attack. Golden says that if Memphis Wrestling wants a war, they have one. Golden says that Kick Ass Wrestling is the last bastion of real Memphis Wrestling and that Starr's promotion "is not Memphis wrestling."
We hear from Tim Bosby, who says that Mike Anthony is not going to be the American hero today and that Anthony will either tap out or get his ankle snapped off.
K-Toomer retains the Big Mane Fight Championship against K-Toomer by submissoin. Before the match, K-Toomer warns Robbie Maddux that while he likes him, this is serious business, and he does not want to fight his friends. Robbie throws his drink at K-Toomer's face instead and gets utterly decimated.
We hear from VaShawn Harvey, who says that he has worked harder than anybody in Memphis Wrestling to win the workhorse championship. He then says that Marko "Hangtime" Harris wants his title, but he beats him every time, and next week, they will settle it once and for all, and afterwards, he will still be Memphis Wrestling Internet Champion.
Dustin Starr interviews "Cold Hearted" Colton Cage, who is dressed up for today's show. He says that he has spoken with some people in the back, then says that being Junior Heritage Champion has been an honor. He then says that his injuries have piled up, as he has just got shoulder injury and also has a knee surgery, and as a result, he must relinquish the Memphis Wrestling Junior Heritage Championship. Suddenly, "The Gold Standard" Eli Knox and Moses show up, and Knox says that he is glad that Colton Cage is injured and hurt, for he would have beaten him for the Junior Heritage Championship anyway and headed to Beverly Hills. When Eli Knox demands the title, it is announced by Dustin Starr that there will be a match next week to decide the next Junior Heritage Champion.
Backstage, Major Curtis chews out Robbie Maddux for facing K-Toomer and tells him to toughen up, saying that this is not what he trained him for and to pull it in for America.
"The King of Pow" Chris Lexx beats Major Curtis, "Livewire" Bobby Ford and J. Webb in a Fatal 4th of July Match depsite Bobby Ford getting a chain to use as a weapon during the match.
Jake Brewer reports from the second annual Memphis Wrestling Hot Dog Eating Contest. The clown from last week is seen, and he also takes part in the contest. John Jolly ends up winning the contest with four hot dogs left.
Backstage, we hear from Raven Black and Bobbi Thunder. Raven says it does not matter who Xya brings, as she and Bobbi Thunder will beat her and her tag team partner today. Bobbi says they had a deal, and Raven says they have to take care of Xya first.
Xya and Gigi Turner beat Raven Black and Bobbi Thunder after Raven and Bobbi fight over who beats up the debuting Gigi Turner. After the match, Raven and Bobbi argue with each other on the way to the back while Xya and Gigi watch.
Mike Anthony beats Tim Bosby to win the Memphis Wrestling Heritage Championship for a second time after senior official David Knight stops Bosby from hitting Mike Anthony with a Con-Chair-To, allowing Anthony to drop kick the chair in Bosby's hands into Bosby's head before hitting three brainbusters to win the match and the title.
We look back on "The National Treasure" Nick Aldis vs. Alex Shelley for the TNA World Championship at Slammiversary 2023.
Gia Miller interviews KC Navarro for Around the Ring. Topics include his All-Star award for his last-minute match at Under Siege, getting fashion advice from his mother, and his collection of beaded bracelets.
We look back on Killer Kelly vs. Masha Slamovich in a Chain Match for the TNA Knockouts World Championship from last night's show.
JDC beats Jack Price. Sportswriter Mark Madden, best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling, guests on commentary this week.
At the start of the show, Jacob Fatu attacks Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and JC Mateo outside of the arena until security and officials show up.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody talks about his King of the Ring victory and states that it not only signifies where we have been, but where we are going, then Randy Orton heads to the ring. Orton talks about how he said he would not hesitate to beat Cody only to hesitate when he had him dead to rights. He says Cody did not hesitate, and pulled the trigger, and for that, he respects him. After he admits that he will not forget this, he asks Cody not to squander this opportunity and to kick John Cena's ass at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre returns for the first time in weeks. McIntyre says Orton lost the psychological battle before he hesitated due to Cody buttering him up before their match, and reminds him that Cody attacked Orton's back the moment he tweaked it. He wants to know what happened to Orton, as he went from punting legends in the head to becoming a dead legend in a few years, then tells Cody that he wants him to win at SummerSlam, as he wants to face him and rip the WWE Championship from his hands. McIntyre then says that he will not hesitate, unlike Orton, who then hits McIntyre with an RKO out of nowhere before he and Cody have a brief staredown.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Charlotte Flair meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. Charlotte finds out that she is in a tag team #1 contender's match, and if she wins, she and her partner get a tag team title shot. Alexa Bliss shows up and says they are tag partners, not friends, and Charlotte is forced to reluctantly go along with this after Alexa says Charlotte has not been in the spotlight for a while and Aldis says that Charlotte does not always know what is best for her. Charlotte tells Alexa to stay out of her way.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre runs into General Manager Nick Aldis, wanting a match with Randy Orton. Aldis says Orton has left the building, but he can get a match next week at Saturday Night's Main Event. McIntyre then runs into Jacob Fatu, then walks away after a brief staredown. Aldis tells Jacob to find a tag team partner so he can take on Solo Sikoa and company later tonight. Jimmy Uso shows up right after Aldis leaves and becomes Jacob's tag partner.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre) and the team of B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim in a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship #1 Contender's Match after Charlotte pats Alexa on the head sarcastically, which counts as a tag. This allows Charlotte to boot Chelsea Green off the top rope so that Alexa can hit Twisted Bliss on Alba Fyre for the win.
In backstage footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis chews out the SmackDown tag team division for their interference from last week. This leads to an argument between #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), which leads to Fraxiom getting a tag team match against Andrade and Rey Fenix. As for the rest of the tag team division, one man from each of the remaining teams will face The Wyatt Sicks while everyone else stays backstage, and if The Wyatt Sicks win tonight, they will be back in contention for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Gargano tries to unite the tag team division to no avail.
The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) beat Montez Ford, Johnny Gargano, Chris Sabin and Berto in an eight-man tag match after Johnny Gargano steps off the ring apron before Chris Sabin can tag him in, as Gargano wants nothing to do with Erick Rowan.
We hear from Giulia, who says that she knows what the WWE Women's United States Championship means and that opponents will come to her and they will all fall. She hopes to take the title where it have never been before before daring anyone to challenge her.
WWE acknowledges Independence Day in the United States.
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring. Tiffany says that she knows there has been a target on her back and that she would not let Nia Jax's revenge keep her from being last woman standing. As she states that she is ready to beat Jade Cargill at SummerSlam well as whoever she defends the WWE Women's Championship against at Evolution, Jade Cargill shows up and heads to the ring. Jade says Tiffany was barely standing while she made quick work of Asuka, then tells Tiffany that she has a choice to make and that if she chooses wrong, she will not make it to SummerSlam. Tiffany reveals that her choice is none other than WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, then mentions how they teamed up in the past before giving her the opportunity to face her for the WWE Women's Championship. Jade says it does not matter if she faces Tiffany or a legend at SummerSlam, and Trish Stratus thanks Tiffany for allowing her to wrestle in front of her kids, yet she has never been a champion in front of her kids. Tiffany warns Trish that it will not be easy as it is not the Attitude Era, but Trish says she wants that fight. Tiffany says that whether she faces Trish or Cargill, everyone will know the world runs on Tiffy Time.
We hear from Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo and Tama Tonga. Solo Sikoa introduces Hikuleo - now known as Tala Tonga - then says his group is more dangerous than ever. He then says that he and JC Mateo will take care of Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso as he declares his family complete.
Backstage, Trish Stratus runs into Jade Cargill. Cargill tells Trish Stratus that if she wins at Evolution, she will see her at SummerSlam. Trish tells Cargill she will see her at SummerSlam. After Trish leaves, Cargill is attacked from behind by Naomi. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up, and Cargill demands a match with Naomi.
Andrade and Rey Fenix beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom).
Backstage, Damian Priest meets Aleister Black. Priest mentions that Aleister has a match with Ron Killings next week.
Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso beat Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo. After the match, Jacob Fatu clears the announce table, but Tala Tonga shows up and stops Jacob from putting Solo through it. Jimmy fights Tala, but Tanga Loa joins in, and JC Mateo takes Jimmy for A Tour of the Islands. Jacob Fatu is then held down for Solo Sikoa to hit him with a Samoan Spike, then Jacob is powerbombed through the announce desk.
Trey Miguel vs. Leon Slater ends with NXT Superstar Charlie Dempsey suddenly showing up and attacking everyone before hitting the referee with a gut wrench suplex. Referees and security arrive, and Dempsey leaves.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews "Broken" Matt Hardy and Reby Sky (now known as Rebecca Hardy). Matt asks what kind of man puts his hands on his wife, and Rebecca calls Eddie and Alisha Edwards "clowns." Matt says he will destroy Eddie without remorse, and Rebecca says she has no choice but to return to the ring after eight yearsand teach them a lesson.
Backstage, Trey Miguel is angry at Charlie Dempsey for attacking him, and Zachary Wentz wants to know what is going on and what Dempsey is trying to accomplishment, saying Dempsey will not make a name for himself at their expense. Zachary Wentz mentions being in NXT in the past and knows that NXT would not allowing anything like this to happen, and if Dempsey wants a fight, he has it.
Jody Threat vs. Dani Luna in a ten-minute challenge ends in a time limit draw. Backstage, it is revealed that "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth is laid out in a stairwell, and that "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth has found him. After the match, Jody appeals for five more minutes and gets it, but she and Dani are immediately attacked by Alisha Edwards and Masha Slamovich.
Backstage, Mustafa Ali and Campaign Singh meet with Director of Authority Santino Marella. Mustafa wants to retract his championship challenge to "Speedball" Mike Bailey, saying that Mike Bailey needs to earn his shot. Santino says Mustafa has a point, and announces that next week, Bailey will have to win a #1 contender's match to get a shot at Mustafa's title.
Frankie Kazarian beats Mike Santana by countout in a Road To Slammiversary qualifier after JDC shows up and shoves Santana into the ring post after initially grabbing at him from ringside.
We hear from ABC ("Inevitable" Ace Austin and Chris Bey). Chris Bey says they have been without the tag team titles, and says The System has thrived off of luck for some time and that their luck has run out. Ace Austin says they make their own luck and have done so for some time. Chris Bey says that they have beaten two other teams on the way to this point, and that they will kick The System's asses. Ace Austin states that when the dust clears at Slammiversary, they will become the new tag team champions.
Backstage, an angry PCO uses his own body to bring Steph de Lander out of unconsciousness. Meanwhile, Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and Rich Swann) brag about what they did to PCO and Steph as well as AJ Francis' international title defenses when Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up. Santino, having overheard that Francis is willing to defend his titles any time he is in the ring, says that he has someone in mind as a challenger for the Digital Media Championship, then tells Francis that he will be facing PCO at Slammiversary. Francis is undeterred, saying PCO is not coming back after what he and Rich Swann did to him.
"Broken" Matt Hardy and Rebecca Hardy beat The System (Eddie and Alisha Edwards) after Rebecca stands between Matt and Eddie, which leads to Alisha distracting the referee only for Rebecca to kick Eddie in the groin and Matt to hit Eddie with a Twist of Fate. After the match, Brian Myers confronts Director of Authority Santino Marella. ABC show up to make fun of Myers, then JDC stands between them. Santino makes a tag team match between the two parties next week.
Backstage, we hear from Jordynne Grace, who says that Ash By Elegance is on vacation while she keeps coming to work, then issues another open challenge to anyone from anywhere who thinks that they can take the Knockouts World Championship from her.
Before the next match, Joe Hendry asks Jake Something if he is sure he is ready to challenge for the World Championship, as he does not seem sure of much and keeps asking what his name is, among other questions. He then says there is one things that the fans are sure of, and that is what to chant - "We Believe" - and that they believe in Joe Hendry.
Joe Hendry beats Jake Something in a Road To Slammiversary qualifier. After the match, Hendry declares that he is one step closer to becoming TNA World Heavyweight Champion and that it all happened because of the fans. He says he will see everyone in Montreal, where he will become the face of TNA, and that anything is possible when you believe.
Backstage, The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose) thanks JDC for attacking both Mike Santana and "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth, but JDC says he did not take out Nemeth. Moose then asks who took Nemeth as the five of them drive off, and we soon see Kazarian, who laughs while smoking a cigar before noticing somebody filming him.
Here are the must-see moments from tonight's show!
We hear from The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo), who are the hosts for this week's episode for Independence Day in the United States. Carlie Bravo gets the Revolutionary War confused with ID4: Independence Day.
The Bang Bang Gang ("Rock Hard" Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn) beat The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, John Silver) in a Unified Trios Championship Proving Ground Match.
We hear from The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo), who talk about the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before hyping up the other two Proving Ground Matches and expressing their disdain for Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett).
It is mentioned that Atlantis Jr. beat Kyle Fletcher for the ROH World Television Championship at a CMLL event last Friday.
Backstage, Athena, Billie Starkz and Lexy Nair have their own locker room, and Tony Deppen is one of their minions in training and security guards. Queen Aminata and Red Velvet show up and announce that at Death Before Dishonor, Red Velvet will face Billie Starkz for the ROH Women's World Television Championship, while Queen Aminata will face Athena for the ROH Women's Championship. Athena mentions that she is not medically cleared, but Lexy Nair reveals that the Board of Directors have made the match official.
We hear from The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo), who talk about Washington, D.C. before plugging Honor Club.
Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) beat Komander and Metalik in an ROH World Tag Team Championship Proving Ground Match. After the match, Undisputed Kingdom continue to attack Komander and Metalik before kicking them out of the ring.
We hear from Mason Madden and Mansoor, who are coming soon to Ring of Honor.
We hear from The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo), who talk about Mount Rushmore. With some digital editing, their own faces show up on Mount Rushmore twice. They then plug Death Before Dishonor.
"Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty vs. Wheeler Yuta in an ROH Pure Championship Proving Ground Match ends in a ten-minute draw. Lee Moriarty earns an opportunity at the ROH Pure Championship.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Ivy Nile. Ivy admits she is nervous, but she is more focused than ever, as Schism (Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler, Jagger Reid, Ava Raine) is a poisonous and dangerous group who needs to be elimianted. Tiffany Stratton shows up and asks why McKenzie is not interviewing her after her first successful title defense. Ivy reminds her that she tapped out, but Tiffany says the referee never saw it. Tiffany asks Ivy if she has anything better to do, and Ivy tells her that luckily for her, she does, and leaves. Tiffany asks McKenzie if Ivy Nile leaves if The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) leave, but to her dissatisfaction, she finds out it is just The Creed Brothers.
We hear from Baron Corbin, who says that last Tuesday sucked after he did not walk out NXT Champion like he thought he would. He says he is sad and pissed off, and that the nostalgia of "The Lone Wolf" was not enough. He says he has everything someone would want, but what he does not have is the reputation, as he is seen as consistent, safe, and good. He feels "good" is an insult when he should be feared and respected, and if he wants to invest in his future, he must bank on the past. He puts mementos of his past gimmicks in a burning crematorium as he does not need a manager and that he did not do this for eight years to go back to the beginning. He says it is time to "burn all the ships" and that there is no going back and "no gimmicks, no nonsense, no bullshit."
Mustafa Ali beats Tyler Bate after crotching Tyler Bate on the top rope and tellling him "There can only be one" before hitting the top rope 450 splash for the win. Afterwards, Mustafa Ali looks into the camera and challenges Wes Lee to a match for the NXT North American Championship.
Backstage, McKenzie interviews Joe Gacy and Ava Raine. Gacy says he would never push a member of Schism (Gacy, Rip Fowler, Jagger Reid, Ava) into something their hearts were not ready for. Ava says The Dyad (Fowler and Reid) are "crucial roots" and that they will win tonight. Gacy says "the right team" will win and push The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) out of NXT, and that tonight, they eliminate a problem from NXT forever.
Kelani Jordan beats Tatum Paxley. After the match, Cora Jade shows up and congratulates Kelani on getting her first match, then mocks Dana Brooke and Kelani Jordan as "gymnasts sticking together" before stating that a friend of Dana Brooke is an enemy of hers, as she does not need any friends, mentors or fans, the last of whom have no effect of her. Kelani says she has a match left in her tonight and that they can go right here, right now. Cora tells Dana and Kelani not to tell her what to do ever, and leaves.
At Chase University, everyone welcomes Andre Chase back. Andre Chase calls Duke Hudson the university's MVP and congratulates him for stepping up and helping the school survive and thrive, then calls Thea Hail "the uncrowned NXT Women's Champion" for making Tiffany Stratton tap out. Chase says Drew Gulak and Charlie Dempsey have tried to poison the minds of the youth of Chase University, and when they attacked Duke Hudson and threatened Thea Hail, he could not take it anymore and he had to do something about it. When someone asks if Gulak and Dempsey will not be guest lecturing anymore, Duke steps up for Chase and tells them they will not be guest lecturing anymore after he and Chase give them "a Chase University-sized ass whupping."
Eddy Thorpe beats Damon Kemp by technical knockout (TKO) and referee stoppage in an NXT Underground Match after ramming Kemp shoulder-first into the ring post and elbowing Kemp repeatedly in the head while in a triangle hold. After the match, Kale Dixon shows up and tries to play around with Gable Steveson's gold medal, and that leads to Steveson suplexing him and multiple people who get in the ring who decide to step up to him.
We hear from Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams. Carmelo says that he and Trick do not take threats lightly, and that Rhea Ripley talked without saying anything. He says that as long as Damian Priest has the Money In The Bank contract, nobody is safe, but it is a different ballgame when someone is playing with him. He dares The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) to come to NXT and follow through on their threat, as he and Trick are judges, jury and executioners.
In prison, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo visits Tony D'Angelo. D'Angelo tells Lorenzo not to play dumb with him before Stacks brings in Joe Coffey. D'Angelo thinks Stacks has betrayed him, but Stacks says that he and Coffey will have a match next week. If he wins, the charges against D'Angelo are dropped. Coffey then says that if he beats Stacks, D'Angelo will be stuck in prison, sent to trial, convicted and put away for a long time. D'Angelo thinks Lorenzo is crazy putting himself in a three-on-one situation , but Stacks - who is amazed that D'Angelo is doubting him - says business is good, envelopes are full and that he is making moves, and that this is his decision and that he will have to live with it. Coffey then mockingly says good-bye to D'Angelo, who is now furious at this point.
Lyra Valkyria beats Jacy Jayne. After the match, Jacy Jayne attacks Lyra Valkyrie, then takes Lyra's wings and tears them apart.
We hear from Noam Dar, who is seen talking to a picture of the NXT Heritage Cup and saying that he misses having it around and that he needs it back in his life. The rest of The Meta-Four (Oro Mensah, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson) show up and say that something needs to be done about this, and carry him away from the picture.
At the office, Kiana James brags about what she did to Gigi Dolin on the phone only to find out her office has been vandalized. Kiana then finds a note saying "You can never outrun your past. Gigi." Kiana says that the gloves now come off.
Von Wagner is suddenly seen attacking Javier Bernal around the ring. Mr. Stone has to tell him not to powerbomb Bernal on the table, as well as not to military press slam him. Von Wagner takes his tanktop off, clears the commentary table and powerbombs Bernal into it. Von Wagner then has the adulation of the crowd. (It is later revealed during the digital exclusive video that Mr. Stone was trying to get Von Wagner to lay off Bernal, as he felt that Wagner's message had already been sent.)
We see another vignette for Bronco Nima and Lucien Price who are debuting in NXT next week.
The Dyad (Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid) beat The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) in a Loser Leaves NXT Match after a masked man in a red hoodie pops out of the crowd and headbutts Julius Creed as Ivy Nile goes after Ava Raine for interfering, which pre-occupies the referee. As per pre-match stipulation, The Creed Brothers must leave NXT.
We hear from Finn Balor, who says that there will be no happy endings for Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams when they meet next week.
We see footage from moments ago during the commercial break of The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) waving goodbye to the NXT fans.
Bron Breakker heads to the ring. He talks about how he competed in the greatest NXT match in history on the most-watched episode in two years after calling out Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, and while they had a war, not one person believed that he had a shot against Rollins until he Speared Rollins in the center of the ring and felt the energy in the arena drop. He says that while Rollins would go on to prove how good he was to the world, he came so close to winning the World Heavyweight Championship after having only 78 matches in his career, which has been here in NXT for the whole world to see every week. He then says that at 25 years old, he proved that he can hang with the best in the business and that he is "that damn good," and he tells people to get used to seeing his face for a long time to come, as he has opponents to beat and championships to collect. As far as what is next for him, he is suddenly interrupted by Ilja Dragunov, who says that he is next. He says he came to confront him like a man and let him know that there is only one person in his way of the NXT Championship: him. After Dragonuv states that he is the most dangerous man in NXT, he knees Bron Breakker in the face, starting a brawl that referees, security and even other wrestliers have to break up as the show fades to black.
Mike gets packed for his return to work at WWE. Mike and Maryse ends up wrestling on the bed, but Maryse puts Mike in a submission hold.
Maryse tells Mike that she got a call from WWE minutes earlier asking her to come back to WWE with Mike on Monday in a non-wrestling role. Maryse is concerned about what to do as she has two kids now, but Mike says they will figure something out. Maryse admits she feels guilty about turning it down, as it feels like she will let down another part of herself if she did.
Mike gets back to focusing on rebuilding his appearance for his return to WWE. Mike and Dolph Ziggler head to a tanning salon.
Maryse gets a call from Tamina Snuka, who is also a working mom in WWE. She asks Tamina for advice, and Tamina recommends she come back and give her daughters something to look up to.
Madison and Monroe help decorate Maryse's ring gear as Maryse shows them what she and Mike do for a living.
Mike and Maryse leave to return to WWE. Maryse feels guilty about leaving her kids in someone else's care, but she feels she is making the right decision. At the hotel, Maryse is worried about her ring gear riding up her buttcrack, but Mike says their return will be amazing. On the ride to the arena, Mike and Maryse wonder how the fans will react to them showing up.
Mike and Maryse make it to the show and catch up with friends backstage. They also read their daughters a book over FaceTime. When Mike and Maryse head to the righ for their promo with Edge, they are given a "Welcome back!" chant.
Mike and Maryse return home. Maryse says she is not going back to wrestling after the injuries she has had, but Mike says that the fans would like to see it.
Kevin Patrick replaces Michael Cole on commentary this week.
Bobby Lashley heads to the ring to start tonight's show. After welcoming everyone to tonight's show, Lashley says he is glad to be the new United States Champion, but the title does not make the man; the man makes the title. He says there is no other man in any division or promotion that can beat him for the title. Suddenly, Austin Theory shows up and takes offense to Lashley kicking the show off, as everyone has been on the edge of their seats to hear from him. He says that while Lashley got his victory, he is the youngest Mr. Money In The Bank in WWE history. Theory says he had the odds stacked against him against seasoned veterans and previous briefcase winners, and while Lashley had him in the first half, he shined brighter than ever in the clutch, grabbed the briefcase and proved he can do this all day. Lashley says he thought Theory was trying to be an arrogant jackass, but it is obvious to him it is second nature to Theory, and says that Theory was only in the match because he shattered his ego. Theory mentions their six-man tag match tonight, then says that compared to Lashley, he is always "making it happen" and he is going to the top with the Money In The Bank contract, especially when he has gotten a rematch for the United States title at SummerSlam. Theory says this is only the start of his SummerSlam plans, because when Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns face each other for the WWE Undisputed Championship, the last man standing is going A-Town Down. Theory says that when that happens, he will become the unified and undisputed WWE Champion at 24 years old, but Lashley tells Theory he forgot about the "if" part and that the fans deserve some fireworks tonight on Independence Day. Theory throws his Money In The Bank briefcase at Lashley and hits him with a cheap shot before hitting him with the briefcase. He goes for one last shot to the gut, but Lashley blocks, counters with a back elbow, and slams him to the mat.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Rey and Dominik Mysterio. Dominik says Finn Balor's comments were disgraceful and disrespectful and that Rey is a great teacher. Rey says he and Dominik were the first father-and-son tag team champions, so he is doing something right. He then says it is his first match in years in San Diego while it is Dominik's first match ever there, they will teach The Judgment Day to respect them in the 619.
Rey and Dominik Mysterio beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and Damian Priest) by disqualification after Rey falls to the mat as Finn Balor has a chair in his hand while Damian Priest tries to distract the referee. When the referee turns around, he sees Rey on the mat and Finn with the chair and disqualifies The Judgment Day.
We see footage of Logan Paul - now signed to WWE and wanting nothing to do with The Miz - training in the WWE Performance Center.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews The Miz, who says that he loves confidence and wild, outlandish statements that make headlines, as this is how Logan Paul has gotten his fanbase, yet he surrounds himself with "yes men." He says that WWE is a different animal and that it can eat someone alive, and that he does not want Logan Paul to make the same mistakes he made. He tells Logan to retract his statement and take his offer to ensure his success. He then says that if Logan Paul does not, he will become relentless and Logan will be humbled. As for his match with AJ Styles last week, he says Styles will be the one quitting tonight when he shows that he has a big manhood.
In backstage footage from earlier today, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) host an Independence Day cookout when Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) show up. Chad Gable questions The Street Profits partying after Saturday's loss and that he does not care about Montez's shoulder being up. After Montez tells Gable to shut up and smacks him with a hot dog, Otis comes to Gable's defense, but Angelo Dawkins says he is a hot dog eating champion while Montez Ford has served in the Marines. Otis says he can hold his own in a hot dog eating contest, then Montez Ford announces a hot dog eating contest.
Backstage, The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Finn Balor) attack Rey and Dominik Mysterio, and officials have to rush in to restore order.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats The Miz. After the match, Styles is attacked by Tommaso Ciampa, but Styles fights back. He goes for a Styles Clash on Ciampa, but Miz hits Styles with a Skull Crushing Finale. Afterwards, Miz and Ciampa shake hands.
Liv Morgan heads to the ring. Liv responds to the "You deserve it!" chants by saying "Thank you, guys, but we deserve it!" She says she is proud to be SmackDown Women's Champion and that all of her dreams came true thanks to one unbelievable night at Money In The Bank. She thanks the fans for getting her through that night and staying with her through every step of her journey, even when it felt like she gave nothing to believe in, as the fans gave her the confidence she needed to become champion in one night. Liv Morgan says that this victory is not just for her, but for the fans. Suddenly, Natalya shows up. Natalya says Liv should be thanking her, as she is the only reason Liv was able to cash in after she destroyed "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey's leg with the Sharpshooter, and instead of taking a thank you, she would rather take her title. Liv says Natalya cannot handle losing to Ronda and that it would make sense for her to go after the giant target on her back, and if Natalya wants a title shot, she knows exactly where to find her. Suddenly, Carmella shows up. Carmella wants to know why Liv and Natalya are on Raw and tells them to go back to SmackDown, then says she finds it shocking that they can share a ring. She then tells them to leave so she can have the spotlight. Liv says all eyes were on Carmella when she lost to Bianca Belair, then tells Carmella to make her get out if she wants her out of the ring. Carmella and Natalya then gang up on Liv in the corner until Bianca Belair runs in. Liv and Bianca get the upper hand on Carmmela and Natalya and stand tall, then WWE official Adam Pearce shows up and makes the brawl a match, with Bianca and Liv vs. Natalya and Carmella happening right now.
Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair beats Natalya and Carmella after Liv boots the Sharpshooter away and hits Natalya with Ob-Liv-Ion.
In footage from earlier today, Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali steal Veer's food, MVP and Omos talk strategy, and people chase after Dana Brooke for the 24/7 Championship. When Reggie runs into Omos, Omos tosses him. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) also meet Ezekiel, who talks about a hot dog eating contest with his two brothers that went wrong. He suddenly inadvertently squirts ketchup on Seth "Freakin'" Rollins' shirt. Rollins suddenly laughs it off, licks the ketchup, then walks off. The Street Profits then make a "Seth Zeke-in' Rollins" joke.
The mysterious vignette from Saturday night is replayed. (Just like on Saturday, certain things can be seen, such as an Olympic gold medal, glasses without lenses, a "Latino Heat" license plate, and Jeff Hardy's sleeves.)
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins beats Ezekiel with The Stomp following a backslide pin. After the match, Rollins goes for another Stomp on Ezekiel, but he is hit with an RKO out of nowhere by Matt Riddle.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Angelo Dawkins and Otis have a hot dog eating contest. Otis wins 23 to 22...almost. Akira Tozawa wins with 48 hot dogs. Austin Theory reminds Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) they have a six-man tag match after Otis says he does not feel well.
Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Austin Theory and Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) in a six-man tag match. After the match, Otis almost throws up in Chad Gable's face, and Gable has to help Otis to the back.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Becky Lynch, who says she is "mad as hell" ever since Asuka has come back and that everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Becky says she is a fighter, and that a no-holds-barred match with Asuka means that she will not hold back. She says that while no one is ready for Asuka, Asuka is not ready for "No Holds Barred Becky."
R-Truth heads to the ring dressed as Uncle Sam for a Fourth of July celebration. R-Truth starts some "USA" chants, then introduces himself as Uncle Sam before stating that today is his favorite holiday, and that they will honor those brave American heroes who saves the Earth from the alien invasion in 1996. After the brief reference to Independence Day from 1996, he reads his favorite part of the United States Constitution - another Independece Day reference - Ludwig Kaiser shows up to introduce Gunther as "a man worthy of celebration." R-Truth starts some more "USA" chants before Gunther smackst he wig off R-Truth's head. This leads to a match.
Gunther quickly beats R-Truth.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Alexa Bliss, who is genuinely happy for Liv Morgan. She then realizes that it is time for championship gold of her own, then Asuka shows up and says she will beat Becky Lynch and become the next Raw Women's Champion.
Becky Lynch beats Asuka in a no-holds-barred match.
This week on Raw Talk: Bianca Belair! Matt Riddle! Damian Priest!
This week's episode is a "best-of" episode centered around "The Darewolf" PJ Black.
"The Darewolf" PJ Black talks about his love for extreme sports - especially skydiving and BASE jumping - as well as learning to be a Reiki practitioner, reading books and cooking
"The Darewolf" PJ Black vs. "The Last Real Man" Silas Young at Honor For All 2019
"The Darewolf" PJ Black vs. Bandido from March 16, 2019
"The Darewolf" PJ Black vs. Triton vs. "The Mercenary" Flip Gordon from Global Wars Espectacular 2019
"The Darewolf" PJ Black talking about taking Brian Johnson under his wing, and saying that he cannot wait to be back in an ROH ring
This episode is a "best-of" episode that revisits the March 14, 2020 episode. Highlights and matches include:
Jordan Clearwater vs. Zicky Dice, and Zicky Dice's post-match promo
Lacey Ryan vs. Vipress in Match 3 of the Best of Seven Series between Lacey Ryan and Heather Monroe
Backstage, John Roberts interviews Anthony Idol, who says that the PP3 Cup represents a huge opportunity for him and that he cares more about breaking Ray Rosas in half than Rosas' cynicism.
The Wolf Zaddies (Che Cabrera and Bad Dude Tito) vs. Vermin (Johnny Yuma and Kevin Martenson) in a Loser Leaves Town Match
Catrina heads to the casket to Fenix and kisses Fenix on the lips in order to come back to life. Catrina is wearing a red dress when she leaves.
In the locker room, Melissa Santos is on her cellphone looking at pictures of herself with Fenix. Suddenly, Catrina shows up and tells her she is never coming back, as he gave his life for the woman who truly loves him: her. In exchange for Fenix's power, she gives Melissa Santos her half of the pendant, saying it kept her from dying and that she never felt more alive after Fenix's sacrifice.
It is announced that Famous B has undergove several surgeries following the attack from Jake Strong two weeks ago and could be facing amputation of his injured leg, and that well-wishes can be sent to Famous B's voicemail at (423) GET-FAME.
"The Savage" Jake Strong beats Big Bad Steve with the ankle lock. After the match, Strong hits Steve with a gut wrench powerbomb on the outside before taking his bandanna.
In the office, Antonio Cueto is having a drink when King Cuerno suddenly shows up. Cueto knows that Cuerno has the Gauntlet, and Cuerno responds by saying that the Gauntlet was stolen from him and that he does not know where it is. Cueto tells him that the Gauntlet is dangerous if in the wrong hands, and Cuerno says that whoever has the Gauntlet has the power to become a god. He asks why else he could have stolen it from Mil Muertes only to have someone steal it from him, and thinks that Mil Muertes was the one to do it. Antonio says only the gods know if he is telling them the truth, and offers the ancient Aztec medallion of his tribe in return for the Gauntlet as well as an opportunity to compete for the Gift of the Gods Championship. Also, since Antonio says he is feeling generous, he will also give him a chance against Chavo Guerrero Jr. for eliminating him from Aztec Warfare. Suddenly, the door opens, and Cage enters the office. Cage tells Antonio he saw what he did to Pentagon Dark last week, and tonight, he wants to get the job done. Antonio tells Cage he is an impatient man, but Cuerno simply laughs and says he is the man while Cage is a machine. Antonio tells Cage that he does not deserve a title shot just because he attacked him, and if he wants a title shot, he has to start by winning one of the seven Aztec medallions next week in a revenge match against Mil Muertes.
The Worldwide Underground (Taya and Johnny Mundo) beat The Reptile Tribe (Daga and Kobra Moon) following the assist from "The Darewolf" PJ Black. After the match, Vibora shows up, and while The Worldwide Underground take him on, Vibora outmatches them. The Reiple Tribe then choke out Taya and PJ Black while Mundo escapes, and Kobra Moon tells Mundo he will bouw down to her and call her his queen.
Antonio Cueto enters the cell of Matanza Cueto, where Matanza is seen beating on a man. Antonio tells Matanza it is time for his first sacrifice, and to come with him.
Before the next match, Antonio Cueto tells Mr. Pectacular that this might be his first - and last - singles match, as his match tonight will be something that has never been done before in Lucha Underground: a sacrifice to the gods. He tells Mr. Pectacular that he is the sacrifice, and the god is his son Matanza Cueto.
"The Monster" Matanza Cueto quickly beats Mr. Pectacular. After the match, the lights go out with a flash of thunder, and when they come back on, Mr. Pectacular is gone.
King Cuerno beats Chavo Guerrero Jr. to earn one of the seven acient Aztec medallions.
We see footage from earlier today of Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otiz Dozovic) training at the Performance Center. As Otis Dozovic speaks into the camera, Tucker Knight is suddenly attacked by an unknown assailant.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up. Baszler says everyone has asked her how to handle someone like Nikki Cross. She says that when the dog goes rabid, you put it to sleep. She says people asked the question, and at TakeOver: Chicago II, she answered. She then says she is the most dominant force in the Women's division, and no matter how you ask the question, the answer will always be the same. After naming off some people she has yet to face, she says that the answer is always the same. After saying she is the reason why a second Mae Young Classic was made, she says that the answer will always be the same and that she will still be the NXT Women's Champion.
Cathy Kelley interviews Danny Burch. As Burch calls NXT TakeOver: Chicago II the culmination of 25 years of work even if Oney Lorcan got hurt and they came up a little short, The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) shows up as Burch announces that Lorcan has had surgery and will be back in about three months. Strong tells Burch that even if Oney Lorcan fully recovers, they are the back of the line while The Undisputed Era is at the front. O'Reilly says that next week, they are invoking their rematch clause for the NXT Tag Team Championships, and Adam Cole tells Burch that he is "kind of a loser." Burch reminds The Undisputed Era aren't doing so well right now and that he pinned Kyle O'Reilly before last week's UK special, then Adam Cole accuses Burch and Oney Lorcan of having inflated egos ever since Burch got a shot at the NXT North American Championship. Burch then challenges Cole to a match next week. Cole, not taking the challenge seriously, accepts.
Aleister Black defends the NXT Championship against Tommaso Ciampa in three weeks!
The Mighty (Shane Thorne and Nick Miller) beat Otis Dozovic in a two-on-one handicap match.
We see a video from earlier this week where Bianca Belair - on her honeymoon - says she is the only woman worthy of a Women's title shot and doubts that the rest of the Women's division will catch up to her level.
We see footage from earlier today where Kairi Sane says Vanessa Bourne should focus more on fighting before challenging Bourne to a match, saying she iwll beat her, make her walk the plank, and go on to win the NXT Women's Championship.
Next week: Kairi Sane vs. Vanessa Bourne! Danny Burch vs. Adam Cole!
Velveteen Dream beats Chris Dijak. After the match, Ethan Carter III shows up. Velveteen Dream flees as EC3 confronts him for leaving him high and dry at NXT United Kingdom Championship.
Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) are interviewed. Tyler Bate says the only joke is The Undisputed Era running their mouths, and Trent Seven says they beat The Undisputed Era once for the NXT tag team titles and that they can do it again and retain the titles.
Next week: The Undisputed Era (Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly) vs. Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) for the NXT Tag Team Championships! Aleister Black live!
Johnny Gargano beats Ethan Carter III after a draping DDT following two Garga-No Escape attempts and a running exposed knee not unlike Tommaso Ciampa's.
Titus O'Neil is calling Akira Tozawa on the phone, telling him he will be paid when he wins at Battleground. As he does, he meets with Ariya Daivari and Mustafa Ali, trying to get them to join Titus Worldwide.
Titus O'Neil shows up to start tonight's show. He hypes up the Cruiserweight title bout between Akira Tozawa and Neville at Battleground, and says that Neville will be no match for the power of Tozawa. Suddenly, Neville shows up. Neville says Titus has become a charismatic leader, but says all of it is a fantasy. We see video footage of what happened to Apollo Crews last night against Braun Strowman, and tells Titus he fed Apollo Crews to a monster - which leads to "You're not Strowman" chants from the crowd - and says that Titus does not care about Apollo Crews or Akira Tozawa, only money. Neville then tells Titus he can either prove him wrong and show compassion by forfeiting the match, or he can sit at commentary and watch what happens, as he will make an example out of Lince Dorado tonight. Titus O'Neil then guests on commentary for the next match.
Neville beats Lince Dorado with the Rings of Saturn.
TJP is in the locker room when Rich Swann shows up, wanting to know why they have a match. TJP says he has thought about what Rich Swann has said, and decides to give him a little friendly competition. Rich Swann says he will not go easy on him.
"Gentleman" Jack Gallagher beats "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese when Nese tries to fake a tweaked ankle only to get caught when he comes out of playing possum. After the match, Revolutionary War music plays, and The Brian Kendrick shows up on the TitanTron, making fun of Great Britain's Revolutionary War losses and comparing them to losses in Gallagher's career losses. Kendrick then says that he will defeat Gallagher once and for all, and that this revolution will be televised.
Noam Dar is checked on by a trainer. Thankfully, his neck is okay as long as he ices it. Alicia Fox is also back with him, but she is still concerned with Cedric Alexander. Alicia Fox says it is apparently not over between them and Cedric, and it will only end when Cedric quits 205 Live.
Rich Swann beats TJP. Both men show respect after the match.
John Cena returns to WWE for the first time since WrestleMania to start tonight's show. Cena asks if we missed him, then brings up the fact that today is Independence Day in America, and talks about how the WWE Superstars get in the ring every to compete to be the best. He address talk that he is a part-timer by saying he is an all-timer, and if his time in WWE is limited, he is going out in a blaze of glory. After namedropping big SmackDown Live names, he says that if you line them up, he will knock them down. Cena says he is a man who works harder than anyone else and has nothing to lose. Suddenly, Rusev shows up for the first time in months with a Bulgarian flag, and reminds everyone that he got hurt before addressing the fact that Cena has been gone for a while, and that Cena got comeback commercials and he did not. Rusev says he has waited for opportunity, but he will wait not longer, and will not let Cena take opportunity from him. He then goes on to call Cena's comeback and the United States a joke. Cena dares him to get in the ring, and Rusev says that on Bulgaria's independence day, they march and show their strength, while America sits around and eats hot dogs during theirs. After Cena says that America fights to give everyone a voice and is not afraid to stand up for what it believes in, he challenges Rusev to a flag match. Rusev accepts, but says they will fight on his time and his terms. As Rusev leaves, Cena stars a "USA" chant.
General Manager Daniel Bryan talks with Chad Gable and AJ Styles. He tells them that Kevin Owens does not want either of them in his Independence Day battle royal, and proposes that both of them face off in a "win and you're in" match. Both men agree, and the intensity between both men rises immediately with AJ Styles saying he is not afraid of a little competition only for Gable to tell him he is more than a little competition. The match starts after the commercial break.
AJ Styles beats Chad Gable to continue on to the Independence Day Battle Royal. After the match, Styles helps Gable up, then nods at him and leaves.
Zack Ryder meets up with Mojo Rawley, who is in the locker room and is still down about last week. He tells him that they are both in the Independence Day Battle Royal, and Mojo thanks him for the opportunity. Zack tells Mojo he will see him out there.
Carmella and James Ellsworth show up. Elssworth says he is cancelling Independence Day because they are celebrating a "Carmellabration." She laughs about retaining the Money In The Bank briefcase and shoves it in the fans' faces, saying they can't always get what they want. As she talks about how she has everything she wants, she also mentions Naomi, and Naomi shows up with a new light-up SmackDown women's title. Carmella may be the winner of the briefcase, but she is the champion, and she will keep an eye out for her. As for Ellsworth, she brings out Daniel Bryan, who immediately bars Ellsworth from the arena, fines him $10,000 and suspends him for 30 days. Also, if he does not leave right now, or if he breaks any of the rules for any reason, Carmella will be stripped of the Money In The Bank briefcase and contract. Carmella and Ellsworth run away immediately.
Naomi retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Lana by submission in mere seconds. After the match, Tamina shows up and tells Lana to get up and come with her to the back.
Dasha Fuentes is about to interview "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura when Baron Corbin attacks him from behind. Nakamura fights back, and referees leap quickly into place to separate both men.
John Cena vs. Rusev in a Flag Match is official for Battleground.
It is time for the rap battle between The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) with special guest judge Wale. Both sides show up with their own entourages. During the rap battle, Woods tells The Usos that they should be carrying bags for Roman Reigns. This hits a nerve with The Usos, who attack The New Day. Wale disqualifies them, and The New Day wins the rap battle.
Titus O'Neil advertises that Titus Worldwide is taking over 205 Live tonight.
Aiden English sings, but he is quickly interrupted by Randy Orton before their match. Aiden then asks if Randy is finished, because he wasn't done. He then sings.
Aiden English beats Randy Orton by disqualification after Orton hits English with the steel steps outside of the ring. After the match, Orton hits English with an RKO, then Jinder Mahal shows up with The Singh Brothers (Sunil and Samir Singh) and raises the WWE Championship up. He calls America "the land of prejudice and the home of ignorance" due to how the fans treat him, but reminds them he is still their WWE Champion. Jinder says he would put all the fans in a Punjabi Prison and beat them with respect if he could, and says he will destroy Orton and his legacy at Battleground to prove he is the Modern Day Maharaja. Before Jinder can speak in Punjabi, however, Orton interrupts, telling Jinder he has no advantage over him at Battleground and that nobody likes him not because of who he is or what he looks like, but because he is a jackass.
Tyler Breeze dresses up as "Tenee Young" and tries to get strategies from "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger for the upcoming Independence Day Battle Royal. Fandango is seen dressed up as a construction worker in the background as Dillinger gives the usual strategies for a battle royal. Breeze and Fandango are convinced their disguises were perfect afterwards.
Renee Young, somewhat flattered by the previous interview, interviews Mike and Maria Kanellis. They say love is ageless and timeless, and everybody wants it but does not always get it. As Mike puts Maria on a pedestal, they are interrupted accidentally by Sami Zayn, who knocks something down as he is stretching. Sami Zayn apologizes and says he is a fan of their message, and after a reference to Huey Lewis and the News' "The Power of Love," he finds out he is late for his match and hightails it out of there. Mike and Maria are convinced that their moment has been ruined.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match.
AJ Styles wins the Independence Day Battle Royal to become #1 contender for the WWE United States Championship at Battleground, lastly eliminating Sami Zayn. Kevin Owens attacks Styles after the match, but Styles fights back and goes for the Styles Clash only for Owens to run away.
On Talking Smack, Naomi talks about her new glowing SmackDown Women's Championship.
Tonight's show starts with a July 4th party from earlier today. The Vaudevillains ruin the proceedings with Aiden English singing the Declaration of Independence. English gets food thrown at him, but Miz and Maryse put an end to the food fight. After saying that SmackDown is going live on July 19th and saying that today isn't about food fights, Miz and Maryse get food thrown at them too, which starts a food fight. This ends with Kane and Big Show almost getting into a choke slam battle before Heath Slater gets involved and ends up being the one choke slammed into a table. Everyone laughs about it and leaves, then Kevin Owens, shows up and says this would never happen on Canada Day. He is then hit in the face with a pie, which makes Owens mad.
Lillian Garcia sings The Star Spangled Banner.
Rusev retains the WWE United States Championship against Titus O'Neil with the Accolade, then puts him in a second Accolade for a few seconds. Rusev then mocks the crowd.
The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) are on this month's issue of Latina Magazine!
The Social Outcasts (Heath Slater, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel) are dressed like Revolutionary War Minutemen on the way to the ring. Before they can tell us why, Enzo Amore and Big Cass show up. Enzo then names all the Presidents of the United States of American in chronological order, which would probably make Bob Backlund proud.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass beat The Social Outcasts (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel).
Charlotte and Dana Brooke are in the ring. Charlotte says jealousy is the strongest human emotion, and says everyone is jealous because she's become the best in everything she does and the proof is around her waist. She says Sasha Banks is jealous and that all she can aspire to is her fans, and that chants don't pay bills. She says that Sasha Banks is all hype. Sasha Banks then shows up, and tells Charlotte she may be champion, but she'll never be her and that she still hasn't beaten her this year yet. She says she will dominate when she ges in the ring with her, but Charlotte says she's delusional. Charlotte says the one-year anniversary of their debuts is coming up, and that she's been champ nearly the entire time. After Sasha tells Charlotte what a Boss really is, Dana goes for a cheap shot but it quickly taken care of. Charlotte hits Sasha with a big boot, but Sasha fights back with a Backstabber and a Banks Statement before Dana drags Charlotte out of the ring.
The Miz says his designer suit was ruined in the food fight earlier tonight. He then dedicates the next match to Maryse, who "cleans up very well" and recently celebrated St. Jean-Baptiste's Day.
Dean Ambrose beats The Miz. After the match, Seth Rollins shows up for his match as Dean leaves, and the two have a brief staredown. Before Dean leaves, his music plays and he returns to guest on commentary for the next match (and speak with the Spanish commentators both before and after the break).
Brock Lesnar's SummerSlam opponent will be announced this Thursday on SmackDown.
Seth Rollins beats Dolph Ziggler, then Seth Rollins grabs a microphone, stands on a commentary table and says this match leaves no doubt who the best man in The Shield is. He calls Roman Reigns' career a joke, and says Roman shouldn't be in the Triple Threat Match or the WWE Draft. As Seth Rollins says the fans are just like Reigns in that they cut corners and have never put effort into their lives, Dean Ambrose stands on a commentary table, and Seth says Dean stole the WWE Championship and his life from him and that he will beat Dean and Roman and take the title back at Battleground. Dean says Seth can have the title right now, and after he tosses it to him, Dean brawls with Seth before hitting Dirty Deeds on one of the commentary tables.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman) say that The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) come from a world that doesn't exist, and that the power of positivity doesn't exist. Wyatt says the pains of reality are constant, and invites The New Day to come to their world so they can deliver the truth to them: that the power of positivity is a fairy tale and that fear is real.
Vickie Guerrero makes a surprise appearance and wants to become the General Manager for SmackDown, saying that Kane, John Laurinaitis and Teddy Long aren't fit for the role. Security forces her off the top of the entrance ramp, however.
Dolph Ziggler lies to security, saying he's never met Vickie Guerrero in his life.
Big Show talks to Team USA (Zack Ryder, Apollo Crews, Kane, Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley, Mark Henry, Jack Swagger) and tells them that even though they don't get alone, they have to unite for their match.
The Cruiserweight Classic is this Wednesday at 9 PM Eastern/8 PM Central on the WWE Network.
Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) are in the VIP lounge at ringside for the next match.
The Golden Truth (R-Truth and Goldust) beat The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch).
As part of helping Darren Young live a problem-free life, Bob Backlund gives Darren Young permission to use the Cross Face Chicken Wing.
John Cena shows up to address The Club (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson). Cena says that AJ Styles can't stand on his own two feet and instead has to lean on the shoulders of The Club. He now finds himself looking over his shoulder, even though he's still standing. He then calls out The Club, and The Club appears. AJ Styles says Cena is upset because things aren't going his way, and says that they not only run Tokyo, but soon the WWE...but they have to get rid of him first. He says The Club is his insurance policy, and that they're not going anywhere. Styles says nobody will help Cena, because Cena has put himself on an island that nobody can relate to. He then says that The Club will beat up John Cena every time he comes out here, because they're the only ones with the balls to do it. They then make fun of beating up John Cena, then head down to the ring to do it. As they beat up John Cena, Enzo Amore and Big Cass fight off The Club, and the odds are evened. Cena, Enzo and Big Cass clean house.
The Shining Stars (Primo and Epico) want us to come to Puerto Rico again.
Becky Lynch vs. Natalya is official for Battleground.
Becky Lynch beats Summer Rae with the Disarmher as Natalya watches the match from backstage.
The Multi-National Alliance (Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Alberto Del Rio, Kalisto, Sin Cara, Sheamus, Kevin Owens) can't get on the same page in the locker room, and the faces and heels in the team can't get along.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass advertise the $5 Sonic Boom Box.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) show up and make fun of The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman), but say they like the Wyatts and that they Wyatts like them too. After all, how else would they invite them to their compound. Suddenly, The Wyatt Family appear on the TitanTron, and tell them they can either march into the mouth of the machine with their jokes, or they can come into their world and face them. The New Day accept their challenge, but Xavier Woods has to remind them that the Wyatts are dangerous, and if they treat this like it's fun and games, The New Day may not survive.
John Cena, Enzo Amore and Big Cass will take on The Club (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) at Battleground.
Team USA (Zack Ryder, Apollo Crews, Kane, Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley, Mark Henry, Jack Swagger) beats The Multi-National Alliance (Chris Jericho, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Alberto Del Rio, Kalisto, Sin Cara, Sheamus, Kevin Owens) in a 16-man elimination match.
Dalton Castle beats Takaaki Watanabe. After the match, he says that he's the only real man in Ring of Honor after Best in the World. Not surprisingly, this raises the ire of Silas Young, who approaches the entrance ramp while being held back by several officials.
Nigel McGuinness introduces Jay Lethal, who comes down to the ring along with Truth Martini, J Diesel and Donovan Dijak. McGuinness congratulates Lethal, and Martini says that history was made at Best in the World as the world's greatest first-generation wrestler conquered Jay Briscoe. As for Lethal himself, he says what he's been saying the whole time: he is the best in the world. Before Lethal leaves, McGuinness asks Lethal which title he will vacate - the World Television title or the actual World title. Lethal has no plans of vacating either title, and that if he has to defend both titles on the same night in two separate matches, he'll do it. Next week on television, he defends against Mark Briscoe, and Lethal plans to destroy him. As for Death Before Dishonor on July 24th, he plans to retain against Roderick Strong. Roderick Strong shows up and tells Lethal he plans to walk out of the event as the new World champ.
Roderick Strong says that he now has not only the title shot that he wanted, but that he earned. He plans to take the World title from Jay Lethal at Death Before Dishonor.
Next week: Adam Page faces "Reborn" Matt Sydal. Page plans to use him as example of what he'll do to ACH at Death Before Dishonor.
Before the next match, Maria Kanellis knows that Adam Cole is upset after what happened in Best in the World, but says it's not his fault and takes full responsibility, saying that she believes in him, and that this Kingdom will never fall.
"Unbreakable" Michael Elgin and reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) beat The Kingdom (Adam Cole, Matt Taven, Michael Bennett). To the surprise of Taven, Bennett and Maria Kanellis, Cole raises O'Reilly arm after they shake hands, and leaves without the rest of The Kingdom.
Bo Dallas whines that he lost a hero when The Rock gave him a Rock Bottom and a People's Elbow this past week at a live event in Boston, Massachusetts. He then says that heroes can still exist if the WWE Universe can turn their miserable lives around by listening to what he says.
