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.
Tony Schiavone introduces Tommaso Ciampa to the ring to start tonight's show. Ciampa has Schiavone once again declare that he is better than Chris Jericho, and insists that Schiavone do it under the pain of breaking his back like he did Jericho when Schiavone protests. Jericho shows up when Schiavone is almost done with the declaration. Ciampa asks Jericho what he has to say for himself, and Jericho wants to know who he has to talk to so he can wrestle somebody with hair, then admits that this was uncalled for. After Jericho calls Ciampa "Tommy," much to Ciampa's irritation, this leads to a "Tommy's Mommy" joke. Jericho asks Ciampa why he actually hates him, mocking his list as well as how Ciampa's face looks. Ciampa asks if this is a joke, and Jericho says it is no joke that he left him laying. Jericho then says Ciampa hates him because he is not Chris Jericho, stating that Ciampa had a strong debut only for him to return and feel like none of it matteed, then tells Ciampa to pull the stick out of his ass before he shoves it up even further. This leads to a brawl that has to be broken up.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Don Callis and "The Jet" Kevin Knight. Andrade el Idolo shows up, stating that he wants the World title, yet Kevin Knight wants it to. He tells Knight to get to the back of the line. Knight tells Andrade to watch him and how he handles business in the ring before he and Don Callis leave.
Jon Moxley retains the AEW Continental Championship against Shane Taylor by submission with the bulldog choke. After the match, Taylor hits Moxley with a knockout punch, then whips Moxley in the back with a leather belt handed to him by "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo. Daniel Garcia shows up to attack Bravo, but is attacked by "The Captain" Shawn Dean. Trish Adora stops Marina Shafir with a shinai as "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty also takes part in the attack outside outside of the ring.
Don Callis introduces "The Jet" Kevin Knight to the ring. Knight says everybody is upset with him when they should be upset at Darby Allin not getting the job done against MJF, and they should be upset at "Speedball" Mike Bailey for breaking up JetSpeed. He then says that the fans are not mad about he and Don Callis linking up and him being TNT Champion, and says that while "the bums in the back" love to wrestle for stars, Don Callis signed him up. He then calls out MJF. Instead of getting MJF, however, Knight gets Darby, who shows up from behind and smacks Knight with a skateboard before going on the attack. Darby says he hopes it was worth it for Knight, then flees through the crowd and out through the back door when the rest of the Don Callis Family shows up.
Mark Briscoe meets with Tony Khan at gorilla position before the next match.
Mark Briscoe beats PAC with the Jay Driller after getting the knees up for a top rope Shooting Star Press. After the match, Briscoe calls out MJF, saying he now has a direct path to a title shot and telling MJF to head to the ring so he can explain it to him. MJF does not show up until after the commercial break, but he is in the crowd, and he tells Briscoe he is the final word and the law here, and refuses to give Briscoe a World title shot. He says that a rising tide lifts all ship and that he is the rising tide of the company, and if Briscoe came near him, he would be nothing more than an anchor. MJF says that the fans should be cheering him for protecting the AEW World Championship from Briscoe, then says friends like The Conglomeration are "stupid" and "a liability," while he has money and "money talks." Briscoe is then attacked from behind by The Lethal Twist, who has been paid off by MJF. Briscoe fights back against The Lethal Twist, but the numbers game takes over. The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong, Tomohiro Ishii)shows up and makes the save for Briscoe, who then tells MJF that he spoke to Tony Khan and got a six-on-six tag main event match for Forbidden Door in a steel cage. If he wins, he gets his title shot against MJF. Andrade el Idolo then shows up for the next match against Orange Cassidy.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
Andrade el Idolo beats Orange Cassidy. After the match, Andrade asks the fans "How you know?"
In backstage footage from last week, Will Ospreay says that Mark Davis has gotten stronger since their last match, yet nothing is stopping him from winning the Men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. As he says that he owes this to The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, Daniel Garcia, "The Problem" Marina Shafir), Alex Windsor rushes up to Ospreay and hugs him.
Backstage, we hear from a very raspy Jox Moxley. He cannot speak much before "The Problem" Marina Shafir tells Trish Adora that she can bring multiple weapons and it still will not be enough to take her down. Daniel Garcia likes the idea, and challenges Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor. "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo, Trish Adora) to a five-on-five Street Fight on Collision. He hopes Shane Taylor picked his friends carefully, as they have followed him straight to Hell.
Maya World beats Skye Blue with a jackknife pin in an upset win to advance in the Women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. (Maya World replaces Sarreee, who is not cleared to compete in the tournament after suffering a neck injury in Japan. Maya World, despite being offered time off to be with family following the sudden death of her brother, has elected to wrestling tonight in honor of her brother.)
We hear from Zack Sabre Jr., who talks about his win against Nigel McGuinness at last years' Forbidden Door and wants a match against Kenny Omega in the United States for the first time.
Backstage, we hear from The Don Callis Family. Callis is interrupted by MJF, who has a talk with Callis regarding the six-on-six steel cage match at Forbidden Door. Callis refuses at first, but MJF gives him a briefcase full of cash. Callis gives him five picks. "The Jet" Kevin Knight volunteers on the condition that he gets another World title shot, and MJF agrees on the condition that if Knight loses, there will not be another rematch. As the family leaves, Andrade wants to know about his title shot, and Callis gives Andrade his word that he will get a shot at the World Championship.
Swerve Strickland beats Brody King to advance in the Men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament after Swerve nearly sends Brody into referee Aubrey Edwards, whose dodge out of the way allows Prince Nana to hit Brody from the outside.
The show starts with Jasper Troy attacking Oba Femi in the parking lot and choke slamming him into the windshield of a car.
"All Ego" Ethan Page retains the NXT North American Championship against "Super" Sean Legacy after hitting Legacy with Twisted Grin when Legacy misses with the springboard 450 splash. After the match, Ethan is attacked by Ricky Saints, and their brawl goes to the back.
Backstage, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, meet with General Manager Ava, wanting to build some rancor as well as wanting to know who "the new girl" is. Lainey Reid shows up, slaps Jacy, and wants a title shot. Jacy says it does not work that way, but Lainey says she has nothing to lose and slaps Jacy again. Ava removes Lainey from the room, then Jacy demands a match with Lainey with the NXT Women's Championship on the line.
In footage from earlier today on Instagram, Sol Ruca and Zaria are in the locker room when Lash Legend argues with Wren Sinclair and Kelani Jordan.
Backstage, Shawn Spears meets with Niko Vance and Izzi Dame. Izzi says that there is no room for half-assedness in The Culling (Spears, Izzi, Vance) and that Brooks Jensen not only looked and acted differently from them, dressing differently from them and rolling his eyes during talk about family, he also dropped the ball. Shawn Spears and Niko Vance thank Izzi for her efforts, with Shawn trusting Izzi's judgment and Niko calling this "a new beginning." Izzi then states that she has her eye on something.
Psycho Clown and Octagon Jr. are seen in the front row.
The Culling (Shawn Spears and Niko Vance) beat Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura.
Backstage, General Manager Ava talks to Ricky Saints regarding his attack on "All Ego" Ethan Page. Saints coughs, and Ava tells him that she can still see the bruising on his neck and tells him to rest at home.
Backstage, Oba Femi is still being checked on in medical. As Oba is being held back in the medical room, Chase University (Andre Chase, Kale Dixon, Uriah Connors) regroup. Andre Chase says they will do things his way, and that it is time to go back to class.
We see a vignette for "The Glamour" Mariah May. We see Mariah May getting ready in the bathroom, then we find out her name in WWE is Blake Monroe.
Kelani Jordan guests on commentary for the next match.
Lash Legend beats Wren Sinclair.
We hear from Lainey Reid, who says that she did not wait to become a rodeo champion or record-breaking track athlete. She says that she is taking opportunities and that she will shock the world when she beats Jacy Jayne - who she considers the most beatable champion in NXT - and becomes NXT Women's Champion.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Jasper Troy, who says that he knew what he was doing when he attacked Oba Femi and knows that Oba Femi will still enter the ring to defend the NXT Championship tonight.
Jacy Jayne retains the NXT Women's Championship against Lainey Reid following the distraction from Fallon Henley. After the match, General Manager Ava shows up on the balcony and declares that next week, there will be four singles matches. The winners will advance to a Fatal 4-Way on June 24th, and the winner of that match will face Jacy for the NXT Women's Championship at Evolution. Members of the NXT women's locker room are seen around the ring and in the crowd.
Backstage, Josh Briggs is furious as he and Yoshiki Inamura talk about their loss when Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and KC Navarro) show up and introduce themselves. KC Navarro says the NXT Tag Team Championships will look better on them. Inamura finds Fir$t Class annoying, then AJ Francis says he has taken over this locker room before and will do it again. Elijah then shows up and says if it were not for Fir$t Cla$$, the Total Nonstop Action World Championship would be back in Total Nonstop Action. Fir$t Cla$$ then leave.
Backstage, Luca Crusifino takes a phone call, and when Tony D'Angelo shows up, Crusifino says he will do something that will make D'Angelo trust him before they head to the ring for their match.
Backstage, Tavion Heights meets with Myles Borne when Charlie Dempsey and Wren Sinclair show up. Charlie Dempsey wishes Myles good luck and shakes his hand, and Myles thanks Dempsey for shaping him into who he is today. Je'Von Evans shows up, then Tavion Heights wants a shot at Dempsey. Dempsey says he is not ready, but Je'Von is surprised by this. Dempsey then tries desperately to call what is left of No Quarter Catch Crew (Dempsey, Tavion, Sinclair) a team.
Mr. Iguana, La Yezca and El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. are seen in the front row.
The High Ryze (Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe) beat The D'Angelo Family (Tony D'Angelo and Luca Crusifino) after Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo tries and fails to beat up D'Angelo only for D'Angelo to catch Crusifino with Stacks' crowbar. When D'Angelo gets mad at Crusifino, The High Ryze take advantage with a double team and get the win.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Trick Williams. Trick Williams says that he does not care what anyone has to say, then tells Mike Santana that he lied to his daughter's face before telling Elijah to get music lessons and learn to squat. He then mentions the six-man tag match where he teams with Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and KC Navarro) against Yoshiki Inamura, Josh Briggs and Elijah, saying that he will dogwalk Elijah again.
Oba Femi retains the NXT Championship against Jasper Troy despite the attack from the start of the show.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Drew says he is focused on nothing but right now, then asks who is ready for a new world champion at Clash at the Castle. He says he is ready for Damian Priest, but he knows The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) will be "scurrying right behind him." It does not take long for Priest, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh to show up, and Priest says Drew is still making excuses before telling him that Drew made this personal between them, not him, and that the world title is his, not The Judgment Day's. Priest tells Drew that he is heading into his territory in front of his people and that he will put him down, and as much as he loves The Judgment Day, he does not need them or anybody to be champion, as he is champion because he is Damian Priest. Drew says that is a fine speech, but he does not give a damn what he has to say, as the World Heavyweight Championship is his and The Judgment Day are his only chance of beating him. Priest proposes a match between Finn Balor and Drew, and if Drew can beat him, The Judgment Day is barred from ringside at Clash at the Castle. If Drew loses, however, they will have the honor and privilege of watching him beat Drew in his own home from ringside. Drew says he respects a man who is willing to dig his own grave, then says that he will beat Finn Balor and hopes that Priest will shake his hand after he embarrasses and humiliates him to become World Heavyweight Champion.
Backstage, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio runs into Liv Morgan in the Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik, JD McDonagh) clubhouse. Liv says she wants to see Dominik at the hotel later, but Dominik says he wants nothing to do with her. Liv says a man like Dominik should not be with a woman who wants him to call her "Mami," and should have a girl who is willing to call her "Daddy." She then hands Dominik a hotel room key in case he changes his mind.
We see footage of Damian Priest and Zelina Vega in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City.
Iyo Sky beats Lyra Valkyria when Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane break up the pinfall from the outside when Lyra hits Nightwing and Iyo scores a cruficix pin when Lyra tries to hit the move a second time. After the match, Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane attack Lyra Valkyria, and Iyo Sky joins in. Suddenly, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance show up make the save for Lyra.
Backstage, Finn Balor, JD McDonagh and Carlito meet in The Judgment Day (Finn, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) clubhouse when they notice Dominik, who then tells them what is going on with Liv Morgan and shows them the hotel room key.
Backstage, The Miz runs into Sami Zayn as he looks from R-Truth. Sami says he has not seen him, and The Miz says things that are not good happen when R-Truth is alone before he leaves. Sami then meets Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa, and he apologizes to them for getting them caught up in the middle of his feud with Chad Gable and reminds them that they do not have to take abuse from Gable. All of a sudden, Otis shows up, and Sami tells Otis he will see him in the ring. Otis stops Sami and says he lost it, but Sami says Otis does not have to explain himself. Otis says he had it all at one time, but he soon lost it all, and when he did, Chad Gable was there. He says that Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa) is his family, and without Gable, he is nothing. Sami says this is what Gable wants Otis to think, and asks him if he knows how special he is and how special he could be, and hopes that one day, Oti scan see it for himself.
At The Judgment Day clubhouse, (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) Damian Priest shows up with knowledge of Liv Morgan and the hotel room key. Carlito, JD McDonagh and Dominik head to the ring for their match.
We hear from Ludwig Kaiser, who brags about beating Sheamus with "A+ talent and A+ ruthlessness" and destroying Sheamus' knee. He says he will not be taken lightly, as he is designed for greatness and belongs at the top, and anyone who gets in his way will be eliminated. He says "the rise of the Kaiser" has begun, and that he will soon be "Mr. Money In The Bank."
The Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee) and Braun Strowman beat The Judgment Day (JD McDonagh and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) and Carlito in a six-man tag match. During the match, Liv Morgan shows up and distracts "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio only to be attacked from behind by Zelina Vega, causing Liv Morgan to land on top of Dominik on the outside. Zelina and Liv then brawl on the outside, and as they are being seperated, Braun Strowman is able to tag in and overpower Carlito, allowing Dragon Lee to hit Carlito with a splash from Strowman's shoulders for the win.
We see a video package for Bron Breakker vs. Ilja Dragunov later tonight, where Dragunov talks about he used to be the undisputed king of NXT just like Bron Breakker, whom he says he will break.
Backstage, Ricochet meets with Ilja Dragunov, then says he knows what Dragunov is capable of and will show Bron Breakker what he is all about. Dragunov says Bron Breakker is very dangerous, but he will slay the monster, as the monster cannot slay a dragon. He then says that afterwards, the two of them can have another round. Ricochet tells Dragunov that he has his back.
Backstage, Dakota Kai wants to know what is wrong with Iyo Sky, who says "I took care of it," before screaming again. She then says "Damage CTRL (Dakota, Iyo, Asuka, Kairi Sane) has to change" before running off.
Before the next match, Sami Zayn says it has been a messed up couple of weeks before Clash at the Castle, then says that his feud with Chad Gable started out personal before Gable started showing his true colors. Sami says that he will defeat Chad Gable and put an end to everything once and for all at Clash at the Castle. He says there is no more dealing with an abusive, manipulative psychopath and that it is time to be the Intercontinental Champion. Suddenly, Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa) shows up, and Gable says Sami is trying to tear down everything he has built and make himself the sympathetic superhero in someone else's story before stating that Sami is the true villain. He says that Alpha Academy trusts his leadership and methods, and that they will be happy when he beats Sami for the Intercontinental Championship. Sami says Gable is out of his mind for thinking Alpha Academy is happy when they do not even look that way, then asks Alpha Academy if they are truly happy. Sami then says Gable does not care about Alpha Academy, but the fans do, and their lives will not be happy until they leave Gable once and for all. Gable says nobody is leaving anybody, as Alpha Academy is a family and families stick together, no matter what. He says that while they will be with him on Saturday, he will sic his own version of Otis who does not feel bad about anything and is the most ruthless version of Otis right now.
Sami Zayn beats Otis with a surprise Helluva Kick. After the match, Chad Gable attacks Sami Zayn while Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa check on Otis. Gable kicks Maxxine and Tozawa out of the ring, then picks Sami up and demands Otis hit Sami. Otis refuses, and Gable slaps Otis in the face not once, but twice. Sami gets behind Gable, and Otis runs at Gable only to clothesline and slam Sami. Gable celebrates with Otis, who then turns on Gable, who cowers in the corner. Otis raises his fist, but backs out of hitting him and heads to the back at the last second after Gable begs him off.
Backstage, The Miz finds R-Truth, who says that they have a tag team title match against "APA" (Faarooq and Bradshaw) after meeting with a fortune teller. We then find out that the fortune teller is Scarlett, who says The Authors of Pain look forward to meeting them in the ring tonight before handing Miz a Death tarot card.
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill watch the next match from ringside.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn). Alba Fyre says they will be competing for tag team gold in their own home country in front of their own people, and will prove why they should have been in the Women's Tag Team Championship match from the start. Isla Dawn says tonight is a teaser for Saturday, when they walk out women's tag team champions.
Zoey Stark and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) with a Kirafuda Clutch from Shayna Baszler to Isla Dawn.
We see a video package for Bron Breakker vs. Ilja Dragunov. Bron says he had to make an example out of Ricochet after not being placed in the King of the Ring Tournament, then says he is not impresses with Dragunov and that it will everything and then some for Dragunov to beat him. He says that only one man will walk out of the ring, and that it is him.
Bron Breakker beats Ilja Dragunov following three Spears. After the match, Bron Breakker goes after Dragunov again, but he is attacked on the outside by Ricochet, who dives at him from the barricade.
Backstage, the missing hotel key card is produced by Dominik Mysterio in The Judgment Day's (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) clubhouse. Damian Priest tells Dominik that he needs to put his foot down with Liv Morgan before everyone agrees that they need to get down to Judgment Day business.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre is met by Sheamus, who tells McIntyre that he is on the cusp of greatness and that he needs to take it home. McIntyre agrees, then Sheamus says he will smash Ludwig Kaiser's face in at Money In The Bank. McIntyre tells Sheamus to give him a heads-up on the cash-in, and Sheamus says it will be like old times.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Akam, Rezar, Paul Ellering). Karrion Kross says tonight's match is the first step in their ultimate vision and that The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) will bring the world tag titles home. He says that Xavier Woods will soon realize he belongs with them and not Kofi Kingston. Scarlett says that they will never abandon Woods like Kofi did and that Woods cannot trust Kofi.
The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) retain the World Tag Team Championships against The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar). During the match, Karrion Kross trips The Awesome Truth from the outside as Scarlett distracts the referee, then The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) attack Kross. This distracts Akam and the referee, and R-Truth tries to hit Rezar with one of the tag team title belts only for it to have no effect. R-Truth tosses the title to Rezar, and Miz pins Rezar with a schoolkid pin to retain.
Backstage, Bron Breakker hits Ilja Dragunov with a Spear as Ricochet helps Dragunov to medical, and this leads to a backstage brawl between Breakker and Ricochet in which Ricochet gets laid out. Breakker then picks Ricochet up from the steps leading to a production truck and powerslams him into the front windshield of a nearby car, then officials rush out to check on Ricochet.
Drew McIntyre beats Finn Balor to make his match for the World Championship against Damian Priest at Clash at the Castle one-on-one. (Had Drew McIntyre lost, The Judgment Day [Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh] would have been able to be ringside for the match.) During the match, Damian Priest shows up, and while "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh try to attack McIntyre, McIntyre is able to see them coming and take them down. Finn Balor nearly wins on a schoolkid pin and tries to get McIntyre in the drop zone for the Coup de Grace, but McIntyre avoids the Coup de Grace and hits the Claymore Kick to win. The show ends with a staredown between Priest and McIntyre.
Here are the full highlights for tonight's show!
This week on Raw Talk: The Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio, Zelina Vega, Dragon Lee)! The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn)! Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa)!
"The GunShow" Brett Michaels quickly beats Marcus Muncherson. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Brett Michaels, who says that he has something for Van Viciouss today at the free wrestling on Beale Street and dares "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock to stick his head between the ropes because he has something for him, too.
Dustin Starr interviews "The Best of the Best" Austin Lane and "Smokin' Hot" Nikki Lane - the former of whom has been recently fined and suspended for a month - at the announce desk. Nikki demands that Austin be shown some respect, and Austin says he does not care how much people boo him because the fans do not sign his check, then says that the championship committee gives more television time to goofballs who want to dress up and have a good time than to him and that he plans to fix that. He then says that The Posse (Simon and Mr. Roberts) gets main events for attacking Tommy Dreamer, as does "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts for attacking Mike Anthony, yet he gets suspended for attacking Jerry Lynn, who can stay at home with his family and leave the business to people like him. He then says he will not return to the ring until the free wrestling event at Beale Street later today.
We hear from Tim Bosby, who says that he has held the Memphis Wrestling Internet Championship for 190 days and that he has turned away all comers, and dares anyone to step in the ring so he can prove he is second to none.
Tim Bosby retains the Memphis Wrestling Internet Championship against Alan Angels.
We see footage of Tim Grind and Lance Kay watching the aftermath of The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) vs. Tommy Dreamer and PCO from last week. Afterwards, Tommy Dreamer thanks the fans, and while his mother recently passed away, there is no better place to be than with the fans in Memphis. He says he has known Dustin Starr for a long time and he could not be prouder of what he has produced, then gives kudos to PCO for their first-time team-up while still being able to wrestle while being older than he is before thanking the fans again and saying that he will see them again.
Big John Dalton runs into Ellsworth Enterprises ("The Goddess of the Night" Nyxx, Matt Williams, Storybook Prince Gaston). Matt Williams confronts Dalton for keeping their names in his mouth, and Nyxx says that her boys will soon have gold around their waists just like she does.
Mackenzie Morgan beats Nixi XS. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Mackenzie Mitchell. Mackenzie Mitchell says a little bit of bleeding in her mouth will not stop her from wrestling at Beale Street later today.
Dustin Starr interviews Mike Anthony at the announce desk. Mike says it may be hot outside, but Memphis Wrestling is on fire. He says it was not long ago when he was the most hated man in Memphis Wrestling, but now he is respected by all. He then says that redemption comes with a heavy price, and while he put "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts down in a matter of seconds, Roberts brought his family out for back-up. Mike Anthony then calls out any member of the Roberts Family Legacy (Aaron Roberts, Cordale Roberts, Big Red) to fight him in the ring. The Roberts Family Legacy surrounds the ring, and Cordale Roberts faces Anthony.
Mike Anthony vs. Cordale Roberts ends with "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts and Big Red attacking Mike Anthony. After the match, K-Toomer shows up and brawls with Aaron Roberts, but the numbers game takes over. Referees and security eventually make it to the ring to try to restore order. Aaron Roberts says that if K-Toomer and Mike Anthony want to fight, they can meet them at Beale Street. Afterwards, K-Toomer and Mike Anthony shake hands in the middle of the ring.
Eddie Kingston beats Jake Hager with two spinning back fists.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D., Jamie Hayer and Rebel. Baker says that as beautiful as her Owen hart belt is, she could not help but be distracted by Toni Storm, and tells Toni that she is arrogant and insecure for putting her hands on the women's title. She says that if anyone becomes the next AEW Women's World Champion, it will be somebody from "Team D.M.D."
We see a vignette for Ortiz vs. Chris Jericho in a Hair vs. Hair Match at Road Rager.
Jay Lethal and the debuting Satnam Singh beat Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett. After the match, Lethal, Singh and Sonjay Dutt attack Mat Fitchett, and Singh tosses Fitchett into the air.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Lexi Nair interviews Danhausen. Danhausen says that he and Hook feel great, then reveal that he and Hook have bought four-wheelers.
Kris Statlander beats Red Velvet. After the match, Kiera Hogan attacks Kris Statlander from behind, then Jade Cargill hits Statlander with a pump kick on the outside. Anna Jay runs into the ring and puts Kiera in the Queenslayer, but Red Velvet and Kiera soon gang up on Anna Jay. Suddenly, Athena charges towards the ring only to be held back by officials.
We see a video package of Miro's return.
Backstage, Lexi Nair interviews "All Ego" Ethan Page. Ethan says Miro has had a hell of a return, then says Miro looks up to a god while he looks up to himself. He says that he will not only advance, he will wave Canada's flag and win some gold, and Miro will pray to him.
Mark Henry interviews The United Empire (Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, Mark Davis, Aaron Henare), FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Trent Baretta. Will Ospreay introduces The United Empire and announces they are here to "separate the men from the GOATs," but Baretta says he does not like Ospreay and FTR says that they are the best. Dax Harwood says Ospreay may be used to playing wrestler, then says that the ring is where they fight and that he will make Ospreay pay up for costing him money on Wednesday night.
Trent Baretta and FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) beat The United Empire (Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, Mark Davis).
Backstage, Drew McIntyre confronts - and throws back - Butch, and Sheamus has to catch Butch and hold him back.
Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus in a Money In The Bank Ladder Match qualifier ends with both men hitting each other with chairs. After the commercial break, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre to brawl with referees and officials trying their best to stop both men as the brawl spills into the crowd.
It is announced that Cody Rhodes will be out of action for up to nine months.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Lacey Evans. Lacey says the Money In The Bank contract changes lives, and if she wins, she can face any champion, any time, any place. As for Xia Li, she only sees her as a doubter and says we can either wallow in self-pity or wake up, work and win.
Lacey Evans beats Xia Li in her first match in months to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is met by Drew McIntyre, who demands that he be put in the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
We see a vignette for The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik).
Backstage, Sheamus and Butch meet with WWE official Adam Pearce. Sheamus also demands a spot in the men's Money In The Bank match.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey heads to the ring. Ronda says that Money In The Bank is in three weeks and that three weeks is not soon enough to prove that her arm breaker is better than Natalya's Sharpshooter. Suddenly, Shotzi shows up. Shotzi says that while she may not be like Ronda or Natalya, she has serious aggression and a killer instinct, then tells her not to wait until Money In The Bank for a fight when she has no problem fighting her right now. Ronda accepts Shotzi's challenge for a match.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey beats Shotzi with an arm breaker. After the match, Ronda is attacked from behind by Natalya, who puts Ronda in the Sharpshooter. Multiple referees have to get Natalya to break the hold, and Natalya eventually does.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Matt Riddle. Riddle says he thrives under pressure and that he is motivated by how Randy Orton got hurt, and says that he will do whatever it takes to get payback for him. He says the juice is worth the squeeze, and if he beats Sami Zayn, he will get his vengeance.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton announces that "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey suffered a serious injury and that Ronda's ability to compete at Money In The Bank has been thrown into question.
Gunther beats Ricochet to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion!
Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by Paul Heyman, who tells Sami that tonight is the greatest opportunity of his career and that if he wins, it will give him the ammunition to tell Roman Reigns that Sami belongs in The Bloodline. He then implies that the consequences will be dire if Sami loses tonight.
We see footage of John Cena meeting Misha, a fan of John Cena whose family escaped from their home in Ukraine after their town was bombed.
Tonight's classic SmackDown moment is "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Booker T in the supermarket from December 13, 2001.
Paul Heyman is acknowledged before the next match.
Matt Riddle beats Sami Zayn to face Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Championship next week. (Had Riddle lost, he would have been barred from SmackDown.) After the match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) rush into the ring and attack Matt Riddle, but Riddle strikes back with a Kendo stick and sends them into a retreat.
Scott D'Amore is in the ring at the start of tonight's show. D'Amore introduces AEW owner and founder Tony Khan to the ring. Khan shows up, but before the two of them can get down to business, Don Callis arrives. Don Callis says he is not here to cause trouble or stirring things up, then says Tony Khan is about protecting investments before saying that Kenny Omega is a great investment while also addressing Sami Callihan and Moose. Callis says he and Omega are not afraid of Sami Callihan, then says Callihan is on many blacklists around the world for a reason. D'Amore brings up The Good Brothers' ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) attacks on Callihan, but Callis continues, saying that Callihan is a dangerous wrestler. Callis then proposes that only Moose and Kenny Omega should be in the Impact World Championship match at Against All Odds and says there is no reason to put Callihan in the match, then D'Amore and Khan whisper to each other. D'Amore tells Callis that he makes some good points, then tells him that it will be Moose vs. Kenny Omega for the Impact World Championship, then Khan says he understands Callis wants a fair right in a big venue. He says that the match will be in Daily's Place, that Sami Callihan will not be there and that security will ensure that. D'Amore then says that whoever wins the Impact World Championship will defend it against Sami Callihan at Slammiversary, much to Callis' chagrin.
Backstage, The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson), Kenny Omega and Don Callis ignore Gia Miller's attempt at an interview as Callis concocts a hit on Sami Callihan only to get caught by Scott D'Amore. D'Amore puts The Good Brothers in a tag team street fight against Sami Callihan and a partner of his choice at Against All Odds.
Backstage, Brian Myers teaches Sam Beale the art of communication, telling him that "a promo is a match, and a match is a promo." Myers then has Beale cut a promo on Matt Cardona, but Myers wants Beale to bury Cardona, not build him up.
Backstage, Sami Callihan catches up with Scott D'Amore as he talks about the match he has put The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) in on Saturday. Sami asks who would team him up, and if he has to take them on alone, he will do it. Tommy Dreamer shows up, saying they both have an enemy in Don Callis, and while they will never be friends, he is offering to team with him. Callihan entertains the idea and accepts, saying he will eventually beat him again. Sami leaves, then D'Amore warns Dreamer not to shake things up, as Callis still works in Impact. Dreamer apologizes, but tells D'Amore that Callis is his enemy, too.
Rosemary beats Havok. (Had Havok won, she would have been in the Knockouts Championship match at Against All Odds.) After the match, Deonna Purrazzo, Kimber Lee and Susan attack both Rosemary and Havok, then Susan says "That's what you get, you freaks!" before calling out Tasha Steelz, saying she wants the match between her and Kimber Lee right now. Tasha Steelz shows up.
Tasha Steelz beats Kimber Lee. After the match, Fire 'n Flava brawl with Susan and Deonna Purazzo, but Rosemary and Havok grab Susan and Tasha Steelz and take them out before doing the same to everyone else, saving Kiera Hogan for last and hitting her with a two-woman choke slam.
We see another vignette for Steve Maclin, who says that it is do or die with his back against the wall day in and day out and says that either he will meet "Mr. Mayhem" or his opponent will.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander, who says he feels great following last week's Iron Man Match, as he has been waiting for an opportunity like that for 16 years and he is a fighting champion who wants the very best. As Alexander says he will watch the five-way match at Against All Odds, "Inevitable" Ace Austin and Madman Fulton show up and tell him that he is the one person in the X Division Championship to worry about. Alexander tells Austin he has beaten him plenty of times, but Austin tells Alexander that his confidence does not waver because he makes his own luck.
"The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams and Trey Miguel beat Chris Bey and Rohit Raju. After the match, "Inevitable" Ace Austin and Madman Fulton run into the ring and attack everyone, and Josh Alexander fights Fulton and Austin. The numbers game takes over, but not for long, and everyone in the match fights Fulton and Austin. Everyone then helps Petey Williams hit Madman Fulton with an avalanche Canadian Destroyer from the top rope.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Willie Mack. Willie says W. Morrissey got the best of him at Under Siege, but tonight is a new day and a no-disqualification and he will take a piece of Morrissey with him if he has to. Rich Swann asks Willie Mack to save a piece for him and says he will be in his corner to get a piece too, but Willie asks him to keep tonight's match one-on-one, for tonight is his moment.
It's time for another edition of All About Me with Tenille Dashwood. Tonight's interviewer is Kaleb, and Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering are special guests. Kaleb shows off his and Tenille's new T-shirt. Rachael asks why she is here, but Tenille is more concerned about why Jordynne is here, and Rachael and Jordynne both feel disrespected, and Jordynne asks Tenille if she wants to face her Saturday before she is going to Scott D'Amore to make the match. Jordynne and Rachael leave, then the segment ends.
We hear from Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner, Rhino). Eric Young says the odds have been stacked against them since day one, but they are tag team champions. Eric Young says he has faith in Deaner, and tells him to help defend the tag titles at Against All Odds. He then says that Joe Doering will make his mark against the sickness tonight, and says that the sickness goes beyond Impact and into the entire world, for it has has taken Satoshi Kojima, who is from the far side of the world.
Eddie Edwards beats Joe Doering by disqualification after Deaner is caught tripping Edwards from outside of the ring. After the match, Satoshi Kojima runs in as Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner, Rhino) attacks Eddie, and Kojima clotheslines Doering over the top rope.
We see a video package for Moose vs. Kenny Omega for the Impact World Championship at Against All Odds.
W. Morrissey beats Willie Mack in a no-disqualification match after booting a steel chair into Willie Mack's face. After the match, Morrissey drags Willie Mack into a corner and places the steel chair on top of him, but Rich Swann runs into the ring and attacks Morrissey until security runs into the ring to break up the brawl. Morrissey flattens Swann with a corner splash before leaving, but as he leaves, Swann hits Morrissey in the back with the steel chair.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Walter enters the ring. He talks about how he has defended the NXT UK Championship twice in the same week on two different continennts and how he has become the longest reigning champion in the modern era of WWE. He says that the NXT UK Championship is one of the most prestigious prizes and the grand prix of professional wrestling. Walter then says that his motivation and mission to respect and restore the honor of professional wrestling has not changed as he will be "the forever NXT UK Champion."
Jordan Devlin is seen with his own dressing room backstage.
We hear from Subculture ("Flash" Morgan Webster, Mark Andrews, Dani Luna). Dani Luna says that Jinny has looked down on her since day one because she "doesn't fit the mold" of a WWE Superstar, and Mark Andrews says the only thing Joseph Conners is worthy of is getting his head kicked in. Luna says that if Jinny and Conners want to talk about them so much, then they are in luck, for next week, the four of them will be in a tag team match.
Jordan Devlin beats Saxon Huxley.
Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) guests on commentary for the next match.
Backstage, Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) meet with Assistant to the General Manager Sam Stoker and get a singles match. Suddenly, Sam Gradwell shows up, mocks them as he says he will come back later, and ends up becoming their first opponent.
Symbiosis (T-Bone and Primate) beat Andy Wild and Dan Moloney.
We hear from Teoman, who says he will not allow Oliver Carter to interfere in his business again, then says he is in a good mood because if his family is happy, he is happy. He says he can put everyone in the NXT UK roster in the hospital, then asks Oliver Carter how his family would feel to see him there before saying that Ashton Carter would not see him in the hospital for he is his tag team partner, not his family. He says that this is Oliver Carter's weakness, and that the eye sees everything.
Next week: Sam Gradwell vs. Wolfgang! Subculture (Dani Luna and "Flash" Morgan Webster) vs. Jinny and Joseph Conners!
Meiko Satomura beats Kay Lee Ray to become the NXT UK Women's Champion, ending Kay Lee Ray's reign at 649 days.
The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Roderick Strong) show up to start tonight's show. Cole says his reign as NXT Champion will continue like everyone though it would continue, as everybody knew that Velveteen Dream would not beat him, and even though Dream is one of the best NXT has to offer, Dream is not him and he cannot challenge him for the title again. Cole then says it does not matter what happens next, as he has run roughshod as the most dominant NXT Champion in history and nobody has held the title like he has, and nobody will be able to beat him for the championship. Adam Cole then shifts focus to Dexter Lumis, saying that is creepy and always in their business and what he did at TakeOver is unforgivable. Strong and Fish says that they were stuck in a trunk for 12 hours, and that Lumis is scared of them. Strong thinks he sees Dexter Lumis in the crowd, but when Strong spots him, he keeps disappearing. Cole tells Strong and Fish he has their backs, as he is the best he has ever known and if you mess with one of them, you mess with them all. Cole also mentions that he has a match with Lumis later tonight, and they are going to fight and he will beat him and send him back to the drawing board where he belongs. As The Undisputed Era leaves, Strong sees Lumis in the crowd again and runs.
Backstage, Adam Cole and Bobby Fish are calming Roderick Strong down when Keith Lee and Mia Yim show up. The Undisputed Era (Cole, Fish, Strong) walk away.
Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae beat Keith Lee and Mia Yim. During the match, Lee flattens LeRae after Gargano hits him with a slingshot DDT, and as Lee checks on LeRae and helps her up, Gargano pins Lee with a schoolkid pin.
In backstage footage from TakeOver, Damian Priest says he wanted a match with Finn Balor to see how good he is and to see what the next stop is in living on, as his name is sure to live forever now.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Cameron Grimes, who says he is confident that he can beat Finn Balor again and calls Damian Priest "a loser" before coming face-to-face with Damian. Damian responds to Cameron buttering up to him by punching him in the face.
In a video package, Io Shirai says that she will take the NXT Women's Championship to new heights and that the women's division is now hers.
Indus Sher (Rinku and Saurav) beat Mikey Delbrey and Mike Reed. During the match, it is announced that Cameron Grimes may not be able to compete tonight after allegedly suffering a broken jaw at the hands of Damian Priest.
Backstage, referee Drake Wuertz speaks with General Manager William Regal, who wants to speak with Grimes.
Backstage, Cameron Grimes unintentionally reveals to General Manager William Regal that his jaw is fine, and Regal tells Grimes to get warmed up.
We see a vignette for Breezango, who talk about the numerous costumes they have dressed up in, their Fashion Police gimmick and how they were too wound up in entertaining the fans. They remind everyone that Fandango's first match was at WrestleMania in front of 80,000 people and that Breeze made NXT, but that they lost focus on the main roster. Breeze says they must kick it into high gear or they will be gone, and Fandango says that they have changed their gameplan after leaving the entertainment at the ropes. They plan to become the NXT Tag Team Champions next week.
In backstage footage from after TakeOver, Tommaso Ciampa stays silent and gets in his car as he is asked about his match.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley says he left everything in the ring at TakeOver and that Io Shirai had an opportunity and took it. Suddenly, Robert Stone shows up and tries to make Rhea Ripley his next client, saying he came out of TakeOver an even bigger loser. As Robert Stone says he and Rhea Ripley can make his brand bigger than it's ever been, Rhea Ripley says the chance of that happening is one in a million, then punches Robert Stone in the gut before slamming him into a wooden box.
Finn Balor beats Cameron Grimes. After the match, Finn Balor challenges Keith Lee for the NXT North American Championship.
Dakota Kai beats Kacy Catanzaro. After the match, Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzales attack Catanzaro, then Kayden Carter runs in and fights them off only to be planted into the mat by Raquel.
We see a vignette where Timothy Thatcher beginning to train some prospects. He says that the training will be brutal and not for the feint of heart, and that it will begin next week.
El Hijo del Fantasma shows up. Before Fantasma can say much of anything, however, Drake Maverick shows up and congratulates him, saying that what they did last week was special. He says that everyone should have been talking about Fantasma's journey as much as they have been talking about his, and that Fantasma deserves to be Cruiserweight Champion. Maverick says he has had a lot of mind in the last few months and says things could have been different if he had a clear head, then says that since he is now a full-time NXT member, he knows he can beat Fantasma next time if given the chance. As Fantasma says "Yes! Of course!", the two mysterious masked luchadors in black show up and surround the ring, then Fantasma headbutts Maverick and all three men attack him. The two masked men unmask themselves to reveal that they are Joaquim Wilde and Raul Mendoza, then Fantasma unmasks, says his name is Santos Escobar, that he is Cruiserweight Champion and that nobody can touch him.
As Adam Cole says that he will take care of Dexter Lumis backstage, Roderick Strong finds a drawing made by Lumis. As The Undisputed Era (Cole, Fish, Strong) leaves the room, Strong sees Lumis again.
Next week: Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox compete for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships! Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) vs. Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) for the NXT Tag Team Championships!
Adam Cole beats Dexter Lumis after Bobby Fish distracts the referee and Roderick Strong hits Lumis with an enzuigiri to the back of the head. After the match, Adam Cole talks trash to Dexter Lumis only for Lumis to get up and grab Cole. As Strong and Fish attack Lumis, Velveteen Dream shows up and sends Fish into the barricade while Lumis scares Strong to the back. When Cole celebrates in the middle of the ring, the lights go dark, and when they come back on, Scarlett shows up on the stage and places an hourglass in the ring before turning it around.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) beat The Butcher and The Blade in their AEW debut. The Shatter Machine is now called "The Goodnight Express." After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews FTR in the ring. As Harwood calls AEW the pinnacle of tag team wrestling, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) show up and congratulate FTR for winning tonight and thanking them for help them out of a jam. Matt then says that he and Nick have carried tag team wrestling for the past decade and a half and that they are the best tag team in AEW. Suddenly, The Young Bucks are attacked by The Butcher, but FTR o after him. As this happens, Jimmy Havoc, "Superbad" Kip Sabian, "Hangman" Adam Page and Kenny Omega also show up, forcing The Butcher, The Blade, Sabian and Havoc to retreat while the other three teams stand tall in the ring.
Dasha Gonzalez interviews The Natural Nightmares ("The Natural" Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall), who will face "Hangman" Adam Page and Kenny Omega for the AEW World Tag Team Championships next week. Brandi Rhodes takes offense to Allie wearing a Nightmare Family jacket, while Dustin wants to know if QT Marshall knows what is at stake next week and if his head is in the game, then tells Marshall to get Allie out of his system as he will.
Penelope Ford and "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose beat Hikaru Shida and Kris Statlander after Ford hits Shida with the AEW Women's World Championship while the referee is preoccupied with the action going on on the outside.
We hear from Darby Allin, who says he is still not medically cleared to compete. We then see Tony Hawk tell Allin "That's okay, you don't need a doctor's order to skate here. You're clear! Have fun! " Darby Allin then tries to skateboard off a ladder onto a ramp, and after several tries, sticks the landing.
We see a video package providing the latest updates on Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.'s road to recovery. Baker says she is tired of Big Swole's bad attitude and is tired of hearing about her struggles, and that she has a prominent image as a role model she is happy to uphold in AEW and that she needs the respect as well.
Best Friends (Chuck Taylor, Trent, Orange Cassidy) beat The Inner Circle (Santana, Ortiz, Jake Hager) after Orange Cassidy pins Santana with a La Magistral Cradle. After the match, Chris Jericho gets into the ring and lays out Best Friends with the rest of The Inner Cirlce,going on the attack with a baseball bat. Afterwards, Jericho produces a big bag of blood oranges from underneath the ring and hits Orange Cassidy with it. Jericho then says "Blood Orange Cassidy has just been juiced" before dumping the oranges on him and enjoying one of them while The Inner Circle crushes the oranges and spills the juice from them on Orange Cassidy.
MJF interrupts Tony Schiavone, saying he has been undefeated for a year and #1 for three consecutive weeks, yet Jungle Boy got a title shot before him. He says that the favoritism in AEW is egregious, and that he is met with dirty looks in the back because they hit a ceiling and he is that ceiling. MJF says he is a great white shark swimming in a sea full of minnows, then Billy interrputs MJF, saying he is a great white. MJF says he is surprised Billy is not getting one of his "scumbag talentless sons" a job in AEW. When MJF puts his hands on Austin Gunn, Billy grabs him, and MJF summons Wardlow.
Sammy Guevara beats Colt Cabana with the GTH after Colt Cabana slips on the middle rope while going for a reverse Chicago Skyline. After the match, The Dark Order shows up, and Brodie Lee helps Colt Cabana up before leaving. After Colt Cabana heads to the back, Sammy Guevara takes the microphone and says that he is the greatest wrestler AEW has. Suddenly, Matt Hardy shows up and tells Guevara that he respects him, as he sees a young Matt Hardy with a "stronger than death" mindset. He tells Guevara that he is the future of AEW, but to realize his maximum potential, he must get away from Chris Jericho. Guevara does not believe him, and this causes Matt Hardy to revert to "Mattitude" Matt before becoming "Broken" Matt Hardy, saying he will crush Guevara into a mofongo and eat him.
We hear from "The Bad Boy" Joe Janela, who says he came to AEW to become a star, but went from wrestling Jon Moxley in the main event to fading into the darkness. He feels his best moments in wrestling may be behind him, and along the last six months, he lost his direction. He soon meets up with Sonny Kiss, who is riding in a convertible.
Backstage, Dasha Gonzalez interviews Colt Cabana, who is now approaching Mr. Brodie Lee.
Next week: Billy vs. MJF! The Natural Nightmares ("The Natural" Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall) vs. Kenny Omega and "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Tag Team Championships! A match for the AEW TNT Championship! Le Sex Gods (Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara) vs. Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent) with #1 contendership for the AEW World Tag Team Championships on the line! Superbad Death Squad (Jimmy Havoc and "Superbad' Kip Sabian) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson)!
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Jon Moxley, who says that he is in a real bad mood because he has little to no patience or time for those who run their mouth without knowing what they are talking about. He says that Taz has gotten under his skin saying that Brian Cage can beat him at Fyter Fest, and he cannot wait to pop Cage's head like a giant pimple and shut Taz up for good. He says that he is one miserable son of a bitch and that Taz and Brian Cage, much less anyone else, thinking they can beat him pisses him off. Taz shows up and confronts Moxley, telling him to get his head right, as he will be put out at Fyter Fest. Suddenly, Moxley is attacked from behind by Cage. Taz tells Cage to stop, but Cage slams Moxley into the back windshield of a red Chevrolet Cruze.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes retains the AEW TNT Championship against Marc Quen by submission. After the match, Jake Hager shows up and gets in the ring. Hager grabs "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson by the neck and forces him into the corner, and when Cody triest o stop him, Hager attacks Cody. Marq Quen, who has headed to the back, comes back with Matt Hardy and Isiah Kassidy and attacks Hager with some steel chairs as Hager tries to take the AEW TNT Championship. Santana, Ortiz and Sammy Guevara soon run into the ring and start a brawl, and referees run in to break the brawl up. Cody, Hardy, Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy come out on top, and Cody tells Hager that if he wants a shot at the TNT Championship at Fyter Fest, he's got it.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Seth Rollins shows up to start tonight's show with a steel chair in his hands. Rollins says it is a new era for the Universal Championship, and if anyone wants to face him for the title, they can face him for it or ask Brock Lesnar how it worked out. He says that nobody has ever done to Brock Lesnar what he did to him at Super Showdown, and that it felt "pretty damn good" smashing the steel chair into Lesnar and leaving him a heap in the middle of the ring. Suddenly, Baron Corbin shows up and makes fun of San Diego, California before telling Rollins that she should worry about him, for he will become the new Universal Champion after Stomping Grounds. Rollins says it didn't work out well for him at Super Showdown, but Corbin says Rollins only won because of referee John Cone. He then says he has been in meetings with WWE executives, and that John Cone will be severely punished and that he has a rematch at Stomping Grounds. He also states that there will be a special guest referee to prevent any mistakes this time around, and that he has also been allowed to hand-pick the referee. Rollins says he will beat him regardless of who it is, then asks who it is when Corbin has no friends. Suddenly, Sami Zayn shows up and says he agrees with Corbin here and that he has known Rollins for a long time and cares for him as a person, saying that being Universal Champion is not good for him. Sami says Rollins is dealing with Lesnar over and over again, and says it would be better for him and the fans if Corbin was Universal Champion, as he would not be obsessed with Lesnar. Rollins doesn't buy it, saying there has to be something in this for Sami Zayn. It soon becomes implied that Sami Zayn is the special guest referee, but Rollins asks Sami who will have his back when he slaps the taste out of his mouth. Kevin Owens shows up and says he has Sami's back, and that he agrees with Sami about Corbin being a better Universal Champion than Rollins. He does not, however, agree with how Rollins is talking to Sami, and Rollins tells Owens that if he does not like it, he can get in the ring and do something with it. Owens says that since he is here as a wild card, he might just do that, and after Rollins asks the fans what they think about it, Rollins tells Owens he's on.
Lars Sullivan beats The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado) in a 3-on-1 elimination handicap match in short order.
Backstage, R-Truth and Carmella are seen running away from other Superstars chasing after them. They make the mistake of taking the elevator, but the elevator closes before the referee can show up. Suddenly, the elevator stops, and they, EC3, Heath Slater, Drake Maverick and Cedric Alexander are stuck inside.
Michael Cole conducts an interview with Lacey Evans and Becky Lynch. Becky tells Lacey she talks so much yet does so little, and says she cannot allow someone like her to become champion. Lacey says she has done what is necessary to get what she wants, and says she will not stop until she gets it. Becky says the last time she got angry, she made history, and she will overcome her because she is relentless. Lacey tells Becky her "The Man" bravado is just a mask, and that fear of losing everything and sinking back down into obscurity is what really drivers her. She also says that Becky reeks of fear, and it is nasty. She says that fear will become reality when she takes the Raw Women's Championship from her, but Becky says all she'll take is a slap to the face.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss tells Nikki Cross that Bayley is a master manipulator and not what she comes off as, and that she knows the real Bayley: someone who has always alienated her. Nikki Cross asks why she is bringing this up, but Alexa Bliss says she can be herself. Nikki says she get it, and tells Alexa she will be in her corner tonight.
It's time for Miz TV with special guest Samoa Joe. The Miz introduces Samoa Joe, who shows up. Samoa Joe says there is nothing new about his championship reign, as Rey Mysterio stole his championship and he was afforded the opportunity to win it back. The Miz brings up Joe putting Rey in the Coaquina Clutch and threatening his son Dominic, and tells him that involving another man's family is not a line to cross unless you want to be called out. Joe tells Miz those lines belongs to him, and that there is no such thing as "too far" when it comes to getting what he wants, and if Miz wants wants to keep going, then maybe he can talk about his family. As Miz and Joe have a staredown, Braun Strowman shows up. Strowman tells Joe that if he is looking for a challenge, then he can get these hands. Suddenly, Bobby Lashley shows up and tells Strowman he is not done with him before telling Joe that they have history together and that if anybody deserves a chance at the United States title, it is him. Ricochet then shows up and says that after beating Cesaro twice, he wants to win his first title with the United States Championship. Cesaro then shows up and sucker punches Ricochet, starting a brawl between all six men. Miz and Strowman clear the ring, and Ricochet soon joins them.
The Miz, Braun Strowman and Ricochet beat Samoa Joe, Bobby Lashley and Cesaro.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Baron Corbin, who says that he is still looking for his special guest referee when Sami Zayn shows up and proceeds to have a private talk with Corbin.
We get a closer look at The Rock 'n Sock Connection (The Rock and Mankind), courtesy of Orange Vanilla Coca-Cola.
Lacey Evans and Alexa Bliss beat Becky Lynch and Bayley.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Shane McMahon about being special guest referee for tonight's match between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens as if it were an audition. Shane proposes making Sami an outside referee for the match, to which Sami agrees.
Paul Heyman is in the ring. He says he is disturbed by the amount of hostility between Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins, as well as the beating Seth Rollins gave to Brock Lesnar with a steel chair. Heyman says that Rollins is a "stupid, feckless thug" and not a worthy champion, for he has now guaranteed that Lesnar will continue to be Mr. Money In The Bank. He also announces that he and Lesnar will now longer announces when they will be cashing in, and neither confirms or denies that Brock Lesnar is here tonight. He also refuses to insinuate where Lesnar will be next or that Lesnar will give Rollins a vicious beating before taking the Universal Championship from him, as the latter is not an insinuation, prediction or a spoiler, but a threat, a promise and a guarantee from Lesnar.
Back in the elevator, Carmella tries to restore order, and EC3 threatens resorting to cannibalism. R-Truth cannot call for help, and everyone suddenly becomes desperate.
Backstage, The IIconics stated that they have demanded the finest competition and have just found it in two random competitors who are also standing in the ring, and state that they will never compare to them. They also state their opponents will never be Women's Tag Team Champions just like the San Jose Sharks will never be Stanley Cup Champions.
The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) beat Lisa Lace and Aleyah Mia.
In a post-match interview from Super ShowDown, Roman Reigns admits Shane McMahon had his win given to him by Drew McIntyre, but he will bounce back and beat Drew McIntyre.
Back in the elevator, R-Truth, Carmella, Drake Maverick, Cedric Alexander, EC3 and Heath Slater are actually getting along.
Drew McIntyre shows up. He soon brings out Shane McMahon. Shane says that he has seen a lot of amazing and special things growing up in WWE, and admits that Roman Reigns is something special as well as a future WWE Hall of Famer. He tips his hat to Roman Reigns and his accolades, and admits that he "hits like a mule," but states that Roman does not hold a victory over him. He tells Roman he should be ashamed, for he gave him his best, then says his best was not good enough to beat the best in the world. Shane thanks Drew McIntyre for using his battles with Roman to help him prepare and giving him emotional support. Drew McIntyre says Roman Reigns is a measuring stick, and when he loses, people turn heads. He then promises not only to beat Roman, but to hurt, maim and humiliate him at Stomping Grounds, and while Shane McMahon is the best in the world, he is the most dangerous and he will assault Roman until he is unrecognizable. Shane proposes that they celebrate with some champagne, and Shane drinks his out of the Best In The World Cup while Drew drinks straight from the bottle. Shane then introduces The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder), whom he calls the next WWE Raw Tag Team Champions. He tells them that their Triple Threat Match for the titles are up next, and if they want into their party, they will have to bring some gold.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins. Ryder says they have been through it all, but they are still here for they are always ready no matter what. Curt Hawkins says their competition may say they are the best, but they are the champions, and it isn't midnight in their "Cinderella story" yet.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) beat Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match to become the WWE Raw Tag Team Champions for a second time after Scott Dawson picks the bones following an Uso splash.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Seth Rollins, who says that he is always ready and that he is ready for Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn tonight.
We get a closer look at "Classy" Freddie Blassie, courtesy of Progressive Auto Insurance.
Back in the elevator, the topic of marriage is between R-Truth, Carmella, EC3, Heath Slater, Drake Maverick and Cedric Alexander. Unfortunately for R-Truth, the elevator door opens. Somehow, R-Truth and Carmella manage to escape everyone.
On this week's edition of Firefly Fun House, Rambling Rabbit tries to fight off Mercy the Buzzard to keep him from eating him. Bray threatens to send in "The Fiend," then proposes letting fate decide. It becomes Rambling Rabbit's lucky day, and Rambing Rabbit says he doesn't want to be anybody's lunch. Bray Wyatt - now wearing a clown nose - proceeds to smash Rambling Rabbit with a hammer, killing him. He ends up turning Rambling Rabbit into a breakfast spread.
Kevin Owens beats Seth Rollins by disqualification after Seth puts his hands on special guest outside referee Sami Zayn, who interferes on Owens' behalf constantly throughout the match. After the match, Rollins attacks Sami, but he is soon attacked by Baron Corbin. Corbin gets a steel chair, but Rollins fights back and uses it against him before hitting Sami Zayn with it. Rollins then hits The Stomp on Sami Zayn to end the show.
Brie and Nikki talk about the women's Royal Rumble Match, which they are excited for.
Brie, Nikki and their personal assistant Claire are in Tampa, Florida to train for the women's Royal Rumble Match. Nikki finds out that she left her keys to her and John Cena's house in San Diego, California and waits for Rob to let her in. As she waits, we see old footage and memories of Nikki spending time with John Cena. She, Brie and Claire are eventually let in, and Nikki finds a note from John Cena. She finds it hard to be in the house without John, but reminds herself that she is here to train.
At Kathy and Johnny's house in Tampa, Florida (where Kathy and Johnny have moved to), Brie and Bryan come to visit. Brie mentions a television station wanting her to guest on the local news to do the weather, and even though Brie is busy, she loves the idea of asking the local station if they would let her mom do it. We learn that Kathy dreamed of being a sportscaster, but when she got pregnant with Brie and Nikki in her freshman year of college, her life took a detour and her dreams of becoming a sportscaster faded away.
Brie and Nikki train in a ring in preparation for the women's Royal Rumble Match. They both find out that their chemistry is a bit off, especially Brie, who thinks the fans will not recognize her without her toned abs.
At Kathy and Johnny's house, Brie and Bryan show up for dinner. Now that Kathy has the guest weathercast spot, she makes clouds in a beaker. She then practices for the guest weathercaster spot, but then finds out it's not all fun and games.
At John Cena and Nikki's house in Tampa, Florida, Nikki mentions that her doctors are worried about her being back in the ring, and that there are restrictions; she cannot be hit from behind. She is also worried about her situation with John Cena and how being in Florida has dredged memories back up. Brie tells Nikki to put everything aside so they can be the Bella Twins that they are known for being.
At Kathy and Johnny's house, Kathy memorizes her lines for the weather forecast, and she does not want to go into the job looking like a joke. Brie tells Kathy that she has done quite a bit of things in her life, and to just go out there and have fun. Meanwhile, Johnny and Bryan do the tornado experiment involving two 2-liter bottles taped together. Brie has to be reminded that tornadoes are not made of dirt.
Brie and Nikki go back to the training ring with Bryan in tow. Nikki is glad to be training, but she is a bit hesitant due to her doctor's advice.
Brie, Nikki and Kathy head to the University of Tampa for the weather forecast. Kathy has a hard time and is beyond nervous, and has Nikki tag her out. Nikki does the weather, then Kathy gives it another shot. Thsi time, she nails it.
Brie, Nikki and family are backstage at Royal Rumble. Brie and Nikki notice that John Cena is also here, and Nikki realizes she can't turn to John Cena to advice. Meanwhile, Brie and Nikki's family are bummed out John Cena does not notice them, but JJ understands that John Cena's head could be somewhere else right now.
Brie and Nikki take part in the women's Royal Rumble Match to much fanfare to their return. Their family gets concerned when Asuka wraps her leg around Nikki's neck in an attempt to eliminate her, but thankfully that concern does not last for long. John Cena sneaks by, tells Kathy that Brie and Nikki did great, then runs off as quickly as he appears. Nikki is glad that she was part of history, and leads a champagne toast with the rest of the women in the match backstage.
Three days after Royal Rumble in San Diego, California, Brie and Nikki do another Birdie Bee photo shoot. Though she may not have toned abs, she is more positive about her body than ever.
Bonus clip: Brie and Nikki call Kathy with some good news.
Bonus clip: Brie wonders if Birdie feels energy from her surroundings.
Before the next match, Rocky Romero is a little ticked off that Trent Barretta got a mystery partner behind his back. Baretta introduces the man, whom he calls "his real tag team partner," "The Kentucky Gentleman" Chuckie T, who makes his Ring of Honor debut.
Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero and Trent Barretta) and "The Kentucky Gentleman" Chuckie T beat Bullet Club (Hangman Page, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson) after Barretta stops the Meltzer Driver and Chuckie T hits a piledriver of his own. All three men embrace after the match.
The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia) are backstage. Matt Taven has to calm down TK O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia. TK O'Ryan blames Dalton Castle's boys for injuring him, and Vinny Marseglia wants to cause as much pain as possible to them. Matt Taven hopes to punch Dalton Castle in the face for sticking his nose in their business.
We get a closer look at Jay White.
Kenny King guests on commentary for the next match.
The Rebellion (Rhett Titus and Shane Taylor) vs. Search And Destroy (Jay White and Jonathan Gresham) ends in a no-contest after the match gets out of control. During the match, Kenny King gets involved, but The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) run into the ring and take him down. After the match, Shelley says nobody wants to see The Rebellion, and challenges them to a eight-man tag team match at War of the Worlds where the losing team has to disband.
"The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian says he and Hangman Page are on a whole new level, as they are now whipping themselves with belts. He pulls out a belt, and says he cannot wait to whip Page.
Jay Brisco blames his loss from last week on Dalton Castle and his boys. In a profanity-laden tirade, he tells Dalton and the boys they have no idea what they have gotten themselves into, and that he will eat them alive.
KUSHIDA beats "The Villain" Marty Scurll to become the ROH World Television Champion! During the match, the lights go out as Scurll calls for the chicken wing. When they come back on, someone is standing on the apron dressed in Scurll's entrance gear. That person unmasks to reveal themselves as Adam Cole, who gives KUSHIDA enough time to recover and get the win and the Television title.
Ethan Carter III shows up to start the show by starting a sitdown strike, but Kurt Angle stops it, saying everyone is here to see wrestling and not him "being a whiny bitch." Angle dares EC3 to fight him, saying he'd snap his ankle in two. Rockstar Spud shows up as Ethan Carter III leaves, and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match begins.
Kurt Angle retains the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Rockstar Spud with the Ankle Lock Submission. After the match, Angle raises Spud's arm, but Austin Aries can be seen at the top of the entrance ramp with his Feast or Fired briefcase.
Taryn Terrell says that if Awesome Kong wants a shot at the Knockouts title, she has to wear a pink slip and take part in a lingerie pillow fight.
Low Ki beats Manik and Crazzy Steve to continue to the X Division Championship match.
Grado's been getting ready for the X Division title match. Well, he's trying, anyway.
Tigre Uno beats Mandrews and DJ Z to continue to the X Division Championship match. After the match, Jessie Godders shows up and attacks DJ Z.
Awesome Kong shows up for the Knockouts title match without the pink slip, and fights off Jade and Marti Bell. When Taryn Terrell orders Christy Hemme to declare her the winner, Brooke shows up and says the lingerie match is a new low, even for her. After some talk, Brooke finally get her hands on Taryn Terrell and disrobes her, forcing Taryn to retreat to the back. Brooke tells Taryn that the next time they meet, she's taking the Knockouts title.
Bobby Roode tells Austin Aries that he has his back tonight. Of course, he wants the first shot at the TNA World title if he wins.
As Grado strips down to weigh himself for the match, he learns from ref Steve Stiffler and Jeremy Borash that it's about no limits, not weight limits.
Grado beats Kenny King and Cruz to continue to the X Division Championship match.
Bram just clocked a cameraman, and he has intentions of clocking somebody in the ring soon.
Bram is in the ring. He's not a big fan of the past or history in general, and calls out any past TNA superstar that happens to be in the back. Crimson responds to Bram's open challenge.
Bram beats Crimson after biting his hand prior to The Brighter Side of Suffering.
Angle is impressed with Spud's attempt to beat him, and now he has to face Austin Aries. He guarantees he'll retain the World title as much as he guarantees this will be match of the year.
EC3 says he's the true #1 contender, and tells Angle that when he throws the first punch, he won't get up.
Kurt Angle retains the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Austin Aries with the Ankle Lock Submission. After the match, Angle is attacked from behind by Ethan Carter III.
