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.
"The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher retains the TNT Championship against Robbie Eagles.
We hear from Jon Moxley, who says that Will Ospreay is back in the game and has some intense feelings, one of which is wanting to break his neck with his bare hands. Moxley says Ospreay was put in time out for a reason, but Ospreay will not get it. He hopes Ospreay will stay out of trouble, but he knows Ospreay will end up back in the hospital. PAC, who is in the background, says he was not there when Ospreay was injured, then admits they have never gotten on and that he always knew Ospreay was "a prick." He says that if Ospreay wants to take this path once again, all he has to do is ask, and he will be there, grateful for the opportunity to get his mitts around his neck.
La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dralistico, The Beast Mortos) beats Dom Kubrick, Lucas Riley and Alpha Zo in a trios match.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews "The Toxic Spider" Thekla. She says that whatever happened to "Timeless" Toni Storm is a real tragedy, then breaks out into laughter and says she had everything to do with it. She says that Toni wanted her title back, and while she is timeless, she is not toxic, and she took herself out after seeing what happened to Kris Statlander because she could not handle her. Thekla says the Women's World Championship is nobody's title but hers, and tells the rest of the locker room to fake their own deaths, as the reality is so much worse.
The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor) beat Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart and Skye Blue).
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Brody King. Brody says he owes Kenny Omega for the save, and says that this far from over after Kenny Omega wipes the floor with Swerve Strickland. He then proclaims that until then, the hunt for championship gold continues.
The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli and Daniel Garcia) beat Komander and Mascara Dorada.
Rey Fenix, Mr. Iguana and Lola Vice beat La Hiedra and Money Machine (Colmillo De Plata and Garra De Oro) in a trios match.
Backstage, we hear from Chelsea Green. She congratulates Lola Vice, then says she never lost her half of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships, as she was injured, and that La Hiedra lost it alongside "All Ego" Ethan Page and not her. She also says it is typical o a man to mess everything up, then says she does not need a man and demands AAA recognize her as "a current, undisputed, undefeated AAA Mixed Tag Team Women's Champion."
The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) vs. Psycho Clown and Pagano for the AAA World Tag Team Championships ends in a no contest after the referee is shoved not once, but twice. Psycho Clown and Pagano, who at one point almost come to blows after Pagano inadvertently back elbows Psycho Clown, thinking he is Erik, retain the AAA World Tag Team Champions. After the match, referees rush into the ring to restore order, even as shinais and metal folding chairs are brought in as weapons.
Backstage, Dorian Roldan is calling his mother as El Hijo del Vikingo is not happy that Mini Vikingo cost him the AAA Mega Championship. Dorian reminds him that he is destined for bigger things such as the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania weekend.
El Grande Americano II is introduced into the ring to be presented with La Espada de Reyes. 2010 winner Chessman, 2015 winner Texano Jr., and 1999 winner Cibernetico are also present as El Grande Americano II is presented with the sword. El Grande Americano II shakes hands with everyone before thanking the fans for everything. He says it is a pleasure to be here with the fans and the legends tonight, and that he has a lot of respect for the legends, as lucha libre is what it is today thanks to them. He also thanks Marisela Pena and the Roldan family, and that it is an honor to be presented with the sword. El Grande Americano II then asks the fans for their loyalty and for accepting him with a lot of love, then says that the fans of El Grande Americano I deserve him because "they will never understand what we have in Mexico." El Grande Americano II almost breaks down as he says that the pride of Mexico is not skin color, but because of the culture and the people, who he says are the most beloved. All of a sudden, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up and heads to the ring. He congratulates El Grande Americano II for winning Rey de Reyes, then mentions that El Grande Americano II is a close friend of his father Rey Mysterio and wants to come after his title. He asks El Grande Americano II if he wants to do this right now, and El Grande Americano II they can go. Dominik says that El Grande Americano II has changed, and all of a sudden, El Grande Americano II is attacked from behind by El Grande Americano I. Dominik backs off as the beatdown continues, and El Grande Americano I tries to rip El Grande Americano II's mask off. Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano rush out to make the save, and El Grande Americano I takes the sword meant for El Grande Americano II and celebrates on top of the Spanish announce table to end the show.
Dustin Starr interviews Tim Bosby at the announce desk to start today's show. Bosby says the fans are only booing him because he beat "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth, and that Nemeth found out what happened when you step in the ring with "the best independent wrestler today." He calls "The Gift" Ray Sanders "Ray Ray," "a charity case," and "a paper champion," then says Sanders crumbled harder than the Memphis Grizzlies. He also announces that Frankie Kazarian will be here next week to explain his actions.
During the week, everybody is curious about the wooden box outside of the WrestleCenter to be delivered to "The Gold Standard" Eli Knox and not to be opened until April 11th.
"The Gold Standard" Eli Knox retains the Memphis Wrestling Junior Heritage Championship against "The Ember" Shawn Aries after Knox's bodyguard trips Aries off the top rope. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Eli Knox at the announce desk. Knox says that nobody should be worried about his enforcement and that the attention should be on him. As for the crate outside of the WrestleCenter, he has no idea what is going on with it.
Backstage, "The Gift" Rya Sanders and Mike Anthony meet with Matchmaker King Cobra and Derrick King. Mike Anthony states that the both of them want revenge, saying "either they show up, or I show the hell out."
It is announced that The Slaughterhouse (Reverend Ash Taylor, Jagged James, Nasty Nick) and The Modern Day Monsters (Bruce and Morrow) have been banned from the building after their actions last week by Matchmaker King Cobra. We then hear from The Slaughterhouse. Reverend Ash Taylor states that being banned from the building will not stop them and that they want The Modern Day Monsters, and that it is up to Matchmaker King Cobra to make it happen. He says that they are coming next week, and that it will not matter if The Modern Day Monsters come prepared.
Muddy Waters (Gio Savage and "The Judge" RJW) beat The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamonte).
Backstage, Matchmaker King Cobra is on the phone and surrounded by security at the parking lot outside of the WrestleCenter, stating that someone has attacked Big Mama. There are broken bottles on the pavement indicating a brawl recently happened.
Before the next match, Raven Black is seen drinking out of a beer bottle on the way to the ring, strongly implying that she attacked Big Mama in the WrestleCenter parking lot.
Raven Black beats Makkari Kandy with a schoolkid pin after grabbing Makkari's hair.
We see CJ Money thanking someone for letting him stay with them. That someone is CJ Blaine, who is happy to help him, but tells him that he will have to go back home.
We see footage of "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth meeting and greeting the fans at the WrestleCenter.
We hear from VaShawn Harvey, who says that he gave Marko Stunt a taste of what will happen in today's main event and that he will not only put Marko "Hangtime" Harris in the ground, but he will become the new Internet Champion.
Marko Stunt guests on commentary for the next match.
Marko "Hangtime" Harris retains the Memphis Wrestling Internet Championship against VaShawn Harvey after VaShawn Harvey wraps his chain around his fist to use as a weapon - much to Marko Stunt's disapproval - only to fall victim to a cutter from top rope by Marko Harris as soon as he gets back in the ring.
Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before Orton can even speak, Kevin Owens appears and asks Orton to hear him out. Owens says he was wrong for attacking him and attacking him with a piledriver, and says he did not deserve that. He also says that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes deserves everything he did to him, but Orton did not. He says Orton picked Cody's side over him and that it made angry, and that he regrets it. Owens also mentions Orton bringing up how his anger has made him do things that he regret, and that he can forgive Orton for siding with Cody if Orton can forgive what he did to him. He also tells Orton that he pulled Carmelo Hayes out of the ring last week to save Orton from himself, and that Orton does not want to go back to the man who punted people in the head. After stating that this version of Orton should stay in the past, Owens then says they should look to the future and look to WrestleMania, where they can become tag team champions. He says that they came close a few months ago but let things come between them, and that they should try again at WrestleMania. Orton says he should roll out of the ring and kick his ass all over the ring, then admits that what Owens said was intriguing before telling him to stick his half-hearted apology up his ass and that Owens deserves to be kicked so hard that he gets a pat on the back from Roberto Baggio. He says Owens used to be "Fight Owens Fight" but is now "Bitch Owens Bitch," and that he is glad Owens dropped him on his head because he hears voices in head, and that they counsel him and understand as they tell him that "whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," because at WrestleMania, he will kick his head clean off his shoulders.
Damian Priest and Jimmy Uso beat Shinsuke Nakamura and Drew McIntyre. After the match, McIntyre attacks Priest from behind and tells Priest that he will come for him every time he sees him. He then hits Priest with the Claymore Kick and tells him that he will keep putting him down until he stays down.
Backstage, LA Knight meets with Braun Strowman. Knight hopes that Braun Strowman smacks Jacob Fatu back to factory settings, then says that he will be keeping a look out for Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. Strowman says he cannot wait to get his hands on Jacob, and says that as per General Manager Nick Aldis, whoever wins the match gets a shot at the WWE United States Championship. He says that this will punch his ticket to WrestleMania.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair are interviewed in separate rooms. Charlotte says Tiffany looked like a star last week, and that she only chose her because she felt sorry for her, saying she is delusional enough to think she can compare to her when everyone is compared to her. She also says she has not earned the WWE Women's Championship and that WrestleMania will be the biggest night of Tiffany's career while she shines her light on some undeserving girl who can do a backflip. Tiffany says that Charlotte cannot stand to even look at her because she knows she is destined to take her throne, but Charlotte says that she is here for real competition. Tiffany says Charlotte takes the hottest thing and throws water on it, but Charlotte says that Tiffany is not even the hottest thing on SmackDown. Charlotte says Tiffany has always been under her gasping for breath, but Tiffany says Charlotte cannot keep up with the fans who don't want her back, as they all now run on "Tiffy Time."
Braun Strowman beats Jacob Fatu by disqualification after being attacked by Solo Sikoa as Strowman goes after Tama Tonga for getting in the ring during the match. After the match, Jacob Fatu is livid as Solo and Tama continue to attack Strowman, but eventually joins in before LA Knight shows up and fights all three of them. The numbers games catches up, but not for long, and Strowman soon helps Knight clean house.
Backstage, Cathy Kelly interviews Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Liv Morgan says Jade Cargill allowed everyone to believe she and Raquel attacked her and that she takes this personally, even though she and Raquel have since become three-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. She says that Jade could not finish the job, and soon, she will finish it for her.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu is furious that he has been cost a shot at the WWE United States Championship. Solo Sikoa says he and Tama Tonga were trying to helping, but Jacob is not happy.
Italian rapper Anna is seen in the crowd.
Piper Niven beats Zelina Vega with a cross body after Zelina takes out Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre for getting involved in the match.
Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens is official for WrestleMania 41.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, who says that Liv tried it last week, and since Liv tried it, she will beat her in the ring tonight in what she says will be a taste of what she does to Naomi.
We see smoke as well as images of what looks like a mask followed by the number 4.
Liv Morgan beats Jade Cargill after Naomi shows up and hits Jade with one of the Women's Tag Team Championship belts. After the match, Naomi continues to beat down Jade Cargill before booting her in the sternum and hitting her with the Heatseeker. She then shoves Jade off the ring apron and into the announce table.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Drew McIntyre, who says that while he did not start this, he will end this. He says he has mentioned all the problems he has had with Damian Priest in the past year, and that he would love for someone to verbally explain to him why he is wrong when he always tells the truth, then gives Priest credit for being as tough as he stupid and that Priest knows where to find him next week. On his way out, he then runs into Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, who chuckles at him before heading into the arena.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) head to the ring, now with new entrance theme music. The crowd chants "You deserve it!" before Montez Ford says that he and Angelo Dawkins are tag team champions for the first time in four years. Dawkins says it is "about damn time" and that for the past four years, a lot of doubt has creeped in, and while he and Ford have trusted each other, holding the WWE Tag Team Championships made it all worth it. Montez says that he always knew for the past four years that he could always count on his brother, then Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, Berto) show up. Escobar speaks in Italian before congratulating The Street Profits on finally capturing gold, then says it is too bad that their reign will end abruptly, because Angel and Berto are pissed and ready to take the titles from them. Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) suddenly arrive, and Kit Wilson tells Escobar he can run his mouth all night long, but he and Elton Prince earned the right to be called number one contenders, and Prince tells Legado del Fantasma to step aside. Escobar says they will not step aside due to The Street Profits believing Pretty Deadly's gossip, and after The Street Profits refused to apologize to Legado del Fantasma, things are now personal, and he demands Pretty Deadly stay out of this. Montez says Pretty Deadly have their title shot, but since Santos Escobar is feisty and ready for a fight, they can have a match right now.
We see footage of a masked luchador performing moves in the ring as the area around the ring is lit up in orange.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto).
Paul Heyman is seen climbing out of a black Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van outside of the arena.
Backstage, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) run into #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). As Pretty Deadly mention that they face The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) for the WWE Tag Team Championships next week in London, England, #DIY state that while they have not seen eye-to-eye, it only makes their relationship stronger, and propose that they watch Pretty Deadly's backs, and if Pretty Deadly win, #DIY can be the first in line for a title shot. Pretty Deadly say "No, boy!" The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) show up as Pretty Deadly leave and mention that they still have unfinished business at the back of the line.
Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman addresses what happened between himself, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and CM Punk as of late, then says he came a long way before calling out anyone who wants to confront him. Rollins shows up, then tells Roman that he messed up underestimating how dangerous CM Punk is to the future of WWE and the business and that he should have let him finish Punk when he had the chance. He then says it was always about the two of them, as they are intertwined in WWE and cannot co-exist in the same space at the same time. Rollins says their story has a lot of pages written and that it is time they added another chapter, then removes his jacket before Punk suddenly arrives. Punk says his right hand is not taped up to hold a microphone, then says Roman and Rollins have never beaten him without the others' help because he cannot, then reminds Roman that the Royal Rumble is every man for himself. He also mentions Roman would not even have been in the Royal Rumble had he not saved his family at WarGames. Punk then mentions his favor to Heyman and thanks Heyman for bringing Roman to him on a silver platter. When Roman turns towards Heyman, Punk hits Roman with the microphone, and as Punk goes on the attack, Rollins goes after Punk. This leads to a brawl between all three men, and officials and security show up to stop the brouhaha. Punk gets on the announce table and proclaims he is the best in the world while pointing at the WrestleMania sign. The brawl spills onto the outside as the show ends.
We look back on JONAH (Bronson Reed) vs. Tomohiro Ishii from Rebellion 2022.
Gia Miller interviews Steph de Lander for Around the Ring. Steph talks about her dog as well as her four cats.
We look back on Joe Hendry and Elijah vs. The System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers) from last night's show.
Maggie Lee beats Kelsey Heather. After the match, Savannah Evans shows up and lays out Kelsey Heather, then Maggie Lee with a full nelson slam in the middle of the ring.
Mustafa Ali guests on commentary for the next match. Before the next match, John Skyler states that Jason Hotch is in the Rebellion Referendum to show support and is not entering to challenge Mustafa Ali, but to keep everyone else from earning an X Division title shot, as only Mustafa Ali is fit to be the X Division Champion. He is soon interrupted by Kevin Knight.
Jake Something beats Jason Hotch, Kevin Knight, Leon Slater, Chris Bey and Alan Angels in the Rebellion Referendum to earn an X Division title shot against Mustafa Ali, much to Mustafa's chagrin.
We hear from Dirty Dango, who talks about the one time he bought a Range Rover and how the wrestling dirtsheets will not even write about him. He talks about how "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander only beat him because his shoelaces were untied and calls Windsor, Ontario, Canada "Detroit's stupid cousin" due to its cold temperatures, then says everyone only cares about five-star matches. He says that one is only as good as who they surround themselves with, then says that he has two anchors holding him down right now. When he gets angry at Oleg Prudius for losing to Josh Alexander, Prudius comes close to beat him up.
Backstage, Gia Miller gets an interview with AJ Francis and Rich Swann. Francis tells Gia to address all questions to him, then says that everything will be explained next week before he and Swann leave to catch a first-class flight.
Deaner is in the ring. He says that for the last couple of years, he has not been himself, and when he looks at all the decision they have made, he realizes that they have all led to failure. He blames himself for all of those failures and poor decision, and that the best decision he ever made was falling in love with professional wrestling. He says that the fans have the same passion that he does, but he has since lost that passion and he can only get it back with the help of the fans. He says that from now on, every decision that he makes will be in the fans' hands. The Grizzed Young Vets (Zack Gibson and James Drake) show up for their match, and Zack Gibson asks Deaner if he is ill and if he thinks anybody cares about him or his "pathetic" life, then says he should be taking advice from them, not from the fans. He also says that he should be more like the fans and hang up the boots, because they always give up on their dreams and he offers nothing to professional wrestling just like them. Gibson then tells Deaner to "jog on" and leave the ring so that the professionals can go to work. Deaner then says he made a promise to these people, then asks the fans if he should leave or stay. The fans make it clear he should stay. Gibson tells Deaner should not be taking advice from people claiming benefits and threatens that he and James Drake will do something to him that he will not enjoy if he does not leave. Deaner says the people have spoken and fights The Grizzled Young Vets, and this leads to Time Splitters (KUSHIDA and Alex Shelley) running into the ring, getting the next match started.
Time Splitters (KUSHIDA and Alex Shelley) beat The Grizzed Young Vets (Zack Gibson and James Drake) with a Hoverboard Lock from KUSHIDA to Drake after Shelley superkicks Drake.
In footage from earlier today, Tom Hannifan interviews Hammerstone. Hammerstone says signing to TNA has been a long time in the making since he had his first TNA match on Xplosion in 2018, and he was told he was not ready, which put a chip on his shoulder. He says that he travelled all over the world to become ready for this, and dominated everywhere. He says he had to come swim in the ocean after being a big fish in a small pond, and he could not be more excited to face Josh Alexander due to how good he was. Hammerstone admits he had nerves, but confidence breaks nerves, and he was ready. He also says that Alexander had to roll out of the ring to beat him at Hard to Kill. On the subject of his win at Sacrifice, Hammerstone says he does not have to prove he is the better wrestler, and that he proved he was smarter at Sacrifice as he also broke Alexander's spirit and took his headgear as a trophy. He says that his headgear will be a reminder of Alexander's loss to him, and if Alexander wants another match, he will give him another reminder.
Crazzy Steve retains the TNA Digital Media Championship against PCO. During the match, Kon shows up with a bunch of weapons, and PCO beats him up. Crazzy Steve soon gouges PCO's eyes from the inside of the ring, then grabs a chain thrown into the ring by Kon, which distracts the referee as Kon slams PCO into some metal folding chairs and rolls PCO back into the ring. Crazzy Steve wins the match and retains with a schoolkid pin.
Backstage, we hear from Decay (Rosemary and Havok). Havok says they have their eyes on Spitfire (Dani Luna and Jody Threat), and Rosemary says they have a contractually obligate rematch for the Knockouts Tag Team titles. MK Ultra (Masha Slamovich and Killer Kelly) shows up from behind and declare that their rematch is first, and Rosemary declares that the only way to settle this is in the ring.
Eric Young heads to the ring. Eric Young says he was so close to winning but came up short at Sacrifice, and that he promised to keep moving forward and he is proud of that. He says that Moose has the biggest bullseye in the world on his back and that they are not through, then tells Frankie Kazarian to watch what he wishes for and that he has made a mistake getting his attention. He says that if Kazarian wants to be "heavy metal," then they can square off in a Full Metal Mayhem match at Rebellion.
Ash By Elegance beats Seleziya Sparx. Ash By Elegance punches Seleziya a few times after the match, then her concierge George Iceman hands him a metal folding chair to choke Seleziya out with it. She then goes up top for another Rarified Air, but Xia Brookside show up to stop Ash. Ash leaves the ring, and calls Xia Brookside "trash" on the way out.
"The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth heads to the ring. Nemeth talks about how he slid into the ring and stood face-to-face with Moose on his first night in TNA, and promised that he will become TNA World Champion. He also says that he respects the locker room too much to be handed a title shot and that he wants to earn it, and talks about his first challenge in Steve Maclin, who said that he would run him out of TNA only for Nemeth to prove he was here to stay. He says that he was going to keep fighting and bide his time until the fans really wanted him, but Moose could not wait, and now, because of his action, he has a World title shot at Rebellion. As Nemeth proclaims that he will not let this slip through his fingers and that he will walk out World Champion, The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose) shows up. Moose says there is no denying how well-accomplished Nemeth is, and that throughout his career, he has defeated some of the greatest of all time. He then says that if anyone knows anything about Nemeth's career, they know that the one thing he has never been able to beat is The System.
Jordynne Grace retains the TNA Knockouts World Championship against Tasha Steelz.
Billie Starkz beats Mercedes Martinez to advance to the finals of the ROH Women's World Television Championship Tournament.
Queen Aminata beats Red Velvet to advance to the finals of the ROH Women's World Television Championship Tournament.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Kiera Hogan. Hogan says that she will be the first challenge for the women's television title, then says that while Diamate beat her to advance in the tournament, she did not get that win without a fight. Hogan then challenges Diamante to a rematch next week.
"Big Shotty" Lee Johnson beats London Lightning.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Johnny TV and Taya Valkyrie. Taya says The Boys have been acting up as Dalton Castle shows up wanting to know where The Boys (Brandon and Brent Tate) are. Johnny says that he lost The Boys on the mountain after they encountered a boy, and Lexy Nair has to stand between Dalton and Johnny - who walks away with Taya - before Dalton says that The Boys are gone. Lexy Nair mentions the other Boys who are off to the side, but Dalton says that they are more like "single use" boys. Lexy then tells Dalton to stop interrupting her interviews.
Athena shows up to watch the next match from ringside.
Hikaru Shida beats Rachael Ellering.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Diamante. She calls Billie Starkz's win over Mercedes Martinez a fluke, then says that regardless of who wins the ROH Women's World Television Championship, he and Mercedes are the first in line. As for Kiera Hogan, if she wants to get in the ring with her, she had better see her before she sees Kiera first.
Matt Sydal beats TJ Crawford.
We hear from Eddie Kingston, who talks about his loss to "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada and how he reacted to it, and mentions that he got a phone call from Homicide, who asked him why he was acting like "such a bitch" and where the vicious Eddie Kingston he knew was. Eddie says that this side of him is not the one that will beat Okada, but the one that will beat Mark Briscoe. Eddie says there is nothing personal between him and Mark Briscoe and that he loves him like a brother after having known him forever, but this is about the ROH World Championship and he cannot lose again. He says he will bring more than a fight, he will bring the old Eddie that doesn't care about life or another person's life. He says he will have to bust Mark Briscoe up because he does not want to lose again and does not want to feel that pain again, and he does not want his mentor Homicide to ever doubt him again. He tells Mark Briscoe to bring it, because if he does not, he cannot be held responsible for what he does to him.
Backstage, Lexy Nair and Billie Starkz celebrate Billie reach the finals of the ROH Women's World Television Championship, and brings up Athena's match with Hikaru Shida. Athena counters the fact that Hikaru Shida is a three-time All Elite Women's Champion by stating that she is a "three-time loser," and that she will not let Shida take her title and that she will not let Shida beat her again like she did years ago. When Billie asks about this, Athena snaps on Billie and storms off.
Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) head to the ring to start tonight's show. As their first official acts as hosts of Stand & Deliver, they are wiping last week's footage from the NXT archives and that nobody will be able to see Gallus cheat to win against them, not will anyone see Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes attack them from behind and put them through a table. As they continue to talk, Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes show up, and Trick tells Pretty Deadly that he warned them to stay out of their business and that they got "table service" when they did not. Trick says he and Carmelo are known to talk their talk and that Pretty Deadly should walk the walk, but Elton Prince takes this as a challenge to a tag team match and Kit Wilson accepts. Trick Williams then announces that Carmelo's tag team partner will not be him, but Bron Breakker. Pretty Deadly attack Trick and Carmelo, but Bron Breakker runs in and overpowers them before helping Carmelo up. Breakker then tells Carmelo that he wants nothing to happen to him before Stand & Deliver.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes tells Trick Williams that he did not have Bron Breakker's help and questions why he is tagging with Breakker, but Trick Williams tells him that this is a perfect opportunity to scout him. As for Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), Trick says they are easy money. Trick says the most important thing is still the NXT Championship, and that Carmelo will have "the cheat code" at Stand & Deliver.
Tiffany Stratton beats Indi Hartwell to qualify for the NXT Women's Championship Ladder Match.
At Big Daddy's, Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) have beers and shoot pool when The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) show up and challenge Gallus to a game. Gallus win the game, but Julius Creed challenges them to a game of darts. Julius ends up hitting bull for the win in the darts game, then The Creed Brothers say they are coming back for their titles and shake their hands as both teams agree they will settle things at Stand & Deliver. Both teams then head out only to run into Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, and everyone heads back into the establishment to handle business.
We see a vignette of Lyra Valkyria training in an abandoned building.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Gigi Dolin. Dolin says it is too early to judge the field, and says the ladder match for the Women's title would not have happen if Roxanne Perez never went down. Dolin says she has won the ladder match she was in, and says she will do whatever it takes to win again. Suddenly, Tiffany Stratton shows up and says Dolin's and everyone else's chances are screwed before declaring the NXT Women's Championship is hers.
Wes Lee is in the ring. On the subject of why he is doing the open challenges for the NXT North American Championship when his number will soon get called, Wes Lee says he had one shot at the title before winning and had to do whatever it took to win it. He also says he has a chip on his shoulder and that he has to prove to himself and the world that he can and will compete against the best and that he deserves to carry the championship. He then mentions the Fatal 4-Way match for #1 contendership for the title and that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels has allowed him to fill the spots for the match, then Dragon Lee shows up. Dragon Lee says he is also here to face the best and that Wes Lee is the best, but he also loves the chaos and wants to be part of that open challenge against him. Wes Lee says he has followed Dragon Lee's career and has thought about a one-on-one match, and tells him he will see him in Los Angeles, California. JD McDonagh then shows up and gives Dragon Lee a pass before telling him to sit front row and watch him destroy Ilja Dragunov, then asks Wes Lee what his excuse is. Wes Lee asks McDonagh what his excuse will be when Dragunov rips him apart, and McDonagh tells Wes Lee he should be lucky he has not focused on his championship, or else he would not be standing there at all. Suddenly, Dragunov shows up for the next match.
In a video from "NXT Anonymous," Indi Hartwell is frustrated at tonight's loss, and when she asks Zoey Stark what she is looking at, Stark says "Not the next NXT Women's Champion."
Backstage, Fallon Henley confronts Kiana James about Sebastian and threatens to spill the details about what she and Josh Briggs have learned to Brooks Jensen.
Dragon Lee watches the next match from ringside.
Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh ends in a no contest after both men tumble into Dragon Lee and Dragon Lee fights both men after McDonagh slaps him. After the match, Wes Lee takes all three men out from the top rope, and referees have to rush in to stop the ringside brawl.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams meet with Bron Breakker. Bron Breakker says he wants to face the best Carmelo he can face at Stand & Deliver, and that he doesn't want anyone messing it up, including Trick. Trick says he just wants Breakker to share the ring with the future of NXT, then Carmelo says he wants the best Bron Breakker he can face.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Wes Lee. He says that JD McDonagh and Ilja Dragunov will never be done with each other, but since McDonagh cannot stay out of his face, he gets the second spot in the North American title match. He also announces that Dragunov has earned his way into the third shot with how he has fought McDonagh. Suddenly, Axiom shows up seeing if he can get the last slot, but Wes Lee says the chaos will continue and that the final spot will be decided in a battle royal. Axiom says that all he needed was an opportunity, and now he has it.
Johnny Gargano's entrance theme hits, but Javier Bernal shows up and heads to the ring. He says that Johnny Gargano took his spot and kept him from going to Stand & Deliver, and says that he is the heart and soul of NXT and has been busting his ass for seven months. Bernal says he wants to know what Gargano has that he does not and says that Shawn Michaels picked the wrong guy, then Johnny Gargano arrives and beats Bernal up. Gargano then calls out Grayson Waller and tells him that if he wants to make things personal and raise the stakes, then they can raise the stakes. He then produces a contract for a type of match he knows very well, and challenges Waller to an unsanctioned match. As he says that he will not be liable for what he does to Waller and that all he has to do is sign the contract, Waller shows up in the TitanTron and asks Gargano if he wants to embarrass himself on NXT's biggest stage, then tells Gargano to hand the contract to announcer Vic Joseph so he can sign the contract. Waller then says he will sign the contract on the condition that he is banned from the building when he signs it next week, and if he even sees a trace of Gargano, he will not sign. Gargano agrees to the deal, then Javier Bernal then gets back in the ring only to get superkicked.
We hear from Eddy Thorpe (formerly known as Karl Fredericks) who says that he is proud of his Native American heritage and that he must carry the responsibility of progression as he holds his people up and leads the way forward. Eddy Thorpe debuts on Tuesday nights next week.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Ivy Nile. Ivy says it took a while to trust somebody like Tatum Paxley and that she trusted her only to be burned. Ivy admits that Paxley mostly did her own thing, but she and The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) accepted her as a part of Diamond Mine. She then says tonight is about a huge opportunity, and if she wins tonight, she has a chance to become NXT Women's Champion, and even Tatum Paxley cannot ruin that.
We hear from Hank Walker, who talks about his rise in NXT from security guard to contracted wrestler, his college football career and finding and losing a mentor in Drew Gulak. He says that Gulak and Charlie Dempsey cannot see in anything as they say he is not cut out for wrestling, but all he has to do is continue evolving. Backstage, Charlie Dempsey and Drew Gulak criticize Hank Walker for not having a killer instinct
Lyra Valkyria beats Ivy Nile to qualify for the NXT Women's Championship Ladder Match.
Backstage, Fallon Henley is attacked by Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre after Fallon is distracted by laughter and flashing lights. Suddenly, Kiana James shows up and makes the save for Fallon, and after referees break up the brawl, Kiana tells Fallon that she cannot tell Brooks Jensen about Sebastian.
Backstage, Wes Lee says one cannot properly predict the winner of a battle royal and that he will sit back and enjoy the match. Suddenly, Jinder Mahal tells Wes Lee he will see him at Stand & Deliver, Dijak tells Wes Lee he has not forgotten about him, and Dabba-Kato says that he was stopped once and that nobody will stop him in the battle royal.
Blake Howard is debate moderator between The Schism (Joe Gacy, Jagger Reid, Rip Fowler, Ava Rayne) and Andre Chase University (Andre Chase, Thea Hail, Duke Hudson). Duke Hudson and Rip Fowler step up first. Fowler says inclusion is the cornerstone of The Schism, and that The Schism has offered Hudson the opportunity to remove his mask of false school spirit and welcome him with open arms. Hudson says that the university has given him a mask and a sense of inclusion, but does not say much else. Next up is Ava Rayne and Thea Hail, and Ava Rayne says she knows that there is safety in The Schism and that Andre Chase University puts up fake walls that The Schism tears down the walls of society. Thea Hail mentions the dictionary definition of safety and says that Chase U has supplied that safety, and that The Schism has brainwashed people into a false sense of safety and security. Andre Chase and Joe Gacy then debate. Gacy says Chase's students are not ready and do not know which way is up, then Tyler Bate steps in for Chase and debates with Jagger Reid. Jagger Reid describes The Schism as "four roots, one tree," and Tyler Bate says it takes more than physical prowess to succeed, but a big strong mind and the ability to take advice, and says Andre Chase is connected to constant growth and evolution in NXT, which The Schism has never had. This leads to a eight-way tag match between both sides at Stand & Deliver, but Gacy states that The Schism is superior physically and philosophically. Duke Hudson then puts the school on the line, with the winner getting control. Gacy accepts the challenge.
At Big Daddy's, The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed), Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) and the team of Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo have had a brawl in the bar. All three teams agree to have their fun again at Stand & Deliver.
Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes beat Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince).
The show starts with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's entrance theme hitting, but instead of Steve Austin, it is Kevin Owens in a bald cap. Owens heads to the ring, then asks if they are ready to see him open a can of whupass on Steve Austin only to get booed. Owens then yells "What?" several times before the crowd chants "You suck." Owens pretends to be Steve Austin, saying that what Owens said about Texas was all true before making fun of Austin's response video, saying he does not do a lot of thinking these days. He then says he is going to The Kevin Owens Show at WrestleMania as the crowd chants "We want Austin," then Austin's theme hits again. After a delay, Owens laughs and the fans boo him even more. Owens makes fun of the fans for being fooled twice, and when it comes time to catch the beers thrown at him, Owens cannot each either of them, and takes his anger at the person throwing it before telling him to get in the ring and hand him a beer. The man does just that, then Owens takes the beer before hitting him with a Stone Cold Stunner, pouring two beers on him, throwing whatever is left onto the stage and stepping on the man on his way to the corner. (The unlucky soul who gets a Stunner for missing on the beer toss is independent wrestler Chico Adams.)
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. On the subject of not having a match at WrestleMania, Rollins laughs and says "I'm gonna have to borrow this" before walking off with the microphone.
The Miz guests on commentary for the next match.
Rey and Dominik Mysterio beat The Dirty Dawgs (Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode). During the match, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up. Rollins says he wants a spot at WrestleMania and that he will get it, and that he does not want just any spot, but a spot that will live forever. As he speaks, his mike keeps getting cut. After the match, Ziggler superkicks Dominik, and when Rey chases after Ziggler, The Miz shoves Rey into the ring apron and hits Rey with the Skull Crushing Finale and rips off his mask before running off with it and tearing up a fan's sign.
Backstage, WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville confront Seth "Freakin'" Rollins for disrupting the show. When Adam Pearce says he will see what he can do as far as a spot at WrestleMania goes, Rollins laughs and walks away.
Backstage, The Miz brags to Maryse on his cellphone about ripping off Rey Mysterio's mask until Kevin Patrick interviews him. Miz says that Logan Paul was a fan of Rey Mysterio and wanted a mask of his own much like Rey. He then says that Logan later found out how much of a jerk is and how Dominik Mysterio is even worse, saying Rey and Dominik have disrespected and humiliated them, and that he has humiliated the Mysterios and will humiliate them more at WrestleMania. He then says that he has a mask for Logan Paul and dares Paul to wear it next week at WrestleMania.
It is announced that Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns will be at Raw next week.
We get a closer look at Omos, courtesy of Xfinity Mobile.
Omos beats Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez in a two-on-one handicap match. After the match, Omos says it does not matter how big or how numerous they are, as he is undefeated and unstoppable, and anyone who has the balls to step up to him at WrestleMania will be dominated.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles heads to the ring. Styles says that for the past two weeks, he had been at home nursing an injury, and says that with enough of it, time can be a dangerous thing. He says he has watched what Edge did to him over and over again and thought that he was going to go mad. He then saw Edge on Raw last week, and says that he is here not to ask why, but to kick Edge's teeth down his throat. He says that Edge will get the pitbull that he wanted at WrestleMania, but they might as well face each other right now. Styles calls out Edge, but when Edge does not show up, Styles calls him a coward. Suddenly, Seth Rollins shows up and says he is concerned about Styles' health and safety after what Edge did to him before proposing that Styles go home to his family while he ends Edge's career at WrestleMania, but Styles says that as long as he can walk, he will be there. Rollins tries to use this as a means of taking Styles' place, but Styles tells Rollins he can see where this is going. Rollins says desperate times call for desperate measures and that he is running out of options. Styles says he will do what Rollins could not and destroy Edge before dealing with him, then WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville show up and says Rollins will get one last chance at a WrestleMania spot. Pearce says that if Rollins can beat Styles tonight, he will replace Styles at WrestleMania. An angry Styles punches Rollins as Rollins leaves the ring.
Backstage, Queen Zelina confronts Carmella over her lack of focus, but Carmella accuses Zelina of not watching her back while she is focused on her wedding and reality show. Zelina yanks the phone out of Carmella's hand, then Carmella says her phone costs more than Zelina's "dollar store crown" before calling her "a hobbit" and slapping her. Zelina hits Carmella, and both women brawl as officials try to break them apart.
Backstage, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles confronts WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville before saying he will beat Seth Rollins tonight and get his WrestleMania moment.
Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley. During the match, Carmella shows up and complains to Corey Graves and Queen Zelina. After the match, Queen Zelina shows up and hits Liv and Rhea with her scepter before Carmella lays out Natalya and Baszler. Zelina and Carmella confront each other in the ring, then make up.
It is announced that Bianca Belair has suffered a fractured hyoid bone in her throat and that she will be out for an unspecified amount of time.
WrestleMania 38 is twelve days away!
Becky Lynch heads to the ring with the WWE Raw Women's Championship in one hand and a chair in the other. After the commercial break, Becky is sitting in the chair. Becky says she asks herself "What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?" He then asks what gaining the world is, and it was winning the Raw Women's Championship. She says she went fifteen long months without a championship and that her time not being champion was long and agonizing, then says that her championship is everything she is and that she is power, glory and the prize at the top of the mountain. She says that the Raw Women's Championship is her world, and when the fans chose Bianca Belair over her, that was when she knew she would sell her soul to keep the championship. Becky says Bianca does not have what it takes to beat her and that she can crush her all she wants, but she can crush her worse. She also says that she meant to injure her, then promised to come for her hair only to find out Bianca was not here. Becky knows that if she took Bianca's identity, Bianca will lose her soul. She says that Bianca does not want to lose her soul, for she has sold her own and she will sell it twice on Monday if it means staying champion. She then asks Bianca what profits a man to gain the world and lose his soul and promises to show her at WrestleMania if she makes it.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Austin Theory, who says that Pat McAfee is a dumb jock but did something smart, apologized, and kept his job. He says McAfee has no business stepping in the ring with him, as he will beat McAfee and he could cost him his job even then. He then says he has space for one more selfie with Finn Balor on his iPhone on his road to WrestleMania.
Veer Mahaan is coming to Raw on April 4th.
Pat McAfee guests on commentary for the next match.
Finn Balor beats Austin Theory with an inside cradle following numerous distractions from Pat McAfee.
We look back on the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal from WrestleMania 33, when Rob Gronkowski tackled Jinder Mahal.
Before the next match, Chad Gable says that RK-Bro committed a crime when they accepted a tag team title match with anyone but Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis), and that Alpha Academy now has vengeance and will prevail at WrestleMania despite RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) messing things up by making their tag team title match a Triple Threat Match.
RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis). After the match, Otis attacks Riddle, but when he goes for the Vader Bomb, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) shove Otis over the ropes to the outside before double-teaming Gable. They help Riddle up, then double-team him, too.
Dana Brooke and Reggie quickly beat Tamina and Akira Tozawa in a tornado mixed tag team match.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Seth Rollins by disqualification after Edge hits him in the back with a chair, dashing Rollins' last chance at a spot at WrestleMania. After the match, a frustrated Rollins grabs a microphone and says "This is bullshit!" before stating that next week's Raw will not happen until he gets what he deserves: a WrestleMania moment. Rollins then starts tearing parts of the barricade apart before toppling the announce desk, ripping out a ring post panel and toppling some ring steps.
This week on Raw Talk: The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)! Queen Zelina and Carmella! Pat McAfee!
Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!!
"The Native Beast" Nyla Rose beats Robyn Renegade.
Julia Hart beats Skye Blue after using the bottom rope for leverage.
The Gunn Club (Austin and Colten Gunn) beat Aaron Mercer and Masada.
Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) beat Chaos Project (Luther and Serpentico).
Ruby Soho and Anna Jay beat The Bunny and Emi Sakura.
Lance Archer heads to the ring. He says he is glad to be back in the great state of Texas, but he will never live in San Antonio. He says that the fans are the reason that the place changed, as he nearly paraliyzed himself for them, but no more. He says that the simple security he is about to unleash is of the proportion of Greek mythology and that AEW cannot hide him in the dark for much longer, and when he comes to the light, they will regret what the people made him do. Archer leaves the ring, then punches a fan in the front row, throws him into the ring, and hits him with the Blackout.
The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, John Silver) beat The Factory (QT Marshall, Aaron Solo, Nick Comoroto) in a six-man tag match.
It is announced that Shane McMahon has injured his knee while training, and is currently being evaluated by trainers. Shane's medical status is currently unknown.
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews Seth Rollins, who says he is not surprised that Shinsuke Nakamura confronted him, then says he is disappointed in Nakamura because he knows he is "better than this." He says that he thought Nakamura would know something about respect, but he is now mistaken after he stood up for Cesaro, and he hopes to teach Nakamura a lesson about respect and hopes that Cesaro will also learn something in the process. He then says that if Cesaro wants to confront him again after this, he will make him pay for it.
Matt Riddle retains the WWE United States Championship against Mustafa Ali with a Bro Derk from the middle rope. After the match, Mustafa Ali blames the rest of Retribution for his loss. This leads to Reckoning turning her back on Ali, with Slapjack following. When Ali blames T-Bar for the defections, T-Bar and Mace hit Ali with a double choke slam.
Nia Jax and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair following the distraction by Reginald and an argument between Sasha and Bianca which sees Sasha call Bianca a rookie again that allows Baszler to win with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Sasha and Bianca continue to argue, and Sasha slaps Bianca as she continues to call her a rookie.
Backstage, Shane McMahon is met by Elias and Jaxson Ryker. Elias proposes a pitch for WrestleMania. Shane is initially reluctant, but when Elias says he will do anything to be in the event, Shane is all ears.
Big E retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews after a confusing - and botched - inside cradle pinfall attempt. After the match, Apollo attacks Big E and tells him it is not over.
In an advertisement for Old Spice Wild, Joseph Average hands a stick of new Old Spice Wild to Drew Gulak. Akira Tozawa then shows up with a ninja referee, demanding to know where R-Truth is. R-Truth hands Tozawa a stick of deodorant, and Tozawa pulls R-Truth's arm out from behind the shelves of deodorant, causing everything to fall over. As Joe Average is on the floor, he leans back on R-Truth, winning the WWE 24/7 Championship. R-Truth soon pins Joe Average to win the title back, then runs away. Tozawa gets angry at Joe Average for costing him the 24/7 title, then tears at his sweater to see a T-shirt with a panther on it and the words "Night Panther." Tozawa screams "The Night Panther lives!" as he laments the 24/7 Championship getting away from him. (Joe Average is played by Rik Bugez aka Eric Bugenhagen.)
We see video footage of Shane McMahon injuring his knee from earlier today.
Shane McMahon, Elias and Jaxson Ryker are in the ring. After Elias plays just a few notes, Shane tells Elias that he is taking his place tonight in his match against Braun Strowman.
Braun Strowman beats Elias.
Backstage, Matt Riddle meets Shinsuke Nakamura and wishes him luck in his match with Seth Rollins before making a business proposal where they team up to customize scooters, then talks about his cousin Skeeter only to find out Nakamura has disappeared. Riddle leaves, then Nakamura is seen coming out from a nearby doorway.
Seth Rollins beats Shinsuke Nakamura.
Rhea Ripley debuts on Raw tomorrow night!
Drew McIntyre beats Sheamus in a No Holds Barred match.
Alexa Bliss beats Randy Orton in a match that sees Randy Orton spits black bile out of his mouth again before the match begins, Alexa shooting fireballs out of her hands, a lighting rig fall from the ceiling and the burnt body of The Fiend coming out from behind the ring and hitting Orton with Sister Abigail to allow Alexa to get the win after Alexa pushes Orton into The Fiend.
Roman Reigns retains the WWE Universal Championship. During the match, the first referee for the match is knocked out with a running knee from Daniel. When Edge goes his job as special guest enforcer, Jey Uso superkicks Edge and hits Daniel Bryan with a chair only for Daniel to use it against him. Afterwards, Daniel swings the chair at Roman, but Edge gets hit inadvertently. As Daniel makes Roman tap to the Yes Lock with no official to call it, Edge hits both Daniel and Roman with the chair before saying that the WrestleMania main event is and storming off. A second referee shows up just in time for Roman to put himself on top of Daniel to retain.
Quinn McKay hosts a recap of recent events. Matches covered and other things in the episode include:
A video package of 2 Guys 1 Tag (Silas Young and Josh "The Goods" Woods)
Dan Maff and Jeff Cobb vs. The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) at Bound By Honor
Rey Horus vs. Alex Shelley at Bound By Honor
An advertisement for replays of 18th Anniversary being available on pay-per-view (they are not, due to the show being cancelled due to the 2019-2020 Coronavirus "COVID-19" pandemic.)
A run-down of the card for Supercard of Honor XIV (which is also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
2 Guys 1 Tag (Silas Young) vs. Jonathan Gresham and Jay Lethal for the ROH World Tag Team Championships at Bound By Honor
It is announced that Birthday Bash at Autozone Park has been postponed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Friendship Farm (Gentleman Jervis, "Sweet" Robin Shaw, Super Beetle) beat Adriel Noctis, DJ Talamantez and Ice Williams in a six-man tag match. Near the end of the match, Jamie Iovine shows up and hands Ice Williams a business card in an attempt to recruit him. After the match, David Marquez interviews The Friendship Farm. Jervis says they had a great time in the ring, then says The Friendship Farm wants some gold around their waists to become "the golden standard of friendship."
Backstage, Jon Roberts interviews Buddy Royal. Buddy says that Levi Shapiro and Howdy Price are now enemies and that #1 contendership for the Television title only makes it sweeter. He says the Royal Seal is one size fits all, and that he will make Levi tap out.
Before the next match, Howdy Price says that the United Television title will soon be Levi Shapiro's, and that nothing is a gamble when it is a sure thing.
Levi Shapiro beats Buddy Royal with the Iron Claw to become #1 contender for the United Television Championship after Howdy Price tries to hand the PP3 Cup to Shapiro to use as a weapon only to have it taken away. As the referee leaves the ring to put the PP3 Cup away, Shapiro puts on a glove and overpowers the Royal Seal with the Iron Claw.
Backstage, Jon Roberts interviews Ray Rosas. Rosas says he will not reveal his strategy for the next match, and while everybody else may care, he does not. Rosas also states that he does not put the PP3 Cup on a pedestal, as high hopes only end in disappointment.
Ray Rosas beats Anthony Idol by disqualification to win the PP3 Cup and the PP3 Cup Tournament. During the match, Ray Rosas grabs at Anthony Idol's foot behind the referee's leg and pulls it upwards, kicking the referee in the groin. Anthony Idol tries to explain what is going on, but to no avail, and Ray Rosas wins the match, the tournament and the PP3 Cup.
Tommaso Ciampa shows up to start tonight's show. He is immediately welcome by boos from the crowd. The crowd chants "You Suck!" before he goes down the ramp, and the boos continue as he heads to the ring. When he gets in the ring, the crowd chants "We Want Johnny!" and "Psycho Killer!" Gargano tries to speak on the microphone, but the boos start going again. The alternate "Johnny Wrestling" and "Psycho Killer" chants start again, and Gargano screams "HE'S GONE! GONE!" He says that Gargano is no longer walking down the aisle and that he is gone. Gargano tries to speak again, but the crowd boos him again before chanting "Ciampa sucks!" Some of the audience chant "No!" as he drops the microphone, then Ciampa slowly heads out of the ring. As he does, he surveys the crowd as they boo, then takes one of the Johnny Gargano signs, wipes his rear end with it, then tears it up. He also tears up a fan's large Johnny Gargano sign in front of said fan. As he continues to tear up signs, he notices that Johnny Gargano is in the crowd, and Gargano jumps the guardrail to attack Ciampa. Security moves quickly into place to detain Gargano as the crowd chants "Let them fight!" Gargano is quickly taken backstage and thrown out of the building by security.
Charly Caruso recaps the action that has taken place in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic so far.
In footage from last Friday, Charly Caruso interviews Tyler Bate. Tyler Bate says he has tweaked his knee and that the WWE medical team have asked him to stay out of action. As a result, Mustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) are out of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
We see a video message from Roderick Strong. Now that Mustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) is out of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, he asks General Manager William Regal to let him find a partner and take their place in the tournament. Roderick Strong's request has been granted, and his partner will be revealed in the next match.
We hear from The Undisputed Era in footage from earlier today. Adam Cole finds it ridiculous that Roderick Strong is in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, and Kyle O'Reilly says Strong does not belong there. Bobby Fish asks who would team up with Strong, as the winners of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic will fall to them. Adam Cole then mentions his match with Kassius Ohno, which he calls "a night off." Adam Cole is so confident he will beat Kassius Ohno that he asks Fish and O'Reilly to stay in the back.
Roderick Strong's partner is revealed to be Pete Dunne.
Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne beat Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch to advance to the next round of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Ricochet is coming soon to NXT!
Ember Moon beats Aliyah. During the match, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up on commentary. After the match, Baszler and Ember Moon have a war of words.
Next week Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs. The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar)! SanitY (Eric Young and Alexander Wolfe) vs. Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne! Both matches are part of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic!
Raul Mendoza is ambushed from behind by Andrade "Cien" Almas before the next match begins. Zelina Vega is not far behind, and they both head to the ring. Almas asks Aleister Black if he thinks he is smart, then starts speaking in Spanish before calling him out and calling him a piece of crap. (For some reason, "crap" is bleeped out.) He keeps mentioning that Aleister Black disrespected him as he challenges him to a match next week.
We see a video package for Lars Sullivan. It is announced that he is returning next week.
General Manager William Regal says he is still finalizing the details, but next week, he will make an announcement that will change the landscape of NXT forever.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Neville. Neville requested a match tonight against Mustafa Ali because Ali disrespected him last week, and plans to make an example out of him tonight. He says that Austin Aries must realize that he is the master of 205 Live and that he will eventually bend the knee to him.
Tony Nese beats TJ Perkins after suplexing Perkins into the middle turnbuckle after exposing it earlier in the match.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Drew Gulak, who says that he was frustrated last week. He says that the people of the WWE Universe are to blame, as they blame for wrestlers who are more like "glorified stuntmen." He says he has the solution for that.
Akira Tozawa beats an unidentified wrestler with one snap German suplex. After the match, Tozawa calls out The Brian Kendrick. When Kendrick doesn't show up, he makes it clear he's coming for him in the back. Tozawa is attacked by a security guard on the way to the back, who happens to be Kendrick in disguise. Kendrick then teaches Lesson #8: "Appearances can be deceiving."
Jack Gallagher teaches Rich Swann points on being a gentleman backstage. Suddenly, Ariya Daivari and Noam Dar show up with a box containing red lingerie. Noam Dar says "no more gifts," and feeling that Swann is the one sending gifts to Alicia Fox, challenges Rich Swann to a match next week. Swann accepts.
Austin Aries heads to the ring. He pulls out a set of index cards and decides to interview himself. He says that Neville is probably overcompensating for a lack of self-esteem and possibly other features, and insists that he is above Neville's level. Before he can say more, Neville shows up and tells Aries he's talking his way into an early grave. Neville says Austin Aries is talking his way into an early grave. Aries calls Neville "a Debbie Downer." Neville tells Austin to quit while he's ahead so he can "educate" Mustafa Ali. Aries leaves, then gets back in and tells Neville he hasn't run his mouth enough, and guests on commentary for the next match.
Neville beats Mustafa Ali with the Rings of Saturn, then stares down Austin Aries after the match.
General Manager Daniel Bryan is approached by AJ Styles backstage, who says Styles would be fired if he had it his way. Daniel tells Styles that Commissioner Shane McMahon is a different kind of animal altogether, and tells him he has no idea what he's in store for at WrestleMania. Styles, apparently having no remorse for what he did last week, says he will head to the ring to brag about how good it felt to beat up Shane McMahon.
AJ Styles heads to the ring. He says he is not sorry for what he did to Commissioner Shane McMahon last week, saying that what he did made his heart swell. He brags about putting Shane through a car window, and says Shane is crazy for wanting to have a match with him. He accepts the match without hesitating, saying he wants to be part of WrestleMania and that Shane only wants to be in the ring with him because SmackDown Live would fail without him. He tells General Manager Daniel Bryan he is untouchable, and that he is going to WrestleMania after lacerating Shane's head in a parking garage. He plans to do what he did last week all over again...and teases making it worse than last time.
General Manager Daniel Bryan tells Commissioner Shane McMahon what AJ Styles plans to do to him. Shane apparently has a plan, and Daniel Bryan supports it. Baron Corbin shows up, wanting to know if Dean Ambrose has accepted his challenge for the Intercontinental Championship. Daniel Bryan says no, and Baron Corbin says he'll go to the blackjack table. Daniel Bryan tells him he's not off yet, as he showed up at the wrong place at the wrong time. He puts him in a match against Randy Orton.
Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots is in the audience tonight.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) to win the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships after one Uso pulls Jason Jordan's leg while the other manages to hit the Superkick for the win in a close tag team match.
AJ Styles waits for Commissioner Shane McMahon in the parking lot again.
Luke Harper says he has seen what Sister Abigail can do, and what her powers are capable of. He says that she has turned good men mad, and that Bray both opened and eviscerated Pandora's Box, and a new evil permeates the earth. He says that Bray Wyatt unleashed a new evil, and next week, he will destroy him.
The Miz and Maryse make fun of John Cena and The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) in what is presented as a "lost episode" of Total Bellas.
Randy Orton beats Baron Corbin. During the match, Dean Ambrose appears on top of a forklift near the entrance ramp, and Randy Orton is able to hit a distracted Baron Corbin with an RKO for the win. After the match, Ambrose gets off the forklift and into the ring, and tells Corbin that if he wants a match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania, he's got it. He then hits Corbin with Dirty Deeds.
AJ Styles continues to wait for Commissioner Shane McMahon in the parking lot.
Renee Young interviews Randy Orton, who says he can't quite get rid of Bray Wyatt. Suddenly, the lights dim in and out, and when they come back, he is surrounded by men in sheep masks. Orton is unable to fight them off, and he comes face to face with Bray Wyatt. Wyatt says that Orton exposed his one flaw in Sister Abigail, but it will become his greatest strength as she is one with him now.
Tyler Breeze shows up dressed like Nikki Bella before the next match. Fandango then says that John Cena was exposed for "being a lousy boyfriend," and "wearing jorts in 2017." He then plans to expose Cena for being the "lousy wrestler that he is." All the while, Cena is ticketed by "Breezy Bella." John Cena then brings out the real Nikki Bella.
John Cena quickly beats Fandango by submission. Tyler Breeze aka "Breezy Bella" gets in the ring only to get Speared by Nikki Bella. After an Attitude Adjustment on Fandango and a Rack Attack 2.0 on Breeze, both Breeze and Fandango are put in an STF at the same time.
Once again, AJ Styles is seen waiting for Commissioner Shane McMahon in the parking lot.
Natalya guests on commentary for the next match.
Becky Lynch vs. Carmella quickly ends after James Ellsworth grabs Becky by the leg and Natalya goes after Carmella. Mickie James and Alexa Bliss quickly join in on the brouhaha, and Alexa Bliss eventually comes out on top.
Neville takes on Mustafa Ali tonight on 205 Live.
We see more "lost footage" from Total Bellas, where "John Cena" and "Nikki Bella" give a tour of the house. All the while, "Nikki" gets a DDP Yoga DVD set and a toy WWE ring before tying the knot...on one of his shoes.
Renee Young interviews AJ Styles when a car pulls up. Instead of Commissioner Shane McMahon, out comes Heath Slater and Rhyno, much to Styles' disappointment.
Commissioner Shane McMahon shows up, somehow having evaded AJ Styles. Shane tells Styles that he's looking for him. Back at the parking lot, Renee Young tells Styles that Shane is in the ring right now.
After the commercial break, Commissioner Shane McMahon says he's still waiting for AJ Styles so he can prove how tough he is. He says that everything between them could have ended differently, and tells him that whatever issue he has with him, it just got worse. He tells Styles to either come to the ring or he'll come looking for him in the back. Styles slowly makes his way to the ring, and tells Shane to calm down. He asks Shane to see where he is coming from, acknowledges that Shane is not like the rest of the McMahons, and proceeds to get in the ring to apologize. When he does, Shane gets a few jabs in and the two men brawl. The brawl ends with a top rope elbow drop on Styles on a broken-down commentary table.
On Talking Smack, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) call their newly-won SmackDown tag team titles their hall pass to WrestleMania, and also want to face Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) for the Raw tag team titles and unify them. They also consider starting a hip-hop group with General Manager Daniel Bryan until D-Bry wants to call their group "Smooth Beets."
On Talking Smack, John Cena responds to The Miz and Maryse making fun of him and Nikki Bella, saying that after next week, the jokes - which Cena did not have a problem with - stop and The Miz has to go back to being himself.
Renee Young interviews Lana, Naomi and Tamina Snuka on the pre-show. The three of them don't have any problem with putting the Divas in their place. Alicia Fox, Paige and Natalya show up, telling them they'll have to get through them to get to Brie Bella, and that if they want to settle it, it'll be them and Brie Bella against the three of them at WrestleMania. When Lana says there's only three of them, Natalya tells them they'd better find a partner.
Tonight's episode is dedicated to Mary Katharine Stewart (1994 - 2016), daughter of a long-time WWE cameraman.
Stephanie McMahon shows up to start the show. She says Triple H will not be here tonight due to corporate responsibilities (and not Roman Reigns' attack). She then says Roman Reigns can never be WWE World Heavyweight Champion due to his "lack of intellect." As she puts Triple H on a pedestal, Roman Reigns shows up. When Stephanie says to Roman that Triple H will beat him at WrestleMania, Roman interrupts her, says Triple H isn't here because of him, that last week will be nothing compared to WrestleMania, and that he's walking into her arena and taking Triple H's title. Stephanie tries to slap him, but Roman blocks it and says "Now I'm...The Authority." He then leaves.
Kevin Owens beats AJ Styles after the distraction from Chris Jericho. After the match, AJ Styles chases Chris Jericho to the back. Kevin Owens then talks about who will face him at WrestleMania for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and Dolph Ziggler shows up. As Ziggler talks, The Miz also appears and tells Ziggler to step aside for a real leading man. As the two of them bicker, Sami Zayn shows up and says he's been waiting a long time to get his hands on Kevin Owens again, and he wants to do it at WrestleMania with the Intercontinental Championship on the line.
Earlier today, Dean Ambrose was in Philadelphia at the Tavern Philaderium. He talks about how he's going to beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania when he is met by the legendary Terry Funk, who gives him a real, working chainsaw that he uses on the table.
Kevin Owens runs his idea of the #1 Contender's Triple Threat Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship by Stephanie McMahon backstage. The match is granted.
The League of Nations (Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, Rusev, King Barrett) are in the ring. They say that what they did to The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) last week are a taste of what they'll do to them at WrestleMania, and then gloat over what they did. The New Day then shows up and aren't surprised by what they're saying, telling The League are trash before they make fun of them. After that, both sides brawl, and The New Day easily come out on top.
Big E beats Rusev after stopping Sheamus from ruining the match.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman) plan to sacrifice a soul tonight...by means of Braun Strowman.
We see an ad for Snickers starring Alicia Fox, Naomi and Natalya.
The Big Show arrives. He pays tribute to Andre the Giant, whom he calls "the first giant and the greatest giant," then announces he's in the running by saying he plans to be a two-time winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Suddenly, The Social Outcasts (Heath Slater, Adam Rose, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel) show up and say they're going to toss him over the rope at WrestleMania. The four of them then go after Show when he tries to choke slam Slater, then Kane arrives and tosses the Outcasts out. Big Show then hugs Kane, says he's the man, then celebrates on the second rope only for Kane to choke slam him from that elevation.
Fifth Harmony will perform America the Beautiful at WrestleMania.
Stan Hansen is inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016.
Despite the "Y2Jackass" chants from AJ Styles, Chris Jericho beats Fandango in a WrestleMania rewind of Fandango's first-ever match from WrestleMania 29. Styles goes after Jericho after the match, but Jericho retreats and almost uses a member of the ring crew as a hostage. AJ Styles challenges Jericho to a match at WrestleMania, and says that the chants for him have gone to Jericho's head and caused him to think the people have chosen him over Jericho.
We hear from even more WWE Superstars and Hall of Famers about Shane McMahon as we see him train for WrestleMania.
Kevin Owens introduces the competitors for the Triple Threat match to decide a #1 contender for the WWE Intercontinental Championship...Stardust, Sin Cara and Zack Ryder. He then guests on commentary for the next match.
Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz show up and confront Kevin Owens during Stardust vs. Sin Cara vs. Zack Ryder to decide who will be #1 contender for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Owens shoves Zack Ryder into Miz, then Owens retreats when all six men go after him for trying to take them out.
Kevin Owens heads back to Stephanie McMahon, who is considering leaving the arena due to Roman Reigns' behavior earlier tonight. She books Kevin Owens against Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Zack Ryder, Stardust and Sin Cara in a Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania.
Stephanie McMahon gets a ride from Triple H out of the arena, but not before Roman Reigns blocks the path and pulls Triple H out of the SUV to beat him up. Triple H manages to run and get away, and the SUV speeds off as Roman watches.
Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch guest on commentary for the next match.
Charlotte beats Natalya.
Bubba Ray Dudley beats R-Truth, then D-Von Dudley attacks him after the match. After the match, Goldust tries to make the save but fails. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are the ones who really take the fight to The Dudleys. They take down D-Von and try to hit him with a double splash through the table, but Bubba Ray saves D-Von.
Vince McMahon shows up. He says that WrestleMania could be the last we see of him, but then says that it's not happening with The Undertaker in his corner. He then says that Shane may very well be the most formidable opponent that The Undertaker may have ever faced at WrestleMania. He then says that if The Undertaker does not beat Shane, then this WrestleMania will be 'Taker's last. Dean Ambrose then shows up to walk down the entrance ramp for the match as Vince makes his way out.
Brock Lesnar returns to SmackDown this Thursday!
Paul Heyman guests on commentary for the next match.
Dean Ambrose vs. Braun Strowman ends with Dean Ambrose hitting Braun Strowman with a chair before swinging it at the rest of The Wyatt Family and hitting Dirty Deeds on Strowman on the chair. Ambrose then stares down with Heyman to end the show, before telling him that Lesnar is next.
