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.
After Dynamite's main event, "The Jet" Kevin Knight tells "Speedball" Mike Bailey that he just gave Darby Allin the fight of his life and that he is proud of how he fought him tonight. Knight then says AEW has not seen a champion like Darby defending the AEW World Championship week after week and putting his body on the line like any wrestler should, and that nobody has heart like Darby Allin. He then says it is up to Darby to humble MJF, and if he can beat MJF, he knows Darby can, and after Darby beats MJF and shaves him bald, he and Speedball will be waiting for him as champion. Knight tells Darby not to let the fans down, for they are counting on him. As JetSpeed ("The Jet" Kevin Knight and "Speedball" Mike Bailey) leave, MJF - who has fled through the crowd - rushes back out from the crowd, gets in the ring and attacks Darby from behind. After declaring that he will be a three-time AEW World Championship, MJF then produces an electric razor for the ring to use against Darby. Darby grabs MJF's arm and fights back, pinning MJF's hand to the floor and nearly shaving MJF's hair off.
Will Ospreay beats "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata. During the match, Anthony Bowens shows up and distracts Ospreay, allowing Shibata to hit Ospreay with a Hidden Blade for a near-fall. Soon after that, "The Problem" Marina Shafir and Claudio Castagnoli show up and confronts Bowens, and despite Shibata going for a cross arm breaker following a low blow, Ospready goes back to his feet, hits a powerbomb and a Styles Clash, then hits the Hidden Blade for the win. After the match, Samoa Joe shows up and tells Ospreay that in a very short amount of time, he will have him all to himself. He says he is out here for his friends, then says that Ospreay chose not to be his friend and that he will suffer the consequences at Double or Nothing when he gives him his dream match and puts him to sleep. Ospreay tells Joe that this is a dream come true for him after people doubted him following double fusion neck surgery that he could not have gotten ten years ago and after he came up short at winning the AEW World Championship a year ago. He then says he has a chance to live his dream and win the AEW World Championship in the biggest stadium his country has, and that The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, Daniel Garcia, "The Problem" Marina Shafir) have killed the old him and rebuilt him into an assassin. Ospreay then says his road to the AEW World Championship begins this Sunday.
Backstage, we hear from Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. Copeland talks about his and Christian's road through the professional wrestling business and says that their friendship is real, and how they have come into everyone's living rooms for the past thirty years and how the fans have watched them grow from boys to men, calling it a connection. He then says that FTR wants to kill their connection and end their tag team, then says he wants the best version of FTR so he can beat that FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and make them say "I quit." Christian tells FTR that they have made some questionable choices, and says that when you are born, you look like your family, and when you die, you look like your choices. He then says that because of their choices, they are going to "fuck [FTR] up."
Rush quickly beats TJ Crawford. After the match, Rush says that when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.
The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross) beat Kayla Lopez and Elle Valentine in a five-minute AEW World Women's Tag Team Championship Eliminator Match with with 2:10 (two minutes, ten seconds) remaining.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) retain the AEW World Tag Team Championships against The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong). During the match, Stokely Hathaway gets on the apron, and Orange Cassidy ducks the punch that Stokely throws when Dax Harwood holds him down. Orange then gets his hands on Stokely before getting out of the way, which causes Dax to inadvertently hit Stokely. Later on, Dax narly shoves Orange into referee Paul Turner. Turner ducks out of the way, allowing Stokely to knock Orange out with a Rolex watch around his fist to allow FTR to win and retain.
In footage from earlier today, we hear from Chris Jericho and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson). Nick is looking forward to thte upcoming Stadium Stampede match and mention how Jericho is one of the founding father, and Matt mentions their history. Jericho says they are a team for the first time, and considers this an honor while asking them to forgive him so they can move forward. The Young Bucks say that Ricochet and The Don Callis Family (Andrade el Idolo and Mark Davis) will not know what hit them when they face "The Bucks of Jericho." Jericho favors the team name of "Y2Jackson." Nick feels the former name rolls off the tongue better, and Jericho combines the two team names into "The Bucks of Jackson or is it Y2Jackson."
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
Ricochet and The Don Callis Family (Andrade el Idolo and Mark Davis) beat The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Chris Jericho. During the match, The Dogs (Clark Connors and David Finlay) attack Nick Jackson and crack Matt Jackson with a shillelagh. After the match, Toa Liona goes on the attack, and "Jungle" Jack Perry shows up and attacks Toa Liona with a bag of onions only for the numbers game to take over. All of a sudden, The Hurt Business (MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin) show up, and this leads to a brawl that goes all over the arena, which ends with a Spear to Toa Liona by Bobby Lashley before Jericho, The Young Bucks and The Hurt Syndicate stand tall.
We see a video package chronicling the rivalry between "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada and the vents leading up to their match for the AEW International Championship at Double or Nothing.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Darby Allin. Darby says that he feels everything and that he is not numb to the pain, and that he has no choice. He says being World Champion is the greatest feeling, as is his match with MJF with MJF's hair on the line. Darby says that when he cuts MJF's hair, it will eat MJF alive with every red carpet he walks. As for his match with "Speedball" Mike Bailey, he will do whatever it takes to keep the AEW World Championship, and demands Speedball to do whatever it takes to beat him.
We see a video package chronicling the events leading up to MJF vs. Darby Allin in a hair vs. title match for the AEW World Championship at Double or Nothing.
Mark Briscoe beats Tommaso Ciampa in an Anything Goes Match after putting Ciampa through a barbed wire table prior to the Froggy 'Bow for the win.
Tony Schiavone is in the ring when he is suddenly interrupted by Prince Nana, who says that Schiavone looks like an old substitute teacher trying to control a bunch of stupid fools before kicking him out of the ring and introducing Swerve Strickland, who heads to the ring only to be attacked Bandido. Swerve fights back, but Bandido hits Swerve with a one-handed military press slam. Bandido is about to hit Swerve with a metal folding chair, but Swerve gets out of the ring before he can do it.
Backstage, we hear from Willow Nightingale. Willow says that she has never had a better moment in her career than winning the TBS Championship a second time, as she became everything she believed she could be. She also says she wants to be a fighting champion, as if she cannot be one, then she should not be champion. She then mentions that she injured her right shoulder against her title defense against Red Velvet at Supercard of Honor, and while she wants to defend the title against Alex and win the women's Owen Hart Tournament a second time, she has to withdraw from the tournament and relinquish the TBS Championship. Willow says it has been an honor and a privilege to hold the title, and after ten successful title defenses, she has been honored to be the face of TBS. Willow says that as long as a smile remains on her face, she will be back, and while she does not know when, she will come right back to the top when she does. Willow then thanks the fans. Willow is then replaced with a wild card entry in the women's Owen Hart Tournament brackets.
Kyle O'Reilly vs. Jon Moxley in an AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match ends in a twenty-minute time limit draw as O'Reilly has Moxley in a heel hook. Kyle O'Reilly earns a title shot at the AEW Continental Championship. After the match, O'Reilly says he did not survive anything and that Moxley barely survived him, and now that he has a legitimate claim for the AEW Continental Championship, their rematch will have no time limit and Moxley will be out of luck.
Backstage, Renee Paquettte interviews Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida. Shida says that at Double or Nothing, she and Statlander will fight for the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championship. Hikaru says that they are here to watch, not to fight, as the women's division fights hard tonight. Statlander tells Shida to watch herself after Shida keeps interrupting her.
Backstage, we hear from Rush, who says that if Darby Allin survive this week, he will face him for the AEW World Championship and he will win.
Athena and Triangle of Madness (Julia Hart, Skye Blue, "The Toxic Spider" Thekla) beat Thunder Rosa, Mina Shirakawa and The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor) in an eight-woman tag match after Julia Hart spits black mist into Thunder Rosa's face. The black mist also gets on referee John Posey's shirt.
Backstage, we hear from JetSpeed ("The Jet" Kevin Knight and "Speedball" Mike Bailey). Knight says that both of them are about to be the face of AEW together and that Speedball's work comes to a head tonight. He tells Speedball not to forget about "the little people" after he wins, because he wants to challenge Speedball for the AEW World Championship and become a double champion.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia) as they are doing push-ups while "The Problem" Marina Shafir oversees everything. Jon Moxley says The Death Riders do not do moral victories or sweat the small stuff, and thanks Kyle O'Reilly for making him better and driving him better so he can practice what he preaches and act and live as a champion, win, lose or draw. He says O'Reilly rolled the dice and won tonight, but when they go double or nothing, the house finally wins. Moxley says that Game 7 is the only game that matters when everything is on the line.
MJF suddenly guests on commentary for the next match.
Darby Allin retains the AEW World Championship against "Speedball" Mike Bailey by submission with a Scorpion Deathlock close to the ropes. During the match, MJF puts "Speedball" Mike Bailey's foot on the rope during a pinfall attempt by Darby Allin, and he is almost immediately confronted by "The Jet" Kevin Knight.
Ricky Saints guests on commentary for the next match.
"Super" Sean Legacy beats Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Je'Von Evans in a Triple Threat Match to become #1 contender to the NXT North American Championship as Je'Von Evans takes out Ricky Saints and "All Ego" Ethan Page as they brawl at ringside with security trying to get between them. After the match, Ricky Saints and Ethan Page continue to go at it as security tries to break them up.
Backstage, General Manager Ava asks Robert Stone and Stevie Turner to go get "All Ego" Ethan Page and Ricky Saints so she can deal with them, then congratulates Tyra Mae Steele and Jasper Troy on winning LFG. Tyra Mae and Jasper will make their debuts in the coming weeks, but Jasper says that he will make an impact tonight.
We see a vignette of Jordynne Grace working out and talking about her upcoming match with Stephanie Vaquer. She says they are very similar and that they both traveled the world and sacrificed everything to enter WWE. She says there is no escape, and while both of them say they are the best, they will find out who is the best. Backstage, Lola Vice wishes Stephanie Vaquer luck, then Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley) show up and say they are the ones who will get the title shot. Lola is not impressed, and says that they both get in each other's way. Jacy proposes that Fallon face Lola in the ring, then Lola says she will see her out there.
Backstage, Trick Williams tells Joe Hendry that people break their necks to see him while Hendry breaks his neck so people can see him. He then calls Hendry an "average Joe" and says he will not back down to him in his rap performance. Backstage, Joe Hendry plays guitar after watching Trick Williams' rap performance. Backstage, Joe Hendry plays guitar after Trick's performance.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Josh Briggs, who says that things are not the same without Yoshiki Inamura, and dedicates tonight's match to him.
Shawn Spears beats Josh Briggs with an inside cradle after Brooks Jensen distracts the ref so that Izzi Dame can hit Briggs with a cheap shot. After the match, Briggs snaps on Spears, but he is soon ganged up on by Brooks Jensen and Niko Vance. Spears joins in, then Hank Walker and Tank Walker show up and even the numbers game to help Briggs clean house.
Backstage, Zaria and Sol Ruca are met by Kelani Jordan, who wants to make sure Sol Ruca will be true to her word regarding a future title shot. Zaria tells Kelani that she will not make it to Battleground, as she has beaten her once and will beat her again.
Backstage, Thea Hail tells Tatum Paxley that she will bounce back, but Tatum says that losing everyone close to one her takes a big toll. Thea says she has been there, then she is attacked by Jaida Parker. Jaida then makes fun of Tatum, saying she does not feel sorry for her.
OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) beat Chase University (Kale Dixon and Uriah Connors).
Myles Borne heads to the ring. He is soon joined by Oba Femi. Oba says Myles is either stupid, brave or both, and is surprised that Myles has made it this far. He also finds Myles using the match to inspire others admirable, but misleading. He says life is cruel, and that good things do not always happen to good people, and while Myles is a good person, this is not a Disney movie and there is no happy ending. He says that the battle royal was the dream, and that on Sunday, Myles' dream will die when he destroys him. Myles says he may be here on his own, but he is not alone, as No Quarter Catch Crew has helped him trained and that he is inspiring people, but he is going to make a statement. He says he has been underestimated throughout his life, and while Sunday is the toughest match of his career, he has been battling his entire life. Myles says this is not a Disney movie, but leaders still fall. He then says that while he may be hard of hearing, the three count will be heard loud and clear. As Myles leaves, Oba is attacked by Jasper Troy, who retreats when Myles gets back in the ring. Myles offers to help him up, but Oba shoos him away. Myles then picks up the NXT Championship and hands it to Oba.
Backstage, General Manager Ava meets with "All Ego" Ethan Page and Ricky Saints with security in the background. Ava puts them in a match with the NXT North American Championship on the line, then kicks them out of the room.
We hear from Tony D'Angelo at his restaurant. He says he tried to understand why Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo betrayed him, but he cannot. He talks about their history, and how being underboss was not good enough for him. He says that Stacks made his bed and that he will lay in it at Battleground when he breaks his face.
Lola Vice beats Fallon Henley after sending her into Jacy Jayne, causing Jacy's distraction to backfire before hitting the spinning back fist for the win.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Stephanie Vaquer. Stephanie says being the best does not come without sacrifice, and when she was not signed to WWE at first, she honed her craft around the world. She says being in NXT is a dream come true and knew she was born to be a WWE Superstar, and that it has all been worth it. She calls Jordynne Grace her toughest challenge, but she went through hell to become the best and made that hell her home. She says Jordynne conquered championship, but she conquered continents, and when Jordynne gets close to the hell, she will burn in flames.
We hear from DarkState (Dion Lennox, Cutler James, Osiris Griffin, Saquon Shugars). The four members talk about how they are unstoppable.
Kelani Jordan beats Zaria to earn a shot at the NXT Women's North American Championship after sending Zaria into Sol Ruca as Sol Ruca confronts Kelani on the ring apron.
Joe Hendry is in the ring to perform a concert. Hendry gives Trick Williams credit where credit is due, then dedicates a song to Trick where Hendry makes fun of Trick's short NXT Championship reign, Trick's heel turn, and the time Trick and Carmelo Hayes were in a haunted house. He then goes to call Trick Williams "Melo's bitch," then an angry Trick Williams shows up and confronts Hendry before hitting him with a cheap shot. He goes for the Trick Shot, but Hendry hits him in the knee with his guitar and nails him with the Standing Ovation.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He says that King and Queen of the Ring is five days away and that he finds himself in a match with "Big" Bronson Reed and Chad Gable for the Intercontinental Championship, and he has two issues on his hand that he wants to deal with at the same time. Sami mentions the personal issue that is Chad Gable suplexing him out of his wife's arms in front of his father and how he has an ass kicking coming his way, and an issue with "Big" Bronson Reed wanting his title. He says that he is the soul while Gable is the mind and Bronson is the body, and he is betting on soul over mind and body in this match and would do so every single time, as soul is what got him to beating Gunther to become champion and what will keep him champion. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa) shows up, and Chad Gable says that he coached Zayn - not manipulated him - into becoming champion, then says he has too nice to Sami and way too nice to the rest of Alpha Academy. He calls Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa and Otis failures for not getting anything done last week, with Gable calling Otis "the biggest disappointment on the planet." Sami Zayn asks the rest of Alpha Academy how much longer they will deal with Gable's crap, and Gable accuses Sami of driving a wedge between them when they have rededicating themselves. He also says he is sick and tired of hearing Sami talk about his heart and soul, and while he does not have to pin him to win the Intercontinental Championship, he wants to, as he wants to take his soul. Sami says that is all well and good, but that is in five days, and last he checked, he and Gable are scheduled for one-on-one competition tonight and they are both dressed for competition, so they might as well do it right now.
Chad Gable beats Sami Zayn. During the match, Gable gives Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa opportunties to attack Sami on the outside, but they cannot bring themselves to do it. Otis cannot bring himself to do it at the first opportuinity, and Gable slaps him and takes the Intercontinental Championship into the ring with him to use as a weapon. Sami hits Gable with the Exploder, but Otis clocks Sami in the corner before he can hit the Helluva Kick. Gable then hits Sami with Chaos Theory for the win. Before the mid-match commercial break, we see another QR code, and it is briefly addressed after the match.
We hear from Iyo Sky, who says that she has dominated against everyone since she has arrived and has become a world champion, but now she is ready for her crown. She says that once she is queen, everyone will have no choice but to bow down, especially Lyra Valkyria. She says Lyra is soaring now, but she has flown too close to the sun and that she will fall in her domain for she is "The Genius of the Sky" and soon to be Queen of the Ring.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa). All of a sudden, a loud metallic clang is heard, and it is revealed that Cruz del Toro has been attacked.
Bron Breakker quickly beats Kale Dixon by referee stoppage after Breakker uses being passed over for the King of the Ring Tournament to psych himself up. After the match, Bron Breakker almost hits Dixon with the ring steps after hitting him with another Spear, but he puts the steps down. Dixon ends up leaning against the steps as he is down, and Breakker then takes a metal folding chair and smacks it on Dixon's head as he lays his head on the ring steps.
We see footage of Kale Dixon being taken out on a stretcher and into an ambulance. General Manager Adam Pearce then confronts Bron Breakker, who says that he cannot be controlled and that this is on him for not putting him in the King of the Ring Tournament.
Backstage, Lyra Valkyria is met by Becky Lynch. Becky gets Lyra motivated before her semifinal match.
Lyra Valkyria beats Iyo Sky to advance to the finals of the Queen of the Ring Tournament after Iyo tries to counter Nightwing with a Sunset Flip only for Lyra to win with a sit-down pin. After the match, Jackie Redmond tries to interview Lyra Valkyria, but Iyo Sky says something to Lyra and leaves. Lyra says that she did not imagine getting this far or beating Iyo Sky in a wrestling match, and that one must believe they can get the job done.
Backstage, R-Truth is seen talking with New Catch Republic when The Miz tells him that they are at a disadvantage tonight against The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh). R-Truth says he has talked to Andre The Giant and that Andre has their back. Miz says that Andre passed away more than 30 years ago, then looks up and says that Andre is needed in spirit tonight. R-Truth asks Miz who he is talking to, then says "And people think that I'm crazy!"
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Ilja Dragunov, who thinks that there is no shame in losing to Jey Uso before bringing up Gunther. Ricochet shows up and says that it is not over because he got the best of him one time. Suddenly, Ricochet is Speared through a road crate by Bron Breakker.
Medical staff checks on Ricochet backstage.
In footage from earlier today, Gunther says that Jey Uso turned himself into the hottest thing going since he made fun of him, and that tonight, the arena will be full of people filling Jey full of hope and delusion. He says he is in the business of stealing that hope and dragging people back into reality, and that tonight will be all about who the better professional wrestler is when the bell rings. He says Jey may be the most exciting showman in this business today, but he is superior to him in the ring, and after the final bell, everyone will embrace him. He says that he is the general of the ring, and soon to be the king.
Backstage, Damian Priest checks on The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh), then says he has heard what Carlito did to Cruz del Toro earlier. When Carlito says he is laying low, Damian says The Judgment Day is not his personal protection, and tells him that he has to earn his keep. After Finn Balor tells Damian Priest that he can't help but think it should be the both of them tonight but understands that Damian is the champion now, Carlito then asks Damian if he saw the New York Knicks game, to which Damian replies "What is wrong with you?"
We see footage of Baron Corbin throwing the first ball of the PBA Playoffs and awarding playoffs championship David Krol an Undisputed WWE Championship belt.
Backstage, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark are met by Sonya Deville, who has not been seen in months. Sonya wants to speak with them, but Shayna is not interested.
The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) retain the World Tag Team Championships against The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) after Braun Strowman throws Carlito, who has shown up earlier in the match to help The Judgment Day cheat to win, into the barricade before chasing McDonagh back into the ring and into an Attitude Adjustment. The Awesome Truth celebrate with Braun Strowman after the match.
Backstage, Becky Lynch congratulates Lyra Valkyria on making it to the finals of the Queen of the Ring Tournament, as does Liv Morgan, who then hits Lyra with a cheap shot.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by "Big" Bronson Reed, who tells him that he should not be concerned with Chad Gable and his mind games, as he is soulless and he makes his money through violence. He says he will use his body as a weapon and get his biggest payday yet. Bronson leaves, then Sami runs into Otis, and says he is better than what he did tonight and that he should be ashamed of himself. Otis apologizes, and Sami says he has been in his shoes before and tells him that the sooner he stops listening to Gable and starts listening to the fans, the better.
Becky Lynch heads to the ring. Becky says that she will be facing Liv Morgan in five days and that while they have wrestled before, Liv has never beaten her. She then says she is dealing with a different Liv who is picking fights and wanting revenge, then Liv shows up. Liv accuses Becky of gaslighting the fans and making her look like the bad guy, then says she does not care about the rest of the women's division, much less Becky, and only cares about getting her revenge against Rhea Ripley. Becky says Liv has finally found a purpose after ten years while she has had one since she was fifteen years old and has even written a book about it, and that she wants to leave WWE better than she found it. She then asks Liv what she will do after she gets her revenge, and Liv calls Becky "delusional" and says she is embarrassed for her as she only cares herself and not the fans or breaking barriers or glass ceilings. Liv also says the fans have their heads buried so far up Becky's ass that they cannot hear her, then thanks Becky for asking a question and not making it about herself and says that after she gets revenge, she will sit at the top of the women's division as champion. Becky says the fans know Liv is lying and that the fans cannot be tricked, and that they know that she always gives her best for them. She also says she is looking for a fight, and is Liv thinks she is worthy of being champion, then she can fight her right now. Liv teases getting in the ring with Becky, then says she will do the smart thing and wait until their title match to fight her and become the new Women's World Champion.
Backstage, Damian Priest is disappointed with the rest of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) and Carlito, then tells JD McDonagh to ask for a match with Braun Strowman next week before saying he does not recognize the group anymore. Damian leaves, then Finn says the wheels have fallen off and that they need to get back on track.
Backstage, Xavier Woods finds out that he is cleared for competition. Kofi Kingston says they are ready for tag team competition, then goes out to look for Geneal Manager Adam Pearce when Karrion Kross and Scarlett show up to give them their support, saying there is always time to turn things around.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark beat the team of Maxxine Dupri and Ivy Nile, Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane) and the team of Katana Chance and Kayden Carter in a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match to become #1 contenders for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Ludwig Kaiser. Kaiser says Gunther has proven several times that he is superior in the ring, and hopes that Jey Uso takes the loss better than Sheamus did. He then says that Sheamus is nothing but "a keyboard warrior" and that he will either stay home to protect his legacy or come back to the ring so that he himself can put him down. Kaiser leaves, then Drew McIntyre shows up and says that he will give the fans Drew McIntyre, then says that Damian Priest is spreading himself thin and tells him to focus on the World Championship before he eventually beats him for it.
Backstage, Chad Gable chats with The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) when Otis shows up. The Creed Brothers leave, and Otis says he has apologized to Sami Zayn. Gable sees this as Otis playing mind games with Sami, then tells him he has everything ready for him for King and Queen of the Ring so that they can win "his" Intercontinental Championship together.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso says tonight is the night and that there is no tomorrow, as this is the semifinals of the King of the Ring Tournament. He says he almost had Gunther last time, and tonight, he will finish the job.
Gunther beats "Main Event" Jey Uso with a sleeper hold to advance to the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament after Jey nearly takes out referee Chad Patton after knocking Gunther into him with a Spear.
This week on Raw Talk: Lyra Valkyria! Braun Strowman! Ilja Dragunov!
Dustin Starr interviews "Big Trouble" Ben Bishop at the announce desk. Bishop says everyone knows why he is here, and says that he takes six hour trips to Memphis and back because he respects Memphis, then says that this respect is not reciprocated because everyone wants autographs and all he hears is "Boom. Boom. Boom." As he says that he will make "The GunShow" Brett Michaels look him in the eye, Brett Michaels shows up. Bishop tells him to shine the Memphis Heritage title up, because he will be carrying it across his shoulder and he has the size, look and charisma. Brett then dares Bishop to cash the Cobra Cup in right now and leads a "You scared" chant, but Bishop says he will cash in when he is ready before telling him he will see him next week.
We hear from Justin Case, who says that in a few minutes, he and "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts will see what kind of man Mike Anthony is in a Kendo stick match. Roberts says that he is like nobody Mike has touched before and that it will be lights out for him. We hear from Mike Anthony, who says that redemption comes with a price and that Roberts put a Kendo stick across his back to take him out. He says they will see who can use their Kendo stick better than the next guy.
"Dangerous" Diana Taylor beats Nixi XS.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell talks with Cassandra Golden and Big John Dalton about her conflicting feelings regarding Nyxx. Cassandra says that McKenzie is not ready to face Nyxx yet, then says they will divide and conquer. She says she will take on Nyxx while Big Jon takes on James Ellsworth. Mackenzie feels discouraged.
Dustin Starr interviews Tommy Dreamer at the announce desk. Dreamer says wrestling in Memphis has always been extreme, then talks about how his mother passed away last week and how he wants to be with his wrestling family, and thanks them for their support for him and his family. As the crowd chants "Thank you, Tommy!" The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) show up from out of the crowd for the first time in weeks and surround Dreamer in the ring before ganging up on him. The Posse then choke Dreamer with a long metal chain before Simon clocks Dreamer with a right hand.
Memphis Wrestling alumnus Tim Grind and Lance McCade arrive at the WrestleCenter, look at the history and meet with Dustin Starr.
Referees are seen checking on Tommy Dreamer and helping him to the back as The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) leave through the crowd entrance.
Derrick King and Ray Ray Sanders retain the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships against Steel Cross (Ethan Steel and Alex Cross).
We see "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock prepare for his match against "Casanova" Colton Cage at the WrestleCenter with the rest of The Hollywood Clique before having a bottle of water and a Twinkie. When he is given a Memphis Grizzlies towel, Blaylock notices that "It stinks!"
"The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts beats Mike Anthony in a Kendo Stick Match. During the match, two big men clad in black hoodies show up and attack Mike Anthony before hitting a three-man powerbomb on him with help from Aaron Roberts. After the match, all three men continue to attack Mike Anthony until multiple referees show up to restore order.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. Roman says tonight is a special tonight because not only is he getting acknowledged, but so are his cousins The Usos, which means the entire bloodlines gets acknowledged. Paul Heyman says tonight is the single-biggest night in the history of tag team wrestling and that tonight is the moment of truth, stating that Roman Reigns is the greatest wrestler of all time and defends the position of being the greatest of all time in the ring. Heyman asks what it will take for The Usos to become the greatest tag team of all time, and says that they must unify the tag team titles by defeating RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle). He says that both tag teams in tonight's main event are the best of their respective brands, then says The Usos must earn their place and cannot be yesterday's news, and that they must come home the undisputed champions or they will not come home at all. Heyman then proclaims that The Usos will beat RK-Bro will beat RK-Bro and become both the undisputed tag team champions and the greatest tag team of all time. Roman Reigns then tells The Usos that they know what he wants and that he expects them to deliver, and that the only reason he has these expectation is because he loves them.
Backstage, it is revealed that Sami Zayn has been watching Roman Reigns and The Usos' (Jimmy and Jey Uso) promo.
Shinsuke Nakamura beats Sami Zayn with a Kinshasa after Sami Zayn runs back into the ring just in time to avoid being counted out.
We see a vignette for The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso).
It's time for Happy Talk. After the commercial break, Happy Corbin poses near the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy as he says that he is the happiest he has ever been in the most serious tone possible. He also brags about getting rid of Madcap Moss, then says he was fined for what he did before saying that it was a lot of money for most people and that one cannot put a price on art, which is better appreciated the second time around. Following a second replay of what Corbin did to Madcap Moss, Corbin says everyone should learn from that, appreciate all they things they have and show their boss total respect, and not to improve their station in life. He says that Madcap Moss lived the high life at his expense and wanted to escape from his shadow and become a big shot, and that Moss did not appreciate everything that he did for him and made jokes at his expense. Corbin asks "Who's laughing now?" and says that he is "the big, bald wolf" after he huffed and puffed and put Madcap Moss in an ambulance. Afterwards, Happy Corbin throws the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal into the ring steps multiple times, shattering it.
Gunther beats Drew Gulak. After the match, Gunther puts Gulak in a Boston Crab, then Ricochet shows up and confronts Gunther before checking on Gulak. Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser leave.
Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is met by LA Knight, who is now known as Max Dupri, head of Maximum Male Models. He says he is ready to get to work with models who can headline Paris fashion week as well as WrestleMania. After Adam Pearce mentions that Sonya Deville - who hired him - being fired will make things awkward, Max Dupri says that they have a signed contract.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle). Matt Riddle says The Usos are only trying to convince themselves that they can beat them, but The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) cannot beat them. Randy Orton says The Usos are sweating bullets because they know Roman Reigns will look down on them in disappointment.
Backstage, Shotzi and Aliyah argue over last week and say neither of them could beat "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey. Raquel Rodriguez shows up, and Shotzi says she would be champion right now if it were not for her before verbally putting her down, saying she is weak and "six feet of disappointment" before calling her "an absurd Amazon."
Raquel Rodriguez beats Shotzi. (The word "Chingona" in "Chingona Bomb" is muted, as it is Mexico City slang that means "bad-ass" or "really great" in Spanish and is a form of "chingar", which means "fuck" or "fucker." It is usually used to describe a "bad-ass" or formidable female.)
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Xavier Woods. Woods wants to know if Butch can take care of his business on his own, and dares him to face him one-on-one so the whole world can see what kind of man he really is.
Ridge Holland and Sheamus get Butch all riled up backstage before the next match.
Xavier Woods beats Butch with Backwoods. Butch wanders off into the crowd after the match. Ridge Holland and Sheamus then confront Xavier Woods on the stage, and Butch attacks Woods from behind before being held back.
We see a vignette for RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle).
Backstage, Xavier Woods says that he needs somebody to back him and Kofi Kingston up against Sheamus, Ridge Holland and Butch in a six-man tag match.
It is announced and confirmed that Sasha Banks and Naomi have walked out on WWE earlier this week during Raw, and that Sasha and Naomi have been stripped of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships and have been suspended indefinitely. It it also announced that there will be a future tournament to crown new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
Paul Heyman guests on commentary for the next match.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat RK-Bro to unify the WWE Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships and become the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions after Roman Reigns shows up and grabs Jey Uso's legs, causing Riddle to fall when he goes for an avalanche RKO. After the match, Roman Reigns and The Usos attack RK-Bro, then break down the commentary table so that Jey Uso can put Riddle through it with a splash. Roman Reigns then puts Randy Orton in a guillotine choke, and multiple officials and referees have to pull Roman off of Orton. Roman and The Usos then raise up all of the world and tag team gold in the middle of the ring to end the show.
The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, Buddy Matthews) beat Fuego del Sol and The Dark Order (Evil Uno and Preston "10" Vance). After the match, Death Triangle shows up and unveils a tombstone with "House of Black" and the Double or Nothing poker chip logo on it.
Backstage, Lexi Nair interviews The Gunn Club (Billy, Austin and Colten Gunn) and "Platinum" Max Caster. Billy Gunn says adversity is definited by how you come out the other side, and tells Anthony Bowens to get well soon.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler). Cash Wheeler says that Roppongi Vice have their match and want to be in line for other tag titles, and Dax Harwood says that the ROH tag titles is how he makes his living and that he will not be made into a joke.
Shawn Spears beats Big Damo. After the match, Spears says that he is Wardlow's kryptonite after leaving Wardlow laying the ring after proving he is not Superman, and next week, Wardlow will be the one trapped in the steel cage, not him.
Backstage, we hear from The Undisputed Elite. Adam Cole congratulates Kyle O'Reilly for advancing in the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) challenge The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) to a tag team match at Double Or Nothing.
Ruby Soho guests on commentary for the next match.
Kris Statlander beats Red Velvet to advance in the women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. After the match, Red Velvet and Kiera Hogan attack Statlander, and Ruby Soho runs into the ring to equal the odds. Jade Cargill gets in the ring and slams her into the mat by her hair before she, Kiera and Red Velvet gang up on Kris. Suddenly, Anna Jay runs in and swings a crutch at The Baddies, forcing them to retreat.
We see a video package for Hook and Danhausen vs. Tony Nese and "Smart" Mark Sterling at Double or Nothing where both teams train for the match.
Dan Lambert and The Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and "All Ego" Ethan Page) are in the ring. Ethan Page says bad things happen to people who cross them, and Scorpio Sky calls Sammy Guevara out, telling him to get in the ring before he buries him. Sammy Guevara and Tay Conti show up outside of the arena on the video screen, and threatens to break the TNT Championship with a sledgehammer if they do not get their mixed tag team match. When Lambert says no, he hits it. Frankie Kazarian then shows up and demands a TNT Championship rematch before taking the sledgehammer to the title as an example of what he will do to Scorpio Sky.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. and Toni Storm. Britt says Toni will not handle the pressure against her, but Toni says Jamie Hayter was an example of what she will do to her and if any funny business occurs, she will rearrange Britt's teeth and become her dentist.
Backstage, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry interviews Dante Martin, Matt Sydal and The Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley). Dante is look for a big win, and Sydal says that he wants to enlighten Dante and does not want either of themselves to be "violent monsters." Daniel Bryan says he likes peace and pro wrestling, but he does not like peace and love in his pro wrestling and he will prove that violence works. Jon Moxley says they are teachers and that when anyone faces The Blackpool Combat Club, they should abandon all hope.
Backstage, Jade Cargill tells Anna Jay that since she wants to step up to the plate and get her ass whupped, she can "come get this ass-whuppin'" at Double Or Nothing.
William Regal guests on commentary for the next match (and is opposite the other side of the desk, where Chris Jericho and Jake Hager are sitting).
The Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley) beat Matt Sydal and Dante Martin. After the match, Moxley and Danielson are attacked by The Jericho Appreciation Society, but Santana, Ortiz and Eddie Kingston show up to equal the odds before the show ends.
XXXL (Larry D and Acey Romero) beat Johnny Swinger and Hernandez on the pre-show match.
In memory of Jerome "New Jack" Young, 1963 - 2021.
Rohit Raju beats Jake Something after Shera grabs Jake's ankle from the outside during a vertical suplex while the referee dodges Rohit's leg. After the match, Shera and Jake Something brawl on the outside, and Jake Something quickly gets the better of Shera before hitting him with a steel chair while Rohit watches from the stage. Jake then gets a table into the ring, sets it up in the corner and puts Shera through it with a Spear.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Taylor Wilde, who says she is back in Impact to win the Impact Knockouts Championship and bring Deonna Purrazzo a symphony of pain. Suddenly, Tenille Dashwood and Kaleb are heard overhearing Taylor Wilde. Tenille and Kaleb announce that Kaleb's neck is better and that Tenille has a match tonight against Kiera Hogan for a shot at the Knockouts Tag Team titles. Taylor makes it clear she wants no part of this and leaves.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Rachael Ellering and Jordynne Grace. Rachael says that they will have to dust themselves off and start again. Jordynne agrees and says she will talk with Scott D'Amore about it.
Tenille Dashwood beats Kiera Hogan with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Tasha Steelz attacks Tenille, and as Kaleb fights her off, Susan, Kimber Lee and Deonna Purrazzo show up. As Tenille continues to be attacked, Taylor Wilde goes for the save, but the numbers game takes over. Havok soon shows up and overpowers Kimber Lee and Susan, then tosses Tasha Steelz and Kiera Hogan out of the ring before helping Tenille up. As everyone else retreats, Decay (Rosemary, Crazzy Steve, Black Taurus) shows up. Everyone who was slowly leaving the ring around the barricade and to the back.
Backstage, Jordynne Grace tells Rachael Ellering they have a match tonight. When Rachael asks who it is, Jordynne says it is between the two of them.
Satoshi Kojima is coming to Impact Wrestling!
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Juice Robinson and David Finlay. Finlay says Madman Fulton and Ace Austin have a bright future and beat three times for a title opportunity against him and Juice, but they are used to challenges. He says he and Juice will beat Fulton and Austin because they are the Impact World Tag Team Champions. Juice says this is what they wanted and that they are not looking past tonight's opponents, as everyone wants a shot at them because they are the best. He says he and Finlay will put Fulton and Austin to bed before beating the competition in Japan before coming back to further prove they are the best tag team in all of professional wrestling.
"The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams beats VSK.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Rich Swann. Swann says Rebellion was the biggest match of his career and for the industry, and he lost and felt the pain physically and mentally. He then says that W. Morrissey has come to Impact to destroy it rather than build it up, then he is suddenly assaulted from out of nowhere by Morrissey. Gia Miller calls for security as Morrissey throws Swann through a door.
At Swinger's Palace, TJP is on a winning streak. He notices that Fallah Bahh is a Swingerella to pay off his debt to Johnny Swinger. TJP bets his winnings to win Fallah back and wins, then Petey Williams shows up. When TJP says he and Fallah Bahh have better chemistry, Petey challenges them to a tag team match against him and "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander. After Petey leaves, Decay teleports in. Swinger tells Hernandez to escort Decay out, and Decay teleport out after Rosemary says they have not seen the last of them.
Moose heads to the ring. Moose says that he is the #1 contender to the Impact World Championship, and that while Kenny Omega has beaten a lot of good wrestlers, none of them can lace up his boots even after he dominated the NFL for seven years. He also says that he respects the fact that Omega calls himself "the god of professional wrestling" while he himself is a wrestling god and that the best wrestling matches are clashes of titans. He says that none of the Greek gods could knock Zeus off Mount Olympus, and dares Omega to knock him off the top of the mountain when Omega suddenly arrives with Don Callis. Don Callis tells Kenny Omega that Moose might be the most physically talented people in all of wrestling, and says that while Moose is both large and talented, he has no results. Callis also asks Moose if he is "paying the rent" on his talent or coasting off past success, and Moose warns Callis that he is not Rich Swann and that he will rip his head off and shove it up Omega's ass. Omega tells Moose he is not afraid to put him in his place and that it will take one One-Winged Angel to put his lights out, and Moose dares him to try. Doc Gallows suddenly shows up and Omega says that if Moose messes with him, he messes with The Elite. Suddenly, Sami Callihan teleports into the ring, and he and Moose clear the ring.
Talking Shop Live is Sunday, June 13th at Jimmy's Famous Seafood in Baltimore, Maryland!
Backstage, Moose tells Sami Callihan he did not need his help and had everything under control, but Callihan tells Moose that he is sick and tired of The Elite trying to control Impact and that he will face the winner of Moose vs. Kenny Omega to take back what is his.
Rachael Ellering beats Jordynne Grace after a series of pinfalls.
We hear from Brian Myers, who says that everyone gets a kick out of calling him "Bad News Brian" when everything has been qualified and he still cannot escape Matt Cardona. When Cardona shows up, Myers punches him and throws him into the cameraman.
Juice Robinson and David Finlay retain the Impact World Tag Team Championships against Ace Austin and Madman Fulton. After the match, Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner, Rhino) show up, and Rhino cashes in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet trophy. After a brief match with Juice and Finlay, Joe Doering and Rhino beat Juice Robinson and David Finlay to become the Impact World Tag Team Champions.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
In footage from earlier this week at the UK Performance Center, Ashton Smith is met by Teoman, who congratulates Ashton Smith on becoming a dad before asking where Oliver Carter is. Ashton Smith is not sure what to make of this.
We hear from Aoife Valkyrie, who says she had it in her head what success looks like, then says failure is a part of success and that if you learn from defeat, you have not really lost. She says he must work harder now, and that a person can be as great as they want to be if they keep looking forward.
In footage from during the break, Rampage Brown runs into Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang). Joe Coffey says he and Brown have unfinished business, but he will give him time to heal up and he will find him when he is ready.
Amale beats Xia Brookside.
Backstage, Sha Samuels is met by Nathan Frazier, who confronts Samuels for sticking his nose in his business. Samuels says he does not want to fight him, stating that Nathan is not intimidating and could not handle it, and tells him to "find a grown-up" if he wants to fight him. Nathan grabs his newspaper from him and challenges him for next week.
We see a video package where Meiko Satomura says she will not Kay Lee Ray for the attack on her from last week.
It's time for SPRNVA Sessions. Tonight's guest is Ilya Dragunov. Noam Dar cues the "SPRNVA Spa" to help him combat his issues, and tells him that the Buddha has taught that holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer, then asks where the rage started. Dragunov feels he lost something against Walter and that he did not start to feel this pain until then, but says that he is not that person anymore and that everything he does has consequences. Noam Dar then hands Ilya a dog doll claled "Lenny the Therapy Dog," whom Ilja can pet when he is about to have a fit of anger. Ilya Dragunov says that Noam Dar is doing this to be funny at his expense, then says his position is violence and tells him that if he is here to trigger him, he can still hurt him very, very badly. Noam Dar says Dragunov is living in denial and that he is "a scared little boy" who is not only scared of Walter, but scared of him. Dragonuv leaves, then returns and takes "Lenny the Therapy Dog" with him.
In footage from earlier this week, Sam Gradwell meets with Assistant to the General Manager Sid Scala, wanting a match against Trent Seven. Scala says he will speek with General Manager Johnny Saint.
Assistant to the General Manager Sid Scala announces that Noam Dar will take on Ilja Dragunov and that Joe Coffey will take on Rampage Brown, and that both matches will take place in two weeks.
Tyler Bate beats A-Kid with a single sit-down pinfall attempt in 2:02 in the sixth and final round to win the NXT UK Heritage Cup Championship!
Karrion Kross quickly beats an unnamed opponent (who is Liam Gray, who is not even mentioned by name in this match) with the Kross Jacket. After the match, Tommaso Ciampa shows up and formally introduces himself to Karrion Kross, and says that Kross knows NXT is his home and that he attacked him to make a point. Ciampa says that part of him respects that, given the kind of guy that Kross is, and says that Kross stands out in a locker room consisting of the absolute best. He says that Kross is special, but so is he, and he had to look him in the eye and tell him that at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, they will face off in the ring. After welcoming Kross to the main event, Ciampa drops the microphone and leaves.
El Hijo del Fantasma beats Akira Tozawa in Group B of the Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. After the match, Fantasma and Tozawa are both now at 2-1.
We hear from Timothy Thatcher, who says that he escaped the Matt Riddle circus and enjoyed dishing out pain to him. He then says he wants a rematch, and this time, the winner will be decided by knockout or submission. He tells Riddle to pick the place, as he is ready.
We hear from Shotzi Blackheart, whose mission is taking care of business. We also see her on top of an Abrams tank with a 105mm Howitzer she calls "The Dirty Blonde." She also talks about how her grandfather got her into motorcycles and punk rock. She then commandeers the tank as she warns Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez and the rest of the NXT Women's Championship that they can't handle her and that they will get crushed like the car she runs over in the tank.
Mia Yim beats Santana Garrett. After the match, Johnny Gargano and Candace LeRae show up, with Gargano mocking Mia Yim's entrance theme in the process before LeRae makes fun of Mia Yim for losing to Charlotte Flair because she was "pandering to the fans." Candace LeRae says it is a tragedy that she cannot face Mia Yim for the NXT Women's Championship, then Gargano and Candace try to make an example out of Mia Yim. When LeRae knocks Mia into the ropes, Gargano pulls the rope down. Mia Yim falls out of the ring, but she is soon joined by Keith Lee, and together, Keith Lee and Mia Yim force Gargano and LeRae to retreat.
We hear from Cameron Grimes, who brags about his win against Finn Balor. He says he used to look up to him, but after a Cave-In, Balor was looking up at him, and regardless of what people think, it is "Grime Time."
Backstage, Drake Maverick says that tonight, he is going into the ring with one of the best wrestlers in the world, and that he is tired of second-guessing himself as he says that he has to go out there and win.
Roderick Strong beats Dexter Lumis with a roll-up as Lumis tries to kick out of a Strong Hold attempt. Before the next match, Adam Cole promises a championship celebration next week to commemorate one year of himself being NXT Champion. After the match, Lumis puts Strong in a straitjacket hold, and when Bobby Fish and Adam Cole run in, they cannot break the hold. Velveteen Dream shows up and attacks Fish and Cole and hits a nasty dive off the top rope onto Cole on the outside. Lumis is in a trance stroking Strong's hair afterwards.
Backstage, Akira Tozawa and El Hijo del Fantasma show good sportsmanship in the parking lot, then two masked luchadors show up and attack Tozawa. They run away when Fantasma gets out of his car.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch beat Ever-Rise (Chase Parker and Matt Martel) by submission.
Backstage, Keith Lee says he does not care what Johnny Gargano and Candace LeRae say about what he says or does, but their antics will reach their limit at NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
Backstage, Matt Riddle talks about how he beat Timothy Thatcher last week and calls Thatcher "a putz" for his actions afterwards. As for Thatcher's challenge, he wants that match in a cage.
Drake Maverick beats KUSHIDA in Group A of the Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament after countering a Hoverboard lock into a pinfall attempt after forcing KUSHIDA's shoulders to the mat. During the match, Jake Atlas watches the match from behind the barricade in support of Maverick. After the match, KUSHIDA and Maverick are both 2-1 in Group A, forcing a three-way tie with Jake Atlas. Byron Saxton shows up and announces that as per General Manager William Regal, all three men will face each other in a Triple Threat Match where the winner goes to the finals.
Next week: Matt Riddle vs. Timothy Thatcher in a cage fight!
We hear from Damian Priest, who says that the key to infamy is multiple targets. He says that the championships will come, but Finn Balor is a potential target turned opportunity, and due to his putting NXT on the match, he will go after him at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. He says that Balor's name will turn to ash while his will live forever.
Io Shirai beats Rhea Ripley by disqualification after Charlotte Flair hits her with a big boot. During the match, Charlotte Flair shows up, and Shirai sends Ripley into Charlotte with a head scissors. After the match, Charlotte hits Rhea Ripley with a Spear to end the show.
The show starts with The Inner Circle coming out of a black limousine and being interviewed by Alex Marvez. Chris Jericho says that if you thought what they did to Vanguard-1 was bad, what they will do to The Elite will be even worse.
Before the next match, Brodie Lee addresses the fans at home after asking 10 to take a proper knee, saying that he does relate to the fans, as he sweats and put his pants on the same way they do. He says that it may be hard to fathom, but he is a man, not a god, who has come into possession with a "very, very special piece." He then says that that the difference between the Dark Order of then and the Dark Order of now is that he operates at a higher, elite level and that the Dark Order of now are "the lions of AEW," and that the results speak for themselves. He says that come Saturday, he has to win not only to satisfy his hunger and desire, but to pay off the loyalty and love of his men in the Dark Order. Brodie Lee then tells 10 that he knew that he was special, and that now is his time to shine. He calls him "a high knight of the Dark Order," then orders him to rise and hurt Jon Moxley for him.
Jon Moxley beats 10. After the match, Moxley rips off 10's left elbow pad, puts 10's left arm through a steel chair, then admits while he does not understand the message behind Brodie Lee stealing the AEW World Championship, he sees it as a punk-out and he will give Brodie Lee ten seconds to come out and correct his mistake before he breaks 10's arm. Brodie Lee shows up on the video screen, telling Moxley he has made his bed and that he will put him to sleep on Saturday. He says that all Moxley had to do was ask to have it back, and that Moxley has made it personal. He says that in these times, everybody has to make sacrifice, then says he is leaving with the Dark Order, sacrificing 10 in the process. Moxley says he will see Brodie Lee on Saturday, then smacks the steel chair wrapped around 10's arm with another steel chair.
MJF beats Marko Stunt with The Salt of the Earth. After the match, MJF congratulates Marko Stunt for lasting much longer than he thought they would, then proposes letting one of his rats kiss him before saying that nobody in the world would ever touch Marko's lips. Wardlow then picks Marko up so that Marko can kiss the Dynamite diamond ring, and MJF punches Marko in the face, knocking him down. Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus then run into the ring and chase MJF and Wardlow out.
Jake Roberts and Arn Anderson - the latter of whom has not been seen in months - set down at a table for a face-to-face meeting moderated by Tony Schiavone. Roberts says it is surreal to sit across the table from Anderson, as they have crossed paths through the years but never in the ring. He is also not used to seeing Anderson show up alone, either. He says that people have dreams and nightmares, and while those are not real, Lance Archer is and he has destroyed everyone put in front of him. He says that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has "wormed his way around" to stay away from Archer, but he will have to come face-to-face with the truth that Archer is a "mean son-of-a-bitch who will rip his damn heart out." He then makes fun of the fact that Anderson has not been seen in months. Anderson says that Roberts almost made him believe him, and ponders what would have happened if they got in the ring years ago, and says they are so credible that if they told someone a pissant could pull a freight train, they would hook it up. He says that he can feel the evil in him that used to frighten people permeate from across the table, and he knew way back when that what is in his heart is what should be worried about. Roberts says he has been to Hell and back and that one more trip with him wouldn't be so bad. Anderson mentions "Iron" Mike Tyson is going to not only present the AEW TNT Championship, but that he may have free reign around the arena and questions if Robert will throw Archer at Tyson. Roberts says that whatever he throws at Tyson will knock him down, and that Archer is willing to knock Tyson out for fun and that he can do it. He then says that he expected Brandi Rhodes to present the title, and says he wouldn't mind running into her again. Anderson says that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has to win the TNT Championship, not because he is a member of the Rhodes family, but because he has turned the wrestling world on its head in a year's time and made it what it is now, and that his leadership is being recognized and he has earned it. He also warns Roberts that he is "a vicious prick," and that he has one more tidbit of information. He tells Roberts that he had better be limber from his DDP Yoga when he plants him into the mat with a spinebuster and stick his head where the sun doesn't shine. Roberts overturns the table and wants to brawl with Anderson, but referees get between them and Roberts eventually leaves.
We see a black-and-white video package of Darby Allin climbing a ladder and playing poker with other people wearing masks that look like the faces of other AEW wrestlers.
We hear from PAC, who says that nobody is safe in these times. He says that while he has been forced to stay home and weather the storm, he no longer has to walk this path, and says that tonight is the night that Orange Cassidy will get over himself when Rey Fenix kicks his head off and sends him to his maker.
Rey Fenix beats Orange Cassidy. During the match, "Superbad" Kip Sabian shows up with a ladder, places it on the ramp, and climbs up to the top of the ladder to sit down and watch the match. This distracts Orange Cassidy and allows Fenix to hit a low blow behind the referee's back to get the win. After the match, Sabian flips Cassidy off, then Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky show up, test Sabian's adder for balance, then push the ladder down and topple Sabian off before fighting both Sabian and Jimmy Havoc, who has also shown up. Fenix then takes everyone else out on the outside, then Colt Cabana shows up and hits everyone with an Asai moonsault. Chuck Taylor and Trent then show up and check on Orange Cassidy before heling him take out everyone on the outside with an assisted Swanton Bomb. Cassidy then gives the thumbs up from the bottom of the ladder.
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. and "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose beat Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida. After the match, Nyla Rose pulls a table out form underneath the ring, sets it up, places Shida on top of it and goes up top. Statlander stops Nyla, and Shida gets off the table and goes up top to put Nyla through the table with a superplex.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Jon Moxley, who says that in sports, business and life, everything is a reduction to violence, and that it only gets worse from here. He knows it will get very bad on Saturday when he hits Brodie Lee with a Paradigm Shift, and when Lee wakes up, he will have lost the match and the power he thinks he has, and all he will have is a three-piece suit and a bunch of guys in masks to repair his shattered ego.
Shawn Spears hosts "Shawn Spears News," and reports that "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes has decided to retire from professional wrestling at the behest of family and friends. He then congratulates "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for his actions, then says that retirement was not an easy pill for Dustin to swallow. He then says that swallowing pills wasn't all that hard for Dustin twelve years ago. Spears then asks why he does not have a match at Double or Nothing and asks himself who he has to piss off to get a match, and quickly realizes that he challenge Dustin to a match at Double or Nothing before joking that one can find Dustin at their local museum. The match is quickly made official.
Next week: a battle royal where the winner faces the AEW TNT Champion!
Matt Hardy beats Sammy Guevara. After the match, Chris Jericho appears on the video screen with The Inner Circle, who are tossing water on Kenny Omega and holding him down in front of a football goal post. Jericho then hits Omega with a baseball bat as Matt Hardy heads towards the stadium, then The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) show up and lay waste to The Inner Circle. This does not last long, and The Inner Circle turns the tables until the sudden reappearance of "Hangman" Adam Page, who runs across the stadium and hammers members of The Inner Circle, allowing The Young Bucks to get back into the fight. Matt Hardy shows up just in time for The Inner Circle to retreat.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman show up to start tonight's show. After a video package of Lesnar's Money In The Bank Ladder Match win, Heyman introduces Lesnar to the crowd before stating that he can hear the paranoia permeating through the room following Lesnar's win. He also says that there have been several conspiracy theories about what has happened, some of them involving Sami Zayn's beatdown, and says the fans give them way too much credit. Heyman says that if he were Kofi Kingston or Seth Rollins, he would be paranoid right now, as he would be vulnerable to a beatdown from Lesnar. He states that despite that paranoia, the world is not against someone like Rollins, but Lesnar is, and he would rather have all the fans against him than Lesnar. Suddenly, Rollins shows up. Rollins talks about his victory against "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles last night, then says he is not in a good mood due to Lesnar with the Money In The Bank Briefcase. He says that he is busy trying to be the champion that Lesnar never had the guts to be, and says he cannot do that while Lesnar hangs the contract over his head. Rollins dares Lesnar to cash in tonight so he can beat him again. Heyman says Rollins may have the sword of Damocles over his head, but he will have to wait until Lesnar feels like cashing in and get used to waiting like his girlfriend Becky Lynch waited for the main event at WrestleMania. This fires Rollins up, and Heyman asks Rollins how he knows he is even worthy of being cashed in on when Lesnar could just as easily cash in on Kofi Kingston. Suddenly, Kofi Kingston shows up, and he says he is trying to cement his legacy as WWE Champion and be remembered as one of the best WWE Champions of all time. He says he cannot do that unless he defends against and beats the best, night in and night out. Kofi congratulates Lesnar on his Money In The Bank win, and tells him that if he will cash in on tonight, it had better be on him. Heyman finds joy in both Kofi and Seth "auditioning" for a match against Lesnar, then says neither of them are done this evening from what he has heard and that Lesnar and the briefcase are not going anywhere. He then says "the beast is yet to come," then he and Heyman leave.
Mick Foley is seen entering the arena with a veiled title belt over his shoulder.
Sami Zayn is seen talking to Bobby Lashley about last night, and offers him an opportunity to soften up Braun Strowman and help him out. Lashley declines, and Sami is on his own.
Backstage, Seth Rollins and Kofi Kingston meet with WWE COO Triple H, who tell them that they will team up against Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley in tonight's main event.
Braun Strowman beats Sami Zayn. Before the start of the match, Braun Strowman chases Sami Zayn backstage. Strowman runs into Bobby Lashley, and Sami Zayn tries to use this distraction as a means to a cheap shot but fails. Sami pleads to Lashley to do something, but Lashley stands there and Strowman says "I'll deal with you later." Strowman re-appears on the stage with Sami on his shoulder, and he is about to send Sami back into the ring when Sami pushes Strowman into the ring post.
Charly Caruso interviews Lars Sullivan in the ring. After a video package of Lars' recent path of destruction, Lars is about to talk about his goals in WWE when The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado) shows up. Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado all try to get the jump on Sullivan, and all three men manage to drop kick Sullivan out of the ring. When The Lucha House Party goes for aerial attacks, however, Lars gets the upper hand, and Lince Dorado is planted into the mat with the Freak Accident. He goes for a powerbomb, but Kalisto and Gran Metalik save Dorado.
We see footage from earlier today where Cesaro mocks Ricochet for being hurt after Money In The Bank.
Cesaro - now with a new entrance and theme music - beats Ricochet.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, who says he is back to square one after last night, but that is okay with him. He doesn't mind the hard work, and while he can beat Seth Rollins, Sunday was not his night. Baron Corbin interrupts Styles and tells him to spare the redemption story, but Styles tells Corbin he has squandered several opportunities. Corbin says he won last night and that Styles did not even deserve to be in the ring with Rollins, calling it a slap in the face. Styles responds by slapping Corbin in the face. Corbin tells him he will pay for that.
Roman Reigns shows up. Before he can say anything, Shane McMahon shows up. Shane tells Roman that his yard is only so big compared to him, and that he proved his point last night after beating The Miz in a steel cage match. Shane states that he is officially done with The Miz and that his focus is now on Roman Reigns following Roman's Superman Punch to his father WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, saying that Roman disgusts him. Roman says he hates spoiled rich kids and says he is done with Elias and his schedule is wide open. Shane says Elias is not done with him and that one fluke victory means nothing, but Roman says that if Shane has beef with him, they can squash it tonight. Shane asks the fans if they want to see him and Roman go one-on-one in the ring, then takes his jacket off before saying it will not happen as he controls his destiny and does what he wants, when he wants. He then tells Roman that he is control around here, then brings out Drew McIntyre and says they will have their match at Super Showdown, where he will win. Roman says that all Shane will be saying is how he whipped his ass.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre. Before he can say much, The Miz shows up. Drew says Shane knows he's done, and if Miz has a problem with Shane, he has a problem with him. Miz tells Shane that he will come after him again once he is done with McIntyre.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) following a grab of the tights.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss talks to Nikki Cross when The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) show up and brag about their win before asking for an appearance on A Moment Of Bliss.
In this weeks Firefly Fun House, we get an extended and warped version of the theme song before seeing the dark side of Bray Wyatt saying "Let me in."
It's time for A Moment Of Bliss with Alexa Bliss...and Nikki Cross. After getting some coffee for the two of them, we are introduced to tonight's special guest, Becky Lynch. Becky Lynch shows up, but before Alexa can say much, she implies that Nikki should step back. Before Becky can answer what it is like to no longer be "Becky Two Belts," The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) show up. After they make fun of Becky having only one championship, they brag about still being Women's Tag Team Champions. Becky reminds them she has defend her titles more than they have theirs, and threatens to send them into the ring and become "Becky Three Belts." Lacey Evans then shows up and says Becky is no longer "Becky Two Belts" because of her, but Becky tells Lacey she still tapped out and could not get the job done even when she had half her attention. Becky then says she can slap Lacey around full-time on Raw, and boasts that she can beat the three of them in the ring at once. Nikki Cross offers to become Becky Lynch's tag team partner, and Becky makes Alexa her other tag team partner. Alexa says she agreed to nothing, but Becky Lynch tells her to stand on the apron and look pretty while she does all the work.
Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross beat The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) and Lacey Evans after Lacey walks out of the match.
We get a brief look at Jake "The Snake" Roberts and his snake Damian, courtesy of The Secret Life of Pets 2.
Mick Foley shows up. He says that Monday nights need to be raw again, and says it takes a lot to become a champion in WWE as well as a legend. After talking about how becoming a legend is a mindset, he unveils WWE's newest title: the WWE 24/7 Championship. He states that the title can be defended anytime, anyplace and anywhere. As long as a referee is present, a fall can happen - and count - anywhere. He then lays the title on the line, and states that the last hour of Raw will get a little more nasty. He announces that an inaugural champion will be crowned, and that anybody on Raw, SmackDown Live, 205 Live, NXT and NXT UK is eligible. He also announces that a legend may come for the title every so often. He then leaves the ring and calls for a bell. Multiple Superstars make a run for the championship and beat each other up, then rush into the ring and fight each other over the title one by one. Rockstar Spud dives for the title, but Titus O'Neil tosses him into everyone else over the top rope and takes the title. Titus O'Neil is the inaugural champion, but he is pinned by Robert Roode - and has a referee present to count - to take the title away as quickly as Titus grabbed it. Everyone then chases after Robert Roode.
Backstage, Robert Roode is in hiding as everyone chases after him for the 24/7 title.
Drew McIntyre beats The Miz following the distraction by Shane McMahon. After the match, Shane tells The Miz he has one last parting gift. He then commands McIntyre to put Miz in the corner to hit him with a Coast To Coast, but Roman Reigns runs out and chases Shane away before Superman Punching McIntyre. Shane almost gets a Superman Punch, but slides out of the ring in time.
Backstage, Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley bear witness to a bunch of Superstars chasing Robert Roode and the 24/7 title.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Seth Rollins and Kofi Kingston. Kofi says the WWE Champion must be able to multitask, and while Brock Lesnar is in the building, Bobby Lashley and Baron Corbin are a serious threat. Seth Rollins says Lashley and Corbin may not be likable, they are still dangerous and must be taken care of before Lesnar. Kofi says he has worked hard to become WWE Champion, and he is ready to not only visit Suplex City, but survive it.
It is announced that Rey Mysterio has suffered a separated shoulder after last night. We then hear from Samoa Joe, who states that his shoulders were not on the mat when he was pinned. He is not troubled by this, as Rey Mysterio is a virtuous man and a loving father with a reputation that he would not tarnish. While he is not a compassionate man, he gifts him the opportunity to do the right thing and hand the United States title back to him. He offers Rey Mysterio to be the example he wishes to set, or he will set one for him.
Backstage, Robert Roode gets help from R-Truth, who puts him in the trunk of a car and misleads everyone chasing after him. He gives him a ride, but a referee is in the passenger seat. R-Truth beats Robert Roode to become the 24/7 Champion, then drives away.
It is announced that the next match is officially a no-disqualification match.
Seth Rollins and Kofi Kingston beat Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley in a no-disqualification match. After the match, Lashley hits both Kofi and Rollins with a Spear, then Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman show up as Kofi and Rollins fight Lashley off. Lesnar and Heyman circle the ring, then Lesnar gets on the apron only to back out of entering the ring. Heyman tells Lesnar he is in their heads and proposes they come back next week so that Lesnar can announce who he is cashing in on.
