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.
Aida Cuevas performs the Himno Mexicano Nacional anthem to start tonight's show, then Lilian Garcia sings "The Star Spangled Banner."
We are introduced to the Spanish announce team of Jose Manuel Guillen, Marcelo Rodriguez and Roberto Figueroa.
Penta heads to the ring. He welcomes everyone to tonight's show and says that tonight will be a night for Mexican culture.
We are introduced to the English announce team of Corey Graves, Konnan and JBL.
Octagon Jr., Laredo Kid, La Parka and Mascarita Sagrada beat Lince Dorado, Abismo Negro and The Latino World Order (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) in an eight-man tag match after Mascarita Sagrada pins Abismo Negro with a schoolkid pin.
Vero Rodriguez interviews Rey Mysterio. Rey looks forward to Worlds Collide in Las Vegas when "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up and says he will be the first Mysterio to be Mega Champion and double champion, then demands that Rey shake his hand and put the title around his waist when he wins. Rey says he will do it if he wins and leaves, then Finn Balor shows up and tells Dominik to win the championship on his own in order to show how good he his.
Natalya beats Faby Apache in a AAA Reina de Reinas Championship #1 Contender's Match after countering a roll-up with one of her own. After the match, Faby and Natalya almost got at it again, and the referee has to keep them apart.
Backstage, Chuey Martinez interviews The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and Grayson Waller. Kofi Kingston says they are here to win tag team gold, as AAA recognizes their talent. Xavier Woods says he is not medically cleared after Penta hitting him with multiple Mexican Destroyers. Grayson Waller says he is honored to wrestle alongside The New Day before having Chuey Martinez sign their petition to ban the Mexican Destroyer.
Psycho Clown and Pagano retain the AAA World Tag Team Championships against Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller after Psycho Clown rips the face off of his mask and scares Xavier Woods all the way to the back. Vero Rodriguez interviews Psycho Clown and Pagano after the match, but all of a sudden, the lights go out and The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) make their presence known. The Wyatt Sicks surround the ring and outnumber Pagano and Psycho Clown, and Dexter Lumis leg drops Pagano through a table before Erick Rowan powerbombs Psycho Clown through another. Uncle Howdy then hits Pagano with a Sister Abigail into a metal folding chair before The Wyatt Sicks hold up the WWE Tag Team Championships and AAA World Tag Team Championships.
Charlotte Flair is seen in the crowd.
Jacy Jayne is seen in the crowd.
Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and Roxanne Perez) During the match, Mr. Iguana throws the bag containing Demonito under the ring. Later on, Demonito pops out from underneath the ring, and Finn Balor has to shove him back down. Later in the match, Finn Balor reintroduces the bag, but when Mr. Iguana takes him down and opens the bag, Demonito is not inside. He then finds out from La Yesca that Demonito is on Finn Balor's hand, and Finn Balor hits a Sling Blade. Finn Balor goes for his moves of doom, but Lola Vice thwarts the Coup de Grace, and this leads to La Yesca performing an assisted tope suicida with help from Mr. Iguana. Roxanne Perez tries to win while using the ropes for leverage after the distraction by Raquel Rodriguez, but Lola Vice kicks out and hits the spinning back fist for the win.
El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. retains the AAA Latin American Championship against JD McDonagh, Dragon Lee and "All Ego" Ethan Page after JD McDonagh's boot knocks Ethan Page out of the ring as El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. hits the Wagner Driver.
Logan Paul is seen in the crowd.
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio beats El Hijo del Vikingo to become the AAA Mega Champion! During the match, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh show up, and McDonagh hits Vikingo with a headbutt while Finn Balor distracts the referee. After this, McDonagh distracts the referee so that Dominik can don Rey Mysterio Sr.'s mask and potentially load it with a foreign object, but Vikingo stops Dominik. Dragon Lee shows up, but Finn Balor and JD McDoangh beat him up. Rey Mysterio then shows up with a metal folding chair and beats up both Finn Balor and McDonagh with Dragon Lee's help before he and Dragon Lee chase them to the back. Vikingo then hits the top rope 630 senton on Dominik, but El Grande Americano shows up and pulls the referee out of the ring, allowing Dominik to hit the 619 and the splash. Another referee runs into the ring, but Vikingo kicks out. Shortly after this, Vikingo is able to get his hands on El Grande Americano's mask, but El Grande Americano is able to pass the foreign object to Dominik to shove into his mask for the diving headbutt in Vikingo's failed attempt to unmask him. The headbutt connects, and Dominik hits the top rope splash to win the match at the title. After the match, Dominik angrily demands to Rey Mysterio to stay true to his word and put the title on him, which he does. Afterwards, Dominik tells Rey to leave the ring so that he can celebrate. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez) shows up to celebrate with Domink, but El Grande Americano also takes part in the proceedings as the show ends.
Brock Lesnar heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before he can say a word, R-Truth shows up. Lesnar wants R-Truth to shut up, and R-Truth takes the high road by welcoming Lesnar back. He then says he used to be scared of Lesnar, but not anymore, but Lesnar says he does not even know who R-Truth is. He also says that R-Truth had better have a good excuse for interrupting him. R-Truth says Lesnar has disrespected his childhood hero John Cena for over 25 years, then says he is done with the disrespect. Lesnar wants to know where Cena is, and when R-Truth does not know who he is, Lesnar wants to know why R-Truth is here. R-Truth says he is here to defend "his older brother and childhood hero" John Cena. After R-Truth calls himself "Ron Cena," R-Truth says that John Cena is built different now and that he made a little kid cry, and that "Super Cena" is coming for Lesnar and is fueled by honor, loyalty, respect and that kid's tears. Lesnar tricks R-Truth into believing he is missing a tooth, then hits R-Truth with the F-5. It is then revealed that the back of Lesnar's jeans has a tear in it, and Lesnar pretends to moon the front row.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with his first challenger for his open challenge, and mentions that their paths have never crossed until tonight. Sami's opponent tonight is revealed to be Rey Fenix, and both men shake hands.
We hear from Solo Sikoa, who says that he had to sacrifice a lot just to become United States Champion only for it to be taken out of his hands by Sami Zayn. Solo becomes enraged and says he has lost everything, then says that change will happen sooner rather than later, lead his family and make it time for others to live in the shadow of him and his family tree.
Sami Zayn retains the WWE United States Championship against Rey Fenix.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Kiana James and Giulia show up as B-Fab is on the phone and state they have made an example out of "Michin" Mia Yim. B-Fab says she is not busy at the moment, and this leads to Giulia challenging B-Fab to a match.
We hear from The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas and Erick Rowan). Bo Dallas asks where The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) go from here after The Wyatt Sicks tested them and they failed. Erick Rowan says it pains him to see them coming apart at the seams, and that nobody knows what they have until it is gone. He says that they have a tough choice ahead of them, then Bo Dallas says they are not the ones to blame, for they have sown the seeds and they are now sprouting horns. He then asks where The Street Profits go from here.
Kiana James and Giulia attack B-Fab before the next match can begin. "Michin" Mia Yim makes the save with a shinai, and Giulia gets away after Kiana gets smacked.
It is announced that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027.
We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he has poisoned Damian Priest last week and that the venom will soon take its course. He says he is both the sickness and the cure, and while Priest can keep fighting by his code and he can continue to be the sickness and die by the code, or violence can beget violence and he will be the prophet.
Jade Cargill vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Championship ends in a double count-out after Jade Cargill puts Tiffany Stratton through the barricade. Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's Championship. After the match, Cargill is attacked by Nia Jax. Nia then beats Tiffany up and hits her with the A-Nia-Lator.
Backstage, Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre meet with General Manager Nick Aldis looking for an opportunity at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Aldis gives them a match against the winners of the Women's Tag Team Championship match at NXT Homecoming. Aldis then meets with The Miz, and Aldis says that he has spoken to Carmelo Hayes and that if he wants to grab that opportunity, it is all his.
We see part one a career retrospective of the rivalry between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, which chronicles both men's careers from their debuts in 2002 to 2004.
Vero Rodriguez interviews Rey Mysterio in Las Vegas. Rey looks forward to Worlds Collide in Las Vegas when "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up and says he will be the first Mysterio to be Mega Champion and double champion, then demands that Rey shake his hand and put the title around his waist when he wins. Rey says he will do it if he wins and leaves, then Finn Balor shows up and tells Dominik to win the championship on his own in order to show how good he his.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn when Carmelo Hayes suddenly shows up and challenges Sami Zayn for the United States Championship. Sami accepts, then leaves. Carmelo runs into The Miz, who is disappointed with Carmelo at first until Carmelo tells The Miz to picture him as a simultaneous singles and tag champion, stating that Miz himself did it despite Miz asking him how hard he knows it could be.
Drew McIntyre bats Randy Orton. During the match, Orton goes for the punt on McIntyre, but after the referee tries to keep Orton from hitting it, McIntyre avoids the punt and hits the Claymore for the win. After the match, McIntyre is about to kick Orton through the commentary table like he did to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes when Cody shows up and brawls with McIntyre. McIntyre rolls out of the ring after Cody hits him with the Cody Cutter, then Cody ends the show by telling him that the champ is back and that he will see him at Wrestlepalooza.
We look back on Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle from Victory Road 2012.
Gia Miller interviews Travis Williams for Around the Ring. Topics discussed include the movie review app Letterbox, Gia and Travis' top four movies, and "The Movie Rumble" where a movie is picked through the WWE 2K games.
We look back on The Nemeths ("The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth and "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth) vs. The System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers) from last night's show.
Victoria Crawford guests on commentary for the next match.
Killer Kelly and Rosemary beat Myla Grace and Harley Hudson.
Steve Maclin beats Hammerstone with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Hammerstone attacks Maclin from behind and puts him in the Torture Rack, but Eric Young runs to the ring and makes the save. Jake Something then shows up and stands alongside Hammerstone outside of the ring.
We hear from The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose, JDC). Eddie says everyone was praying for them to fail, but they got a "System reboot," and Myers says everyone saw what the reboot was all about. He says that they will annihilate The Hardys on their way to Victory Road. JDC says they are hungry and that they will forget their manners. Moose says that Alisha will still be queen of the Knockouts, JDC will still be a loose cannon, Myers will become a three-time tag team champion, Eddie will continue to be a legend, and he will be a four-time World Champion.
Backstage, Steve Maclin says that Eric Young showed him respect at Emergence, then Eric Young shows up. Maclin thanks Eric Young for having his back, then Eric Young says respect is a two-way street and that they will show Hammerstone and Jake Something that it is about the size of the fight in the dog at Victory Road.
Heather Reckless beats "The Quintessential Diva" Gisele Shaw. (The match is Gisele's last for TNA before heading to Scott D'Amore's revival of Maple Leaf Wrestling.) During the match, Ash By Elegance and personal concierge George Iceman show up to watch from ringside, and during the match, George Iceman distracts the referee so that Ash By Elegance can hit Gisele Shaw in the eye, allowing Heather to hit Wrecked for the win.
We see another vignette of the female wrestler, formerly known as Xia Li in WWE.
Matt Cardona heads to the ring, and demands that Steph de Lander head to the ring with him. Cardona takes the microphone from Steph before she can say much, then says it is obvious that Director of Authority Santino Marella has it out for him, as he has come back from a life-threatening injury only to be in a tag match with Rhino and PCO on his first match back. He says this is an unsafe working environment, then says he can pick his own tag team partner. He then introduces his tag team partner for Victory Road as none other than Steph de Lander. Cardona insists that Steph does not commit any funny business, because if she does not do as he says, he will send her back to Australia. Suddenly, PCO shows up and heads to the ring. Steph kicks Cardona in the groin, then PCO hits Cardona with a choke slam before hugging Steph.
Backstage, Spitfire (Jody Threat and Dani Luna) is met by Gia Miller. Gia says that their careers are a lot for Spitfire to put on the line, but Jody Threat says they have been scraping from the bottom to get to where they are. Dani Luna says that they may need everything on the line to prove that they have the heart to win the Knockouts Tag Team titles.
ABC ("Inevitable" Ace Austin and Chris Bey) beat Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and KC Navarro) in a Tornado Match.
We see a vignette for Jonathan Gresham regarding Gresham's octopus mask as well as his shedding of it.
Joe Hendry heads to the ring. Joe Hendry wants to know if Josh Alexander lives by the mantra of "Say his name and he appears," then calls him out for what he did to him. Alexander shows up in the upper seats, saying it is for Hendry's safety, and tells him to go ahead and play what funny video he has of him. We then see a music video where Joe Hendry makes fun of Josh Alexander and the fact that he never smiles before calling him "Kurt Angle from Wish." An angry Alexander says he has nothing to smile about and that he should be the one in NXT snapping ankles and dropping people on his heads while , but they picked the one guy who can't back it up when the bell rings. He then says he traveled the world for two decade and did everything the right way only for Joe Hendry to steal his thunder and take opportunities from him with a few videos that went viral. He then says that if Hendry wants to see him smile, he will not be able to see it after he destroys him at Victory Road and the fans start chanting for him again. Hendry, seeing that Alexander is frustrated, notes that he saw a sign earlier saying "Walking Weiner." This starts a "Walking Weiner" chant. Alexander tells Hendry he has dug his own grave a little bit deeper and that he will end him at Victory Road once and for all so the fans can see what a real professional wrestler looks like. Hendry says he has also traveled the world and made believers out of people, and says that Alexander sounds like all of his critics. He also says the fans will chant that they believe even louder when he beats Alexander at Victory Road.
Backstage, Jordynne Grace meets with Arianna Grace, saying that she and Karmen Petrovic are welcome here, but Wendy Choo is not. Arianna says Wendy is not in the building and promises that nothing will happen to Jordynne at Victory Road, but Jordynne is skeptical, saying that promises mean something in TNA as opposed to NXT.
We hear from Mike Santana, who says that everybody knows where he has been and what he has done and that his sights are set on the World Championship and Victory Road. He says "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth has taken the World Championship all over the world, but he hopes that Moose wins the world title, as it will be another thing that he takes from Moose along with his pride and dignity when he makes him suffer.
Before the next match, personal concierge George Iceman makes fun of the fans for being fat and toothless before telling them that they will be witnessing history and introducing Ash By Elegance.
Ash By Elegance beats Xia Brookside after personal concierge gets on the ring apron to beg Brookside off. This allows Brookside to avoid another Meteora to the back of the neck, and also allows Heather Reckless to suddenly show up and pull Brookside by the arm to ram her shoulder into the ring post, giving Ash the win.
We hear from "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth, who says that Moose had his chance to look him in the eye and blew it when he took to social media to complain. He says words do not hurt him, but they seem to hurt Moose, and that he has been in the ring with Moose's heroes and that there is only one way to go at Victory Road: him kicking Moose in the face as hard as he can. He says Moose was the best, but now he is the rest, and he is the one getting the victory while Moose just gets the road.
Backstage, Ash By Elegance checks herself in the mirror when she finds out Heather Reckless is behind her. Personal concierge George Iceman likes Heather's attitude, but not her wardrobe, and Ash finds Heather's actions interesting. George Iceman then hands Heather his number if she wants a personal makeover.
The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat The System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers).
Atlantis Jr. beats "Pretty" Peter Avalon in an ROH World Television Championship Proving Ground Match.
Backstage, Billie Starkz holds an emergency minion meeting with Athena to see what she has going on. Athena says she has perfection in mind for MIT, then proceeds to put Lexy Nair on a pedestal over Billie Starkz, saying Lexy has been critical to her success. Billie finally snaps and says Lexy has been getting credit for everything she has done as of late, and asks Athena if she has even watched the footage. Athena takes this as Billie snitching on Lexy and being envious of her, then says it is okay to feel that way before telling her not to let jealously overshadow her happiness for her new "number one Minion." She also tells her that "snitches get stitches" and that she is willing to do what she has done to her ten more times if she puts her hands on her or the ROH Women's World Championship again.
Queen Aminata beats Harley Cameron.
Top Flight (Darius Martin and Dante Martin) and Action Andretti beat Vin Parker, Dante Leon and CD Bennett.
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviews Harley Cameron when Rachael Ellering interrupts the interview much like when Harley interrupted her interview to the point that Harley gets frustrated and leaves.
The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) beat Fly Def (Warren J and Zack Zilla). After the match, The Outrunners are attacked by The Iron Savages (Boulder, Bronson, Jacked Jameson), but The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo). Despite their past history, The Infantry and The Outrunners shake hands afterwards.
Robyn Renegade beats Angelica Risk.
Backstage, we hear from Jacoby Watts and Nick Comoroto. Jacoby Watts says that if "The Judge" EJ Nduka wants a fight, then he has a fight.
The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) beat James Blackheart and JC Valentine.
Before the next match, "Smart" Mark Sterling gives Josh Woods and Tony Nese the night off due to Ariya Davairi wanting to do this match on his own, then says Daivari is the richest, most in-shape and most successful athlete to ever enter the state of Texas, while his opponent, who is from Texas, represents all the "fat losers" in the crowd. Daivari says that for the last month he has been here, there has been nothing he has wanted more than to punch all the fans in the face, but he would get arrested, so he will beat up a local Texas and kick his ass in front of all the fans instead.
Sammy Guevara beats Ariya Daivari after taking out "Smart" Mark Sterling as well as Tony Nese and Josh Woods, whose interference behind the ref's back backfires when Guevara kicks out of the hammerlock lariat.
Backstage, Anthony Henry says that JD Drake has be rehabbing and will be back soon, and is about to mention Beef when Beef shows up wet from getting ready. Anthony tells Beef that he needs to chill, gets a phone call from JD Drake, then warns Beef to chill out or else JD Drake will slap him in the face when he finally meets him.
Preston Vance beats KM.
Spanish Announce Project (Serpentico and Angelico) and Fuego del Sol beat Ace of Space Academy (LSG and Colton Charles) and Joe Alonzo in a six-man tag match with a submission from Angelico to LSG.
AR Fox and Komander beat Ariel Dominguez and Brillante RB.
Ilja Dragunov beats Wes Lee to face Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship at No Mercy. After the match, Carmelo Hayes shows up to have a staredown with Wes Lee.
We see footage of Von Wagner being placed on a stretcher and into an ambulance after the end of last week's show. It is announced that Von Wagner has been diagnosed with a small skull fracture, and that it is not known when he will recover.
Baron Corbin heads to the ring. Corbin says that he shows up and neither he or the fans like each other, then mentions how the feed had to be cut to black after what Bron Breakker did to Von Wagner. Corbin admits he does not like Von Wagner, but says everything about Von Wagner and his skull is very real, and that Von Wagner will never be the same again. He then calls out Bron Breakker. Corbin tells Breakker that what he did to Von Wagner was "freakin' awesome," then Breakker says he did not do this to get Corbin's approval, but to end Von Wagner's career. Breakker says he can still close his eyes and feel the atmosphere from before he did what he did and says he loved it. Corbin says he appreciates Breakker doing whatever it takes, then says he came here to be nice and even pay his fine before saying he is the more evil man after ending two Olympic athletes' WWE careers. Corbin says there are levels to what he does and that Breakker is not on his, and that Breakker should be respecting him instead of spitting on his legacy. Breakker then says there is only one thing left to do, and that is a match between them at No Mercy. He then says he will leave Corbin leaving the building like Von Wagner, but Corbin says Breakker has a lot to learn and that he is not Von Wagner before slapping him. Breakker slaps back, and this leads to a brawl that security quickly step in to break up.
Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey and Damon Kemp beat Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen and Myles Borne in a six-man tag match after Myles Borne turns on his team by attacking Brooks Jensen.
At Chase University, Andre Chase and Duke Hudson find out that Thea Hail is no longer sharing her location on her phone. Meanwhile, Thea Hail and Jacy Jayne are met by two guys who make fun of them only to get beaten up.
Lyra Valkryia beats Dana Brooke. After the match, Lyra Valkyria and Dana Brooke shake hands, and Kelani Jordan has to keep Dana from attacking Lyra from behind.
The NXT Women's Breakout Tournament is coming soon.
Backstage, Mackenzie Morgan interviews Eddy Thorpe, who says that Dijak cannot beat him without "a little something extra." Suddenly, Dijak shows up on the monitor in the forest where Eddy Thorpe finds guidance and tells him that he is marking his territory after failing to find him before hitting a tree with his belt.
Backstage, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio runs into Carmelo Hayes. Mysterio and Carmelo both argue over Carmelo not having an original thought in his head and their title defense opponents, then Carmelo says they will say who is still champion.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Becky Lynch, who says that after ten years, nobody can doubt her and she is more passionate than ever, and that she will right a wrong by winning the NXT Women's Championship tonight. Suddenly, Kiana James shows up and says she doesn't want Becky here and that she would send Becky back to Raw empty-handed, but Becky takes that as a challenge for after she wins the title.
Tyler Bate beats Axiom in Group A of the Global Heritage Invitational and earns two (2) points. During the match, Meta-Four (Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson) are seen in their lounge with an African safari theme.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Butch. Butch says he and Tyler Bate go way back and have history, but he is here in NXT to prove he is the baddest man in NXT and nobody brings out the bruiser in him more than Tyler.
In footage from earlier today, Joe Gacy meets with Ava in front of a rotten tree. He says that with The Dyad (Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid) gone, their tree is rotten and they stand more isolated than before.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes meets with Trick Williams, who proposes to offer his help against The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio). Carmelo Hayes likes the offer, but mentions Trick Williams wanting to do his own thing. Trick Williams says he is still open to being part of a team, however. Meanwhile, Wes Lee shows up and cleans out his locker in the background.
The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) beat Malik Blade and Edris Enofe. After the match, multiple tag teams arrive and brawl over The Creed Brothers.
Backstage, Becky Lynch is met by Lyra Valkyria, who tells Becky to win the Women's Championship tonight. Becky tells Lyra to keep killing it in the ring.
Backstage, Roxanne Perez talks about the last year of her career and the upcoming NXT Women's Breakout Tournament while also mentioning Elektra Lopez. Elektra Lopez and Lola Vice show up and confront Roxanne, and Lola Vice says she will beat Roxanne and win the tournament.
Nathan Frazer beats Akira Tozawa in Group B of the Global Heritage Invitational and earns two (2) points. Akita Tozawa, with three losses, is stuck at the bottom of the group with zero (0) points.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang). Joe Coffey says he will slap Duke Hudson across the face in front of Hudson, and Hudson walks in and says that if he beats Coffey, it will lead to a three-way tie and he will become "the spoiler."
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Mustafa Ali. Ali says that he does not like "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio's officiating, but it is out of his hands, and when he knew Dominik helped him win, he dropped him. Dragon Lee shows up and asked Mustafa if he watched the match, Mustafa tells Dragon Lee that he will get the first shot at the title when he wins it.
Backstage, Wes Lee says that Ilja Dragunov was the better man tonight and that he is going home tonight, saying that he is done. After he leaves with his fiancee, Gigi Dolin attacks Blair Davenport, and security jumps in.
Becky Lynch beats Tiffany Stratton to become the NXT Women's Champion!
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins asks the fans if they believe in karma, then says he was skeptical until he beat Matt Riddle at Clash at the Castle and had 60,000 people singing his entrance theme. He says it has come to his attention that he now lives rent-free in Riddle's head after Riddle has demanded a rematch against him, then says he is not too interested in a rematch as it has been far too long since he has held championship gold. Suddenly, Matt Riddle shows up, rushes into the ring and brawls with Rollins, tossing him out of the ring and forcing him to retreat through the crowd. Riddle catches up with Rollins and the brawl continues, but Rollins rakes the eyes and leaps back over the barricade to flee to the back. When Riddle reaches the ramp, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and Damian Priest) show up. Finn says that he and Priest are Riddle's friends and that they are not here to fight, as Priest, Riddle and Rhea Ripley all go way back and Riddle is in the situation where he is on the rise only to be held back. Priest tells Riddle that The Judgment Day is here to change that, and Finn tells Riddle that Dominik Mysterio has grown after getting out of his father Rey Mysterio's shadow before offering to help Riddle with his problems as they are "problem solvers." Priest gives Riddle the choice of joining with them or falling against them, and Riddle admits that while they go back, his focus is on Seth, and the answer is no. After Finn implies that Riddle is high on marijuana, Finn gives Riddle one last chance to either stand with them or stand in The Judgment Day's way. Riddle knees Finn in the jaw and clotheslines Priest out of the ring in response.
Finn Balor beats Matt Riddle after Rey Mysterio attacks Damian Priest and chases him through the crowd and Seth "Freakin'" Rollins distracts Riddle. After the match, Rollins hits Riddle with The Stomp and tells him to move on.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky). Bayley says there should not be a rematch tonight and that Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky should have won, especially when the wrong person was pinned. Dakota Kai says that no longer matters, because they are in control tonight. Bayley then cuts the interview short, and Damage CTRL leave.
We hear from Dominik Mysterio, who says he has only been known as Rey Mysterio's son. He says that all changed when he turned on Rey Mysterio and Edge, and that he never felt more alive. He says Edge got exactly what he deserved. Dominik says that tonight, he is going to finish what he started, then tells Rey Mysterio that he knows he is disappointed, but that is too bad and this is his life, not Rey's, and tells Rey to look in the mirror and ask himself why he never bothered to get to know him. He also says Rey should have just asked him what he wanted for his career, then says that for "a tiny, tiny man," Rey cast a large shadow that he is done living under. Rhea Ripley shows up and whispers in Dominik's ear, then Dominik says he is not Rey's baby boy anymore and that he is a man. Rhea then looks into the camera and smiles.
We see a video package chronicling Johnny Gargano's return and everything leading up to his first match back.
In footage from earlier today, Austin Theory says that Johnny Gargano's opponent in his first match will not be him and that it will be a close friend of his: Chad Gable. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) shows up, and Chad Gable says "Johnny Wrestling" will be "Johnny SHOOOOOOOSH."
Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky) beat Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez to become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions following the interference and distraction from Bayley after Bayley puts Dakota Kai's foot on the rope following a springboard facebuster from Aliyah.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio meets with Dominik Mysterio, saying that this is all his fault and that if he could change everything, he could. He says that Dominik does not need to go through his match with Edge and asks him to take a chance at making things right. Dominik refuses to even look at Rey and tells him that Edge will fight back when he is backed into a corner and that if he fights Edge, things will never go back to how they were. Rhea Ripley shows up and says Edge is not the only one who is dangerous and that Dominik is "all man" now before she and Dominik leave.
Johnny Gargano beats Chad Gable in his Raw debut. After the match, Otis tries to attack Gargano, who soon outsmarts him. On his way up the ramp, however, Gargano is attacked from behind with the Money In The Bank briefcase by Austin Theory.
Austin Theory is in the ring. He says somebody had to show Johnny Gargano how things works around here, as all "Johnny Wrestling" is to him is "a bottom-feeding fish at the bottom of the food chain." Before he can say much else, Kevin Owens shows up. Theory says he is tired of his moments ruined by people like him, Gargano and Tyson Fury and says that he will soon take over the entire industry. Owens says everyone has heard about how Theory is the future for months now, then says it does not work that way anymore. As he says that guys like him and Gargano do not like Theory, Theory says nobody looks like him. Theory says he has done more in five months than Owens and Gargano combined have done in five years, but Owens says statements like that prove Theory is "a delusional jackass" and says opportunities were handed to him, not earned. Owens says he cannot blame him, as the Universal Championship was handed to him on a silver platter, but that is where the similarities end and he is proud that the two of them on opposite ends. He says that hundreds like Theory fizzled out fast and went nowhere, but guys like him and Gargano are one million while people like Theory are a dime a dozen, and that people like him and Gargano are the heart and soul of the business while Theory is "the appendix." Owens says that he hopes Theory is everything he claims to be, but he has listened to him and watched how Theory has carried himself and says Theory does not have what it takes to be the future. He dares Theory to prove everyone wrong by making his own moments, checking his ego at the door and leaving everything in the ring. Theory tells Owens that he will never be like him, and Owens responds by slapping Theory in the face. Both men brawl, and referees get in the ring to restore order. A few more officials have to show up to pull Theory out of the ring, but Owens goes after Theory and gets his hands on him. Theory swings the Money In The Bank briefcase and misses, and when Owens goes for the Stunner, Theory slips out of the ring.
Bianca Belair heads to the ring. She says that if there is anything the last few weeks have taught her, it is to stay ready, as there is always a target on her back. She then issues an open challenge for the Raw Women's Championship to anyone who wants to face her, and the open challenge is answered by Sonya Deville. Sonya says she has not forgotten about Bianca costing her job as a general manager and says she would be champion if she had her way, then Bianca says this is an open challenge and not an open mic night and that the match has begun.
Bianca Belair retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Sonya Deville. After the match, Bayley shows up and congratulates Bianca on the victory before bragging about Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky's women's tag title victory and saying it was "just the beginning." She asks Bianca if being the prize fighter made her feel better before saying it only fed her "big, fat" ego and that Bianca will not be able to sleep at night until she gets a match with her. She then asks if she is embarrassed, as she was able to pin her before. She then tells Bayley that she will have the match when the time is right as Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai show up to help Bayley surround the ring. Bianca fends off all three women, but the numbers game quickly takes over until Asuka and Alexa Bliss run in to even the score and surround Bayley. Bianca plants Bayley with a spinebuster, and Asuka, Alexa and Bianca stand tall in the ring.
Omos beats Khash Marazi and Ryan Toombs in a two-on-one handicap match. (Khash Marazi and Ryan Toombs are independent wrestlers Invictus Khash and Jordan Oasis, respectively.)
Backstage, Rey Mysterio meets with Edge and asks for one more chance to reason with Dominik. Edge says he gets it, but Dominik has to pay for what he has done and it is better that he does it rather than Rey.
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, who says he is not in the mood to talk and that he is the face of Raw. Suddenly, Bobby Lashley shows up and says he who has the gold is the face of the show. Rollins says MMA guys all say the same thing and that they do not think for a few seconds, then says he is willing to take the United States Championship off his shoulder and proposes a match for the title next week so they can see who the face of Raw really is. Lashley says they can fight about it, then leaves.
In footage from earlier this week, The Miz is interviewed at his home. Dexter Lumis is watching from behind a window as the camera briefly turns towards the piano. The Miz's daughters Madison and Monroe briefly show up, then Maryse arrives. Miz and Maryse briefly talk about Dexter Lumis, and Maryse says there is no way that Dexter Lumis is ever going to show up with all of the security in place at home. We then see Dexter Lumis behind another window. Miz is finally interviewed, and Miz insists that Dexter Lumis not be mentioned. He says that even after an escort to the arena and doubled security, Dexter Lumis still showed up. He then ends the interview as we see Dexter yet again behind another window. Miz and Maryse leave for a night out, and Dexter Lumis is then seen inside of the house. He then displays a drawing of The Miz, Maryse, Madison and Monroe.
Edge beats Dominik Mysterio by disqualification when Finn Balor shows up out of nowhere to attack edge after Edge has to shove Rey Mysterio out of the way to keep attacking Dominik only for Rhea to grab Rey out of the corner. After the match, Edge fights Finn Balor, but Rhea Ripley hits him with a chair. Rhea, Finn and Damian Priest stand in the ring as Dominik hits Edge in his hurt knee with the chair repeatedly. Edge's foot is then placed on the seat of the chair, and Finn hits Edge's hurt knee with the Coup de Grace.
This week on Raw Talk: Bianca Belair, Asuka and Alexa Bliss! Austin Theory! Bobby Lashley!
"The Native Beast" Nyla Rose and "The Problem" Marina Shafir beat JC Storm and Joelle Clift.
Julia Hart beats Tiara James with Hartless.
Dante Martin and Matt Sydal beat Zack Clayton and Serpentico.
Athena beats Emi Sakura.
The House of Black (Brody King and Buddy Matthews) beats Isaiah Prince and Kubes.
Hikaru Shida beats Christina Marie.
John Silver beats "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth.
Before the next match, QT Marshall takes offense to Cole Karter not being mentioned by ring announcer Justin Roberts and says that nothing or nobody good ever came from Buffalo, New York. The Butcher, The Blade and The Bunny soon show up wearing Buffalo Sabres jerseys.
The Butcher and the Blade beat The Factory (Nick Comoroto and Aaron Solo) after QT Marshall gets ejected from the match for trying to cheat by using his watch like brass knuckles.
In memory of Shannon "Daffney" Spruill, 1975 - 2021. The pre-show starts with the locker room gathering around the ring for a ten-bell salute.
Before the next match, Brian Johnson says that when he heard there would be an Honor Rumble tonight, he wanted to be first, as he wants the match to be "Mecca vs. Everybody" as he "smacks around fourteen bozos" in his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He says that the city of Philadelphia knows that this city knows about first-round picks, and that he is going to become the next ROH World Champion.
#16 Alex Zayne returns to ROH following his three-month stint as Ari Sterling in WWE to win the 16-man Honor Rumble and earn a shot at the ROH World Championship. During the match:
Caprice Coleman suddenly leaves the commentary booth to enter the Honor Rumble at #5. Brian Zane replaces Coleman on commentary for the rest of the match. Coleman eliminates #2 Brian Milonas and #3 The Beer City Bruiser before being eliminated by #1 "The Mecca" Brian Johnson.
#7 PCO eliminates himself after malfunctioning.
#13 Flip Gordon comes out to his pre-Mercenary gimmick, complete with the original theme music and appearance, as well as with a United States flag. He eliminates #10 "The Last Real Man" Silas Young and #1 "The Mecca" Brian Johnson, but is eliminated from the top rope by #16 Alex Zayne.
Alex Zayne returns to ROH following his three-month stint as Ari Sterling in WWE at #16. He eliminates #9 Dak Draper and last eliminates #8 "The Darewolf" PJ Black to win.
"The Mecca" Brian Johnson
Brian Milonas
The Beer City Bruiser
Danhausen
Caprice Coleman
Sledge
PCO
"The Darewolf" PJ Black
Dak Draper
"The Last Real Man" Silas Young
Rey Horus
Dante Caballero
Flip Gordon
Joe Keys
World Famous CB
Alex Zayne
Quinn McKay says that tonight will make ROH history, and says it would not be possible without ROH board member Maria Kanellis-Bennett. Maria says she is excited about tonight and proud of all the women who participated in the ROH Women's Championship Tournament, then thanks the fans for supporting the tournament and the new women's division. Maria also thanks every woman before her who made big sacrifices, had incredible matches, fought for women's wrestling and created opportunities that have led to tonight. She also says that she will pit whoever becomes the ROH Women's Champion against anyone in the world, for there is no "forbidden door" here and this is women's wrestling.
Backstage, Rhett Titus and "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams tell Bandido that they will be watching his ROH World Championship match and that it is good to have a ROH World Champion that they can look up to.
Dragon Lee and Kenny King show up. Dragon Lee checks to see how many fans of La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Kenny King, Dragon Lee, La Bestia del Ring) are here tonight, and announces that Rush is not here tonight following surgery. He says that tonight is for Rush, his people and for Mexico. Kenny King says tonight is a celebration, saying that while they took a loss last time, they have stayed the course and become ROH World Tag Team Champions. He says that La Faccion Ingobernable is running the show and putting cracks in The Foundation (Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham, "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams, Rhett Titus) while ensuring there is no championships in VLNCE UNLTD (Brody King, Chris Dickinson, Tony Deppen, Homicide). He calls Shane Taylor Productions "Shane's Too Predictable," and says that after he dresses Taylor down and take the last bit of dignity from him, STP will soon mean "Shane's Too Pussy."
Dak Draper guests on commentary for the next match.
Dalton Castle beats Eli Isom. During the match, Dak Draper gets involved in the match only to get kicked in the crotch by Eli Isom. Shortly after this, Dalton Castle hits the Bang-A-Rang for the win.
Taylor Rust beats Jake Atlas by submission. (Jake Atlas and Taylor Rust have just returned from being released from WWE on August 6th; Taylor Rust is previously known as Tyler Rust in NXT as well as Ryan Taylor and Rusty Taylor elsewhere. The Tuesday after this match, Jake Atlas leaves the professional wrestling business due to mental health concerns and a loss of passion for the business.)
VLNCE UNLTD (Chris Dickinson, Tony Deppen, Homicide) beat John Walters, LSG and Lee Moriarty in a trios match. After the match, LSG argues with Moriarty and Walters, then The Foundation (Jay Lethal, Rhett Titus, "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams) shows up. Lethal says it has been a long time since he had a pay-per-view match in Ring of Honor, but he does not mind because he gets to see young talent tear it up in the ring and it makes him excited for the future of the business and Ring of Honor. He asks how anybody cannot be excited about the future, especially when it will produce a new women's championship and LSG is part of the Pure Division. Lethal says that Walters is a legend in his eyes, then shakes Moriarity's hand and says he wants to see Moriarty in the Pure Division. He then says that there are man wrestlers out there who want to join the Pure Division, as everyone loved to watch guys like Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko, saw guys like Samoa Joe on any VHS tapes and DVDs they could get their hands on, studied guys like "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles for hours and witnessed "legends and diamonds" who were hard to match like Reckless Youth and Alex Shelley. As he speaks, more members of the Pure Division watch from the stage. He says that everyone loves professional wrestling and has tried to shape it into the image of what they loved watching, and says the wrestling world as a whole is doing "pretty damn good," but now it is time for pure wrestling to prevail, especially when they have a man who is unmatched in Jonathan Gresham. Lethal then states that anyone in the back will tell the people that they love professional wrestling, and after stating that people have called the Pure Division "fresh, exciting and new," he admits it is fresh and exciting, but states it is the same wrestling everyone grew up on and that this is Ring of Honor.
The OGK (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) beat The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) after Matt Taven reverses a Jay Driller into an inside cradle.
Jonathan Gresham vs."The Technical Beast" Josh Woods ends in a draw after 11 minutes and 46 seconds with both men's shoulders down on the mat in an inside cradle following a fierce match that saw both men lose a rope break simultaneously twice...almost. After the match, Gresham tells referee Joe Mandak to put the ROH Pure Championship back on the timekeeper's table, then says he will be 13-0 in the Pure Division by the end of the match and demands that the match be restarted. The match is restarted. Shortly after this, both men use their third and final rope break after staying too close to the rope as both men slap each other while Gresham has Woods in a heel hook.
"The Technical Beast" Josh Woods beats Jonathan Gresham in a Pure Rules Match in twenty minutes to win the ROH Pure Championship after Woods knocks Gresham out cold with a German suplex. After the match, Gresham takes the Pure Championship around Woods' waist.
Before the next match, Kenny King viciously attacks Shane Taylor with a chair multiple times. O'Shay Edwards takes Shane Taylor's place in the match, which is still for the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships.
Shane Taylor Promotions (Moses, Kaun, O'Shay Edwards) retains the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships against La Faccion Ingobernables (Kenny King, Dragon Lee, La Bestia del Ring) after Shane Taylor suddenly returns as the referee is down and hits Kenny King with a chair. After the match, Taylor takes a fan-made sign saying "Ingoberable Bitches!" and all four members of Shane Taylor Promotions raise their fists around a downed Kenny King while Shane Taylor holds the sign. Dragon Lee spitefully throws a bottle of water at Shane Taylor Promotions afterwards.
Lenny Leonard guests on commentary for the next match.
Rok-C beats Mirande Alize with the Code Rok to become the inaugural ROH Women's World Champion! After the match, Rok-C celebrates in the ring with her parents.
Bandido retains the ROH World Championship against EC3, Demonic Flamita and Brody King in a four-way elimination match. EC3 is disqualified after being caught by referee Todd Sinclair hitting Demonic Flamita with a chair. Brody King eliminates Demonic Flamita with the All-Seeing Eye. Bandido eliminates Brody King with a La Magistral Cadle. After the match, The Foundation (Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham, "Hot Saurce" Tracy Williams, Jonathan Gresham) head to the ring and celebrate with Bandido, and Jonathan Gresham is seen eyeing the ROH World Championship as he is shaking hands with Bandido. Suddenly, The Righteous (Vincent, Bateman, Dutch, Vita Von Starr) are seen clapping for Bateman on the stage as the show ends.
The show begins with an introduction to the ROH Pure Championship Tournament.
Quinn McKay introduces us to the show and to the tournament, as well as the history of the ROH Pure Championship and the original plans for the tournament before the COVID-19 pandemic changed them. It is also mentioned that no fans will be present for these matches and that only essential personnel will be working at ringside as per the Maryland State Athletic Commission, with whom ROH is working in tandem with to bring ROH performances back. The sixteen participants in the tournament are: Jay Lethal, Matt Sydal (who is returning to ROH since being fired from New Japan for marijuana possession in a Japanese airport), Jonathan Gresham, "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams, "The Darewolf" PJ Black, David Finlay, Silas Young, Josh "The Goods" Woods, Kenny King, Rocky Romero, Delirious, Dalton Castle, Tony Deppen, Wheeler, Rust Taylor and Fred Yehi (the last four of whom are making their ROH debuts). There are also alternates to fill in: Dak Draper for Block A and Brian Johnson for Block B. There will be two blocks, Block A (red) and Block B (silver). There are time limits for the matches (15 minutes in the opening round, 20 minutes for the second round, 30 minutes for the semi-finals and 1 hour for the finals) and time limit draws will be decided by a three-judge panel. The rules for the ROH Pure Championship are also mentioned: there will be three judges for every match, all wrestlers have three rope breaks, there is a 20-count for anyone outside of the ring, closed-fist punches to the face are illegal (although closed-fist punches can be landed anywhere else, with the exception of low blows, which are still illegal), with a warning after the first time and a disqualification after the second, and any wrestler who interferes will be terminated from the roster.
We hear from Jay Lethal - who wants to be the first two-time Pure Champion in history - and Dalton Castle - who calls the Pure Rules an environment he was born to be in and says that there is more to him than meets the eye - talk about their careers in Ring of Honor.
In Block A of the tournament, Jay Lethal beats Dalton Castle via pinfall following a Lethal Injection in 13:10 to advance in the ROH Pure Championship Tournament.
We hear from Wheeler Yuta - who has been wrestling for six years now and was a multi-sport athlete before becoming a professional wrestler who has wrestled all over the world and has been exposed to many different styles in order to "decode" his opponents - and Jonathan Gresham - who talks about his long, hard road to becoming the best pure professional wrestler in the world and a part of the Ring of Honor roster - talk about their careers before the next match.
In Block B of the tournament, Jonathan Gresham beats Wheeler Yuta via submission in 10:25 by slamming Yuta's knee repeatedly into the mat.
Cece Chanel vs. Vipress ends with Nikko Marquez calling for the bell and kicking both wrestlers and the referee out of the ring. After the match, Nikko Marquez says the match is done, then Heather Monroe and Halston Boddy show up. Halston calls Nikko "Discount Marquez," as he says that Nikko acts like he runs the place. Nikko says he does and that his name is on the bottom of his checks, then shoves Boddy. Nikko says "the adults are talking" when Heather Monroe interjects, and the argument soon escalates between Halston Boddy and Nikko Marquez as Halston defends Heather Monroe. When Nikko pokes Halston, Heather kicks Nikko Marquez in the head. Referees show up as Heather gives Nikko the ground-and-pound, and Halston Boddy tells Nikko "That's what you get, Marquez!"
Clark Connors beats Jack Cartwright with a Spear followed by a Boston Crab after Cartwright misses big on a top rope corkscrew moonsault.
We see "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater, who has been training with Blake "Bulletrpoof" Troop in his quest to be the best in the CWFH locker room. Troop says that Clearwater has improved and will soon become "the gold standard."
Backstage, John Roberts is waiting to interview Watts, then Halston Boddy shows up. Boddy says that Nikko Marquez is power-hungry and that as long as he and Heather Monroe are here, Nikko Marquez will not mess with the women's division.
Danny "Limelight" Rivera vs. Slice Boogie ends in a time limit draw. After the match, Rivera wants Slice Boogie back in the ring, but Slice Boogie wants none of it.
4 Minutes of Heat ("Rock God" Ricky Gibson and "Freak Nasty" Eddie Pearl) beat The Friendship Farm (Gentleman Jervis and "Sweet" Robin Shaw) with a double-team DDT to "Sweet" Robin Shaw after repeatedly targeting Shaw's legs.
We see a man wearing a facemask. He brings out Adrian Quest and Andy Brown, and says he has given them a purpose and cure the sickness that is "SoCal wrestling" and make the decisions they cannot trust the fans to make. He says they are "SoCal Distancing" and that they will not keep their distance as they tear Southern California wrestling apart and piece it back together into something new.
Will Allday vs. Ray Rosas for the Hollywood Heritage Championship ends with SoCal Distancing (???, Adrian Quest, Andy Brown) showing up on the video screen. The mysterious masked ringleader gets Rosas' attention, and commands Adrian Quest to toss the PP3 Cup into the ocean behind them before telling Rosas "Welcome to the new normal."
We get a closer look at Priscilla Kelly, who likes to play mind games on opponents and strike while their guard is down. She claims she can match the rest of the women in style as she brings something special and unique to the tournament. We also get a look at Deonna Purrazzo, who loves to target the arm and break it. She says she was an alternate last year, but now she is in the tournament, which she has worked hard to return to.
Samoa Joe is seen in the front row before the next match.
Deonna Purrazzo beats Priscilla Kelly with the Fujiwara Arm Bar to advance to the second round of the Mae Young Classic.
We get a closer look at "Big Swole" Aerial Monroe, who plans to walk the walk and talk the talk with a swag that WWE has not seen before and deliver a lot of charisma as well as a beating to her opponent. We also get a look at Zeuxis, who says that she plan to make a mark for lucha libre in this tournament.
Natalya is seen in the crowd, and Cedric Alexander is seen in the front row during "Big Swole" Aerial Monroe's (to whom he is married) entrance.
Zeuxis beats "Big Swole" Aerial Monroe with a top rope Spanish Fly to advance to the second round of the Mae Young Classic.
We get a closer look at Reina Gonzalez, who says she fell short last year because she was "too nice." She has a one-track attitude now, and she is here to win, not to touch people's hearts. We also get a look at Kacy Catanzaro, who is the first woman to complete the course on American Ninja Warrior, and while she does not have much wrestling experience, she plans to go all the way.
Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan are seen in the front row.
Kacy Catanzaro beats Reina Gonzalez with a surprise roll-up to advance to the second round of the Mae Young Classic. After the match, Reina Gonzalez gets back in the ring, picks her up and lifts her up in a sign of respect.
We hear from Mercedes Martinez, who was excited to be in last year's tournament but lost to "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. Now, she is back, and she does not plan to lose as her goals have not been met and she plans to show who she really is. We also hear from Ashley Rayne - also known as Madison Rayne - who has been wrestling for thirteen years and is now living her dream by making it into the WWE. She plans to use her agility to wear her opponents down in this tournament.
The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) is seen in the front row before the next match.
Mercees Martinez beats Ashley Rayne to advance to the second round of the Mae Young Classic.
At the beginning of the show, Tommaso Ciampa stays silent as he heads into Full Sail University.
British Strong Style (Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch) beat Cezar Bononi and Adrian Jauode.
Tommaso Ciampa shows up, and for the first time since the break-up of #DIY after his attack on Johnny Gargano, Ciampa has his own entrance music and video. Ciampa calls his entrance a message to the fans in which he politely tells them to shut up. He says that he has heard the whispers and seen everyone point the figure at him over who took over Aleister Black over the last month, and says he does not care what the fans think. Gargano says that if he wants to confront someone and beat them up, he does it in front of an audience so that they can "worship their master at work." He refuses to lie to the fans, saying "the champ never lies," and says he had all the intentions of taking out Aleister before TakeOver. Unfortunately, someone beat him to the punch, and he wants to know who did so he can pat them on the back for a job well done. Gargano tells everyone not to get things confused, and even if he were involved, he would still have been the winner in the end while Aleister and Gargano lost. He then "talks" to the NXT Championship, and says that the title has said to him that it is happy to be back in the main event of TakeOver. Gargano says he is the champion of champions and the greatest success history in NXT history. Before he leaves, he tells everyone that if they want to be a success, a winner and a champion, then all they have to do is follow the lead of Tommaso Ciampa.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat Violet Payne with the Kirafuda Clutch after an Americana followed by a stomp to the elbow. After the match, Baszler heads up the ramp, then runs back down to ringside and put Violey Payne in the Kirafuda Clutch again. Referees have to run in to get Baszler to break the hold. She does, then puts her in the hold yet again before tossing her out of the ring.
We see footage from just earlier where Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otiz Dozovic) are confronted by Tommaso Ciampa for naming him the suspect in the attack on Aleister Black. Suddenly, General Manager William Regal shows up and demands Ciampa come to his office. Regal tells Dozovic that if he and Ciampa want to fight, they will have to do it another time.
We hear from The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong). Strong says that they are too popular to hide from anybody, including War Raiders, and O'Reilly says that they are sneak attacking cowards. Fish agrees with O'Reilly, and Cole says that they can talk about War Raiders all week, but next week, Pete Dunne and Ricochet face each other in a champion vs. champion and the winner will fail to beat him for the North American title. He then says that regardless of who The Undisputed Era take on, they're are not on their level.
Lars Sullivan beats Raul Mendoza.
We see footage from earlier today where Pete Dunne, who says that what happened two weeks ago is Ricochet's fault, and while he got in The Undisputed Era's business, Ricochet has some gold that he wants. He says that Ricochet has held his title for five minutes, while he is the longest-reigning champion in WWE. All he has to figure out now is how to put two championship belts in his mouth.
Cathy Kelley interviews Ricochet, who says he has been in high-pressure situations for over 15 years and Pete Dunne is just another hurdle he has to leap over. He plans to become NXT's one and only dual champion next week.
We see a vignette for The Forgotten Sons (Wesley Blake, Steve Cutler, Jaxson Ryker).
We see footage from last week where Aliyah, Dakota Kai and Lacey Evans argue when Deonna Purrazzo show up ready to challenge them to a tag team match. Lacey and Aliyah walk away. That match will happen next week.
Kassius Ohno speaks with General Manager William Regal concerning the attack on Aleister Black. Regal says that Ohno seems perturbed, but Ohno says he would be too if he showed up and got leapfrogged by newer talent concerning opportunities upon his return. He tells him that when "his new shiny toy" gets here, he will take care of him.
Nikki Cross and Bianca Belair wrestle to a double count-out. After the match, referees have to break up a post-match brawl, and Bianca Belair has to toss Nikki Cross over the announce table. This does not stop Cross, who takes out Belair and all of the referees with a cross body off the table.
El Dragon Azteca Jr. retains the Lucha Underground Gift of the Gods Championship against Ivelisse. After the match, XO Lishus and Joey Ryan are at the top of the stands. XO Lishus calls Ivelisse's match "one hell of an effort" and says that he and Joey Ryan want gold, too. Knowing that Ivelisse is well-known for being part of some unlikely trios, he offers her a spot on their team and says that whoever wins the Trios titles can face them next. Ivelisse accepts the offer.
Before the next match, Antonio Cueto tells King Cuerno that he let Pentagon Dark know that the hunt for the Lucha Underground Championship and admits he admires how he goes for what he wants; however, there is another man in the temple who has been been even more dominant until lately and also deserves a shot at the title. As a result, there will be a match right now where the winner will face Pentagon Dark for the Lucha Underground Championship next week. That man - and King Cuerno's opponent - is a man who happens to hate his guts, and that man is Mil Muertes.
King Cuerno vs. Mil Muertes ends in a double-disqualification after both men shove referee Marty Elias into the front row for telling them to take their match out of ringside and back into the ring. After the match, Antonio Cueto tells both men to stop fighting for a second before saying he rewards violence instead of punishing for it. He announced that next week, both King Cuerno and Mil Muertes will compete for the Lucha Underground Championship in a three-way match with Pentagon Dark. Both men continue to fight as Pentagon Dark watches from above an exit door.
Before the next match, Fenix shows up in all black with a much darker mood than normal, causing ring announcer Melissa Santos. "The Savage" Jake Strong then shows up and addresses Drago and Aerostar, saying that if they and Fenix win the Trios titles tonight, they will be defending them against him. Strong says he does not need partners to defeat them or Fenix, because he is a big, strong wrestler and a wrestler defeats a luchador every single time. He goes on to say he will snap their ankles because he can and because it makes him strong.
The Reptile Tribe (Kobra Moon, Daga, Jeremiah Snake) retain the Lucha Underground Trios Championships against The Super Friends (Fenix, Drago, Aerostar) after a darker Fenix inexplicably turns on Aerostar. After the match, Kobra Moon makes the announcement that The Reptile Tribe have retained in lieu of a stunned Melissa Santos, who gets shoved to the ground by Fenix when she tries to see what is wrong with him. El Dragon Azteca Jr. checks on Melissa Santos afterwards.
Backstage, Antonio Cueto is about to have a bottle of beer when Marty "The Moth" Martinez crazily knocks on the door. Marty places a stack of money on Antonio Cueto's desk, and next week, Marty will take on El Dragon Azteca Jr. for the Gift of the Gods Championship. Marty then gives Cueto two more stacks of money, saying there is something else that he wants.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Rich Swann. He says he and TJP know each other in the ring as much as they know himself. In the first match, Swann proved that TJP can't handle this. Suddenly, TJP shows up and mentions in the second match, where he got the upper hand. As for their friendship, Swann says this won't affect him, but he says he won't lose. TJP doesn't say a word.
Rich Swann beats TJP to complete their best of three.
Mustafa Ali talks with Cedric Alexander over Enzo stealing the Cruiserweight Classic title shot from him. Cedric says if he focuses, he'll be back where he wants to be. The Brian Kendrick shows up and asks Cedric where he wants to be. Kendrick tells Cedric he can't let people walk over him. Kendrick says that Cedric's generation is "spineless." Kendrick says Cedric has the talent, but not what it takes. He then says tonight will be easier than he thought.
Drew Gulak is in the ring. After seeing Microsoft Office's tweet to Drew Gulak on Twitter, Gulak talks about the events of last week. He says Tozawa is not here to answer his challenge to a rematch. Gulak then decides to show the rest of his PowerPoint presentation. The third slide (of 277) says "No chants." He says Vince McMahon's theme song says "No chants in Hell." He says everyone should compete in silence out of respect. Slide #4 is "no elaborate ring gear." (The art used here is concept art of King's ring gear from Tekken 7, and Gulak makes the aside of "Look at this guy! What is he, a video game character?") He says he has just the essentials to get the job done. Slide #5 is no interrupting. He is then interrupted by an ambulance siren. Suddenly, Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) show up. Fandango wants to know who this "Drew Garlic" is. Breeze thinks it's "Gulick." Gulak corrects them. Breezango says somebody was doing a little impersonating, and that their nickname was "Captain Underpants." Fandango says if Gulak is not a captain, they he and Breeze are going to treat him like the perp he is. Fandango then gets awkwardly close to Gulak's face. Breeze says they are usually on SmackDown Live, but they have a tip that somebody is running around in tiny underpants. They say they like underpants, but Gulak's trunks are just too much. Gulak pushes them out of the way and tries to leave, but Breeze asks him if he wants to add assaulting a fashion cop to his list of charges. Gulak gets the fuzzy handcuffs as Breeze reads him his fashion rights. Gulak tries to run away, but he trips as he runs around the ring. Breeze proclaims the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada to be safe again, and wishes everyone a good night as they haul Gulak to the back.
The Brian Kendrick vs. Cedric Alexander ends after Jack Gallagher shows up. Kenrick throws the ring bell into the ring, but Gallagher stops him from using it. He traps Kendrick into the corner, then smashes his umbrella into Cedric Alexander and wallops him before extending his hand to Kendrick. He and Kendrick then shake hands to end the show.
The show starts with footage of a red carpet event held prior to tonight's finals.
Dana Warrior, Beth Phoenix and Alundra Blayze are seen in the audience, as is Mauro Ranallo.
We get a recap of "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler's and Kairi Sane's roads through The Mae Young Classic. Baszler says Kairi Sane is a worthy competitor, but she knows how to break people and that it will be fun to see Kairi Sane broken. Kairi Sane says Baszler may be big in the MMA world, but she is in her domain now.
Ata Johnson and Eric Wiebe are seen in the front row, as are Mercedes Martinez, Toni Storm, Piper Niven and Candice LeRae.
Lilian Garcia is the special guest ring announcer for the finals of The Mae Young Classic.
Kairi Sane beats "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler to win The Mae Young Classic. Both women show respect after the match, and Baszler raises Kairi's hand before leaving the ring.
Kairi Sane is presented with a bouquet of flowers and The Mae Young Classic trophy. Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Sara Amato and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler are all present.
Kevin Owens shows up to start tonight's show, entitled "Sin City SmackDown Live." Owens welcomes everyone to The Kevin Owens show, and tells everyone to get used to it after ex-Commissioner Shane McMahon's attack on him. He says that he did not fight back against Shane - even though he started it - because he respects authority, and Shane was a figure of authority until he put his hands on him. Because that happened, he is suing the WWE until everyone who works on SmackDown Live is no longer employed in the company. Once that happens, SmackDown Live will become "The Kevin Owens Show starring Kevin Owens," and a few improvements will be made. He says a few people will be fired, and the first will be Sami Zayn (for obvious reasons). He also says Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton will have to war the same suit - both figuratively and literally - because they both sound the same. He also says The Fashion Files will be permanently cancelled because he does not like it. Before he mentions any more improvements, however, he has someone to talk to: Vince McMahon himself. Insitead of Vince, Owens gets Shane...but it's really Dolph Ziggler pretending to be Shane as he continues to mimic other people's entrances. Owens says Ziggler is a much more talented individual than Shane, which ruled out the possibility of Ziggler actually being Shane altogether. Ziggler leaves after Owens thanks him for the Shane impersonation and cameo. Owens is about to start speaking again when General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up and tells him that he runs the show tonight, not Owens, and that Owens' fun and games will end very, very soon. Owens reassures D-Bry that he has big plans for him as The Kevin Owens Show's resident janitor. Daniel Bryan says that he is not opposed to hard work and manual labor, and says Owens should try it. He then tells Owens that Vince McMahon will be here very soon, and that Owens will not like what he has to say. Owens says he cannot wait, and that Vince won't like what he has to say to him, either.
AJ Styles retains the WWE United States Championship against "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger with the Calf Crusher despite the attempted interference by Baron Corbin. After both men shake hands, Corbin drags AJ Styles out of the ring and throws him into the barricade before laying Dillinger out with a clothesline. He then hits Styles with the End of Days before telling him that when he wakes up, he should know that next week, he will be his opponent for the United States Open Challenge.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Rusev. Rusev says that after he suffered the biggest embarrassment of both his career and his life by losing to Randy Orton in ten seconds at SummerSlam, he went back home to Bulgaria to recharge, but when he did, he was not exactly welcomed back with open arms as he came back a loser, not a winner. Rusev says that he is not a loser, and although he lost his killer instinct, he knows how to get it back: he must break a legend.
The Singh Brothers (Sunil and Samir Singh) introduce Jinder Mahal. Jinder addresses "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura, saying that his preparation for him at Hell in a Cell is both physical and mental. He plans to get into Shinsuke's head. Suddenly, a picture of Shinsuke shows up on the TitanTron, and he and the Singh Brothers both laugh at it, with Jinder saying that Shinsuke looks more constipated than concentrated and that he forgot to learn how to say "Where is the bathroom?" in English. Another unflattering picture then shows up, and Jinder says that in the pic, Shinsuke is listening to Michael Jackson while thinking of what to rip off next. Yet another unflattering picture of Shinsuke then appears on the TitanTron, and Jinder responds with "When somebody yells out...GOOOODZIIILLAAAAA!" He then says that these actions are the American way after he asks some front row fans if they are actually laughing at what he saying, and that if Nakamura wins the WWE Championship from him, it will not be worth it as he will suffer with experiencing the same xenophobia he has endured, as the fans will question his ability to speak English, chant "USA" whenever he tries to speak, and tell him that he looks like Pikachu having a seizure. He tells him that the WWE Championship will not be worth it and that he will retain at Hell in a Cell.
Kevin Owens is getting all his improvements for "The Kevin Owens Show" ready backstage when he notices Sami Zayn. He talks about a promise he and Sami made years ago on the road in the middle of a blizzard where they promised they would do everything in their power to make it to WWE. He then says that when he sues WWE and wins, he will have control of the company and Sami will be out of a job. When that happens, and Sami has to work in armories, gymnasiums and bingo halls again, Sami has his permission to break that promise. Sami says he would rather work in armories than work for Owens.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in a Sin City Street Fight to become the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions for a second time!
We see footage from earlier today for a red carpet event for The Mae Young Classic.
YouTube personality Inanna Sarkis is in the front row, as is Ronda Rousey.
Carmella and James Ellsworth guest on commentary for the next match. It is noted that Carmella has James Ellsworth on a dog collar and leash.
Natalya retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Naomi with the Sharpshooter. During the match, Carmella and James Ellsworth confront Natalya when Naomi sends Natalya out of the ring. Naomi ends up hitting all of them with a cross body from the top rope to the outside, but Natalya sends her into the ring post before sending her back into the ring and applying the Sharpshooter.
Aiden English is singing backstage when Kevin Owens shows up. Owens says he appreciates his singing voice, and wants him to sing the theme song for The Kevin Owens Show. Aiden gives him a sample, and Owens likes what he hears.
The Candido Family of Melbourne, Australia are the winners of the Little Caesars Seat Upgrade and are in the front row.
Ziggler says that he wanted to prove last week that all these entrances are from wanna-be Superstars who can't lace his boots. He says he is the greatest Superstar in history, and that he doesn't need an elaborate entrance. However, the fans still want one. Ziggler goes to the back and mimics Bayley's entrance. (Yes, the wacky inflatable tube men are included.) Ziggler asks if that was elaborate enough for the fans, and if they are having fun yet. He then says that the sad reality is that sooner or later, the bell rings, and the Superstars have to compete. He then says he knows who the biggest offender of all is, then heads back to the back and imitates The Ultimate Warrior's entrance. He says that the fans still believe an entrance makes anybody a Superstar, then says nobody can do what he does in the ring and the fans couldn't care less...and that he couldn't care less about them.
Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable beat The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley). After the match, Mojo is more than willing to shake hands with the winning team, but Ryder is not. He walks away in disgust.
WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon is seen talking to General Manager Daniel Bryan backstage.
Kevin Owens shows up. It is not long before WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon does the same, marking his first SmackDown appearance since 2013. Owens says Vince is intimidated, but Vince says he is more nauseated than intimidated.Vince confronts Owens for his actions last week, and says he didn't fight back because ex-Commissioner. Vince then goes on to say that Owenss doesn't even respect himself when he looks in the mirror. He knows that Owens wants that power, and says that if Owens files his lawsuit against WWE, he will be fired immediately. Vince says he also knows his way around a lawsuit as the laws of the land are written for people like him, and that he has not lost a single one. He tells Owens that if his lawsuit ever makes it to court, he will be bankrupt by that point. Vince then tells Owens that the only reason he suspended Shane McMahon as SmackDown Live Commissioner is because he didn't finish the job and beat him either to a pulp or beyond recognition. He says Owens got what he deserved, and then says that instead of a lawsuit against the WWE, there will be a match. He makes official a match between Owens and Shane at Hell in a Cell, and it will be a Hell In A Cell Match. Owens says he is game, but he wants Vince's word that he willbe able to beat a McMahon senseless if provoked and that he will not be fired when he beats the crap out of Shane. Vince tells Owens he has his word. Vince then says something to Shane which is not picked up on the microphone, and Owens responds by giving Vince a severe beating as referees and road agents tell Owens to stop. As Owens eventually leaves, Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon shows up on WWE programming for the first time in months to chew out Kevin Owens before checking on Vince. There is a stretcher nearby, but Vince tries to head back to the back before doubling over in pain as he holds onto his ribs.
