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.
Dakota Kai beats Rhea Ripley to face Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: XXX after Mercedes Martinez attacks Ripley behind the referee's back. After the match, Mercedes Martinez hits Rhea Ripley with an Air Raid Crash.
In footage from earlier today, Pat McAfee is seen talking with "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels on the entrance ramp.
It is revealed via Twitter that Adam Cole and Pat McAfee have buried the hatchet regarding what happened on McAfee's podcast.
Bronson Reed beats Shane Thorne.
In footage from earlier today, Breezango are walking to the arena when they are attacked by Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza). Fandango is then thrown into the back of Legado del Fantasma's SUV.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Robert Stone, Aliyah and Mercedez Martinez. Stone says that Rhea Ripley may be done with his brand, but his brand is not done with Rhea Ripley.
Damian Priest beats Ridge Holland and Oney Lorcan in a Triple Threat Match to advance to the Ladder Match for the NXT North American Championship at NXT TakeOver: XXX.
Keith Lee beats Cameron Grimes. After the match, the lights go out and Scarlett is heard speaking in Latin, then Karrion Kross shows up on the TitanTron. Kross backs away from the camera, and reveals he has choked out someone after saying that he wants Keith Lee.
We hear from General Manager William Regal, who says that the road to the North American Championship Ladder Match has gone well, then reports that Dexter Lumis has been suffered an ankle injury at the hands of Timothy Thatcher and that he will not be in the match. Meanwhile, he has received valid complaints from Finn Balor and Johnny Gargano, who feel they deserve another opportunity to enter the Ladder Match due to not being pinned or submitted. In two weeks, the four men that weren't pinned or submitted in their respective Triple Threat matches will face each other in two singles matches to decide who will be in the Ladder Match.
Legado Del Fantasma shows up with Fandango. Santos Escobar says that every week, he explains why lucha libre is important and an art, and not something to be exploited for money. He then says that unfortunately, people like Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) exist. Fandango is tossed into the ring, and Escobar states that Tyler Breeze and Fandango play dress-up, and at The Great American Bash, they mocked their culture not only spit in the face of their families, but in his face, and he states that the disrespect stops right now. Tyler Breeze runs in as Mendoza and Wilde attack Fandango, but he gets laid out, and Escobar warns Isaiah "Swerve" Scott that this will be his future if he speaks his name again.
In footage from moments ago, Damien Priest says that his opportunity was created for him and that he wants the North American Championship. He says now is the time, and that the reign of infamy will begin at TakeOver. Bronson Reed shows up and congratulates Priest on his victory, and Priest warns Reed that TakeOver will not be a fluke situation. Reed begs to differ, and this leads to Priest challenging Reed to a one-on-one match, which Reed is game for.
Pat McAfee guests on commentary for the next match.
Tegan Nox beats Indi Hartwell.
Next week: KUSHIDA vs. Cameron Grimes vs. a mystery opponent in a Triple Threat Ladder Match qualifier! Damian Priest vs. Bronson Reed! Karrion Kross vs. Danny Burch!
Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly). During the match, Adam Cole overhears Pat McAfee talking trash about him on commentary, and tells him to knock it off. After the match, Pat McAfee tells Adam Cole that nothing will change and that he will be always be "a tiny, itty-bitty, short little bitch." Cole lunges at McAfee, but McAfee punts him in the face.
MVP starts tonight's show with The VIP Lounge. He admits that last week's show did not go exactly to plan, and says that this week will return to style, sophistication and class with Raw's participants in the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. He admits that things may not go smoothly after what happened when the participants last met in the ring, then introduces Asuka, Nia Jax and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. When asked if she has the skillset to make it to the top of WWE headquarters, Nia Jax says she is relentless and that her relentlessness is the only skill she needs on Sunday. Asuka responds by mentioning what Nia Jax did to Kairi Sane and mentioning that Nia Jax has a "big booty." Baszler simply says "opera non verba" when asked a question, then says she does all her talking with her actions, unlike all the other competitors. Baszler addresses Asuka as they say this, then they both confront each other before they both kick Nia Jax over her chair and out of the ring before being held back from each other by MVP.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles - who has not been seen since WrestleMania 36 - returns and beats beats Titus O'Neil, Akira Tozawa, Shelton Benjamin, Bobby Lashley, Angel Garza, Austin Theory and Humberto Carrillo in a Last Chance Money In The Bank qualifying Gauntlet Match with a Calf Crusher to Humberto Carrillo to replace Apollo Crews in the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. Lashley is eliminated after he shoves the referee out of the way after being told to get Humberto Carrillo out of the corner, and is disqualified and eliminated as a result. Backstage, Lana tells Lashley that she would have done something if she had been in her corner, but Lashley refuses to listen to her. After the match, Styles continues to attack Carrillo's leg after making him tap out to the Calf Crusher. Styles then says that he is very much alive and that there is no Undertaker to steal his spotlight, and while he was buried in the Boneyard Match which had no rules, that was then and this is now, and he is in the most unique Money In The Bank Ladder Match. He says he will do anything to get the Money In The Bank Ladder Match, and if he has to toss anyone off - including Aleister Black - the top of WWE headquarters, so be it, as they have not seen what he has seen or been through what he has been through. He then says that once he gets the contract, he will once again become phenomenal.
Charly Caruso interviews Seth Rollins in the ring. Rollins says that whatever will be, will be, and that he has his utmost confidence in Murphy tonight. As for his match with Drew McIntyre, he calls McIntyre "a dominant champion," but says that he is not a leader. Rollins says it is not McIntyre's destiny to be the champion to take the people into the future; it is his, and while McIntyre will put up a fight, he is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good that is his destiny. He says that he is not taking something from McIntyre, and that being a leader is more than what one does in the ring. He says that McIntyre is not ready for the pain, agony and despair of being a champion mentally or physically. Rollins says that he is trying to unburden McIntyre, take the weight off his shoulders, place it onto his own and save McIntyre, and that at Money In The Bank, his destiny will become reality when he stands as WWE Champion.
Backstage, Brendan Vink and Shane Thorne are met by MVP, who tells them that great moments are born from great opportunity. Thorne says they will not lose again, and Vink says that Ricochet and Cedric Alexander will know what is like to lose to them.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Murphy, who says that Seth Rollins took him under his wing when it benefited them both, and since that day, he has learned and developed to one day be on Rollins' level or better. He says that day will come, but that is later, but as for tonight, he knows that not only can Rollins beat Drew McIntyre, but that so can he.
Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink beat Ricochet and Cedric Alexander to achieve their first victory as a team.
We get a closer look at Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), courtesy of Dairy Queen.
Before the next match, Angelo Dakwins says that the WWE Performance Center is where Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) were born, and Montez Ford says that The Viking Raiders say they have been chasing them, and now they are up and they want the smoke.
The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford).
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Drew McIntyre, who says that Murphy is "a very confused man" and the type Seth Rollins preys upon to have do his bidding, and if Murphy is willing to be sacrificed and Rollins is willing to sacrifice him, he has no problem doing what needs to be done.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik), who call their success "dominance," and while they have respect for Street Profits, the truth is that they are just the better team and they extinguished the smoke.
We hear from Aleister Black, who wants AJ Styles to tell how it felt to be buried six feet deep and alone in the darkness clawing his way out. He says it did not make Styles more humble, as Styles wants to throw him off a building Sunday. He says that if Styles manages to do just that, he had better pray that he does not get back up, for he will climb the ladder and take the Money In The Bank contract and make him wish he was buried deeper than six feet.
We hear from Rey Mysterio, who says he has been a Superstar long enough to know what to expect before any match except for this Sunday's Money In The Bank Ladder Match, due to it being in the WWE headquarters. He says that six people will fight from the ground floor to the roof, and one mistake could be all he wrote. He mentions the reward of the Money In The Bank Ladder Match, and that his career is closer to the end than the beginning. Rey says he does not know how many championship opportunities he has left, and while it may be risky, the risk is worth the reward.
Charlotte Flair shows up. She says she is the hardest working woman in any industry, and since winning the NXT Women's Championship, she has worked Mondays and Wednesday, and this Wednesday, she will defend the title against Io Shirai. She mentions Io Shirai calling her her dream opponent, and that she will make her dreams come true when she has the privilege of bowing down to The Queen. Suddenly, Liv Morgan shows up. Charlotte jokes about taking Liv Morgan seriously, and Liv Morgan says that not everybody has a silver spoon shoved up their ass. She says that she will one day become a champion, and if she has to take down backstabbers or overthrow a queen, so be it. Charlotte tells Liv that she does not know who she is, and that while she has a silver spoon, she is proud of it and unfazed by Liv's comments. After Charlotte says that Liv will bow down to her like Io Shirai will, Liv calls for a ref. This starts a match.
We see a video package for Jinder Mahal.
Charlotte Flair beats Liv Morgan with the Figure Eight.
We get a closer look at WWE headquarters.
Drew McIntyre beats Murphy with the Claymore Kick after Murphy mocks the move. After the match, Drew McIntyre tells Seth Rollins to get in the ring so they can fight right now, but Rollins walks away. When McIntyre turns his back to Rollins, Rollins gets back int he ring, superkicks McIntyre and tells him their match is bigger than the both of them before holding the WWE Championship, looking at it then going for The Stomp only to eat a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre lets loose with the Claymore Kick, but Rollins slides out of the ring before McIntyre can hit it.
Isaiah "Swerve" Scott beats El Hijo del Fantasma in Group B of the Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament with a crucifix pin. After the match, both men are 1-1 in Group B. After the match, Swerve says he has all the respect for El Hijo del Fantasma, and calls him a hard, difficult competitor before saying that he needed to win and he will not be denied. He says that he can make the game-winning shot, and that all you have to do is pass the ball to him.
In footage from earlier today, Dominik Dijakovic says that Johnny Gargano acts like a victim who wants to fight against the establishment that made him a star, and says that he and Candice LeRae want to complain and disrespect everyone. He says that Gargano has not mentioned how he will back up his words in the ring, and next week, everyone will see how good Gargano is against a man twice his size in the ring.
In footage form the commercial break, two masked man try to kidnap El Hijo del Fantasma, but he is able to fend them off again, and they run away.
Johnny Gargano introduces Candice LeRae on her way to the ring before the next match.
Candice LeRae beats Kacy Catanzaro with a new finisher called "The Wicked Stepsister." After the match, Candice LeRae leaves the ring, then gets back in it to put Catanzaro in the Garga-No Escape.
We hear from Damian Priest, who says his moment has arrived and that he knows that Keith Lee is hurting after what he did to him. He says that the running is over and that he gets to finish what he started, and when the night is over, Lee will be basking in his glory.
Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher show up. Riddle says there has been a lot of criticism that NXT puts random guys in tag teams, and says that he and Dunne were a real time who won the Dusty Rhodes Classic and the tag team titles. He says that he and Thatcher are a team and that he knows him like the back of his hand if he knew it for two weeks. He then says that they will prove they are the best tag team before kicking off "The Newly-Bros Show" with host Byron Saxton. After Timothy Thatcher has to confirm to Saxton that he ripped a man's eye out of its own socket, the show begins. When asked what Riddle had for breakfast, it becomes clear that Thatcher doesn't know Riddle, and that Riddle doesn't know Riddle, either. Timothy Thatcher also says that he does not own a television when asked what Riddle's favorite television show is, Thatcher inadvertently gets the right answer with "The Price Is Right." On the subject of the craziest places he's ever "done it," Thatcher somehow answers correctly with "threesome on a washer." Saxton senses chemistry between Riddle and Thatcher, and the speed round begins. The speed round ends up being a beating from Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel, who slam Riddle on the concrete behind the guardrail before Thatcher goes to town on Aichner and Barthel. The numbers game eventually catches up to Thatcher, however, and Aichner and Barthel hit a top rope European uppercut-powerbomb combo to lay him out.
We see a video package for WWE and Make-A-Wish Foundation's Wish Day.
We hear from Adam Cole, who says that he is the reality in NXT and that Velveteen Dream is an experience nobody ever wanted. He says that Dream does not deserve a shot at his title, but he will show up and leave as the longest-reigning NXT Champion of all time. He says that the dream is over and that there is nothing Velveteen Dream can do about it. The match is official for next week.
Charlotte Flair beats Mia Yim after countering Protect Ya Neck into the Figure Eight. After the match, Io Shirai shows up and confronts Charlotte, telling her that she is hers next week.
We see another vignette for Karrion Kross, which states that next week, time is up and the clock stops on NXT.
Backstage, Kacy Catanzaro is taunted by Candice LeRae, who says that this is a new NXT and that everyone should get used to it before leaving.
It is announced that there is no new information on who attacked Finn Balor, and that Finn Balor will call out his attacker next week.
Dexter Lumis beats Shane Thorne with the arm triangle.
In footage from last week, Jake Atlas tells Drake Maverick that he thinks he is great and that Maverick feels the same way about himself. Maverick thanks Atlas for the compliments.
We hear from Keith Lee, who tells Damian Priest that he took his best spot, and while his larynx is bruised, he will make sure that Damian Priest lives in infamy just like the beating he will give him.
Drake Maverick beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese despite hurting his elbow after missing an elbow drop from the top rope in Group A of the Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament . After the match, Maverick is 1-1 while Nese is 0-2 in Group A. After the match, Maverick says he got a win, and he tells KUSHIDA that he is next and that he is not leaving until he becomes Cruiserweight Champion because he loves this sport.
Next week: Io Shirai vs. Charlotte for the NXT Women's Championship! Johnny Gargano vs. Dominik Dijakovic! Velveteen Dream vs. Adam Cole for the NXT Championship!
Keith Lee retains the NXT North American Championship against Damian Priest after ducking the nightstick - which Priest introduces into the match after distracting the referee with the North American title - before handing the nightstick to the referee to lay Priest out with two Spirit Bombs.
The show starts with the Brock Lesnar/Drew McIntyre video package that aired last week.
Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar are in the ring at the WWE Performance Center. Heyman says that we live in most uncertain times right now, and in a time where everyone needs certainty in their lives, he brings that certainty in Brock Lesnar. He states that Drew McIntyre can do anything he wants to get ready for Lesnar, but he cannot beat him at WrestleMania, and says that getting on his hands and knees will not help McIntyre. Heyman then says that Lesnar will answer McIntyre's next prayer concerning WrestleMania and make his end quick, but not painless. Heyman also says that McIntyre will main event WWE for years to come after what he did to Lesnar, but after WrestleMania, McIntyre will be just another of Lesnar's victims and Lesnar will stay WWE Champion.
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship from Royal Rumble 2015 is replayed.
Next week: Seth Rollins live!
The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) show up. Styles celebrates the fact that he will finally face The Undertaker at WrestleMania, and says that The Undertaker has "lost control of everything" after walking out with "maternity pants" last week and looking like "a Gothic version of the Tiger King." Styles also makes light of a video on The Undertaker's Twitter account of The Undertaker with Michelle McCool in a swimming pool with a tiger, and says 'Taker has lost control of himself after losing to Brock Lesnar. Styles then says that The Undertaker's mystique is gone, and says that he wants The Undertaker from yesterday, but he is nowhere to be found. Nevertheless, he will give the fans what they want to see, and says he will bring that Undertaker back. He then says he will bring back the old Undertaker by challenging him to a Boneyard Match, and when it is over, he has the perfect plot to bury him: the same plot that Michelle McCool picked out when she buried his career.
It is announced that Andrade and Angel Garza vs. Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships is official for WrestleMania.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Zelina Vega, Andrade and Angel Garza. Zelina says that Andrade and Angel Garza will prove why they are the best team in WWE, and that Andrade will soon be the most decorated champion in WWE. She says that Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) can dance around all they want, but they will lose the tag team titles. Andrade says Street Profits "want the smoke," but they want the titles, and Garza says they are men and they know what they want.
Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) guest on commentary in the middle of the next match.
Andrade and Angel Garza beat Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. After the match, Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) approach the ring, and when Andrade and Garza attack, both teams go at it. Street Profits eventually get the upper hand and force Andrade and Garza to retreat.
We look back on Kofi Kingston's WWE Championship win from last year's WrestleMania, courtesy of Snickers.
Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink.
We see footage of R-Truth pinning Riddick Moss for the WWE 24/7 Championship from over the weekend.
Elias vs. King Corbin and Aleister Black vs. Bobby Lashley are both made official for WrestleMania.
Charly Caruso interviews "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler in the ring. Shayna refuses to answer Charly's questions at first, noting Charly's nervousness, then says that Becky Lynch should expect to lose at WrestleMania. Shayna then says she wants the Raw Women's title because she loves to destroy, and when she takes the title from Becky, it will destroy her. She then says she has shown who she was since the beginning. All of a sudden, a steel chair is smashed into Shayna's back, and when the lights come back on, it is revealed that Becky has attacked Shayna from behind.
Aleister Black beats Leon Ruff. Just like on Main Event, Aleister sits down in front of Ruff, and when Ruff tries to hit him with a boot, Aleister gets up, catches it and hits Black Mass for the win.
Kevin Owens is in the ring. He states that Seth Rollins was nowhere to be found when he offered his challenge, and says that he knows that Seth is here tonight and that he is all ears if he has something to say. Rollins soon shows up. He tells Owens that he was looking for him and that he has a few questions regarding his comments from last week, then asks Owens if he honestly believes that fighting him in the Performance Center gives him an edge. Rollins then states he did not train in the WWE Performance Center because it did not exist yet, and that it was built off his blood, sweat and success while he trained in a warehouse and was told his past work did not matter. Nevertheless, he had to keep coming back and suffer and succeed for people like Owens, so that they could get the chance to train in a beautiful building like this. He then says that Owens refuses to fall in line, and says nothing involving the building exists without him. He also states that without him, there is no Owens. Rollins then asks why Owens picked WrestleMania as the one time to try to make an example out of him, given his track record at the event. Rollins says he has more WrestleMania moments than he can count while Owens has zero and a track record at the event that is nothing but failure after failure. He says that Owens cannot beat him on his worst day and that WrestleMania is not it, as he is a god under pressure. Rollins tells Owens that he does not stand a chance, then leaves.
Charlotte vs. Asuka for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship from WrestleMania 34 is replayed.
An encore of WrestleMania 32 will air this Sunday on ESPN at 7 PM Eastern/4 PM Pacific.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Charlotte Flair, who says that while Rhea Ripley wants to be like her and ready to make history, she is the master of making history at WrestleMania and plans to do the same this year. Charlotte then says that Rhea is more than welcome to watch her legacy matches and maybe learn a thing or two.
Randy Orton shows up. He says that over the last few months, he has done and said some things that have been misunderstood, and that his actions have come from a place of love but have only been taken as actions of violence and brutality. Orton says he is here to respond to Edge's challenge, but first, he has to apologize for lying to his wife Beth Phoenix when he said Edge was a junkie for the roar of the crowd; instead, Edge is a junkie for his own ego. He then admits that he was handed an opportunity because of who he was and what his last name is as Edge said, but he says this does not guarantee a Hall of Fame career, as he had to earn the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Championships. He then says he had to take the torch from Mick Foley by beating him up when Foley did not pass the torch to him, and went from being a third-generation prospect to the three most dangerous initials in the process thanks to his own grit. He considers grit to be longevity in a business that rarely has any, and being the only constant in a locker room that has not accomplished even nearly as much as he has, then calls Edge calling him an entitled brat ironic, as Edge would have done the same things he did. Orton then says that he has done and said what he has done in the last few months to Edge because he loves him, and after Edge's challenge of a Last Man Standing Match at WrestleMania, Edge may be writing the story, but he will write the last chapter and end it. Orton then accepts Edge's challenge.
The NXT locker room celebrates their Survivor Series victory to start the show, then The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) shows up. Cole says the only reason NXT was successful over the weekend was because of them, and that everyone else in the locker room did absolutely nothing. Cole says that they dominated at both War Games and Survivor Series because they are the "iron men" of the brand, and while everyone else is taking the night off, they will successfully defend the NXT Tag Team Championships because that is what they do. Tommaso Ciampa, having had enough, interrupts, saying that they are confident for four men who got beaten at War Games, and that everyone else is seeing what is going on except them. He states that War Games is the beginning of the end for The Undisputed Era, and while The Undisputed Era has all the gold, the decline will continues when The Undisputed Era lose the tag team titles. Ciampa tells Roderick Strong that his days are also numbered, and that "Goldy" will soon be coming home now that "Daddy" has gone to war and won. He then tells Cole that he will find out what he is in for, as there is not one member of The Undisputed Era that is no longer in his way. Suddenly, Finn Balor shows up and tells Ciampa he is standing in his way, but Ciampa reminds him of his "The business watches me" statement, then proposes that they have a one-on-one match. Keith Lee tells Finn Balor that he is confident that Ciampa can beat him, then dares O'Reilly and Fish to get in the ring because it is "basking season."
The Undisputed Era (Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish, Roderick Strong) retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic after Keith Lee shoulder blocks Adam Cole - who is running towards the ring - into the first and second rows near the ramp. During the match, Bobby Fish is injured after being tossed into Kyle O'Reilly from the ring to the outside by Keith Lee, and he is replaced on short notice during the commercial break by Roderick Strong, who is still in street clothes.
It is announced that Tegan Nox is not here due to Dakota Kai's actions at NXT TakeOver: War Games.
Backstage, Cathy Kelly interviews Candice LeRae, who says that ever since War Games, all she has heard about is Dakota Kai destroying somebody who might as well be her own blood in Tegan Nox. She thought Dakota Kai was a friend and didn't expect her to do what she did, and says Tegan Nox will get hers against Dakota Kai. She says that Dakota Kai will meet "Tegan Nox's pissed-off big sister" instead of a friend in the ring tonight.
We see backstage footage of Lio Rush punching Angel Garza's after the latter's match at NXT TakeOver: War Games.
Mansoor beats Shane Thorne.
Candice LeRae beats Dakora Kai by disqualification after Dakota Kai uses Tegan Nox's knee brace - which she now carries around with her - as a weapon. After the match, Dakota Kai continues to attack Candice LeRae, and when she grabs a steel chair, it is suddenly kicked out of her hands by Rhea Ripley, forcing Dakota Kai to retreat.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tommaso Ciampa, who says that he issued the challenge against Finn Balor because he wanted it, and while Finn Balor made history in NXT, he made the NXT Championship what it is. He then says that if Finn Balor wants to stand in his way, then it is his mistake.
We see a vignette for Cameron Grimes.
Lio Rush retains the NXT Cruiserweight Championship against Akira Tozawa.
Backstage, Cathy Kelly interviews Finn Balor. Finn Balor says Tommaso Ciampa is walking around like he is the toughest man in the world, but tonight, Ciampa is in his world, which is a scary place. After stating that he injured Johnny Gargano and that Matt Riddle knows who he is, he says that Ciampa is soon going to meet "the Prince."
It is announced that Aliyah will be out of action indefinitely following last week's match with Xia Li.
Xia Li beats Vanessa Borne after "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir show up. After the match, the three of them go after Xia Li. Xia Li manages to hold her own against all three of them for a time, but the numbers game soon catches up. Baszler then takes the microphone and says that everyone is trying to take credit for what happened weekend and that nobody had a weekend like she did when she beat Becky Lynch and Bayley at the same time. As she brags that she has held the NXT Women's Championship for over a year, Rhea Ripley shows up, but Baszler, Duke and Shafir walk away as Ripley walks out of the ring. Ripley tells Baszler that she came here to say something to her face to face, which causes Baszler to go back to the ring. She congratulates Baszler for winning at Survivor Series, then says she beat her when they went face-to-face and that she will do it again, but next time, it will be for the NXT Women's Championship. Baszler says she has heard this song and dance before, and while Ripley is the nightmare, she is the reality, and that the reality will be "tappin' or nappin' just like the rest of 'em." Ripley then asks Baszler "Then why not do it now?" before telling her that she will drop her when she gets in the ring as Baszler leaves the ring again.
We see backstage footage from NXT TakeOver: War Games where Damian Priest finds out that he has at least one or two cracked ribs.
Next week: Damian Priest vs. Killian Dain!
Finn Balor beats Tommaso Ciampa following interference from Adam Cole and the indirect use of the NXT Championship as a weapon. After the match, Adam Cole celebrates with Finn Balor, who then hits Cole with the Pele Kick.
Poppy performs I Disagree at the start of the show, then perform Scary Mask for Io Shirai's entrance for the next match.
Io Shirai beats Candice LeRae after Candice lands face-first on a steel chair introduced into the match by Io Shirai after LeRae goes for an Asai moonsault. After the match, Io Shirai continues to attack Candice, but Rhea Ripley runs in and kicks the steel chair out of Shirai's hands before forcing Shirai to retreat.
It is announced that Keith Lee has chosen Matt Riddle as his tag team partner in his match against The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) later tonight.
Next week: Pete Dunne vs. Damian Priest!
Finn Balor shows up. He says that two months ago, he was laying down for the hottest new thing in the business just because he had a brand new mask, and now he has taken his mask off and become the hottest thing in the business. As usual, everybody has their opinions, and says that there are too many fans in the locker room who should be sitting in the crowd. He says he does not watch the business; the business watches him. Finn Balor then addresses Johnny Gargano, congratulating him for getting out of the hospital before telling him he will send him straight back if he wants to go again and that he will "Johnny Watches Wrestling" instead of "Johnny Wrestling" like it is supposed to be.
We see a video package for The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane).
Bronson Reed beats Shane Thorne.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox. Dakota says they are nervous after coming back from the knee injuries that they had, and are taking the fight to The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane). Tegan says they have been talking about the women's tag team titles for some time, and tonight, they have the opportunity to win them from The Kabuki Warriors.
We see a video package for Mia Yim.
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox after Asuka spits green mist into Dakota Kai's face as Kairi Sane distracts the referee. After the match, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir show up and gang up on Tegan Nox. Before Baszler can stomp on Tegan's elbow, Rhea Ripley shows up, but she is attacked from behind by Io Shirai. As Shirai and Ripley brawl, Bianca Belair shows up, as does Candice LeRae, and everyone brawls with each other. Referees and security try to restore order, then General Manager William Regal shows up and puts all eight women in a War Games match.
Cameron Grimes beats Tyler Bate following the distraction by Killian Dain. After the match, Killian Dain gets in the ring and flattens Tyler Bate with a senton before cannonballing him into the steel steps on the outside. He then tells Tyler Bate to tell Pete Dunne that they have unfinished business.
We see a vignette for Angel Garza.
It is announced that "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Rhea Ripley will be team captains for their respective teams in their War Games Match.
The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) beat Keith Lee and Matt Riddle despite Riddle and Keith Lee foiling Adam Cole and Roderick Strong's interference attempts. After the match, the entire Undisputed Era (Cole, Fish, O'Reilly, Strong) attack Keith Lee and Riddle before Tommaso Ciampa runs in and single-handedly fights them off with a crutch. Ciampa, Riddle and Keith Lee stand strong in the ring, then Ciampa says "Goldy...you're gonna have to wait...Daddy's going to war."
Corey Taylor of Slipknot introduces the fans to tonight's show.
Adam Cole retains the NXT Championship against Matt Riddle. After the match, Finn Balor shows up - his first televised appearance in weeks on WWE programming - and states that as of now, he is NXT.
We see a video package for Candice LeRae vs. "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler later tonight.
Velveteen Dream shows up. He says that what everyone is feeling now is "The Velveteen Dream Experience" and "the climax of life where the spotlight shines the brightest" that The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) tried to steal. He says he has no idea taking on one more than one man at a time and that he has eyes for Roderick Strong, and challenges Roderick Strong to step out of The Undisputed Era's shadow and face him in a match, saying that everyone knows that it will be dream over.
Next week: Lio Rush vs. Drew Gulak for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, which is now known as the NXT Cruiserweight Championship.
Io Shirai beats Mia Yim.
Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are seen in the front row.
We see a video package of Tegan Nox talking about her return from injury.
Johnny Gargano beats Shane Thorne.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler retains the NXT Women's Championship against Candice LeRae with the Kirifuda Clutch.
"The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry, Stephanie McMahon and Alundra Blayze are seen in the front row.
Next week: KUSHIDA vs. Walter!
Pete Dunne beats Danny Burch. After the match, Pete Dunne is suddenly attacked by Damian Priest.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Adam Cole, who says that he did not use his cast to his advantage. The rest of The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) show up and ask Cole about Finn Balor, but Cole says he is more focused on keeping the prophecy fulfilled.
Wale accompanies Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) to the ring and performs before the next match.
The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) after Roderick Strong shows up and distracts Ford. After the match, Adam Cole shows up on the stage, but he is soon joined by Tommaso Ciampa, who has not been seen in months and is staring down the NXT Championship before staring at Cole to end the show.
The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) show up to start tonight's show. Cole states that he did everything he said he would do at NXT TakeOver: Toronto, and that people are calling his match "the performance of a lifetime." He says there is no question that he is the greatest NXT Champion to ever live. He says that if there was an NXT Mount Rushmore, it would be his face four times. Roderick Strong says he likes the visual, but all four of them should have gold around their waists and that the prophecy has not been fulfilled because they have been screwed. He says that Velveteen Dream pinned Pete Dunne, not him, and that his North American title reign is on borrowed time. When Velveteen Dream stops ducking, he will fulfill his part of the prophecy and take the NXT North American Championship. Kyle O'Reilly says that to win a tag team match, you have to pin the legal man, and Bobby Fish says he had the tag rope in his hand when he tagged O'Reilly as he bounced off the ropes. Fish says they did not lose to Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) at NXT TakeOver: Toronto, and tells General Manager William Regal to come to the ring, do his job and make everything right, with Cole saying that the only thing that is right is The Undisputed Era draped in gold. Cole tells Fish and O'Reilly that it is only a matter of time before they are tag team champions again, and tells Strong that the North American title has his name all over it before he states they are two steps away from dominating NXT and making it "undisputed." Suddenly, Jordan Myles shows up with his championship opportunity contract in his hand, and Adam Cole tells him that if he were to challenge him for the NXT Championship, he would break the smile off his face. After jokingly proposing he use his opportunity to face "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler or anybody on 205 Live or NXT UK, Cole tells him there is nothing worse to his young career than wasting his opportunity on him. He tells him that he will make his career "an undisputed failure" if he dares to challenge him. Myles puts the contract forth, and when Cole tries to take it, Myles drops it in front of him and leaves.
In footage from earlier today, Bronson Reed calls the NXT Breakout Tournament a great opportunity, and as he says that he will meet with General Manager William Regal for more, Shane Thorne shows up and says he blew it even after he helped him get to NXT. Bronson Reed challenges him to a match, which Thorne accepts.
Damian Priest beats Mansoor.
It is announced that NXT will move to USA Network on September 18th and will be two hours long.
Mia Yim beats Vanessa Borne.
After the match, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up and admits Mia Yim is "badass" for fighting her and taking her to places she has never been to, and that she saw it in her eyes and that she had to go to some dark depths to climb out of where she has been. She then says they do not need to stand across from each other as enemies, and that they can stand side-by-side as allies where it is "nice and warm under the dragon's wing" after Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir show up from behind. Mia Yim proceeds to fight all three of them, and referees have to break up the brawl as the numbers game catches up to Mia Yim.
We see a video package for Keith Lee vs. Dominik Dijakovic, which will officially take place next week.
Shorne Thorne beats Bronson Reed.
Velveteen Dream is brought out onto the stage on a couch by two women. After announcing that his new T-shirt is $30 and that his three-lens sunglasses are available for $10, he states that retaining the NXT North American Championship by pinning Pete Dunne is priceless. He says that no matter who he faces, he always ends up on top, because he always like it best up top where the spotlight is. As far as Roderick Strong is concerned, the spotlight is on him, and he will have to give him an experience he's never seen before. He then tells him not to take too long, because the dream will be over before he knows it. The two women then push the couch - with Dream on it - off the stage.
In two weeks: Jordan Myles vs. Adam Cole for the NXT Championship!
Next week: The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) vs. Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) for the NXT Tag Team Championships!
Killian Dain beats Matt Riddle with three Vader Bombs after working on his ribs throughout the match. Riddle suffers from internal bleeding near the end of the match. After the match, Matt Riddle goes after Killian Dain as Dain goes to the back.
Gallus (Joe and Mark Coffey) beats Mark Andrews and "Flash" Morgan Webster.
We see a vignette for Nina Samuels.
We hear from Jordan Devlin on the shores of Bray County, Ireland. He warns "The Kiwi Buzzsaw" Travis Banks that he is not finished with him yet.
We get a closer look at Kay Lee Ray.
Trent Seven beats Shane Thorne.
We hear from "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher, who says that he should sit down with General Manager Johnny Saint about returning to NXT UK now that it has gotten popular.
We hear from Joseph Connor at the UK Performance Center. He says that he and Ligero have a long history, and that Ligero caught him on an off day. However, his off days are behind him, and he is focused on showing Ligero that he will always be better than him.
The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) show up. Gibson says he and Drake have traveled across the land proving what they have already known, and now they are NXT UK Tag Team Champions, which proves what they have already known: that they are the best team anywhere in the world. However, being the best and the champions has a couple of drawbacks, as he would much rather be sat on his couch with a packet of biscuits and a cup of tea enjoying life, but he is flown halfway around the world to educate a room of ignorant Yanks why British wrestling is best. He says that General Manager Johnny Saint insisted they make the trip so they can have the very best competition, but he feels they are the best competition so those who claim they are the best will fly to them, as they have set a new standard. He asks for the tag teams of NXT and 205 Live to be lined up, and says that Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch should be challenging them, as they are the champion and soon to be the best in all of WWE. Suddenly, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch show up. Burch tells Gibson to shut up, as nobody wants to hear what he has to say, and says he is proud to be British but really proud to represent NXT UK, which Gibson claims has no competition. He says there is nothing prouder than calling Oney Lorcan his partner, and while they have been told to wait until next week. He then asks why they should wait at all before charging the ring, forcing Drake and Gibson to retreat.
Next week: Tyler Bate vs. "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher!
Next week: Walter vs. Kassius Ohno! Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch for the NXT UK Tag Team Championships!
Toni Storm retains the NXT UK Women's Championship against Rhea Ripley.
We hear from The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong). Adam Cole says that their "bad start" in 2019 is another down in an up and down. Kyle O'Reilly says that they are still working towards their goal to re-take the tag team titles.Bobby Fish says that The Undisputed Era will take what is theirs, and Roderick Strong says they will be dripping in gold. Adam Cole says their road back to the top starts tonight with Ricochet. He plans to show Ricochet - and the world - that they own the show and the future is undisputed.
We see post-match footage from last week where Io Shirai says that she showed she can beat "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. She says that she is coming for the NXT Women's Championship. Kairi Sane says that Baszler had better watch out. Suddenly, Bianca Belair shows up and says she had Baszler beaten at TakeOver as well as tonight, and tells them to stay out of the way for she is undefeated.
Humberto Carrillo and Stacey Ervin, Jr. are in the ring when Kassius Ohno shows up and says he was in the back watching the monitor when he saw the crowd. He tells the crowd from the bottom of his heart that the fans make him sick, as he detest and despises the sounds they make, the chants they shout and the things they think they know. He says he is leaving to prove he is the best somewhere else. Suddenly, Keith Lee shows up from behind and knocks Kassius Ohno out. Keith Lee says he could have kicked Ohno in the groin like he did, and tells Ohno not to let the door hit him on the way out. He apologizes for the interruption, then says the show must go on. When Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up, they make fun of the fact that Ohno is laid out.
Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Humberto Carrillo and Stacey Ervin, Jr. After the match, Montez Ford says there is a lot of gold raiding in NXT these days and that he and Angelo Dawkins wants a piece of the action. He admits that their time in NXT has been a roller coaster, but it has always been a fun ride, and as soon as they get the ball, they are ready to go to war. Montez is about to tell War Raiders (Hanson and Rowe) that they will get war if they want it when Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel show up. Barthel says that opportunities in NXT are sacred, and no one deserves an opportunity at War Raiders more than them. He tells Street Profits to stand aside. Suddenly, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch show up, and all three teams argue with one another when War Raiders show up. Rowe says there is an awful lot of talking about their titles, but no fighting, and Hanson says that if anybody wants the titles, they are here, and all they have to do is make a move. War Raiders are suddenly attacked by The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong), who then send them into the ring and starts a massive tag team brawl. War Raiders soon clear the ring and come out on top, tossing Oney Lorcan out of the ring and onto everyone else.
We see a video package where Johnny Gargano, who says that the only person who knows what is best for Gargano is Gargano, and that he knows his destiny and plans to show NXT how dangerous he can be.
Next week: Velveteen Dream vs. Johnny Gargano for the NXT North American Championship!
Aliyah beats Taynara Conti with Total Aliyah-nation. During the match, Vanessa Borne shows up, and costs Conti the match by grabbing at Conti's leg from the outside, allowing Aliyah to get the win. After the match, "The Queen of Spades' Shayna Baszler shows up and clears Aliyah and Borne out of the ring. Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir then attack Aliyah and Borne from behind, and they and Baszler them and Taynara Conti back in the ring. Baszler says her being champion is reality now, and she warns everyone not to cross them, get in their way or otherwise piss them off.
We see a video package of Velveteen Dream's recent road to next week's NXT North American Championship match.
Ricochet beats Adam Cole. After the match, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong attack Ricochet. Aleister Black runs in to fight off The Undisputed Era (Cole, Fish, O'Reilly, Strong), but the numbers game catches up with him.
Tonight's footage consists of previously recorded footage of matches from Round 2 of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic from San Jose State University in San Jose, California.
In San Jose, California, before the next match, Austin Aries says that he is not dressed to compete due to a nasty eye injury he received a couple of nights ago, and is not cleared to compete. Nevertheless, he gives TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) a chance to forfeit the match and the tournament before being between solely by Roderick Strong. General Manager William Regal shows up and says that while Aries cannot compete tonight, he may be able to compete next week. He then changes the tag match into a singles match, with the winner advancing their respective team to the next round.
Shane Thorne beats Roderick Strong with an inside cradle after Strong is distracted by Nick Miller confronting Austin Aries outside of the ring. TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) advances to the semi-finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Before the next match at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, Scott Dawson shows up for his match on crutches. Dawson says he has suffered several leg injuries and cannot compete, and The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) will have to pull out of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Dash Wilder says they have saved them the embarrassment of losing to them again. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) continue to the semi-finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Cedric Alexander says NXT has been a learning experience, and that you have to be more than happy to be here. Thanks to Andrade "Cien" Almas, he's ready to fight anywhere, anytime, anyplace.
Backstage, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) say they are not surprised that The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) forfeited the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. They plan to win the Classic, then get their hands on The Revival and win the NXT tag team titles.
Back in San Jose, California, The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) beat No Way Jose and Rich Swann to continue to the semi-finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Back at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, SAnitY (Alexander Wolfe and Sawyer Fulton) beat TJ Perkins and Kota Ibushi to continue to the semi-finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
