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.
Two weeks after the birth of Buddy and Matteo, Nikki is changing Matteo's diaper. Nikki admits it is incredible yet scary to be a new mother that she feels like she has to hold Matteo all the day. Artem just wants to be sure that Matteo is okay. One week later, Artem returns to Dancing With The Stars. Nikki is happy for Artem to be back on the job, and Artem hopes that his return to the show does not interfere with his and Nikki's lives.
At Nikki's house, Nikki is alone with Matteo, who is colicky and unable to sleep for long periods. Nikki realizes that she is unprepared despite how much Brie helped her get prepared, and that she is living for Matteo with little time for herself.
Brie and Nikki have a photo shoot for their new children. They entertain the idea of them being future tag team champions, then Nikki gets a call from her realtor stating that a potential seller pulled out and is no longer selling their house, which is very close to where Brie wants to live.
At Nikki's house, Nikki does a live Instagram workout with Matteo present when Brie shows up. Brie says she has closed escrow in Napa Valley, and she is leaving within a month. Nikki feels more alone than ever.
At Nikki's house, Nikki and Kathy get a Dancing With The Stars watch party ready. Nikki says it is nice to have people around. Brie and Bryan show up, and Nikki appreciates their company. Nikki is glad to see Artem back on the job, and realizes that Artem is happiest when he is doing his job. Nikki says that this is the Artem she wishes he could have, as nothing she could to make him happy while he was off the show did not work. Brie is concerned for Nikki, who she feels is about to collapse.
At Nikki's house, Nikki gets a few pointers from Bryan, who feels that Nikki is stressed out without Artem and is willing to do what he can to help. Nikki gets a call from Brie, who feels that Nikki will definitely need the help from Bryan more than her, especially when Nikki is about to collapse from taking care of Matteo.
JJ and Brie go looking at scooters. Brie tells JJ has yet to tell Kathy that she and Bryan are moving to Napa Valley. JJ tells Brie that she should let Kathy know, and Brie says she will do that on the condition that JJ and Nikki make up and start talking about before Nikki leaves.
Brie, Nikki and Bryan take a walk to the park. Nikki shows up, saying Matteo is being watched by someone else. Nikki mentions she has put in an offer for another house near where Brie and Bryan are living in Napa Valley, and mentions that she has yet to tell Artem. Brie, Bryan and Birdie have fun on the slide.
At Kathy's birthday party, Nikki is nervous to see JJ after months of fighting between the two. JJ and Nikki make up and create boundaries regarding things they are passionate about, including politics. Nikki says she could not picture leaving Phoenix without making up with JJ, as she misses their relationship.
At Nikki's house, Nikki gets a call from Artem. Nikki tells Artem that she has put up an offer for another home in Napa Valley, much to the surprise of Artem, who did not expect her to do this and feels that they should have talked more about getting a house. Nikki is shocked by Artem's reaction.
At Brie and Bryan's house, Brie and Bryan pack for the mov to Napa Valley. Bryan hopes that this the last time that they move house.
At Nikki's house, Brie and Nikki tell Kathy that they are both moving to Napa Valley to be closer to their business. Nikki feels bad to have to tell Kathy the news. Kathy takes the news better than expected, as she knows that they have always wanted to live in Napa Valley, but she is sad that they won't be close to her anymore.
At Nikki's house, JJ shows up to visit and for his help. Nikki tells JJ she is moving to Napa Valley
At Brie and Bryan's house, Nikki gets a call from Artem. Nikki tells Artem that she has closed on the house. Artem wishes he had more input and the ability to talk more about moving house, and tells Nikki he does not want to miss time with Mikki and Matteo. He also tells Nikki that he does not know what his future holds after Dancing With The Stars, as he may have to do a tour after the show. Nikki feels Artem does not understand what she is going through. Nikki tells Brie that she has gone through a lot, and nearly breaks down as she tells her that she has been trying so hard to keep everything together. She mentions that according to her doctor, she may have postpartum depression, and wishes that Artem was with her and asking her how she is doing. She also admits she pushed Artem to go for his dreams and does not want to deter him from that. Bryan says Nikki and Artem need to figure out what they need from each other. Brie tells Nikki they will help her get through everything.
We hear from A-Kid, who says that he is proud of how he represented the Heritage Cup against Walter, and while he came up short this time, next time will be different.
In footage from earlier today, Amir Jordan meets with "The Lucky Yin" Kenny Williams, who has arranged a singles match with Tyson T-Bone for Amir. Kenny tells Amir that he has faith in him to beat Tyson T-Bone.
Ilya Dragunov beats Jack Starz by referee stoppage after Starz chops Dragunov in the back of the neck, which cause Dragunov to snap and decimate Starz, knocking him out with a Torpedo Moscow to the back of the neck. After the match, Dragunov calms down and notices that he has decimated Jack Starz, and feels guilt for what he has done.
Next week: Ben Carter in action!
We hear from Sam Gradwell, who does not consider Ben Carter exciting and will see how exciting he is when he sends him back to Jersey.
Amir Jordan beats Tyson T-Bone after reversing a sit-down counter on a Sunset Flip into a pinfall attempt of his own.
In footage from earlier today, Xia Brookside says she beat Nina Samuels fair and square only for Nina to jump her after the match and cost her a match against Isla Dawn.
She says this is not "The Nina Samuels Show," and that after Nina has dragged her family's name through the mode, Nina will find out what the Brooksides are made of.
We see a video package chronicling the events leading up to a four-way tag team elimination match where the winners get a shot at the NXT UK Tag Team Championships between the team of "Flash" Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews, the team of Oliver Carter and Ashton Smith, Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) and The Hunt (Wild Boar and Primate). That match is next week, and it is announced that Eddie Dennis is banned from accompanying The Hunt to the match.
Kay Lee Ray retains the NXT UK Women's Championship against Jinny. During the match, members of the NXT UK women's division, including Dani Luna and Amale, are seen watching the match from the video screens of the BT Sports Studio. Later on in the match, Joseph Conners distracts the referee as Kay Lee Ray goes for the Gory Bomb, and after Jinny hits The Makeover, Conners gets caught grabbing Kay Lee Ray's foot to stop a rope break. Conners is ejected, and he takes the Women's Championship with him. Kay Lee Ray stops Conners and slaps him, then Jinny tries to use the Women's Championship as a weapon only to fail when the referee catches her. Kay Lee Ray then hits the Gory Bomb to retain.
KUSHIDA and Leon Ruff beat The Way (Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory) to advance in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
We hear from Pete Dunne, who says that whether Finn Balor wants to admit it or not, they are cut from the same cloth, but he built NXT UK while Finn Balor left. He says he is constantly compared to Finn, and says he is the real threat. He says that a match between him and Finn is inevitable, and when the time comes, Finn Balor will pass the torch, as history will speak better of him than Finn.
It is announced that Kyle O'Reilly has re-aggravated his jaw injury but is still cleared to compete.
Karrion Kross is next!
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Malcom Bivens, who claims that Tyler Rust is the future of NXT. Rust comes out of NXT General Manager William Regal's office and tells Bivens he has a match with Bronson Reed. Biven says that is not the road he would have gone, but nevertheless says that Tyler Rust is going to the top.
Karrion Kross quickly beats Ashante "Thee" Adonis. After the match, Karrion Kross puts Desmond Troy in the Kross Jacket as he and medical staff check on Adonis.
We see a video package for MSK (Wes Lee and Nash Carter).
We hear from Mercedes Martinez and Toni Storm. Mercedes says friendship means nothing, and she and Toni Storm tell Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter to enjoy their first round exit.
The Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik) beat Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) to advance in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. After the match, Alexander Wolfe shows up on the stage, and he and Aichner and Barthel pose in solidarity.
In footage from earlier today, Tommaso Ciampa weighs in at 201 pounds and Timothy Thatcher weighs in at 225 pounds prior to their Fight Pit Match tonight. After General Manager William Regal wishes both men the best of luck, Ciampa offers to shake hands before getting shoved by Thatcher, and referees have to move in to ensure no further physicality.
General Manager William Regal and WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix usher in the very first women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Phoenix talks about the female Superstars who made history in NXT, then kicks off the tournament. Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter vs. Mercedes Martinez and Toni Storm is the first match of the first round.
Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter beat Mercedes Martinez and Toni Storm to advance in the women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Backstage, Finn Balor meets with General Manager William Regal wanting a match with Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch before getting a match with Pete Dunne. Regal tells him he needs a partner, but Finn says he has only enemies. Regal responds by telling Finn Balor to keep his enemies closer.
Isaiah "Swerve" Scott is seen briefly giving Bronson Reed advice backstage.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell announces that Ashante "Thee" Adonis will not be able to compete in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic after being injured by Karrion Kross. Suddenly, Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter show up, saying they have made history tonight and that they will win the women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
We find out that Isaiah "Swerve" Scott told Bronson Reed not to get into his business backstage before wishing him luck.
Bronson Reed beats Tyler Rust. During the match, Io Shirai and Toni Storm are seen being separated by officials and referees backstage.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Finn Balor, who says that there are a few people who owe him favors and that it is time for a little chat.
Backstage, Finn Balor meets with The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) and asks Kyle O'Reilly if he is in to tag with him against Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. O'Reilly says he is in, and Finn says "See you next week."
Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza) is in the ring. Santos Escobar says a real champion does what he wants when he wants, and that he is the champion of champions. He says a true champion does not have a curse to conquer or a glass jaw, or get injured before the first title defense. Escobar says he backs up every word that he has said and beaten everyone in his path, and even The Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik) tried to destroy his empire only to be sent packing. He then congratulates Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza on winning the first round of the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and getting closer to becoming true champions like him. Suddenly, The Lucha House Party shows up. They brawl with Mendoza and Wilde, and quickly power Metalik. As Escobar gloats, Curt Stallion shows up and makes the save for The Lucha House Party.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Drake Maverick and Killian Dain. Maverick says his year has been chaotic, but he is starting the new one with Killian Dain to win the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Dain congratulates Maverick on the promo, then smacks him on the back, inadvertently putting Maverick in pain.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Curt Stallion and The Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik) when Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza) show up. Santos Escobar tells Stallion he will expose him for the rookie he is next week when the NXT Cruiserweight Championship is on the line.
Next week: Finn Balor and Kyle O'Reilly vs. Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch! MSK (Wes Lee and Nash Carter) vs. Drake Maverick and Killian Dain in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic! Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) vs. KUSHIDA and Leon Ruff in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic!
Timothy Thatcher beats Tommaso Ciampa in a Fight Pit Match with a stretch muffler after Ciampa's leg is trapped in a gap in the fight pit walls.
The Dark Order show up to celebrate -1's birthday. -1 - who is wearing his father Brodie Lee's jackt - shows up on Preston "10" Vance's shoulders while The Dark Order light the candles. John "4" Silver says tonight is a special night because The Dark Order will get a new recruit in "Hangman" Adam Page and because it is -1's birthday. After everyone sings "Happy Birthday," Chaos Project (Luther and Serpentico) shows up, and Luther says they do not care and that AEW is turning into "a daycare center." He says that his face is perfectly symmetrical and that -1 is the stupid one for standing with "half-wits in masks and jaggedy teeth" in response to -1 saying he looks stupid, and says that he does not like kids and that they will ruin -1's birthday. The Dark Order attacks Chaos Project only to be attacked by TheHybrid2 (Angelico and Jack Evans), and "Hangman" Adam Page shows up and takes TheHybrid2 out. This leads to the next match.
The Dark Order (Alex "3" Reynolds, John "4" Silver, Colt Cabana) and "Hangman" Adam Page beat Chaos Project (Luther and Serpentico) and TheHybrid2 (Angelico and Jack Evans) in an eight-man tag team match after Colt Cabana sends Luther face-first into the cake. After the match, -1 confronts Serpetico for ruining his birthday and hits him in the head with a Kendo stick before saying his birthday was three days ago and throwing papers at Serpentico. Afterwards, John "4" Silver compliments "Hangman" Adam Page before asking him if he will join The Dark Order. Page says he can't, then celebratory music plays while "He Said Yes!!" shows up on the video screen in hilarious fashion before Page says that while he had fun with The Dark Order, he has done the group thing before and it has not worked out well for him. Hangman then grabs the bottle of Jack Daniels from Stu Grayson's hand.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews MJF and Chris Jericho. MJF says the last thing he wants is The Inner Circle splitting not, but Jericho is confident that tonight will bring The Inner Circle further together, and that whatever happens tonight, they will work together as a unit. Jericho says he and MJF will become the next tag team champions, and MJF agrees.
Tony Schiavone introduces Sting and Darby Allin to the ring. Sting says there is something that reminds him of himself in Darby Allin and publicly congratulates him on becoming TNT Champion. He also says that he wanted to make sure that Darby Allin had a fair chance of winning. Suddenly, Team Taz (Taz, Hook, "The Machine" Brian Cage, "Absolute" Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs) shows up on the video screen with Taz telling Sting to shut up while also mentioning Sting atatcking Starks with a baseball bat and hogtying Cage's legs together. He says that Sting and Darby Allin fight "street style" while Team Taz have been gentlemen as well as street fighters. After Starks says Sting and Darby Allin could not even see them in the street, Taz says he wants Sting and Darby in the streets and that the ball is in their court. Sting whispers something in Darby's ear, and Darby tells Taz that if he wants them in the street, then he should be careful what he wishes for, as it just might happen.
Alex Marvez interviews The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) at Kenny Omega's house. Michael Nakazawa shows up and leads the Bucks to Omega's living room, which contains an oil painting of Don Callis and Omega in ripped bodies and blue jeans. Don Callis shows up, and the Bucks confront him for ribbing them last week. Callis says Omega is busy and unavailable to meet with them and that Omega has also changed his phone number, then says it is good that they are here so they can clear the air before taking Marvez and the cameraman to "the dungeon." Afterwards, Callis cuts them a check to the Bucks to compensate them for their investment in Omega's friendship, as he is trying to keep Omega to himself. The Young Bucks are incensed and offended by Callis trying to buy them out, and Callis responds by saying they are holding Omega back. The Bucks tear the checks up, saying they used to work for his company and that his checks are no good, and after Callis calls them "blood suckers," they beat him up.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats "Pretty" Peter Avalon by submission when Avalon taps out to keep Cody from slapping him in the face during a Figure Four Leg Lock. During the match, Jade Cargill shows up after Cody hits Avalon with the Cross Rhodes, and the distraction allows Avalon to kick Cody in the groin.
We hear from FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Tully Blanchard. Blanchard says FTR must be number one and tag team champions again when Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Marko Stunt, Luchasaurus) show up. Jungle Boy says that FTR might be the best in the world, but he can beat either one of them. Harwood tells Jungle Boy that he is not a "fly-by-night wrestler" and that he does not need Blanchard or Wheeler to beat Jungle Boy. Luchasaurus says that everyone will be at ringside, but he will make sure nobody else gets involved.
Jon Moxley beats Nick Comorato in his first match since losing the AEW World Championship to Kenny Omega. After the match, Moxley says anything can happen on Wednesdays on Dynamite and that so much stuff is going on that he cannot keep track of everything. He says Omega thought he could bring "his frat party friends from Nashville" here to watch his back, but all he did was make things more fun and more interesting for him, and the bigger the mountain to climb, the sweeter it is at the top. Moxley says he will climb that mountain and that Omega can bring anybody he wants, as all roads in professional wrestling lead through him.
Backstage, Dasha Gonzales interviews Eddie Kingston, who will face Lance Archer next week. Kingston says he does not prepare; he just fights, and he has had a very had time lately. He says he will fight Archer next week, then Archer shows up and says he will put Kingston down while Jake "The Snake" Roberts holds Archer back and tells Kingston to prove himself next week.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Kenny Omega. Omega is unhappy that Alex Marvez and an AEW cameraman were at his house, then finds out from Don Callis that The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) beat Callis up.
Matt Hardy and Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) beat Matt Sydal and Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) after Marq Quen hits Dante Martin in the ribs with a steel chair as Matt Hardy distracts the referee. After the match, Darius Martin and Matt Sydal confront Private Party for this only to get beaten up, and Darius Martin and Matt Sydal both get a Twist of Fate from Matt Hardy.
Backstage, MJF and Wardlow meet with the rest of The Inner Circle. MJF says he gets the hostility and says if it were up to him, tonight's match might not be happening, but Chris Jericho is the leader and what he says goes. Sammy Guevara gets up in MJF's face and says a lot of things would not be happening if it were up to him, and MJF says that The Inner Circle have to be family to succeed. MJF says he respects Guevara for speaking his opinion and his thoughts, and says that he is coming from a good place and wants what is best for the group as much as everyone else does. He asks everyone to get teh match out of the way, but Sammy refuses to fist bump MJF, saying "We're not there yet."
Penelope Ford beats "Legit" Leyla Hirsch after "Superbad" Kip Sabian pushes Leyla's foot off the rope to prevent a rope break. (Leyla Hirsch was originally scheduled to face "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose, but Rose has been forced to pull out due to exposure to COVID-19.) After the match, Miro asks Chuck Taylor - who is known as "Charles" due to being Miro and "Superbad" Kip Sabian's butler - to take the microphone and tell Orange Cassidy - who has been in the audience throughout the match - that Miro is his best friend now . Chuck Taylor does this, and Orange Cassidy leaves.
Backstage, The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) attack Penta El Zero M, and Kenny Omega joins in while Don Callis directs traffic and Omega jabs a boot in Penta's eyes.
Next week: Eddie Kingston vs. Lance Archer! "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes responds to Shaquille O'Neal! Dax Harwood vs. Jungle Boy! The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) vs. The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alex "3" Reynolds, John "4" Silver)! In two weeks at Beach Break: The wedding of "Superbad" Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford! Thunder Rosa vs. Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.! A tag team battle royal for a shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championships at Revolution!
Coming soon: the AEW Women's World Championship Eliminator Tournament!
The team of MJF and Chris Jericho beat the team of Sammy Guevara and Jake Hager and the team of Proud 'n Powerful (Santana and Ortiz) in the Inner Circle Tag Team Challenge. As per pre-match stipulation, the team of MJF and Chris Jericho will be the unit that focuses on the AEW World Tag Team Championships. During the match, it is announced that Jon Moxley will replace Penta El Zero M in the six-man tag team match of what was supposed to be Death Triangle (Penta, Rey Fenix, PAC) vs. The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) and Keny Omega in the main event of Beach Break in two weeks.
In footage from last Saturday, Don Callis congratulates Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) on their win at Hard To Kill before heading to the hotel. After Omega and The Good Brothers leave, Callis addresses the fans. He says that Omega and The Good Brothers are already planning what is next, then says he will be taking a hiatus and "taking care of business in Jacksonville," before making a return.
Eric Young beats Rhino with the Figure Four Leg Lock after Joe Doering slam's Rhino's leg into the ring post. After the match, Young refuses to let go of the hold, and Violent By Design (Young, Joe Doering, Deaner) wraps a chair around Rhino's leg. Doering stomps the chair while Deaner takes down and holds down Cousin Jake.
In footage from last Saturday, Moose throws Rich Swann into a door, then tells him he has kept his promise of being the best teammate he ever had, and now that the match is over, the Impact World Championship will be his soon. We then hear from Swann, who says that he is tired of the games and that he is giving Moose a chance to prove he is the real world's champion tonight.
Backstage, Acey Romero meets with Tommy Dreamer and shows Dreamer the bottle of Ring Rust, and says that whoever had it turned Larry D into "Lawrence D" before stating that only one set of fingerprints was on both the bottle and the gun.
The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) show up. Anderson asks Gallows how many more times they have to continue proving that they are the draw of the entire wrestling world as he talks about how they set the wrestling world on fire Saturday and made headlines. Gallows says this is what they do and why they are the placeholders of the industry, and that they will keep the Impact World Tag Team Championships as long as they please. Suddenly, Chris Sabin shows up. Sabin says that while he knows The Good Brothers want to treat Impact like their own personal tour bus, he cannot tell if they are drunk or stupid, as The Motor City Machine Guns were not pinned when they lost the tag titles. Sabin demands a tag team title rematch, but Gallows tells him he has no business doing so because he has no tag team partner, but Sabin says he has a partner who knows a lot about tag team wrestling: "The Cowboy" James Storm. Storm introduces himself to The Good Brothers, then says he and Sabin want the tag team titles and tells them to put up or shut up. Suddenly, Matt Hardy and Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) - members of the All Elite Wrestling roster - show up. After talking about their six-man tag team match against Matt Sydal and Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) tomorrow night on Dynamite, he announces that he has brought Private Party in for a warm-up match. Storm tells Matt Hardy this was a private conversation, not a private party, but Hardy says everyone else should be praising him for putting Impact Wrestling on his back and saved it from bankruptcy in 2016, and also mentions how he and Jeff Hardy lost the tag team titles in a "teleportation gone wrong" angle. He then says the warm-up match should be against The Good Brothers, and after mentioning how he and Jeff Hardy lost the tag titles, Gallows says Private Party and the team of Sabin and Storm should fight it out to see who faces them for the tag titles. Matt Hardy then says he will get his lawyers to meet with Impact's lawyers to make it official, then tells Private Party that they must get vicious and get the win.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Matt Cardona. Cardona says he has been asked why he is in Impact Wrestling, and says he wants an opportunity after making the most of opportunities throughout his career, and that he wants to prove himself and his fans right.
Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) vs. Chris Sabin and "The Cowboy" James Storm is official for later tonight.
We see a video package of Fire and Flava (Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz) winning the Impact Knockouts Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, Fire and Flava (Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz) meet up with Kaleb with a K and Tenille Dashwood. Suddenly, Johnny Swinger interrupts, and all three of them are confronted by Fallah Bahh, who knows that Swinger stole his money from Fire and Flava, who stole the money from him. Suddenly, Brian Myers shows up on an elevator and is not interested in what Fire and Flava is selling. Myers then confronts Fallah Bahh, which leads to a match between the two.
Kimber Lee and Susan beat Jordynne Grace and Jazz after Deonna Purrazzo hits Jazz in the back of the head with the Impact Knockouts Championship behind the referee's back.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Taya Valkyrie when John E. Bravo confronts her, saying she sprayed Larry D with Ring Rust. Suddenly, Tommy Dreamer and Acey Romero show up, and Taya fesses up, saying she never supported Bravo's relationship with Rosemary. After Taya regrets that John E. Bravo didn't die and states that John E. Bravo is useless, she is hauled off. (As Taya is carried away by security, Tommy Dreamer, Acey Romero and John E. Bravo joke that Taya might do time in Jacksonville, Florida; Stanford, Connecticut or Baltimore, Maryland - references to All Elite Wrestling, WWE and Ring of Honor respectively.) Rosemary scares security away and confronts Taya for her behavior. Taya says she does not regret having Rosemary as a friend regardless of what happens. Taya is hauled off, and Crazzy Steve shows up. Rosemary says this is why she does not have friends, as it never works out. After Rosemary asks if this frightens Steve, Steve says this excites him. (This ends up being Taya Valkyrie's last appearance in Impact Wrestling, as her contract has expired.)
We hear from Tony Schiavone, who takes it to Tony Khan and Jerry Lynn. Khan says he and Jerry will be watching closely as Matt Hardy and Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) appear on tonight's show. Khan puts Private Party on a pedestal, then Tony Schiavone runs down the card for tomorrow night's episode of Dynamite. Afterwards, Khan says Matt Hardy is at Impact because he asked him to be there and that he expects results. It is then revealed that Jerry Lynn and Tony Khan are in the arena right now.
Rich Swann shows up. Swann says he felt the pressure of being Impact World Champion and leading the company into war at Hard To Kill, saying he lives and thrives off that pressure and that he, Chris Sabin and Moose left their hearts in the ring. He admits he had some trust issues with Moose given what all Moose has done, but that his attention was on Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson). Now that Moose has his attention, he wants him to get in the ring so they can settle things. Moose shows up and reminds Swann that people make bad decisions when they are angry and that those decisions tend to make him angry, then says nothing between them will be settled until he gets a World title shot. Swann then gives Moose a World title shot right then and there, but Moose says he says when they will go at it because Swann is on his time. Swann asks what they will do now before starting a brawl. After punching Moose in the face, Swann tears Moose's shirt and hits a few chops before dodging a tackle in the corner and hitting a Phoenix Splash.
Backstage, Scott D'Amore meets with Rohit Raju, then TJP shows up with the X Division Championship. Rohit Raju then wants an opportunity at the X Division title, and gets it in two weeks' time. Rohit takes the match and leaves. After Rohit leaves, Scott D'Amore asks TJP if he should tell Rohit the match is a non-title match.
Backstage, Fire and Flava (Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz) try to do business with Alisha Edwards. They then spot referee Brandon Tolle and try to get money out of him for their championship celebration when Havok and Neveah show up. Fire and Flava tell them to go home and watch the championship celebration, then leave.
Brian Myers beats Fallah Bahh with a kick to the groin following an inadvertent eye poke from Fallah Bahh.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Ace Austin and Madman Fulton. Austin says what happened at Hard To Kill was a tragedy, as he was forced to sit on a countdown show panel and comment on a match, and says "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander's time as a tag team champion is done and that Alexander should fade into the background. Ace Austin also shows his disgust with having to face Matt Cardona instead of taking part in the X Division Championship match. Suddenly, Alexander shows up and says he will make sure Austin will not reach his potential and that opportunities are earned. After Alexander shoves Austin, Fulton grabs Alexander from behind. As Austin is about to punch Alexander, Matt Cardona shows up and beats up Austin, forcing Austin and Fulton to retreat.
Backstage, a trainer tends to Eddie Edwards and tells him not to do barbed wire matches anymore. Suddenly, Brian Myers demands the doctor tend to his poked eye while calling Eddie "a backyarder." Eddie then challenges Myers to a match next week to show him what a professional wrestler and professional wrestling is really like.
Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) beat Chris Sabin and "The Cowboy" James Storm. During the match, Tony Khan and Jerry Lynn are seen watching the match from behind the guardrail, with Tony Khan taking notes. Later in the match, Jerry Lynn climbs over the guardrail and grabs Chris Sabin's leg while Matt Hardy distracts referee Brian Hebner, allowing Private Party to hit Gin and Juice for the win. After the match, The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) show up to have a stand-off with Private Party, then all three teams brawl with one another to end the show.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks guests on commentary for the next four matches.
Before the next match, Luchasaurus says there are no dragons in AEW and that people should believe a dinosaur because he has a master's degree, then tells Brandon Cutler to get into the ring so they can get on with it.
Luchasaurus beats Brandon Cutler.
Sammy Guevara beats El Australiano. After the match, Guevara says he has a chip on his shoulder that weighs on him, but there will soon be gold on his shoulders after carrying Dark, Dynamite and the pay-per-views he has been on because he is AEW's best worker. He says that while it is no secret that Chris Jericho brought him in, Jericho also saw him working in the independents before he even knew Jericho. He says he is here because of work, which is going to get him every single championship AEW does, and that he is coming for everybody.
Scorpio Sky beats Nick Comoroto.
Shanna beats Marti Daniels.
Anthony Ogogo guests on commentary for the next three matches.
The Butcher and The Blade beat Mike Verna and Baron Black.
The Gunn Club (Billy, Austin and Colten Gunn) beats Ryzin, Vary Morales and Adam Priest.
Proud 'n Powerful (Santana and Ortiz) beat Jon Cruz and Danny Limelight.
"Pretty" Peter Avalon shows up. Avalon brags about being on a winning streak as of late during the "Pretty" Peter's Pageant Provocation, then says it is time to have a breakout match of his own and presents "The Walk Off." He says that Lee Johnson is a handsome man that he had to check out, and not only did Johnson accept his 8x10 photo, but also "The Walk Off." The rules are as follows: there are three "pretty judges," both participants can only wear one outfit, and they must take ten steps forward, pose, turn, then take ten steps back. Avalon says anyone can win a wrestling match, but it takes a real man to win such a "cosmetic contest," and next week, he will prove that it is "PPA all day."
Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) beat Lee Johnson and Aaron Solow following the cheap shot from Matt Hardy to Aaron Solow.
Big Swole beats Alex Gracia.
Sonny Kiss beats Zack Clayton.
Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) beats KC Navarro and AJ Kirsch.
Ivelisse and Diamante beat Tesha Price and Katalina Perez.
The Acclaimed (Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) beat Shawn Dean and Fuego del Sol.
The Lucha Bros. (Penta El Zero M and Rey Fenix) beat Chaos Project (Luther and Serpentico).
We hear from Randy Orton, who mentions that the people who fight fire with fire end up with the ashes of those responsible for their affliction. He is soon seen wearing an old-school wrestling mask, and he says the voices in his head have never been louder. He also says that his voices encapsulate his every thought like his mask encapsulates his face, and when Alexa Bliss wanted him to set her on fire, he showed a compassionate side that he did not know existed. After watching the ending to Raw from three weeks ago, he says that the pure hatred he had for himself needed to be redirected, and his next victim arrived like a lamb to the slaughter until Alexa Bliss interrupted. He says that the burns on his face are what he receives for his compassion, and whenever he closes his eyes, he sees the fireball that Alexa Bliss threw at him. Orton says the inescapable feeling of the fire burning his flesh will never go away, then says he wears a mask to protect not just himself but everyone else from the horror that he endured. He says that the agony he felt that would mortify a lesser man, he considers lucky to have only suffered first-degree burns and that his face could have been disfigured forever, then blames The Fiend, not Alexa Bliss, for this. Orton says there is no doubt The Fiend is responsible for this, and that Alexa was merely a vehicle. He says The Fiend wants to stop him from achieving the inevitable: another Royal Rumble victory. Orton says he knows everyone in the locker room enjoyed seeing his face get burned, knowing their biggest threat may be eliminated, but even having his limbs cut off will not stop him, for despite his affliction, he will still be in the men's Royal Rumble match. He says he can still compete as long as he can tolerate the pain, but admits that he actually enjoys the pain, as it fuels his every move. He then lights a match after saying everyone can thank The Fiend for their Royal Rumble dreams being burned to ashes as he wins. Orton then blows the match out.
In footage from earlier today, Lacey Evans and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair are interviewed by Charly Caruso. Lacey Evans is protective of his relationship with Ric Flair, and says he is the dirtiest player in the game and that he is learning from one of the best in the business.
Peyton Royce attacks Charlotte Flair from behind before the next match, and both women have to be separated before the match can begin.
Charlotte Flair beats Peyton Royce with the Figure Eight. During the match, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Lacey Evans show up, distracting Charlotte and almost costing her the match in the process. After the match, Charlotte Flair keeps the Figure Eight locked in and lets go after a second referee arrives.
Backstage, The Hurt Business (MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander) are met by Matt Riddle, who compliments The Hurt Business on how they look backhandedly. Bobby Lashley tells Riddle that he likes his flip flops, then says they are bad for his feet before stomping the toes on his left foot.
Backstage, The Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik) are concerned for Matt Riddle, who says that he will tape his toes up and be good to go for their match tonight.
In footage from earlier today, who says that Xavier Woods sitting home with a broken jaw is not enough, and he wants to break both his heart and his spirit. He says that he hopes Woods' jaw injury will keep him from being in the men's Royal Rumble, then says he is still upset that Kofi Kingston took the opportunity that was his some time ago.
Mace beats Xavier Woods after the rest of Retribution (Mustafa Ali, T-Bar, Slapjack) surrounds the ring. At the start of the match, Woods punches Mustafa Ali in the face for mouthing off at him.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Asuka, who says that she does not know what to expect in her appearance on Alexa's Playground, and hopes that she does not see Alexa's dark side.
It is announced that WrestleMania 37 will be hosted at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, that WrestleMania 38 will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and that WrestleMania 39 will be in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
It's time for Alexa's Playground. Tonight's guest is Asuka. When the show starts, Alexa tells Randy Orton she just wanted to talk to him last week, but then things got a little heated. Alexa then introduces Asuka to the segment. After it is mentioned that Alexa has an invisible friend on the other swing of the swingset, Alexa says she wants to have some fun, and declares her entry into the women's Royal Rumble match. Asuka wishes Alexa luck, then Alexa says that if she wins, they could possibly face each other at WrestleMania. Asuka loves the idea, saying she is a big friend of Alexa's. Alexa cringes when Asuka says "Yowie Wowie" and dances to her entrance theme. Alexa forcefully tells her to stop dancing, then gets sad and blames herself for the death of The Fiend. When Asuka tries to console her and mentions The Fiend, Alexa tells her not to say his name, then the nearby rocking horse moves on its own and Asuka leaves.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews The Miz and John Morrison. Miz and Morrison mock Sarah for wanting to know what to expect from The Dirt Sheet tonight, and Miz says that there will be controversy.
Backstage, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler brags about making Mandy Rose tap out before tossing her out of the ring, then says she will do it again tonight before saying she will toss everyone out in the women's Royal Rumble, much to the chagrin of Nia Jax.
We hear from Jeff Jarrett, who predicts that Goldberg will win the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.
Nia Jax guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beats Mandy Rose with the Kirifuda Clutch after targeting Mandy's left arm throughout the match. After the match, Nia and Shayna argue at ringside, and Dana Brooke drop kicks Nia in the back of the neck from the ring apron.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Nia Jax and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. Nia and Baszler say they have never gotten along, but neither are Asuka and Charlotte Flair, and that it is time for them to get a rematch for the women's tag team titles.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Charlotte Flair, who says she has always been accused of living off her last name and getting opportunities she has not earned, and says Lacey Evans is using her father "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair to get to her. She says that while she has learned from the dirtiest player in the game, but she has never gone down that path. As she says that she should rethink going that path, Lacey says that while she can wear her robe, she can never wear her crown.
Backstage, Adam Pearce talks with Ricochet, who tells him that a win can go a long way towards an opportunity. Ricochet hopes to start his road to WrestleMania. Suddenly, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Omos show up. AJ asks who would take advice from Adam Pearce after Pearce tucked his tail and ran from Roman Reigns, then says Ricochet will lose but will still keep his dignity. Ricochet mentions Styles' loss at TLC, then says it will take more than a seven-foot-tall giant to stop him. After Ricochet heads to the ring, Styles tells Pearce he does not like him anymore, and says that if he does not like him, then neither does Omos.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Ricochet after slamming Ricochet into the top rope, causing Ricochet to rebound off the rope and Styles to catch him for the Styles Clash for the win. (Had Ricochet won the match, he would have entered the men's Royal Rumble match.)
It's time for The Dirt Sheet. Tonight's guest is Goldberg. Instead of Goldberg, however, Gillberg shows up. When asked how he is preparing for the big match, Gillberg says he bashes his head into the wall because he is so pumped up. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre's entrance theme hits, then another man dressed mockingly like McIntyre shows up. After placing a dagger that mocks McIntyre's sword, the fake McIntyre says he is here to meet Gillberg face-to-face, then says he will kick Gillberg's ass back to 1998 before going back home to eat some haggis. Suddenly, the show briefly goes off the rails when the fake McIntyre does not have a fake accent and comes from New Jersey, then Miz and Morrison says there are two losers in the ring because Miz will cash in the Money In The Bank briefcase and become WWE Champion.
The Hurt Business (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander) beat The Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik) and Matt Riddle with the Hurt Lock to Gran Metalik. During the match, Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin refuse to get along, and it gts tot he point that Lashley has to tag himself in to win with a Hurt Lock to Gran Metalik. After the match, Riddle blindsides Lashley before running away.
Backstage, Elias asks Jaxson Ryker not to have another misunderstanding, and tells him to finish what he started when he faces Jeff Hardy again tonight.
We hear from Drew McIntyre, who says that he had a laugh at tonight's edition of The Dirt Sheet and that he still cannot be here tonight, and while he respects Goldberg despite putting words in his mouth and showing him the real him, he wants the real Goldberg. He says that if he does not get the real Goldberg, he will eat him alive in two minutes. McIntyre then announces that he will come back to Raw next week.
Jeff Hardy beats Jaxson Ryker by disqualification after Elias is caught knocking Jeff Hardy off the top rope. It is announced before the match that Jeff Hardy will be in the men's Royal Rumble match. After the match, Elias and Jeff Hardy have another misunderstanding, and when Jeff Hardy attacks Elias, Jaxson Ryker makes him pay for it by plowing him into the mat.
Next week: Goldberg and Drew McIntyre return!
Alexa Bliss beats Asuka. During the match, the arena goes dark. After the commercial break, the arena lights are back on have a purple tinge and Alexa Bliss has a darker appearance. Alexa's mannerisms also change, becoming more Fiend-like. When Alexa's black lipstick is slightly smeared, Alexa goes for the Mandible Claw, and Asuka fights it only to eat a right hand. Asuka fights back, but Alexa Bliss hits the Sister Abigail for the win. Alexa Bliss goes back to "normal" after the match, then says "Let Me In" in The Fiend's voice to end the show.
Raw Talk: R-Truth must choose between The Miz and John Morrison.
