Generation NXT - NXT recap for May 23, 2023

Lyra Valkyria beats Cora Jade to advance to the finals of the NXT Women's Championship Tournament at Battleground. After the match, Cora Jade nails Lyra Valkyria with a cheap shot, then strikes the knee again with her kendo stick.

Backstage, Dijak is attacked by Ilja Dragunov until referees rush in to restore order before Dragunov can crush Dijak under a door.

Dabba-Kato beats Axiom. After the match, Dabba-Kato continues to attack Axiom when all of a sudden, Reggie - now unmasked - suddenly flips into the ring and gets the upper hand on Dabba-Kato to save Axiom. Reggie helps Axiom up, but Axiom wants none of it.

We see camera footage from Tony D'Angelo's police interrogation. As D'Angelo denies he is involved in any part of their ongoing investigation. Suddenly, another officer shows up and states that he has new info regarding D'Angelo, and he and the interrogating officer leave to talk outside of the interrogation room.

We see a video package chronicling the events leading up to Bron Breakker vs. Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship at Battleground where Bron Breakker says that he takes offense at passing the torch to someone he is better than and that he has woken up. Bron Breakker then says he is not going to just embarrass Carmelo Hayes in front of friends and family, but to bring out a massacre.

Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) is in the ring. Joe Coffey says that the card for Battleground is stacked, then Gallus makes light of Tony D'Angelo being detained by the police and state they will not see him for a while. Suddenly, The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) show up and challenge them for the NXT Tag Team Championships at Battleground. Mark Coffey says Gallus is a different animal, but Brutus Creed says Gallus are out of surprises. Wolfgang says that they have had more fights than the Creeds have had hot dinners, but Julius says Gallus has had plenty of dinners and believes they can beat them for the tag titles. This leads to a brawl between Gallus and The Creed Brothers, but Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo shows up and evens the numbers game, helping The Creed Brothers stand on top.

Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Wes Lee. Wes says everyone is looking out for themselves, but he really felt he could trust Tyler. He does not know if he is paranoid or if Joe Gacy has messed with his head, but he knows things have changed. As McKenzie says that Tyler Bate wants to discuss this, Wes Lee does not want anything to with him and leaves. Tyler says the situation does not change how he feels about Wes Lee, but he says Joe Gacy is "a different kind of fish." He then says he has Eddy Thorpe to deal with tonight.

Wes Lee guests on commentary for the next match.

Tyler Bate beats Eddy Thorpe, ending Thorpe's undefeated NXT streak. After the match, Joe Gacy attacks Tyler Bate, and when Wes Lee tries to make the save, he inadvertently punches Tyler before Gacy hits them both with the Upside Down.

McKenzie Mitchell interviews Lyra Valkyria in the trainer's room. Lyra says her leg is swollen, but it does not feel broken. She says she will wait and see what happens with her leg and watch the rest of the semi-finals, then says she wants to take Roxanne on for the NXT Women's Championship.

In footage from moments ago during the commercial break, Wes Lee and Tyler Bate have an argument in the ring.

Nathan Frazer beats Noam Dar after Dragon Lee shows up and mocks Noam Dar talking to the NXT Heritage Cup and Noam Dar confronts him for it.

Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Ilja Draguno in the locker room. Ilja says he will make Dijak feel the pain that awaits him Sunday after the torture he went through, and that Dijak will find out what he means when he says he is "unbeseigbar." Dijak then busts in, and the locker room has to hold both men back.

We see Carmelo Hayes' point of view in a preview of Bron Breakker vs. Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship at Battleground. Here, Carmelo heads back home to Boston and spends time there, even having a sports radio interview prior to the match.

Hank Walker beats Tank Ledger. After the match, Bron Breakker slides into the ring and hits both men with a Spear. He then tells Carmelo Hayes he will see him Sunday.

Backstage, The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) are met by Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo. Stacks tells The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile that they will be outnumbered against Gallus and offers to cut a deal where he helps out, but Ivy Nile says they have been burned by people in the past. Stacks takes no offense, and Julius tells Stacks that when they win and Tony D'Angelo gets out, he and D'Angelo will get the first shot.

Gigi Dolin heads to the ring. Gigi says she is not shy about the broken home she came from or she and her brother seeing what addiction looked like from their parents, then says they never knew what a stable family looked like. She thought she found one at Toxic Attraction (Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, Jacy Jayne) until Jacy Jayne betrayed her, and now she looks forward to ending Jacy. Jacy Jayne then shows up and says that this was the time of their life, then says she ended it because she got tired of carrying Gigi and that she was destined for bigger and better things. As Jacy says she plans to move on and be the one who gets remembered, Gigi says that Jacy just does not want to be remembered as "the third wheel" of Toxic Attraction. Jacy says she embarrassed her in front of her brother, then Gigi says they are one win apiece and proposes a rubber match. Jacy tells Gigi to go ahead and pander to the crowd like she already does, then says she cannot wait to end this once and for all. She then says that next week, they will end this where it all started in a steel cage match. Gigi says that she has no problem wearing her heart on her sleeve because she is "as real as it gets" while Jacy is "a fake ass bitch." Gigi then proposes that the steel cage be weaponized, and Jacy tells Gigi she is on.

In footage from earlier today, Luca Crusifino says that Von Wagner will face legal consequences and that he has no choice but to settle things in the ring, and promises that when Von Wagner steps in the ring, he will regret not settling things outside of court.

We are introduced to the NXT Heritage Cup Championship rules - which are the same as in NXT UK - prior to Dragon Lee vs. Noam Dar for the Heritage Cup at Battleground.

In footage from "NXT Anonymous," Noam Dar asks Oro Mensah for his help, citing his expertise as NXT UK Tag Team Champion. After Oro Mensah refuses and leave, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson show up, and Jakara tells Noam to kiss the Heritage Cup goodbye.

Luca Crusifino beats Von Wagner by disqualificaton after Crusifino pulls the photo of a baby Von Wagner with stitches around his head out of Mr. Stone's jacket and calls Von Wagner a freak, causing Von Wagner to explode and beat him down between the ropes. After the match, Von Wagner throws Crusifino into the barricade before Mr. Stone stops him from powerbombing Crusifino into the table. Von Wagner then goes ahead and powerbombs Crusifino through the table anyway.

Back in the interrogation room, Tony D'Angelo is arrested.

Tiffany Stratton beats to advance to the finals of the NXT Women's Championship Tournament at Battleground. After the match, as Tiffany Stratton argues with Lyra Valkyria, who has shown up, a hooded person in all-black attacks Roxanne Perez. Afterwards, Dijak shows up, but Ilja Dragunov attacks him and the two men brawl.Dijak signs the "hold harmless" contract on the announce table before fighting security and then Ilja again, then Ilja Dragunov fights back and chops Dijak mulitiple times before sending him over the barricade. Ilja then signs the contract. Ilja then fights security, but Dijak gets the upper hand and grabs the steel steps. Ilja kicks him in the gut before hitting him from above. Referees have to stand between both men as the show ends.

The show ends with a video package of WWE history made throughout the years in Lowell, Massachusetts, where Battleground will take place.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 22, 2023

In backstage footage from moments ago, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is attacked out of nowhere by Brock Lesnar, who demands that Cody fight him as he tosses him around. Lesnar then smashes Cody's forearm with a metal drum, and Cody is in absolute pain.

Paul Heyman is in the ring. He states that he had nothing to do with Brock Lesnar's attack on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, yet says it is a taste of what is in store for Cody at Night of Champions, then says that he has been invited back to talk about the show's triple main event. Heyman states that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will lose the tag team titles back to The Bloodline while The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) watch from home, then welcomes the fans to tonight's show before Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn show up. Heyman leaves, and Sami Zayn wonders where he went, as they have a score to settle after last week. He then says that nevertheless, he and Owens are feeling good before their biggest title defense to date. Sami says that the match is very personal and that he said everything he had to say to Roman Reigns' face. Owens mentions Roman's dedication to his potential victory to The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika), then dedicates his and Sami's potential victory to "the true pillars of The Bloodline, Jimmy and Jey Uso." Sami then says they have business to take care of tonight, as they are in six-man tag action with Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci), who then show up. As Imperium surround the ring, Matt Riddle quickly slides into the ring, and Imperium immediately step off the ring apron. They feign leaving before rushing back into the ring, but Sami, Owens and Riddle clean house.

Backstage, Byron Saxton reports on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' condition when WWE official Adam Pearce walks by. When asked, says he does not have any information at this time, even as there are rumors that Rhodes may have suffered a broken arm.

Bronson Reed beats Ricochet.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Apollo Crews. After hoping that Cody Rhodes is okay, he is met by Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. Dominik says it is Rhea's interview time, and after Cathy says that Rhea is scheduled after Apollo and Apollo says it is still his interview time. Dominik calls Apollo "Apollo who?", then says that Apollo's interview is over and that Rhea has something to say after Apollo says he is everything Dominik is not. Rhea says that Natalya has had a legendary career, but she got in her way, and at Night of Champions, she will make an example out of her and end her career. Apollo interrupts, and Dominik says nobody interrupts Rhea. Apollo says he did, then asks Dominik what he will do about it. Rhea says he will remind everyone that The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) run Monday Night Raw.

We see the third part of Corey Graves' interview with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. On the subject of Roman Reigns' championship reigns, Rollins says he loves Roman, but he does not like him, and that while he will always have respect for Roman, he does not like the man and the champion he has become, as his ego has been poisoned and he has taken opportunities from everyone else. He says she wants to become World Heavyweight Champion so everyone can forget about Roman. He says that with a new world title, there is a means for the business to move forward and for new opportunities, as somebody needs to carry the torch when he and Roman are gone. As for "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, he says that Styles is one of the best talents of all time and is "truly special." He then says he and Styles have done this dance before, but he is at the top of his game, nobody can touch him right now, and he feels "pretty invincible."

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Finn Balor and Damian Priest. Damian Priest gets angry at Saxton for interrupting and starts speaking Spanish, but Finn stops him and asks Saxton to congratulate them on their victory last week, then says he faces Shinsuke Nakamura tonight after Nakamura cost Priest a title opportunity and disrespecting him by pouring salt in the word later on backstage. He says that whoever disrespects one member of The Judgment Day disrespects them all, and that if Nakamura is lucky, he will leave some of Nakamura for Priest so he can pick the bones.

We see a vignette for Zoey Stark, who threatens to take everyone's favorites and idols and tear them apart as she exposes all of their weaknesses, for the time of heroes is over and "the Zoey Stark era" begins.

Zoey Stark beats Candice LeRae after Nikki Cross celebrates prematurely.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Mustafa Ali. Mustafa stumbles and says he cannot say anything about positivity, as his situation is too real to him and that nobody believes he can beat Gunther and become a champion after his career in WWE has been a series of failures. Suddenly, Brock Lesnar walks right by him and Saxton and tells Mustafa "Get a life, kid!" Mustafa is crushed as Lesnar heads to the ring. After mocking "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' "What do you want to talk about?" line, he says that Cody will not be here tonight or facing him at Night of Champions, then tells the crowd that he will not let them down, as he will issue an open challenge for anyone to face him that night. He proclaims that all anyone has to do is get in the ring and stand up to him. All of a sudden, Cody Rhodes shows up with his left arm in a sling and an icepack as WWE official Adam Pearce and two referees try to talk him out of getting in the ring. Cody takes off the shirt, the sling and the icepack while Lensar takes off his hat. As soon as Lesnar drops his hat, he goes on the attack and goes for the Kimura Lock. Pearce screams at Lesnar to break the hold, while Lesnar dares Cody to fight him. Lesnar then breaks Cody's arm before standing on it and stomping on it, then puts his hat back on and leaves. Adam Pearce then calls for medical help as officials head to the ring to check on Cody.

Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) beat The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) after Valhalla chases Maxxine Dupri around the ring, distracting The Viking Raiders.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes yells at WWE official Adam Pearce and Byron Saxton to stay away from his locker room and that he does not need help.

We hear from Indus Sher (Jinder Mahal, Veer Mahaan, Sanga). Jinder Mahal says last week was the last day for many Superstars, then says that "the storm is here."

Finn Balor beats Shinsuke Nakamura after Nakamura sends Damian Priest tumbling into the timekeeper's area.

Raquel Rodriguez beats Sonya Deville. After the match, Chelsea Green attacks Raquel Rodriguez, and as Sonya Deville joins in, Shotzi shows up and makes the save.

After a referee addresses "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' current condition - which is not good - to WWE official Adam Pearce, Pearce says he will address it tonight. Trish Stratus shows up and mentions her contract signing before asking for a no-touch clause between Becky Lynch and herself. Pearce declines, then leaves.

We see a vignette for Matt Riddle. He says the greatest mistake is fearing you will make one, and says he has been against opponents bigger, faster and stronger than him before saying there is no reason to be afraid as there is no other way to challenge himself and laugh in the face of adversity. He says this is his time and that doubting him is a mistake nobody can afford to make.

Becky Lynch shows up for a contract signing overseen by Corey Graves for a match between herself and Trish Stratus at Night of Champions. Becky calls out Trish before signing the contract, then Trish shows up. Trish says it is funny that Becky was more eager to have the contract signed than to return to Raw, then says this is her first contract signing and she wants to enjoy this. Trish then says that Becky has had a lot of contract signing because of her and the work she did to single-handedly change women's wrestling, then says she has been #1 the day since she showed up in WWE and it did not take a broken nose to get there. She then says that beating Becky at Night of Champions will make her "it" and asks if Becky will crawl into a deep, dark place again after she beats her, and states that she knows Becky's weak spots and that Becky is her own worst enemy. She also says that the name and face to Becky's badness was Becky herself, then signs the contract before stating her first contract signing is also Becky's last. Becky then stares at Trish before stating she will not hurt her, because she wants her at her best at Night of Champions, then says Trish is really scared that she has been forgotten when the fans remember her as being better than she is. She then says that the fans remember how she can be and that Trish should be worried that she is back, then says that Trish wants her flowers before thanking Trish for being everything she is not. Becky says that she can look in the mirror and know she is not perfect like Trish thinks she is, and that she will punch her in the face every time before teling Trish "Welcome to the big time, bitch! Woof, woof!" Trish shoves the table at Becky and leaves.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is on the phone regarding "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez. Shotzi says she has a lot of respect for Raquel and that she has her back. Raquel says she respects Shotzi and that she has a new tag team partner to regain the women's tag titles with.

Dominik Mysterio beats Apollo Crews. Crews is able to beat the ten count after Rhea Ripley sends him into the ring post on the outside, but he falls victim to Dominik's top rope frog splash.

We see the final part of Corey Graves' interview with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says that Night of Champions is important to him because it is time for change and since he was never pegged to be the guy, it made it easier to take the top spot. He says that his road has been everything he ever dreamed of and given him a life beyond his wildest dreams, and that he wants it to be the best he can be. He calls Night of Champions an opportunity to make something special and that he is going all in on the World Heavyweight Championship and giving it everything he has. Rollins says he wants to create something that is legendary and will live forever, and that he wants to be someone the future looks to as a man who carried things forwards.

Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Matt Riddle beat Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) in a six-man tag match.

Backstage, Cody Rhodes is met by Triple H, who talks with Cody. Cody insists that he does not want medical attention for his arm and that he does not want to return to Raw as a coward, and that he will fight Brock Lesnar at Night of Champions.

This week on Raw Talk: Bronson Reed! Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi! Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) and Maxxine Dupri!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

At The Derby - Derby City Wrestling recap for May 21, 2023

Mickey Midas beats Damian Chambers by disqualification when Jayden Dominic Rose gets in the ring and attacks Mickey Midas. After the match, Chambers and Jayden stomp Mickey until Ted "The Trailer" McNaler runs in to make the save.

After the commercial break, the match is turned into a tag team match between the team of Ted "The Trailer" McNaler and Mickey Midas and the team of Damian Chambers and Jayden Dominic Rose.

Ted "The Trailer" McNaler and Mickey Midas beat Damian Chambers and Jayden Dominic Rose.

Marti Belle beats Big Mama. After the match, David Marquez interviews Marti Belle, who says that she will continue prove she is the number one woman in Derby City Wrestling.

Before the next match, Dylan Bostic says that the last time he was here, he made history by beating "The Pope" Elijah Burke, and with that, his winning streak has begun, then dares in the locker room has the balls to face him to face him. His open challenge is answered by Beck Reeves.

Dylan Bostic beats Beck Reeves in a matter of seconds after throwing his jacket at the referee in order to beat Reeves with a single kick to the groin.

"King FatBoy" Papo Esco vs. Cameron Gates from Championship Wrestling presented by CarShield is this week's featured match.

Backstage, Sean Phillips interviews Willie Mack. Willie Mack says Derby City Wrestling has treated him pretty good, then says Lord Crewe is so mad about losing to him that he has sent "Dead Ringer" Aaron Williams to finish the job. He then says Aaron Williams will need his "pimp cane" to limp back home to his mother when he gets done with him.

The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean and "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo) beat The Boys (Brandon and Brent Tate).

Championship Gold - Championship Wrestling presented by CarShield recap for May 21, 2023

Danny Limelight guests on commentary for the next match.

Slice Boogie beats Cameron Gates.

Backstage, Megan Harmon interviews Zeda Zhang. Zeda says she is back and better than ever, then says that Bryn Thorne is not a match for her next week before telling Savanna Stone that she will hunt her and The Institution ("Benevolent" Jack Banning, Brendan Divine, Honest John, Savanna Stone) down and get her revenge, then introduces UFC fighter Ashlee-Evans Smith - who is next to her - and announces that she will be at ringside next week.

Beef Candy (Richie Slade and Flex McCallion) beats The Institution (Brendan Divine and Honest John) by count-out after Richie Slade helps Flex McCallion back in the ring before stopping The Institution from doing the same.

As Kevin Martenson tries to meet with Jonny Loquasto, Bateman shows up. He tells him that Jonny is on assignment in Louisville, Kentucky, then tells him that after he is done with "Pretty" Peter Avalon, he is coming for the United Heritage Championship, which he has never held. Martenson takes solace in being able to get revenge on Bateman for crushing his larynx and leaves.

Backstage, Megan Harmon interviews "Poppin'" EJ Sparks. Sparks says he has a lot of momentum coming into his Golden Opportunity qualifier against Charles "R-Three" Cassus. He says it is time to put new gold around his waist and that he and R-Three have history, and while R-Three has been on a tear, he is not scared of him and he is ready to secure his golden opportunity.

Kevin Martenson retains the United Heritage Championship against Evan Daniels after Charles "R-Three" Cassus attacks Martenson only for "Poppin'" EJ Sparks to show up and attack Cassus. As the referee is pre-occupied - and out of the ring - Bateman shows up and lays out Evan Daniels so he can face Martenson, who quickly retains soon afterwards.

Memphis Thing - Memphis Wrestling recap for May 20, 2023

Pete Pranica guests on commentary this week.

Dustin Starr interviews "Big Trouble" Ben Bishop at the announce desk. Bishop says everyone knows why he is here, and says that he takes six hour trips to Memphis and back because he respects Memphis, then says that this respect is not reciprocated because everyone wants autographs and all he hears is "Boom. Boom. Boom." As he says that he will make "The GunShow" Brett Michaels look him in the eye, Brett Michaels shows up. Bishop tells him to shine the Memphis Heritage title up, because he will be carrying it across his shoulder and he has the size, look and charisma. Brett then dares Bishop to cash the Cobra Cup in right now and leads a "You scared" chant, but Bishop says he will cash in when he is ready before telling him he will see him next week.

We hear from Justin Case, who says that in a few minutes, he and "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts will see what kind of man Mike Anthony is in a Kendo stick match. Roberts says that he is like nobody Mike has touched before and that it will be lights out for him. We hear from Mike Anthony, who says that redemption comes with a price and that Roberts put a Kendo stick across his back to take him out. He says they will see who can use their Kendo stick better than the next guy.

"Dangerous" Diana Taylor beats Nixi XS.

Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell talks with Cassandra Golden and Big John Dalton about her conflicting feelings regarding Nyxx. Cassandra says that McKenzie is not ready to face Nyxx yet, then says they will divide and conquer. She says she will take on Nyxx while Big Jon takes on James Ellsworth. Mackenzie feels discouraged.

Dustin Starr interviews Tommy Dreamer at the announce desk. Dreamer says wrestling in Memphis has always been extreme, then talks about how his mother passed away last week and how he wants to be with his wrestling family, and thanks them for their support for him and his family. As the crowd chants "Thank you, Tommy!" The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) show up from out of the crowd for the first time in weeks and surround Dreamer in the ring before ganging up on him. The Posse then choke Dreamer with a long metal chain before Simon clocks Dreamer with a right hand.

Memphis Wrestling alumnus Tim Grind and Lance McCade arrive at the WrestleCenter, look at the history and meet with Dustin Starr.

Referees are seen checking on Tommy Dreamer and helping him to the back as The Posse (Simon and Mr. Chris) leave through the crowd entrance.

Derrick King and Ray Ray Sanders retain the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships against Steel Cross (Ethan Steel and Alex Cross).

We see "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock prepare for his match against "Casanova" Colton Cage at the WrestleCenter with the rest of The Hollywood Clique before having a bottle of water and a Twinkie. When he is given a Memphis Grizzlies towel, Blaylock notices that "It stinks!"

"The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts beats Mike Anthony in a Kendo Stick Match. During the match, two big men clad in black hoodies show up and attack Mike Anthony before hitting a three-man powerbomb on him with help from Aaron Roberts. After the match, all three men continue to attack Mike Anthony until multiple referees show up to restore order.

Friday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for May 19, 2023

Dana Brooke beats Emma with a counter into an inside cradle.

Nikki Cross beats Tegan Nox.

THE NXT LVL - NXT LVL UP recap for May 19, 2023

Eddy Thorpe beats Kale Dixon.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Kelly Kincaid interviews Kelani Jordan and Wendy Choo. Kelani says she got a lot of positive feedback from last week and felt good about herself until she bumped into Elektra Lopez and Lola Vice, who made her feel like she was nothing. Wendy says she cannot stand bullies, and admits that she did not have a lot of friends at the start, so when she saw what was going on, she stepped in. Kelani then says that "Karma is a real" before Wendy interjects with "Biscuit! Right?"

Kelani Jordan and Wendy Choo beat Elektra Lopez and Lola Vice.

Luca Crusifino beats Dante Chen after getting out of his ring and getting his briefcase. When the ref takes the briefcase away, Crusifino pokes Chen in the eyes and grabs the tights on the schoolkid pin for the win.