The Velocity intro package begins before Tom Phillips and Titus O'Neil welcome everyone to Velocity on the WWE Network. A quick replay was shown of last week's Velocity match where Ember Moon lost to Carmella, because Ember Moon is featured again on Velocity this week!

Peyton Royce vs. Ember Moon
Ember Moon fell short last week against Carmella but makes the most of this Velocity match, beating Royce with the Eclipse.

Renee Young is reporting Kurt Angle has a big announcement at the top of the SmackDown episode so stay tuned, regarding the conclusion of SmackDown last week. This leads to a replay of Edge defeating Jeff Hardy to retain the World Heavyweight Championship in his hometown of Toronto, only to find Christian is at Edge's home in Asheville, NC.

Some highlights air from WWE Heat last night as Rubi Riott beat Mia Yim, but Gunther upset Alberto Del Rio.

Michael Bennett w/Maria vs. Keith Lee
NXT's Keith Lee gets to extend Bennett's losing streak after Keith Lee hits the Spirit Bomb.

Keith Lee lets out a roar after beating Bennett. O'Neil and Phillips remind Lee won Andrade's SmackDown prospect spot last month, so we could see Keith Lee on SmackDown very soon. The commentary duo thanks everyone for tuning into Velocity on the WWE Network, and tells people to switch the channel because SmackDown starts on the USA Network now!

SmackDown begins with a replay of the horrifying events from last week's SmackDown, where Christian invaded Edge's residence in Asheville. Kurt Angle stands in his office to explain Edge was granted leave for tonight to be home with his family, and the World Heavyweight Champion will join via satellite for his response to what happened last week. Angle also mentions he's suspended Christian until further notice due to his heinous actions.

Tom Phillips and Corey Graves react to Angle's news and immediately go into tonight's match card before Bayley's music hits and she comes out for her semifinals match against Tessa Blanchard right now!

Bayley vs. Tessa Blanchard in the Universal Women's Championship Tournament Semifinals
What a way to kick off this show! Bayley and Blanchard take up majority of the first 20 minutes of the show going back and forth. Graves mentions Bayley and Banks have history so he looks forward to a potential title match in the finals at Payback, but while Bayley's swinging Blanchard around for a Bayley-to-Belly, Blanchard's leg accidentally swings out and takes out the official, sending the official outside the ring. Bayley notices, so she goes to wake the official, but can't. Bayley sees Blanchard stirring so she slides back in the ring but doesn't notice Carmella coming from the side with a kendo stick to the ribs and then the back! Carmella lost to Bayley in the quarterfinals and got out in time for Blanchard to scale the top, measure Bayley and hit Magnum! Carmella nudges the official and gets him back in the ring to count the 3 for Tessa.

Blanchard is going to the tournament finals at Payback to win the Universal Women's Championship back after she originally lost to Charlotte in July, but thanks to Carmella. Phillips and Graves show the bracket, advertising the other semifinal matchup tonight in Naomi versus Sasha Banks.

As Phillips and Graves advertise, they're interrupted... and it's CHRISTIAN! Christian is here with no music and has a microphone in his hand as he has enough time to call out Kurt Angle for the blatant disrespect to a former WWE Universal Champion, a former World Heavyweight Champion, all because he retired Angle at WrestleMania! Christian says he won't be suspended and won't leave, but Angle comes out hastily with security guards to remove Christian from the building... back from the commercial, the cameras are following Angle and Christian outside the arena as Christian is being shoved into a car and being escorted out of the building, but Christian makes note he doesn't regret a DAMN thing he did last week... and he'd do it again!

Tom Phillips and Corey Graves can't believe what they saw, but try flipping the script before they're interrupted again, this time by Dean Ambrose! Ambrose comes out and acknowledges Seth's wishes of "ending things with a cinderblock." Ambrose says he nearly ended the career of Seth Rollins by dropping Rollins through a cinderblock at WrestleMania, and there was a moment he second-guessed his actions... and then.. Ambrose drops the mic mid-sentence and pulls a cinderblock from under the ring and slides it into the ring. Ambrose gets back in, picks up the mic and says he thought back to SummerSlam when Rollins was about to end his career without a second thought. Dean claims Seth knows the pain and the consequences of going through a cinderblock firsthand and his attack was very calculated, and now he wants to have a Cinderblock Match? Dean tells Seth, he's ON and demands Kurt Angle make the match!

After the commercial break, Phillips and Graves recap what's been an eventful SmackDown before this upcoming tag match.

BoogeyZAYN vs. The Vaudevillians
Boogeyman is such a wild card in this match because Aiden and Simon still aren't sure what to think but Boogeyman got a hot tag from Sami, allowing Boogeyman to go off and hits the Boogeyslam on Aiden, who pops up and gets hit with a Helluva Kick by Zayn and BoogeyZAYN gets a victory!

Sami Zayn stops for a moment and looks at Boogeyman, after what Corey Graves says was their best chemistry moment. Sami goes on the microphone and admits he's not sure what this dynamic is, but he wants some gold and feels like he can trust Boogeyman to have his back. Sami asks Boogeyman if he wants to help him win the WWE Tag Team Championships, but you see Maple Leaf Mafia jump Sami from behind and double-team Boogeyman. Tye Dillinger and Tyler Breeze are beating them down before Sheamus jumps the barricade and Cesaro runs from the ramp to attack Maple Leaf Mafia, sending them out the arena. Cesaro and Sheamus look at each other before heading to the next commercial.

Renee Young interviews Jeff Hardy for his thoughts about losing to Edge in the World Heavyweight Championship match last week. Jeff begins to give Edge his flowers but Jinder Mahal comes mocking Jeff Hardy. Mahal just calls Hardy washed up and said he should've went to Edge for the title match rather than the "Geriatric Enigma." Jeff gets in Mahal's face and challenges Mahal, saying if he wanted a match with him tonight with the title, he'll get the ass-kicking without the title.

William Regal is shown arriving at the arena with Pete Dunne and Intercontinental Champion Neville. Regal's scheduled to speak later tonight after Pete Dunne assisted Neville in retaining the Intercontinental Championship last week.

A video package airs for Fenix, touting him as the next star of lucha libre, before his entrance and match next.

Fenix vs. Local Talent
Fenix is competing against a local talent and the commentators can't seem to remember their name. Fenix introduces a new move called the Black Fire Driver and wins this match rather quickly!

Dean Ambrose is lifting up and getting a feel for cinderblocks when SmackDown's GM Kurt Angle comes up from behind and almost spooks Ambrose, who jokes and says he almost smashed it over his head before setting it down gently. Angle reaffirms what he told Rollins last week, saying he will not sanction a cinderblock match. Ambrose saying he's not asking for the match, he's telling Angle that Seth's head is going through a cinderblock again. Angle firmly reminds Ambrose who the GM is and the match will NOT happen! Ambrose shrugs his shoulders and says fine. Angle's shocked how Ambrose backed down and Angle nodded, moving along.

The newer SmackDown additions and WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos come out to a huge ovation! The Usos take time to share they are making SmackDown their home. They love the tag team division and are here to elevate it with the goal of main eventing PPVs. Maple Leaf Mafia comes back out after they attacked BoogeyZAYN earlier. They mock The Usos not having anyone in their "bloodline" who wanted to chase the WWE Trios Titles, so they came here, but the MLM won't let it happen... and they'll kick their tails back to Raw right now.

The Usos vs. Maple Leaf Mafia
MLM wanted to show the world they could go, and they did against the tag team champions. We didn't really see how this match was leaning as it was split 50/50 before Cesaro and Sheamus re-emerged, running down together this time, for Sheamus to pull Dillinger off the apron and attack him, as Cesaro tugs Breeze out of the ring and attacks him, causing the DQ.

The Usos are left throwing up their hands, watching Cesaro and Sheamus brawl as Maple Leaf Mafia try to flee, but The Usos are then attacked by Depths of Despair! The team that lost their titles in the triple threat tag lay The Usos out with the Super Collider, raising the tag titles they just lost, showing they haven't forgotten about their titles.

Naomi and Sasha Banks face each other tonight in the other semifinal matchup, so we see a video of the backstory between Naomi and Sasha Banks with their association with Team BAD.

Jeff Hardy vs. Jinder Mahal
Jeff Hardy took exception to Mahal's comments the last couple of weeks and is taking it out now on the Modern Day Maharaja. Hardy finishes Mahal off with the Twist of Fate and a Swanton Bomb, restarting his win streak after the World Heavyweight Championship loss last week.

Hardy barely gets his hand raised before Ambrose jumps on Mahal and throws down hands. Everyone's confused as Jeff Hardy gets out of the ring and Ambrose stomps away. Ambrose slides out and everyone's confused, until he slides out a cinderblock and slides it in the ring. You go backstage where Kurt Angle is talking to Zelina Vega, presumingly about what Zelina's tried the last several weeks, but someone whispers in Angle's ear and he immediately drops the conversation with Zelina. Ambrose gets set up as he's getting Mahal in Dirty Deeds above the cinderblock and Angle rushes security out, who are convincing Ambrose to let Mahal go. Ambrose shouts he wants Rollins and if he doesn't get him, he'll send Mahal through the cinderblock. While Ambrose has Mahal, Seth Rollins music hits! Ambrose smiles and drops Mahal, but security has to hold both Ambrose and Rollins back from each other. Both superstars are putting Angle in a position to succumb to the "yes." Ambrose and Rollins smile, before Ambrose goes to grab Mahal again and put him through the cinderblock, so the security from Rollins run into the ring, where Rollins follows them and leaps over to jump on Ambrose. The two brawl before more security comes out to separate the two and it appears we'll have the first ever CINDERBLOCK match at Payback!

After a commercial break, Zelina Vega tries approaching Kurt Angle again but she's shooed away because Angle has a lot to handle right now, as Angle's phone is buzzing.

William Regal stands in the ring with Pete Dunne and new Intercontinental Champion Neville. Regal explains the Intercontinental Championship's lineage with Pat Patterson, Pedro Morales, Mr. Perfect, and Shawn Michaels holding this title. Regal says his job is for Neville to be the man listed among those greats. Regal then takes time to mention his gratitude for building the next generation in NXT, so he introduces Pete Dunne, a former NXT Champion. Regal says Dunne and Neville remind him a lot of himself, but more importantly, an upgraded version to lead this new generation, which he'll introduce to SmackDown whether Kurt Angle is ready for it or not.

Jason Jordan's watching backstage before Renee Young comes to him. Jordan admits he wanted nothing more to run down to the ring and slap the taste out of every one of their mouths, but he understands the number's advantage. Jason Jordan says Neville has a friend and a mentor, but Jordan mentions he also has a friend and a mentor. Jordan excuses himself from Renee while he makes this next call.

Tom Phillips and Corey Graves mention last week's main event win for Edge being spoiled because of Christian at Edge's residence in Asheville, NC. Thus, Edge has been granted a week at home to be with his family, but has agreed to join via satellite. First things, Edge's asked how he and his family's doing. Edge says his family is fine but bluntly says Christian will not be. Graves tells Edge that Christian's been indefinitely suspended for his actions, but Edge says he's been watching the show tonight and saw that, but wants to talk to Kurt Angle. Edge believes Christian doesn't need to be suspended. Edge says he invaded John Cena's home and slapped his dad back in the day. Edge then credits Cena for turning around and slapping him back. Edge says he doesn't want Christian suspended, he wants Christian at SmackDown next week.

After the call, Phillips and Graves note what next week could look like! Will we see Christian and Edge face-to-face next week? Who was Jason Jordan calling? They mention matches could get announced for next week's show, so stay tuned on WWE.com and their social media for more news. But now we're about to go into our semifinal matchup with Naomi and Sasha Banks main eventing SmackDown!

Naomi vs. Sasha Banks in the Universal Women's Championship Tournament
Phillips and Graves mention this being a historical SmackDown with the first time two women of color main event SmackDown. Both hold nothing back with the chance to go to Payback to become the new Universal Women's Championship. Midway through, Tessa Blanchard decides to pop into commentary right before the final commercial break of the night. Blanchard's saying she isn't losing sleep over whoever wins, but says both are two of the three best women on the SmackDown roster, only behind The Diamond. Naomi got on a roll and tried hitting a Rear View, but Banks stops herself in her tracks and counters with the Banks Statement instead! Naomi in the submission is ready to tap, but rolls over, to almost pin Banks, but Banks rolls out and Naomi's able to reach her foot to the ropes. Banks pulls Naomi out for a frog splash, but before Banks can get up to the top rope, Naomi's back up and tries knocking Sasha off, but Banks kicks Naomi away to the center of the ring. Banks launches off the top rope, but goes straight into a REAR VIEW! The crowd leap to their feet as Naomi falls into a cover and pins Sasha!

Naomi gets to celebrate a big win tonight, and after seeing a replay of the final move, Naomi sees Sasha Banks getting to her feet. Sasha goes up to raise Naomi's hand out of respect before Sasha Banks exits one side of the ring, and who is waiting on the other side? Tessa Blanchard. Naomi locks eyes with Tessa as the Universal Women's Championship match is set for Payback: Naomi versus Tessa Blanchard to crown the new champion. Two SmackDowns away from this match!

---

NXT intro occurs and Gunther is in the ring. Gunther raises the mic to talk but is cut off by the theme of Nick Aldis. "The National Treasure" speed walks to the ring and it's he and Gunther going at it. Security and PC recruits rush the ring to break the two up and they start laying out some of the PC recruits to get to each other until Eve Torres says enough! Eve says she'll make the match for tonight: Gunther versus Nick Aldis. Eve then states she'll make this a lumberjack match.

In addition to this match, Andrade "Cien" Almas wrestles Dijak, Matt Riddle debuts against Montez Ford, Shayna Baszler has a NXT Women's Championship celebration, and The Clink face Mia Yim and Tegan Nox. But right now we get to see tag team action, but not until Jaxon Thielen and Logan Brigman hand out Canadian pamphlets.

Otis Dozier & Powerhouse Hobbs vs. The North
Dozier and Hobbs are running through The North until Thielen challenges Dozier to a collegiate-style match and Thielen shows his skillset before Hobbs comes in and runs through Thielen. Brigman comes in and topples through the ropes with Hobbs. Otis then goes for a scoop slam, before Thielen hits the C4 Spike and steals a win before Hobbs can get back in to break it up.

Of course, to celebrate, Thielen and Brigman continue handing out Canadian pamphlets to the people at Full Sail.

Adam Cole arrives with the Guerrillas of Destiny and is confronted with the controversy for Gunther's distraction last week. Cole promises he has no affiliation with Gunther and had nothing to do with last week, but Aldis can't take his eyes off the prize. When informed of the announcement made at the top of the show regarding the Lumberjack Match, Cole says The Industry will stay away from ringside.

Mia Yim and Tegan Nox are standing backstage talking about their match tonight against The Clink with no certainty regarding who The Clink will put in the ring tonight. We cut to another part of the arena, where Sonya Deville says she's so happy for Britt Baker and Bianca Belair burying the hatchet last week and feels they can continue to build by competing in the tag match together. Baker and Belair are skeptical and tell Sonya they'll think about it.

Chelsea Green vs. Ember Moon
Moon and Green are two prospects ready for a call-up to the main roster on Tuesday nights, so they both showcase what they can do before Ember finishes Green off with an Eclipse.

As Ember Moon celebrates, she's interrupted by this stunning blonde. The woman introduces herself to Ember and the NXT Universe as "Mandy Rose" and says she's had her eye on Ember Moon for quite a while. Mandy says she recognizes Ember Moon is about to make the move to SmackDown any day now, so she's offering her services as her agent. Ember smiles and says it's nice to meet Mandy, but with all due respect, she doesn't need an agent and can negotiate her own deal, before walking past Mandy to the back.

Meanwhile, Andrade "Cien" Almas is with Zelina Vega asking how last night went and when Zelina tries explaining things, Dijak walks by and scoffs before walking right on through. Andrade's upset and starts to vent in Spanish before fading to the ring.

Matt Riddle vs. Montez Ford
Right before the bell rings, the official sends The Triangle and Angelo Dawkins away for a fair one-on-one match. Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton have a lot of fun calling this match, seeing Riddle in action for the first time and Montez as a singles competitor. Saxton predicts in this "New NXT Era" both these guys will be a huge part of it. Montez leaps for a Frog Splash, and while he got the height, that display of athleticism might have cost him because Riddle has enough time to move before locking in a Rear Naked Choke. Montez fights and can't help but tap once he starts to fade.

After the match, both men get a standing ovation while Josh Woods and Tom Lawlor come out to celebrate Matt Riddle and Angelo Dawkins comes to help Montez Ford out of the ring.

After a commercial, Shayna Baszler comes out for her "championship celebration" but she doesn't want to celebrate, she's not here to be the stereotypical women's champion, she wants to choke someone out. Lacey Evans then comes out and "The First Lady of NXT" tells Shayna she is disgracing the title because the championship does deserve a proper celebration, but only with the First Lady as champion. Lacey tells Shayna to go join Vic and Byron so she can watch a real woman compete.

Lacey Evans vs. Lakyn Machisma
The First Lady of NXT shows the NXT Women's Champion how to get it done and rather quickly too. Shayna has a headset on her head, but she doesn't talk much before Lacey hits the Woman's Right to win.

Lacey mocks Shayna from the booth, but as soon as she turns around, Shayna drops the headset and goes to choke Lacey out with the rear naked choke, much like Riddle used a match ago, and a few referees have to convince Baszler off Lacey Evans, but the champion doesn't look like a pushover.

As part of the new NXT era that Eve is introducing, we see a video package for Wardlow who appears to be a big part of it.

Andrade "Cien" Almas w/Zelina Vega vs. Dijak
Andrade is trying to prove he is worthy of the spot on SmackDown while Dijak is trying to humble Andrade, and Andrade's attempt falls flat because Dijak knocks Andrade out cold with the Feast Your Eyes.

Zelina Vega gets water to help awake Andrade, while Dijak leaves laughing as he proves maybe HE should be considered for the main roster.

Before their match, Bianca Belair and Britt Baker tell Sonya Deville they've agreed to team together tonight while Sonya Deville is at ringside.

In Eve's office, Tommaso Ciampa and Keith Lee are signing the contract for next week's NXT North American Championship match. Tommaso Ciampa says he worked his ass off in the Round Robin tournament and will be damned if his title run ends before it ever gets started. Ciampa says he wants to be the heartbeat of NXT, while Keith Lee is just looking for another accolade before he runs to Tuesdays. Keith Lee says that couldn't be further from the truth. Keith Lee says he respects Ciampa, but he loves NXT and while he is a SmackDown prospect, he would stay down in NXT as long as he is the North American Champion.

Bianca Belair & Britt Baker w/Sonya Deville vs. Mia Yim & Tegan Nox
The Clink's Belair and Baker are functioning pretty well. Even with a couple glances at one another, they've been in control much of the match, especially with Sonya Deville assisting on the outside as either Baker or Belair distracts the referee. The fourth time this happened, Sonya Deville is gloating before she's shoved into the ring post and falls to the floor. A black hood is unveiled, and Vic and Byron aren't sure who that is:

Now this distraction for Baker allows Tegan Nox to hit the Shiniest Wizard while Bianca Belair tries to chase this blonde hood out of Full Sail.

Mia Yim and Tegan Nox hug it out, smiling, as Mia Yim taps her head as if she outsmarted The Clink tonight.

Byron Saxton and Vic Joseph scratch their heads on the identity of that mystery woman, but she helps Mia Yim and Tegan Nox tonight! They look ahead to next week's show which includes a NXT North American Championship defense by Tommaso Ciampa against Keith Lee. Eve Torres has also announced Wardlow will be in action, while Ember Moon fights Lacey Evans in a #1 contender's match for Shayna Baszler's title.

The ringside area starts filling up with some Performance Center recruits, while Joseph and Saxton name some like Bishop Kaun, Griff Garrison, Oliver Carter, and Rush. They're joined by other members of the NXT roster for this Lumberjack Match next!

Gunther vs. Nick Aldis in a Lumberjack Match
Gunther toys Aldis a few times by tossing him out and Aldis gets a few shots from the lumberjacks, until Gunther throws him out on one side and some of the lumberjacks don't touch him. Gunther argues with the lumberjacks, not realizing Aldis had crawled behind Gunther and topples him over the top rope to get eaten alive by the lumberjacks ringside. Beyond that, it's mostly handled in the ring and Gunther wins a chopping contest. Gunther once charged at Aldis for a big boot against the ropes, but Aldis uses the momentum to toss Gunther over the top rope for more lumberjack interaction. Aldis would then do a rare crossbody from the top rope, knocking a good number of the lumberjacks down. The lumberjacks lifted both men up and threw them back inside.

After another back and forth, with some camera cuts backstage to The Industry watching this match, Gunther is ready to end things with a Golden Bomb but Aldis trips Gunther and locks in the King's Lynn Cloverleaf. Gunther crawls and manages to get to the bottom rope. Aldis tries pulling Gunther back from the ropes, but Gunther kicks him off a few times, until Aldis holds onto Gunther's boot and Gunther pokes Aldis in the eye. Aldis drops back holding his eye and gets dropkicked into the corner! Gunther picks Aldis up and hits not one, not two, but three Golden Bombs and gets tacked for the win.

Gunther gets his hand raised as the lumberjacks are almost stunned, but it feels Gunther will be a force to be reckoned with. We cut to the backstage area and see Adam Cole leading The Industry in applause for Gunther as he finishes Nick Aldis off for NXT to fade to black on the WWE Network.

DTP said:

WWE SmackDown - September 4, 2018:

I'll need to try and get my head around where we left things off.

Starting with Velocity, it's a relief to see Ember Moon go over Peyton Royce. I feel like Ember should have been handed far more opportunities than the hand she was dealt in her WWE tenure. The Iiconic Duo never did a whole lot for me, to be honest. They're characters, but as competitors they were sometimes borderline offensive to watch.

Keith Lee should no doubt fare well beyond his NXT run, and a win over Michael Bennett simply made sense. I have to wonder if Maria Kanellis will achieve more this time around. Mike has never really been much of anything beyond a solid worker.

Strong start to SmackDown with the WWE Women's Universal Championship tournament. Bayley losing out to Tessa Blanchard is a big shock, though admittedly Blanchard was on the rise in 2018. Carmella being responsible does keep that going, too. I wonder how long we have until Bayley transforms from the teen idol we once knew. The brackets looked really good. If I could hazard a guess, I suspect we could see Blanchard and Sasha Banks in the finals at Payback. I like that Bayley and Sasha as an option for the finals was teased here, only to be denied.

Pretty interesting promo from Christian, though I won't lie, a program with he and Kurt Angle read to me like something straight out of TNA 2007. It read like a dramatic proclamation, though.

It's wild to see two promos take place back-to-back, but it sets us up for Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins' upcoming match. The Cinderblock match is an interesting gimmick to say the very least. I guess it's like a tables match. I don't doubt you are pulling this angle off far better than WWE did.

I find The Boogeyman and Sami Zayn as perhaps the most baffling affiliation I've read in a while. I guess it's a bit, right? If anything, I hope it's a short-term one. I couldn't think of a more odd couple pairing. The Vaudevillains are essentially deadweight at this point in their run, but maybe you have some idea what to do with them from here. I do like Tye Dillinger and Tyler Breeze as a tandem, identical first names aside.

Fenix with the squash win was nice, and something I can absolutely envision happening in real life. Would have been cool to see him in this squash match.

Interesting to have the Cinderblock match practically announced, only for buzzkill Kurt Angle to come along and forbid it. Kind of a bummer. I'm struggling some times to figure out who the faces are and who the heels are.

Very peculiar to have Cesaro and Sheamus proceed to take the Maple Leaf Mafia out, despite Tye Dillinger and Tyler Breeze's part played in attacking Sami Zayn earlier. A multi-dimensional tag team division is a pleasure to read, though. The Usos should be the centerpiece of the division, in my mind.

Jeff Hardy getting the win over Jinder Mahal was expected, and read fine. More interaction with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins made for another fun angle between them. Laying it on thick as the top program on SmackDown, I did like how this segment read. It gave me a sense of early Attitude Era vibes, where the show did feel less structured and chaotic all the same. How the Cinderblock match is specifically set up is what intrigues me. I'm sure we'll learn more as the time approaches.

William Regal's promo for Neville and Pete Dunne was fine. I don't know how to feel about them as a trio, as I feel there are already a couple of groups floating around right now. Still, it's nice to see the WWE Intercontinental Championship on Neville. I'll have to see more from these three to get a proper read on them.

With the period, I am curious whether we'll see SmackDown head back to Friday nights, and whether a move to FOX is on the cards in the next month. Edge's promo was fine, but I would be careful about extending the Christian beef any longer than truly needed.

I was not expecting Naomi to get the win over Sasha Banks. Considering what we know now after their departure in 2022, this read fine. I don't know how I felt about it as the main event, but it was welcome. Naomi and Tessa Blanchard in the finals is pretty daring, as I'm not sure what their chemistry together might have been like.

This was a fun read and the format allows that.

WWE NXT - September 5, 2018:

Gunther already being a staple of NXT is interesting, given the tear he was on in the independent scene at this time. Having him feud with Nick Aldis is not something I would have ever thought to do, but alas. Eve Torres laying down the law as what I presume to be the General Manager is kind of funny to me.

Otis Dozier and Powerhouse Hobbs...that's a tandem. I was surprised to see The North get such a win over two beastly men like them. I don't mind it, though. I liked the amateur wrestling tie-up with Thielan and Brigman.

Ember Moon continues to impress, and rightly so. It's weird to see Chelsea Green here already, but I'll bite. It felt like what it needed to be. Nice way to debut Mandy Rose afterwards, and I'm curious how this storyline plays out. I got almost a vibe of infatuation from Mandy here, but maybe we'll keep it light on the lesbian undertones.

Montez Ford is a guy who is destined for greath things in the future, in my opinion. Matt Riddle however, rightly, is a stud at this point in time, and should be at the apex of the NXT roster. Tom Lawlor and Josh Woods coming along for the right makes for an interesting shooter faction.

I truly hope that Lacey Evans isn't forced too far down our throats. Shayna Baszler will hopefully smash her up. If you can't tell, I am not a fan of the First Lady.

Pretty early to be bringing in Wardlow, but I guess you might as well swallow AEW's best whole before they launch.

Andrade Almas and Dijak would make for a really strong match, I feel. Diajk always did get the short end of the stick in NXT, and it's no wonder he was there for so long before his recent call-up in real life. I suspect Zelina Vega is getting fed up of Andrade failing to deliver.

Did they ever pull the trigger on Tommaso Ciampa against Keith Lee? Would be a heck of a match, for certain. The size difference would be humorous, though. A lot of talk about prospects for the main roster on this show. I will say that there is an overabundance of talent on NXT, so it feels like a Superstar Shake-Up or Draft will serve the brand well with a bunch getting called up.

I'm more interested in Sonya Deville's angle than the women's tag team match that happened in the background. I feel like Mia Yim has been overlooked time and time again since she first debuted, so not a bad outcome for her and Tegan Nox. Bianca Belair and Britt Baker to me feel like a mishmash of people.

Gunther getting the win over Nick Aldis was fine. It made sense to be the main event, and this use of the lumberjack match did make sense. I feel like with the lumberjack stipulation though, it is a prime opportunity for more talent integration from storyline to storyline. Maybe a few teases and the such. Adam Cole's faction sounds good, but it is a shame to see the Undisputed Era nonexisten tin this timeline. Ah well, it's arguably more Bullet Club-infused.

Click to expand...

THANK YOU for the feedback, my friend! I know it's been a hot minute, and didn't realize my last episode came in February. Personally, since my last post, I've gotten healthy, received a full bill of health and began a new job. So I'm working 3 places, starting my own business, and catching up on everything I missed while I was bedridden. Now that things will slow down, I can slowly work to getting to WrestleMania 35.

BoogeyZAYN is definitely a bit hahaha, but a little different from irl. Zayn is the more serious character while Boogeyman is that oddball.

More will be known about the Cinderblock match, but you are on point with the match it sounds. I really want to make clear the faces/heels, as that's something important to me. Rollins is the heel, Ambrose is the face, and Angle is a face but tries to keep a middle ground.

And the tag division will hopefully be a focal point on the SmackDown roster moving forward! Working on making the tag and women's division stand out.

You were on point with a lot of NXT remarks including Montez, Riddle, and the NXT roster abundance. I've got a few "prospects" to call up to Raw or SmackDown in the coming months, but expect to see a lot of the PC recruits on television very, very soon.

Once again, thank you for the reply bro!! Getting 205 Live up soon and then into the next week.

205 Live starts with a replay of last week's main event where Ace Austin retained the Cruiserweight Title against Flip Gordon, so he decides to come out and gloat until a message on the screen catches his eye: "The Dragon is Near." Ace isn't sure what to think and we get Flip Gordon to come out! Flip congratulates Ace for winning last week, but warns the Cruiserweight Champion he'll get back to the title picture and that starts right now with an open challenge. NXT's Noam Dar shows up! His surprise appearance dares Flip to wrestle.

Noam Dar (0-0) vs. Flip Gordon (5-1)
Flip is on his ascent back to the Cruiserweight Title picture. Gordon hits the Star Spangled Stunner and gets the win to open 205 Live tonight.

Flip gets his hand raised and signals a championship around his waist with his sights firmly on the Cruiserweight Championship.

Ariya Daivari has a moment with Kayla Braxton, taking exception to Flip losing last week and immediately trying to insert himself back into the title picture. Ariya says he should go to the back of the line, but Zema Ion bypasses Ariya and tells his opponent Ariya will be 0-3 and well behind the 8-ball after their match.. next!

Ariya Daivari (0-2) vs. Zema Ion (0-2)
Talking about the Cruiserweight Championship, but one of these men are going down 0-3. Zema Ion had Ariya where he wanted him until Daivari drove him back into the corner, but Ariya pokes the eye of Zema Ion and rolls him up with the jack-knife pin and has ropes as leverage to but the official doesn't see it.

Zema begins arguing his case to the referee but it's official: Ariya Daivari gets his first win on 205 Live.

The vignettes are smashed together, including last week where El Hijo del Fantasma removes his mask. It's his 205 Live debut NEXT! ... after the break, of course.

An unrecognizable local talent is in the ring before El Hijo del Fantasma's music hits. He heads to the ring and right before the bell rings, he unlaces and removes his mask, showing his face to the world for the first time.

El Hijo del Fantasma (0-0) vs. Local Talent (0-0)
It's pure dominance from the unmasked El Hijo del Fantasma, followed by a Cradle Bomb Driver to put his nameless opponent away.

After the match, the unmasked individual demands a microphone. He explains "El Hijo del Fantasma" means "The Son of El Fantasma." He is proud of the legacy his father made, but that's not his legacy nor his identity. From this moment forward, he will now be called by his name, Santos Escobar.

The Brian Kendrick notes this is a different attitude for the newly-named Santos Escobar, but Kendrick and Vic Joseph are interrupted by something occurring backstage. We see Kip Sabian and Marty Scurll beating down Mark Andrews before Mansoor and Mustafa Ali spot this and chase Sabian and Scurll off. They check on Mark Andrews, upset they couldn't get there a moment sooner.

In a separate part of the show, the Bollywood Boyz say they are upset about losing last week, therefore are issuing a rematch to Kushida and Swerve Strickland.

Raul Mendoza (0-3) vs. TJ Perkins (3-0)
The records told the story, and not much is changing, as Mendoza quickly taps once he's in the TJP Clutch.

Cruiserweight Champion Ace Austin and the GM Chavo Guerrero are mid-argument about a match Chavo is making next week. Apparently, it's Flip Gordon and Zema Ion against Tyler Bate and Austin. If Flip and Zema win, they'll have a triple threat match against Ace Austin. Ace isn't happy, but Dean Malenko comes by with Tyler Bate, telling Ace he has nothing to worry about. Dean vows Flip won't get another opportunity at the Cruiserweight Championship, because it'll be Tyler Bate. It's an awkward, intense staredown as we go back ringside.

The Brian Kendrick and Vic Joseph are shook by the tag team match, which is on another stacked card with:
- Bollywood Boyz vs. Kushida & Swerve Strickland rematch
- Marty Scurll & Kip Sabian vs. Mansoor & Mustafa Ali
- Santos Escobar in action

But now, our main event for the evening, is Gran Metalik against Sammy Guevera.

Gran Metalik (0-2) vs. Sammy Guevara (1-1)
The fans weren't quite interested in the story between these two, because quite frankly there wasn't one, but they began to win the crowd over with their athleticism in this lucha libre and highflying contest. It's the King of the Ropes botching and Guevara nailing a Codebreaker before scaling up top to hit a 630 Splash and hooking the leg, pinning Gran Metalik!

Sammy Guevara celebrates, but grabs a microphone and says he is challenging any NXT superstar to a match two weeks from now. Guevara dares anyone from NXT to accept his challenge next week, and this is how Guevara closes 205 Live.

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The show starts with highlights from last week's Heat for wins from Gunther's big upset against Alberto Del Rio, and Rubi Riot beating Mia Yim. But now we got another episode for the fans right before Raw!
Ortiz & Santana vs. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford
Dawkins and Ford represent the Street Profits from NXT but they have an impressive feature against Ortiz and Santana, yet fall short as Montez Ford falls victim to the Street Sweeper.

Prior to tonight, Charly Caruso interviews Murphy. Murphy informs everyone he got to the arena tonight and isn't on the card, so suggests he's freed up to be in attendance for Elias' Bourbon Street Special performance.

A "Raw Rebound" airs of the United States Championship match where Finn Balor overcame Bobby Lashley! While Heyman and Riccaboni confirm Jordan Devlin's injury, Balor is expected to address the audience at the top of Monday Night Raw.

Also advertised for Raw tonight is Asuka versus Paige, The Miz versus Carlito, and more!

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Wardlow
Wardlow shows outstanding power, but was caught a couple times by a savvy veteran like Nakamura before Nakamura hits the Kinshasa out of nowhere to put Wardlow down.

Paul Heyman makes note that Wardlow has all the physical tools to be a top dog in this business, but he needs the experience and the right leadership might accelerate his growth. Ian says adios and we advertise the United States Champion Finn Balor to kick off Monday Night Raw over on USA... next!
After a replay of Finn Balor winning the United States Championship last week from Bobby Lashley, Balor comes to the ring and confirms Devlin tore his ACL last week on Heat and will be out of action for quite some time. Balor says in Devlin's honor, he will be a fighting champion. Dolph Ziggler comes out and congratulates Balor, but if he wants to be a fighting champion, consider him his first challenger. Balor accepts before JBL heads out. JBL reminds Balor and Ziggler they aren't the decision-makers on Monday. But if Ziggler wants to wrestle so badly, he can wrestle this man... and JBL introduces Brodie! Ziggler is still dressed in street clothes, but Brodie is ready to compete and JBL sends a ref down. Balor's hands are tied but he can't do much.

Brodie vs. Dolph Ziggler
Finn Balor stays at the commentary table, insisting he wants to be a fighting champion but JBL was making it difficult. Dolph was valiant, but this was a more accurate and powerful Brodie. Finn's commentary trip only lasted 6 minutes before Brodie turned it up a notch and finished Dolph with a Discus Big Boot!

Afterwards, Brodie stares down Finn Balor as if to send a warning to the United States Champion. Paul Heyman mentions Brodie is a new man and he should be taken very seriously.

Michael Cole and Paul Heyman show what else is scheduled to take place tonight:
* Carlito's Cabana vs. MizTV with the rights to host the newest Raw acquisition from the blue brand
* Kofi Kingston wrestles Judas in 1-on-1 action
* Asuka in a non-title match versus WWE Women's Champion Paige
* Elias promises a "Bourbon Street Special" performance, after refusing to perform tonight in Columbus

Chris Jericho's shown arriving earlier tonight when Shelton Benjamin stops him in the parking lot, conceding defeat and shaking Jericho's hand after their match last week. Jericho appreciates the respect and goes on into the arena, but Benjamin is shown with a facial expression changing from his smile to Jericho.

Paige vs. Asuka in a non-title match
This match got just moments into it before Mickie James decides to get involved, taking Asuka out to have a staredown with the Women's Champion. Then Becky Lynch takes exception to Mickie not staying in line, comes out and attacks her. After we take a commercial break to resolve the mayhem, we learn this has turned into a tag team match... but with an interesting pairing.

Becky Lynch & Paige vs. Asuka & Mickie James
JBL believed it would be amusing to have Mickie James team up with the person she attacked originally, Asuka, while the #1 contender and the Women's Champion teaming together. There's no trust amongst the tag teams, and once Mickie slaps Asuka into the match, Asuka takes exception and attacks Mickie James. Becky then tries to stop Asuka, but Asuka turns her attention to Becky, which means Paige comes to the rescue before she accidentally clotheslines Becky. Then all the tag team partners are attacking one another, while the official doesn't know what to do before Paige lays Becky out with a Paige Turner, but Mickie James rushes in, throws Paige out, and pins Becky Lynch!

Mickie runs away after pinning the #1 contender for the Women's Championship! This was a strange turn of events, but Heyman makes the point the dissension between Becky and Paige means this could give Mickie James a reason to insert herself into a title opportunity soon.

WWE Champion Kevin Owens is shown heading to the ring right now flanked by security! After the break, Owens completes the entrance and shares he's hired this personal security since JBL wouldn't give it to him. Owens says he had to get financial backing because this is high-dollar security to keep Baron Corbin away from him. Owens calls his enemy "Baron Carbon" because he's a "carbon copy" of every WWE superstar, but prides himself for fighting his way up the ranks in the independents. The motorcycle revs up and Corbin comes out and stays at the stage on his bike. Corbin gets a microphone and asks if he fought his way up in the independents, why he needs this "high-dollar security" instead of just fighting. Corbin said "Fight Owens Fight" and it's time he does. Corbin tosses the microphone away and revs up the motorcycle. Corbin rides down the ringside area and as he makes his way around, security guards jump in the ring forming a Kevin Owens bubble. Corbin gets off the bike and slides in, taking the security guards down one by one. Corbin then has one more security guard blocking Owens in the corner, but Owens shoves the guard into an End of Days as Kevin Owens uses this to squirm through the crowd. Corbin didn't get his hands on Owens yet, but the security Owens paid for is all laid out.

Lana and Rusev are standing outside JBL's office ready to approach the Raw General Manager about Rusev getting an opportunity at the United States Championship, but right as Lana opens the door, JBL storms out saying he has no time right now, citing what just happened in the ring. Rusev is frustrated and tells Lana she better help him get the next opportunity at the title.

Elias Samson is warming up his vocal cords with his accomplice Scarlett, preparing for their Bourbon Street Special here tonight.

Charly Caruso asks Kofi Kingston at the curtain about his partners, The New Day. Kofi said after last week, he knows Xavier Woods and Big E are banged up. Kofi says he's about to go out there alone and wants Judas to come out alone!

Judas vs. Kofi Kingston
Kofi walked to the ring by himself, but Judas did not. Judas was led by The Fallen and after the bell rang, Viktor called Aleister Black and Damian Priest away, allowing Judas to be by himself. Instead, Viktor stayed at commentary towards the stage while Black and Priest headed to the back. Viktor told Heyman and Cole this is their plan, and claims The New Day will fall at the hands of The Fallen. Kofi had a valiant effort, but it's a sit-out chokeslam for Judas that gives him the victory.

As Judas lurks over his prey, Damian Priest and Aleister Black re-emerge from the back, led by Viktor. The Fallen stand before Viktor picks up Kofi's third of the WWE Trios Championships and raises it high, showing their full intentions.

Kevin Owens has his bags packed, ready to leave, but JBL stops him. Owens says he's fulfilled his obligation, but JBL says Owens is in the main event. After not being told, Owens pitches a fit but JBL confirms Kevin Owens will be in the main event against United States Champion Finn Balor, but now he's adding an extra stipulation: the loser must defend their championship next week. If Balor loses, he'll defend against Brodie. If Owens loses, he'll defend against Baron Corbin. Owens absolutely flips his lid and storms back towards the locker room.

Michael Cole directs their attention to Elias Samson on the streets of New Orleans, ready for a live performance. With Scarlett by his side and a crowd around him, Elias performs a song about being smitten with "seeing red." A clear nod to Scarlett, Elias then goes from performing about the apple of his eye, to the bad apple, Murphy. Elias assures the crowd he'll punch Murphy straight in the mouth the next time he sees him. A couple lines in, Murphy steps up behind Elias. Elias notices the crowd change, and after a finger poke on the shoulder, Elias is frozen at the sight of his arch nemesis and Murphy throws the first punch. Murphy tosses Elias around all the streets of New Orleans, almost throws him into ongoing traffic, as Scarlett screams helplessly for Murphy to stop. Murphy directs his attention to Scarlett, and this slight distraction allows Elias to shove Murphy into a brick building and start punching him down. Elias leaves with Scarlett and Elias tells Murphy this is over next week. Elias says since Murphy wants to fight him on the streets of New Orleans, they'll have a street fight!

Michael Cole and Paul Heyman can't believe Elias was the one to throw the gauntlet down for next week: a Great State of Texas Street Fight! But we segway backstage first.

Rusev is venting to Lana about Brodie jumping the line for the United States Championship. Lana promises she'll go talk to JBL and hopefully she can persuade the GM to give Rusev an opportunity next week, maybe even for the WWE Championship.

A replay occurs from last week's Raw to show how we got here: Carlito's return match against The Miz. The winner? Gets to announce the newest Raw acquisition from SmackDown on their set. This is dubbed a "Carlito's Cabana vs. MizTV" match.

Carlito vs. The Miz
Carlito didn't look rusty at all. Carlito was on a roll and seemed to be in better shape than when he was last seen in June. Carlito grabbed the apple from the corner and was going to chew, but the official deemed the apple illegal, so the official convinced Carlito to hand him the apple, so as the official takes the apple to the corner, The Miz kicks Carlito below the belt, turns him around for the Skull Crushing Finale and steals the victory!

The Miz over-celebrates the win, excited to announce Raw's acquisition next week, even if by any means necessary.

Charly Caruso asks Finn Balor about beating Bobby Lashley last week and his first week as United States Champion. Balor recognizes he's not from America, but he's been provided great opportunity since coming to America, which he believes this championship will provide the same opportunity to him moving forward. When asked about tonight's main event against Kevin Owens, Finn Balor says the opportunities are already here with a chance to pin the WWE Champion. Balor understands if he wins, Baron Corbin is next in line for the WWE Championship, but after next week's title opportunity for Corbin, Balor believes he should be next in line to become a 2-time world champion. Charly brings up if Balor loses, he'll have to defend his United States Championship next week against Brodie, when Balor says that's a real possibility, but he's not walking into tonight's main event with a losing mentality.

Chris Jericho heads to the ring after the break and says he caught the end of Finn Balor's interview, he's followed everything to happen tonight surrounding the next contender for the WWE Championship, potentially Baron Corbin. Jericho says he didn't come back as a 6-time world champion to take a backseat to anyone on Raw. Jericho's interrupted by... Cody Rhodes? Cody and Jericho stare off for the first time and Cody shares his admiration for Jericho, but when it comes to the WWE Championship, he was seconds away from being declared the WWE Champion at SummerSlam's Championship Scramble Match. Cody informs Jericho if anyone is going for the WWE Champion next, it's someone who has never reached the mountaintop. That's why Shelton Benjamin comes out, to say Jericho's been to the top, Cody's had his chances, but Shelton Benjamin has never had his opportunity. Jericho laughed and sarcastically asked who won their match last week. The three start bickering before JBL comes out to the stage telling them to knock it off! JBL says Shelton Benjamin has no claim for a title match, but will place Cody Rhodes versus Chris Jericho in a #1 contender's match next week!

As Shelton Benjamin is pissed and leaves Cody Rhodes and Chris Jericho in a staredown, JBL transitions past gorilla and Lana is there to confront him. Lana shares if Cody Rhodes and Chris Jericho are competing to challenge the WWE Champion after next week, she wants her Rusev to be added to this match. JBL laughs and tells Lana that Rusev isn't WWE Championship material, but he could be. JBL advises Lana if she wants her husband to take the next level, go watch Brodie's match from earlier tonight and the transition he's made.

Another side of backstage, The Miz gloats to Charly Caruso about MizTV next week where he tells EVERYONE who the newest acquisition to MizTV is!

Michael Cole and Paul Heyman can't pinpoint who the new Raw acquisition is in that trade involving The Usos going to SmackDown. The Miz moved over to Raw, but who else is joining him? They then share more about next week:
- Chris Jericho vs. Cody Rhodes (#1 Contender's Match for the WWE Championship)
- MizTV for the newest Raw acquisition
- Elias vs. Murphy in a Great State of Texas Street Fight
- EITHER Finn Balor defending the United States Championship against Brodie... OR... Kevin Owens vs. Baron Corbin for the WWE Championship

What title match we get depends solely on the result of the main event right now!

Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens in a non-title Champion vs. Champion Match
This match does NOT disappoint! Balor and Owens go nearly 30 minutes back and forth, fighting to not defend their championship next week. You can see Baron Corbin and Brodie watching at different locations in the arena to see if they'll get a title opportunity. Balor gets on a roll and gets the Slingblade, a corner dropkick, and goes up top for the Coup de Grace, but Brodie appears on the ramp, grabbing Finn's attention. This gives Owens enough time to knock Balor off balance and hit a twisting superplex! As the two are on the mat, Brodie steps closer to the ring before the motorcycle revs. Brodie sees Baron Corbin on his motorcycle and immediately hops over the barricade. Corbin parks at the corner and is about to chase Brodie, but sees Owens setting up for the Popup Powerbomb in the ring. Corbin gets on the apron and locks eyes with Owens. JBL sends security down to get Corbin off the mat. The official's distracted enough for Owens to uses Finn's United States Championship off his skull! Owens gets rid of the evidence and Corbin doesn't notice until it's too late, Owens pins Balor!

Corbin begins pitching a fit at the top of the stage as JBL gets out of dodge, the same with Kevin Owens. Meanwhile, it's official: next week Finn Balor has his first title defense against Brodie as Raw goes off air tonight.

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