You know, I expected more from Paul Heyman then to say that the creation of the Bloodline was solely so the Usos wouldn’t have to live off of Roman Reigns. That’s implying that they made an insignificant amount of money compared to their cousin despite being the best Tag Team in the business. That was low for no reason… The chanting of fans saying “OTC” conjured an uncontrollable eye roll from me because I find the need to do that useless and repetitive.
Although confident when Jimmy said that they didn’t come here alone, Cody Rhodes’ music hit and no one came out. Apparently, somewhere in the parking lot, Cody was seen mangled by Drew McIntyre just as he exit the American Nightmare’s tour bus. His tie was still well done, though. The twins went to check on him.
Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. JD McDonagh – Open Challenge US Championship match
From the top, Ilja was able to superplex JD off the rope. In turn, McDonagh delivered a brain buster for his troubles. Regardless of how hurtful it was, the champ remained in the match. After that, McDonagh decided to take to the skies with a backflip only to miss as he suffered a boot to the face and a body dunk.
Dragunov was going for Torpedo Moscow, but McDonagh amazingly countered it with a knee strike. JD nearly got the win with that Moonsault, but Ilja had too much left in him to quit. The champ was looking for a powerbomb, JD retaliated with a headbutt, however, Dragunov came back with a full force Torpedo Moscow, a powerbomb, and finally, a winning H-Bomb.
Winner: Ilja Dragunov
Carmelo Hayes vs. Bronson Reed – The Last Time is Now Tournament
During this match, the Vision surrounded the ring as Bronson battled with Carmelo. He was able to send Reed tumbling onto the floor with the First 48 and took out everyone by leaping in after his challenger. Once Hayes was successful in mounting Reed back inside the ring, he performed an incredible DDT from the top.
Melo was going for Nothing but Net, unfortunately, Bronson caught him with a clothesline to the throat. He started to grasp his knee following that wicked landing. The pain didn’t stop there. Bron Breakker wanted to get involved as he charged at Melo near the commentary desk. Luckily, the Usos dealt with him and LP.
The match was still underway, but clearly, it wasn’t important. Ha! Meanwhile, Bronson shoved Hayes into the announcement table from the apron. Heyman didn’t do his team any favors when he had the official distracted, Rhodes swooped in and delivered a Crossroads to Reed on the floor. Before rushing off, he made sure to help Carmelo back inside the ring.
I could have sworn that count from the referee was a bit too fast then normal. You can’t honestly tell me you didn’t think so, too?
Winner: Carmelo Hayes
DIY vs. Fraxiom – Tag Team match
Nathan Frazer is enticing to witness as he speeds around so quickly and sent Johnny Gargano crashing onto his ass, then delivered a big kick to Ciampa before whipping Johnny with a standing Moonsault. Nathan was hoping to land the Phoenix Splash, Gargano rolled out of the way and tagged Tommaso, as he and Johnny perform the Shatter Machine.
Ciampa and Frazer were tussling in-ring. Tommaso scored with the first knee he delivered, but he was unable to continue with the second one without the knee pad. Nathan got him with a step-up enziguri. Yikes, Axiom wasn’t so lucky when he suffered the strike instead.
DIY play a double team on Axiom. Tommaso scurried to the other side to catch an incoming Nathan, but he was too late since Frazer had already stopped the count. Even with the agony, Axiom flipped Gargano with a Spanish Fly. Things were moving moderately well for Fraxiom until Candice LeRae removed Axiom’s mask, he naturally covered his face, which allowed Johnny to pin him.
Winners: DIY
Penta vs. Finn Balor – The Last Time is Now Tournament
Penta may have been able to escape the first attempt at Finn driving an elbow into his chest, yet he wasn’t triumphant the second go around. Later on, due to time wasting, Balor got his foot caught and slapped on the chest. Twice. Plus a modified muscle buster. He even went as far as to almost snapping Balor’s arm, so Finn retaliated with a slingblade.
Finn was looking to put Penta away with the Coup de Grace, but Penta managed to kick out in time. As payback, Balor also remained in the match after what was sure to be an ending. What came next, Balor didn’t see coming. He pushed Penta into the corner to catch his breath, I suppose, yet Penta took advantage with the Destroyer.
Winner: Penta
As we reach the conclusion of the evening, Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair make their stand in the ring as they prepare for War Games next week. Tonight, these ladies were going to introduce their fifth member in AJ Lee! My girl! I love when her music starts playing. Just as she was making her entrance, Lash, Nia, Asuka and Kairi jumped the girls from behind. Lee saw the mayhem and sprinted over only to be bulldozed by Becky Lynch.
Since Lee costed Lynch the Women’s Intercontinental Championship this past Monday, she saw red when AJ showed up. With Becky here, it evened the odds while they dismantled their opposing team. Just as AJ was being welcomed as the fifth member of Ripley’s team, so was Lynch on Asuka’s.
TOP PHOTO: Lynch, Legend, Jax, Sane & Asuka. Courtesy of WWE
