NXT
Date: November 4, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re coming up on the New York City shows, which are going to be all about titles. That means it’s time to get ready for the shows, including getting some title matches set. Ricky Saints is already having to deal with Trick Williams and has a Last Man Standing match set for the NXT Title. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Lola Vice/The Culling vs. Fatal Influence

Paxley and Jayne forearm it out to start before it’s off to Vice for a cross armbreaker to Reid. That’s broken up rather quickly and it’s back to Paxley, who gets kicked in the back of the head. Vice comes back in and kicks Henley down for two as everything breaks down. Paxley and Vice hit running hip attacks in the corner and dance a bit, though Dame isn’t interested in joining in as we take a break.

We come back with Fatal Influence going after Vice, with Jayne’s running knee getting two. Vice fights up and brings Paxley in to clean house. Paxley misses a 450 though and Reid gets in a cheap shot. Dame makes the save and everything breaks down again. Paxley is almost shoved into Dame but stops herself, only for Dame to shove her down and take the Rolling Encore to give Jayne the pin at 10:37.

Rating: C+. This continues the question of whether or not Dame really is Paxley’s friend and that makes for some interesting developments down the line. Other than that, it seems that that Fatal Influence isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, as I’m now curious to see just where it goes. In other words, nice job in one match.

Earlier today, El Grande Americano wasn’t happy with not having his own locker room and picked up Josh Briggs’ bag. Briggs came in and challenged him to a regular match, with Americano accepting.

Lei Ying Lee is ticked off at Kelani Jordan for hitting Jordynne Grace with the title last week. Prepare for the title.

Kendal Grey is happy with beating Lash Legend when Kelani Jordan interrupted. Jordan tells Grey and her friends to listen to what she’s about to say.

Here is Kelani Jordan for a chat. She doesn’t understand why people are booing her when they cheer Dominik Mysterio to do the same. Yeah she took her chance to win the Knockouts Title and gets booed, while Lola Vice goes to AAA every week and gets cheered. The women who are jealous of her are the women who can’t keep up with her in the ring. Like Jordynne Grace!

The same people who booed Grace are now up in arms about Jordan cheating. She’s sitting out at Gold Rush because no one, including Lei Ying Lee, is worthy of her time. Call her disloyal all you want, because you’ll still call her champion. Best promo she’s ever had here, mainly because it didn’t sound completely scripted.

OTM is back to chase everything but Chase U comes in to say they want a fight. Andre Chase comes in to calm them down, saying going after OTM isn’t a good idea.

Josh Briggs vs. El Grande Americano

Non-title and Rayo/Bravo are here too. Briggs shoulders him down to start as the fans are WAY behind Americano here. Americano pops up and grabs an armbar, including a handstand into a hammerlock to an even more positive reaction. Back up and a big boot drops Americano as Jasper Troy is in the crowd.

We take a break and come back with Americano getting tied in the Tree Of Woe but the lackeys cut off an unmasking attempt. Americano is back up with some chops and a Blockbuster to send Briggs outside. The dive connects and the fans approve, though Briggs’ big forearm cuts that off. Cue Tavion Heights for a distraction, allowing the lackeys to hit Briggs with a double Backstabber. Americano cranks on Briggs’ back for the tap at 10:51.

Rating: C. The reaction to Americano was rather interesting as the fans were all over everything that he was doing. It should at least make things more interesting when he has to defend against Troy (who did nothing here), as the heel vs. heel setup was going to be weird. They should be able to make it work, though this match wasn’t anything worth seeing.

Ava tells Kelani Jordan that she’ll be defending the title at Gold Rush. Tyra Mae Steele comes up to take issue with Jordan and gets a match tonight.

Myles Borne wants Ricky Saints to save him a piece of Trick Williams. Works for Saints.

Chelsea Green and Ethan Page have won the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles.

We get a split screen interview with Trick Williams and Ricky Saints. Williams says Saints can’t handle the pressure as champion but Saints brings up beating Williams at Halloween Havoc. That messed with Williams, who can’t handle being in second place. Saints says Williams has had one foot in and one foot out of NXT since Saints got here because he views it as a security blanket.

On the other hand, Saints winning the title is the culmination of him working hard while Williams takes everything for granted. Williams says Saints thinks like a fan and the title belongs to a real star. They’re ready to fight right now and the brawl is on, with Williams getting in a pipe shot to put him down.

Women’s Speed Title #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: Zaria vs. Wren Sinclair

Sol Ruca and Kendal Grey are here too. They trade early rollups to start until Zaria gets two off a backbreaker. Sinclair goes for the arm, including a Black Widow. That’s broken up so it’s time to start on the leg but Zaria is back up with some running clotheslines. We have less than a minute left and Zaria powers out, setting up the spear. An F5 gives Zaria the win at 2:30.

Kelani Jordan vs. Tyra Mae Steele

Non-title. They roll around to start with Steele powering out of an armbar. An exchange of cartwheels leaves Jordan a bit shaken up so she grabs the rope for an early near fall. A surfboard has Jordan in trouble but she’s able to post Steele’s arm. Said arm is cranked over the rope and the armbar goes on back inside. Back up and Steele hits a kind of reverse Angle Slam for two but Jordan casually slams her down. One Of A Kind finishes Steele at 4:54.

Rating: C+. Steele is an interesting case as she is absolutely a prospect, but she needs to build up some experience. This wasn’t exactly a great match, but she was able to stick to her strengths and keep getting her feet wet. I’m curious to see where she’s going, even if there was no reason for her to be a major threat to Jordan yet.

Post match Santino Marella pops up on screen to announce that Jordan is defending the title at Gold Rush against Jordynne Grace and Lei Ying Lee. Jordan is not pleased.

Sol Ruca is almost cleared to get back in the ring but she wants to have her rematch at Gold Rush. Unfortunately it’s uncertain if she’ll be ready in time, but here is Fatal Influence to interrupt. Jacy Jayne wants her rematch at Gold Rush as well, with the argument ensuing. Ava has other things to take care of though and leaves.

Je’Von Evans vs. Saquon Shugars

The rest of Darkstate is here too and Evans hits a big dive to take Shugars out before the bell. Shugars grabs a headlock inside and counters a hurricanrana into an atomic drop (that was cool). A backbreaker gives Shugars two and then a backbreaker gives Shugars two. Evans gets knocked into the corner but sends Shugars outside for a big dive. Darkstate offers a distraction though and Shugars knees him into the barricade as we take a break.

We come back with Evans kicking his way out of trouble but Shugars gives him a suplex. The basement dropkick gives Shugars two but some slaps to the face just annoy Evans. A rather snappy German suplex puts Shugars down and Evans sends him outside for the big dive. Back in and a spinning kick to the head gives Evans two but Shugars catches him in a torture rack. That’s flipped into a faceplant, only for Evans to come back with a pair of cutters. Evans deals with a quick distraction and hits the spinning top rope splash for the pin at 13:33

Rating: B. Evans has turned into one of the more reliable stars around here and it’s interesting to see what he does week to week. At the same time, Shugars got to do well enough in one of his first singles match. Evans and Leon Slater are likely going to get the Tag Team Title shot at Gold Rush so this was a fine way to keep things moving.

Blake Monroe wants her first title defense in New York but Ava says if Sol Ruca is available, she gets the shot. Monroe is off for an interview with her better half next week.

Tatum Paxley apologizes to Izzi Dame for the loss but Dame tells her to slow down and avoid the mistakes, because they want the title around for a long time. Paxley understands but has one more thing to do next week first.

Here are Chelsea Green and Ethan Page for their big celebration. Page knows that everyone hates them because they say something and then do it. Like when they promised to win the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles and then did it, as they knew they would. Green brags about their success as well and Page is ready to defend the titles. They’re ready to celebrate, including with a giant cake.

Green wishes Joe Hendry would appear so they both get ready to jump him as he comes out of the cake. Cue Hendry through the entrance, saying the direct approach can be best. Hendry wants the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles so here is Thea Hail, out of the cake (and wish her own Hendry style song) to be his partner. Page and Green get caked to end the show. The fake out with the cake was great and a match like this writes itself.

Overall Rating: C+. Well I’m more interested in seeing Gold Rush than I was before so things are starting to go in the right direction. What matters the most is getting the fans ready for the show and this week did a nice job of setting that up. The wrestling itself was fine enough, though it’s the show to get you to watch the really big show, which means it is likely to only be so important. Overall fine, but not exactly worth a look this time.

Results
Fatal Influence b. Culling/Lola Vice – Rolling Encore to Dame
El Grande Americano b. Josh Briggs – Back crank
Zaria b. Wren Sinclair – F5
Kelani Jordan b. Tyra Mae Steele – One Of A Kind
Je’Von Evans b. Saquon Shugars – Spinning top rope splash

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: October 28, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re done with Halloween Havoc and there are a few new champions. Darkstate got the Tag Team Titles back from the Hardys while Blake Monroe and Tatum Paxley both won their first singles titles in NXT. We are less than a month away from the two week Gold Rush specials so let’s get to it.

Here is Halloween Havoc if you need a recap.

Long Halloween Havoc recap.

Trick Williams storms the production area and yells about the video playing of the title match from Halloween Havoc. He goes from the back to the arena, yelling at various people along the ring. Williams gets in the ring, saying he’s been running things around here for years. He would beat Ricky Saints 99 times out of 100 so get him his title shot. Cue Ava with security to say he just flat out lost. Williams lists off his resume and is ready to keep going but here is Saints for the pull apart brawl.

Video on Axiom vs. Jasper Troy.

Speed Title #1 Contenders Tournament Finals: Axiom vs. Jasper Troy

Axiom dropkicks him in the leg and kicks away to start, which earns him quite the glare from Troy. Some more shots to the leg just annoy Troy, who grabs a backbreaker, followed by a clothesline to the back of the head. Axiom’s dragon screw legwhip over the rope sets up a missile dropkick and they’re both down.

We have a minute left as Axiom hits a jumping knee but gets flatted with a standing body block. The Black Hole Slam is countered into a sleeper, which is reversed into a World’s Strongest Slam. Now the Black Hole Slam can finish Axiom at 2:55. Could have been worse, though Troy vs. El Grande Americano is…something.

Ava is with Sol Ruca and Zaria. Ruca has to decide if the Speed Title is vacated or if someone can defend it in her absence. Ruca thinks for a second and vacates the title, which doesn’t leave Zaria very happy. A tournament starts next week.

Here is the Culling for Tatum Paxley’s first comments as the Women’s Champion. Halloween Havoc was the greatest night of her night and she can’t believe she is here. Yeah she can be a bit too much at times but if this creepy little weirdo can be Women’s Champion, anyone can do it. She wants to be a fighting champion who gives anyone a shot, but Izzi Dame doesn’t think that’s a great idea.

It’s been a long road here for Paxley, so is she sure she should defend it so soon? She should make people earn their shot and offers the Culling to help her choose…but Paxley wants to defend the title tonight. Paxley unveils a wheel of potential challengers (Shawn Spears points out that Dame’s name isn’t on it) and tonight Lola Vice is getting the shot. Dame does not seem pleased. They’re not being subtle with this and that’s ok.

Trick Williams is looking for Ricky Saints.

Kendal Grey is ready for Lash Legend and Wren Sinclair gives her a pep talk. Sinclair is invited to the ring with her, which pleases her quite a bit.

Evolve Women’s Title: Kendal Grey vs. Lash Legend

Grey, with Wren Sinclair, is defending. The much bigger Legend powers her around to start so Grey (a former amateur wrestler) goes for the leg. That earns her a swinging sleeper from Legend, who shoves Grey outside with one arm. Back in and Grey’s crucifix is blocked, as is a slingshot double stomp. Legend shoves Grey out to the floor and a pump kick drops her again.

We take a break and come back with Legend forearming her down for two. Grey kicks her down for a needed breather and slips out of a chokeslam attempt. A German suplex drops Legend again and now the slingshot double stomp sends her outside. Back in and Grey’s high crossbody is pulled out of the air and Legend drops her onto the ropes. A boot misses though and Shades Of Grey (jumping Downward Spiral) retains the title at 10:50.

Rating: B-. They have something with Grey and they know it, which is why you’re seeing something like this take place. Grey is young, talented and has some charisma. She also played a great underdog here and it was fun to see her fight back against the monster in Legend. Let her do this occasionally and let her rise up the ranks. Nice job here.

Myles Borne is ready for Tavion Heights and they’ll be brothers no matter what.

A fishing Heights says Borne is his brother, but sometimes brothers fight. Heights has something to prove.

Lola Vice congratulates Tatum Paxley on winning the Women’s Title and is thrilled with getting her shot. Vice promises to take the title, but Paxley is ready to fight. Izzi Dame comes in and thinks this isn’t a good idea.

Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights

Respect is shown to start things off and they lock up. Heights goes with some grappling to start but Borne is back with a headlock. They flip around to a standoff until Borne gets a rollup, though Heights is in the ropes. A headlock takeover puts Borne down but he reverses into one of his own. That’s broken up and Heights flips over him, setting up a running clothesline for two.

We take a break and come back with Borne getting two off a middle rope moonsault press as Josh Briggs has joined commentary. Heights grabs the ankle lock, which is broken up rather quickly. Briggs offers a distraction so Borne can take both of them out with a dive. Back in and Borne Again is blocked so Heights tries the spinning belly to belly, which is reversed into a small package to give Borne the pin at 10:07.

Rating: C+. They kind of had to do something to prevent one of them from losing clean, with Briggs only doing so much at the end. The good thing is that Briggs can now go after Heights (if not Borne as well), as it’s not like either of them have anything else going on at the moment. Either way, there is a good chance that one of them will get a shot against Ethan Page one day, perhaps at Gold Rush.

Post match respect is shown, but Briggs pulls Heights to the floor for the brawl. Borne…just stands there, as Trick Williams runs in and chairs him in the back. Williams calls out Ricky Saints, who comes in for another brawl.

Chelsea Green, with Kay Lee Ray, is in the back with Ethan Page. They’re ready to win the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles and Page wants Green to put together security. Green is still looking for a replacement agent, saying she has gone to London, and Paris and Tokyo. Thea Hail in the background: “I believe in Joe Hendry!” And Hendry pops out of a trashcan to say that they might be celebrating early. Then Hail wheels the trashcan, and Hendry, away. I’ve heard of far worse ideas.

Women’s Title: Tatum Paxley vs. Lola Vice

Paxley, with the Culling, is defending. Vice headlocks her to start but Paxley reverses into one of her own. Back up and Vice chops away, setting up a springboard armdrag. Paxley works on the arm as we go split screen to see Fatal Influence coming inside. Vice fights up but here is Fatal Influence to jump Izzi Dame on the floor. Fatal Influence gets on the apron as Vice and Paxley go back to back, with the ensuing brawl drawing the double DQ at 3:57.

Rating: C. This was more of an angle than a match, which opens up some other issues. You can have Paxley defending against Fatal Influence, along with Izzi Dame lurking around not being happy about what Paxley is doing. Yeah Paxley probably mainly won the title because of the Halloween season, but she’s off to a nice start as champion so maybe there’s something to this.

Blake Monroe is in a bath and plugs Maybelline before bragging about winning the Women’s North American Title. Her first title defense will be in New York City at Gold Rush.

Earlier today, NXT Anonymous saw Je’Von Evans talking to Leon Slater about what has happened tonight. They talk about the Tag Team Titles but Slater has to go talk to Santino Marella. Darkstate comes in and threatens Evans, with a tease of a title match.

Sol Ruca and Zaria are asked about the Women’s North American Title, with Zaria saying she’s entering the Speed tournament to win in Ruca’s honor. Fatal Influence pops in with Jacy Jayne saying she’s getting her title back.

We recap the Trick Williams/Ricky Saints issues.

TNA Knockouts Title: Jordynne Grace vs. Kelani Jordan

Grace is challenging and grabs a headlock to start. Back up and Jordan picks up the pace with a few flips and spins. Jordan sends her into the ropes for a neck snap, setting up a Lionsault, which grazes Grace’s arm on the way down. Grace is sent knee first into the steps and we take a break. We come back with Grace hitting a reverse Alabama Slam but favoring her knee. They strike it out with Grace getting the better of things, including some slams.

Jordan goes after the knee, only for Grace to come back with a spinning spinebuster for two. The Juggernaut Driver is blocked and Jordan is back with a split legged handspring Stunner for two of her own. Grace drops her again but the knee gives out on the Vader Bomb attempt.

Back up and a powerbomb gives Grace two, as does Jordan’s rollup. They go up top with Jordan hitting a super Spanish Fly….and here are Trick Williams and Ricky Saints to brawl into the arena. Jordan loads up the belt shot but throws it down, leaving Grace to grab a rolling German suplex for two. Williams and Saints brawl in the ring and NOW Jordan uses the belt shot to retain at 12:29.

Rating: B-. Egads Grace’s fall continues and I’m not sure where that is going to stop. At some point she needs to win something, as everything that made her feel special coming into NXT feels long gone. It’s like she’s just trying to find something to do and it’s not like there are all kinds of people just like her. Jordan going heel is the right move, as it might help give her something of a personality, which she certainly needs.

Post match Williams and Saints keep brawling, with Saints spearing him through a wooden wall. Cue Ava to say that it’s a Last Man Standing match for the title in two weeks.

Overall Rating: B-. A lot of this show felt like fallout from Halloween Havoc, though the Saints vs. Williams feud continuing is a bit much. Maybe they just don’t think they have time to set up someone new, but it doesn’t feel like the most thrilling match. On the other hand, it does feel like there are some bright spots on the horizon, with names like Borne and Grey having my attention. Not a great show, but they’re getting ready for the bigger stuff in the next few weeks.

Results
Jasper Troy b. Axiom – Black Hole Slam
Kendal Grey b. Lash Legend – Shades Of Grey
Myles Borne b. Tavion Heights – Small package
Tatum Paxley vs. Lola Vice went to a double DQ when Fatal Influence interfered
Kelani Jordan b. Jordynne Grace – Belt shot

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Halloween Havoc 2025
Date: October 25, 2025
Location: Findlay Toyota Center, Prescott Valley, Arizona
Commentators: Booker T., Vic Joseph

It’s another special and in this case we have a theme which can be quite fun if done right. In this case we have a pair of themed matches, with the Day Of The Dead match for the North American Title and a Broken Rules match for the Tag Team Titles. That’s in addition to all of the usual shenanigans so let’s get to it.

The opening video shows the Arizona desert, where things get all the creepier at night. This shifts into a standard look at the show’s card, as usual.

The set has the rather awesome graveyard theme again, which makes things look that much better.

Leon Slater/Je’Von Evans vs. Mr. Iguana/La Parka

Slater and Evans dance to Iguana’s entrance and…yeah fair enough. Evans works on Parka’s arm to start and gets hit in the face for his efforts. They forearm it out until Evans grabs a springboard armdrag. Parka sticks the landing and kicks him away, only for Evans to come back with a springboard hurricanrana. Iguana and Slater come in with Iguana being knocked down for his dead animal pose.

Back up and a hurricanrana takes Slater down and Iguana flips up into a seated pose, which has Slater confused. Evans comes back in and helps plant Iguana, meaning it’s time for some dancing. Iguana enziguris Slater and brings Parka back in as the fast pace continues. The lizard is thrown at Slater, meaning a game of hot potato breaks out. Iguana hits a big flip dive, followed by Parka’s top rope moonsault to take all of them down.

Back in and Evans gets slammed down, setting up a Paradise Lock for Parka’s dropkick. Evans finally suplexes his way out of trouble and brings Slater back in to pick up the pace. A neckbreaker gets two on Iguana and it’s already back to Evans, who drops him for two more. Iguana’s cross armbreaker goes on but Evans powerbombs him into the corner for the break. Evans and Parka strike it out, with Parker being knocked over to Iguana for another tag.

Slater knocks Iguana into the corner so Parka comes back in, only to get knocked out of the air. A slingshot ax kick hits Parka in the ropes and Slater’s big running flip dive takes both of them out at once. One heck of a frog splash gives Slater two….but Slater and Evans are distracted by Iguana’s lizard. Slater knocks Iguana away so Iguana hits him with the lizard in a funny bit. Parka adds a kind of spinning brainbuster for two and things slow down. Iguana takes Slater down again but Evans and Iguana miss springboard cutters at the same time. Evans and Parka fight to the floor, leaving Slater to hit his Swanton 450 for the pin at 17:56.

Rating: B. This was the right choice for the opener, as they went out and got to do all of their big spots, which made for a fun start to the show. As usual, Slater and Evans can do some incredible stuff and the fans love the weirdness that is Iguana. Parka fight the Halloween theme perfectly and it worked as a result.

Sol Ruca gets to be ringside for the Women’s North American Title match tonight but she can’t wrestle. Zaria says it’s ok and promises Ruca will keep the title. Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame come in, with Dame saying she’s not convinced.

We recap El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Ethan Page for the North American Title. Page has been mocking Wagner, Wagner wanted a fight, it’s a Day Of The Dead match, which basically means street fight.

North American Title: Ethan Page vs. El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.

Day Of The Dead match with Page defending. They slug it out to start until Wagner sends him outside for a dive. That means a chair to Page’s back (and a loud one at that), followed by a nice missile dropkick for two back inside. Page gets tied up in the Paradise Lock and a chair is dropkicked into his back for two. Wagner chairs and trashcans him in the back but Page is able to flip him off the top.

The Confidence Breaker with a trashcan lid gets two and Page unloads with the lid. Page sends him outside to keep up the beating, including some choking with a piece of a skeleton. Wagner is sent into a table leg and then whipped into a pair of corners with a chair each for two.

Page isn’t happy with these kickouts and starts ripping at the mask in frustration. The top half of the mask is ripped off and Wagner is shaking in anger. Wagner makes his comeback and strikes away, including a rope walk Codebreaker for two. A trashcan shot sets up a Coast To Coast for two on Page, who manages to send Wagner into a chair in the corner.

Ego’s Edge onto the trashcan gets two so Page goes up, with Wagner pulling him down with a super hurricanrana onto an open chair (YEOWCH!) for another near fall. A moonsault gives Wagner two more and the table is set up, but Page fights out of the corner. The mask is twisted around Wagner’s face to blind him so Page throws powder in his eyes for a bonus. A super Twisted Grin through the table retains the title at 18:23.

Rating: B. These guys beat the fire out of each other and Wagner’s comeback in the end worked well. This one felt like a more personal feud and rivalry and that made for a better brawl between the two of them. Page is turning into quite the player with his title reign and his status has gone up as a result.

Kelani Jordan is in her own locker room when Jordynne Grace (dressed as Velma from Scooby-Doo) comes in. She says Jordan has crossed a line and is acting like she’s untouchable but Jordan doesn’t see it that way. Grace thinks she’ll stick around and suggests she’ll come after the Knockouts Title. Jordan says her reign makes the title more important so Grace slaps her in the face.

On November 18 and 25, it’s Gold Rush, with titles from Evolve, TNA, AAA and NXT being defended in New York.

Women’s North American Title: Blake Monroe vs. Zaria

Zaria is defending in Sol Ruca’s place (with Ruca at ringside). It’s a brawl to start with Zaria getting the better of things but Monroe slips out of a slam. A choke doesn’t work for Monroe as Zaria drops her face first onto the buckle. Back up and Monroe gets in a shot of her own, allowing her to rake the eyes over the rope.

Monroe starts in on the arm but a double arm DDT is blocked. Zaria muscles her over with something like a Samoan drop and we hit a torture rack. Somehow Monroe manages to reverse into a cross armbreaker, which is broken up with the usual powerbomb. For some reason the fans start chanting for Booker T. before the women collide and crash out to the floor. Zaria’s arm is banged up so she slams it into the steps…and Ruca sends her into the post, which fixes the problem.

Back in and Zaria’s F5 is countered into a cross armbreaker. That’s escaped so Monroe hits a running knee for two. Monroe grabs her hair pick but Zaria spears her down for two more. They go outside, where Monroe trips over Ruca’s cane to knock her down. Zaria drops Monroe inside and checks on Ruca, allowing Monroe to grab a DDT on the floor. Back in and the double arm DDT gives Monroe the pin and the title at 11:05.

Rating: C+. I am still not feeling it with Zaria and that was the case again here. The result was the only logical option here as Monroe has already lost enough big matches. Let her win something for a change and throw a wrench into Zaria and Ruca’s friendship. That isn’t going to go well for the two of them while Monroe needed the win. Good storytelling, ok match.

Wren Sinclair is explaining Lash Legend’s recent actions to Kendal Grey and Karmen Petrovic. Charlie Dempsey is on the phone and asks about the No Quarter Catch Crew but Sinclair says the phone is messing up and cuts it off. Legend comes in to talk down to Grey and promises to take the title on NXT.

Women’s Title: Tatum Paxley vs. Jacy Jayne

Jayne, with Fatal Influence, is defending and the Culling is here with Paxley. They fight over wrist control to start with Paxley’s headscissors attempt being shoved away. Paxley knocks her down and ties up the hands and legs at the same time. A step up enziguri sends Jayne outside but she’s able to catapult Paxley throat first into the bottom of the ring structure to take over.

Fatal Influence gets in some choking from the floor and a Cannonball gives Jayne two. A triangle choke goes on but Paxley breaks it up and slugs away. Jayne isn’t having that and knocks her down for two more. The chinlock goes on for a big until Paxley fights up and strikes away, with a fisherman’s suplex getting another near fall. Paxley takes too much time going up and gets crotched down, allowing Jayne to grab a super backbreaker.

Shawn Spears puts the foot on the rope though and it’s time for the groups to brawl on the floor. Everyone is ejected and Jayne isn’t sure what she’s supposed to do now. The answer seems to be knee Paxley in the face for two but the Rolling Encore misses. Paxley is back up with her own Rolling Encore, followed by a 450 for two more.

Jayne is sent outside and dropped onto the apron but comes back with a superkick. They forearm it out until they both hit running boots to leave them both down. Cue the Culling and Fatal Influence again to distract the referee. Izzi Dame loads up the belt and teases swinging at Paxley but gets dropped with Jayne’s Rolling Encore. The Cemetery Drive gives Paxley pin and the title at 16:28.

Rating: B-. I’m surprised they actually pulled the trigger as Jayne was starting to roll with her title reign, but there is something to be said about Paxley getting the shock title win. She fits into the Halloween theme and then gets to basically do the same thing Jayne did when she won the belt. Throw in the Dame drama and this was a nice packaging.

Post match Dame sits on the floor while the Culling celebrates with Paxley. Dame gets in the ring and celebrates with them.

Myles Borne complains to Ava about Josh Briggs. She’ll figure it out and is ready to give Borne a match with Briggs but Tavion Heights comes in to say he should be facing Briggs instead. Ava puts them against each other instead, and they seem to be ok with it.

Deadline is coming on December 6.

Tag Team Titles: Darkstate vs. Hardys

The Hardys are defending in a Broken Rules match, meaning all four members of Darkstate can be involved. It’s a brawl to start and a double DDT gets an early two on Griffin. Jeff’s middle rope splash gets two on Lennox but the numbers cut the Hardys off. The Hardys are back up with chairs and Griffin is sent outside, with his legs crashing into a table. Jeff puts him through the table but James and Shugars take over on Matt outside.

Some ladder shots get the Hardys out of trouble, allowing Jeff to set up more tables as Matt beats on James. Shugars and James are put through the tables but Griffin and Lennox are back up for the save. Lennox kendo sticks Matt down inside and Jeff is slammed through a trashcan. Matt is powerbombed into a ladder in the corner and a 3D gives Lennox two. Jeff comes back in for the save with a pair of kendo sticks but Lennox breaks that up.

They go outside with the Hardys being sent into the timekeeper’s area in some rather nasty crashes. Back in and it’s a Twisting Stunner into the Twist of Fate to drop Griffin. The Swanton gets two, as does the Plot Twist to Lennox and we settle down again. The Hardys go outside and set up some tables, which can’t end well.

Jeff climbs to the top of the ladder and crashes through the tables as Griffin moves. Back in and Lennox spinebusters Matt for two but Matt is back up with another table. Matt gets tied in the Tree Of Woe and it’s a Doomsday Device from a ladder on the floor through a table to pin Jeff for the titles at 19:08.

Rating: B. The Hardys can do this kind of match in their sleep and it’s nice to see Darkstate get the titles back. There was no reason for the Hardys to be long term champions and it makes Darkstate feel like a bigger deal to beat the legend. This is what it should have been, though dang it went on for awhile. Trim a few seconds down and it’s better, but it’s still good as it lasts.

Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans aren’t happy with Darkstate winning and talk about the numbers game. Evans thinks they should win the Tag Team Titles. Slater is in…as soon as he can get free.

El Grande Americano is ready to face either winner of the Speed tournament.

NXT Title: Ricky Saints vs. Trick Williams

Saints is defending. Williams jumps him to start fast and hits a hard dropkick. Saints is sent outside and rammed into the announcers’ table, which Williams very slowly loads up. That’s enough for Saints to get away though and hammer on Williams back inside. Saints is sent over the top so Williams can dance a bit, allowing Saints to hit him with a running forearm.

They head outside again with Saints being sent into a variety of things, followed by a sidekick for two back inside. A flapjack gives Williams two and a Blockbuster connects for the same, followed by a front facelock. Some suplexes drop Saints until he’s able to hit one of his own for a needed breather.

Williams neckbreakers him for two more but Saints, who is busted open, grabs a flapjack. Old School into a Russian legsweep puts Williams down but he avoids a moonsault. A Boston crab has Saints in trouble, followed by a Rock Bottom for two. Back up and Saints grabs a crossface, with Williams making it to the rope.

They go outside with Williams grabbing the title but Saints kicks him in the face. Saints is quickly put through the announcers’ table, followed by the Trick Shot for two. A rebound lariat drops Williams, allowing Saints to get a breather. Saints gets something like a Stundog Millionaire, followed by a spear. The springboard tornado DDT retains the title at 16:48.

Rating: B-. Here’s the thing: it’s not a bad match and they went back and forth for a pretty long time, but there wasn’t enough of a story to make this work. They didn’t even have a recap before the match because…well because there wasn’t anything to talk about. It needed more of a story and reason for them to be fighting, as this didn’t feel important in the slightest.

Tatum Paxley and the Culling are rather pleased with their title win to wrap up the show.

Overall Rating: B. This was a weird case where the action was good throughout with nothing being bad, but it could not have felt much less important. The main event felt like it belonged at the start of the second hour of a regular TV show and even the title changes didn’t come off as big deals. It’s a fine show and the Halloween Havoc theme was good, but it didn’t feel big in the slightest.

Results
Leon Slater/Je’Von Evans b. La Parka/Mr. Iguana – Swanton 450 to Iguana
Ethan Page b. El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. – Super Twisted Grin through a table
Blake Monroe b. Zaria – Double arm DDT
Tatum Paxley b. Jacy Jayne – Cemetery Drive
Darkstate b. Hardys – Doomsday Device to Jeff through a table
Ricky Saints b. Trick Williams – Spear

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

So after about a week and a half away from Bound For Glory…we’re still not ready for new content. Instead, after last week’s studio show, this week will be a special documentary from the show and the build towards it, called Fade To Black. That’s a cool idea, though I’m not sure if it’s going to make it through two hours. Let’s get to it.

We open with a look at the show coming to Boston (or close enough).

TNA President Carlos Silva addresses the roster, talking about how it’s time to push towards the biggest show of the year and hopefully break their attendance record. He also says how great it is to have everyone here, including Chris Bey, who is still recovering from his horrible neck injury. Bey talks about how the wrestlers in TNA make him work harder to recover.

Boston native Eddie Edwards talks about how important it is to finally have a major event in his city.

Commentary talks about how hard they want to work to live up to the previous teams’ efforts.

Mike Santana’s daughter is excited for her dad’s match.

We look at the Beautiful People and Mickie James being inducted into the Hall Of Fame.

Now we’re on to the show itself, starting with Steve Maclin defeating Frankie Kazarian to regain the International Title. And now, the match itself:

International Title: Steve Maclin vs. Frankie Kazarian

Maclin is challenging and takes Kazarian out with a suicide dive to start fast. Kazarian is sent inside, where he’s able to grab a sunset bomb. Hold on though as Kazarian goes over to yell at Maclin’s mom, who flips him off. Back in and Maclin fights out of a chickenwing before grabbing one of his own.

That’s broken up but Maclin powerbombs a springboard out of the air, setting up a Boston crab. Kazarian gets out and hits Angel’s Wings for two but a middle rope Fade To Black is blocked. Instead Kazarian grabs a slingshot cutter and ties Maclin in the Tree Of Woe. The spear misses though, allowing Maclin to hit the real thing. The KIA gives Maclin the pin and the title back at 8:00.

Rating: C+. It’s a quick, hard hitting match to open the show with a feel good moment for the fans. Maclin getting the title back from Kazarian so soon is more than a surprise, though it’s a good sign for Maclin’s future. I’m not sure what is next for him, but he makes for a good midcard champion so putting him back in the spot isn’t a bad move.

We look at Kelani Jordan retaining the Knockouts Title over Indi Hartwell.

Next up is Eddie Edwards, who is returning to his hometown and wrestled in the Hardcore War as the System defeated Order 4.

We look at Leon Slater pinning Stacks to retain the X-Division Title on NXT. After the match, Slater/Je’Von Evans vs. La Parka/Mr. Iguana was set for Halloween Havoc.

We look at the X-Division Title match from Bound For Glory, featuring a time limit draw and a no contest. Because reasons.

We look at Chris Bey’s injury recovery from his neck injury. Now Bey is walking on his own power and was at Bound For Glory as a special appearance.

We get a video building up the One Final Table match. The Hardys and Team 3D had a long history, dating back over twenty five years and now it’s time for one last match.

Team 3D talks about their history together and how they met when they were training in New York. Then they got together as a team in 1996 and the Hardys watched them to see just how great they were. Eventually they came together and had a tables match at the 2000 Royal Rumble which was rather awesome (though saying they stole the show might be a stretch).

Team 3D then came to TNA and had success but then split up, with Ray eventually becoming Bully Ray and the World Heavyweight Champion. At the same time, D-Von wants his daughters to see him in the ring as they were too young to make that happen. Jeff Hardy’s daughter agrees.

We take a quick look at the match, with the Hardys winning and Team 3D hanging up their boots in their final match together.

Mike Santana’s daughter is proud of her dad for winning after such a long push towards the title. After the match, Santana presented the title to his daughter and told the roster how it’s time to keep moving forward.

We look at the show as a whole.

And now, the main event.

TNA World Title: Trick Williams vs. Mike Santana

Santana is challenging and Williams runs his mouth during the Big Match Intros. As a result, Santana jumps him to start the brawl and they head into the crowd before the opening bell. They get back to ringside with Williams getting in a belt shot. That’s enough for them to get back inside for the opening bell, with the Trick Kick connecting for two. Santana’s comeback is cut off with a backdrop to the floor, where Williams gets in a posting. A shot with the steps misses but Santana, now bleeding, gets backdropped onto said steps.

We take a break and come back with Santana grabbing the Rolling Buck Fifty into the Cannonball for two. Santana goes up but gets slammed down onto the apron for a NASTY crash. Williams yells at Santana’s daughter and gets slapped in the face, earning himself a big flip dive from Santana. A 450 gives Santana two so Williams’ lawyer offers a distraction.

That doesn’t get him very far as Santana boots Williams in the head, only for Williams to grab a super Rock Bottom for two more. Back up and they trade shots to the face until Spin The Block gives Santana two. The lawyer gets in again so it’s Spin The Block to take him down, leaving Williams to hit the Trick Shot for two more. Santana cuts off another Trick Shot with a clothesline though and Spin The Block gives Santana the pin and the title at 13:16 shown of 16:12.

Rating: B. The point here was to have Santana get the win and that is exactly what happened. What matters here is giving Santana the title to save it from NXT and making him into the new big star. The match quality itself, which good enough, is completely secondary to the moment and they nailed that part rather well.

Post match Santana presents the title to his daughter in a great moment (everything with Nic Nemeth/Frankie Kazarian/Elijah is left out, as it should be) to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. I’m not sure how to rate this, as it was basically a behind the scenes documentary with two matches included as bonus features. The matches are things we’ve seen before, though they need to have something fresh sooner rather than later. What matters here though is it seemed that the wrestlers were all feeling it with this show and putting in their best efforts. It’s a nice look behind the scenes at the biggest show of the year, and for a one off, that was fun to see.

Results
Steve Maclin b. Frankie Kazarian – KIA
Mike Santana b. Trick Williams – Spin The Block

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: October 21, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re rapidly approaching this weekend’s Halloween Havoc and some of the card has already been announced. The rest of the show should be put together tonight so we should be in for a rapid fire build here. Other than that, we have the start of the latest Speed Title #1 contenders tournament so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Here is new #1 contender to the Women’s Title, Tatum Paxley, with the rest of the Culling. The fans tell Paxley that she deserves it and she says she freaking did it. Paxley talks about the lows she has achieved in the last four years but the people have always had her back. Everything is going right for her on the way to Halloween Havoc and she knows that the Culling will have her back as she wins the Women’s Title.

Cue Fatal Influence, with Jacy Jayne saying Paxley is the latest person to come after the title. Yeah Jayne was beatable to start but look where they are now. Paxley says that now she’s the one no one believes in but she keeps getting better and better. Fallon Henley says the Culling might leave Paxley after she leaves so Izzi Dame calls out Fatal Influence for turning on Jazmyn Nyx. They argue over whose friendship is stronger, with Henley calling Paxley “Tater Tot”. A challenge is issued for a tag match and Fatal Influence is cleared out.

Stacks is in the back with Arianna Grace, who apparently got him the X-Division Title shot. They’re also apparently an item.

Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans are disturbed by the new couple and want some opponents.

TNA X-Division Title: Leon Slater vs. Stacks

Stacks, with Arianna Grace, is challenging and Leon Slater has Je’Von Evans with him. They fight over wrist control to start until Stacks sends him into the corner, only to get kicked away. Another whip into the corner works a bit better for Stacks but Slater bounces up with a spinning kick to the face. Stacks is sent outside for a slingshot dive and Evans jumps on commentary to send us to a break.

We come back with Slater fighting out of an abdominal stretch but getting dropped ribs first onto the top rope. A belly to back faceplant and fireman’s carry gutbuster give Stacks two but Slater fights up. Slater kicks Grace off the apron and right into Evans’ arms, followed by the big running flip dive over the top to take Stacks down. Back in and the Swanton 450 retains the title at 10:56.

Rating: B-. Stacks is a good hand in the middle of the card (with the Heritage Cup feeling more and more forgotten every week) and putting him in a match like this is a good way to go. At the same time, I’m curious about the idea of someone using Grace to get to Santino Marella, as it’s an interesting enough idea. Slater continues to look like more of a star every time he’s in the ring and he is absolutely worth following going forward.

Post match Slater and Evans say they want a tag match and don’t care who they face. Cue La Parka and Mr. Iguana to say they have a match with Slater and Evans for Halloween Havoc. AAA is taking over Arizona.

Zachary Wentz wants the Speed Title.

Speed Title #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: Zachary Wentz vs. Jasper Troy

Wentz dodges around to start and kicks him down to the floor. A dive connects with a minute gone but another dive is blocked. That’s fine with Wentz, who hits his third dive, followed by a Swanton for two back inside. Troy runs him over and grabs a Black Hole Slam for the win at 2:05.

Kelani Jordan finds her clothes thrown out of the locker room. Most of the women say Jordan chose TNA and walk off. Jordynne Grace is on Jordan’s side but Jordan doesn’t want to hear it because it’s always about Grace, who probably just wants the title back.

Darkstate brags about taking out the Hardys…and we warp to the Hardy Compound. Oh no. And yes they’re Broken again (via the Lake Of Reincarnation) and the match at Halloween Havoc will be under Broken Rules. If it’s a one off, fine.

We look at Sol Ruca being injured last week on Smackdown.

Ruca, on crutches, is coming to the ring with Zaria, who asks if Ruca wants to do this. Ruca is sure.

Here are Ruca and Zaria for a chat with Ava. Ruca is upset and says she hates to admit it but she can’t defend her title at Halloween Havoc. She’s not going to hold up the division when there are so many people coming for the gold. Cue Blake Monroe to say she’ll take the title right now. Zaria isn’t having this because we don’t give handouts around here. Ruca admits that Monroe is right but Zaria offers to defend the title in Ruca’s place. Ava agrees and Ruca signs off on it, so Zaria lays Monroe out with an F5.

Axiom wants the Speed Title.

Sean Legacy likes his chances against Axiom.

Myles Borne and Tavion Heights are upset with recent losses when Josh Briggs comes in to say there isn’t room for them while he’s around.

Speed Title Tournament #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: Axiom vs. Sean Legacy

Axiom misses a running dropkick to start but slips out of the Shambles attempt. A suplex drops Axiom again and a reverse DDT gives Legacy two. Legacy’s springboard is countered but Axiom’s triangle choke is countered. Back up and Legacy grabs a running Spanish Fly as we have a minute left. A nice superkick drops Axiom, who pops to his feet for a jumping knee. Legacy kicks him down but gets caught up top with a super Spanish Fly to give Axiom the pin at 2:58. That was some nice timing at the end and they packed in a lot of stuff here.

Ethan Page is ready to take out El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. at Halloween Havoc.

Hank & Tank vs. OTM

Hank & Tank start the brawl in the aisle and hit stereo dives to take OTM out on the floor. We get the opening bell with Price avoiding a charge in the corner but choking Hank on the ropes anyway. Hank gets choked in the corner as well and a running stomp plants him again. Back up and Hank manages to get over for the tag off to Tank for the house cleaning. Nima is right back with a tilt-a-whirl slam though and the assisted Alabama Slam finishes for Price at 3:35.

Rating: C. This was all about making OTM look like a monster team again and they did it well here. That’s what you need every so often, especially with OTM having been gone for so long. Smashing through former Tag Team Champions is a good look and OTM came off as dominant in their return.

Post match OTM puts Hank through the announcers’ table.

After shilling some Maybelline, Wren Sinclair talks to Lash Legend, who isn’t impressed. Kendal Grey comes in and seems to challenge Legend, who doesn’t seem worried.

Halloween Havoc rundown.

Culling vs. Fatal Influence

Reid and Paxley start things off with Paxley charging into a boot in the corner but avoiding an elbow. Jayne comes in to miss a charge in the corner and get caught by a kind of running crossbody. Dame slams Jayne for two but Jayne is back up with a quick clothesline. A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker cuts Jayne off again and it’s back to Paxley, who cleans house. Jayne manages a neckbreaker though and Paxley is down as we take a break.

We come back with Dame getting the hot tag to clean house, including a double clothesline. A chokeslam gets two on Jayne but Dame is knocked into the corner. Paxley tags herself back in to pick up the pace but Fallon Henley gets pulled in. Dame and Reid fight on the floor and it’s the Rolling Encore to pin Paxley at 10:13.

Rating: C+. That’s quite the weird way to go for the result as Paxley is already not the strongest challenger but she loses to the champion here. In theory that points to a title change on Saturday and…I could see it happening. Either that or Dame turns on Paxley, but either way, at least there is a set of options here and that’s a good sign.

Post match Fatal Influence sends Dame into the steps. Paxley gets surrounded but fights out of trouble and holds up the title.

Here is Ava for the NXT Title contract signing. Trick Williams and Ricky Saints come out, with Booker T. being quite the Trick fan. Williams talks about waiting for his moment and that’s why he’s in the main event. That’s why he made Saints wait at Showdown, because Williams is the only one who can carry this place. The only thing he is loyal to is himself, which is why he’s going to become a three time NXT Champion. Williams signs and Saints talks about how Williams was a big deal but lost the plot along the way.

Saints knows Williams was ready to move away a long time ago. Williams says he doesn’t belong on the indies and he sees someone cosplaying as champion when he looks at Saints. Then he’s winning the title back and the Absolute Era will be absolutely ever. Saints says he’s smoother and “silkier” than Williams could ever be. The fight is on but Saints F5’s him through a table.

One more Halloween Havoc rundown ends the show.

Overall Rating: B-. This was a show with a clear focus and that part worked out well. While there are issues with some of the matches at Halloween Havoc, I’m more interested in seeing the show than I was coming in. The wrestling here was only so good, but that wasn’t the point this time. It made for a good enough show here, and now we get to see what happens at the big event later this week.

Results
Leon Slater b. Stacks – Swanton 450
Jasper Troy b. Zachary Wentz – Black Hole Slam
Axiom b. Sean Legacy – Super Spanish Fly
OTM b. Hank & Tank – Assisted Alabama Slam to Tank
Fatal Influence b. Culling – Rolling Encore to Paxley

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: October 14, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re done with Showdown and it’s already time to get ready for Halloween Havoc. The show is in less than two weeks and that means it’s time to hit the ground running here. This week features a battle royal to find a new #1 contender for the Women’s Title, which should go well enough. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a long recap of Showdown.

Here is Ricky Saints to get things going. Saints talks about how Trick Williams quit last week and that’s because Williams is soft. Williams pops up on screen to say they’ll deal with this but it’s going to be on Williams’ time. Saints wants to fight and the challenge is on for Halloween Havoc.

Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater, whose X-Division Title match at Bound For Glory was interrupted by Darkstate, want some revenge when the Hardys come in. They think Darkstate’s attack was a shot at them and they’re ready to lay in receipts in the rematch with Darkstate at Halloween Havoc. Evans and Slater say they have the Hardys’ backs anytime.

Earlier today Jordynne Grace and Kelani Jordan argued in the back, with Grace saying she would see her in the battle royal.

Matt Cardona vs. Josh Briggs

Cardona knocks him into the corner to start and the fans are rather pleased. A middle rope dropkick puts Briggs down and Cardona hammers away in the corner. Briggs sends him face first into the buckle as the fans want Briggs to go away. A running clothesline drops Cardona again but he’s able to get in a backdrop to the floor. The big running flip dive drops Briggs again and we take a break.

We come back with Cardona in trouble but Briggs is getting frustrated. Cardona sends him into the corner for a running boot to the face, followed by an Unprettier for two. A chokeslam gives Briggs the same so he loads up the chain, which is cut off with Radio Silence for another near fall. Another Unprettier and a tornado DDT are both countered so Briggs boots him in the face for the pin at 11:45.

Rating: C+. Well I’m sure this will entice Cardona to come back around here more often. He might not be a regular around here, but Cardona feels like a bigger deal than Briggs, who hasn’t been doing much in the way of importance recently. Hopefully this isn’t it for Cardona around here as it could be interesting to see what a serious version of him could do in WWE, but this isn’t a great start.

Hank & Tank talk to Chase U and Lyra Valkyria (what a group) when the Culling come in to pull Valkyria away. Izzi Dame mocks the idea of the two teams getting a Tag Team Title shot but Andre Chase seems ready to get a triple threat #1 contenders match ready. Dame promises to win the battle royal.

Video on Fatal Influence, who want to reshape the women’s division. They’re glad that Jazmyn Nyx is gone, having been replaced by Lainey Reid.

El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Lexis King

Wagner works on the arm to start and drops him with a shoulder. That lets Wagner casually walk over his back before striking away in the corner. King comes back up to walk the ropes, only to drop down and slap him in the mask. Wagner sends him to the floor, where King is nice enough to stand right in place for the moonsault as we take a break.

We come back with Wagner being sent outside, allowing King to send him knee first into the apron. A dragon screw legwhip sets up a leglock but Wagner is able to fight up. The knee is fine enough to kick King in the corner, followed by a Shining Wizard. The Michinoku Driver finishes King at 11:41.

Rating: C. I try to like King, but there is only so much to get out of him at this point. It just isn’t working and that is becoming more and more obvious. Maybe he’s better as a talker or something, but at this point he’s just kind of there and putting others over, which isn’t a great way for him to go.

Post match Wagner calls out Ethan Page, who comes out to say how tiring it is to be North American Champion. The match seems to be set for Halloween Havoc, but Wagner says it’s going to be a Day Of The Dead match where anything goes.

Sol Ruca and Zaria are talking about makeup until Zaria can’t believe that Ruca is in the battle royal tonight. How many titles does Ruca need? Zaria was hoping Ruca would be in her corner but apparently not.

Santino Marella and Ava are in the back with Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater. They want a tag match at Halloween Havoc but Stacks and Arianna Grace (Where the heck have they been?) come in. Stacks gets an X-Division Title shot. We hear a commotion and Trick Williams has attacked Ricky Saints. Apparently that counts as “his time”.

Blake Monroe vs. Zaria

Zaria backs her into and then throws her out of the corner to start. Another toss out of the corner has Monroe in trouble but she manages a facebuster. Zaria’s leg gets tied up in the ropes but she’s able to get in a lifting choke. Monroe knocks her outside and we take a quick break.

We come back with Zaria fighting out of a chinlock but getting kneed right back down. The chinlock goes on again so Zaria jawbreaks her way to freedom. A shot to the face just wakes Zaria up but Monroe headbutts her away. It’s time for a chair but here is Sol Ruca to take it away. The distraction lets Monroe hit Zaria in the neck with a hair pick, setting up a DDT for the pin at 9:47.

Rating: C. The issues between Zaria and Ruca are going to continue and that’s not likely going to end well for either of them. Zaria could use the change of pace as her time around here hasn’t exactly been thrilling thus far. If nothing else, it’s nice to see Monroe getting a win as she hasn’t had much going on lately either.

Ava announces a Men’s Speed Title #1 contenders tournament. Who is asking for these things to continue?

Hank & Tank vs. Chase U vs. Culling

Tank, Vance and Connors trade rollups for two each to start. Spears comes in with a Codebreaker to Tank, sending him over for the tag off to Hank. Tank is right back in with a middle rope elbow to Spears but Chase U is right there with stereo dives to the floor. Back in and Vance takes over on Connors but Hank & Tank send Vance outside. Everyone but Connors collides in the ring…and OTM is here to jump them all for the no contest at 3:34.

Rating: C+. As usual, the action was certainly there, but you’re only going to get so much out of such a short match. The ending adds another team to the mix, which is a good sign as the tag division only has so much quality. There are multiple teams, but most of them are basically warm bodies, which isn’t a great sign for the division’s future.

Post match OTM wrecks everyone, with the fans approving.

Sol Ruca and Zaria make peace, with Ruca giving Zaria her spot in the battle royal.

Ricky Saints goes looking for Trick Williams but Ava says Williams is gone. They’ll see each other next week at the Halloween Havoc contract signing.

Halloween Havoc rundown.

Darkstate has attacked the Hardys.

Battle Royal

Jordynne Grace, Lash Legend, Lei Ying Lee, Xia Brookside, Victoria Crawford, Jaida Parker, Kendal Grey, Tatum Paxley, Wren Sinclair, Karmen Petrovic, Zaria, Mara Sade, Kelani Jordan, Cassie Lee, Jessie McKay, Arianna Grace, Kali Armstrong, Izzi Dame, Heather By Elegance, Thea Hail, Lola Vice

For the Halloween Havoc Women’s Title shot. Paxley is sent to the apron to start but manages to save herself. Petrovic is out and Paxley saves herself again, as does Arianna. Crawford and Arianna team up on the apron and are promptly knocked out by Jordynne. Armstrong gets rid of Lee as the ring is starting to clear out a bit. Sinclair is eliminated and McKay has to save Lee, who is tossed out immediately thereafter.

Legend and Sade (former partners) have a reunion with Legend saving her, only for Zaria to deck Legend, who crashes into Sade for the elimination. Armstrong knocks Brookside out and Legend boots Parker in the face to get rid of her as well. That doesn’t work for Parker, who beats up Brookside as everyone gets together to toss Legend.

We take a break and come back with Hail (who eliminated Heather during the break) being eliminated, along with Armstrong. Cue Blake Monroe to jump Sol Ruca (at ringside, not an entrant), which is enough for Zaria to eliminate herself for the save. Vice is tossed in a bit of a surprise and Grey gets rid of McKay. Jordan tries a sunset bomb to the floor to get rid of Jordynne…and then walks on her hands (Vic: “Kofi Kingston-esque!”) towards the apron. She gets her feet in the ropes and starts to pull herself up, where Jordynne casually stomps her down for the elimination (that was oddly hilarious).

We’re down to Grey, Dame, Jordynne and Paxley, with Jordynne and Grey skinning the cat to avoid eliminations. Jordynne plants everyone but doesn’t get any eliminations, leaving Grey to grab a diving tornado DDT onto Dame. Paxley is sent to the apron again and Dame gets rid of Grey to get us down to three. Paxley holds Jordynne for a running clothesline from Dame, which causes the two of them to crash out to the floor, leaving Paxley as the surprise winner at 15:28.

Rating: B-. I liked this more than I was expecting, if nothing else due to the twist ending. That’s something that works in a battle royal (just like we saw earlier in the year with Myles Borne) as Paxley basically won by accident. It makes things a bit more interesting and lets us have a fresh title match, which is always welcome.

Fatal Influence comes out for the staredown and Lyra Valkyria is here to celebrate with Paxley to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show was kind of all over the place, with none of the matches standing out and all kinds of stuff happening throughout. In this case though, it wasn’t exactly a great show with a bunch of stuff dragging along. Halloween Havoc was set up fairly well, but I could have gone with a better way of getting there.

Results
Josh Briggs b. Matt Cardona – Big boot
El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. b. Lexis King – Michinoku Driver
Blake Monroe b. Zaria – DDT
Hank & Tank vs. Chase U vs. Culling went to a no content when OTM interfered
Tatum Paxley won a battle royal last eliminating Izzy Dame and Jordynne Grace

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Bound For Glory 2025
Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Tsongas Center, Lowell, Massachusetts
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

It’s the biggest night of the year and in this case we have some more guest stars. For the first time ever, Bound For Glory is featuring a bunch of names from NXT, some of whom are reigning champions coming into the show. That includes the Knockouts and World Titles, both of which TNA is trying to regain. Let’s get to it.

Kickoff Show: Elegance Brand vs. IInspiration

The Brand is challenging and jump the champs during their entrance. Lee gets sent into the corner for some shoulders to the ribs and Heather shoulders away in the corner. M’s Coast To Coast gets two as commentary runs through the Bound For Glory card. A top rope double stomp gets two with McKay making the save. Lee fights back and McKay gets the tag to clean house but M’s pump kick gets two. Heather gets sent outside though and the Idolizer retains the titles at 4:59.

Rating: C. Good example of how to do a Kickoff Show match, as they got in, did their thing, and got back out before anything went too badly. They didn’t need to make it more complicated than that and it’s nice to see the titles retained. The IInspiration only won them back recently so let them get a win and be more established as champions.

The opening video talks about the history of legends in Boston, including a look at some TNA wrestlers from the city (like Eddie Edwards). Now it’s time for some new legends to rise up. We look at some of the bigger matches on the card, as tends to be the case in such a video.

National Anthem.

International Title: Steve Maclin vs. Frankie Kazarian

Maclin is challenging after losing the title to Kazarian not very long ago. We start fast with Maclin suicide diving onto Kazarian to take over before the bell. They get inside for said bell, where Kazarian hits a slingshot Fameasser, followed by a sunset bomb out to the floor. Kazarian goes after Maclin’s mom, who flips him off (BIG pop there), allowing Maclin to jump him from behind.

An Angle Slam hits Kazarian back inside and Maclin grabs his own chickenwing. That’s reversed into a rollup for two so Maclin switches to a Boston crab. Kazarian gets out and hits a Pele Kick into Angel’s Wings. Kazarian’s slingshot cutter gets two more but he misses a spear in the corner. Maclin doesn’t miss, followed by the KIA to get the title back at 8:01.

Rating: C+. Well that’s more than a bit surprising. I’m not sure I get the idea of putting the title back on Maclin so soon, but at least he got a nice win to start the show. Hopefully this doesn’t mean something like Kazarian getting the Call Your Shot win, though it would be quite the stretch to put him there in back to back years. Either way, nice stuff here, as Maclin continues to look strong.

We run down the rest of the card.

Trick Williams wants to know why he isn’t being thanked for everything he’s done around here. Yeah he wears the TNA Title upside down because he’s turned TNA upside down. He’s the champion because he’s best for business.

We recap Tessa Blanchard vs. Gia Miller. Blanchard was a jerk to Miller (a backstage interviewer), who wanted to be just like Blanchard, which Miller doesn’t seem to find accurate. She attacked Miller as well but now Miller is ready to fight back.

Tessa Blanchard vs. Gia Miller

Blanchard has Victoria Crawford and Miller has Jody Threat with her. Blanchard lets her grab a headlock to start and is out of it just as fast. Miller’s rollup gets a fast two but she gets sent throat first into the rope. Some choking on the floor has Miller in more trouble and Blanchard beats her up in front of Miller’s family. Back in and a superkick drops Miller again and Crawford chokes in the corner.

That’s enough for an ejection but first Threat flip dives onto Crawford, security, and Blanchard. Threat chases Crawford to the back and Miller gets in a Thesz press, followed by a spinning middle rope crossbody. Granted it hit Blanchard’s feed but at least Miller is trying. Blanchard isn’t having that and takes turnbuckle pad off, allowing her to press Miller’s head into the buckle. A headbutt staggers Blanchard, who comes right back with a roll of quarters to knock Miller silly for the pin at 6:17.

Rating: D. I didn’t get why this was on the pay per view and the match didn’t make it any better. Miller got in a tiny bit of offense at best and then gets knocked out to give Blanchard the win. This never felt like it belonged on the card and I’m rather worried if this is the best they have for Blanchard. Yeah she has issues, but if this it as good as she can get, let her go elsewhere.

We look at Lei Ying Lee and Mance Warner earning the first and last spots in the Call Your Shot gauntlet match.

Call Your Shot Gauntlet

20 person Royal Rumble, two minutes for the first two entrants then sixty seconds each, over the top eliminations, last two people have a regular singles match for a Money In The Bank style shot at any title. Lei Ying Lee is in at #1 and Mara Sade is in at #2. Sade knocks her down to start and dances a bit but Lee gets in a kick to the ribs. A Hennig necksnap has Sade in more trouble until Ryan Nemeth is in at #3.

The women chase him around and knock him into the corner for some stomping. Nic Nemeth is in at #4 (to quite the pop) with Sade dropping him with a superkick. Ryan has to save Nic, who clotheslines Sade and Lee at the same time. Cedric Alexander is in at #5 to go after the Nemeths until Rich Swann is in at #6. Swann takes Alexander down and knees him in the face as AJ Francis is in at #7.

Sade and Lee are both tossed, followed by Francis chokeslamming Swann and eliminating him as well. The former Northern Armory comes out and flips a coin, so it’s Travis Williams in at #8. A suplex takes Ryan down and it’s wrestling YouTuber BDE in at #9. BDE escapes a chokeslam and Stunners Francis to a big reaction. The Rascalz (all three of them) are in at #10 and team up with BDE to get rid of Francis. Dani Luna is in at #11 to clean house with some suplexes. Williams gives Luna a running knee and it’s Eric Young in at #12. Williams knocks Young down as well, only to get pulled to the apron, where Young piledrives him out.

Jake Something is in at #13 and runs some people over before he and Luna give the Rascalz stereo powerbombs. Young knocks BDE out and Rosemary is in at #14. Miguel and Alexander are both out and the Hometown Man is in at #15. Rosemary mists Something by mistake and he’s gone as Zack Clayton is in at #16. Luna tosses Rosemary but gets eliminated by the Man, with the fans approving.

Jody Threat is in at #17 but cue Frankie Kazarian to jump her and take her place, which apparently you can just do. Santino Marella comes out to glare…and he’s in at #18. The Cobra knocks Kazarian silly and Marella is knocked out almost immediately in a Royal Rumble flashback. Matt Cardona is in at #19 to get rid of Clayton but gets jumped by the Nemeths.

Mance Warner is in at #20 as the Rascalz are eliminated. Warner, with a zombie motif, grabs a chair and starts to clean house. Cardona breaks that up, leaving Young and Man to tease eliminations. Young low blows Man out but gets eliminated by Cardona. Warner is gone as well and the Nemeths go after Cardona, who knocks them both out of the corner. Nic kicks Ryan out by mistake but Warner is back to get rid of Cardona.

Kazarian and Nic are the last two so it’s a singles match for the title shot. The referee gets bumped so Kazarian’s rollup doesn’t get a count. Nic’s superkick gets a delayed near fall from a second referee so they go up top. A superplex brings them both back down and it’s a double pin (with double referees) at 30:51.

Rating: D+. That’s definitely a Call Your Shot Gauntlet, in that it was way longer than it needed to be, with pretty much nothing in the way of a good surprise, involved. It comes off as a “get everyone on the show” match, but dang it would be better if they cut it in half (at the longest) and just had a battle royal. Either that or make it all goofy fun, because this stuff is getting rather tedious over the years. Oh and yay for screwy finishes on top of that.

Post match Marella announces that there are two winners and gets booed out of the building.

We look at the NXT women beating the TNA women at Showdown.

We recap Kelani Jordan defending the Knockouts Title against Indi Hartwell. A few weeks back, Hartwell became the #1 contender but then Ash By Elegance had to step away from the ring, leaving NXT’s Jordan to step up and win the title.

Knockouts Title: Kelani Jordan vs. Indi Hartwell

Jordan is defending and grabs a headlock before sweeping the leg for two. A backslide gives Jordan two and they get up for a standoff. Jordan dropkicks her down but misses a big kick to the head, leaving Hartwell down for a breather. Hartwell gets sent into the corner for a springboard spinning legdrop to give Jordan two. Back up and Jordan cuts a springboard out of the air for a spinebuster.

We hit a chinlock with double knees in the back but Jordan elbows her way out quickly enough. They slug it out until Jordan cartwheels into a back elbow to drop Hartwell again. The splits Stunner lets Jordan grab a half Liontamer to work on Hartwell’s back for a change. That’s escaped and, eventually, Hartwell muscles her up for a sitout powerbomb.

Jordan kicks her in the head and drops a frog splash for two. Hartwell manages to trip her on the apron, followed by a running big boot. Back in and they trade rollups until the Hurts Donut gives Hartwell two more. Jordan avoids a top rope elbow and kicks her in the head, setting up One Of A Kind to retain at 12:32.

Rating: B-. Well ok then. That was quite the surprise, as it seemed like this was the time for Hartwell to get the big win and rescue the title from the (rather nice) outsider. I’m not sure where that leaves Hartwell, or the title, but it certainly seems that we’re going to be seeing NXT around here for a good bit longer.

Post match respect is shown.

The Nemeths have the Call Your Shot Gauntlet trophy but Kazarian comes in to say it belongs to him. Arguing ensues.

We recap The System vs. Order 4. They’ve been fighting for months and now it’s time to have a Hardcore War to blow the whole thing off.

The System vs. Order 4

The System: Moose, Alisha Edwards, Eddie Edwards, JDC, Brian Myers
Order 4: Mustafa Ali, Tasha Steelz, Agent Zero, Jason Hotch, John Skyler

Hardcore War, with two wrestlers starting for two minutes. Then Order 4 gets to send in its second entrant for a one minute advantage. They can all bring in a weapon of choice and the match can’t end until all ten are in, when it’s first pinfall or submission. Jason Hotch and Eddie Edwards start things off, with the latter being accompanied by the Boston Red Sox mascot. Some hip swiveling (I think) distracts Hotch so Eddie can hit a big dive to get us going.

Back in and a triangle dropkick puts Eddie on the floor, where he comes back with a trashcan lid to the head. Skyler comes in to save Hotch in the corner and it’s the Favor onto a chair. That lets Skyler and Hotch pose until JDC comes in to even things up. JDC’s big dive to the floor takes them out and it’s time to scrape Skyler’s head with a cheese grater. Steelz, in a New York Yankees jersey, makes the save and the beatings continue.

Alisha comes in to cut Steelz off with the System getting to use a staple gun. Zero comes in to make it 4-3 and tosses the steps at Eddie’s head. Myers is in with a trashcan lid, which gets taken away so Zero can wreck things. Ali completes the Order and a top rope double stomp drives a chair into Eddie’s back. Moose is in to complete the System and clears the ring rather quickly. Zero and Moose slug it out, with Moose dropkicking a chair into his face. Moose is sent outside so Zero hits a big dive onto the pile. Alisha brings in a bag of tacks (sigh) but Zero is back in.

A chokebomb puts Alisha into the tacks so Eddie comes in, only to get taken out as well. Myers and JDC swing kendo sticks at Zero, who shrugs them off, only for Moose to come back in with the spear. Another, with a chain wrapped around his shoulder, drops Zero again but Moose bangs up his own shoulder. Myers and JDC dive onto the Great Hands, leaving Ali to pour more tacks onto Alisha. A 450 only hits tacks though and Eddie is back in with a barbed wire Boston Knee Party to pin Ali at 20:07.

Rating: B. This started slow but did get better near the end. They could have done more with the weapons and I could go with never seeing tacks in a match again, though that 450 did look good. Zero looked like a monster in there and while I’m surprised that the System won, and almost even more by Ali taking the fall, I liked this more than I was expecting.

We recap Leon Slater defending the X-Division Title against Je’Von Evans. Slater is the new, big star who has been trying to prove himself. Evans is here from NXT and it’s time for the big showdown, which has the potential to steal the show.

X-Division Title: Leon Slater vs. Je’Von Evans

Slater is defending. They stare each other down to start and the fans are rather approving. They finally lock up with Slater taking him down and offering some polite applause. Evans takes him into the corner for a quick staredown before a springboard rollup gets two. Evans can’t get a standing moonsault so Slater small packages him for two more. A running shoulder puts Slater on the floor for a quick suicide dive, only for Slater to come back with a crossover.

Slater chops away but gets caught with a springboard clothesline for two. Evans gets kicked down and a handspring elbow knocks him down again. Slater’s slingshot cutter gets two and they head out to the apron, where Evans is back up with a kick to the head. Another slingshot cutter is countered into a DDT to drop Slater and Evans’ OG Cutter onto the apron knocks Slater silly.

Back in and Evans hits a heck of a frog splash, followed by a heck of a frog splash for two more. Slater is back up with a running side kick, only to get caught with a hurricanrana for another near fall. Slater manages to neckbreaker a springboard out of the air for two of his own and the fans are rather approving. Evans hits another OG Cutter for another rather near fall and they both go up top.

They crash down to the floor before Evans knocks him into the crowd. Naturally Slater is right there with a dive…and it’s a time limit draw at 20:00 (20:06 but close enough). Hold on though as the fans are VERY unhappy until Santino Marella comes in to say five more minutes. The bell rings and Evens kicks him down for two but Slater is back with Utopia. That means the big running flip dive over the post can connect, only for Evans to come back with a Spanish Fly. Then the lights go out and Darkstate is here to jump them both for the no contest at 23:42.

Rating: B. Oh sweet goodness they managed to tick the fans off TWICE. This started slow but got better as the match went on. At the same time though, it’s not a great look to have TNA now at 0-1-1 against NXT at the biggest show of the year. The good thing is that these two started going nuts near the end with the reactions to the near falls being outstanding. If they were able to build to one of them winning or something other than a time limit draw, or then the interference after the false hope, it would have been even better. But then NXT might not have stood tall over TNA and…well NXT, but it’s been a weird night.

Post match the big beatdown is on and Darkstate stands tall, with the fans again not being happy.

Here is Chris Bey to announce the new North American attendance record: 7,794. He sends us to our next recap.

We recap the Hardys defending the TNA/NXT Tag Team Titles against Team 3D. They’ve fought on and off for twenty five years so we’re doing it one more time with one more tables match. In other words, it’s time for a big legends/nostalgia match which is arguably the show’s main event.

TNA/NXT Tag Team Titles: Hardys vs. Team 3D

The Hardys are defending in a tables match, with both members having to go through for the win. Spike Dudley even shows up as a bonus. After a rather long staredown, Jeff’s charge misses and he’s sent outside, leaving Matt to charge into a 3D. Jeff fights back but misses a Whisper In The Wind and What’s Up makes it worse.

The tables are brought in and it’s a 3D to put Jeff through one of them. Another table is loaded up but Matt grabs a Twist Of Fate to D-Von on the floor. Matt’s running elbow only hits table, which doesn’t count as he wasn’t put through it by the other team. Back in and Ray is sent into (not through) a table in the corner, leaving D-Von to put Jeff on a table.

D-Von takes too long to climb a ladder, with Matt making a save. Jeff does the Swanton for the big flashback and we look at it about five times. The Hardys beat on Ray with chairs and it’s a Twist Of Fate into a Swanton. Ray gets up, they stare at each other, and it’s a double spinebuster to put Ray through the table and retain the titles at 15:56.

Rating: C+. I liked the story well enough and the match could have been FAR worse, but I wasn’t interested in seeing this before and that was the case again. Between the fans chanting for ECW at the beginning and this being a call back to a WWF match from twenty five years ago, it certainly didn’t come off as something involving TNA. It’s cool enough that they got to do it again, but dang it doesn’t exactly make the current tag division look great.

Post match we get the big staredown of EXTREME respect before Team 3D takes off their boots and hand them to the Hardys. Another big hug wraps it up. Well eventually, as the posing goes on for a good while.

Genesis is in Dallas in January.

We recap Trick Williams defending the NXT Title against Mike Santana. Williams, an NXT star, is holding the title behind enemy lines so it’s time for Santana to step up and take it. Santana is the hottest star in TNA and has been for a long time now, so this has felt like the logical conclusion for a long time. That’s not a bad thing either, as it’s the best way to go. Assuming nothing insane happens here.

TNA World Title: Trick Williams vs. Mike Santana

Santana is challenging. Williams promises a beating and does his own Big Match Intro. That earns him a kick to the face and the fight is on, with Williams getting chopped up against the barricade before the bell even rings. They go out into the crowd, where Santana blocks a trashcan shot and hits Williams with it instead. Santana is sent back to ringside, where he drops Williams onto the apron.

A belt shot knocks Santana down though and we get the opening bell. Williams hits the Trick Kick for two and grabs a neckbreaker before shoving him in the face. They head outside, with Santana being catapulted into the post to bust him open. Williams backdrops him onto the steps, followed by a side kick for two. A front facelock of all things doesn’t last long for Williams and Santana manages a Death Valley Driver into the corner.

A fireman’s carry faceplant and a Cannonball give Santana two but Williams slams him onto the apron. Williams makes the mistake of yelling at Santana’s daughter though and Santana dives onto him, followed by a powerbomb for two. The 450 hits Williams for two more and it’s time to argue with Williams’ lawyer.

The distraction lets Williams come back with a release Rock Bottom and a super Rock Bottom gets two. A quick Spin The Block gives Santana two of his own, followed by Williams hitting the Trick Shot for two of his own. Santana looks over at his daughter and it’s a clothesline into Spin The Block to make Santana the champion at 16:12.

Rating: B. This was a main event style match and what matters most is that it ended with Santana winning. There were no shenanigans as Santana overcame the odds to win the title. That’s how a major pay per view should end as a new champion is crowned. Santana has more than earned this and Williams got a lot out of being the invading champion. Good main event and it was nice to see them not go nutty with the booking.

Post match here is Nic Nemeth with the Call Your Shot trophy….but Elijah returns and guitars him down. Kazarian tries to cash in as well but gets dropped with Spin The Block. Santana is presented the belt, which he hands to his daughter in a great moment. A Puerto Rican flag is brought in (as the building is rapidly emptying out as he celebrates) and Santana poses to end the show. There was zero need to have the cash-in attempt(s) and the return here. Stop overthinking this and just let it end as it should.

Overall Rating: C+. They got the big moment at the end and, after the goofy cash in teases (BECAUSE EVERY PROMOTION HAS TO HAVE THAT STUPID STUFF THESE DAYS), the feel great moment to wrap up the show. Unfortunately, there are not many other things to be overly positive about here, between the double Call Your Shot winner, the stupid ending to the X-Division Title match and a Tag Team Title match that was first done almost twenty six years ago.

There were some good matches in there, but my goodness they need to stop making these things way too complicated. At least the ending was right, but they got really close to screwing this show up with some of their ideas. That has been a TNA problem for a long time now and it’s absolutely continuing.

Results
IInspiration b. Elegance Brand – Idolizer to M
Steve Maclin b. Frankie Kazarian – KIA
Tessa Blanchard b. Gia Miller – Punch with a roll of quarters
Nic Nemeth and Frankie Kazarian won the Call Your Shot Gauntlet
Kelani Jordan b. Indi Hartwell – One Of A Kind
The System b. Order 4 – Barbed wire Boston Knee Party to Ali
Leon Slater vs. Je’Von Evans went to a no contest when Darkstate interfered
Hardys b. Team 3D – Double spinebuster to Ray through a table
Mike Santana b. Trick Williams – Spin The Block

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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I can never remember if I do a preview for this show or not, but it’s undoubtedly TNA’s biggest show of the year so it deserves some attention. Throw in its connection to WWE via the NXT crossovers and the show is going to be special. There are some NXT stars appearing on the card and that should make for some interesting situations, even if the main event feels easy to predict. Let’s get to it.

Kickoff Show: Knockouts Tag Team Titles: IInspiration(c) vs. Elegance Brand

This was thrown together just before the show and that’s kind of the best fit for it. While the titles are still important enough, it isn’t like there is much in the way of a division fighting over them. In other words, it’s the same problem that has plagued these things for years. The IInspiration won the titles rather soon, and in theory that should mean something for this match.

I’ll go with the champions retaining the titles here, as there isn’t much of a reason to put them back on the Brand so soon. Unless the title change was only for the sake of getting the IInspiration, and that didn’t need to be the case, I can’t imagine such a fast title reign. The titles stay in place here, even if there aren’t exactly many teams who can come after them at the moment.

Call Your Shot Gauntlet

We’ll get this one out of the way early, mainly because we only know a handful of the people in the match. There are going to be twenty all together, but there are less than ten announced thus far. That is going to make things tricky, as one of those names is some kind of social media person. We don’t quite know much about the match and that leaves a lot of this in the dark.

Based on the people involved in the match, I’ll go with….geez I guess Mance Warner, who is in the final spot. Odds are this is going to wind up with someone who isn’t listed yet (Tommy Dreamer is all but guaranteed to be involved) but based on who is there, I can’t picture Nic Nemeth or Joe Hendry getting the win. Either way, just please don’t do the cash-in on the main event, unless the cash-in is failing.

Gia Miller vs. Tessa Blanchard

I have no idea why this is on the show. I get the story and everything, but you have a star like Blanchard and she’s fighting an interviewer who isn’t even a regular wrestler outside of TNA? In theory this is at worst some kind of punishment for Blanchard, but it feels like something that should be on Impact at best. Here we are though, and I’m still trying to get my head around it.

There is no reason to think that Miller is winning here (and TNA is absolutely insane if she does) so I’ll go with Blanchard taking it. This is one of those matches that almost needs to have some kind of interference or shenanigans to make it work, because otherwise we could be in for a near disaster. Blanchard needs to win and do something else or just get out of the company, as I have no idea why this is happening.

International Title: Frankie Kazarian(c) vs. Steve Maclin

I didn’t even realize this was on the card and that’s kind of telling about what it means. Kazarian took the title from Maclin not very long ago and we’re getting a rematch, which isn’t a bad idea at all. It isn’t like Kazarian has had the time to set something up with a new challenger so having him in there against a former World Champion is fine. Maclin has done well in his own right recently so this should be good.

Much like the Knockouts Tag Team Titles, I don’t see a reason for the title to change hands so quickly, so I’ll take Kazarian retaining. Odds are he cheats to win here, possibly with someone coming out there to help put Maclin down. It’s going to be a good one as both guys are more than solid in the ring and that’s a positive thing to have on any card, which is why it’s here.

TNA/NXT Tag Team Titles: Hardys(c) vs. Dudley Boyz

It’s a tables match (dubbed One Final Table) and…yeah if we just have to do this. I get the nostalgia aspect and all that jazz, but dang it’s hard to get my head around the idea that this is the best we have for the Tag Team Titles. Then again, it’s not like TNA has ever had any issue with pushing the Hardys WAY too hard so here we go one more time, as the clock is turned WAY back to the year 2000. In New York. In the WWF.

There is pretty much no reason to believe that this is going to be anything other than the Hardys retaining so I’m going to go with the most logical option. It’s going to be violent and probably bloody, but at the end of the day, it’s not likely that the Dudleys, who aren’t even a regular team anymore, are going to win the titles from two big time promotions. Just let them do their nostalgia deal here and move on with the Hardys retaining.

The System vs. Order 4

This is Hardcore War, which is basically WarGames without the cage. These teams have put together a nice story as I want to see them fight, which is a good sign. I’m not sure how much I need it to be hardcore, but it does feel like something that belongs on a show like Bound For Glory. What does hurt it though is that one team feels like it is on the decline while the other is on the rise and that’s what brings us to the result.

I don’t see much of a reason to believe that the System is winning here so I’ll take Order 4 to go over. This is the kind of match where Agent Zero could get some nice shine while Ali gets the win, which should make for a good moment. I’m hoping that they get to go insane here, as otherwise it’s not exactly going to be the most thrilling match, even with Order 4 winning.

Knockouts Title: Kelani Jordan(c) vs. Indi Hartwell

This is another match that feels rather thrown together, mainly due to the issue of Ash By Elegance being taken out of the picture out of nowhere. Jordan has been tossed into the spot and that’s about as good as they could have gone. Well granted it might have been better to put a TNA star into the spot instead, but I guess they’re going for the idea of a Knockout saving the title. Ignore that it’s from a not so evil champion.

So of course I’ll take Hartwell to win the title here. Even if she isn’t the most thrilling star to see out there a lot of the time, she’s the one that TNA seems to be going with at the moment, which means we’ll be seeing her get the title. Jordan is little more than a filler, and unfortunately that doesn’t leave much in the way of drama about what is likely happening here.

X-Division Title: Leon Slater(c) vs. Je’Von Evans

This is one of those ideas that pretty much sells itself. Here we have two incredibly talented wrestlers getting to go out there and go nuts for however long. It’s something that TNA has made work for years and that is what we are likely going to be seeing again here. Evans is someone that WWE clearly wants to push and Slater is someone who TNA is already giving quite the spot, so this should be a blast.

While I could see a slight chance of Evans winning here, I’ll take Slater to retain. TNA has lost more than enough to NXT over the course of their time together so there isn’t much of a reason to believe it will happen again here. It’s a match that should be all kinds of fun and they should be flying all over the place until Slater hits that awesome Swanton 450 to retain.

TNA World Title: Trick Williams(c) vs. Mike Santana

Here’s where we get to the biggest issue: I see a grand total of no reason to believe that Williams has any kind of a chance here. Williams has been the champion for a few months now and the idea has been that TNA needs to get the title back from the NXT invader. That’s where Santana comes in, and the fact that he has been built up so well makes it feel even more likely.

This very well might be the easiest pick on the card, as I can’t imagine that TNA would manage to screw this up two years in a row. Much like last year with Joe Hendry, Santana is ready to become the top star in the company and that is why we should be seeing a title change. Just go with what it needs to be and make the whole thing into a big happy ending for everyone involved. Unless they end with the Hardys again, which very well may be the case.

Overall Thoughts

I’m liking the show well enough, but as usual, it’s going to depend on how the two longer form matches go. In this case that means the gauntlet match and the Hardcore War, which could wind up being long and dull as they have been in the past. If we get the big happy ending of Santana winning the title though, it should work out well enough, as the card looks pretty good. Just make it more about TNA than NXT and everything should be fine.

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Impact Wrestling
Date: October 9, 2025
Location: Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

It’s the first show after the Showdown with NXT, but more importantly it’s the last show before this weekend’s Bound For Glory. That should make for a big night, though odds are we’ll be having a lot of talking. In addition, we have Eric Young vs. Joe Hendry II in a No DQ match. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Here is Trick Williams for a chat. Williams brags about his greatness before saying that Mike Santana is a fighter, which Williams can respect. Santana has a story but you also have to be the best for business, which is Williams. Cue Santana, who tells Williams to shut up in Spanish. Santana talks about the issues he’s had before, including telling his daughter that her dad was an addict. He has everything to gain, but Williams says after Sunday, Santana will be “bound for rehab”.

Santana isn’t phased by the words because he sees fear in Williams’ eyes. Williams is a one TRICK pony and after Bound For Glory, he’ll be bound for developmental while Santana is the World Champion. Santana feels like an absolute layup to win the title, and at this point he pretty much has to if he wants to have any kind of an important career.

Tessa Blanchard talks about Gia Miller being a big fan who tried to do everything Blanchard had done. Miller went off to train with Mike Jackson of all people and look where she is. Miller is happy with what she did and is ready to beat Blanchard up at Bound For Glory.

Ryan Nemeth vs. Matt Cardona

Nic Nemeth is here too. We get the pose off, which goes to Cardona (shocking I know) before he grabs a facebuster and clotheslines Ryan outside. The dropkick through the ropes connects but Nic’s distraction lets Ryan grab a neckbreaker on the floor. That’s only good for a nine on the floor and a short DDT gets two back inside. Ryan takes too long posing (again) and gets dropkicked so Nic trips Cardona up. That’s good for an ejection and the distraction lets Cardona hit Radio Silence for the pin at 6:03.

Rating: C. Ryan Nemeth continues to be a great lovable goof who is too stupid to do anything on his own, which is why he lost as soon as Nic left. He’s rather good in the role and plays it to near perfection. Cardona getting some wins is fine as he’s a star in his own right, though I wouldn’t bet on it going too far.

The Rascalz talk about Trey Miguel (allegedly) superkicking Zachary Wentz last week. Wentz eventually forgives them and then they smoke, which makes them reveal that their contracts are up by the end of the year.

Mara Sade talks about being inspired to be here by Jazz and now she wants to be an inspiration to young girls. That’s a nice sentiment.

JDC vs. Mustafa Ali

The System and Order 4 are here too. JDC starts fast and knocks him to the floor, followed by a powerslam for two back inside. Ali tries a springboard but gets dropkicked outside. The seconds offer a distraction though and Ali scores with a big suicide dive. We take a break and come back with Ali missing a 450 and getting sent hard into the corner.

JDC hits some running elbows in the corner and a Falcon Arrow gets two. Down And Dirty is loaded up but Ali rolls outside, where JDC hits a big flip dive. The big brawl breaks out on the floor and Agent Zero drops JDC onto the apron. That’s enough to set up the 450 to give Ali the pin at 10:31.

Rating: C+. JDC was working hard here and it was nice to see, as he can go rather well when he gets the chance. At the same time, Ali was his usual self and it made for a nice match. The whole thing was just a big preview for everything with the Hardcore War at Bound For Glory and I’m curious to see where it goes, so nice job with warming it up here.

Post match the System chases Order 4 away.

Long recap of NXT Showdown, with TNA doing fairly well, going 2-2.

Santino Marella brings out Kelani Jordan and Indi Hartwell for the contract signing for the Knockouts Title match. Before that can go anywhere though, here is the Personal Concierge to say that none of this matters because it isn’t about the Elegance Brand. Marella signs something about a rematch clause before Hartwell goes off about everything she has given up to be here. Jordan talks about how she had a chance to win a title and took the shot. Hartwell says her family is flying in from Australia to see her win and they both sign.

Video on the Hardys vs. Team 3D, looking at their history and similar career paths to get them here. They talk about their kids wanting to see them, with Jeff Hardy’s daughter talking about how much she loves watching her dad. They’ve done this for a long time and it ends here.

Here is Leon Slater for a chat. This has been the best year of his life and he can’t believe the things that have happened to him. He grew up without a father figure and never thought he was good enough. Now he’s a champion and he’s following the legacy of people who paved the way here, like Chris Sabin and AJ Styles. Je’Von Evans isn’t coming to take this from him because this is for all of the days that he stayed up crying to his mom, wondering if anyone was coming home. If you think you’re taking this from him, you’re crazy. Really good emotional stuff here and it made me more interested in the match.

Bound For Glory rundown.

Joe Hendry vs. Eric Young

No DQ. Hendry knocks him outside to start but Young is back in to slug away. They’re on the floor again with Hendry whipping out a bunch of weapons, including a trashcan to Young’s head. Young knocks him back down and chokes with a chain, which he wraps around his fist but punches the post by mistake. A piledriver onto the steps is countered with a backdrop and we take a break.

We come back with the fight on the stage, with Young quickly being thrown off of it. They brawl into the crowd with Young getting the better of things as they come back to ringside. Young wedges a chair into the corner and is of course sent face first into it as a result. Hendry fights back with a cookie sheet and Angle Slams Young onto a chair for two. Back up and Young kicks him low and hits a piledriver onto the chair for the pin at 14:25.

Rating: B-. This is pretty much it for Hendry in TNA right? I know he’ll probably still be around for a few more months, but it’s hard to imagine him being much of anything important on the way down. Granted it’s clear where he’ll be winding up next, but that’s going to be a hit for TNA going forward. Throw in Young seemingly getting a bigger spot and it’s going to be rough.

We get a long video on Mike Santana (narrated by Konnan), who has worked hard to get here and gambled on himself to get here. He’s here for the right reasons while Trick Williams is only here for the money. Konnan talks about how Santana is representing the Latinos and says something in Spanish to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show was absolutely not about the wrestling and while that’s often annoying, it’s what makes the most sense here. Instead, this was about firming up everything that has already been set for the pay per view, which went pretty well. The main event was fine, even if a bit sad as Hendry seems practically done and that’s going to be a loss. Not a must see show, but that Slater promo and some of the video packages are worth a look.

Results
Matt Cardona b. Ryan Nemeth – Radio Silence
Mustafa Ali b. JDC – 450
Eric Young b. Joe Hendry – Piledriver onto a chair

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: October 7, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

THEY’RE HERE! Granted they’ve been here for the last few months, but tonight is the big showdown between NXT and TNA. We have four matches between the two of them, including a pair of Survivor Series matches, a regular title match and a winner take all Tag Team Title match. I’d call that a loaded show so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening video looks at the origins of both NXT and TNA while talking about how this seemed impossible for years. Then TNA showed up here and the fight was on, with tonight’s show being set up.

TNA Tag Team Titles/NXT Tag Team Titles: Hardys vs. Darkstate

Title for title and yeah the fans still know the Hardys and the Dudley Boyz are in the crowd. All four members of Darkstate run in for the brawl though and are quickly dispatched by the Hardys but they’re right back up. Shugars and James are sent to the back though and it’s Lennox getting taken down with the Spin Cycle for an early two. A Poetry In Motion clothesline hits Lennox but Griffin gets in a cheap shot.

Darkstate can’t get a double clothesline right and Griffin manages to miss a legdrop despite Jeff not moving. Booker: “Did he miss that?” Jeff dodges another one (at least on purpose this time) and knocks Griffin down, allowing Matt to come back in. A few rooms of the house are cleaned but Lennox knocks him down again as we take a break.

We come back with Lennox hammering on Jeff and throwing in a jumping splash. Griffin chokes on the rope but Jeff fights up and hits a better Whisper In The Wind to take them both down. The tag brings Matt back in to clean house and a Plot Twist gets two. Everything breaks down and Matt slips out of a Doomsday Device, setting up the Twist of Fate to Lennox. The Swanton gives Jeff the pin and the titles 10:48.

Rating: C. There were some rough spots in there but the Hardys getting to add yet another title to their incredible resume is hardly a stretch. They likely won’t hold them that long and (probably) get to be double champions heading into Bound For Flory. Darkstate will likely get a rematch and maybe even get the belts back. For now though, this is a nice result as TNA needed to win something for a change.

Team NXT vs. Team TNA

NXT: Jacy Jayne, Lola Vice, Jaida Parker, Sol Ruca
TNA: Kelani Jordan, Cassie Lee, Jessie McKay, Mara Sade

Survivor Series rules and Jordynne Grace is guest referee. Jayne knocks Kelani down to start so it’s off to Vice, who gets taken down by the IInspiration. Sade comes in and has to be saved from a double suplex. Everyone comes in and they have the big staredown into the big brawl. They head outside and Ruca hits a dive, followed by another one from Kelani as we take a break.

We come back with Sade dropping a knee and it’s back to Jayne for a middle rope flipping splash. Parker drives McKay into the corner and stacks Lee on top of her for the hip attack. Sade breaks it up and totally overshoots a moonsault, with her hands grazing Parker. A Falcon Arrow gives Parker two as Kelani breaks it up with a top rope splash. Everything breaks down again and we get the parade of knockdowns until Sade drops Parker for the pin at 12:50. Ruca is up with Sol Snatcher gets rid of Sade at 13:02 and we take another break.

We come back again with Vice cleaning house with the kicks, plus the running hip attacks. Lee and Vice trade missed kicks to the head until Vice hits the spinning backfist for the pin at 17:00. A triangle choke makes McKay tap at 17:10 with Kelani not being able to make the save. We’re down to Kelani vs. Jayne/Ruca/Vice but the Lee and McKay pull Ruca and Vice down. Kelani hits One Of A Kid for a rather delayed two on Jayne, leaving Kelani to argue.

Jayne’s rollup gets two more and she hits a nasty kick from the apron to Kelani on the floor. Jayne seems to have hurt her foot as Vice tags herself back in, so Kelani shoves them together. An Angle Slam gives Kelani the pin on Vice (with the ring announcer being confused about it being an elimination rather than the final pin) at 20:18. Ruca comes in and gets planted down, allowing Kelani to go up top, where Ruca kicks her in the head. A super Spanish Fly plants Ruca but a 450 hits raised knees. The Sol Snatcher kind of connects but Jayne tags herself in to get the final pin on Kelani at 23:09.

Rating: B-. I’m not sure if the TNA stars are nervous or what but it’s been a pretty sloppy night. At the same time, it’s not a good sign when the final four women in the match are all from NXT, as it doesn’t quite make the TNA women look good. Grace wasn’t much of a factor but she’ll probably be going after Jayne soon enough. Either way, nice long match here, with the ending being a logical way to go.

Matt Cardona comes in to see Ava and doesn’t mind that he made Josh Briggs mad. Briggs comes in, doesn’t see Cardona, and gets a match with him next week. Briggs leaves and Cardona says he loves this place.

North American Title: Mustafa Ali vs. Ethan Page

Page is defending. They fight over wrist control to start and Ali spins him around into a backslide for two. The rolling neckbreaker into a standing moonsault gives Ali two so Page bails out to the floor. The chase is on and Page gets in a cheap shot as we take a break. We come back with Ali hitting a sunset bomb, which seems to shock him more than anyone else. Page crotches him on top and one heck of a pump kick gives Page two, with Ali bridging out to leave Page stunned.

Ali’s tornado DDT gets two and he goes up top, only to miss the 450. A hurricanrana and superkick have Page in trouble and the Twisted Grin is countered into a rollup for two. Page is sent outside for a VERY hard suicide dive, sending both of them over the announcers’ table. Ali goes up again but gets his foot caught in a microphone cord, allowing Page to shove him down to the floor. That’s enough to set up the Twisted Grin to retain the title at 14:02.

Rating: B+. This was a heck of a match as Ali knows how to leave it all in the ring when he’s given the chance. I’m glad that they let him be the good guy version of himself as it works so much better in the ring. I didn’t think the title would change hands, but at least the loss came after an awesome performance from both.

El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. wants Ethan page but Lexis King interrupts and says there is NO doctor named Wagner anywhere in Mexico. King thinks it’s Tavion Heights under the mask and Heights pops up behind him.

The NXT women’s team is technically happy with their win but Zaria comes in to still not be happy. Ruca apologizes for Zaria not being on the team and says they’ll be Women’s Tag Team Champions. Blake Monroe comes in and says Zaria will never be champion if Ruca holds her back. Monroe suggests she’s coming for the Women’s North American Title.

Team NXT vs. Team TNA

TNA: Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, Leon Slater
NXT: Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Myles Borne, Je’Von Evans

Survivor Series rules again and Joe Hendry is guest referee. Kazarian and Williams start things off with Williams slugging away and hitting a big dropkick. Borne comes in for a neckbreaker and everything breaks down with Borne hitting a big flip dive to the floor. Back in and Borne hits a flipping neckbreaker but walks into a slingshot cutter to give Kazarian the elimination at 2:21.

We take a break and come back with Kazarian working over Evans and getting mad at Hendry’s count. Slater comes in and gets beaten up by Williams, who throws his jersey away before chopping Slater in the corner. That’s broken up and Santana comes in for the Bound For Glory preview…but Williams tags Evans in instead. Evans is up with the flip dive but Moose pulls him out of the air. A hurricanrana sends Moose flying but Slater rolls Evans up for the pin at 11:21.

It’s 4-2 and we take another break, coming back with Williams fighting back against Moose. Williams won’t tag so Saints has to do it for him to kick Moose in the head. Slater comes in with a Blue Thunder Bomb and Saints goes for the tag…but Williams drops to the floor and walks out. That leaves Saints alone, but he reverses Kazarian’s crossface chickenwing into a rollup for the pin at 17:50.

Slater’s frog splash gets two on Saints and he hits a running dropkick in the corner. The Swanton 450 (as cool as it sounds) hits raised knees though and Saints pins Slater at 19:03. Moose comes in to take over and hit a backsplash but Saints fights back again. It’s back to Santana to kick away at Saints, followed by a belly to back faceplant for two. Everything breaks down and Moose spears Santana by mistake for a rather near fall. Spin The Block misses and Moose gives Saints a powerbomb. Spin The Block finishes Saints at 22:49.

Rating: B. Well the ending was a bit surprising, but TNA had to win here after losing the women’s match. I was worried about Saints pinning another TNA star after he pinned a pair of champions in less than two minutes but Santana kicking out was the right way to go. Williams leaving Bad News Brown style is perfectly fitting for him and Saints went down fighting before losing to TNA, so it all made sense.

Ava and Santino Marella are in the back and Ava invites some Knockouts to be in next week’s battle royal for the #1 contendership to the NXT Women’s Title. Marella accepts to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. The show felt big, though I was waiting for some huge moment to end the show and it just never happened. This isn’t the ending to the story and it makes enough sense as it keeps a lot of fresh talent coming into NXT. I liked the show well enough and it lived up to the hype, with Bound For Glory getting enough of a boost as well. Good show, though it could have been better with some kind of a big angle or moment.

Results
Hardys b. Darkstate – Swanton to Lennox
Team NXT b. Team TNA last eliminating Kelani Jordan
Ethan Page b. Mustafa Ali – Twisted Grin
Team TNA b. Team NXT last eliminating Ricky Saints

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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