RESPONDING TO THE ACADEMY

Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox worked their way into the coveted opening slot and they let the GAW Academy have it. Kai said Team Kick are always willing to put down “arrogant b-teamers” and Nox added she is the greatest US Champion of all time. We’ll let you decide the accuracy of that assertion…

We go now to the ring where Matt Riddle returns for the first time since Nitro 10. Riddle seems to have added muscle and brutality since his last man standing match and, unfortunately for Zack Sabre Jr, Riddle was ready to crack some skulls. Riddle broke Sabre’s nose with a reinforced knee drop and won the match with a Go to Sleep. After the match, Riddle got on the mic and told everyone he is now the best he’s ever been. He wasted two years of his life teaming with Keith Lee and while Lee is struggling mentally, Riddle is ready to take on the champ. Only time will tell if Aleister Black entertains the arrogance of the reinvented Matt Riddle.

Ricochet is still the contractual #1 contender to Bobby Lashley’s Intercontinental Championship but he hasn’t looked like it as of late. Unfortunately, that poor run of form would continue against former World Champion PAC, who locked Ricochet into a Brutalizer and forced the tap. What’s next for Ricochet? And could he be facing Buddy Murphy for the title? Murphy and Lashley will clash for the belt at Dark: St. Patty’s Day on Wednesday, March 17!

We go backstage now where TMDK have a real “treat” for us. The arrogant Australians were watching a compilation video of some of the Usos’ best career moments and they were… less than impressed. You’ll have to watch this yourself to believe it!

Our main event came and it brought another team looking to shake up the Storm tag team division. Jay White and Drew McIntyre were partners for nearly a year before the Bladerunners were dissolved at Nitro 10, but they never officially teamed together. But with both men stagnant in the singles division, they decided it’s time to give a run for the Tag Team Championships. That run began with a match against British Strong Style and the new team showed they’re the real deal. After nearly 10 minutes of brutal fighting, White landed a knee square into the chest of Tyler Bate and hit the Bladerunner for the 1-2-3. Where is the ceiling for this new team?

We had our main event of next week’s Storm confirmed! Dakota Kai will put her World Title on the line against the winner of a #1 contenders match on Dark: St. Patty’s Day!