Wrestling Roundup: April 2, 2020

The Wrestling Roundup is here to bring you all the news and rumors you need to know in one place.

AEW Dynamite Results & Recap

Filming from an undisclosed location, AEW still is working to provide us entertainment during the current pandemic. The in-ring debut of Lance Archer was promised on Wednesday night, and the rest of the show delivered in a variety of ways. Here are the full results:

• Kenny Omega def. Trent?
• Hikaru Shida def. Anna Jayy
• Lance Archer def. Marko Stunt
• Natural Nightmares (QT Marshall & Dustin Rhodes) def. Dark Order Goons
• Sammy Guevara & Shawn Spears def. Cody Rhodes & Darby Allin

Name another wrestler who can cut an effective promo on a drone. The only answer is Chris Jericho, and he did it again this week from the comfort of his backyard.

.@IAmJericho extends a second invitation to #Vanguard1 to join the #InnerCircle. It didn't go according to plan.
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama 8e/7c #AEWonTNT @AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/iyIK6FthMH

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 2, 2020

AEW released the full bracket for the TNT Championship tournament. The other side of the bracket will feature Dustin Rhodes versus Kip Sabian, and Lance Archer versus Colt Cabana.

We've got a bracket! Let's hear it, give us your predictions 🤔#AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/2KbEIPm2UQ

— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) April 2, 2020

It really seems like AEW is having Brodie Lee’s Exalted One draw a lot of inspiration directly from Mr. McMahon and his real life habits. This week, Lee berated his Dark Order underlings for showing weakness. How did they show weakness? They yawned. This character may be derived from someone wrestling fans know, but it still feels unique.

“Are you weak? Right now, you look weak to me” – MR. F’N BRODIE.
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama 8e/7c #AEWonTNT @AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/uwOaJL8LRp

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 2, 2020

Finally, the main event was a solid match. The best part by far was a great Coffin Drop from Darby Allin. Allin climbed up the side of the warehouse Dynamite was filming in and hitting Guevara and Spears from about 10 feet up.

DARBY FROM THE MOON #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/zdIvjDDPbf

— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) April 2, 2020

NXT Results & Recap

This week’s NXT was the first of two to feature matches that would have been broadcast on NXT TakeOver: Tampa. Unfortunately TakeOver was cancelled due to Wrestlemania moving to two nights. Fortunately for us, we still got some quality wrestling from the black and gold brand. Here are the results from NXT:

• Velveteen Dream def. Bobby Fish
• Dexter Lumis def. Jake Atlas
• Dakota Kai wins a gauntlet match to earn a spot in the #1 Contenders Ladder Match next week
• Shotzi Blackheart eliminated Deonna Purrazzo, Xia Li, Aliyah, & Kayden Carter before losing to Kai
• KUSHIDA def. Joaquin Wilde
• Keith Lee (c) def. Dominik Dijakovic and Damian Priest to retain the NXT North American Championship

Even though she didn’t win, Shotzi Blackheart stole the show during the gauntlet match. Showing a ton of heart and determination, many fans spoke highly of her online after the match. Big things await Blackheart in NXT, even if Kai managed to get the victory.

We had our first official Malcolm Bivens (Stokely Hathaway) promo on NXT as he introduced us to Bivens Enterprises. He introduced his “associates” Rinku & Saurav to us all. I can not do justice to the promos Bivens cuts, so watch it for yourself.

The Limitless One Keith Lee continues his reign as NXT North American Champion, and it was the correct call. Lee is one of the most over talents in WWE as a whole. He should reign with the belt for as long as feasibly possible. 

The champ's in trouble. #WWENXT #NXTNATitle @RealKeithLee @DijakovicWWE @ArcherOfInfamy pic.twitter.com/WgZVXWSxEo

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) April 2, 2020

People keep abducting KUSHIDA’s opponents after their matches. Last time it was Raul Mendoza, and this week was Joaquin Wilde. Who is taking these men, and where are they going?

AGAIN?!?!

Where is security?!?!? … and @RaulMendozaWWE?! #WWENXT @joaquinwilde_ pic.twitter.com/MSj51dsKRj

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 2, 2020

WWE Taking Break After Wrestlemania?

Rumors are flying that WWE may take a break after Wrestlemania. Florida has issued a stay-at-home order state-wide, which may impact WWE’s plan to continue taping content from their Performance Center in Florida (h/t WrestlingInc). With the order in place, it has led to the WWE “reconsidering” their taping plans. As of now the plan is for WWE to air SmackDown on April 10th live, but those could change in response to the stay-at-home order.

One for the Road:

An excellent April Fools match announcement from AEW. Maybe one day?

BREAKING NEWS
18 MEN
8 TIGERS
Who will walk out the first-ever#AEW KING OF TIGERS CHAMPION? pic.twitter.com/TVmMF8nX6r

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 1, 2020