From ringside, Tony Schiavone and John Layfield welcomed us to the NWE Redemption pay-per-view, as fireworks went off on the entrance stage and at the top of the arena above the ring. Schiavone and Layfield talked about the complete card tonight, but gave specific attention to the main event; a Steel Cage match for the NWE Championship where Rob Van Dam would defend his title against “The Phenomenal One” AJ Styles. Schiavone said, “But before we kick this awesome pay-per-view off, we have a rare treat: an appearance by NWE Chairman of the Board Matt Saye!”
NWE Chairman of the Board Matt Saye made his way onto the entrance stage with a microphone. As Saye spoke, Japanese subtitles played on the titantron for those fans who didn't speak English. Saye said, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to NWE Redemption! You know, National Wrestling Entertainment has had the privilege of competing before some of the most respectful professional wrestling fans in the world, but never have we had the level of respect and hospitality that you great Japanese fans have showed us. So thank you for that.” The fans cheered, as Saye promised them an action packed night “as only NWE can provide you”! Saye then thanked the crowd once more, before heading to the back.
Consequences Creed and Jimmy Rave defeated Runt and Yoshihiro Tajiri in 8:42 by pinfall, when Creed pinned Runt following the Creed-DT. After the match, Creed and Rave celebrated in the ring, until Yoshihiro Tajiri crept back into the ring, sneaked up behind Creed and, as he spun Creed around, sprayed his Green Mist into Creed's eyes. Rave chased Tajiri from the ring, as Creed writhed in pain and medical officials ran to the ring to help Creed. From ringside, Tony Schiavone noted how deadly the Green Mist could be, and how it can visually impair anyone for hours.
In the back, Jonathan Coachman interviewed “Classic” Colt Cabana and asked him about his match with Mr. Anderson, and how Dawn Marie could get involved. Cabana said, “Could? You think it's a possibility, not a fact? You see, Ken, I know for a fact that you're going to try to use Dawn Marie to defeat me tonight. So I came here tonight with a little help of my own. I brought someone to stand in my corner, and neutralize your little hussy. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... Traci Brooks!” Brooks entered the shot and said, “Dawn, take a good look at this (pointing at her body), because this is what a real woman is supposed to look like. Now tonight, if you try to interfere in this match, I will take you out like only Traci Brooks can!” Cabana and Brooks walked away.
“Loudmouth” Mr. Anderson (with Dawn Marie) defeated “Classic” Colt Cabana (with Traci Brooks) in 9:26 by pinfall following the Loudmouth Lunge (top rope Senton splash). During the match, Dawn Marie attempted interference into the match, but was stopped by Traci Brooks, who pulled her off the ring apron. The two ladies started brawling on the outside, as Cabana and Anderson had to pull them apart. Toward the end of the match, Cabana had Anderson locked in the Chicago Crab and, just as it looked as if Anderson was going to tap, Marie shoved Brooks down, jumped onto the apron and threw powder into Cabana's eyes. Cabana quickly relinquished the hold, and Anderson took advantage. After the match, Brooks checked on Cabana, as Marie raised the arm of Anderson on the entrance ramp.
In the back, Consequences Creed and Jimmy Rave were in the trainers room, as Creed was being checked over by the doctor. Lauren came in and asked Jimmy Rave about Creed's condition. Rave said that Creed would be fine, but challenged Yoshihiro Tajiri to a one-on-one match this week on NWE Showdown.
In the back, Jonathan Coachman interviewed NWE Cruiserweight Champion Paul London about his title defence tonight, and London said that he and Brian Kendrick were no strangers to one another. London reminded everyone that together, he and Kendrick held another company's Tag Team Titles for almost a year. London said, “But now, me and Brian are facing one another. We know each other better than we know ourselves, and that is the factor that will make this match the hardest match I've ever had to compete in. Especially, Coach, with the NWE Cruiserweight title, my most precious accomplishment, on the line. But I will go out there and give everything I have to retaining this title, and if I don't retain the title tonight, perhaps I need to take a long, hard look at myself.” London walked away.
NWE Cruiserweight Champion Paul London defeated Brian Kendrick in 6:09 by pinfall following the 450 Splash to retain the NWE Cruiserweight Championship. During the match, from ringside, Tony Schiavone and John Layfield talked about Paul London's comments before the match, and Schiavone questioned what London would do should he lose tonight. Layfield said that he didn't know what London would do, but said, “What he should do, Tony, is suck it up and come back fighting.” After the match, London celebrated, as Kendrick threw a fit on the outside.
In the back, Taz caught NWE Co-President Eric Bischoff arriving at the arena, and asked Bischoff what he had in store for everyone tonight, with his major announcement. Bischoff said that it was between himself and himself, and told Taz to mind his own business, before walking away.
In the back, Lauren tried to get an interview with Jim Cornette, and asked him who he was going to manage on a full-time basis after tonight. Cornette said that it was nothing to do with Lauren, and said that he was going to sit at ringside and watch two great athletes put on one hell of a show. “Then, and only then, will the entire world know where Jim Cornette's loyalties lie! Perhaps.” Cornette walked away.
NWE United States Champion Adam Pearce defeated “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan in 11:51 by pinfall following the Spike Piledriver to retain the NWE United States Championship in a street fight. During the match, Jim Cornette was sat at ringside on a steel chair, watching the action. After the match, Cornette got up, folded up the chair and climbed into the ring with it. Then, to the surprise of everyone in the arena, Cornette struck Pearce in the back with the chair. Morgan, groggily getting back to his feet, smirked, as did Cornette. The two then embraced but, as Morgan turned around, Cornette thumped Morgan with the chair, too. Cornette dropped the chair and left the ring, as the fans sat in stunned silence. From ringside, Tony Schiavone said, “I don't get it. Jim Cornette was supposed to make clear who he's managing after tonight, but now we're left with more questions than answers!” Layfield replied, “Just as Jim Cornette intended it, Tony.”
In the back, Jonathan Coachman approached Jim Cornette, and asked him why he did what he did to Adam Pearce and Matt Morgan moments ago, and asked Cornette to answer everyone's questions. Cornette said that he was onto bigger and better things, and said that tonight he was going to unleash a “bulldozer” on the NWE world!
In the back, NWE World Tag Team Champions Redneck Wreckage approached L.A.X. as they were making their way to the curtain. Wreckage offered a handshake which was accepted by L.A.X. before L.A.X. walked away.
NWE World Tag Team Champions Redneck Wreckage (Lance Cade and Trevor Murdock) defeated L.A.X. (Homicide and Hernandez) in 7:34 by pinfall when Cade pinned Homicide to retain the NWE World Tag Team Championships. After the match, as Cade and Murdock celebrated, everyone turned their attention to the entrance stage, where Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) were stood. The two teams looked at one another, as the fans began cheering, expecting a brawl.
In the back, Taz was stood in the parking lot, awaiting the potential arrival of “The Samoan Pit Bull” Samoa Joe.
In the back, “The Wildcat” Chris Harris approached “The Real Deal” Elijah Burke and asked Burke if, seen as Booker T would have Monty Brown in his corner, Burke wanted Harris in his. Burke thanked Harris for the offer, but said that he needed to win this match on his own. “Plus,” Burke said, “You're a bit of a black cloud, man. No offence.” Burke slapped Harris on the shoulder, before walking away. Harris said, “Black cloud, huh?”
Booker T (with Sharmell and Monty Brown) defeated “The Real Deal” Elijah Burke in 13:59 by pinfall, when “The Wildcat” Chris Harris interfered in the match, hitting Burke with the Cat-a-Tonic when the referee wasn't looking, allowing Booker T to regain control and win the match. After the match, Booker celebrated with Sharmell and Brown, as Harris looked on with an emotionless stare. From ringside, Tony Schiavone voiced his confusion on the situation, noting that Harris and Burke appeared to be friends going into the match. Layfield said, “I think, Tony, Chris Harris took exception to being called a black cloud.”
A promo aired for the NWE Anguish pay-per-view, coming up in 5 weeks on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from Las Vegas, Nevada.
“A-Double” Austin Aries made his way to the ring and took a microphone. Aries said that he had been waiting all night for the “big return” of Samoa Joe, but said that maybe Joe was too cowardly to appear and fight him tonight. Aries said, “Maybe you're not a Samoan Pit Bull, Joe. Perhaps you're just a cowardly little Chihuahua. Suddenly, on the titantron, a shot of the parking lot showed a limousine pull up and, as it stopped, “The Samoan Pit Bull” Samoa Joe stepped out. Joe began making his way into the arena, as Taz tried to get an interview, but his attempts proved to be unsuccessful. Back in the ring, Aries was preparing himself for the fight. Suddenly, Samoa Joe's music hit and Joe stormed to the ring, got in, and he and Aries began brawling with one another. Eventually, Joe got the upper-hand, whipped Aries into the ropes and, on the rebound, hit Aries with a huge dropkick. Then, Joe had Aries perched on the top rope, ready to hit the Muscle Buster. However, Aries poked Joe in the eye, quickly climbed down and bailed from the ring. As Aries regrouped on the entrance ramp, Joe ran his finger across his neck and pointed at Aries. From ringside, Tony Schiavone said, “Samoa Joe is back, but I think Austin Aries picked the wrong guy to fight with tonight!”
In the back, Jonathan Coachman interviewed NWE International Champion Robert Roode, and his bodyguard, Tomko, who said that tonight was about proving that youth was better than experience, and promised to retain the NWE International Championship over Jerry Lynn.
NWE International Champion Robert Roode (with Tomko) defeated Jerry Lynn in 10:03 by disqualification to retain the NWE International Championship. The match came to an end when, as the referee was down, Tomko passed Roode a chair. However, when Roode saw the referee coming back to his senses, Roode made a thud on the chair, threw the chair at Lynn, who caught it, and fell to the mat. The referee, unaware of the shenanigans, disqualified Lynn. After the match, Roode and Tomko slithered up the entrance ramp, Roode still holding the NWE International title, as Lynn tried to explain what had happened to the official, who was having none of it.
In the back, “The Phenomenal One” AJ Styles approached NWE Chairman of the Board Matt Saye. Styles said that when the night was over, Saye would have a champion representing his company that he could be proud of. Styles said, “You see, ever since you brought Rob Van Dam into this company, all the boys have been questioning where your head's at. They've been questioning where your logic has gone. But after tonight, when AJ Styles wins the NWE Championship, all those questions will be gone.” Saye told AJ that he hoped AJ got everything he wanted in his career, and told AJ that he'd be watching. AJ replied, “Watching? No, I want something bigger than that. This Wednesday on NWE Showdown, when I step into that arena as NWE Champion, I want you to personally award me the title in the middle of the ring.” Saye said, “Fine, if you win the title tonight, I'll personally award it to you. But, if you lose tonight, you'll go out there this Wednesday and admit that Rob Van Dam was the better man!” Saye smirked and walked away.
On the titantron, NWE Co-President Eric Bischoff appeared from his office. Bischoff said, “Ladies and gentlemen, this past Thursday via NWE's Twitter account, I promised everyone a major announcement. That announcement is the following; this Wednesday on NWE Showdown, we will have the first-ever, in NWE history, Champions Challenge battle royal. Which means, all singles champions will compete in an over-the-top-rope challenge. The winning champion receives an extra $50,000, on top of what they make usually, as well as the ability to call themselves the best champion in NWE today. Good luck to all champions. Thank you.” The feed cut.
From ringside, Tony Schiavone and John Layfield talked about that huge announcement as the steel cage lowered around the ring. Schiavone said, “This is it, ladies and gentlemen, this is the match we've all been waiting for. Many feel that this will be the last encounter between Rob Van Dam and AJ Styles. Others feel that this rivalry has only just started. Never before has a championship match in this company had such a 'big fight' atmosphere surrounding it. Never before has the championship been the center of such a war. This, ladies and gentlemen, is our main event!”
NWE Champion Rob Van Dam defeated “The Phenomenal One” AJ Styles in 25:38 by pinfall in a Steel Cage match to retain the NWE Championship. Toward the end of the match, Van Dam was nearly over the top of the cage when AJ climbed up and grabbed Van Dam's boot. Van Dam kicked AJ off of him and, as AJ hit the mat, Van Dam looked toward the ground. However, Van Dam then looked round at the fans, down at AJ and stood on top of the cage. As the fans cheered, Van Dam hit Styles with the Five Star Frog Splash and eventually covered him to win the match. After the match, the cage was raised back to the roof and, after several moments, both men got back to their feet. The referee had just grabbed the NWE Title and was about to hand it to Van Dam, when AJ snatched the belt. Styles walked over to Van Dam and placed the title on Van Dam's shoulder, applauded Van Dam and left the ring. Van Dam continued his celebration, until Jim Cornette appeared on the entrance stage. Cornette had a microphone and said, “Congratulations, Rob, on retaining the belt. But now that the AJ-RVD rivalry is a Dodo, let's see how you contend with your next challenge...” Suddenly, back in the ring, Van Dam was attacked from behind by “The Bulldozer” Ekmo Fatu! From ringside, Tony Schiavone said, “Wait a second, that's Ekmo Fatu! Last time we saw that monster, that animal, was NWE Heatwave!” Fatu hit Van Dam with several right hands, before eventually hitting him with the reverse piledriver! Cornette joined Fatu in the ring, passed Fatu the title belt and Fatu raised it as Cornette raised his arm as the show went off the air.
From ringside, Tony Schiavone and John Layfield welcomed us to the NWE Redemption pay-per-view, as fireworks went off on the entrance stage and at the top of the arena above the ring. Schiavone and Layfield talked about the complete card tonight, but gave specific attention to the main event; a Steel Cage match for the NWE Championship where Rob Van Dam would defend his title against “The Phenomenal One” AJ Styles. Schiavone said, “But before we kick this awesome pay-per-view off, we have a rare treat: an appearance by NWE Chairman of the Board Matt Saye!”
From ringside, Tony Schiavone and John Layfield welcomed everyone to the special NWE Redemption pay-per-view pre-show. Schiavone said, “In just over one hour, this historic and legendary venue will be full to the brink of Japanese National Wrestling Entertainment