Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Welcome to PWInsider.com’s coverage of Episode 4 of WWE LFG on A&E!
After a short recap of last week’s events, tonight’s episode kicks off at the Performance Center. Shiloh Hill is back after his medical scare. The Undertaker checks on him, reassuring him that injuries are part of the business. He explains WWE’s protocols and confirms that Hill is fully cleared to compete. Hill is happy to be back.
Shawn Michaels gathers everyone to discuss tag team wrestling and factions. He credits the nWo as the biggest and best faction of all time before introducing Eric Bischoff.
Bischoff wonders if the Future Greats are even old enough to have watched the nWo. None of them are (which makes me feel old!), so he explains how the group’s success relied on personalities that meshed well together. One of those personalities was Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, who was also in D-Generation X. With that… Sean Waltman is introduced.
Waltman shares his experience of being part of two major factions, leading Michaels to reveal that the Future Greats will be creating their own factions. They must work in harmony, develop chemistry, and accentuate their strengths. The teams will compete in eight-man tag team matches: Team Booker vs. Team Bully Ray and Team Mickie vs. Team Undertaker.
The Future Greats are both excited and nervous, as this will be the first match for some of them. They’ll also be recording vignettes, so Bischoff suggests they watch the first-ever nWo vignette for inspiration. Bischoff will focus on the vignettes, while Waltman is interested in the in-ring work.
The coaches strategize with their teams. Zena Sterling, from Team Bubba Ray, suggests a farmer gimmick, but Bubba Ray isn’t sold. Meanwhile, Cutler James has joined Team Bubba Ray, replacing BJ Ray. A recap of last week’s events leads into a video package about James. He believes their faction needs a unifying theme. Drake Morreaux suggests they be a “misfit” family. Bubba Ray relates this to his own “father,” Big Daddy Dudley, and decides the team will be a modern-day version of the Dudleys.
Bubba Ray pulls Cutler James aside, explaining why he picked him last week. He saw fire in James but wants to see more personality. He references Kurt Angle, a great athlete with an even greater personality, urging James to step up his character work.
Team Bubba Ray films their vignette, each member dressed in their version of a Dudley.
Next, Team Booker brainstorms their faction. No one has an idea until Anthony Luke suggests “The Next Era” or “TNE.” The team loves it and films their vignette dressed in black, with a Matrix-inspired aesthetic—Booker T’s idea.
Meanwhile, BJ Ray checks in with WWE’s medical staff. They’re unsure if his injury will heal on its own or require surgery.
Tension rises as Bubba Ray approaches Booker T about their match. Bubba Ray isn’t happy with the current plan and tries to address Jasper Troy directly, but Booker keeps speaking for him. Bubba Ray insists on hearing from Troy himself. The teams then gather in the ring to finalize the match structure. Bubba Ray offers the most input, which Booker acknowledges, though he believes the match should go a different way. He wants to ensure Bubba Ray doesn’t dominate the discussion.
Anthony Luke, Leigh Laurel, Jasper Troy, and Penina Tuilaepa (The Next Era) vs. Zena Sterling, Drake Morreaux, Tatyanna Dumas, and Cutler James (The Dudleyz)
Before the match, the vignettes are shown. The Dudleyz' backstory? Morreaux’s father is Dudley Dudley, Sterling’s father is Sign Guy Dudley, James’ father is Big Dick Dudley, and Dumas’ father is Dances With Dudley.
Sterling and Laurel start things off with a lock-up. Sterling sends Laurel into the ropes and tackles her before rolling her around. Laurel responds with a headlock takeover. Sterling counters by grabbing Laurel’s leg and slamming her knee into the mat before hitting a bodyslam for a two-count. She tags in Dumas.
Dumas delivers a clubbing blow off the ropes, but Laurel recovers and tags in Tuilaepa. Using her size advantage, Tuilaepa takes Dumas down with a side headlock. Dumas sends her into the ropes, but Tuilaepa counters with a tackle and a leg drop for a two-count. Tuilaepa goes for a corner splash but misses.
Cutler James and Anthony Luke tag in just as BJ Ray approaches the coaches. Bubba Ray immediately tells him to leave. BJ Ray gives him attitude, prompting Bubba Ray to shove him away. Jeremy Borash steps in to escort BJ Ray out. In an interview, BJ Ray claims this moment makes it clear who the good guy and bad guy are.
Back in the ring, Morreaux tags in and challenges Troy. Troy tags in, and they lock up. Troy maintains control with a side headlock and an elbow drop, but Morreaux fights back with a clothesline and a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Troy and Luke double-team Morreaux with a dropkick/bodyslam combo. Luke follows up with a corner clothesline and tags Troy back in, who lands a Bossman Slam. Morreaux kicks out and tries to rally, but Troy applies an abdominal stretch.
Cutler James tags in and explodes with offense, taking down Troy. Luke tries to intervene, but James remains in control. Chaos ensues as everyone gets involved. Tuilaepa’s attempt to help backfires. Sterling lands a top-rope splash on Troy, and James finishes with a big Samoan Drop for the win!
Winners: Zena Sterling, Drake Morreaux, Tatyanna Dumas, and Cutler James (The Dudleyz)
Booker T praises Bubba Ray’s match construction, while Mickie James and Eric Bischoff remain perplexed about BJ Ray’s behavior. The Undertaker sees an “It Factor” in BJ Ray but believes he’s his own worst enemy. Bubba Ray reflects on how similar he was to BJ Ray in his younger years and wants to guide him before his talent goes to waste.
Team Mickie conceptualizes their faction. Mickie suggests a theme centered on being “the perfect athletes.” Troy Yearwood proposes “POP” (Pinnacle of Performance), representing peak athleticism and crowd engagement. A video package highlights Yearwood’s accomplishments. The team decides on a colorful aesthetic, contrasting with the darker themes of other teams.
Meanwhile, Team Undertaker—assisted by Michelle McCool—discusses faction ideas. They settle on “Slayer of Souls” (SOS). The Undertaker envisions a dark alley setting for their vignette, and the team embraces the eerie theme.
The teams film their vignettes, with Bayley Humphrey incorporating her forensic background. Both groups enjoy the creative process.
In match preparation, Chris Island is eager to redeem himself after last week’s injury incident with Shiloh Hill. Sirena Linton, preparing for her debut, is comforted by Mickie James. A video package showcases Linton’s gymnastics background and personal struggles. Similarly, Bayley Humphrey’s strength and athleticism are highlighted.
The Undertaker advises Elijah Holyfield, who is also making his in-ring debut.
Dani Sekelsky, Chris Island, Sirena Linton, and Troy Yearwood (POP) vs. Tyra Mae Steele, Bayley Humphrey, Shiloh Hill, and Elijah Holyfield (SOS)
The POP team embodies superheroes, while SOS exudes a dark, menacing aura. Eric Bischoff loves the SOS vignette.
The match unfolds with solid performances, especially from first-time wrestlers. Yearwood’s Death Valley Driver secures POP’s victory.
Winners: Dani Sekelsky, Chris Island, Sirena Linton, and Troy Yearwood (POP)
Shawn Michaels announces next week’s special guest: CM Punk!
Next Week: CM Punk evaluates promos, Tatyanna Dumas battles emotions, and more matches unfold!
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
