WWE LFG: Episode 12 Recap
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The world of professional wrestling is about to welcome a new era of talent with WWE’s newest show, WWE LFG, premiering on A&E. This groundbreaking series provides an inside look at what it truly takes to make it in WWE. It also features legendary mentors guiding the next generation of superstars vying for a WWE NXT contract.
Helmed by WWE executives and Hall of Famers Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Shawn Michaels, LFG boasts a stacked coaching lineup. It includes The Undertaker, Booker T, Mickie James, and Bubba Ray Dudley. Each week, these industry veterans will mentor a group of aspiring wrestlers. They will offer invaluable guidance on both in-ring performance and the all-important mic skills. With their wealth of experience, they will shape the future of WWE one match at a time.
Season 1, Episode 12: ‘The Playoffs Begin!’
The twelfth episode, The Playoffs Begin!, aired on May 4, 2025 on A&E. Shawn Michaels kicks off the show by announcing the first round of the playoffs. The Legends from each team decide who stays and who goes, with some teammates now facing each other. Everyone gathers for team photos, and the Future Greats share their nerves heading into the playoffs.
The Legends sit down with their female Future Greats to check in, ask questions, and set expectations. Each Future Great makes their case to stay:
- Zena Sterling & Tatyanna Dumas speak with Bubba Ray.
- Tyra Mae Steele & Bayley Humphrey meet with The Undertaker.
- Leigh Laurel & Penina Tuilaepa talk to Booker T.
- Dani Sekelsky & Sirena Linton sit down with Mickie James.
After the matches concluded, the Legends gathered to award points for the best performance of the night. Unanimously, they selected Tyra Mae Steele vs. Bayley Humphrey as the standout bout, earning Team Undertaker an additional point.
The updated point breakdown is now as follows:
- Team Bubba Ray: 4 Points
- Team Booker: 6 Points
- Team Mickie: 3 Points
- Team Undertaker: 8 Points
Then came the toughest part—eliminations. The Legends ultimately chose to cut Bayley Humphrey, Sirena Linton, Leigh Laurel, and Tatyanna Dumas.
The Matches on Episode 11
Zena Sterling vs. Tatyanna Dumas
Before the match could officially begin, Tatyanna Dumas ambushed Zena Sterling while she was on the ropes. As Tatyanna argued with the referee, Zena tried to capitalize with a roll-up, but Tatyanna quickly made her pay. Bubba Ray criticized Tatyanna, claiming she had forgotten everything once inside the ring.
Zena began to build some momentum, but it was short-lived as Tatyanna regained control and continued to dominate. Eventually, both competitors knocked each other down. As they slowly got back to their feet, something lit a fire under Zena, who surged forward and took over the match.
After narrowly avoiding a terrible landing, Zena executed a Front Facelock Suplex and pinned Tatyanna for the win. Following the match, Bubba Ray expressed his disappointment in the performance.
Leigh Laurel vs. Penina Tuilaepa
Leigh Laurel and Penina Tuilaepa opened the match with a solid lock-up. Early on, Penina held Leigh in a headlock for a bit too long, which slowed the pace. At one point, Penina no-sold a suplex, drawing some jokes from the Legends on the sidelines.
Penina eventually took control, showcasing her power and revealing a nastier edge to her in-ring style. Leigh, however, rallied back, gradually building momentum. She sealed the comeback victory with a crossbody, pinning Penina for the win.
The feedback from the Legends was generally positive, though conversation quickly shifted back to critiques of ring gear. The Undertaker emphasized Penina’s natural heel instincts, while Booker T bluntly remarked that the match was what it was.
Tyra Mae Steele vs. Bayley Humphrey
Tyra Mae Steele and Bayley Humphrey lock up. Bayley immediately beings to showcase her incredible power, tossing Tyra around the ring with ease. TMS eventually turns the tide by pulling Bayley down and jumping to the outside, causing Bayley’s neck to snap against the ropes.
It appeared both women leaned into their heel personas during the match. Tyra’s killer instinct kicked in as she unleashed a vicious beatdown, until Bayley kicked her out of the ring to regain space. Bayley went for a chokeslam, but Tyra countered and began targeting Bayley’s leg, methodically breaking her down and forcing Bayley to fight just to stay upright.
After two failed attempts, Bayley finally landed the chokeslam—but couldn’t make the cover. She attempted her finisher, but Tyra slipped out and locked in a submission, forcing Bayley to tap out and handing her the first loss of her career.
Post-match, Tyra offered a handshake, but Bayley refused and hit her finisher in frustration. The Legends gave glowing feedback. Mickie James said both women already belong on TV. Booker T praised their sharp look and execution. The Undertaker said the match was amazing, admitting it made his decision extremely difficult.
Dani Sekelsky vs. Sirena Linton
After locking up, Dani Sekelsky and Sirena Linton immediately showcased their gymnastics backgrounds with impressive athleticism. The match was evenly contested early on, until Sirena’s more aggressive side began to emerge. She took control and laid into Dani with a mean streak that caught attention.
Despite her limited time at the WWE Performance Center, Sirena looked polished—perhaps because playing the heel allowed her to tap into a more confident, cocky persona. Mickie James noted Sirena’s natural instincts, while Bubba Ray questioned whether it was too late for that growth to matter. He pointed out that Dani started strong early in the competition, cooled off due to injury, but isn’t as green as she once was.
Dani eventually mounted a comeback and went for a frog splash, but missed. Sirena capitalized, pinning her and cheating to win.
During feedback, Booker T said he enjoyed the match and acknowledged the difficulty Mickie will face in making a decision. The Undertaker called it fun and felt Sirena stood out as a heel. Bubba Ray agreed. Mickie appreciated the match’s story, calling it “girlie” in a good way, and admitted she’s not looking forward to making a final decision.
The Updated Team Rosters
Booker T’s Team
- Anthony Luke
- Penina Tuilaepa
- Jasper Troy
Mickie James’ Team
- Chris Island
- Troy Yearwood
- Dani Sekelsky
Bubba Ray’s Team
- Zena Sterling
- Drake Morreaux
- Brayden Ray
Undertaker’s Team
- Elijah Holyfield
- Tyra Mae Steele
- Shiloh Hill
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