WWE LFG Season 3: Episode 5 Recap
WWE LFG returns for Season 3 on A&E, bringing fans another behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to earn a WWE contract. With two seasons already in the books, this year raises the stakes and promises the most unique season yet.
Familiar faces are back to guide the next generation. Booker T and Bubba Ray will return as coaches, and both Natalya and Kevin Owens join the show as new additions to the panel. Season 1 was claimed by The Undertaker, and Michelle McCool took home the win in Season 2. But this time, everything is different.
There are no more points, no more teams, and no more fighting for an NXT contract. Each week, the legends provide guidance both in-ring and on the mic, shaping the superstars of tomorrow and helping mold the future of WWE one match at a time.
Here’s what went down this week:
Season 3, Episode 5: ‘Knock ‘Em Out’
Knock ‘Em Out, will air on on Sunday, May 24th on A&E.
After a long injury hiatus, Elijah Holyfield is back! First, Elijah tests his confidence and promo ability in front of the live crowd, then competes in his first match in over six months.
Elsewhere, Natalya challenges Kali Armstrong and Sirena Linton to bring some more aggression to their matchup. And NXT veteran Andre Chase pays a visit to LFG to work with Ivy League upstart Braxton Cole as he takes on the high-flying Trill London.
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Episode Notes
- Elijah Holyfield returns from injury after a torn biceps to cut a promo.
- Bubba Ray works with Braxton Cole, and in an LFG first, Cole takes on NXT veteran Andre Chase.
- Natalya works with Kali Armstrong, who Matt Bloom is very high on and says is really starting to click. She faces Sirena Linton, who he feels still isn’t where she needs to be three seasons in.
- Booker T works with Elijah Holyfield and Nathan Cranton, with Booker expressing high praise for Cranton.
- Kevin Owens decides to join the commentary team for the matches tonight.
Watch Party
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The Matches on Episode 5
WWE LFG Match Rating (1–5 Scale)
1️⃣ 😐 Meh / Okay – Not much happened, filler match
2️⃣ 🙂 Decent – Solid wrestling, nothing special
3️⃣ 🔥 Good / Fun – Crowd got into it, entertaining spots
4️⃣ 💥 Great / Must-See – High energy, memorable moments
5️⃣ 🤯 Epic / Instant Classic – Mind-blowing, match of the season candidate
Elijah Holyfield vs. Nathan Cranton
- Results: Elijah Holyfield def. Nathan Cranton
- Rating: 💥
Nathan Cranton didn’t just compete here, he played the perfect supporting role in Elijah Holyfield’s return, making him look every bit like a star. Holyfield’s finisher connected cleanly, closing out a strong showcase moment in his comeback.
Booker T was all in on the match and praised the overall execution, while Shawn Michaels had one main critique. Cranton could have done more to make Holyfield feel even bigger and more physically imposing throughout the match.
Still, the mission was largely accomplished: Holyfield looked like a major presence in his return.
Kali Armstrong vs. Sirena Linton
- Results: Kali Armstrong def. Sirena Linton
- Rating: 🙂
There was real weight behind this one, especially with Natalya’s earlier conversation with Sirena Linton about potentially getting cut and needing to leave everything in the ring. That context showed in her performance; flashes of heart, urgency, and grit that kept her fighting through.
Kali Armstrong, however, leaned fully into her dominant heel role and controlled most of the match with confidence and pressure. It was solid in-ring work across the board, but Armstrong never really lost control of the momentum.
Natalya praised both women after the bell, calling it Sirena’s best showing yet because she finally had space to display her full skill set. Emotion hit hard after the match, with Sirena breaking down in tears following the feedback. A tough moment given what’s ahead in her story.
Braxton Cole vs. Andre Chase
- Results: Braxton Cole def. Andre Chase
- Rating: 🔥
This was a smart, veteran-style performance from Cole, and it highlighted exactly why bringing experienced talent into LFG can elevate the entire system. He controlled the pace, picked his moments, and played the crowd perfectly as a smug heel feeding off their reactions.
The finish was classic — a well-timed referee distraction opening the door for a low blow that sealed the win. Simple, effective, and executed with intent.
Bubba Ray credited Cole for his ring IQ and overall approach, noting a few minor critiques. But, he ultimately emphasized how much he brought to the match in terms of timing, psychology, and presence.
