Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report – 11/7/17 – AJ Styles challenges Jinder Mahal!

Published

6 years ago

November 7, 2017

Steven Mitchell

The Modern Day Maharaja or the Phenomenal One, who moves on to Survivor Series to face The Beast?!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens VS Kofi Kingston w/ The New Day; Kingston wins.
Randy Orton VS Rusev w/ Aiden English; Orton wins, Rusev is not on Team SmackDown.
Becky Lynch VS James Ellsworth w/ Carmella; Becky wins.
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable; Benjamin & Gable win by count out, The Usos retain.
WWE Championship: Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers VS AJ Styles; Styles wins and becomes the new WWE Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

AJ Styles has the opportunity to become WWE Champion again.

Jinder Mahal may be bigger and stronger, but he’s not The Phenomenal One, and that is AJ Styles! But Mahal says that he “flat out beat up” Styles, to prove he is “the superior champion.” The consequences are to defend the title, but Mahal is alright with that. Styles will be a Phenomenal Loser, Mahal will stay “YOUR WWE Champion”. Who will be the true WWE Champion after a night in Manchester?

Shane McMahon heads to the ring.

The SmackDown Commissioner and Men’s Team Captain is in Manchester, and the fans are Shane O’Mac says “November 19th will mark down in history” the beginning of a new era where Raw can’t call SmackDown “The B Show”, they’ll be THE Show. Two mega brands going at it and it’s gotten personal, with Daniel Bryan’s injury being the major incident. Shane holds Stephanie McMahon and Kurt Angle responsible. For what they did to Bryan, Shane is going to go after Angle, so Angle better be ready. And speaking of Daniel Bryan, he’ll be back next week, because he “resembles what everyone in that locker room has.” You get knocked down but you don’t stay down. Speaking of some tough fighters, let’s bring out some guys who “fired a shot across the bough of Monday Night Raw.” The Manchester crowd knows who he means, it’s The New Day! Awwww~ Manchester~! Don’t you dare be soure, clap for your world famous 4 time champs, and feel, the powah~!Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston and Big E “bleed blue” as they helped bring us new Raw Tag Team Champions. They distracted Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose, The Bar, and all of the Raw Roster by simply appearing in the crowd, and when it all wrapped up, Sheamus & Cesaro were champions instead of The Shield boys. “Made ’em look pretty silly.” Manchester cheers that “New! Day Rocks!” Kofi tells Shane that they didn’t mean for titles to change hands, but that stuff happens when you put Raw #UnderSiege baybyyyy~! And when it comes to the Raw Roster, what’re they gonna do? “Nothing~!” Because when they led that siege, they looked Raw “dead in the eye”, and what happened? “We beat them down!” The New Day is prepared to accept the consequences. And if #Rawtaliation is even attempted, New Day will send them back to Monday. Yes, SmackDown Spirit is strong with The New Day, it was all on a whim, but that’s awesome because… “New! Day Rocks!” Shane hip swivels with them.

But Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn arrive to say otherwise.

“That was the stupidest, most painful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” Shane, they hate to break it to him, but he’s not cool. And never dance like that again. Wait wait, Sami is saying someone else shouldn’t’ dance? What about Sami’s entrances? Don’t listen to them, Sami. These two are here with important things to say. Shane may have a hard time dealing with losing at Hell in a Cell, but now he’s acting out, just don’t punish SmackDown for his shortcomings. Sami & Kevin could’ve been on Raw, could’ve beat up the entire Raw Roster, but they’re “men of honor.” They do things the right way, and just because that doesn’t jive with the “Shane McMahon Propaganda Machine”, he sets them up to fail. Well, this is the attitude that has kept these two from representing SmackDown. No, it’s because they lost “qualifying” matches! And Shane did nothing to fix the controversy. If Sami or Kevin had done things like that, they’d be suspended, fined, or even fired. And, because Kevin lost to Shinsuke Nakamura. Well, it’s a crime they even had to qualify! They are the top two stars on this roster! So what? What do they need to do? Not entertaining enough? They need to dance like the “puppets”! Whoa… Fans want to see that, but the only puppet here, is that “1930s paper boy, never been to a gym lookin’ ass Sami Zayn!” WHOA! Kevin has his hand so far up Sami’s butt, that every time he brushes his teeth — which isn’t often — Kevin gets a manicure. The New Day is loving their own burn, but so is Manchester. Sami sarcastically laughs it off, but he’ll be laughing harder when Raw beats SmackDown and they only have Shane to blame. Shane says they have no brand loyalty, yet walk around like they own it. Since Sami thinks he’s entitled, he is entitled to a match. Against who? Who who who? Kofi Kingston. And, it’s next.

Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens VS Kofi Kingston w/ The New Day!

The bell rings, the two circle, Sami puts Kofi in a corner. Sami honors the ropebreak and gives Kofi plenty of space. The New Day joins in the “Paper Boy!” chants at Sami. Tie up, waistlock but Sami reverses out, Kofi reverses back, Sami rolls and reverses back again. Kofi rolls and flips to reverse back once more, bringing Sami to a knee. Sami pushes back and powers out but the whip is reversed, Sami springboards up and over, arm-drag into arm lock. Kofi works to get up and out, fans rally with the New Day claps, Kofi whips but is shouldered down. Sami speeds things up, Kofi hits him with a back elbow. Sami gets to a corner, Kofi misses his splash, Sami runs in for a monkey flip, Kofi lands on his feet! Woods plays him music to twerk to. Sami swings but misses, dorpkick from Kofi sends him out! Kofi watches as The Best Friends regroup, fans keep up the cheers for New Day. Sami takes his time getting in, Kofi keeps his eyes on him, Sami makes sure he stays back as he enters. THe fans taunt “Where’s the paper?” Kofi loves joining in, but then rushes out to separate the Best Friends. Sami pounces as Kofi reenters the ring, reeling Kofi in for a flipping lariat! Kevin taunts “Who rocks now?!” Sami takes his time stalking Kofi, puts Kofi in a corner, then rains down right hands before going up. Flying crossbody, intercepted by a dropkick from Kofi! Sami regroups with Kevin again as we go picture in picture.

The New Day keeps the fans going, Kevin coaches Sami back up. Kofi comes out to get him, double ax handle. Kofi goes to put Sami in the ring but Kevin distracts, Kofi gets shoved into a post! Sami acts like he didn’t’ do it, the ref continues his ten count. Sami gets Kofi up and in, drags Kofi up for elbows to the shoulder and then a chinlock applied. Sami leans on Kofi to squeeze and grind him, Kofi fights against the hold, The New Day rallies the fans for Kofi. Kofi gets up and fights back, but Saim pulls hair to yank Kofi to the mat. Sami stalks Kofi, throwing hands. Kevin applauds as Sami chops Kofi against the ropes. Sami whips Kofi, Kofi kicks Sami, Kofi runs in a corner but misses the splash again, Saim covers, TWO! Sami is annoyed but he keeps on Kofi at the ropes. Sami scoops Kofi into a pendulum backbreaker, TWO. Sami puts Kofi back in the chinlock, Kofi again endures. Kofi gets up and fights back again, we go single picture as Sami throws Kofi but Kofi rebounds, to then clothesline Sami out of the ring. Sami flounders, Kofi recovers, then bounces to slingshot senton onto Sami!

Sami put back in the ring, Kofi gets on the apron and throws a shoulder in, slingshots over, SOS! TWO! Kofi can’t believe Sami survived that, but he just gets up to call for the finish. Sami gets up, Kofi runs in, Trouble in Paradise misses, Blue Thunder Bomb hits hard! TWO! Kevin is upset, “that was three!” Sami doesn’t let it slow him down, he just targets Kofi from the opposite corner. Sami runs in, but gets Kofi’s swing kicks. Kofi springboards but Sami gose under, wants a suplex but Kofi slips out, standing switches to a snapmare, Kofi dodges to go up and fly! Crossbody hits! Kofi wins! Only for Kevin to come in and attack! The New Day come in to run him and Sami off, The Best Friends are furious as they exit. Will their sense of entitlement ever stop? Or will they get to say “We told you so” after Survivor Series?

Backstage interview with Jinder Mahal.

He is to defend his title tonight, but is still set on defending his honor against Brock Lesnar. How is this match tonight changing his mindset? Mahal was dining with the Manchester elite, and called the appetizer “AJ Styles”, for Brock Lesnar is the “entree.” Styles is a formidable opponent for a mere man, but Mahal is a Maharaja! He will not be disrespected anymore. He makes a meal out of Styles, and “Feasts on the Beast” at Survivor Series. Mahal may be hungry, but so will Lesnar. Will Mahal have his fill? Or has he bitten off more than he can chew?

The Bludgeon Brothers cometh.

“This world is a horrible place.” “We’re here to make it worse.” “No cage can contain us.” “No asylum can understand us.” “And when we’re done…” “Humanity will swell over.” Luke Harper & Erick Rowan are set to carve a path of pain in SmackDown, who will be the lambs to slaughter?

“Please welcome the melodious voice of Aiden English.”

The WWE’s Drama King asks Manchester remain completely silent as he introduces “The Lion of Bulgaria~~~! Who beat the Viper before~~~!” And tonight, promises to do it once more. Raw beware, at Survivor Series, all will declare: IT’S RUSEV DAY~~~!

Randy Orton VS Rusev w/ Aiden English!

The Bulgarian Hero was promised a chance to be on Team SmackDown. Originally it was against AJ Styles, but plans change, so instead Rusev must find a way to defeat The Viper to earn his spot. The bell rings, these familiar foes circle, kick blocked, RKO denied, roundhouse connects! TWO, Rusev tries again, TWO, again, TWO! Rusev is not letting up on Orton, he stomps Orton at the ropes as we go to break.

We return to Rusev having Orton in a chinlock. Fans rally for Orton, but Rusev thrashes even as Orton gets up. Fans now cheer “RUSEV DAY! RUSEV Day!” Orton headbutts Rusev back, then whips, Rusev reverses to windmill kick Orton down, TWO! Rusev tries again, TWO, so Rusev keeps on Orton.

Roode, Nakamura and Shane are watching, Rusev throws in shoulders in a corner. The ref counts and backs Rusev down, Rusev drags Orton out to cover, TWO. Rusev is getting frustrated now, fans duel between the two. Rusev gives Orton elbow drops on the run, covers, TWO. Rusev is further frustrated, he ptus Orton at the ropes to give Rusev Day kicks to Orton’s back. Cover again, TWO, Rusev tries again, TWO. Again, TWO. Rusev is furious now, he wants the win that badly. Rusev cools off, fans cheer and jeer, Rusev takes aim at Orton, RKO!!

Orton wins, no Rusev Day at Survivor Series. But then, who is the fifth man?

James Ellsworth waits outside the WWE Women’s Locker Room.

Tamina Snuka comes out first. Can she please fetch Carmella? She goes back in, he thanks her. Tick tock tick tock, Becky Lynch comes out… Where’s Carmella? That doesn’t matter, worry about her. She thinks she has a chance? She’s a woman, he’s am an, duh. Just don’t get hurt. Oh he’s worried she’ll get hurt? Yeah, because the WWE Women’s Revolution “is a farce.” And if Raw were to raid, Becky would be the first woman to hide behind Ellsworth. The city is Manchester, not Womanchester. Men are superior in jsut about every way, and the ring isn’t for “the softer sex.” He “lets” Carmella compete because it makes her happy. But he’ll be even happier when he proves he’s the “better man.” Ballsy statement. A pity he doesn’t have any.

WWE looks back at #UnderSiege and the aftermath that followed.

Shane McMahon and the SmackDown roster surprised us all when they appeared on Monday Night Raw to ransack and rampage all over the Raw Roster. Then, whether Kurt Angle planned it or not, Daniel Bryan came to Raw and was savagely attacked by the Big Red Machine, Kane! The New Day responded by bringing #UnderSiegePart2, which was really only a “pump fake” to cost Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose their WWE Raw Tag Team Championships. Things have gotten so personal between these two rival brands, what will the aftermath of Survivor Series be?

Becky Lynch VS James Ellsworth w/ Carmella!

Nicknamed “WWE’s Battle of the Sexes”, it isn’t just the Lass Kicker coming out. Charlotte Flair, Naomi, Lana and Tamina Snuka all surround the ring to watch the FABULOUS Princess of Staten Island’s lap dog “Pretty Jimmy Dream” get neutered by #StraightFire. The bell rings, Ellsworth does some push-ups to work on his guns. Doesn’t matter, the fans know “Becky’s gonna kill~ you!” He gets face to face with Becky but taunts, she goes for his arm and he hurries to a rope. Ropebreak honored, Becky dares him to bring it. He takes off his shirt and ties up, waistlock and takedown, Ellsworth feels like he already won. They circle again, Becky gets the waistlock and he throws her off into a wristlock. Facelock, Becky gets up and powers Ellsworth up to the top rope! She lets him go, the fans serenade her with Bayley’s usual song. Ellsworth hops down, but runs right into her kick, and then she whips. He reverses, she goes up and over, keeps the run going, “Come at me, bro!” He ducks her chop, whips, she ducks under him then hops over, and by the time he realizes where she went, she gets him in a clutch cradle, TWO. Majistrol, TWO. Bodyscissors and roll roll roll roll roll, roll roll, roll, they both dizzily stagger about. Becky finds Ellsworth, firemen’s carry, and as if the rolling wasn’t enough, airplane spin! Ellsworth is extra dizzy, so Becky throws him out. Becky dares Ellsworth to return, and he’s thinking he should, too, faced with Tamina and Charlotte. He takes his time getting up and in, then shows the crane kick stance. Only to shove Becky down! Now Becky’s mad. He shoves her again, taunts the other ladies outside, Becky hops up and missile dropkicks him down!

Cover, TWO, Ellsworth gets to a corner. Becky runs in, he dodges, she hits buckles, schoolboy. TWO, so he gets her up to whip her into a corner. Ellsworth gloats again, then tunes up the band. No Chin Music blocked, atomic drop hits Ellsworth in the little Jimmy. HE goes to exit, middle rope is kicked to do the same, then a Becksploder throws him out. Becky lets her teammates and Lana keep Ellsworth from running away. A ring count gets high before he’s forced back in, he begs for mercy. He kisses Becky’s hands, and shakes them, then hags, she still puts him in the Disarm-her. Er, Disarm-Him. He taps, she wins, The Captain is on fire!

Carmella comes in to trash talk with Becky, but she FABULOUS KICKS Jimmy!

The fans love that! Ms. Money in the Bank doesn’t need a mutt like him, she’s got her briefcase to be her best friend. Will SmackDown’s team of women defeat Raw’s with this level of unity?

Shane McMahon talks with Charlotte.

Did she see Angle’s face when The New Day invaded? Yes, and she assures him the SmackDown women will be ready for #Rawtaliation. Natalya walks in, apologizes for interrupting. But she’s pretty sure she knows what Shane wants. She accepts. Survivor Series will not only be Natty proving herself as the best WWE Women’s Champion, but she will also gladly take Charlotte’s place on the team. That’s not at all what he was going to say. Natty escaped Hell in a Cell using a chair. That didn’t sit well with management, so next week, Natalya will defend that SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte. The winner faces Alexa Bliss, the loser is on the team. Not fair! HOw many chances does Charlotte get? Apparently one last one. Will the Queen of Harts be dethroned by the Queen of Flair?

WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable!

The Uso Penitentiary has had the SmackDown Tag Team Division #OnLock, but their opponents are #ReadyWilling&Gable to break out and take those titles from them. But they’re just “two chumps thinking they can take these tag titles” and “thinking they can represent the Blue Team at Survivor Series.” Also, it’s American Alpha 2.0. Who is this? “Our next victims.”

And it’s a brawl! Gable & Benjamin are sent out of the ring, the Usos are all fired up as we go picture in picture.

Gable & Benjamin regroup while the Usos sort out which twin starts. We have Benjamin and Jimmy, they brawl at the bell. Benjamin gets the edge, Jimmy is staggered, whipped, but he ducks to chop back. Jimmy runs, Benjamin gives him a back drop. Benjamin tags Gable, double kicks and then an attack on Jey before double knees to Jimmy. Cover, TWO, Gable says “Uce-NO!” Gable gets Jimmy up, stiff forearm rocks him back, then a stiff haymaker, Gable goes for a T-Bone but Jimmy fights out, reverse dragon whip kick! We go single picture as the fans rally. Tag to Jey! Jey rallies on Gable, mule kick to uppercut. He ducks Gable, Samoan Drop slipped out, Benjamin tags in. Samoan Drop hits Gable, then Benjamin slips out of his own to give a spinebuster. Jimmy in, gets Pay Dirt from Benjamin! Jey rolls Benjamin, TWO, then Jey gets dumped out. Benjamin wants to go out, but the ref keeps him back. Gable takes advantage to chop block out Jey’s leg! Gable scrambles under the apron skirt, the ref starts a ring count. This won’t win titles, but Benjamin does make Jey fight back on his own. Jey can’t, Benjamin & Gable win by count out. No titles won in this, but a message was sent: Benjamin & Gable aren’t to be trifled with. Can the Usos make it to Survivor Series to defeat The Bar?

Backstage interview with AJ Styles.

Mahal called Styles the “appetizer”, how does he feel to being overlooked? Mahal needs to learn portion control, and to not take Styles lightly. Everyone wants to become WWE Champion, so Mahal better focus on tonight. People have always underestimated Styles, and Styles always proved them wrong. He works harder and longer than anyone else, so Mahal is going to learn first hand that SmackDown “is the House that AJ Styles Built.” And to steal Mahal’s phrase, Styles will become the Beast Master, too.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, our names are the Singh Brothers.”

And they are the Advocates for the “reigning, defending, undisputed” Modern Day Maharaja, Jinder Mahal~!

WWE Championship: Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers VS AJ Styles!

This has been a long time coming considering how much The Modern Day Maharaja toots his own horn, as well as has Samir & Sunil toot it for him. Now it’s time to put up or shut up, who will be the man to face The Beast at Survivor Series? The fans are on Styles’ side unanimously from the sound of it. The bell rings, the two circle, tie up, Mahal pushes Styles back to show his physical strength. But then the fans chant “You Can’t Wrestle!” at him. Waistlock from Styles, Mahal gets a ropebreak then gives a dirty back elbow to knock Styles back. Mahal dares Styles to come at him, the fans now say “You’re on Steroids!” Mahal flexes, that doesn’t refute what they said… They tie up, Styles gets a kick in then puts on a headlock, Mahal tries but can’t power out, so he lifts Styles to get leverage, shoves Stylse and they collide shoulders. Styles rolls Mahal up, TWO, crucifix blocked, sunset flip as well, Mahal tosses Styles out! Mahal and the Singh Brothers are confident in the Maharaja’s chances, we go to break.

We return, Styles and Mahal tie up but Mahal kicks low to put on a headlock. Mahal gets the takedown, only the Singh Brothers applaud. Fans rally for Styles, Styles pulls on Mahal’s hair but that doesn’t help him get free. Styles gets himself up to his feet, then fights back against Mahal. Mahal knees low and clubs Styles on the back, runs, Styles hits a dropkick that sends Mahal out! Forearm to Mahal as he tries to reenter, the Singh Brothers trash talk. Styles slingshots over, lands on the apron, Mahal trips him up. Styles staggers away, Mahal rushes him at the barrier but Styles boots back. From the timekeeper’s area, Styles flies, but is caught! Mahal swings him onto the announce table! Mahal drags Styles up and into the ring, then stomps away before springboard knee drops rain down. Mahal grinds a knee into Styles’ chin. Mahal drags Styles up into an armlock. Mahal rams a knee into Styles’ spin, then an elbow into Styles’ head, then another knee into the spine. Back to the arm lock, the fans rally for Styles. Styles feeds off that, Mahal keeps him from getting a ropebreak, but the fans build to a stronger rally and Styles fights out. Styles is thrown down by his hair, the fans boo Mahal. Mahal grins as he gives a big knee drop to Styles’ chest. Mahal dares Styles to get up, just so he can knock Styles down again. Mahal keeps stomping, almost toying with his contender. But one springboard knee too many, Styles gets feet up to kick Mahal away. Styles gets to a corner to recover, Mahal runs in, but misses the splash. Styles is up and throws haymakers, Mahal is on the ropes now. Styles backs up, Phenomenal Blitz! Low running forearm! Mahal and Styles are both down, but Styles kip-ups right to his feet. Big clothesline in a corner, then a suplex, but Mahal blocks with power. Mahal lifts, Styles slips out, Ushigoroshi! TWO! Styles isn’t frustrated, he just gets himself moving again. Styles grabs Mahal, calls for the CLash, but Mahal powers Styles up and over. Sunset flip, and kicks to Mahal’s chest. Mahal blocks one, throws Styles down, but then Mahal’s boot is countered into a takedown and stacked cover, TWO! Styles gets to a corner, runs out but is tossed by Mahal, cover, TWO! Mahal and the Singh Brothers are frustrated, the champion is running out of ideas. The fans cheer for Styles, Mahal lifts him up to the top rope, and then climbs up to join him. Fans boo and jeer, but Styles slips down to trip up Mahal! Styles rolls Mahal, Calf Crusher! Mahal endures, reaches back and rams Styles’ head into the mat. But Styles holds on! Ropebreak for Mahal, Styles lets him go. BOth men are slow to getting up, Styles is shoved away but another Phenomenal Blitz, countered but a clubbing lariat! Cover, TWO! Mahal glares as he stalks Styles, Mahal lifts Styles up top again. Mahal climbs up, prepares the superplex but Styles slips down again, Mahal grabs him and puts him back up in one motion. Styles fights back, tornado DDT denied, but then Styles dumps Mahal out of the ring. Styles takes aim, slingshot forearm topples Mahal over!

Styles gets Mahal up and in the ring, where it has to be decided. Styles gets on the apron as the Singh Brothers coach Mahal. Styles aims, springboard, 450! Can’t cover, the Singhs drag Mahal out! The fans say to get those two out of here, Styles chases and tackles one of them down! Then he jumps and takes out the other! Styles has the fans all fired up, Mahal is in the ring, sliding knee to take out the first Singh. Mahal tries to pounce, Styles knocks him back, Phenomenal- KARAS!! Mahal crawls, covers, ROPEBREAK!

Mahal is furious but the fans are loving it! Mahal wants to finish it, fans boo. Mahal brings Styles up, prepares something on the top rope but with Styles backwards now. Mahal climbs up, puts on the half-nelson, Styles fights out of that! Styles adjusts, HOTSHOT! Mahal snaps back, Styles gets on the apron and takes aim… Springboard, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! STYLES WINS!! We have a NEW WWE Champion, and he is Phenomenal!

The Maharaja’s reign has ended, can Styles conquer the conqueror? Mahal punishes the Singh Brothers for this failure, what will the Maharaja do now that he’s no longer doing anything at Survivor Series?

My Thoughts:

Another crazy good night of WWE in the UK, even if people were talking about it in real-time online because WWE couldn’t help but give away the headline of a new champion crowned, emphasis on how it was singular. That aside, this was all great build towards Survivor Series, great twists and turns to really get some hype going for the PPV. Good opening where Shane congratulates and compliments New Day for pulling off the invasion/screw job on Raw, which smoothly shifted into Zayn VS Kingston, a good opening match. Was hoping for Sami & Kevin VS The New Day but that’ll be next week for the go-home, and logically there was no #Rawtaliation tonight because everyone can guess it would be led by The Shield in full wanting revenge on New Day. Tonight wouldn’t work, can’t have such a big moment like #Rawtaliation happen to start a show, and Roman Reigns was already announced to be back next week, so the timing is better. Shield VS New Day in a Six Man Tag is going to be great, I kinda hope it’ll be Tornado Tag to truly make up for not getting the Shield in full at TLC. Rusev VS Orton again was an alright way for Rusev to not be on the SmackDown Men’s Team, since it would be a waste to give us first-time-ever matches like Rusev VS Roode or Rusev VS Nakamura for nothing. This does make everyone wonder who SmackDown’s fifth man will be out of the talent left to choose from, and they only have next week left to announce it, will the announcement live up to the hype?

James Ellsworth really hammed up being a misogynist tonight to get cheap heat. And everyone knew he was going to lose to Becky Lynch, mostly because he’s James Ellsworth and she’s Becky Lynch. This was mostly a moment to unite the SmackDown Women’s Team as even Carmella appears sick and tired of Ellsworth’s ego. And Natty’s ego just got shot down, she might not even be the champion after next week as Charlotte gets a chance in Charlotte, NC. I wouldn’t mind seeing Charlotte win so that it’ll be her against Alexa Bliss for Champion VS Champion of the two women (so far) to have been both Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champions in their careers. And though Sin Cara got injured at a house show, SmackDown seems to still have Corbin VS Sin Cara 4 as a US Championship match next week. That must mean the injury wasn’t as bad as it looked and he’ll be just fine, but I still don’t see Sin Cara taking that title just yet, to allow Corbin and Miz to settle their war of words in the ring. Did not see Usos retaining their titles the way they did, Gable could’ve legitimately hurt Jey there. Maybe what Gable & Benjamin are plotting is to force the Usos to vacate the titles so that it won’t be about beating the top team but the bottom teams to get the gold. And though it was easy to tell Styles won the title from the vague spoilers given, it was still great to see it as Styles is the first to defy the numbers game and finally defeat Mahal clean. I also liked the detail of Mahal knocking out a Singh Brother in frustration. Styles VS Lesnar is going to be great, and now will actually make for a match Heyman might take seriously, which we’ll likely hear about Monday.

My Score: 8.5/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/25/24)

Champions need challengers!

Published

21 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Queen is coming for her crown!

Athena & Billie Starkz are the top champions in the ROH Women’s Division, but Queen Aminata’s coming after them! Who will she target first?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Zay wins.
Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order; Top Flight wins.
Anna Jay VS Allysin Kay; Anna wins.
Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Will Austin; Johnny wins.
Six Man Tag: The Mogul Embassy VS MANDERS & BEEFTANK; The Embassy wins.
Yuka Sakazaki VS Leila Grey; Yuka wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners; The Kingdom wins and denies The Outrunners a title match.
Taya Valkyrie w/ Johnny TV VS Laynie Luck; Taya wins.
Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, GPA & Ren Jones; Archer & The Righteous win.
Abadon VS Nova; Abadon wins.
Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos; Mortos wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

Brother Zay and the Commander of the Skies are coming down from the high of competing against Rob Van Dam on April 20th, but they’re both ready to get back up. Will Kassidy earn his shot (shot shot) at a championship? Or will the AAA Cruiserweight Champion be aiming for ROH gold?

The Code of Honor is upheld, but Zay has his fingers crossed! Zay trips Komander at the bell, says he’s too smart, then he steps on Komander’s dropdown to say “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” and “SUCK IT!” Komander keeps cool, he and Zay tie up, and Komander headlocks. Zay pulls on the mask, powers up and out to hurdle, but then Komander steps on him! Komander mocks “SHOTS! SHOTS!” Zay runs up, Komander avoids the boot to then wrench, wrench and mule kick a leg! Kmoander steps over, rolls through, then rolls again, to a HALF CRAB! Zay endures, fights around, ROPEBREAK! Komander lets go and Zay stands back up.

The fans rally, Komander runs in but is put on the apron. Zay runs in but into a slingshot BOOT! Zay comes back but Komander goes up and headscissors Zay into buckles. Komander comes back to springboard, wheelbarrow, but Zay HOTSHOTS Komander and then throws him down! The fans boo but Zay says they don’t teach that at school. Just follow Zay and he’ll get your right. Zay then smothers Komander with his towel! The ref reprimands, Zay lets off and Komander sputters to a corner. Zay bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS him, then stomps Komander down. Zay says “SHOTS! SHOTS!” as he gives stomp after stomp.

The ref counts, Zay lets off at 4 and dusts his shoes off. Zay goes back to scuff Komander, taunt him, but the fans rally up for Komander. Zay scuffs Komander more, eggs him on, but Komander fights up to fire hands! Zay ducks a roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Zay leans on ropes, Komander runs in but Zay puts him on the apron. Komander gets up but Zay triangle jump STUNNERS! Komander flops to the floor, Zay scowls and goes out after him. The fans rally, Zay backs Abrahantes off, and the fans boo. Zay goes back for Komander, SMACKS him off barriers, then grabs the chair.

The fans boo, Zay says watch this, it’s about to be an 8K. Zay runs and uses the chair to LAUNCH, into barriers! Komander avoids disaster, puts Zay in the ring, and he hurries to a corner. The fans fire up as Komander springboards, but Zay moves! Komander rolls through, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up while Zay bails out. Komander builds speed and WRECKS Zay with a dropkick! Then ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Zay! The fans fire up, Komander drags Zay up and in, then he springboards again, for a SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zay stays in this as fans chant “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay goes to the apron, Komander storms up and stands him up. Zay shoves Komander away, goes up the corner, but Komander runs up! Zay anticipates and GAMANGIRIS! Zay goes up to SUPSER SUSNET FLIP, but Komander flips through!! The fans fire up and Zay is shocked! Zay still BOOTS Komander, fires forearms, but Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP, UPPERCUT and power up! Zay turns Komander around but gets a SHOTEI! Komander then jumps up top POISON-RANA! The fans fire up again and Komander runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans remind us, “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay says Komander’s done wasting his time. Zay whips, Komander reverses but Zay reverses back to scoop, only for Komander to tilt-o-whirl sunset flip! TWO, but Komander tries a side roll sunset, TWO! Zay escapes, Komander dodges his haymaker and waistlocks. Zay switches, Komander switches back, but Zay grabs the ref! LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo as Zay gets away with that one! Abrahantes protests but the ref can’t call what he didn’t see! Zay blows a kiss, before the INVERTED TWIST OF FATE! Cover, Zay wins!

Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall

Brother Zay didn’t break rules but he did find a loophole to DELETE Komander’s momentum. Will Zay soon have a WONDERFUL ascension to the top of ROH?

ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.

It was backstage at AEW Dynasty this past Sunday that the Bang Bang Gang unified the AEW and ROH World Trios Championships! Jay White says, “Today, our destiny, fulfilling our destiny by building our Dynasty! Y’see, I’m full! I’m full of that feeling when I get to say, I told you so! When I came to AEW, joined forces with The Gunns, I said the Gunns were money! Brought them in along with Juice Robinson, to Bullet Club GOLD. I said I would bring you gold, and boys, we’re running out of space. Because we’ve got gold a plenty, haven’t we, boys? Cuz I’m the mother effin’ Catalyst of Professional Wrestling! I told you so!”

Austin says their backpacks are heavier on the ride home, but that extra weight just reminds him that the Bang Bang Gang runs this Trios ish! Colten says they like to have fun before and after, but during? They don’t take no ish! There’s this saying around here, “Restore the Feeling.” That’s something for the young guys to get on TV, but guess who are never mentioned? The Gunns! Is it because they’ve been in too many main events? Is it because they’ve been tag team world champions? And now they’re AEW & ROH Trios Champions! The Gunns are the best damn team in the world! White is the best singles man in the world!

And tonight, they are the BEST trio in the world!! And if you’re not down with that, they’ve got two words for ya: GUNS UP!! The Bang Bang Gang is firing on all cylinders, but will they be able to shoot down those who take aim at them?

Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!

Speaking of the trios championships, Action Andretti, and the brothers Martin get their shot at the Bang Bang Gang this Saturday! Will Top Flight pick up speed going into that Collision? Or will Evil Uno, John Silver & Alex Reynolds prove they are worthy contenders?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Darius Martin starts against Johnny Hungy. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. The fans rally for “JOHNNY HUNGY!” as the two tie up. Darius wrenches, wristlocks, but Silver spins and fireman’s carries for the takeover. Silver has the cording hold but Darius fights up. Silver wrenches but Darius spins, slips around, waistlocks, spins Silver and cravats for the neck wrench. Silver endures, powers up and out, but Darius rolls over the dropdown. Darius sweeps a leg to cover, ONE! Darius turns Silver’s sweep into a cradle, TWO!

Silver gets up but Darius arm-drags him back down. The fans cheer, Darius wrenches Silver and tags Action. Action runs to LEAP FROG ATTACK the arm! Action wrenches Silver, tags Dante, and Dante goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Dante clamps onto the arm, digs a knuckle into Silver’s ribs, or was it a tickle attack? Tag to Darius and Dante snapmares Silver. Darius runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Silver stays in this but Darius stays on him. Tag to Dante, Top Flight reel Silver in but the rest of Dark Order save him from the double suplex! So Action jumps in and Top Flight TRIPLE SUPERKICKS!

The fans fire up while Uno and Reynolds spill back out. Action and Darius aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA but Uno and Reynolds DECK them outta the air! Dante brings Silver up but Silver fights the half nelson to then whip Dante into the ropes! Silver then runs up, Uno & Reynolds join in, TRIPLE DROPKICK! Silver then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Dante into a bridging cover, TWO! Silver tags Reynolds and he short arm LARIATS Dante! Cover, TWO! Reynolds brings Dante up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Uno. Uno CHOPS Dante, then snapmares him to stomp him down! The fans rally for Uno as he tautns Action.

Uno goes back for Dante but Dante throws body shots. Uno CLUBS Dante, bumps him off buckles, and tags Reynolds. Silver holds Dante in whiel Reynolds whips Uno for the SPLASH! Uno goes again, but Dante dodges, goes up and over Reynolds, hot tag to Action! The Sight to See rallies on the Dark Order! ELBOW for Uno! BOOT for Silver! ELBOW for Reynolds! Uno kicks low, whips, but Action handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Action kips up, and he runs in at Reynolds in a corner. UPPERCUT! Uno runs in but the SPLASH is sent into Reynolds! Uno staggers away, Action DECKS Reynolds!

Action aims, slingshot and SPLIT LEG but he has to bail out as Reynolds moves! Action just uses that to roll and PELE Uno! SPANISH FLY on Reynolds! Cover, Silver breaks it! Darius tosses Silver out but Silver ROCKS Darius! Darius drops down but Dante runs in and uses Darius as a step, POETRY IN MOTION! Silver falls, Reynolds dodges Darius to RAM Dante! Dante comes back, Darius helps him get up and over, then Dante helps in the TORNADO DDT! Darius sets Reynolds up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Uno shoves Dante onto it! Uno then CHOPS Darius down and goes to his corner.

Reynolds crawls over, hot tag to Uno! Uno fires forearms on all of Top Flight! Uno winds up, but Dante JUMP KNEES! Darius mule kicks! Action KICKS, Darius BUZZSAWS! But then Silver & Reynolds drag the Martins out! Uno dodges Action, tells him to STOP, then ROCKS him! The rest of Dark Order get in, Reynolds spins Action before the TRIPLE ROLLING ELBOWS!! Action wobbles, Uno reels him in, and Silver gives Reynolds the BOOST to take out the Martins! PILEDRIVER for Action! Cover, TWO!! Action survives and shocks the Dark Order! Uno cools off, tags Silver in, and Silver tags Reynolds.

The Dark Order surrounds Action and the fans rally up. They stand Action up, hoist him up, and Silver builds speed, but the Martins trip Silver! Darius drags Silver out, Action gets away and Dante baits Uno. Uno runs in, Dante goes up and over to JUMP KNEE Reynolds! GAMANGIRI for Uno, then Action SUPERKICKS! Dante DIVES to take out Silver, Darius steps in to COMPLETE SHOT Uno! Action and Darius have Reynolds for the double pump handle, DOUBLE LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Cover, Top Flight wins!

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

Action, Dante & Darius are flying high and heading for Collision, will they take those unified World Trios Championships away from the Bang Bang Gang in the blink of an eye?

Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.

Lexy Nair is with the ROH Women’s World and Women’s Television Champions, and says “Ladies and gentlemen, we are calling an Emergency MEM, a Minion Empowerment Meeting.” The Fallen Goddess asks the Minions why they’re here, and Minion #400,237.75 knows why. This is because of Red Velvet and Queen Aminata. They decided to stick their noses in Athena’s moment. The main event of Battle of the Belts, live on TNT, the first time the Overlord has been on live TV in over a YEAR. And Aminata put her hands on Athena, put Athena on her head, and proved that she is nothing more than “a hot piece of porcelain hussy garbage.”

Billie says not to forget about Red Velvet. Velvet acted all high ‘n’ mighty, but she just forgot Billie hasn’t beat her yet. Lexy says then it seems there is some unfinished business. The champs bring Lexy in for an uncomfortable double side hug, and Athena says “Bestie” is right. There is unfinished business. And since MIT is a nonprofit, they’ll give a “scholarship to the biggest ass-whooping Queen Aminata and Red Velvet have ever seen. Got it?” Athena tells Queenie and “Blue Velvet” to either step up or step out. Challenge issued to the Queen and the Chef, but are the Overlord and her sidekick about to get cooked?

Mark Sterling speaks.

“Some people get into professional wrestling because they need to. You haven’t needed anything in your entire life. You have an unlimited amount of resources at your fingertips. Money, culture, knowledge. You wanted to excel at this business, so you got the best training, the best workouts, the best diets, the best gear, the best moves. If it’s not the best, it’s simply not you. But the wisest man doesn’t think he’s the best until he’s surrounded by the best. And now, we all are. You are Ariya Daivari. And you are a Premier Athlete. We are the Premier Athletes.”

The Premier Athletes are here in person.

Sterling talks to his stable and tells them the beginning of phase two was a success. They wanted to assert dominance over ROH, and he would say message sent. However, they were not aware that the message would be sent to ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, to Dalton Castle, and half of the ROH men’s locker room. It took SIX men to stand face to face to these three. They’ve got Ariya back and more pissed off than ever. They’ve got National Champion, Josh Woods. And they’ve got Tony Nese in peak, physical performance. Now, they all know The Infantry wasn’t personal. They were just in the line of fire.

The Infantry is just on a long list of people who do not deserve the opportunities. Opportunities that belong to these three physical specimens! Because these are The Premier Athletes. When and where will Sterling’s stable finally break through to that next level?

Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

Lexy is now with Maria Kanellis’ baby boys and says they haven’t had the best luck as of late. What’s next? Karter isn’t sure. They keep getting opportunities, but they keep failing. Karter recently had a match against Christopher Daniels, and he lost! Griff says Karter thinks that’s bad, but Griff lost his shot at the ROH World Championship. Griff has faced Mark Briscoe twice in his career, and he’s 0-2. Karter’s match wasn’t even for a title! Griff had so much more on the line! Maria then walks in and sees her boys are disappointed. Well, Mama is disappointed, too. They both could’ve done much better in their matches.

But every loss is an opportunity. Griff was in the ring with THIRTEEN TIME ROH World Tag Team Champion, Mark Briscoe! Karter was up against Christopher Daniels, a legend! Maria’s been in the ring with both of those men, and they have so much experience. That is what Griff & Karter gain every time they’re out there. Every single loss is an opportunity. And everyone around here is always jealous of the abs and the looks, and it’s great that they are. But eventually, they’ll be jealous of what these two do in the ring. And eventually, these two will get back her championships, the ROH World Tag Team Championships.

Maria leads the way, but does anyone wanna tell her that that would mean her baby boys going up against her husband, Mike Bennett?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners!

Speaking of Mike Bennett, he and Matt Taven are still champions after the big assist from Wardlow at Supercard of Honor. But will the Kingdom need their War Machine again real soon? Or will they be able to handle Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum in 10 minutes or less?

The fans rally up for the Outrunners already while the Code of Honor is upheld Mega Powers style. The teams then sort out, and though Taven is confused, Bennett steps up and starts against Truth. The fans chant “TAVEN SUCKS!” but Taven just eggs the Melvins on. Truth and Bennett tie up, then Truth wrenches to wristlock. Tag to Turbo, he takes the handoff, and he nods as he wrenches and wristlocks. Bennett knees low, flexes on Turbo, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Bennett wristlocks, says this is old school wrestling, but Turbo powers up! The fans fire up as Turbo rolls, handsprings, and kips up! Turbo then BOPS Bennett on the head!

The fans cheer, Turbo tags Truth, and Truth wrenches to wristlock. Truth grinds the arm, whips, but Bennett reverses. Taven trips Truth up while Bennett’s all up in the ref’s face! The fans boo and Turbo protests but Bennett dropkicks Truth down! Bennett mocks the old school posing then takes a bow. Tag to Taven, he CHOPS Truth in the corner. Taven CHOPS again, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Taven lets off to taunt Turbo, and Bennett gets a cheap shot on Truth! Bennett drags Truth up by his hair, the ref sees that and reprimands, but Taven ROCKS Truth. Taven whips, but Turbo trips Truth to actually save him from the crossbody!

Taven tumbles up and out of the ring, Truth gets up to tag Turbo! Truth then runs and Turbo holds ropes up, BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Bennett runs up, is sent out, and The Kingdom regroups. The fans fire up for Turbo as he fires up, then PLANCHAS! Down goes The Kingdom and Turbo is all revved up! Turbo gets in the ring, shakes the ropes, then tags in Truth. The Outrunners coordinate, to spin and pose! The fans fire up but The Kingdom CLOBBER The Outrunners from behind! The fans boo but Bennett flexes. Bennett brings Truth up, CHOPS, and now fans chant “BENNETT SUCKS!”

Bennett CHOPS Truth, puts him in the corner, and tags Taven. Bennett feeds Truth to a BOOT, adds the BOSTON BAYONET, then Taven LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Truth is tougher than that, but Taven argues with the ref. The ref defends his count, so Taven brings Truth over to ropes. Taven CHOKES Truth but the fans boo. The ref counts, Taven lets off at 4, and Taven soaks up the heat. Truth sputters but Taven tags Bennett. The Kingdom mugs Truth, then Bennett keeps Truth from Turbo with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a chinlock and stretch. The fans rally as Truth endures.

Truth is red in the face but he fights to his feet. But Taven BLASTS Turbo! Bennett throws Truth by his hair! Turbo storms in but the ref has to stop him. Turbo is upset but Bennett stands on Truth’s face! Bennett clamps onto Truth with a chinlock and grinds him down with a knee in the back. The fans fire up, we pass five minutes as Truth fights up, but Taven runs at Turbo again! Turbo ROCKS Taven first this time! Truth then hits a BIG back suplex on Bennett! The fans fire up, Turbo is feeling it, and Truth crawls over! Truth staggers ot his feet, hot tag to Turbo! Turbo rallies on The Kingdom with big haymakers!

The fans fire up as Turbo scoops and SLAMS Taven! Then he scoops and SLAMS Bennett! Scoop and SLAM for Taven! Scoop and SLAM for Bennett! The fans fire up and Turbo drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then he winds up, flexes, and JUPM ELBOW DROPS! Taven runs up but Turbo kicks! Turbo reels Taven in, flexes again, and hits a BIG suplex! Turbo points to Truth, Truth tags in, and Truth goes up! FLYING FOREARM on Bennett! The Outrunners hurry to get Bennett up, but Taven ENZIGIRIS Truth to stop Boot Camp, er Vice City, or whatever they were calling it! Bennett shoves Turbo into Truth then rolls Truth up, with tights! The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Outrunners a title opportunity)

Taven grabs the belts to celebrate and Bennett says that was too easy. But then the ref suspects shenanigans! Did Bennett pull tights? Bennett defends his innocence, as does Taven, and the ref drops the issue. Will The Kingdom do anything and everything they have to in order to stay champions?

Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.

The Chef and The Queen are backstage, and Velvet tells Athena, “There you go again. Stirring up the pot. Oh my gosh, we ruined your moment~! I’m done with you. Billie? You wanna hang with the big girls? You wanna get in big girl business? Then bring it on. Yes, I haven’t forgotten I beat you, twice. And I’ll do it again, and this time, I’m a beat you like your mama never did. You know why? Cuz I don’t roll with minions. I roll with royalty.” Aninata says that’s right. And Athena, oh, they feel so sorry for “ruining” the moment. Actually, Aminata would do it again and again and again. And wanna know why? Because Queen Aminata does not respect Athena as a champion!

Athena has ZERO honor! And no one knows better about honor than The Queen. And Velvet says, “Y’know what, Queen? I’m looking for a fight. Are you looking for a fight?” Aminata is definitely ready for a fight. Velvet says it is time to cook, eat, leave no crumbs, and take out the trash! This dynamic duo is ready to tear down the Forever Champion and her little buddy, will they take the gold right off Athena & Billie?

Backstage interview with The Infantry.

Lexy is now with Trish Adora, Carlie Bravo & Captain Shawn Dean, and we’ve seen them get on a roll. How are they continuing the momentum? Carlie is so glad she asked. Have no fear, you know The Infantry is here. Dean says yes, they are here. And there’s been nothing but targets on their backs. They said they’re the most popular team, and people have been after them. Carlie does realize now that they had those OG Ops, then those really big Ops, and last week, there’s Ops they didn’t even know about. But let’s not forget those really old Ops, the- Oh wait, The Outrunners walk in. Turbo & Truth are feeling good. They may not have targets on their backs, but they’ve got some guns!

Wait, wait, wait. Are they wearing brightly colored camo?! Okay, first they take the Infantry’s move, now they’re copying the swag? What’s next? Trying to take Adora and their homes? What the what, son? Dean has Carlie calm down. He’s always got great ideas. He does? Yes, because next week, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, they take this to where it all began! Finally, Infantry take The Outrunners to where they belong, and that’s Boot Camp! Hold on, The Outrunners have been using camo since The Cow Palace. Dean has to hold Carlie back on that one! Turbo has a better idea! Outrunners VS Infantry, Daily’s Place, where it all began!!

WHAT!? Didn’t they just- Fine, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Oh yeah? The Outrunners will do Infantry one better and THEY will accept! Let’s roll out! Copy that! WHAT!? Stop copying them, Outrunners!! But will Dean & Carlie finally get through the delusional duo and make them find their own schtick?

Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.

Lexy is with Mr. & Mrs. TV Ready and notes the season finale of Johnny Loves Taya just dropped. How are they feeling? Amazing~! Everyone loves their show, they worked so hard on it for months. Ten episodes, the grand finale, it couldn’t have gone any better. And think about it: awards season! The acceptance speeches, the red carpets, the fashion moments. But in sneaks Aaron Solo. That sounds fun! Though they would’ve won more awards if they had this face on the show. Maybe next season? Johnny says maybe Aaron would’ve been on the show, if he supported it once. He didn’t tweet about it once! All their real friends did.

Uh, Aaron is the Retweet King! Especially those first three episodes. Aaron and Johnny argue but Taya has them calm down. Taya runs the socials for the show, and she can confirm, Aaron did retweet. Oh, well, thanks, bro. Yeah, man! Remember QTV? The handshake? They do the handshake, right down the rocket ship taking off. Aaron says see? They’re bros. Before Johnny Loved Taya, Johnny Loved Solo. Uh… No. Aaron is a loser! TV Ready people do not hang with losers. Remember how his name used to be S O L O W? They took the W away cuz he keeps getting L’s! He’s 0 and THIS CENTURY! Get a win already!

Aaron says fine, if that’s what they want, he will win. And he’ll prove to both of you that Aaron is TV Ready! Aaron heads out, and Taya says it’ scute that he’s so confident. Not that it’ll work out. And they got the last word. Aaron then says “Bye” from offscreen, so Johnny says, “Adios.” Aaron has bet on himself, but will he win out?

Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos!

All Heart, The Whole Fox’n Show and the evolved Black Taurus are among the fastest, toughest and hungriest competitors around, and they’re all looking for that golden opportunity. Will Blake be rolling into NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament? Or will another big name prove they’re a big deal?

The Code of Honor is upheld between Fox and Blake, but not Mortos. The bell rings, Mortos stares down Fox and Blake. Fox runs in to RAM Mortos but bounces off! Blake RAMS Mortos but also bounces off! They both run up, but he runs them over! Fox & Blake both kip up, but Mortos choke grips them both. Mortos shoves Blake away, but Fox flips through the choke slam! Blake & Fox DOUBLE SUPERKICK Mortos down! Mortos bails out, Blake and Fox coordinate, and Fox runs. But then Blake sweeps the legs! Fox ends up on ropes, Blake runs to BASEMENT 619! The fans boo but All Heart also has some brains.

Blake aims from the apron, springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fox flounders to a corner, Blake runs in, but Fox puts him on the apron. Blake RAMS into Fox, slingshots, but Fox goes out to then slingshot SENTONS! The fans fire up, Fox suplexes for ANARCHY! Blake bails, Mortos LARIATS Fox down! The fans fire up as Mortos roars, and Mortos drags Fox up. Mortos suplexes, Fox slips free to waistlock but Mortos switches. Mortos shoves, follows, then rolls off Fox’s back! Mortos SOBATS, KNEES, ELBOWS and snapmares, to then NECK TWIST! Then SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fox survives that onslaught but Mortos roars again. Mortos drags Fox up, wrenches and grabs a leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Fox writhes, Mortos gets legs and steps through, and Mortos ties Fox up for a NAVARRO DEATH ROLL! Fox endures the leg lock, but Blake DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Mortos! The fans fire up and Blake smirks as he runs in at Mortos. Mortos BOOTS Blake, SLING-DOGS, then CRUCIFIX DRIVERS! Blake wobbles, Mortos whips to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Blake survives but Mortos snarls. Mortos drags Blake up, UPPERCUTS him down, and Blake flounders to a corner.

The fans cheer as Mortos drags Blake back up. Mortos reels Blake in to back suplex, but Blake lands out! Blake dodges in the corner, then whips to ropes. Mortos reverses but Blake handsprings, wheelbarrows, SPLASH 182! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Mortos and Blake stir while Fox returns. The fans rally, Fox and Mortos stand first and Fox throws a haymaker! Blake adds a haymaker, he and Fox pinball Mortos around! They put him in a corner, throw more hands, then Fox goes up to rain down fists! Mortos shoves Fox away so Blake rains down fists. Mortos shoves him away, Fox returns to A-LIST LARIAT!

Mortos slumps down, Blake adds a LOW CROSSBODY! Fox skins the cat to DROPKICK Mortos, and then Fox goes to the apron. The fans fire up as Fox goes up, but Blake ROCKS him first! Blake goes up, brings Fox up, but Mortos adds on! The fans are going nuts already for the SPANISH FLY BOMB!! Cover on Blake, TWO! Cover on Fox, TWO!! Mortos snarls but he drags Fox back up. Mortos trophy lifts Fox, but Fox slips free to BOOT! Mortos tumbles out to the apron, and Blake SPEARS him down! Blake hurries to build speed so he can DIVE! Mortos stays up!? So Fox FLIES! Down goes Mortos and the fans fire up!

Fox puts Mortos in but Blake aims first! Springboard 450 SPLASH! Fox adds the SWANTON BOMB! But then Blake TOSSES Fox to cover Mortos, only for Fox to break it! Fox has had it with Blake being so sneaky, and TOSSES him out! Blake is on the apron, he ROCKS Fox, but Fox stops the slingshot! Fox has Blake in ropes, step-up DRAPING DDT! Roll through, but Mortos reels Fox in! Scoop and MORTOS DRIVER!! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

Blake and Fox couldn’t say on the same page, and that allowed the minotaur of lucha to take the win! Will nothing stop The Beast Mortos from stampeding his way to a championship opportunity?

My Thoughts:

A good episode of ROH here at an hour and 38 minutes, but that made for quite a bit of filler. I did like the Six Meaty Men Slapping Meat Tag match of Mogul Embassy VS 1 Called Manders, BEEF and Calvin Tankman, but of course The Embassy won. Good return matches for Johnny and Taya, but I liked their promo with Aaron Solo better. It was a good use of continuity bringing up the failed QTV to pivot into a new story for Johnny TV now that Dalton Castle is moving on. Good promos from Mark Sterling, but a bit redundant again to have him hype up Ariya Daivari, then for him to talk directly to Ariya and the others.

Another confusing thing was the promo from The Infantry and Outrunners. Well, the promo wasn’t confusing, the timing was. Perhaps it was a victim of poor pacing as we’ve seen all over AEW & ROH. But I do appreciate we’re finally seeing these two teams have it out for ROH at Daily’s Place “next week,” aka prerecorded sometime this week. Outrunners had a good match with The Kingdom but of course The Kingdom won. But we’re getting an interesting detail where Maria wants her new boys, Griff & Karter, to go for those ROH World Tag Team Championships while her old boys, Bennett & Taven, still have them. Some sort of Kingdom Civil War angle in the works here?

Really good stuff with Zay winning by going to new lows, and really good Six Man Tag to give Top Flight momentum going into their title match with Bang Bang Gang. Really good promo from Bang Bang Gang and of course White & The Gunns are going to retain. And at least they did just what I was hoping by having a promo from Bullet Club Gold on ROH so that it counts as them being on this show. Just needs to keep happening, maybe with some in-person appearances. Not even matches, just BCG watching other trios fighting it out because they’re scouting, aka foreshadowing, new opponents.

Great main event Triple Threat but also a fast one, Mortos with the big win over Fox and Blake. While there’s something brewing for the ROH World Championship with Mark Briscoe being around Dalton Castle and The Premier Athletes, maybe Mortos can find himself in the world title scene for the next ROH PPV. And then great promos from Athena & Billie as well as Velvet & Aminata. We’re definitely getting a tag team match that will end up earning Velvet a shot at the Women’s TV title and Aminata a shot at the Women’s World title, and those will be awesome matches.

And if either of the champs is losing, I’m actually thinking it’s more Athena losing to Aminata than Billie losing to Velvet. I’ve said it before, Aminata’s proven herself worthy, and if she wasn’t gonna be inaugural Women’s TV Champ, might as well make her the woman that dethrones the undefeated Athena.