Coverage
Mitchell’s Monday Night Raw Report! (8/6/18)
Raw gets Rowdy, and a little crazy, as Ronda Rousey makes her television in-ring debut against Alicia Fox! Can Ronda clear out the Goddess’ newest sidekick?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin; Roman wins.
- Bobby Roode VS Mojo Rawley; Roode wins.
- Rezar w/ Akam VS Titus O’Neil w/ Titus Worldwide; Rezar wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh; Mahal wins, by disqualification.
- Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins
& Roman Reigns; becomes… - 2v1 Handicap Match: Ziggler & McIntyre VS Rollins; Ziggler & McIntyre win.
- The Revival VS The B-Team; no contest.
- The Riott Squad VS The Boss & Hug Connection; The Riott Squad wins.
- Ronda Rousey w/ Natalya VS Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss; Ronda wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw reviews the shocking turn of events from last week.
Kurt Angle gave Paul Heyman an ultimatum for both him and his client. Heyman tried his hardest to convince Lesnar to care, but Lesnar just wouldn’t hear him out. Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, in the “interest” of maintaining the Summerslam main event, made sure Angle made sure Roman Reigns was nowhere in the building. The Big Dog was kicked out of the Yard, but not without giving the Lone Wolf a shot in the chops first.
The end of the night came, Heyman told Lesnar what was on the line, and asked as Lesnar’s friend to do this. But Lesnar told Heyman they’re not friends. Lesnar sent Heyman out for him, but that only angered Angle more. Angle called Lesnar the “worst Universal Champion of all time”, and declared both Heyman and Lesnar were fired! But then The Beast would appear! Does management have a problem with Lesnar? Before they could answer, Lesnar gave Angle an F5! And he made Baron Corbin back down with a look. Then he’d grab his Advocate by the jaw! Lesnar made Heyman look at Angle, then almost choked him out. The Conqueror has become The Tyrant, but can anyone hope to dethrone him?
Kurt Angle heads to the ring!
The Olympic Gold Medalist GM has the Constable in tow as he welcomes Jacksonville to the show. Angle reminds us that tonight is Ronda Rousey’s TV wrestling debut! Angle appreciates Ronda likes competing on Raw and with no complaints. Whether Ronda wins or loses at Sumemrslam, she’s a champion in Angle’s eyes. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Lesnar. Constable Corbin warns Angle to watch his words, but Angle has to get this out. Lesnar doesn’t care about the fans, the championship or Angle. Heyman managed to get Lesnar out before Raw went off the air, so Heyman’s job is still secure. But Lesnar and his attack on Angle has– Well first, here comes Roman Reigns!
The Big Dog is back, and he joins Angle & Corbin in the ring. Roman tells Angle that while he has a lot of respect as GM, Angle should’ve known better. If you kick the Dog out, who protects the Yard? It’s how Lesnar was able to rag doll Angle last week. Corbin shouldn’t be smiling, he didn’t do a damn thing! Actually, Corbin ran like “a scared, little old-” Angle knows no one likes what Lesnar did, from top to bottom. Oh really? Is Angle about to say what he’s about to say? Lesnar gets indefinitely suspended to keep the match off? No, far from it. Lesnar will defend his Universal Championship against Roman Reigns. And Angle really wants Roman to kick Lesnar’s ass.
Wow, that’s a sound bite. Corbin says that’s unprofessional, there are no favorites in management. And if Lesnar was here, he’d– He’d what? Look at Corbin to make him run away again? Corbin didn’t run away, he was the bigger man. And Corbin was tired from beating up “little tiny Finn Balor.” Y’know, someone who was already Universal Champion? Corbin does so much, what else could he have done. Acted like a man, for one. Oh and Angle is an example? He comes out acting like this is his show. All he does is make matches. Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are in charge, and put Corbin in charge to watch Angle, because Angle can’t be trusted. Angle admits to that, he just makes matches. But here’s a match idea: Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin, RIGHT NOW! The only one who hates the idea is Corbin.
Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin!
Corbin sucker punches Roman! The referee is slow to appearing, but Corbin waits for Roman to stand again. SUPERMAN PUNCH! Corbin goes down, Roman covers, TWO!! That was almost a quick finish and everyone knows it. Corbin bails out of the ring to clear his head, but we go to break.
Raw returns and Corbin has Roman in a chinlock. Roman stands up and powers out, then things speed up. Roman scoops but Corbin slips off to shove him. Corbin runs, slides out but slides back in to clobber Roman! Cover, TWO! The Big Dog gasps for air while the Lone Wolf works to keep his cool. Corbin grabs Roman by his hair and puts him in a corner. Corbin throws heavy hands, then whips Roman corner to corner hard. Roman hits buckles then the mat, and Corbin mockingly applauds. Fans boo and jeer the cocky Constable while he trash talks Roman. Corbin drags Roman up and Roman fights back with body shots. Roman runs, but into a big back elbow! Cover, TWO! Corbin puts Roman in a half-nelson chinbar. Roman endures the twisting while fans build to a rally. Roman stands up, but Corbin throws him down.
Corbin sneers as he looms over Roman. He stomps on Roman, then drives elbows into Roman’s forehead. Corbin reapplies the half-nelson chinbar and bends Roman back. Fans rally up again and Roman reaches for ropes. Roman stands up, and fights out with haymakers. Corbin shoves Roman but gets a kick for it. They collide with clothelines but Rmoan stays standing. Roman whips but Corbin reverses and ducks the leaping lariat. Roman anticipates Corbin and clotheslines him out! The fans fire up while Roman pursues Corbin. Drive-By! Corbin goes down, but Roman brings him back up and in. Corbin rolls back out, then uppercuts Roman at the ropes! He shoves Roman into a post, and has control while we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Corbin has Roman in the half-nelson chinbar again. Fans rally up again and Roman feeds off the energy. Fans duel as Roman stands up and fights back again. Corbin shoves Roman, but Roman holds ropes. Corbin runs into an elbow, but reverses the whip, only to get the leaping lariat! Roman boots Corbin, then shoves him for the Samoan Drop! Cover, TWO! Roman keeps his cool as he stalks Corbin to a corner. He gives the close-range clotheslines, and gets all 10. Roman runs, and boots Corbin down! Fans fire up as Roman locks and loads. Roman runs out, but Corbin blocks the Superman punch. Roman gets out of the Choke Slam, but runs into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Corbin is furious over Roman surviving. He and Roman slowly stand while fans rally up.
Roman gets to a corner, and Corbin runs in for a big clothesline. Corbin gives another, and another, then reels Roman in. Roman fires forearms to stop, then whips Corbin. Corbin slides out, accidentally knocks over a cameraman, then slides back in, for a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Roman is shocked, but Corbin still lives. Both men are down but Roman has energy to give. Fans fire up as he gets to a corner. Roman lets out the howl, but Corbin has escaped to the apron. Corbin walks away, not feeling the need to finish this. But here comes Finn Balor! The Extraordinary Man walks down the ramp and Corbin finds himself stuck. Corbin protests, but gets a FLYING Superman Punch! Roman puts Corbin in the ring, lets out the howl, and SPEAR! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall
An assist to Finn for keeping Corbin caged in, but Roman wins again! Can Roman finally get it done on The Beast at Summerslam? That’s yet to be seen, but for now, Roman gives Finn the nod and fist bump. Finn gets in the ring, takes off the jacket, and looks to give the Constable some payback. He hits the blasting dropkick! Then he climbs up top, COUP DE GRACE! The double stomp leaves the big bad Lone Wolf wincing. Will these two settle this grudge in the near future?
Kurt Angle meets with Seth Rollins.
The Architect’s focus is on the Intercontinental Champion, but points out how Drew McIntyre always rears his ugly head to help out Dolph Ziggler. And how when Rollins aims for McIntyre, he has to worry about Ziggler. Rollins wants to know how he can take care of both of them. Angle suggests he find a partner to take those two on in a tag team match. Rollins accepts the terms, can he find someone to stand up to the Show-Off & The Scottish Terminator tonight?
Bobby Roode VS Mojo Rawley!
The Glorious One took offense to being called all hype from the former Hype Man. When push came to shove last week, Roode would start a fight with Mojo backstage in the locker room. Can Roode show Mojo which one of them is really just hype? Or will Mojo prove he’s better than Absolutely GLORIOUS?
The bell rings and the two tie up right away. Roode gets a headlock, then spins around to a hammerlock. Mojo elbows out, then headbutts Roode to a corner. Mojo bumps Roode off buckles, then stalks behind him. Roode checks his face, then throws haymakers on Mojo. Roode whips Mojo corner to corner but Mojo reveres, only for Roode to run out with a lariat. Mojo crawls now, but turns around into a kick. Mojo denies the DDT, Roode gets a waistlock but Mojo standing switches. Roode throws Mojo out then dropkicks him down. The Killer Instinct is on the defensive while we go to break.
Raw returns and Mojo has Roode in a rear bearhug. Mojo taunts Roode while squeezing the ribs. Roode endures while he works out of the hold. Roode pries Mojo’s hands apart, but Mojo knees low. Mojo gut wrenches Roode for a throw, then covers, TWO! Mojo keeps his cool while Roode clutches his back. He rams forearms into Roode, then covers, TWO. Mojo puts Roode in another bearhug, but Roode works against it. Fans rally up for Roode, and Roode feeds off it. Roode powers his way up but Mojo squeezes tighter. Roode endures but Mojo keeps taunting him. They stand up, fans rally again, and Roode elbows his way out. Roode runs, but into a sidewalk slam! Mojo watches Roode intently while he’s on the mat. Mojo moderately mocks the Glorious pose, then lifts Roode. Roode sunset flips, TWO!
Roode blocks right hands to give right hands, but Mojo knees low. Mojo whips but Roode kicks him away. Roode ducks, runs and rallies with forearm smashes and lariats. Mojo gets to a corner but Roode gives him a clothesline to neckbreaker! Fans fire up with Roode as he hops up. Roode takes aim, GLORIOUS Blockbuster! His back slows him down but he doesn’t stop. Fans fire up again as he winds it up… GLORIOUS! He kicks, but Mojo powers him to a corner. Mojo rolls out but runs into boots. Roode up again, but jumps to be caught into a fireman’s carry. Mojo pops Roode, GLORIOUS DDT! cover, Roode wins!
Winner: Bobby Roode, by pinfall
A win out of nowhere, that is the ability of Roode’s intellect. Has Roode’s GLORIOUS talent shut Mojo down? Or will Mojo rise again for more?
WWE staff goes over tonight’s details with Elias.
But The Drifter doesn’t want to worry about that, he’s already seen it all in his head. They just need to do their jobs, and it’ll be perfect. What will Elias have to say when he hits the stage?
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
He introduces himself to Jacksonville, plays his guitar, and as always, he asks “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Jacksonville seems into that idea. The album is out, he is changing lives on a daily basis. If you don’t have it yet, you’re one of a very few. Big names in music are afraid, because Elias is on top of all the charts with only four songs! Can he get an amen? Amen! Now, Elias’ document came out on the WWE Network, aka the Walk With Elias Network. They tried but they got it wrong, so Elias has his film crew here to do it the “real” way, Elias’ way. So please silence phones and hold applause until after he finishes.
Actually, move over, cameraman. Get a close up on the fingers, that’s the magic. Elias plays while the crew moves over, but then he gets an idea. Circle him! Like they’re orbiting around the center of the WWE Universe. The crew moves, but a bit slow for his liking. Slow like Bobby Lashley, actually. But wait, hold on, the audience is the problem. Jacksonville takes offense. Can they use CGI or something to blur them all out? Better yet, copy and paste in a better crowd. Fans boo louder now. Elias keeps his camera crew in mind. That nobody, Bobby Lashley, ruined everything last week, that’s not happening this week. Elias plays his guitar while the crew moves together around him. But speaking of Lashley, here he comes!
The Dominator heads to the ring, much to Elias’ chagrin. Lashley likes Elias’ jokes, but once again his name comes out of Elias’ mouth. He heard Elias complain about his documentary. Lashley liked how brilliant that documentary was, what’s he complaining about? Elias admits it had its moments, but it portrayed him as egotistical and out of touch. As opposed to what? Elias gets it now. Lashley is making jokes, too. But keep the camera on Elias. Fans boo, Elias tells them to shut up. Elias knows Lashley is out here to steal the spotlight, but it’s not happening. Lashley has tried to steal the spotlight but it ain’t happening. Lashley’s comeback has been a joke. No, the joke is Elias, from his boot, to guitar, to scarf to documentary to music! The next time Lashley’s name comes out Elias’ mouth, what happens to him won’t be a joke.
Elias has his crew start moving out of the ring. They can film somewhere else, like in the back where they won’t be interrupted. Don’t worry about anyone else. Elias checks the clipboard, but sues it as a decoy on Lashley! He stomps away on Lashley at the ropes, then asks who the joke really is. Elias runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Lashley isn’t smiling, but he does want Elias’ crew to document him. Fans love Lashley as he gives Elias the Vertigo Suplex slam! Is that going to make it into the second Elias documentary? Is Elias going to make it to a second album if he keeps mocking the Alpha Male?
Seth Rollins stretches backstage.
In walks Tyler Breeze. Prince Pretty heard about how he needed a tag team partner, and he’s without a partner of his own. Tyler’s gorgeous while Rollins is… passing. Y’know, if you’re into that #CrossfitJesus thing. So how about it? Crossfit Breezus? Yeah? Let’s do this before Breeze changes his mind. Roman walks in, seeing Breeze do the shield fist. Is this serious? Everyone wants in. Nah, Roman’s got this. The Shield Brothers reunite once again, can they finally shut Ziggler & McIntyre up?
Rezar w/ Akam VS Titus O’Neil w/ Titus Worldwide!
Last week, Apollo Crews proved one half of the Authors of Pain aren’t as dangerous if they’re all alone in a match. Can the Real Deal Titus Brand President prove the same about the other half? Or will the ending be changed this time around?
The bell rings and the two big men tie up. Rezar powers Titus to a corner, then backs up at 4 only to knee Titus low. He stalks Titus to give him more body shots. He trash talks in Albanian before clubbing Titus down to the mat. Rezar trash talks Apollo, too, but Titus throws hands! Titus whips but is reversed into another low knee. Rezar doesn’t let up in trash talk, nor in the attack as he rams his shoulder into Titus in a corner. He backs up at 4, and fans boo and jeer. Rezar grinds his boot into Titus, then backs off at 4 again. Dana and Apollo coach Titus up, even as Rezar shouts at them all. Rezar grinds Titus into the corner, but still lets up at 4. Titus manages to kick back, then throw hands.
Titus powers back, then whips Rezar into a corner. Now Titus gives shoulders and chops to Rezar. He whips but Rezar revesres. Titus goes up and over, to boot Rezar down! The Gator fires up, as does Jacksonville. Titus barks, runs in, and hits a big corner splash. He keeps moving, but now Akam talks trash to distract. Rezar boots Titus down! Rezar glares as he picks Titus up, SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Rezar wins!
Winner: Rezar, by pinfall
The AoP tie things up in 1v1 competition, with some indirect teamwork. Will they continue to write a story of dominance in the Raw Tag Team Division? Or are they setting themselves up for a bad ending?
Kevin Owens talks with Jinder Mahal & Sunil Singh backstage.
The Prizefighter and Modern Day Maharaja seem to be going over flashcard notes. The Kevin Owens Show returns, next!
It’s the Kevin Owens Show!
Yes, it’s back after a long hiatus, and now it’s set up on the stage instead of in the ring. Kevin welcomes everyone to this return edition, and asks we help welcome “a man who has been instrumental” in helping Kevin handle all the stress caused by Braun Strowman. Welcome Kevin’s personal guru, Jinder Mahal! Mahal comes out, with Sunil behind him. They take their seats, and Kevin thanks Mahal. Kevin was skeptical about the methods, the breathing and chanting and “crap”, but Kevin has felt so much better. At Extreme Rules, Kevin was thrown off the steel cage onto the announce table, and he thought he would live his life in pain. But now, he’s pain free! He can play with his kids without feeling his spine shifting.
Kevin has Mahal out here for that, but also because they share something special. They’ve both accomplished something rare in the WWE. When someone sees Braun Strowman, they usually see a monster. Speaking of, fans would like to see Strowman themselves. Strowman is seemingly impossible to defeat, but Kevin has achieved the impossible! Kevin defeated Strowman! And so did Mahal! Granted, Kevin did it in a “grueling steel cage match” while Mahal got a count-out, but wins are wins. In fact, if Kevin wins at Summerslam, he’ll get that Money in the Bank contract. Strowman tried to take everything from Kevin, but Kevin will do so in return. And when Kevin wins, he’ll be #KOInTheBank! A guaranteed title shot whenever and wherever, which guarantees Kevin will finally reclaim the Universal Championship!
But the truth is, Kevin has never been the same since losing that title. Kevin feels it within his grasp, all thanks to Mahal helping him be clear-headed. Kevin has an idea for what needs to happen tonight. They need to have Mahal VS Strowman one more time! It’ll be fine. Mahal did it once, he can do it again, and will do it again. Bring out The Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman! Kevin tries again. Oh but see? The Monster is afraid of them. Wait, what? What made the stage move? What’s tipping the stage?! It’s BRAUN!! The Monster gets another one over on the conniving Kevin, but is also here for that match Kevin promised!
Braun Strowman VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!
The Monster Among Men wants revenge on the Modern Day Maharaja for that count-out-with-an-assist defeat last week. Now that Strowman knows what to expect, will he make back his win before defending his briefcase against Kevin?
Kevin coaches Mahal up for this, but Mahal is still reeling from the stage-tipping. Mahal still gets in the ring as Kevin shouts “Shanti!” at him. The bell rings, and Mahal asks Strowman be peaceful about this. They circle but fans chant “Get These Hands!” Strowman fires up with the Monster’s Mantra, then dares Mahal to bring the fight. Mahal refuses, but Kevin sneaks away with the briefcase. Or tries to, because Strowman sees him again. And gives chase, again! Kevin dumps the case down, but Strowman still chases him off. Then he gets in at 8! Mahal panics, he doesn’t know what to do without Kevin’s help.
Kevin sheepishly comes back while Mahal just tries to avoid Strowman. Strowman corners him and throws him! Kevin sneaks up, gets the case, and runs away! Strowman chases him down and runs him over at the stage! Mahal comes back but Strowman hits him with the briefcase! That’s a disqualification!
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by disqualification
Another example of how Strowman could still lose his briefcase to Kevin at Summerslam! Mahal gets another win, but that only angers Strowman all over again. Strowman storms down and catches Mahal at the timekeeper’s area! Sunil Singh snags the briefcase to save Mahal, but instantly regrets it. Sunil tosses the briefcase back to Strowman, but Strowman still boots Sunil down! Mahal has escaped to safety by now, but Strowman dares someone to fight! Kevin has brains, but will it be enough to outsmart Strowman’s brawn in Brooklyn?
Baron Corbin talks with Stephanie McMahon on the phone.
He then passes her on to Angle. Angle talks with the Raw Commissioner now, and understands her orders. He tries to reason with her, but Stephanie’s orders are clear. He’ll “take care of it”, but what does that mean?
Raw shares footage of Corey Graves conducting a retrospective interview with Roman Reigns.
There’s no surprise Brock Lesnar refused to be part of this, but that’s par for the course as The Beast goes. How does Roman Reigns feel about going one more time against Lesnar after all the times he’s fallen short? This rivalry of main event proportions dates all the way back to Wrestlemania 31 in 2015. They battled for the WWEÂ World Championship in the main event. It went back and forth, until The Architect cashed-in to snag the title away from both men. That wasn’t a defeat for Roman, but it wasn’t a victory. Fast-forward to Wrestlemania 33 just this past April. They again battled back and forth, for the Universal Championship, and Lesnar truly defeated The Big Dog. Roman vowed to simply get up and keep going.
It was only a couple weeks later that they would have their third go, inside a Steel Cage! Roman hit a Spear so strong, both men went through a cage wall! But because of a referee’s hasty decision in calling it, The Beast would remain champion. The controversy would upset Roman, because he felt like the real winner that night. But then, what is his reaction to Lesnar out and saying he doesn’t care about the WWE Universe? Lesnar went so far as to assault the GMÂ and his own manager. “You have no leader when you have a champion like Brock Lesnar.” Roman is sick of Lesnar disrespecting this lifestyle, this business that is his family’s legacy.
Lesnar still vowed to “kick Roman Reigns’ ass”, but Roman vows to do what Lesnar doesn’t. Roman is going to actually show up, earn the belt, and set a standard. Lesnar’s the Beast, but he hasn’t conquered Roman. Roman is in a scenario where losing is not an option. Will he make good on this fourth and possibly final time against Lesnar?
Kurt Angle & Baron Corbin intercept The Shield.
Corbin has Angle tell them the bad news. Angle can’t, so Corbin speaks up. It’s admirable that Roman wants to help his “brother”, but Stephanie McMahon can’t have them jeopardizing the main event of Summerslam. Roman already competed in a grueling match, so he can’t be Rollins’ partner. Well good thing Roman doesn’t care what Stephanie thinks. Stephanie knew he’d say that, so if he defies her orders, he loses his shot at Lesnar. Rollins calms Roman down and says he can handle this for the sake of the bigger picture. Well, it’s going to be a handicap match now. Does Rollins stand a chance? By the way, Roman, how’re those ribs? Roman body shots Corbin! Get the trainer, that had to hurt.
2v1 Handicap: Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins!
The Show-Off & The Stud have an even better chance of winning now that it’s just The Kingslayer. Can Rollins survive being the one caught up in the conspiracy crossfire?
Rollins has no choice but to start against Drew McIntyre. Fans want Dean Ambrose, but he’s sadly far from returning given that elbow injury. Rollins daringly SLAPS McIntyre, then leads him on a cat ‘n’ mouse chase. Rollins dropkicks McINtyre, then grabs Ziggler. He goes after the Show-Off with stomps, then dodges McIntyre to roll him. SUPERKIKC for McINtyre, then a clothesline for Ziggler. Rollins hurries up top, but Ziggler goes after him. He kicks Ziggler away, but flies into a catch! McIntyre spins around from the momentum and dumps Rollins on his side, but then deadlifts him back up for a backbreaker! Rollins writhes but McIntyre rains right hands. McIntyre glares as he drags Rollins back up. He puts Rollins in a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Rollins tumbles up and down, then Ziggler tags in.
Ziggler taunts Rollins while fans rally up for him. Rollins hits Ziggler with haymakers, but Ziggler kicks low. ZIggler puts Rollins in the corner and McIntyre tags back in. McIntyre gives body shots and swift chops. Fans keep trying, but Rollins is put in the seated abdominal stretch. Rollins endures while they continue to rally, but Ziggler likes the control he sees. McIntyre grinds and stretches Rollins more, but fans rally up. Rollins gives a jawbreaker, but McIntyre deadlift throws Rollins down. Tag to Ziggler, and Ziggler continues to rope-a-dope with Rollins. Ziggler taunts Rollins, that when Rollins is all alone, he loses. Rollins fights back with body shots, but Ziggler stops him with a haymaker. Ziggler bumps Rollins off buckles, then runs in. The splash misses! Rollins can’t tag out, he can only recover on the mat.
Fans rally up again and Rollins denies a tag with chops and haymakers. he whips Ziggler, but Ziggler dodges. Ziggler holds on and throws Rollins out. Rollins trips McIntyre! Then he baits McIntyre to run into a post! Rollins has an opening as he rushes Ziggler. Slingblade! Rollins forearm smashes, then runs for a clothesline to send Ziggler out. Fans fire up while Rollins takes aim. Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit, and Rollins puts Ziggler in the ring. Rollins springboards, flying clothesline! Rollins and Jacksonville fire up as he mule kicks, but Ziggler dodges the stomp. Ziggler kicks, but runs into a Buckle Bomb! McIntyre tags in! And clobbers Rollins! McIntyre glares again, then tags Ziggler. They bring Rollins up to finish this. McIntyre runs, but into a knee! School boy on Ziggler, but McIntyre breaks it. SUPERKICK from Ziggler, cover, Ziggler & McIntyre win!
Winner(s): Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre, Ziggler pinning
It was fast, furious and chaotic. There may have been controversy, but it doesn’t really matter now. Rollins lost against both Show-Off and Stud tonight, but can he find a way to not lose again at Summerslam?
The Revival VS The B-Team!
The #TopGuys want to prove Bo Dallas & Curt Axel are anything but the “best” team. With a win here tonight, Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder can enter the Raw Tag Team Championship discussion. Will they #SayYeah to a title shot in the near future? Or will the “undefeated” champions keep their streak alive?
The bell rings and Axel starts against Dawson. They tie up and Dawson brings Axel to the Revival’s corner. Dash tags in but Axel gets away. Axel and Dash tie up and Axel gets an arm wrench. Dash fights out and gives European Uppercuts. He whips Axel corner to corner to give corner clothesline and more uppercuts. Axel comes back with his own clothesline, then tags in Bo. B-Team holds Dash in place and Bo hits a corner elbow. He fires off on Dash, then feeds him to Axel’s knee. Cover, TWO, and Dash powers Bo to a corner. Tag to Dawson and the Revival mug Bo. Dash kicks Bo for a loop, then Dawson drags Bo up to bump him off buckles.
Dawson chops Bo, then gives him a EuroUpper. He reels Bo in for a lariat, then covers. TWO, but Dawson tries again. TWO, so Dawson grabs a handful of hair. He wraps Bo in a cobra clutch and thrashes Bo around. Bo endures and fights his way up. He reaches for Axel, but Dawson denies a tag. Bo fights out and trades blows with Dawson. Dawson shoves Bo, but they collide on the rebound! Both men go down, both partners reach out. They crawl for their corners, but THE DELETERS APPEAR! They’ve replaced Axel and Dash! When?! But that doesn’t matter, the attack begins!
No Contest
Dawson gets a Twist of Fate while Bo gets Sister Abigail’s Kiss! The former champions will show no mercy until they reacquire the titles! Who will be DELETED and DEFEATED when this war on there fronts is all over?
Renee Young has a sit-down interview with Paul Heyman.
Last week, it was clear Brock Lesnar no longer considers The Advocate his advocate. Lesnar has completely cut all ties with Heyman, they have not spoken these last seven days. Heyman wants to, but Lesnar doesn’t. Heyman knows Lesnar won’t like him saying this, but they must continue the interview. Renee wants to bring up last week, but Heyman doesn’t like where this is going. Is Lesnar still a friend? Strangely enough, yes. Heyman’s family was friends with Lesnar’s family. This is not how Heyman envisioned this story ending. They were going to ride off into the sunset, Lesnar holding two championship belts while Heyman shouted “reigning, defending, undisputed” and all that.
At this point in Lesnar’s career, does he still need Heyman? Heyman holds back the tears, and tells Renee to keep going. They’ve spent a lot of time in the WWE. Does Heyman have any potential new clients in mind? That question would’ve been better a week ago. This entire situation is inconceivable. How could Heyman just replace Lesnar? Then about Summerslam, as the last question of the night. Who will be Universal Champion? Heyman has been with Lesnar for 16 years, the highs and the lows. Yet Heyman has never seen this Lesnar. This more driven, focused and more violent Lesnar. Against this Lesnar, “Roman Reigns doesn’t stand a chance.” The Advocate is a broken man, but will the Beast leave Roman the same after Brooklyn?
The Riott Squad VS The Boss & Hug Connection!
The Juvenile Delinquent and Country Viking want another try against the #LegitHuggable duo after last week’s defeat. Can Liv & Sarah get even with Bayley & Banks while Ruby Riott is still on the sidelines? Or will it be 2-0 for the reunited best friends?
The bell rings, the gear is put away, and it’ll be Sasha starting against Liv first. THey tie up and go around the ring. Liv pulls hair but teh referee separates them. They tie up again but Sasha gets away. Liv rocks her with a right, then stomps away in a corner. She screams at the ref for counting, but then runs into buckles. Sasha bumps her off more buckles, then gives Liv some nightshade. Bayley tags in, Sasha tackles Liv and Bayley covers. TWO, but Bayley brings Liv up. Liv kicks back, then tags Sarah. Sarah runs into a hip toss, then Bayley adds a sliding lariat and elbow drop. Cover, ONE, but Bayley is on Sarah with an armlock. Sarah endures so Bayley drags her around to a mounted position. Bayley wrenches the arm but Sarah forearms out.
Sarah whips Bayley to a corner but runs into boots. Bayley goes up, crossbody! Cover, TWO! Sarah keeps on Bayley, going after her arm in return. Sarah whips but Bayley reverses only to be reversed back, and Bayley hits buckles hard! Liv tags in to add leaping stomps! Cover, but Bayley gets out and away. The Squad has control while we go to break.
Raw returns to see Sarah grinding Bayley into the mat with a cobra clutch. Fans rally up and Bayley feeds off it. Bayley stands but Sarah wrangles her back down. Liv and Sarah both shot that Bayley isn’t going anywhere as Sarah thrashes Bayley around. Sasha rallies the fans and Bayley powers up again. Bayley jawbreakers out, then crawls. Sarah keeps wrist control and reels Bayley back into the hold! Sarah gives Bayley a backbreaker then slams Bayley to the mat, all while maintaining the clutch. Bayley powers up again and arm-drags Sarha off! She crawls for Sasha, but Sarah yanks Sasha off! Sarah drags Bayley all the way over, and both Squad members stomp away. Liv tags in and climbs up, and Sarah feeds Bayley’s face to Liv’s knees. Liv then gives Bayley a facebuster, cover, TWO!
The Squad is furious, but Liv keep son Bayley. She whips Bayley but Bayley goes up and over. Bayley can’t get to Sasha before Liv throws her into the corner again. Liv runs in, but into snake eyes! Sasha and the fans are red hot, and gets teh hot tag! Sarah tags in, too, but it’s The Boss who rallies! Sasha dropkicks Sarah, then blocks a kick to give a knee. Sarah is reeling, but she puts Sasha on the apron. Sasha knees back in, then hoists Sarah up top. Bayley tags in and takes Sasha’s place up top. Sasha tags back in for Bayley’s SUPER STEINER, then hits METEORA! Cover, but Liv breaks it up!
Bayley throws Liv out hard, then takes aim from the apron. But someone saves Liv? Enziguri for Bayley! It’s RUBY! She’s back!! The Squad is at full power as Sarah rolls Sasha up. The Riott Squad wins!
W inner: The Riott Squad, Sarah Logan pinning
The gang’s all here as the squad leader makes a surprise return! With Ruby back at the helm, can she lead her team to bigger things in the near future?
Raw quickly reviews Rowdy Rousey joining the WWE.
From a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble to a mixed tag match victory at Wrestlemania, Ronda has taken pro-wrestling by storm. She and Nia Jax went toe to toe, strength for toughness, at Money in the Bank. But what would’ve been a crowning achievement for Ronda became the golden opportunity for the Five Foot Fury. The Goddess reigns once again, but that only pissed Ronda off. Perhaps too much, as Ronda beat down tiny Alexa Bliss and put her through a table! The only problem was she also hit Kurt Angle in her rage, so she was suspended 30 days. But those 30 days have come and gone, and in return for good behavior, Ronda has a title shot at Summerslam!
Of course, Alexa always makes sure she has someone by her side to do her bidding. Ronda is done with that, which brings us to tonight’s main event! Ronda makes her Raw in-ring debut, with the Queen of Harts by her side. Can Ronda remove Ms. Crazy Like a Fox to have a clear shot at Alexa Bliss?
Ronda Rousey w/ Natalya VS Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss!
Chary Caruso quickly interviews Alicia & Alexa in the ring before the match. Alexa is “so excited” to have people talking about Ronda. Charly’s had all night to think of questions to ask, and she asks about Ronda? They’re in the presence of a trailblazer and former champion! Don’t be rude, Jacksonville. Charly, this is where you use that journalism degree to use and ask a good question.
In that case, how did Alicia prepare for The Baddest Woman on the Planet? Ronda’s “great”, but banged up. That’s points for Alicia. Even if they sit and talk about Ronda’s achievements, like UFC Hall of Fame and Olympic medals, was she the captain of the Raw Survivor Series team? No, but enough of Charly. Alexa dismisses her, and to be serious, WWE Evolution wouldn’t be possible without women like Alicia. And before the biggest match of her career, Alexa thanks Alicia for her contributions. That’s from all of the women of WWEÂ except Ronda. Ronda isn’t grateful for anything, nor does she deserve a title shot! But Alexa will pick up the pieces in Brooklyn. Has Alicia spent the last decade sacrificing just so an overrated rookie can steal the thunder? NO! But here comes Ronda!
Ronda enters the ring and we finally begin. The bell rings, but Alicia keeps her distance in a corner. Alicia tells Ronda that this ring is her house, not Ronda’s. She is honored to be Ronda’s first, but it’s not gonna last. Alicia’s right, it won’t last. Alicia swings on Ronda, but gets taken down! Foxy runs for it, and Ronda scares Alexa back from the apron. The two regroup and Alicia returns to the ring. Only to duck out again. Alexa distracts again, but Natty trips her up! The Queen shows the Goddess what’s up, but then Alexa shoves her into a post! Alicia tries to take advantage, but Alexa does! Alexa trips Ronda, Alicia pounces. The referee backs Alicia off, but she comes back for a mudhole stomp. This only angers Ronda.
Alicia sees the glare, and gets the fists! Ronda whips and reels Alicia in for a SWIFT takedown, then another. Ronda gives Alicia a third, and Alicia has no choice but to get out now. Jacksonville is fired up as Ronda fetches Alicia, to put her into the barriers! They go back in the ring, so Alexa tries once more to distract Ronda. Ronda sees Alicia coming, though, and throws her! Alicia might be regretting her choice to side with Alexa. Ronda grabs the arm, and shows Alexa what waits for her in Brooklyn. ARMBAR! Alicia taps, Ronda wins!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission
The Baddest Woman on the Planet has put fear in the eyes of the Raw Women’s Champion. Natty celebrates with Ronda while Alexa regroups with Alicia. Charly returns to interview Ronda on her first Raw TV victory. Ronda thanks everyone for supporting her, and she feels great for being able to focus on Sumermslam. Alexa tries an ambush, but it doesn’t work! Ronda throws her right off! It doesn’t matter how tightly Alexa holds onto the belt now, because it’ll be Ronda’s soon enough! Ronda doesn’t just drop the mic, she bashes it. Will Alexa be down a belt and one arm after Brooklyn?
My Thoughts:
This was a rather lackluster Raw that had one of the more fun and energetic endings as of late. The opening was standard Raw formula: someone in the authority talks; Roman comes out; something something “impromptu match”. But given it was Roman VS Corbin, in Roman’s home state, Roman was “over” by default. He and Corbin have a decent match, but hey, Finn Balor made sure it wasn’t a count-out win and a pinfall for Roman. This gives us Finn VS Corbin at Summerslam, even though I was personally hoping this ended with Extreme Rules. Maybe now Finn can win to get to a true title program. Then comes a wave of filler as Roode beats Mojo, Rezar beats Titus, and Mahal “defeats” Strowman. I really hope that all this trickery from Kevin Owens means Strowman keeps that briefcase to keep our hopes alive.
I’m also not liking the development with Roman that’s happening. I get Roman wants to help Rollins, but now it’s just ridiculous that Stephanie is keeping him out of things because it’s #BestForBusiness. There was talk WWE (aka Vince McMahon) wanted to make Roman some sort of Daniel Bryan meets Stone Cold in his “fight against authority”, but it’s not working at all. Though, him giving Corbin the swift shots he deserves is fun. However, as fans were sensing, the rest of the segment has to be leading to Ambrose making a surprise return to help Rollins out against McIntyre-Ziggler. Changing The B-Team’s theme to something generic was insult to injury tonight, but at least we’re getting that triple threat tag title match out of the way now rather than at Summerslam. The AoP will likely defeat Titus Worldwide once more and finally get at those titles.
Paul Heyman did amazing again, but now as the depressed and confused confidant of Lesnar rather than the usual boastful blowhard he’s been. His eyes were so red, and the tears were coming down, he was perfect. He even managed to put Lesnar over one more time. It’ll all still go to putting Roman that much higher when he finally wins, but that’s not something Heyman can help. The newest rematch of Riott Squad VS Bayley-Banks was a good match, but I really did like the surprise return of Ruby herself. The Women’s Tag Division is clearly coming with them pushing that mouthful of a name for Sasha & Bayley, but I wonder if the Riott Squad will try to Freebird the titles like The New Day does.
And Ronda was the best part of the night, by miles. While Vince is trying to make Roman Reigns some sort of Stone Cold meets Daniel Bryan with the blatant “look, The Authority is picking on him!” so we’ll like him, Ronda Rousey is the female and GENUINE fusion of those characters, which is why we LOVE her. She will no doubt win that title at Summerslam to then take it on through Hell in a Cell and to WWE Evolution, because she is that popular, she is that good, and is only improving. She may have thrown Alicia around a bit too hard, but Alicia definitely earned some time off on her own end.
My Score: 7.8/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
The Maniac takes on the Powerhouse!
In the wake of AEW Dynasty, in perhaps Will Hobbs’ biggest match, he takes on IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Jon Moxley! Will the Don Callis Family have even more gold?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW World Championship Eliminator: Swerve Strickland VS Kyle Fletcher; Swerve wins and denies Fletcher a title match.
- Mina Shirakawa w/ Mariah May VS Anna Jay; Mina wins.
- Casino Gauntlet: Will Ospreay wins and will challenge for the AEW International Championship at Double or Nothing.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; Moxley wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Elite arrives at Daily’s Place.
They roll up together in the same SUV, showing off all their gold, from Kazuchika Okada still being the AEW Continental Champion to The Young Bucks being the NEW AEW World Tag Team Champions. Matthew congratulates The Rainmaker, and says he is so proud. Nicholas says he is proud of being the first-ever THREE-TIME AEW World Tag Team Champions. Wait, who is this pulling up next? It’s JACK PERRY! He just smiles at the cameraman, and Matt says alright, gentlemen, it’s a big night! They head in, but then security flags Jack down, saying he can’t be here.
Matt has security stop there, Jack is with The Elite. Hands off the merchandise. And cameraman, stick with The Elite, they’ve got some business to attend to. The Scapegoat walks with The Elite, just what will they do on this Homecoming night?
Orange Cassidy is here!
Daily’s Place fires up as Freshly Squeezed makes his way out, or rather is TOSSED out by Trent Beretta! Trent’s modified the old T-Shirt so it now reads, “Trent & Orange w/ Chuck Taylor win the big one.” Trent DECKS Cassidy down the ramp while fans boo the further betrayal! Trent DECKS Cassidy again, and Cassidy flops into the ring! Trent rains down fists, soaks up the heat, and then he gets a mic. “Chuck. Chuck, it’s time. Please get out here.” Trent waits, but tells the fans they have no idea what they’re talking about so please. Chuck walks out on stage and Trent apologizes? He is sorry…Â that he didn’t do this a long time ago!
Trent is sorry that Best Friends spent five YEARS hugging a narcissistic p*ick! Cassidy was brought in here to be their sidekick, yet somehow he made Best Friends into his lackies! Best Friends fought for Cassidy, protected him, did EVERYTHING for him, and yet Cassidy gave them NOTHING! Cassidy does NOT care about Chuck! Cassidy is NOT his friend! Trent looms over Cassidy while the fans rally for “FRESHLY SQUEEZED! FRESHLY SQUEEZED!” Trent tells Chuck that Trent cares about him. Trent IS Chuck’s friend. So please… Do the right thing and give the people what they want. Trent tosses the mic to Chuck so he can respond.
Trent holds his arms open, and then Chuck holds his arms open, to then stop and say he always thought Trent was a POS! Chuck DECKS Trent!! Trent tumbles away, gets back up, but avoids Chuck’s haymaker! The Kentucky Gentleman tells Trent he knows that they won’t clear Chuck for a fight in this ring. But Chuck doesn’t wanna fight in this ring, he wants to fight in the damn parking lot!! The fans go nuts hearing that! Trent shakes his head, but will he have no choice but to fight his former Best Friend?
Jon Moxley speaks.
“I am confident tonight that I will defend successfully my IWGP Championship, but I don’t want you to mistake that for arrogance, or ignorance, or an underestimation of my opponent, ‘Powerhouse’ Hobbs. I know exactly who ‘Powerhouse’ Hobbs is, what he’s capable of. A truck of a man who hits like one, too. Born and bred with a killer instinct, an instinct I can see and smell from a mile away. I’m acutely aware of what’s at stake tonight. I know it’ll only take one mistake for my entire world to come crashing down around me. And I know that this Callis Family put a hit out on my friend, so I know just how far they’re willing to go to get an edge to win.
“But nobody knows better than me what it takes to get to the top. More importantly, what it takes to stay at the top. So I know, honestly, for me, tonight’s gonna suck. It’s gonna be a walk through Hell. A march through mud and fire, slings and arrows, a march through Hell. But there’s no place I’d rather be, there’s no better way to feel alive. I don’t play golf, man. This is pro-wrestling, this is the king of sports, the greatest thing int he world. And tonight, I’m gonna remind the world just who I am, in case they’ve forgotten. When all the oxygen is pulled out of Powerhouse’s lungs and his carcass hits the canvas, they’re gonna feel it, from Jacksonville to Tokyo!”
The Maniac heads out, but will the Book of Hobbs’ next chapter be written in gold?
AEW World Championship Eliminator: Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis!
Whose Dynasty? SWERVE’S DYNASTY! Because The Realest did dethrone the One True King of Wrestling Television to become the NEW AEW World Champion! Prince Nana leads the way with his dance as Swerve looks to be a fighting champion! Will Swerve snipe the Aussie Arrow? Or will the Don Callis Family already have a win on a world champion to start the night?
The bell rings and the fans rally for Swerve as he stares Kyle down. They circle, get face to face, talk some trash, and then Swerve goes for a leg! Kyle facelocks to fight the takedown, then slips around to a waistlock. Swerve switches and hammerlocks, but Kyle reaches back to headlock. Swerve cranks the hammerlock, but Kyle reaches for legs. Kyle manages to switch, snapmare and then ghost pin, TWO! Kyle headlocks but Swerve slips right out to hammerlock again. Swerve grinds Kyle down but Kyle fights to the ROPEBREAK. Swerve lets off and waits on Kyle. Kyle stands, the two reset, and they tie up again.
Swerve headlocks, Kyle powers up and puts Swerve on ropes. The ref counts, Kyle lets off but then takes a swing! Swerve ducks the chop, snapmares Kyle down and slips around to roll Kyle to a cradle, TWO! Kyle hurries after a leg, but Swerve spins around, victory roll and step over, SHORT ARM SCISSOR! Kyle scrambles around to stack, TWO! Swerve gets up, Kyle goes for a leg, but Swerve steps over. Kyle dodges the dropkick, but then Swerve avoids the Penalty Kick! Both men block the other’s kick, and the fans fire up as they both let off. The two reset, the fans rally for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Swerve and Kyle circle, Kyle kicks but Swerve blocks, only for Kyle to ROCK Swerve with a forearm. Kyle whips, Swerve goes up and over then JUMP SOBATS! The fans fire up as Kyle sputters, and then Swerve UPPERCUTS, snapmares, and goes up to FALLING UPPERCUT! Swerve hits the Griddy and the fans fire up! Swerve says “DU~VAL~!” and the fans echo it. Swerve goes for Kyle but Kyle gets to ropes. Swerve waits on Kyle, goes for an arm, wrenches, but Kyle whips Swerve out! Kyle runs to CALF KICK Swerve to the floor! The fans boo but Kyle snarls and Swerve checks his arm. Kyle goes out after Swerve, brings him around, but tells Nana to back off.
Swerve BACK DROPS Kyle away! Kyle writhes, Swerve goes to the apron and he tells fans to pay attention, get off their phones. PENALTY KICK and Kyle goes down! The fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Swerve struts around before he fetches Kyle, and whips him into railing! Swerve again tells fans to watch the show, not their phones. He fist bumps the front row, gets Kyle back up, and pushes him into the ring. Swerve has Kyle on the apron to CLUB him. Swerve then stalks Kyle to a corner, ROCKS him, then has him on ropes. Swerve UPPERCUTS Kyle, whips him to ropes, but Kyle reverses to scoop and SLAM! Swerve writhes while Kyle mockingly shouts, “Whose house?!” Kyle even gets on a corner to soak up the heat and tell Jacksonville up theirs! Kyle goes back to Swerve, Swerve throws body shots, but then Kyle swings. Swerve blocks to fire more body shots!
Swerve turns Kyle for a NECKBREAKER! Swerve drags Kyle around, covers, TWO! Kyle is still in this but Swerve clamps onto him with an armlock and chinbar. Swerve grinds his elbow into Kyle’s face, then grabs the other arm. Swerve wrangles Kyle into a CAMEL CLUTCH, but then makes it a SLEEPER STRETCH! Kyle still endures, fights free, and Dynamite returns to single picture as he stands. Kyle fires body shots, but Swerve grabs the arm. Kyle KICKS and KICKS but Swerve blocks, slips around, LEG CAPTURE BACKBREAKER! Swerve again grinds on the arms, pulls on back, but Kyle slips through to arm-drag free!
Swerve has the wristlock but Kyle fires forearm after forearm! Swerve swings, Kyle swats it to SLAP Swerve! Kyle whips, Swerve flips up and around but Kyle SUPERKICKS him! Then scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! A camera is backstage, and we see The Elite plus Jack Perry walking right up to Tony Khan’s office. Matthew doesn’t even knock as he leads the way right in. In the ring, Swerve and Kyle rise while the fans rally up. Swerve goes to ropes, Kyle runs in, but is put on the apron! Kyle waistlocks to drag Swerve out, and half nelsons! Swerve fights that, slips around, APRON NECKBREAKER!
The fans rally for Swerve while he shakes out his arm, then he encourages them to get louder. Swerve goes up the corner, Kyle slowly sits up, APRON KILL STOMPS!! Swerve clutches a leg, that was a risky move that may have been double-edged! Swerve walks off the pain and fans rally up. Swerve pushes Kyle into the ring, hurries to another corner, and then runs up, HOUSE- NO, Kyle catches the foot! ANKLE LOCK!! Kyle THRASHES the foot but Swerve endures! The fans rally for Swerve as he fights around, reaches out, but Kyle drags him away from ropes! GRAPEVINE!! Swerve is caught, and Kyle is even stomping Swerve’s back!
Swerve endures, the fans are thunderous, and Swerve crawls to the ROPEBREAK! Kyle lets go but keeps his eyes on Swerve. Kyle brings Swerve around to KICK him in the chest! And KICK him again! And KIJCK again, but Swerve blocks! Swerve ROCKS Kyle, Kyle ROLLING ELBOWS! Swerve MULE KICKS, HAYMAKERS, and whips to HIP TOSS! Roll through to the deadlift, but the bad foot holds Swerve back! Kyle suplexes, Swerve slips around and half nelsons but Kyle breaks that. Swerve still O’Conner Rolls so that he can BOOT from below! Kyle wobbles, into the SOMERSAULT FLATLINER! Swerve rolls through again, for the BRAINBUSTER!
The fans fire up as Swerve crawls back to cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and Swerve is frustrated. Swerve snarls, drags Kyle up for a gut wrench, but Kyle flails and kicks his way to turn it around! But then Swerve flails and kicks to turn it back around! So Kyle drops, victory roll and deadlift, into the JUMPING TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives and now Kyle is frustrated! Kyle pounds the mat, Callis tells him number four, and Kyle nods. Kyle goes outside, looks under the ring, but then shakes his head. Kyle doesn’t wanna do number four, he awnts to do it his way! GAMANGIRI! He puts Swerve up top and climbs!
Kyle has Swerve up on the very top, lifts, but Swerve fights! Swerve throws body shots, haymakers, and then he ROCKS Kyle! Kyle ends up in the Tree of Woe, and Swerve hits WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives but Swerve just reloads! HOUSE CALL!! Cover, Swerve wins!!
Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall (denies Kyle Fletcher a title opportunity)
The Realest crosses Kyle off the list, and Callis is disappointed Kyle didn’t play things how he wanted. Are tensions rising in the Don Callis Family? Who will be next to step to Swerve’s Dynasty?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
As AEW returns to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, so will The Cleaner! Kenny Omega finally makes his way back to Dynamite, what will he have to say about The Bucks’ new Elite?
Backstage interview with Thunder Rosa.
Renee Paquette is with La Mera Mera and notes her being so close to winning the AEW Women’s World Championship, only to fall short. What does Rosa feel went wrong out there? Rosa says she can either stand here and complain about what happened, or she can move on. Honestly, Rosa could bring up who Deonna Purrazzo again got involved in her business, or how “Antonia Tormenta” kicked Rosa in the ovarios. But she won’t. She’s just proud of herself for- Oh, wait, Deonna walks in. The Virtuosa doesn’t get it. Rosa says she doesn’t wanna talk about Deonna, yet all she does is say her name!
Deonna dares Rosa to say things to her face, and Rosa tells Deonna en Espanol that she’s already told her before. The two start shoving, security rushes in, will we see these two have it out before one of them goes back for Toni Storm?
Mina Shirakawa w/ Mariah May VS Anna Jay!
Speaking of Toni Storm, her protege’s old mentor has been coming around AEW & ROH more and more, mostly because of Mariah May. Will Stardom’s Fighting H Cup Idol prove she’s elite? Or will Anna remind us she’s still the Star of the Show?
The bell rings and the two circle. They approach, Anna dodges and she takes a bow. The fans cheer, but Mina says okay, c’mon now. Then Mina dodges and shimmies! Anna mockingly applauds before she BOOTS Mina down! Anna brings Mina up to fire off forearms, then shows off her assets. Anna runs, but Mina dropkicks the legs out! Mina then runs to SHOTGUN Anna down! Mina grabs a leg to SMASH the knee! Mina steps over to SPLASH onto the leg, then struts around. The fans fire up as Mina brings Anna up, ties up the legs, and then DOUBLE KNEE SMASHES! Mina gets the legs again, steps through, but Anna kicks her away.
Anna runs in but Mina dodges in the corner. Mina ducks a forearm, ROCKS Anna with a forearm, then goes up to REBOUND ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Mina stays on Anna while the fans rally. Mina dragon sleepers, but Anna fight the suplex! Anna swings, Mina dodges and tilt-o-whirls, to then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Mina drags Anna by her leg, drops an elbow on the knee, and then another! And then another! And another! Mina shakes it up again and the fans cheer as she drops one more elbow! Mina steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Anna endures, crawls, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Mina lets go and Anna goes to the apron.
Mina lines up a shot, runs in, but Anna ducks to CLAW the eyes! Anna brings Mina into the ropes, give her a kiss right in front of Mariah, and HOTSHOT NECKBREAKERS! Mariah is upset but has to stay back, and Anna goes in to cover, TWO! Mina hangs in there while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Anna CHOKES Mina, lets off as the ref counts, and then she drags Mina up. Mariah says boo Anna, but Anna puts Mina in a corner. Anna digs her boot in, lets off as the ref counts, and Mina sputters as Anna brings her around. Anna ROCKS Mina, brings her around and bumps her off buckles. The fans rally, Anna CHOPS Mina, then she struts. But Mina runs up to ROCK Anna! Anna CLUBS Mina, then pushes her around. Anna stands on Mina but that’s a CHOKE! The ref counts, Anna steps away, and she blows kisses at everyone. Anna brings Mina up, to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Anna is frustrated but she brings Mina back to ropes.
Anna CHOKES Mina more, taunting Mariah to reach out, then Anna steps off as the ref counts. Mina coughs, Anna brings her up, but Mina fires body shots! Anna CLUBS Mina and has her in a corner. Anna drags Mina up, CHOKES her more, but the ref counts. Anna lets off, Mina coughs and sputters, but Anna soaks up the heat. Anna drags Mina up, cravats and snapmares, then clamps on a FULL NELSON! Mina endures, fights around, and Mariah cheers Mina on as she fights up. Mina throws elbows to fight the hold, but Anna holds tight! Dynamite returns to single picture as Mina breaks free and ROCKS Anna!
Anna comes back to ROCK Mina, but Mina ROCKS Anna again! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Anna gest the edge, runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! Anna stands, into Mina’s URAKEN! Anna flounders to a corner, Mina roars and runs in, but Anna puts her on the apron! Mina knuckle locks, ROCKS and climbs up to FALLING KNEE DROP onto Anna! Cover, TWO!! Anna survives but Mina keeps her focus. Mina ROCKS Anna again, brings her in, but Anna wrenches out of the suplex to HOOK KICK! Then Gory Especial, GORY BOMB! Shoutout to Tay and Anna covers, TWO!!
Anna is beside herself but Mariah is also worried. Anna brings Mina up but Mina fights the STO! Mina gets free, blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! Then she steps through on the legs, FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~” but Anna endures and fights to the ROPEBREAK! Mina lets go fast to go up a corner. MISSILE DROPKICK! Anna staggers back up, into the GLAMOROUS SWORD! Cover, TWO!! Anna survives Mina’s enzigiri but Mina drags her into the dragon sleeper! GLAM- NO, Anna slips free to have the QUEENSLAYER!! Mina flails, reaches out, but Anna is too busy staring down Mariah! Mina wrenches out to wrangle Anna!
Mina hooks legs, GLAMOROUS COLLECTION MINA! MINA WINS!!
Winner: Mina Shirakawa, by pinfall
Anna got cocky and got caught! Mariah brings in the champagne and glasses, and they toast the victory! But then Anna CLOBBERS Mariah and DECKS Mina! The fans are torn as Anna puts the QUEENSLAYER on Mariah!! Mariah flails, but here comes Toni Storm! The champ runs Anna off to protect her protege! “How DARE~ you!” Storm checks on Mariah, but wait! SERENA DEEB is here! The Professor of Professional Wrestling is looking rather glamorous herself as she struts out, tosses Storm’s shoes aside, and looks at the AEW Women’s World Championship! Deeb sits down beside it on the ramp and has the camera come in close.
Deeb says she could hold the title up, but she won’t. Because instead, she’s going to make the AEW Women’s Division a promise: the next time she holds the belt, it will truly belong to her as the NEW AEW Women’s World Champion. Deeb is undefeated, will she remain that way all the way through dethroning Timeless Toni Storm?
Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway are in the ring.
Dynamite returns as the Galaxy’s Greatest and #BigStoke are here, balloons at all the corners of the ring, and the fans cheering them on. Stokely says, “In 1977, Bill Withers created one of the greatest songs of all time, Lovely Day. And that’s exactly how I felt when one of my best friends became TBS Champion at Dynasty!” The fans cheer that! Stokely wants to know, is Jacksonville ready to partaaay~?! They sure sound like it! Stokely says Caprice Coleman is on commentary, Krissy Stat is right here, and she says this one’s for Willow.
“She is the Babe with the Power, and we are here to give her her flowers She reminds us that nothing matters and to smile anyway, because every time we see her, she brightens our day. I’m standing her in silver because she is our gold. And now, she has the TBS Championship to hold.” Stoke says with all due disrespect, that was two packs of ass! So let’s just bring out the NEW Face of TBS, “HOO! HOO!” WILLOW~ NIGHTINGALE! Coleman sings along with the theme song just like in ROH, and the Babe with the Championship makes her entrance. Willow gets the mic, Stokely says when this whole thing to started, he didn’t like her. Well she didn’t like him, either.
Stokely says Willow was like a fungus that they couldn’t cut off. But look at them now! Willow earned that title, and they are proud of her! Willow thanks Stokely and Kris, and is proud of herself, too. Because tonight in JACKSONVILLE~, the very place where she hit the big time. She’ll take us back to Spring of 2020. Willow was right here, in the front row, trying to get her big break. Then in 2022, she was in the ring, Tony Schiavone stepped in to join her, and on that big tron, we saw the graphic: Willow is All Elite! But tonight, Willow isn’t trying to catch a break, she is not a rookie. She is THE FACE OF TBS!! WHAT WHAT!
But wait, here comes The CEO. Mercedes Mone again steps on Willow’s moment, just like she did at Dynasty. But it’s already obvious why as she struts her way to the ring. Mone gets her own mic while the fans chant “C E O! C E O!” Mone tells “Jacksonviiiiille~” to say hello to the C E O. Willow tells Mone this has to be like the fourth time she’s done this. And this is Willow’s time! So it just feels like if Mone has something to say, then go ahead and say it. Mone says she just wanted to congratulate Willow! And to enjoy the celebration now, because in just 23 days, at Double or Nothing, you will be looking at the NEW Face of TBS, Mercedes Mone.
The fans are torn, but Mone says she just wanted to ask if Willow was the b*tch who attacked her in the dark two weeks ago! What? Why would she? Kris steps up to tell Mone that Willow got attacked just last week, so how do we know Mone didn’t do that? Well how do we know it wasn’t Kris?! They argue, Stokely speaks up and says while he hates getting up in women’s business, we all know it was Julia Hart. Willow says even before this whodunnit, it feels like there’s been a personal vendetta against her. Does Mone really think Willow meant to injure Sasha during the NJPW Women’s Tournament? Stokely says of course Mone thinks that, but then Kris shuts him up.
Mone asks Willow if she really just asked if Mone blames Willow for almost ending her career. Is Willow really asking if Mone blames Willow for all the pain and suffering Mone went through? Is Willow really asking if Mone was blaming Willow for taking away the one thing Mone loves most for a whole year? Willow doesn’t want the truth, she just wants to feel better about what she did to Mone. Willow says she genuinely feels so awful what happened. But there were a lot of questions and doubts for her, too. She went to hotel room, she looked at the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, and she should’ve been smiling.
But the whole time, she wondered to herself, “Could I have beaten Mercedes Mone at 100%?” And then the next day, Willow saw everyone saying that online. She heard the locker room saying it! And so that NJPW Strong Women’s title reign has quite the asterisk next to it. But THIS title reign? This? There is NOT asterisk next to this! The fans fire up for that! So at Double or Nothing, Mone, Willow wants you at 100%! Because Willow wants to show Mone that she CAN beat her, and why Willow IS TBS Champion. The fans fire up for that! Mone says to enjoy it while she can, because they both know deep down, Willow CAN’T beat Mone.
The fans are torn as the two stare down, and then Mone says bye. Kris grabs at Mone, Mone turns around and mistakenly SLAPS Willow!! Kris has to stop Willow from retaliating, and then refs get out there to stop it! Kris’s mistake only just turned up the heat on this one! Will there be no holding back from the CEO or the Babe with the Power when it’s Double or Nothing?
Alex Marvez waits outside Tony Khan’s office.
Jack Perry is the first to exit and Marvez says they’ve been in there a long time. Is Jack reinstated in AEW? Jack doesn’t answer and moves on, so Marvez asks “Okada-san” if that’s the case. The Rainmaker just pats Marvez on the shoulder and follows Jack. Nicholas, is Jack All Elite again? Matthew, please, Marvez needs the scoop! Is Jack Perry once again in AEW? Matt wishes he had a better scoop for Marvez, but things are still uncertain. One thing Matt will tell Marvez is… Tony Khan literally just agreed to talk with Jack in the ring, live here tonight. That’s still a pretty big scoop! Will TK bring the Scapegoat back into the fold?
Casino Gauntlet!
AEW shuffles the deck and puts a golden opportunity for Double or Nothing on the line! This isn’t your typical gauntlet, either! It is “sudden death,” so anyone that scores a pinfall or submission wins, BUT! There are also timed intervals, so more and more competitors will be added, meaning things can get really crazy really quickly. One way or another, the AEW International Champion will have a new challenger, but who will it be when it’s the luck of the draw?
First out, it’s King Switch! Jay White leads Austin & Colten Gunn out as the NEW unified AEW & ROH World Trios Champions, but will Bullet Club Gold be adding even more gold to the collection? Second out, Top Flight’s Dante Martin! Will Angel Dorado get himself a golden ticket instead?
Jay White VS Dante Martin!
The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. White pulls hair to put Dante in the corner, but Dante slips free. They circle again, Dante waistlocks but White switches. White headlocks, Dante powers up but can’t power out as White holds on. White wrenches to wristlock, but Dante flips through and breaks free. White CHOPS, then CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Dante is stinging, the fans “WOO~” and White says guns up! White whips, runs in, but Dante slips out to the apron! Dante then goes up and around, GAMANGIRIS, then springboards. White gets under, Dante comes back, and turns hip toss into RANA! Then he DROPKICKS White down! Cover, TWO!
White bails out, Dante builds speed, and Dante FLIES, but has to handspring through as White moves! White CHOPS, CHOPS, and then brings Dante around. APRON- NO, Dante slips free of the suplex to JUMP KNEE! Dante puts White in, hurries to the apron, and then slingshots to roll, only for White to catch him! EXPLODERÂ out of the ring! But here comes the third man, PENTA EL ZERO MIEDO! The Man with No Fear now makes this a Triple Threat, will he be able to survive these odds?
Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo!
White storms up but Penta GAMANGIRIS him away! Penta goes up the corner, leaps, CROSSBODY! Penta runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges then SLINGBLADES! Dante returns, but into a SLINGBLADE! Penta whips Dante corner to corner but Dante reverses. Penta SUPERKICKS back, then pops Dante up on the corner, for another SUPERKICK! Dante wobbles into Penta’s fireman’s carry, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Penta spins for the SWINGING DEATH VALLEY! Penta then goes back to a corner, climbs up, but White SHOVES Him to the ramp! White then runs up, fireman’s carries, but Penta fights free! And SUPERKICKS! White flops to the apron, Penta uses him as a step to get up and in and hit a DESTROYER on Dante!! Fans lose their minds as Penta stands, and says “CERO! MIEDO!” Dante bails out so Penta goes after White. Penta CHOPS White, then hears the fans rally up. Penta goes out after Dante, gets him in the ring, and stands him up against ropes. Penta winds up, to CHOP! Dante grits his teeth, but White BOOTS Penta down!
White stands Penta up, CHOPS Penta, but Penta CHOPS in return! Penta hears the fans rallying for “CERO! MIEDO!” and he goes back to SUPERKICK White! Penta stands Dante up, whips him to ropes and SUPERKICKS him down! But then White gets Penta for a cradle, TWO!! Penta escapes, White UPPERCUTS him down! White snarls, stomps Dante, then stomps a mudhole into Dante at the corner. White drags Dante up, whips him to ropes, and back drops him away! White covers, TWO! Penta is after White but White scrambles away as Dynamite returns to single picture. Penta brings Dante up, but Dante fights the suplex!
White storms back in, CLUBS them both down, and next up is KYLE O’REILLY! Whoa, #CombatKyle is now #CleanKyle as his hair and beard are trimmed. Maybe he’s going back to those babyface assassin days!
Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly!
Kyle KICKS White down, KICKS Penta down, and KICKS Dante down! Kyle fires forearms on White, then wrenches. Dante gets up, Kyle BOOTS him away, then gives White an ELBOW BREAKER! Kyle wrenches Dante, BOOTS Penta, then hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Wrench on Penta, ELBOW BREAKER! Kyle whips, Penta reverses but Kyle goes up and over. Kyle also ducks Dante so Dante’s LARIAT takes down Penta! Dante runs up, Kyle blocks the kick and gives it to Penta. Then Kyle gets one of Penta’s legs, DOUBLE DRAGON SCREW!! White KNEES Kyle low, runs but into a KNEE from Kyle! Kyle snapmares White, runs, but feints to then SLAP him!
The fans fire up while White frowns. White gets up but Kyle fires off fast strikes! KICK, LEG SWEEP, and the fans fire up! Dante wheelbarrows Kyle, but Kyle drops that into the ARMBAR! White stomps but Kyle catches that, to a HEEL HOOK! White flails, ROPEBREAK! Kyle lets go, and now we add WILL OSPREAY! Will the Aerial Assassin take his momentum from Dynasty and make it Double or Nothing?
Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Will Ospreay!
Ospreay storms right in, Kyle staring him down! They fire forearms and the fans are thunderous already! Ospreay fires up to fire off a flurry! Kyle KICKS, whips, but Ospreay BOOTS back! Ospreay goes up and out to springboard, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Penta runs up to KICK Ospreay’s leg! Dante gets in, he and Penta double whip, but Ospreay handsprings to DOUBLE PELE! But White SLEEPER- NO, Ospreay arm-drags free! These two know each other well and the fans are thunderous to see this one! White and Ospreay shake hands, but then White CLAWS Ospreay’s face! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!
White clinches, but Ospreay fights free to CHOP! Ospreay whips, White holds ropes to bail out, but the fans boo. Dante kicks Ospreay and runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! And out comes LANCE ARCHER! The Murderhawk Monster says #EverybodyDies, will that be the case in this sudden death gauntlet?
Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer!
Ospreay shakes his head, but Archer storms right in! Ospreay gets in Archer’s… well, chest, but he fires off forearms! Archer DECKS him! Kyle returns, Archer LARIATS! Penta runs up, Archer LARIATS! White runs up, into a half nelson, dragon sleeper, but Dante jumps in! But into Archer’s hand! CHOKE SLAM DDT COMBO!! Penta jumps onto Archer, fires off hands, then whips. Archer reverses to CLOBBER Penta! Kyle gets up, Archer choke grips, but Kyle turns slam into GUILLOTINE! Kyle thrashes, but Archer THROWS him away! Kyle goes to the apron, Archer DECKS Kyle! Ospreay BOOTS Archer, goes up, but Archer STEP-UP KNEES!
Archer picks Ospreay up in the reverse crucifix! BLACKOUT BOMBÂ onto the others on the outside!! The fans are thunderous and Dynamite goes picture in picture!
Archer storms out to go looking under the ring. Archer brings out a TABLE! Daily’s Place loves it as Archer sets up the furniture at ringside. Archer positions that but Ospreay runs up to fire shots! Archer knees low, SMACKS Ospreay off apron, and then goes around to BOOT Kyle down! And CLUB White down! And get another TABLE! Archer drags that table over White, then sets it up with the other. Archer drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay fires forearms first! Archer RAMS Ospreay into railing! Archer CLUBS away on Ospreay, SMACKS Kyle off apron, BOOTS Dante, then CLUBS White. Archer brings White over, and SMACKS him off the table.
Ospreay fires forearms on Archer, then brings him around to SMACK off the apron. Ospreay goes up, takes aim, and FLYING- BODY CHECK!! Archer just has Ospreay bounce right off him! White ROCKS Archer, ROCKS him again, then brings him around to the tables. White fireman’s carries, but Archer’s too big! Archer CLUBS White, CLUBS him again, then ROCKS him! Archer BOOTS Penta, sends him into railing, then goes back for White. White fights the choke grip but gets an APRON CHOKE SLAM for it!! Archer roars, White dangles before he flops, then Archer goes back up the apron. Archer grins while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Archer drags White up to the apron, but next is KOMANDER! The AAA Cruiserweight Champion’s entrance distracts Archer so that White can CLAW the eyes! We’re now at a Lucky 7 Way, is this where someone’s luck runs out?
Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer VS Komander!
Komander hurries to the corner, climbs up and tightrope walks, to FLYING RANA, but Archer blocks!! Archer brings Komander back up, only for Komander to RANA Archer down through the tables!! The Murderhawk Monster is hoisted on his own petard and even Komander is stunned! Komander hurries to springboard in at Ospreay, but Ospreay ducks! Komander rolls through, comes back and kicks, then runs, only for Ospreay to TIGER WALL KICK and- NO, Komander ducks the enzigiri, to TIGER WALL KICK back! Things speed up, Komander tilt-o-whirls around the world, DEJA VU DDT!! Cover, White breaks it!!
White clinches to URENAGE!! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives, but White goes back to Ospreay. But Ospreay flips up and through Bladerunner to LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! White survives, but Ospreay takes off the elbow pad! White rises, but here comes JAY LETHAL! We’re at eight, how much longer can this go?
Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer VS Komander VS Jay Lethal!
Lethal runs in, Ospreay is ready and they brawl! Ospreay kicks, whips but Lethal reverses! Ospreay handsprings through the arm-drag but Lethal still cartwheels to DROPKICK! Dante returns but into the LETHAL COMBINATION! Penta is back and he KICKS Lethal’s leg! Penta whips, Lethal sunset flips but Penta rolls through. Lethal dodges and handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION!! But White’s back to clinch! Lethal slips free, but swings into the SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! White hurries to clinch again, but Dante MISSILE DROPKICKS them both down! Lethal runs in, Dante goes up and over, then Dante dodges Kyle!
Kyle CLOBBERS Lethal, ducks Dante’s enzigiri, AX & SMASH!! Ospreay returns, Kyle fights the nelson to fire off strikes! KICK, KICK, but Ospreay BUZZSAWS and HEEL KICKS! Kyle yoyos to LARIAT, but Ospreay slips through to pick Kyle up! But Kyle slips free to ROLLING ELBOW! Ospreay SUPERKICKS! Kyle YOYOS into HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives but Ospreay calls for his shot! Underhooks, but wait, he hesitates. Storm Driver 93 damn near destroyed Bryan Danielson, does he want to do that to Kyle? Kyle back drops free first! Then ARMBAR!! But Komander is up top! CIELITO LINDO onto Kyle!! Cover, HIDDEN BLADE!!!
Ospreay drags Komander to a cover, OSPREAY WINS!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW International Championship)
The Assassin found a target and took them out! But here comes the Undisputed Kingdom, the Savior of the Backbreaker leading the way. Roderick Strong stares Ospreay down, with Mike Bennett, Matt Taven, Wardlow and Adam Cole all backing him up. Ospreay doesn’t back down, will he simply tear that gold away from The Kingdom?
Chris Jericho is here!
And as his new theme says, he is The Learning Tree. But what we see is that he is the NEW FTW Champion after cracking Hook in the head with a baseball bat at Dynasty. Jericho smiles and waves at the fans while he gets a mic, but they’re booing back. “Hey, guys! It’s true, I’m the new FTW Champion! It’s great, right? And there’s been a lot of negative connotation with the letters F T W. Does it mean F The World? Does it mean Forget The World? No, it’s none of those things, I’m changing it right here, right now. From now on, this means FOR The World Championship, because this was FOR all of you!”
The fans boo and Taz can’t stomach this on commentary. Jericho says “we” won this together! The whole world is buzzing and he knows why. Jericho is doing God’s work. The Wrestling God, that is, and that’s Terry Funk. Terry once told Jericho that it is now Jericho’s responsibility to teach the younger generation and take them to the next level, and that is what Jericho is doing! Thank you, Terry Funk, and thank you, fans. And thanks, Hook! What a great champion and a tough competitor in the ring. Hook beat the hell outta Jericho, but his only flaw is that there are still certain things he needs to take from The Learning Tree.
There are lessons Jericho wants to teach Hook, including how to get rid of the dead weight that surrounds him: Taz, Shibata, the collateral damage, and all the clowns that support him. More importantly, Hook, you need to listen to Jericho when he says to stay down. Jericho told Hook to stay down but Hook kept getting back up. Even after two Judas Effects! Hook forced Jericho to hit him in the head with the baseball bat. So that’s on Hook. But Jericho knows Hook is listening, thinking on the lessons he learned, and that is exciting to Jericho.
What is also exciting to Jericho is the list of men and women who have been drawn into the #JerichoVortex and come out the other side even bigger and better stars! So many! Jericho is so excited- Wait! “Big Bill” Morrissey is here! Bill has a mic already as he steps to Jericho in the ring. Bill tells Jericho, “I have been in the back listening to you, and I only have one thing to say.” Jericho waits as Bill thinks on his words, and Bill says he needs The Learning Tree! The fans boo, they were clearly hoping for something else.
Bill says everyone knows Jericho is the Socrates of Professional Wrestling! Always willing to give advice, to lend a hand, and to take a less established guy and bring him up to the top with him. That is Chris Jericho to a T. Jericho nods, and Bill knows there is a long line of guys foaming at the mouth for the very opportunity to be under the Learning Tree. But Bill wants Jericho to take this into consideration: there is nobody bigger than Bill, nor better fit for the Learning Tree. Jericho knows it deep down in his heart that Bill is the very best fit for The Learning Tree.
Jericho does have to say, Bill, he has been watching Bill a long time. A fan of his for years. It’s partly why Bill is in AEW. But Jericho will think on what Bill said, and he’ll keep his eye on Bill to see if what he says is true. Bill says go ahead and do that, because he’ll do just that. Just watch him. Bill heads out, Jericho says he sure will be. Let’s celebrate together! Jericho waves and gives a thumbs up, but will Bill be The Learning Tree’s first true pupil?
Backstage interview with The Don Callis Family.
Renee is with Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher and Callis himself as she congratulates Ospreay on becoming #1 contender to the International Championship. Callis, the rest of the Family has had an evening of ups and downs, so- Callis “apologizes” for interrupting but he has to say, he is so happy for the “golden goose,” and now Ospreay will have the gold. An international star deserves the International Championship. The only note Callis has, that Tiger Driver 91, AKA Storm Driver 93. He had that all set up, why didn’t Ospreay use it? No, Ospreay doesn’t wanna do that anymore. Not after what he did to Bryan.
Callis doesn’t understand, what happened? Ospreay says we all saw what happened to Bryan because of his neck, and Kyle O’Reilly has a bad neck, too. Storm Driver has to go. Callis doesn’t care about any of that, Ospreay should win! Roddy’s got a bad neck, so what’s gonna happen if Ospreay shows weakness? Fletcher speaks up saying that Ospreay still won, and he’ll win at Double or Nothing, what does it matter about that move? Callis tells Fletcher shouldn’t be talking about winning after how tonight went. Ospreay WILL be International Champion because he’s gonna nail Roddy with Storm Driver, break his neck, and take his title!
Now, Callis needs to go find Hobbs, he’s gonna coach Powerhouse to a championship tonight, just like Ospreay will win at the PPV. Callis leaves Ospreay and Fletcher behind, Fletcher apologizes on Callis’ behalf. Are the former Empire boys still united despite how Callis is leading this “family?”
BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night!
Once again, Saturday nights are alright for fighting, and it will be another THREE HOUR BLOCK, but this one will be live coast to coast! The Bang Bang Gang will defend their Unified AEW & ROH World Trios Championships against Top Flight, will Jay White & The Gunns make Dante, Darius & Action breathe with The Switchblade? After what happened tonight, Toni Storm will take on Anna Jay, will Mariah May be avenged? And then on Rampage, Thunder Rosa and Deonna Purrazzo finally have it out 1v1, and we get the Parking Lot Brawl! Trent Beretta, Chuck Taylor, who proves they were the strongest Best Friend all along?
Collision and Rampage will follow NBA Playoff coverage, keep your eyes open for this one!
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs!
It was a Windy City Riot when The Maniac took this title off Tetsuya Naito, and he made a point of saying he runs from no challenge. NJPW’s Ren Narita and Shota Umino are both waiting on the other side of this match, will they still get their shot at Moxley? Or will the Don Callis Family start to take over the wrestling world?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who makes history in this historic main event!
The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out as the fans rally, and Moxley KICKS a leg. Hobbs stays up, feel things out with Mox, but Moxley KICKS again. The two tie up, Moxley waistlocks the SLEEPERS, but Hobbs RAMS Moxley into buckles. Hobbs throws elbows, stomps a mudhole, then fires hands! Hobbs puts Moxley in a corner, ELBOWS him, but Moxley CHOPS! Hobbs pie faces Moxley, Moxley CHOPS, but Hobbs ROCKS him. Hobbs talks smack, then whips Moxley corner to corner. Moxley stops himself, ROCKS Hobbs, then fires more forearms and KICKS! Moxley runs, but leaps into Hobbs’ arms!
Hobbs pops Moxley up but Moxley slips free to waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX! But Hobbs is right up!? The fans fire up and Hobbs grins. Moxley runs up, into a clinch! EXPLODER! Moxley writhes, bails out, and Hobbs grins as he goes out after him. Hobbs CLUBS Moxley, but Moxley fires a forearm! Moxley SMACKS Hobbs off the timekeeper’s table, but Hobbs body shots in return! Hobbs SMACKS Moxley off railing, then he runs up, only for Moxley to avoid the boot! Hobbs gets caught up on the railing, Moxley BOOTS him over! Moxley goes up the railing, Hobbs rises, but Moxley AX HANDLES him down!
Moxley headlocks, brings Hobbs around the back of the fans, and throws hands. Moxley ROCKS Hobbs, Hobbs HEADBUTTS, and they brawl! The ring count starts, both men have until 20, and we’re at 4 now. Hobbs SMACKS Moxley off a trash can! Hobbs stalks Moxley around the way, CHOPS, then brings Moxley around to ROCK him! Hobbs stalks Moxley, CLUBS him, then pushes him. Moxley hobbles his way back to railing, but turns around to fire haymakers! Hobbs KNEES low, TOSSES Moxley over railing, then storms after him. The count is 15 but Moxley gets in the ring. Hobbs follows and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Hobbs storms up on Moxley, talks trash, but Moxley SLAPS him and flips him off! Moxley eggs Hobbs on so Hobbs BOOTS him down! Moxley flops to the apron then the floor. Hobbs storms out after Moxley, and RAMS him into railing! Hobbs scoops Moxley to APRON POWERSLAM! And APRON POWERSLAM again! And again!! Hobbs snarls, brings Moxley around and SLINGS him down! Hobbs leaves Moxley behind in the ring to soak up cheers and jeers, and even make the pecs dance. IWGP rules do let titles change hands on count-outs, will Hobbs settle for that? No, Hobbs goes out to fetch Moxley, wanting to beat him directly.
Moxley blocks a suplex, fires forearms, but Hobbs hits back! They brawl, Moxley whips but Hobbs reverses! Moxley hits railing hard, and slumps down. Hobbs sits Moxley up to throw down hands, then goes up to rain down mores fists! The ring count climbs, but Hobbs still goes to TEN! Hobbs brings Moxley around to suplex to the floor! Moxley hobbles away, but Hobbs storms up after him. They go up the steel steps and into the ring, and Hobbs eggs Moxley on. Hobbs stomps Moxley, soaks up more cheers and jeers, then BOOTS Moxley down as Dynamite goes to break!
Dynamite returns and Hobbs says he’s whooping Moxley’s ass! Moxley crawls, Hobbs brings him up, but Moxley CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Hobbs body shots, then BEARHUGS! Moxley endures, even as Hobbs squeezes tight! Hobbs throws body shots, Moxley throws elbows, and Moxley is free. But Hobbs CLUBS Moxley first! Hobbs whips Moxley to a corner, then has him on the rebound. Callis doesn’t want Hobbs to wait, keep on him! Hobbs whips Moxley to the other corner, runs in, but Moxley BOOTS! Moxley runs, but Hobbs SLAMS the cutter down! Moxley staggers up, Hobbs runs in, but the splash only gets buckles!
Hobbs falls, clutching a knee. Hobbs bails out, Moxley goes to ropes and takes aim. Moxley builds speed as Hobbs rises, to DIVE! Down goes Hobbs again! The ref checks Hobbs as Hobbs still clutches his knee. The fans rally for Moxley as he rises, fires himself back up, and then gets Hobbs up. Moxley puts Hobbs in, storms around to slide in from the other side, and then waits on Hobbs. Hobbs rises, hobbles, and Moxley runs up to RAM him into a corner! Moxley goes up to rain down fists! Moxley goes way past ten, all the way to TWENTY!! Moxley keeps going past even that! Hobbs can barely guard, Moxley gives him PARADIGM SHIFT!! Cover, TWO?!?
Moxley slips around to a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Hobbs sputters, flails, reaches out, but Moxley squeezes tight! Hobbs is fading, the ref calls it! MOXLEY WINS!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by submission (still IWGP World Champion)
Hobbs is a powerhouse, but even he needs to breathe! The Maniac has his first defense in the books, but NJPW Wrestling Dontaku is coming. Will the #SouledOut Ren Narita take this title from Moxley? Or is Moxley going to blast through him to then take on his former protege, Shota Umino? Wait! Konosuke Takeshita appears on stage. The Alpha wants his own shot at that IWGP World Championship, will he get in line ahead of Narita and Shota?
Backstage interview with Katsuyori Shibata.
Renee is with The Wrestler and brings up Jericho’s “choice words” for him. But what does Shibata have to say in response? Shibata uses his Google Translate voice-to-text to say, “Jericho called me deadweight and collateral damage. Next week, I’m going to damage him in his hometown of Winnipeg, and become FTW Champion.” So then that’s an official challenge for the title? “Yes, with FTW Rules. Jericho, I’m going to chop down your Learning Tree.” Okay then, Winnipeg, Jericho VS Shibata for the FTW title, it is official! Shibata then adds that the rhinestones on Renee’s shirt make a heart, how nice. Yes, she thought so, too.
Shibata is ready to take the fight to Jericho, will The Wrestler prove the Learning Tree is all bark and no bite?
Tony Schiavone is in the ring.
“Ladies and gentlemen… Jack Perry.” The fans are torn as The Scapegoat makes his way out, with no music since he isn’t an AEW talent anymore. Jack takes the mic from Schiavone while fans sing, “OH~ Cry Me a River~!” Jack says first thing’s first, he wants it known that he’s had some of the best nights of his life right here in Jacksonville! The fans cheer that! Jack says tonight… they have business to handle. And he wants to handle it right here, right now, face to face… with Tony Khan! Jack waits, the fans chant “He’s Our Scapegoat!” and here comes TK. Tony Khan joins Jack in the ring, as promised earlier tonight.
Jack says it has been a long road. TK agrees. Almost five years ago was the very first Double or Nothing. And since then, AEW has gone on to change the world. But now, TK, it is no secret they’ve had their ups and downs, haven’t always seen eye to eye. But Jack will say right now, from the bottom of his heart, he swears to God, the only thing that Jack has ever wanted is what’s best for AEW. The fans cheer that and TK applauds as he agrees there. So Jack just wants to ask TK to please shake his hand, reinstate him, and let’s go on to continue to change the world together. The fans like the sound of that!
TK gives a big thumbs up, he and Jack shake hands, and they hug it out! Jack is All Elite once again, and then Jack smiles at the camera… Jack raises TK’s hand, the fans cheer, and then Jack DECKS TK!! The Elite rush out here, from Nick to Matt to Okada, and they ask Jack what the hell! This is TK, THE boss of AEW! You can’t just do that, Jack! Jack nods, backs away, and The Bucks help TK sit up, but it looks a little suspicious…! The Bucks realize the optics, as does Okada, and they all say no no no, it’s not what anyone thinks. They help TK to his feet, and then Okada says do it. Matt scoops TK!! Nick goes up a corner!! T K DRIVER ON TK?!?!
The fans lose their minds as The EVPs stand over Tony Khan’s body! Jack drags TK to the center of the ring so all four of them can stand together. The refs rush out and ask what the hell is wrong with the EVPs! Jack says he waited for eight MONTHS to do that! Matt thanks Jacksonville for a great night, they love everyone so much! Jack, Okada, Nick & Matt leave the ring to have their curtain call on the stage. The Elite is running All Elite Wrestling now, are they going to change the world and remake it in their image?
As for Tony Khan, not only do wrestlers like Top Flight, The Infantry, Penta and Komander rush out to check on him, Tony’s father, Shahid Khan, is here! Shahid checks on his son, what will be done as the consequences for The Elite’s actions?
My Thoughts:
A really good episode of Dynamite here, but they were really not handling the audio that well. It was so hard to hear quite a few of the promos, well delivered as they all were. Rosa VS Deonna being set up was a good move, that’s definitely gonna be great. Really good stuff from Jericho as he leans into the obliviously selfish veteran persona, and I was definitely surprised Big Bill wanting to join him. Shibata has a good promo to call Jericho out, but if it’s FTW Rules, pretty sure Bill is gonna screw Shibata over so Jericho wins. And great stuff with the former Best Friends, Chuck VS Trent in a Parking Lot Brawl is going to be awesome stuff, but I wonder if Orange Cassidy messes it up for Chuck.
Great stuff with the Don Callis Family through the night. Moxley had a good promo to hype up the main event with Hobbs, but unfortunately, I think the match got cut down because Hobbs actually got hurt. Moxley was of course retaining, but this doesn’t help. Konosuke stepping up is fine, though, a natural move given this BCC VS DCF story going on. Fletcher stepped up to Swerve in the match tonight, but it was also very clear Swerve was going to win. The Casino Gauntlet wasn’t really named well, and they didn’t really explain it properly before it started, but it was clearly based on William Regal’s Gauntlet Eliminator from NXT a couple years ago.
However, in execution, it was amazing! Great win for Ospreay and a great showing for all the wrestlers involved, Ospreay VS Roddy will be great stuff. But I also really like that they’re not only going with Ospreay being hesitant about Storm Driver, but they’re going with what I was hoping for. Ospreay and Fletcher are likeminded but that means they clash with how Callis wants to do things. This very well could lead to Ospreay & Fletcher VS Konosuke & Hobbs, so long as Hobbs isn’t out of action. Maybe Don Callis Family finds someone else to bring in to make up for that, but also as foreshadowing of Ospreay and Fletcher leaving the group.
I also like that they seem to be heading for another idea I had when it comes to Toni Storm, Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa. Great match from Mina VS Anna with a good win for Mina, but also Anna going Heel on her and Mariah. For that matter, that should mean Mariah and Storm are turning Face to counter, which is fitting since the fans love them so much anyway. Storm defends Mariah, she’ll definitely beat Anna this Saturday, and then we can move into Storm and Mina fighting for Mariah’s affections. And great stuff from the TBS Championship story. Great promos, for one, and then great detail that Kris gets Willow hit. Has it been Kris behind the attacks all along? If Willow somehow retains at Double or Nothing, Kris going after her would be a wild twist.
And of course, incredible stuff out of this story with Jack Perry’s return. Good opening bit as Jack arrives and the EVPs vouch for him, and good little backstage bit to set up the closing segment. I just knew the moment Jack asked for a handshake, he was just setting Tony Khan up. The entire Elite beating TK down was wild but powerful, and this is very much their nWo moment. This combined with Kenny Omega making his return next week, there is something big brewing in a very nWo VS Wolfpac kinda way. Kenny, Hangman & FTR uniting against Okada, Jack & Bucks? Feels like an awesome 8 Man to me.
My Score: 8.8/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
The House of Torture gets another try!
Despite losing in the NEVER Openweight Six Man title tournament, the House of Torture get one more shot against Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg! But will shuffling the deck really help the King of Darkness trump President Ace?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- 8 Man Tag: El Desperado, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Katsuya Murashima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg win and retain the titles.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo; Tsuji wins.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors; Takagi wins.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
- LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!
Don’t adjust your screens, this is not a rematch from Wrestling World in Taiwan. That’s because while The Ace, the Joker and the Rook won the tournament, they’re up against a different formation! The King of Darkness and Heel Master now have Tokyo Pimp as their third man, but will that change be enough to change the result? Or will Tanahshi-sachou and team be an undefeated combination?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Darkness Falls!
The teams sort out, and Oleg starts against Yoshinobu Kanemaru. The fans rally behind “BO-LU-TIN! BO-LU-TIN!” as he circles with Kanemaru, but then Evil & Yujiro attack! The fans boo, Tanahashi & Yano hurry in but Evil & Yujiro get them first! Kanemaru drags Oleg out of the ring to stomp him down while Evil & Yujiro have Tanahashi & Yano in corners. Yujiro fires forearms, Evil CHOPS, then the House all whips. But Oleg reverses and sends Kanemaru into railing! And Tanahashi & Yano reverse to send Evil & Yujiro into each other! Oleg returns to CLOBBER Evil & Yujiro! The fans fire up as now Yano & Tanahashi intercept Kanemaru.
Tanahashi & Yano whip Kanemaru to Oleg for a scoop and SLAM! The fans rally behind the champs as Oleg paces around Kanemaru. Oleg stomps Kanemaru, tags Tanahashi, and Tanahashi eggs Evil on. Evil tags in, Tanahashi kicks first! Tanahashi fires hands, UPPERCUTS, then tears away the “President Evil” shirt to TOSS it away! Evil is furious, he made that himself! Tanahashi throws a body shot, then whips Evil corner to corner. Evil reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up for the air guitar and Tanahashi tags in Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad, dodges Evil, then gives Evil the pad!
The ref reprimands Evil and confiscates the pad, and Yano SLAPS Evil on the head! Yano whips, Evil reverses, but Yano avoids the bare buckles. Evil runs up to SLAP Yano, and shove him into the buckles! Kanemaru & Yujiro BLAST Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Evil SMACKS Yano with the pad! Evil TOSSES Yano out of the ring, distracts the ref, and that lets Dick DECK Yano! Dick drags Yano up and puts him in the ring for Evil to cover. TWO! Evil is upset with the “slow count,” and he tags Kanemaru. Kanemaru runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru ELBOWS Yano in the head!
Kanemaru snapmares Yano down into a chinlock and drags him to the corner. The ref reprimands but Yujiro tags in. Kanemaru lets go, so that Yujiro can CHOKE Yano! The ref counts, Yujiro lets off, and he drags Yano back up. Yujiro whips Yano into the bare buckles! Yano suffers his own trick, and Yujiro brings him up to knee low. Yujiro snapmares, drops a leg, then drops an elbow! Then he drops a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Yujiro tags to Evil. Evil BLASTS Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Dick distracts the ref so Evil can put Yano in the COBRA TWIST, and link up with the others!
The fans boo but the House gets away with that. Evil covers, TWO! Evil is even more upset with the ref, and he drags Yano up. Evil reels Yano in for a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wait, who is ringing the bell? Dick is ringing the bell, and Kanemaru is giving the announcement that they’ve won! The fans boo, this is of course a farce. Tanahashi & Oleg storm over, scaring off Dick and Kanemaru. Evil tags Kanemaru, then TOSSES Yano outside. Kanemaru drags Yano back up to whip him into railing! Then DDTÂ to the floor! Yano is down in enemy territory while Tanahashi argues with the ref.
The fans rally up but Yujiro puts Yano in. Kanemaru covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru drags Yano around. Yano is dead weight so Kanemaru leaves him behind to BLAST Tanahashi! Kanemaru drags Yano up but Yano pulls hair! Kanemaru CLAWS Yano’s eyes! Kanemaru whips, Yano reverses and throws him down by his hair! The fans fire up as Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as Oleg CLOBBERS Kanemaru, BLASTS Evil & Yujiro, then runs in at the corner. Kanemaru BOOTS Oleg, runs, but into a POP-UP BEARHUG! Kanemaru endures, but then Oleg turns that into a BIG suplex! The fans fire up as Oleg storms around.
Oleg deadlift gut wrenches, but Dick gets on the apron. Oleg drops Kanemaru to scare Dick off. But then Yano puts Dick in! Dick prays and begs for mercy, but Oleg just deadlift gut wrenches him! Shake, Rattle and THROW! And a kip up!? Oleg then gets Kanemaru back up, Shake, Rattle, and some more shaking, and THROW! Oleg roars, runs, and SPLASHES down! Cover, Evil & Yujiro break it! Then they BLAST Tanahashi & Yano! The House stomps away on Oleg, then drag him up. They double whip Oleg to a corner, then Yujiro BOOTS! Evil clotheslines! They snapmare, Kanemaru distracts the ref, and Dick goes up!
The fans boo but Dick hits the DICK CHOP! Kanemaru covers, TWO!! The fans fire up but Evil tags back in. Evil and Kanemaru get Oleg up to suplex, but Oleg fights it! Oleg DOUBLE SUPLEXES back! Hot tag to Tanahashi! Ace of the Universe meets King of Darkness, and Tanahashi runs to CLOBBER Evil! Tanahashi fires forearms and body shots on Evil, then scoop SLAMS him into a drop zone! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Tanahashi as he waits on Evil. Tanahashi runs, but Evil goes to the corner! Evil LARIATS Tanahashi down! Tag to Yujiro and he storms up on Tanahashi.
Yujiro brings Tanahashi up to knee low and fire forearms. Yujiro CHOPS then runs up, to BOOT! Yujiro then runs, to BOOT again! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi runs, but Yujiro TOSSES him out! Evil is there to set Tanahashi up for a whiskey bottle shot! Evil puts Tanahashi back in, then he and the rest go after Oleg and Yano! Yujiro gets Tanahashi up for an INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Yujiro goes for his pimp cane, but the ref stops him! That leaves Dick open to use the SPOILER CHOKER on Tanahashi!! The fans boo as President Ace suffers! Tanahashi fades out, Dick slips away, and Yujiro laughs.
Yujiro drags Tanahashi up while the fans rally. Yujiro reels Tanahashi in, but Yano gets in to grab Yujiro! Kanemaru gets in while the ref is distracted again! But Yano ducks, the WHISKEY MIST hits Yujiro! LOW BLOW for Kanemaru! But Evil LOW BLOWS Yano! So Tanahashi LOW BLOWS Evil! Dick gets in but Tanahashi kicks the ropes! Dick falls, Oleg returns, and he gets Yujiro up! Tanahashi climbs, Oleg hits the KAMIKAZE SENTON! Then Tanahashi HIGH FLY FLOWS!! Cover, Team Go Ace wins!
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The House of Torture tried their usual tricks, but Tanahashi’s team proved they could play that, too! The Ace, the Joker & The Rook stand tall again, will The House have to start playing a different game?
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo!
While Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have already done battle on this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, tonight is a best of five series! Will it be Gene Blast or Blacksmith that sets the tone for tonight?
The moment Yota hops off the corner, Gedo takes a swing! Yota dodges and GENE BLASTER!! The bell rings, Yota covers, Yota wins!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall
Well not sure about the tone but this sure set a new record! From bell the bell, that was FIVE SECONDS! Score one for LIJ already, and Yota helps roll Gedo out of the ring. Will LIJ make this a shut out? Or will the other War Dogs be a bit smarter about the pitches they throw across the plate?
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd!
Round two is here sooner than expected after what we just saw, and the Black Mask is up against the #WarReady Mad Man. Gabe vows to take back everything NJPW used to mean, but will he get War Dogs on the board? Or will Bushi keep things tranquilo?
Bushi climbs onto the corner and Gabe rushes him! Bushi jumps over, the bell rings and Bushi DROPKICKS Gabe down! Bushi whips, Gabe reverses but Bushi ducks ‘n ‘dodges to RANA! Gabe bails out, Bushi builds speed, but Gabe gets away. Bushi slides out, but Gabe kicks and CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS Bushi down, then drags Bushi up to dig at Bushi’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Gabe storms around and mockingly calls upon the wrestling gods. Gabe runs but Bushi dodges, Gabe crashes into railing! The fans fire up while Bushi rises. Bushi brings Gabe up, fires forearms, then brings Gabe around. Gabe blocks the bump off the apron to whip Bushi hard into railing!
Bushi flounders and Gabe snarls while the fans rally up. Gabe storms out to open the way to the orange bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Bushi, brings him around and they go up into the stands. Gabe HEADBUTTS Bushi down, shouts “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” then continues up to the next level. Bushi fights the lift but Gabe CLUBS him! Gabe lifts again but Bushi still fights! Gabe CLUBS away on Bushi, CHOPS and HAYMAKERS! Gabe backs up, flips everyone off, and he runs back in, but Bushi dropkicks the leg! Bushi SMACKS Gabe off railing, then he goes up higher into the stands! Bushi stands on the ledge, to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Gabe and the Young Lions!
The fans are thunderous as Bushi rises, and he brings Gabe up. Bushi headlocks Gabe to bring him back down the bleachers. Gabe throws body shots but Bushi throws hands in return. Bushi brings Gabe back to ground level, then through the gate. They return to ringside but Gabe CLUBS Bushi down again. Gabe HEADBUTTS, then he puts Bushi in. The fans rally, but Gabe drags Bushi around to ROCK him again. Gabe has Bushi on the apron, CLUBS him again, then brings Bushi out. Bushi fights the suplex to throw body shots! Gabe HEADBUTTS again, but Bushi fires more hands! Bushi puts Gabe in and the fans cheer.
Bushi drags Gabe up but blocks his haymaker to spin and DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi goes to a corner while Gabe sputters. Gabe stands, Bushi runs in, but no Code Breaker! Gabe ELBOWS, JABS and YUKON LARIATS! Gable copies Takagi, covers, TWO! Gabe flips off the fans, they boo, and so he just flips them off more. Gabe eggs Bushi on, taunts him, so Bushi CHOPS! Gabe dusts himself off, Bushi CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS, says Bushi ain’t got nothing, but Bushi fires a flurry! Gabe CHOPS again, Bushi DOUBLE CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS, then he gut wrenches! But Bushi slips free and shoves!
Gabe blocks one kick, ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! Bushi reels Gabe in, for a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and flounders away while the fans fire up. Gabe flops right out of the ring but Bushi pursues. Bushi drags Gabe up, but Gabe HEADBUTTS him back down! Gabe rips away the LIJ shirt to tell them to suck it! Gabe SPITS on the shirt, throws it down, then goes back for Bushi. Gabe puts Bushi in, Bushi goes to a corner, and Gabe runs in to clothesline! Gabe suplexes, Bushi slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and uses the ref as a shield! BLACK MIST!! Bushi gets the better of Gabe and hooks the arms!
Gabe fights the backslide, BOOTS the ref, so the ref can’t see the Bushi Roll! Bushi would’ve had this one! Bushi goes to check on the ref but Gabe storms up to HAYMAKER! Gabe shouts at the ref, drags him back up, and then storms over to Bushi! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Gabe wins!
Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall
The series is tied 1-1, and Gabe shouts for water to wash out the mist. LIJ VS War Dogs aside, Gabe now has momentum going into his NEVER Openweight Championship match with Shingo Takagi. Will the Rampaging Dragon be just as #WarReady as Gabe after tonight?
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors!
Speaking of the NEVER Openweight Champion, he’s third up in the batting order, ready to drive home another run. Will the Rampaging Dragon score and soar towards Wrestling Dontaku? Or will he be struck out by 100 Proof?
Takagi and Connors get in each other’s face and talk some trash. Connors shoves but the ref has them both back down. Connors gets all fired up, Takagi says okay then, and the bell rings, only for Connors to bail out. The fans boo Connors trolling them, but he says tranquilo. Takagi paces while Connors goes around the outside. Takagi dares Connors to get in but Connors dares Takagi to come on out. The fans rally up so Connors goes back to the apron. Connors steps in, fires up, but then bails out. But Takagi pursues! They go around the ring, back in, and then Connors RAMS Takagi! But Takagi doesn’t fall!
Connors runs again, RAMS Takagi, but still Takagi stays up. Connors fires forearm after forearm after forearm, but then Takagi ROCKS, KNEES, CLUBS and CHOPS! And JABS! Takagi whips, Connors ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Takagi! Takagi rebounds, but Connors runs him over! The fans fire up while Takagi goes to a corner. Connors runs corner to corner to clothesline, then he reels Takagi in. Takagi fights the suplex, and he suplexes Connors instead! The fans fire up again but Connors bails back out. Takagi pursues, JABS, then SMACKS Connors off the apron. Takagi follows Connors around, POSTS him, and the fans cheer.
Takagi stomps Connors, Connors goes around the way but Takagi follows. Takagi runs up to BOOT Connors, then follows him. Connors uses a Young Lion as a shield, then shoves him into Takagi! Connors then whips Takagi into railing! Takagi leans against railing and Connors UPPERCUTS! Connor opens the gate and pushes Takagi into No Man’s Land. Connors brings Takagi around to SMACK off the wood bleachers! Takagi hits back, they brawl, and Takagi knees low! Takagi whips, Connors reverses and Takagi is sent into the wall of the hallway! Connors throws up the Too Sweet but the fans boo.
Connors brings Takagi back to SMACK into the gate, then POST! Connors reels Takagi in, to snap suplex to the floor! Takagi writhes, the ref reprimands but Connors wants the ring count to start. The ring count does start, and Connors scoops a Young Lion to SLAM him onto Takagi! And then he grabs another Young Lion to SPINEBUSTER onto Takagi! Connors slides into the ring at 10 of 20 while Takagi pushes the Young Lions off him. Takagi stands at 17, hurries up at 18, but Connors SPEARS him down! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this and the fans rally, but Connors keeps on Takagi with a half nelson.
Takagi fights as Connors goes for the full nelson! Takagi reaches out but Connors keeps him from ropes. Takagi fights to his feet, powers up, but Connors keeps the nelson! The fans rally more as Takagi keeps fighting. Takagi powers the hold open, but Connors spins him to knee low! Connors whips, but Takagi avoids the snap powerslam! Takagi runs up to SLIDING- NO, Connors dodges, but runs into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up and Takagi goes to a corner. Connors flounders around, rises up, and Takagi storms up to the corner. Takagi clotheslines, then JABS and CHPOS on repeat! Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS and CHOPS!
Takagi whips corner to corner, runs in to clothesline again, then short arm LARIAT! Takagi scoops Connors to SLAM him, then he goes up and up for the FALLING ELBOW DROP! Takagi hauls Connors up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but Takagi looks around. The fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi says, “OI, KORAKUEN! TOKI GA KITA!!” The time has come and the “OI! OI! OI!” continues. Takagi brings Connors up, pump handle, but Connors fights the lift! Connors throws elbows, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi eggs Connors on, Connors throws another forearm! Takagi fires back!
Connors fires more forearms, but Takagi HEADBUTTS! Connors HEADBUTTS, but he’s the one wobbling! Connors ROCKS Takagi with a forearm, then eggs Takagi on. Takagi ROCKS Connors with boxing elbows! Takagi runs, Connors follows to LARIAT against ropes! Connors runs but Takagi follows to KNEE against ropes! Takagi keeps moving, Connors gets under to come back and POUNCE! Then a whip and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! But Connors powers up and runs, to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans fire up but Connors aims from a corner! Connors runs in to SPEAR!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous!
Connors rises, Takagi stirs, and Connors brings Takagi up. But Takagi fights No Chaser! Takagi wrenches out to JAB! And HEADBUTT! Connors dodges the lariat, but runs into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Takagi runs up to PUMPING BOMBER! Then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Connors shakes his head as he stays in this, but Takagi roars! Takagi pump handles for MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?! Connors survives and shocks Takagi, but the fans are thunderous again! “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi powers up. Takagi runs, but Connors dodges! But PUMPING BOMBER still finds him! Cover, Takagi wins!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall
We’re halfway done and LIJ takes the lead! Takagi has momentum for himself, too, but will the Rampaging Dragon be #WarReady for Gabe Kidd? Or will Wrestling Dontaku be the end of the road for Takagi?
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Uncontrollable Charisma may no longer be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but we all know he never lets things get to him. Will he therefore stay tranquilo as he looks to win this series for his team? Or will he lose a shootout with the .44 Caliber?
As always, Naito takes his time with his entrance attire. Drilla mockingly asks what happened to his belt, but Naito doesn’t let that get his goat. The fans rally for Naito and that annoys Drilla. Naito puts the pants away, the bell rings, and Drilla runs up! But Naito puts him on the apron, and sweeps the legs! Then he DROPKICKS Drilla down! Naito goes out slowly to fetch Drilla, CLUB him on the neck, and then CLUB him again. Naito CLUBS Drilla more, cravats for a neck wrench, and even grinds Drilla against railing! The ref counts, Naito puts Drilla in, and the fans applaud. But Drilla comes back to WRECK Naito with a dropkick!
Drilla whips Naito hard into railing, and Naito gets stuck! Drilla dumps him over, tells fans off about cheering for Naito, then drags Naito up and around. Drilla CHOPS Naito, follows him along the way, and whips him hard into railing! The fans applaud the impressive speed and strength, but Drilla leaves Naito behind as Naito slumps into the front row. The ring count climbs, Naito sits up at 7 of 20. Naito finds his way around to the gate at 12, steps in at ringside, and rolls in at 15. Drilla throws Naito’s hat at him, then stomps away! Drilla drags Naito up, HEADBUTTS him, then has him on ropes. Drilla CHOPS and Naito staggers.
Drilla eggs Naito on so Naito fires forearms! Naito whips, Drilla reverses and ELBOWS Naito down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Naito but Drilla digs his knee into Naito’s neck! The ref counts, Drilla lets off to get in the ref’s face, but the ref reminds Drilla to respect his authority. Drilla kicks Naito around, steps on Naito’s head, then taunts the fans. Naito gets up to throw hands but Drilla hits back! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, but then Drilla CHOPS! Drilla runs, into an ELBOW! Drilla rebounds, but Naito hip toss NECKBREAKERS! The fans rally as Naito rises and Drilla writhes. Naito drags Drilla up to fire forearms and kicks!
Naito whips, arm-drags, then he ELBOWS Drilla down to basement dropkick in the back! Naito turns Drilla for a NECKBREAKER! Drilla writhes, Naito pushes him to a cover, TWO! Naito keeps on Drilla with a cravat neck wrench. Drilla endures, fights around, and he fights up. Drilla breaks free, CLUBS Naito, then runs, but Naito catches him to a dragon sleeper, NECKBREAKER! Drilla fights the legs but Naito still hooks him into the LEG HOOK NELSON! Drilla endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! Naito again “forgets” how to undo the hold, so the ref pries the legs away.
Drilla is free and clutches his neck, but Naito paces around. Naito drags Drilla back up, but Drilla CHOPS! Naito fires a forearm in return! Drilla CHOPS! Naito forearms! The shots go back and forth, Drilla grunts and has a crazy grin. Drilla fires a forearm, Naito mocks the grunt! Naito fires back, both men grunt and fire forearms again! Drilla CHOPS, but then Naito ROCKS him, SPITS on him, and fires off more forearms! Drilla gets under, shoves Naito then hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Naito and Drilla go to opposite corners, and Drilla runs corner to corner! Drilla blocks a boot but Naito SPITS!
Naito runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Drilla horks up and SPITS a big one at Naito, then DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Naito stays in this and Drilla is seething. Drilla slashes his throat and throws up the Too Sweet. Drilla drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift. Drilla ENZIGIRIS Naito, then gets him back up! Canadian Rack, but Naito arm-drags Drilla into the ref! The ref tumbles all the way out, Naito atomic drops Drilla and ENZIGIRIS! COMPLETE SHOT, and then PLUMA BLANCA!! Drilla endures, flails, is he tapping? But there’s no ref anyway! Wait, David Finlay rushes out here!
The Rebel taunts Naito while swinging the shillelagh! Naito lets Drilla go, only for JAKE LEE to show up!?! Talk about a CrossOver, the Good Looking Emperor is here in NJPW and he fires hands with Naito!! The fans are going nuts, but Naito gets the edge! Only for Jake to KNEE low! Jake puts Naito in a corner, takes aim, and runs in to HELLUVA KICK!!! Or as he calls it, #FaceBreakShot! Naito staggers into Drilla’s arms, for the DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover and the ref is back, Drilla wins!!
Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall
The Rebel gets the Madness Dark Side to help him screw over Naito, and now this series is all tied up again! But then Finlay & Drilla beat Naito down more! Jake steps in, and the War Dogs back away. Jake stands on Naito’s chest, then stomps away! Is Jake going to destroy Naito once and for all? But wait! Here comes Hiromu! The Ticking Timebomb ROCKS Jake, ROCKS Drilla, then fires off on Finlay! But then Drilla & Finlay mug Hiomru! They double whip, but Hiormu ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Hiromu goes out after Finlay, but Drilla CLUBS Hiromu! They POST Hiromu, but what about the main event!?
Red Shoes hurries out here, the fans tell Jake and Drilla to go home. Jake literally kicks Naito out of the ring and then stands him up against railing. Jake gets space, takes aim again, and Finlay makes Hiromu watch the FACE BREAK SHOT that sends Naito into the front row!! The fans boo and tell Jake to go home. Jake smirks as he takes his leave with Drilla, the damage done. Is there an alliance between Jake’s Good Looking Guys and Finlay’s War Dogs? Is Naito just the first casualty of many?
As for Finlay and Hiromu, Finlay RAMS Hiromu into railing! And then RAMS him in again! Finlay RAMS Hiromu a third time, then he soaks up the heat. Red Shoes reprimands, but this isn’t officially a match yet. Finlay takes aim, he runs in, but Hiromu sends him into railing! Hiromu gets Finlay in, the bell rings, and it’s time to settle the score!
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay!
Hiromu fireman’s carries, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay slips away! The fans rally for Hiromu as he eggs Finlay on. Finlay snarls, storms back up but Hiromu then SUNSET FLIPS! Finlay holds ropes to throw down hands! Hiromu staggers away, Finlay fireman’s carries him now! Finlay runs and THROWS Hiromu at a post! The fans boo while Finlay throws up the Too Sweet and taunts them all. Finlay leaves Hiromu behind, he tells the fans they look stupid, then he goes back to fetch Hiromu. Finlay slaps Hiromu around, drags him up, and throws him into the ring.
Finlay crawls to a cover but Red Shoes says nope, too many shenanigans. Finlay is upset, there were a lot of shenanigans both ways. But Finlay drags Hiromu up to suplex and TOSS Hiromu! Now things are fine and Finlay covers, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Finlay mocks the “MOTO! MOTO!” Finlay whips Hiromu hard into a corner! Hiromu falls then crawls, and Finlay taunts him that it’s too easy. Finlay stalks Hiromu to another corner as the fans rally up, but Finlay makes Hiromu smile! Finlay says smile like Tsuji! Red Shoes reprimands, Finlay lets off, but then he drags Hiromu up to whip hard into another corner!
Hiromu staggers and falls out of the ring and Red Shoes checks him. Finlay waits on Hiromu while he writhes on the floor. Finlay mockingly says “Moto! Moto!” Red Shoes has Finlay stay back, and the ring count starts. Hiromu stands at 4 of 20 while Finlay lounges on the ropes. The fans rally, Hiromu rolls in at 10, but Finlay brings him back up. Finlay scoops and carries Hiromu around for a BACKBREAKER! Finlay says he’s strong AF, and then he kicks Hiromu around. Finlay mocks the fans chanting for Hiromu, and that makes them boo Finlay. Finlay pushes Hiromu around, so Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS!
Finlay dusts himself off, eggs Hiromu on, so Hiromu CHOPS again! Finlay felt that one so he knees low. Finlay runs, Hiromu follows, and Hiromu RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay flounders while Hiromu goes to ropes. Finlay runs up, but into a BOOT! Hiromu then has a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets go at 4 and he drags Finlay out to wheelbarrow FACEBUSTER to the floor! The fans rally up behind Hiromu and he goes to the apron. Hiromu aims as Finlay stands, FLYING SHOTGUN sends Finlay through the gate! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he pursues.
Hiromu smiles at TJP on English commentary, then gets a real “MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!” going. Hiromu gets Finlay up and in, and Finlay goes to a corner. Hiromu runs up to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu keeps his cool and he kicks Finlay around. Hiromu drags Finlay up, fireman’s carries, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu takes a swing, but Finlay catches him to an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but Finlay scoops him, for the SWINGING IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives again and Finlay grows frustrated.
Finlay mocks Yota Tsuji as he powers up and goes to the corner. Hiromu rises, Finlay flips him off, and steals GENE- TRIANGLE D!! Hiromu has Finlay caught and the fans fire up! Finlay flails, tries to stack Hiromu, but Hiromu squeezes tighter! Finlay is fading and the fans fire up! But Finlay gets a second wind, deadlifts Hiromu, and POWERBOMBS him down! Finlay is free of D, but both men are down as the fans rally again. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, and lifts, but Hiromu RANAS to a cover! TWO!! Finlay escapes, kicks low and whips, but Hiromu slips free of Deep Six to wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT!
The fans fire up while Finlay flounders! But Finlay sneaks his shillelagh into the ring! The fans rally for Hiromu while Finlay hides the shillelagh under him. Hiromu rises, Finlay shields the shillelagh from Red Shoes but Red Shoes is suspicious. Red Shoes sees the weapon! Finlay shoves Red Shoes away and takes a swing, but Hiromu dodges! SUPERKICK! Hiromu takes the shillelagh now! The fans are torn, but then Hiromu plays like Finlay did hit him! Red Shoes isn’t sure who to believe, but Finlay really is innocent this time! Finlay argues with Red Shoes but fans boo to help sell Hiromu’s trick.
Hiromu then runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! And then fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO! Finlay is still in this but the fans are still with Hiromu. Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu elbows, runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Finlay runs, but into a SUPERKICK! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER, but Finlay stays up! Hiromu runs again, but Finlay catches him spins him, ROLLING ELBOWS, then runs! Into a SUPERKICK! Finlay returns, for another SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous and Hiromu gets Finlay up, suplex and INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!!
Finlay survives his own move but Hiromu won’t let that bother him! Hiromu drags himself up, dragon sleepers Finlay, but Finlay fights the suplex with knees! Finlay suplexes, but Hiromu knees free! Hiromu runs, but Finlay LARIATS! Finlay hauls Hiromu up, Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! Finlay goes to a corner as he thinks on what to do next. Finlay storms over to Hiromu, says it’s over now, and he drags Hiromu back up. But Hiromu slips out of the bomb to tuck the arms! Finlay wrenches out, but into TRIANGLE D!! Finlay flails, CLUBS at Hiromu, but he’s fading again!
Red Shoes checks, the fans rally up, and Finlay fights to deadlift again! POWERBOMB, but Hiromu just holds onto D!! Finlay is fading, flailing, reaching out, but Hiromu squeezes tight! Finlay deadlifts again! BUCKLE BOMB, and INTO OBLIVION!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Hiromu survives again and Finlay is beside himself! The fans are electric as Finlay shakes his head. Hiromu sputters but Finlay brings down the kneepads. Finlay slashes his throat and vows to end this! Finlay drags Hiromu back up, suplexes, but Hiromu slip free! Hiromu wrenches, pump handles, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO!!! Finlay escapes and Hiromu is frustrated!
Both men catch their breath while the fans rally as hard as they can. Hiromu grits his teeth, pounds the mat, and rises up. Hiromu hobbles over but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Hiromu comes back, into another UPPERCUT! And another UPPERCUT! And another! And another, and another! But Hiromu stays on his feet, even as Finlay UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again!! Hiromu won’t stop, but Finlay won’t, either! The fans rally and Finlay eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu runs in, into another UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! Hiromu roars, runs, but into an UPPERCUT!! Hiromu drops to his knees, and Finlay says this is it!
Finlay suplexes, INTOÂ OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall
Bullet Club War Dogs takes the best of five in the fifth and final round! It took much more than Finlay wanted, but Hiromu always gives it his all. Will the Timebomb be able to fire back up in time for the Best of the Super Juniors?
Wait, Drilla returns, and now the War Dogs mug Hiromu! But then Tsuji & Takagi return to run them off! The War Dogs egg them on and vice-versa, but then GABE KIDD runs in! He CLOBBERS Takagi, DECKS Tsuji, and the War Dogs beat up on LIJ! The fans boo but the War Dogs just keep stomping LIJ! Drilla stands Tsuji up for Finlay’s SHILLELAGH SHOT! Drilla gives Hiromu the DRILLA KILLA! Gabe hits Takagi with a PILEDRIVER! Drilla gets to hold on to the shillelagh so he can JAM Hiromu! Finlay gives Tsuji the OVERKILL!! The War Dogs stand tall over LIJ, but Finlay still gets the mic to talk.
“What have I been telling you people? I AM the Savage King! You all thought you saw cracks in my game, but that’s because I let you. You all thought you saw weakness in my War Dogs, but that’s because I let you. Time and time again, I have been steps ahead of everyone in this company. Time and time again, I have solved any problem that was put in our way. The only thing worse than fighting a man who knows how to hurt you is fighting a man who knows when. LIJ learned that tonight, didn’t they?” A young fan tells Finlay to shut up and the fans cheer the kid.
Finlay says you can strip him of championships, you can keep him from tournaments, but in the end, remember this: “HATE always finds a way!!” The Rebel has spoken, will he and his hateful War Dogs find a way to dominate all of NJPW whether we like it or not?
My Thoughts:
A great event for the Road to Wrestling Dontaku series. Great Six Man title match with Tanahashi’s team winning again, probably no more shots for House of Torture. Not really sure what House of Torture is supposed to do next, though. We’re seeing Narita go after Moxley and the IWGP World title, Jack Perry is technically back in AEW, Evil and Yujiro could try for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles but you know they’d lose to Bishamon. I’ve been thinking that House of Torture should join Jack in AEW for this stretch until Forbidden Door, have some interactions with The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada or something like that.
Really fun Best of 5 series, and it was hilarious that Yota beat Gedo so easily. Great wins for Gabe and Takagi going into their NEVER Openweight Championship match. For a moment, I thought LIJ was winning, given how badly the War Dogs beat up Naito with the help of their new pal, Jake Lee, a former GHC Heavyweight Champion and a big name in Pro-Wrestling NOAH. But then in the end, Finlay found a way to win against Hiromu, keeping him strong as he probably moves up from midcard titles to world title. If we go by the math, Takagi should win the NEVER Openweight title match, but it’d feed Gabe’s story better if he did get the title.
As for Hiromu, he probably gets a strong showing in Best of the Super Juniors, but since his streak of tournament championships was broken, who knows if he gets another one or if he puts someone else over.
My Score: 8.8/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- 2024 NHL Playoff Preview [042224]
Hockey Talk previews the 2024 NHL Playoffs and discuss the stunning news that the Arizona Coyotes are moving to Salt...
Hockey Talk- Metro Mayhem [040924]
Hockey Talk looks at an absolutely wild playoff situation taking shape in the Eastern Conference while, out West, the battle...
The Pick N Roll: Sweet Sixteen
Join Patrick O'Dowd and PC Tunney as they breakdown the sweet sixteen of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Hockey Talk- Reverse Psychology [032624]
Hockey Talk looks at the resurgent St. Louis Blues & Washington Capitals. Plus, the Rangers stay hot, and can anyone...
Down the Wire: Filling Out Our Brackets and Drafting Draft Busts
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in unprofessional ways!
Bandwagon Nerds #232: Superhero Madness- A Top Seed Falls
Superhero Madness continues and sees the first #1 seed fall!. Plus, a trailer for a new Transformers movie, and a...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/20/24)
HPW looks to the horizon.
Bandwagon Nerds #231: Disney News & Superhero Madness
Round two of Superhero Madness begins this week. Cinema Con gives us plenty of Disney news and a trip to...
Bandwagon Nerds #230: Superhero Madness- Resident Aliens
Superhero Madness continues with first round battles in the Aliens bracket, plus Invincible Season 2 comes to an excellent conclusion.
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (4/1/24)
We got five on it!
Classic POD is WAR: @PattonOswalt
Tune in for another vintage episode of POD is WAR!!!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (4/24/24)
Anybody can get it!
Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/23/24)
GO ACE! GO ACE!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/23/24)
It's Trick Williams' last shot!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/22/24)
It's a golden Raw!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynasty Results & Report! (4/21/24)
AEW passes through the Gateway City!
Attitude Of Aggression #289- The Big Four Project: Survivor Series ’92
The guys review Survivor Series '92 including a watch-along of an instant classic: Bret "Hitman" Hart v. Shawn Michaels for...
Andrew’s TNA Rebellion Results & Match Ratings: 4.20.2024
Moose takes on Nic Nemeth fka Dolph Ziggler in the main event for the World Championship!!
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (4/20/24)
Kyle O'Reilly is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (4/20/24)
A high risk Collision!
