Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (10/1/18)
The Raw Women’s Champion prepares for Super Show Down by taking on the Squad Leader, Ruby Riott! Will Ronda Rousey wreck Ruby before arriving in Melbourne?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dean Ambrose VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins, by disqualification.
- Roman Reigns VS Dolph Ziggler; Reigns wins.
- Ronda Rousey VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad; Rousey wins.
- Bobby Roode w/ Chad Gable VS Konnor w/ Viktor; Konnor wins.
- The B-Team VS The Revival; The B-Team wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Bobby Lashley VS Kevin Owens; Owens wins.
- Bayley w/ Finn Balor VS Alicia Fox w/ Jinder Mahal & Sunil Singh; Bayley wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Dean Ambrose heads to the ring!
The Lunatic Fringe is still loyal to The Shield, even after The Pack’s Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre argued hard that Ambrose wasn’t being appreciated by his friends. Charli Caruso gets to business with her interview bringing up this disgruntled Dean theory The Pack has. Are there any truths to those claims? Any truth to what they said? Well, there are, actually. In that Ambrose is the only one not a champion. And he was champion before, but then went down with injury and was quickly replaced. But then, has Ambrose ever considered leaving the Shield? “Sure.” Maybe he already did, maybe he doesn’t need his vest and Shield tags. Maybe these don’t mean as much as they used to. Heck, he might’ve even ran Roman Reigns off the road on the way here.
Is Ambrose being sarcastic? People are asking questions. What kind of questions? “Why, after all this time, am I still in the Shield? Am I going to abandon them? Turn my back on them?” Are fans wondering when Ambrose is just goign to snap, he’s “The Lunatic” and all that. Maybe people are thinking Ambrose is waiting for the perfect time, “when nobody’s looking”, to just slip the knife into their backs. Is that what? No, people were asking questions about the moment Ambrose was literally between The Shield and The Pack, and still chose The Shield. What was going through his mind there?
What do they want him to say? Do they think he is thinking, “Why did I come back to Raw in the first place?” Ambrose could be on SmackDown or somewhere different entirely because he’s been cleaning up after The Shield. Maybe he’s sick and tired over “playing” Shield. Ambrose wants everyone to stop trying to understand him, and just judge him by his actions. He’s done as he’s always done: stepped up and stood by his brothers. The Shield isn’t a business, it’s not a brand, it’s a brotherhood. “And we will always ride into battle together.” The Lunatic finishes speaking, but out comes the Constable, Baron Corbin. “Wow, Dean, that was a really good story about brotherhood,” but it sounded more like whining to Corbin. Is something gnawing at that little brain of Ambrose’s?
Is Corbin a therapist now on top of being “the world’s largest substitute teacher”? Or is Corbin salty because he can’t put the Shield down? Corbin admits his team fell short. But The Shield wasn’t tearing the place apart and no cops were called, so that’s a win. But this is now about Ambrose and his opportunities. Ambrose has three options for his match tonight: 1) VS Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship; 2) VS Roman for the Universal Championship; or 3) 1v1 with Braun Strowman. What does Ambrose choose? Brothers, or career? If Corbin thinks he’s going to dangle shiny carrots at Ambrose, he says option 4, Ambrose VS Corbin right here and now! Corbin laughs that off, but decides for Ambrose: it’s Strowman, right now! Can Ambrose hope to survive this monstrous surprise? We’ll find out after the break!
Dean Ambrose VS Braun Strowman!
Raw returns with the bell and Ambrose circles Strowman. He dropkicks a leg and has Strowman staggering. Ambrose kicks away but Strowman headbutts him down. Strowman circles Ambrose now, then runs in with a big boot. Strowman drags Ambrsoe up to whip him hard into buckles! Ambrose falls while fans are a loud mix for The Monster Among Men. Strowman drags Ambrose back up to wrench the neck. Ambrose endures so Strowman clubs away with forearms before wrenching harder on the neck. Fans rally up for Ambrose and Ambrose powers up. Strowman knees low and clubs Ambrose down, then stalks Ambrose to a corner. Strowman chops Ambrose then runs corner to corner for the big splash!
Fans boo and jeer Strowman while Ambrose barely moves on the mat. Strowman brings Ambrose up for another neck wrench, but fans continue to rally. Ambrose endures and pulls at Strowman’s beard. Strowman clubs Ambrose again, to continue the wrench. Ambrose pries one of the hands away as fans rally up. Ambrose has a leg but Strowman clubs him and puts him in a chinlock. Strowman and Ambrose are both red, so Strowman slams Ambrose down on the mat! Ambrose sits up, but Strowman tells him “The Shield is NEVER gonna help you!” Strowman SLAPS Ambrose with that haymaker, but Ambrose just gets mad. Ambrose slaps back, but gets tossed across the way! He gets to a corner but Strowman stands on him at the ropes! Strowman backs off at 4 to keep from being disqualified.
Strowman brings Ambrose up and then lifts him way up, but Ambrose counters with a guillotine! Ambrose is bringing Strowman down with the hold, but Strowman powers him up! Ambrose sunset flips but has to chop block instead. The attack is on as Ambrose has Strowman’s leg on ropes. Ambrose gives forearms to Strowman’s face, then runs side to side, only to run into a stiff arm from Strowman! The Monster jumps for a BIG stomp while we go to break.
Raw returns and Ambrose again rallies out of the neck wrench, but Strowman puts him in a corner. Strowman puts Ambrose on the top rope, but Ambrose kicks him away. Ambrose throws clubbing crossface punches, but Strowman drags him out o his shoulder. Ambrose slips off with an eye rake, then kicks low. He wants but is denied Dirty Deeds, only to send Strowman out of the ring! Strowman clears his vision and climbs back in, but misses in the corner! Ambrose gives him a forearm smash, then runs for a dropkick! Strowman staggers, Ambrose runs, but into the clubbing forearm! Fans boo more while Strowman huffs and puffs to catch his breath. Strowman drags Ambrose up again, reels him in, but Ambrose slips out, DIRTY DEEDS! Ambrose crawls to a corner, TWO!? How did Strowman survive that?
Strowman rolls out of the ring, but Ambrose builds speed to DIVE! Ambrose rams Strowman into the barriers but Ambrose is down, too. Ambrose gets up first to refresh the count then go after Strowman again. Strowman shoves Ambrose away and runs, but is sent into steel steps! The count climbs to 7 but Ambrose refreshes it again. Ambrose follows Strowman back into the ring, but runs into the MONSTER SLAM! Both men are down, but Ambrose rolls his way to the bottom rope. Strowman drags himself up and sees Ambrose on the outside. The referee keeps him back, so Strowman goes out the other end. Strowman starts stalking his way around the corner for the BIG shoulder check! Strowman tosses Ambrose into barriers, then into the ring. He returns at 6, glaring down at Ambrose. He drags Ambrose up, for another Monster Slam!
But Strowman isn’t done there. He wants a third, but here comes The Big Dog! Roman Reigns storms his way to ringside, and Strowman is ready to fight the WWE Universal Champion. SUPERMAN PUNCH!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification
Roman leaps for a second, but gets caught. He slips out of the slam, to boot Strowman away. Then Seth Rollins flies in outta nowhere with a knee! Rollins and Roman send Strowman out with double shoulders! Strowman backs down and the rest of his Pack comes out. But Baron Corbin also returns, and won’t let The Shield get away with this. Rollins faces Drew McIntyre tonight while Roman faces Dolph Ziggler NEXT! The Pack roars, ready to wage war tonight! Will there even be a Super Show Down Six Man Tag after tonight?
Ambrose gets iced up in the trainer’s room.
Rollins comes in to check on him. Ambrose says it’s fine, but then he blows up over things. Roman came out when he felt he had to! Yeah, he sure did, didn’t he? Ambrose could be IC Champion by now. What does he mean by that?
Roman Reigns VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Big Dog saved the Lunatic from being Monster Slammed into pieces, but now he has to deal with The Show-Off. But wait, Roman wants to put the title on the line?! The belt is raised, but Corbin comes out quickly again and says he runs the show. That title can’t just be put on the line. This match is non-title, as is Rollins’ match with Drew McIntyre. But mostly, the Universal Championship isn’t on the line until Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. Now ring the bell.
The bell rings and Ziggler runs right at Roman! Ziggler may not win the title here but he might earn a shot for later. He grinds Roman’s face on ropes then bounces him off buckles. Ziggler gets put in a corner now and Roman gives him an uppercut! Roman grimaces as he stalks Ziggler at the ropes. He drags Ziggler up but Ziggler hotshots then dropkicks Roman down! Cover, TWO! Ziggler wraps Roman up in a sleeper hold with body scissors. Roman endures even as Ziggler grinds a forearm in. Fans duel while Roman works his way out. Ziggler shifts to a Bully Choke but Roman keeps going. Fans are thunderous as they duel, but Ziggler brings Roman right down to the mat. Ziggler drops an elbow, then covers, TWO!
Ziggler keeps on Roman by putting him in a corner and whipping. Roman reverses, but then misses and hits nothing but post! Roman is down on the outside while Ziggler gets his arms and legs moving. Ziggler fetches Roman, but Roman rocks him with a right. Ziggler kicks back, then leaps, satellite DDT to the floor! Both men are down and the count is at 7. Ziggler drags himself up and in, then goes out again. He puts Roman in, wanting to win with a pin. FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO! Roman survives while we go to break.
Raw returns again and Ziggler has the Bully Choke back on Roman. Roman powers his way up while fans duel. Roman punches his way out, then keeps throwing haymakers on Ziggler. Ziggler ducks and hops back on with the sleeper hold! Ziggler wraps on tight with the body scissors to become a backpack, and Roman fades again. Roman is gasping, and Ziggler even rakes the eyes and plugs the nose. But Roman gets a second win, and he powers his way back to buckles. Ziggler lets go, and Roman throws him all the way off. Roman catches his breath, but Ziggler runs in. Roman elbows Ziggler away, then rallies with lariats. He whips but Ziggler reverses, only for Roman to come back with the clothesline!
Fans duel again as Roman glares at Ziggler. He gives those close-range clotheslines in the corner! Roman gives all 10, then runs to boot Ziggler down! Fans continue to duel as Roman goes back to a corner. Roman looks at Ziggler as he locks and loads. He runs out, but Ziggler dodges to schoolboy! TWO, Superkick blocked! Fireman’s carry but Ziggler rakes eyes to then ZIGZAG! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler can’t believe how close he was, but he’s still not there yet. Ziggler fires himself up and tunes up the band. He aims at Roman, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Cover, TWO! Roman is in disbelief now, but he still has something left. Fans duel again as he gets back to the corner. Roman fires up, lets out the howl, but Ziggler sunset flips up and over! TWO!! Ziggler headbutts Roman, Roman rebounds to SPEAR! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall
The Universal Champion rolls on towards Super Show Down, but that only evens the score between The Shield and The Pack for tonight. Will Rollins or McIntyre break the tie come later tonight?
Ronda Rousey w/ The Bella Twins VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad!
Before the Baddest Woman on the Planet teams with Nikki & Brie in Melbourne, she’ll take on Ruby directly for what The Squad did to her friend, Natalya. Will Ruby be arriving in Australia minus an arm? Or will Ruby find a way to #StartaRiott against the Rowdy Raw Women’s Champion?
Before the match, we see a selfie message from the Squad. Ronda and her friends are like the conventional beauty of a sunset or a red rose. The Squad are more like broken stained glass. But making Ronda and the Bellas break in Melbourne, that will be truly beautiful.
The bell rings and Ronda is ready. Ruby circles with the champ and is wary of those strikes. Fans are on Ronda’s side as she ties up with Ruby and powers her to ropes. Ronda reels Ruby in and throws her around with the judo throws! Ruby scurries away to regroup with The Squad. Ronda waits for Ruby, but Ruby takes her time with that 10 count. Ruby and Ronda circle again, and Ruby knees low. Ruby clubs Ronda down then gets a waistlock. Ronda turns it around and throws Ruby again, then pursues to keep Ruby from getting away. Ruby kicks Ronda then follows her out to pull her into the post and push her into barriers! Ronda grits her teeth while Ruby puts her back in the ring. Ruby covers, ONE, but Ruby keeps her cool.
Ruby drags Ronda up against the ropes and uses that braided ponytail against her. She also kicks Ronda, but Ronda hits back. Ruby clubs Ronda, then tosses her all the way out. The Bellas keep the Squad from trying anything sneaky, but Ruby comes back to fetch Ronda. Ruby bumps Ronda off the apron, then puts her in the ring. Cover, TWO, but Ruby goes after the arm. Ruby grinds her knees into Ronda while fans rally up. Ruby drops a knee, cover, TWO! Fans rally for Ronda while Ruby puts her in the ropes again. She pulls on the ponytail again, but stops at 4. Ruby fish hooks the mouth! She yanks Ronda around like that, but Ronda gets a ropebreak. Ruby lets go to rock Ronda with a right forearm! Cover, TWO!
Ronda gets to ropes but Ruby is right on her, choking her against the middle rope. Ruby backs off but the ref has to back the Squad off again. Sarah and Liv play innocent, but Ronda throws hands on Ruby. Ruby throws Ronda down by her hair, covers, TWO! Ruby keeps her cool while fans rally up for Ronda. She kicks Ronda while she’s down, then drags her up. Ruby headbutts Ronda, then throws her down with the STO! Cover, TWO! Now frustration boils up as Ruby shouts at the Bellas to shut up. Ruby scrapes her foot on Ronda’s face but fans rally for Ronda. Ruby wrenches, but Ronda grabs her for a back suplex toss!
Ronda hulks up and fires off! She gives swift uppercuts and a gut wrench lift into a slam! Then she kicks Sarah away for getting too close. Ruby rolls Ronda with a handful of tights!! TWO!! Ronda grabs Ruby again, for the ROWDY SLAM! But there’s no cover, time for the armbar! Ruby taps, Ronda wins!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission
The Women’s Champion conquers Ruby here, and celebrates with Brie & Nikki in the ring. Will these three celebrate again in Melbourne? Or will all three Squad members be too crafty to conquer down under?
Bobby Roode w/ Chad Gable VS Konnor w/ Viktor!
The GLORIOUS One vows to get even with The Ascension on his #ReadyWillingAndGable partner’s behalf. Before the match, we hear Roode speak. He’s faced men as big as Konnor. And winning is difficult, but when it happens, it is… GLORIOUS! Konnor has a response, saying that Roode may be experienced, but he’ll fall just like his “student”. Gable better cover his eyes so he won’t see what Konnor does to his hero. Can Roode avoid being left in the Wasteland? Or will it be Konnor who becomes absolutely… GLORIOUS!?
The bell rings and Roode kicks away at Konnor’s leg. He goes after the leg but Konnor puts him in a corner. Roode dodges to chop and kick and chop again. Roode dropkicks the leg out, then goes for the DDT! Konnor powers his way to a corner and gets free of Roode. He runs but into Roode’s boots. Roode jumps up and over but runs into Konnor’s massive body attack! Konnor stalks Roode to a corner, then chokes him against the bottom rope. He stomps a mudhole into Roode, then backs off at 4. Roode is gasping but Konnor is back on him with more stomps. Konnor drags Roode out to then run and drop a big elbow on him. Cover, TWO! Konnor looms over Roode to then go after his face with raking fingers! The referee gets him to stop, then Konnor covers, TWO.
Konnor puts Roode in a chinlock to squeeze out the air. Gable coaches Roode up while fans build to a rally. Roode feeds off the energy and fights back with elbows. Konnor clubs Roode down, then gets feeling in his leg. Konnor runs but misses the elbow this time. Roode gets to a corner while Viktor coaches Konnor up. Roode dodges Konnor to drop toehold him into buckles! Konnor shakes the cobwebs out but Roode climbs up top. Roode leaps for a big lariat! Roode fires up with fans, and continues to kick the leg. He adds chops, then whips. Konnor reverses but Roode hits a forearm smash! Roode runs in for a corner clothesline, then whips. Konnor reverses but Roode boots him away. Roode hops up, GLORIOUS Blockbuster!
But Roode isn’t done there, as he winds it up… but Viktor clobbers Gable just because! Roode clobbers Viktor, but Konnor gets Roode! Konnor drags Roode up, gut wrench to Canadian backbreaker slam! Cover, Konnor wins!!
Winer: Konnor, by pinfall
The Ascension’s giant is on a winning streak!? How is this possible?! Will Roode & Gable fizzle out as a duo already?
Raw Presents: A Moment of Bliss.
The Goddess, Alexa Bliss, explains that everyone has a hero. Wonder Woman, Nelson Mandela, and Alexa. But even heroes have heroes. Alexa’s hero was Trish Stratus, who she faces at the first ever WWE Evolution PPV. However, there’s something else Alexa can’t believe it. She first met Trish when she was just seven years old, “shivering in the freezing cold” with her autograph book. Then there she was. Alexa gazed up at Trish’s wrinkled eyes and introducing herself. She asked for an autograph, but she’ll never forget what happened next. Trish burped and asked for $50 in return. Alexa said she was only seven, and her book was her most cherished possession. Trish ripped up the book, stepped on Alexa’s foot, and made her cry the entire night. When it comes to meeting your heroes, Stratusfaction is NOT Guaranteed.
The B-Team VS The Revival!
Bo Dallas & Curt Axel return! They may not be Raw Tag Team Champions anymore, but there’s always the climb back! Meanwhile, Dash & Dawson want another shot of their own after coming so close against McIntyre & Ziggler. Which team will #SayYeah to another chance at the titles?
Raw returns as Dash has Axel in a headlock. Axel powers out but Dawson tags in to bulldog Axel down. Cover, ONE, but Dawson keeps on Axel with elbow drops to the arm. Dawson drops a leg, too, then puts the arm in a keylock. Bo keeps the fans rallying while Axel endures. Axel stands up and pushes his way to his corner, but Dawson brings him back down. Dawson keeps the keylock on, but Axel endures. Fans continue to echo the chant while Dawson tags Dash. Axel arm-drags Dawson but Dash is right on him! Dash has a mounted armlock, and pulls back as hard as he can. Bo keeps the fans chanting, and Axel feeds off that energy. Axel throws forearms and haymakers, but Dash drop toeholds and knees Axel’s arm. Dash puts the keylock back on and Axel is back down on the mat.
Fans continue to chant “B Team! B Team! Go go go!” Axel stands up and spins around with Dash. Axel then throws Dash into buckles! Dash tags Dawson, Axel tags Bo! BO rallies on The Revival, then hits a body shot and boot! Bo runs him over with a back elbow, then runs Dash off. Dawson tries but fails to roll up, so he gives Bo a spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Tag to Dash and The Revival work together, Rocket Launcher Splash into knees! Axel takes out Dawson while BO rolls Dash up, B-Team wins!
Winners: The B-Team, Bo pinning
And they’re back on track! Bo and Axel can celebrate the Ax Man’s birthday with a win, but will they get back to the titles any time soon?
Not with the Authors of Pain attacking them from behind! They put Bo into the apron, then put both men in the ring. Drake Maverick coaches his monsters onward, and they give The B-Team a SUPER COLLIDER! Happy Birthday to Axel. Maybe they’ll have cake and candles in the trainer’s room…
Ambrose continues to recover backstage.
This time, Roman Reigns comes over to talk to him. Roman wants to know where Ambrose’s head is at, among other things. Is he alright? Ambrose finally looks at Roman and says it’s fine. They’re all good, really. Ambrose had Strowman but he could’ve gotten hurt, too. If Ambrose wasn’t such a nice guy, he might be even Universal Champion right now. Okay, now Ambrose is making implications. Will The Shield even be on the same page com Super Show Down?
Baron Corbin is impressed by the Authors of Pain.
It feels great running people over, huh? He enjoys their work, hopefully they enjoy their work. “Keep getting it done.” Maverick is also impressed and proud, will they make a serious run at the titles in the near future?
WWE and Raw again join the fight against Breast Cancer this October.
With a number as high as every one in eight women, we cannot sit idly by and let cancer do what it wants. Do what you can to help in this fight.
In the ring, WWE and Raw are honored to welcome these true champions in the fight against breast cancer. First, there is Dana Warrior, then Dr. Candice Grezlak, fundraiser Patty Bulger, and survivor Jennifer Teeler. Join the fight, save lives.
The Pack is restless backstage.
Strowman won, but by disqualification. Ziggler lost fair and square with no excuses. But Ziggler still feels it. Ambrose’s eyes are telling a different story. The Shield might be on their last legs. Strowman feels Ambrose is a great fit for the Pack. He may have gotten destroyed in that match, but Ambrose proved he’s “a tough bastard.” Ambrose is still a winner. McIntyre needs to be a winner against Rollins tonight. And there’s no room for a weak link, Dolph. McIntyre doesn’t say anything as he leaves with Strowman. Is there going to be a change in the pecking order come Super Show Down?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
The Architect is ready to #BurnItDown again in Seattle, but the Scottish Terminator is ready to snuff out the flames. Will Rollins or McIntyre break the tie between Shield and Pack in singles competition before we get the full Six Man Tag Team war in Melbourne?
The bell rings and Rollins circles with McIntyre. They tie up and McIntyre puts Rollins in a corner. McIntyre grinds a forearm in Rollins’ face while egging him on. Rollins comes out and ties up with McIntyre again. McIntyre puts Rollins back in a corner, then SLAPS Rollins across the face. Rollins puts McIntyre in the corner to unload furious hands. The ref backs Rollins off but Rollins wants to keep going. Rollins whips but McIntyre reverses. Rollins goes up and over then runs to dropkick McIntyre back. He clotheslines McIntyre out to then build speed and DIVE! Direct hit! McIntyre hits barriers and fans fire up for Rollins. Rollins bounces McIntyre off the apron and barriers before putting him in the ring. He aims and springboards but McIntyre gets under. McIntyre’s boot misses, but Rollins chops away.
Rollins whips but McIntyre reverses again. Rollins goes up again but McIntyre kicks him out of the air! Cover, TWO! McIntyre stalks Rollins to the rope to stomp him back in. McIntyre brings Rollins up for a mounted armlock. Fans rally for Rollins while he endures. Rollins powers his way up and out, only to be thrown down by his hair. McIntyre puts the armlock back on, and adds a chinbar. Fans rally up again and Rollins powers his way back up. McIntyre knees low then lifts Rollins, but Rollins slips out. Rollins baits McIntyre and sends him out, but McIntyre shoulders back in. McIntyre brings Rollins out to the apron, but Rollins prepares a powerbomb. McIntyre resist and pushes Rollins into the post! Rollins falls to the floor, and McIntyre prepares the steel steps.
McIntyre drags Rollins up the steps, lifts him, and drops him on the apron with a sidewalk slam! The Scottish Psycho has control while we go to break.
Raw returns and both men are down. Rollins crawls to a corner while McIntyre crawls away. Both men slowly stand while fans fire up. McIntyre swings but Rollins blocks and counters with haymakers and chops. Rollins whips but McIntyre reverses. Rollins dodges and slingblades! McIntyre runs into a boot, Rollins hops up for a blockbuster! Cover, TWO! Rollins grits his teeth while he gets back up. He runs but is put on the apron. He swing kicks McIntyre away, then springboards for a clothesline to the back of the head! Cover, TWO! Both men are down again but fans rally Rollins up. Corbin watches backstage as Rollins drags McIntyre up.
Rollins wants a bomb but McIntyre back drops him over. McIntyre blocks the boot to reel Rollins into the inverted position, but Rollins rolls through to roll McIntyre up! TWO, and McIntyre avoids the stomp! He chops Rollins back, then reels him in. Rollins slips through to Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Both men are down again, but stirring. Rollins grits his teeth as he aims at McIntyre. McIntyre slowly moves, so Rollins goes to a corner. Rollins climbs, but McIntyre intercepts! McIntyre chops Rollins on the top rope, then climbs up to join him. McIntyre wants something crazy, but Rollins manages to sunset flip through, for a BUCKLE BOMB! Then a SUPERKICK! McIntyre is down while fans chant “Burn It Down!” But here comes Ziggler! Ziggler slides in but then slides out, this distracts Rollins enough for McIntyre to stand and CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The Show-Off has the assist, then he goes right after Rollins with stomps. McIntyre joins in, but here comes Roman! The Big Dog defends Rollins like he did Ambrose, but that’s 2v1! And now it’s 3v1 as Strowman appears! McIntyre clobbers Roman, and Ziggler adds on. Strowman arrives at ringside just as Rollins starts to stir. Here comes Ambrose!! The Lunatic has an ax handle and he uses it! He smacks Strowman while Roman takes a Zigzag, but then Ambrose runs the rest of The Pack off, too! Only to run into Strowman’s giant shoulder! Strowman puts Ambrose in the ring, and the Pack returns. Rollins hops on Strwoman, but Strowman scoops. Rollins slips out, but gets a SUPERKICK! Ambrose gets Ziggler but he gets mauled 3v1! Then, CLAYMORE ZIGZAG! The Pack won’t let up, they bring Roman up for a MONSTER SLAM!
The Monster, the Terminator and the Show-Off stand over the Big Dog, the Architect and the Lunatic here in Seattle, and copy the Shield fist bump! Will we see this all over again in Melbourne after the Super Show Down Six Man Tag?
Kevin Owens meets with Elias backstage.
Is this the stuff Elias’ stuff that he needs so he can perform? That’s right. His triangle of water bottles, his mints, his spinach, and… Wait, cashews? Elias doesn’t like cashews, he asked for almonds. Elias throws the nuts in the face of the staffer. Kevin fuels up before his match with Bobby Lashley, and that’s next!
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias, and Kevin Owens.
The Drifter and the Prizefighter are in Seattle to a very mixed reaction. Elias plays his guitar and Kevin gets into the music. Kevin felt that in his bones. Allow Elias’ soul to shoot through you as you consider the question, “Who Wants to Walk With Elias?!” Kevin raises his hand. It’s almost time. The only man who truly walks with Elias is his kindred spirit, Kevin Owens. Kevin thanks Elias, and will gladly walk with Elias, especially in Melbourne to take on Bobby Lashley and John Cena. This duo makes sense, because they’re very similar. They’re both great guys! But what doesn’t make sense: Lashley & Cena. Elias agrees. It’s like a basketball team in Seattle. Fans definitely boo that. It sounds like Elias struck a nerve.
Eilas and Kevin wait for the fans to stop, which is quite a long time. But sports aren’t really Kevin’s thing. Kevin, speak up, the fans are being rude. Well what else isn’t Kevin’s thing: Cena. Cena has really been living up to his catchphrase: You Can’t See Me. Because we haven’t! He hasn’t been here. Elias needs his mic turned up so he can be heard. Yes, Cena, that was Wrestlemania time when Cena ruined his moment. Cena ruins things, just like Seattle does. It’s why their team left! But Cena won’t ruin Super Show Down for Kevin & Elias. Because Kevin & Elias are great guys and they’re smart guys. They’ve figured something out. They know why Cena gets to team with Lashley. Elias demands the lights stay down low, we don’t need to see these people right now.
But back onto Cena, he has had many great matches, he’s #BigMatchJohn. Kevin wants them to face it, Cena always has big matches now. Every chance Cena shows up is special. Because Cena’s ego is as big as Seattle’s ego, and Cena won’t allow himself to perform unless it’s a certain stage. Cena needs to be in the ring with big men, just like Elias needs Seattle to shut up! Cena stays relevant with big matches, such as against Elias. He needs to feel like the best, but you have to beat the best. When it comes to Raw, Elias & Kevin are the absolute best! That’s why Lashley & Cena have NO CHANCE in Australia! Elias is so talented, people can’t get enough of him. And on Saturday, Kevin would love to give an encore performance when he powerbombs Cena on an apron one more time.
But finally, someone else comes out! The Manager of the Hour, Lio Rush, leads the way. He sees Kevin and Elias, and scolds them, “tsk tsk tsk.” Cena is electric, even Lio knows that. Lio tells Elias & Kevin that they’re justified in recognizing just how important this Saturday will be. The greatest of all time will be there! Lio wants Kevin to know now, though, that he better not overlook this man tonight. Kevin’s as foolish as Lio has made him look lately. So stop the chit chat and yip yap and prepare for the Rocky Mountain Machine, who is ready to battle right here in Seattle! Give it up for Bobby Lashley!
Bobby Lashley VS Kevin Owens!
While he joins none other than JOHN CENA at Super Show Down, the Dominator looks to get his on the Prizefighter days before then. However, Kevin still has a blank check from Baron Corbin to use on any of his opponents, will he be cashing that in here tonight?
Raw returns and the two circle. They tie up and Lashley throws Kevin down. Kevin slides out to regroup with Elias. He comes back and circles with Lashley again. Kevin gets the waistlock but Lashley the standing switch and then slam. Lashley goes back in for another waistlock slam! Lashley wants another waistlock but Kevin gets the ropes. Kevin then sucker kicks and puts on the headlock. He gets the takedown, but Lashley rolls. Kevin rolls it back quickly, then keeps on the grind. Lashley stands up and powers out, but Kevin runs him over with a shoulder. Kevin runs but Lashley runs him over in return. Kevin bails out to again regroup with Elias. Elias wants Lashley to stay back, but Lashley comes out. Kevin goes back in the ring but then runs into Lashley’s swinging neckbreaker. Kevin scurries to a corner but Lashley is on him.
Lashley bumps Kevin off buckles then throws haymakers and stomps. Lashley bumps Kevin off more buckles and Lio lies what he sees from his client. Another buckle bump for Kevin and fans want more. Lashley goes for the full four but Kevin works to turn it around. However, Lashley blocks that and bumps Kevin off for the set! Lashley throws forearms but Kevn throws forearms back. They brawl at the ropes, but the ref backs Lashley off. Lashley comes back and whips but Kevin kicks him away. Kevin runs but into the powerslam! Lashley brings Kevin up in the fireman’s carry but Kevin fights out. Kevin dodges Lashley and sends him into the post. Kevin drags Lashley out to put him into another post! The Prizefighter trash talks Lio and Seattle while we go to break.
Raw returns and Elias taunts Lashley while he’s down on the outside. Kevin refreshes the count to throw Lashley’s arm into barriers and then into the steel steps. He puts Lashley in the ring, then drops a back senton. Cover, TWO, and Lio coaches up Lashley again. Kevin puts Lashley’s bad arm in a keylock but fans rally up. Lashley feeds off the energy and stands back up, only for Kevin to bring him back down. Kevin taunts Lio while Lio coaches Lashley. Lashley sits up even as Kevin puts his weight on him. Fans continue to rally and Lashley powers his way all the way up to his feet. Lashley fights back with haymakers, but Kevin hits back with his own. Kevin runs but Lashley shows off his agility to then clothesline Kevin down!
Lashley rallies with a kick, a clubbing and a clothesline! Lashley runs into the corner but gets a boot. Kevin runs but into the complete shot! Lashley runs in for the big corner clothesline, then corner to corner for the shoulder tackle! Lashley brings Kevin out and fans fire up for the suplex. But that bad arm can’t do it. Kevin kicks the arm, but then runs into the spinebuster! Elias goes after Lio! Lio avoids him, slips around and then away but still gets caught into a full nelson! Elias thrashes Lio, Lashley gets distracted, Kevin rolls him up! Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
But Lashley goes after Elias! And after Kevin! But that’s 2v1, so Elias & Kevin get the better of him. Seattle boos as Elias & Kevin stomp away. John Cena is nowhere to be seen, but Lio is still here! Lio leaps in, but into double ax handles! Kevin and Elias laugh at little Lio, but they’re not done with Lashley. Elias feeds Lashley to the Pop-Up Powerbomb! The Drifter & The Prizefighter hug it out, but will it be so easy when the 16-time world champion returns?
Bayley w/ Finn Balor VS Alicia Fox w/ Jinder Mahal & Sunil Singh!
While everyone else prepares for Super Show Down, Team B’n’B prepares for tomorrow night’s Mixed Match Challenge! The Extraordinary Man got a win over the Modern Day Maharaja last week, can the Huggable One get a win over the crazy Fox this week? Or will “Captain” Alicia turn things around and be the catalyst for a win in the MMC?
The bell rings and Alicia puts Bayley in the corner. Alicia backs off to Shanti, but Bayley turns around to throw hands on Alicia! Alicia pushes Bayley away then hotshots Bayley. She then gives Bayley a running facebuster, covers, TWO! She keeps on Bayley with a chinlock, but Finn coaches Bayley up. Bayley endures and powers her way up, but Alicia shifts to a Nothern Lights! Bayley resists and elbows her way out, then gets to a corner. Alicia walks over and yanks Bayley up, but Bayley rocks her with an elbow. Bayley hops up for a flying forearm, then covers, TWO! Alicia boots Bayley right down! Alicia gets the Northern Lights, with the bridge, TWO! Crazy Foxy breathes and says “Shanti” before putting Bayley back in the chinlock.
Alicia thrashes Bayley around while Finn rallies fans. Bayley feeds off the energy and stands up, but Alicia clubs her again. Alicia whips Bayley hard into buckles, then again. She runs in but Bayley flapjacks her onto buckles! Bayley drags her way to the other corner as fans fire up. Bayley boots Alicia away to then hit a lariat! The Huggable One rallies now as she puts Alicia on the apron for the hotshot! Alicia gets to a corner and Bayley runs in. Alicia goes up and over to sunset flip, but Bayley rolls through to dropkick Alicia! Just ilke Finn! Finn approves and Bayley gives a Too Sweet. Jinder swipes as Bayley runs, so Bayley wrecks him with a dropkick. Finn adds the Slingblade! Bayley blocks Alicia’s boot to hit Bayley2Belly! Cover, Bayley wins!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall
One half of B’n’B wins tonight, can they get the complete sweep with an MMC victory? Or will #Mahalicia be able to Shanti and shut Bayley & Balor down?
Shawn Michaels is here!
The Heartbreak Kid returns to give one last message to everyone before Super Show Down. He knows HHH and The Undertaker will face off #OneLastTime, and he couldn’t just stay at home. He wanted to be in Melbourne in the front row as a simple fan. But then The Undertaker made things personal between them. Taker asked HBK who he stood with for this fight, and while HBK had all the respect in the world for the Dead Man, he picked his best friend in HHH! And then for some reason or another, that upset Taker. “But guess what?” Taker made it personal, so now it is. Taker will have Kane, but HBK will be the “brother” to HHH. Kane needs to understand this: if you or anyone tries to rush the ring, then with God as HBK’s witness, he’ll give some Sweet Chin Music to the Devil’s Favorite Demon!
But speaking off, here comes KANE!! But not from the ramp, he’s right behind HBK! HBK realizes it too late and gets the uppercut! And here comes Taker!! Taker appears in the ring! The Brothers of Destruction loom over HBK and Seattle is losing its mind. Taker stands over HBK as he slowly sits up. Taker slashes the throat, and then lifts HBK up, but here comes HHH! The COO strips off the suit and The Game throws hands with Taker! Kane is lurking, and he pulls HHH off. HHH throws hands, but Kane grabs him, HBK hits Kane, but he gets caught. The Brothers double Choke Slam DX!! Fans are losing their minds, but things aren’t done yet. HHH flops to the ropes, and Taker brings him up, for a TOMBSTONE! The Dead Man still has it, is this a sign of what’s to come at Super Show Down?
My Thoughts:
What a great surprise: Raw made a really fun go-home episode! Now obviously the story of The Shield VS The Pack dominated the night, but they actually did some good things with it. I liked that Ambrose was being cryptic about how he felt having The Shield back. They’re learning how to toy with us: we expect Ambrose to turn but they know we know that so they’re hinting it while still keeping Ambrose just loyal enough to the team. Each match we got from The Shield VS The Pack in 1v1 action was great, especially Rollins VS McIntyre. If Raw was just those two hours, as focused on one story as it was, it would’ve actually had a solid finish for the night. But if The Pack stands tall tonight, that has to mean The Shield stands tall at Super Show Down.
The only confusing thing from The Shield VS Pack story tonight was Corbin being upset that Roman wanted to defend his title. That’s points for Roman for truly being a fighting champ, wanting to make every match a title match. Obviously Corbin would want to keep the title on Roman just so Lesnar and Strowman go after the guy the Authority wants to destroy in kayfabe, but why didn’t he say Rollins VS McIntyre was a title match? Since McIntyre won, he’d be a dual champion now. Unless this feeds into something Corbin is planning with AoP & Maverick.
Speaking of, The Authors of Pain blindsiding The B-Team was pretty great for Akam & Rezar. They clearly have Corbin’s approval, so I wonder if Corbin would back them against even The Pack’s McIntyre & Ziggler past Super Show Down. It’s also good to see Drake Maverick is no longer cosplaying as the third Author, he just never looked right in the same gear. A manager should dress as a manager, not a fan, so it’s good that he was in a jacket and jeans. Lio Rush was also in style, so clearly the Manager of the Hour gets it. Of course, Lio and Lashley didn’t so well this time around, Kevin & Elias really got the better of them tonight. Kevin & Elias really got the better of Seattle, too, those Seattle Sonics fans were pissed.
Rousey VS Riott was pretty good, Ruby was booked a bit stronger than I expected. Of course, I suppose Ronda would get boring pretty quickly if she just completely wrecked everyone every time. Ronda needs to be challenged in terms of match difficulty if we’re to stay behind her as champion, or else she really will run the risk of being a Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns type. Ronda finds the way to win, but anything can happen to help The Squad win at Super Show Down. Of course, it’s already well known that Nikki Bella faces Ronda at WWE Evolution, so maybe something happens between Nikki and Ronda during their match to cause the team to fall apart?
Hooray for Konnor racking up wins at the expense of Roode & Gable. That story of GLORIOUSLY awkward teaming is still odd and probably doomed to bring a break-up, but at least Konnor’s getting something. Hooray for Bayley winning to put B’n’B up over Mahalicia, and also for being the brand integration for Mixed Match Challenge. Hopefully there’s none of this 50-50 booking, I don’t see why the fan favorite team now has to lose their MMC debut just to keep Mahalicia from going 0-2 already. Then for the close, HBK obviously wants to put HHH over before SSD, but it was great to see BOTH Brothers of Destruction appear as a nice surprise, and then those two stand tall for old time’s sake. They should just make #OneLastTime a tag team match and get this HBK return started now.
My Score: 8.5/10
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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
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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
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