Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (10/31/18)

Published

5 years ago

October 31, 2018

It’s All Hallows’ Eve, and we’re treated to a double dose of NXT UK! Will Noam Dar make Zack Gibson pay for calling him an “embarrassment” to the Division?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Episode 3: Trent Seven VS Saxon Huxley; Seven wins.
Episode 3: Flash Morgan Webster VS Mark Coffey w/ Joe Coffey; Webster wins.
Episode 3: Danny Burch VS Sam Gradwell; Burch wins.
Episode 3: Noam Dar VS Zack Gibson; Gibson wins.
Episode 4: Mustache Mountain VS Saxon Huxley & Sam Gradwell; Mustache Mountain wins.
Episode 4: Isla Dawn VS Nina Samuels; Dawn wins.
Episode 4: Jordan Devlin VS Tucker; Devlin wins.
Episode 4: ~~Travis Banks~~ Mark Andrews VS Wolfgang; Andrews wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Trent Seven VS Saxon Huxley!

The Man from Mustache Mountain wants after the NXT UK Tag Team Championships, but that requires there to be a Tag Division. So in the meantime, he’ll take on singles action against the Muscle Cat! Will the Seven Stars shine bright tonight? Or will the Mystical Machine make a molehill out of Mustache Mountain?

Before the match, we hear Saxon’s message to the NXT UK Universe. This brand has been what he’s been waiting for since losing in the inaugural WWE UK Championship tournament. He’s burned off the deadwood, and now he unleashes the “Divine Beast” that was dormant within him. The bell rings, and we begin!

Fans sing for Seven as he circles with Saxon. They tie up and push each other around. Seven puts Saxon in a corner but backs off at 2. Seven and Saxon circle again, then tie up. Now Saxon powers Seven to a corner. Saxon backs off but grabs Seven’s arm. He throws hands and wrenches the wrist. Seven spins and squats to get free. Seven chops but Saxon blocks with a forearm. Saxon throws forearms and has Seven in a corner, to then push him all the way to the other corner. He throws in a knee and brings Seven out, but Seven gives him a CHOP! And another chop, and then fakes the chop to hit a DDT! Fans fire up as Seven runs in at Saxon for another chop! Seven wrings Saxon out but Saxon ducks to shove and tackle! Cover, TWO!

Saxon keeps his cool as he stomps Seven. He clubs Seven down then covers, TWO! Seven gets to a corner, but Saxon is on him with haymakers. Seven hits back but Saxon clubs him down again. Cover, TWO! Fans tease Saxon for looking like “Tarzan Jesus!” for wearing those tiger stripe tights. Saxon clobbers Seven then taunts the crowd. Fans jeer as he drags Seven up. Saxon puts Seven in a cobra clutch, and brings Seven back down. Fans rally up for Seven and he powers up. Saxon swings Seven out for a shoulder ram, then puts the clutch back on. Seven endures as Saxon thrashes him around.

Fans continue to rally and Seven gets up. Seven fights with body shots but Saxon knees low. Saxon swings Seven out in an attempt to steal the lariat, but Seven dodges to hit HIS Seven Star Lariat! But he doesn’t cover here, he gives Saxon more sharp chops! He lights Saxon up in a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Seven runs in but into a boot. Saxon runs out but into a back drop! Saxon staggers up, Seven chops him again. Seven walks into a right hand but gives a back hand, then a snap dragon suplex! Seven lifts Saxon in the torture rack, for a Burning Hammer! Cover, Seven wins!

Winner: Trent Seven, by pinfall

Saxon was strong but Seven still gets it done in singles competition! Both Seven and Bate look strong in recent singles matches, but who will meet them in tag team competition?

NXT UK, meet The Coffey Brothers.

Joe and Mark made quite the impact in the 2018 UK Championship Tournament special, but not in a match. They ran over Mark Andrews, Travis Banks and Flash Morgan Webster with ease. The brothers have each other’s back, but how will younger Mark fair against Flash (Ah~) Morgan Webster in their shared NXT UK TV in-ring debut?

Backstage interview with Flash Morgan Webster.

What is his game plan for the ruthless Mark Coffey? Simple, it’s the Modfather style and innovation he brings every match. The Coffey boys have been a thorn in his side since Royal Albert Hall. Flash vows to get payback, because #InModWeTrust.

Flash Morgan Webster VS Mark Coffey w/ Joe Coffey!

The High-Fiving, Stage-Diving Mark Andrews failed to get his revenge on older brother Joe, and ended up in a fight with both brothers in the NXT UK premiere. However, the Modfather helped Andrews out and ran the Coffey Brothers off. Will Flash fair better against younger brother Mark? Or will he end up in his own 2v1 assault?

The bell rings and the two circle. Flash keeps on the outside but Mark corners him. Mark throws heavy hands, but Flash gets away. They circle again, Flash ducks to give kicks from left and right. Mark shoves but Flash speeds things up. Flash runs and manages an arm-drag, then another. He gets a third, then has the armlock. Fans applaud but Mark gets up. They end up on ropes, and Flash lets Mark go. Mark whips Flash but Flash speeds things up again to hit a huricanrana, then a Penalty Kick to imploding senton! Cover, TWO! Mark rolls out and regroups with brother Joe. Flash takes aim at them both, but Joe gets in the way. Fans boo while the referee reprimands Joe.

Flash swings at Joe, but gets Mark’s running uppercut! Mark stomps away as fans boo. Mark drops knees, then throws forearms. Flash gets up but Mark is on him with a European Uppercut. Mark wrenches Flash into a Russian leg sweep, then drags him up for a back suplex. Bridge cover, TWO! Joe coaches up his brother as Flash gets to ropes. Mark throws hands again, then whips Flash corner to corner hard. Flash hits the mat, Mark covers, TWO! Mark keeps his cool as he rains down rights. Flash sits up but Mark keeps knocking him down. Mark drags Flash up, wrenches the arm and hits a big back suplex. Cover, TWO! Mark tries again, TWO! And again, TWO! Mark grows frustrated that Flash won’t stop fighting.

Flash kicks back but Mark stomps him. Flash keeps fighting and now it’s a back and forth brawl. Fans fire up as Flash fires off many strikes. Mark shoves him back, but Flash goes up and over to then run and spin Mark, before hitting a corkscrew quebrada! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as both men stand. Mark staggers but Flash counter punches him. Flash rocks Mark with a right then a knee trigger! Mark rolls out again, and Joe goes to his side. Joe tries to block Flash again, so Flash goes to the apron and gets around him for a swinging huricanrana! Flash puts Mark in but has to keep his eye on Joe. Flash goes back to Mark but Mark gets him in a suplex! Cover, TWO! Flash crawls while Mark grows frustrated.

Mark brings Flash up, rocks him with a EuroUpper, but then misses the clothesline. Flash pushes him away, then leaps. His leg doesn’t quite get him all the way there, but he jumps again for an enziguri! Flash keeps going as he climbs up. Joe goes after him but Flash gives him a Penalty Kick! Mark rocks Flash with a forearm, then suplexes him in. Flash slips around to a crucifix pin, Flash wins!

Winner: Flash Morgan Webster, by pinfall

The Modfather had his head on a swivel, and he gets the win. But he also gets a beating! The Coffey Brothers clobber him down, but here come Mark Andrews AND Travis Banks! The Kiwi Buzzsaw wants his part of the payback, and the two of them stand on the apron. Mark and Joe bark at them, ready for a fight, but Flash gets his helmet! The Coffey Brothers realize they’re outnumbered, so they get out quick and retreat. Mark and Joe get away for now, but when will they have to face the consequences of their Royal Albert Hall attack?

NXT UK, prepare to meet Jinny.

“Alluring, but savage. Captivating, but cruel.” The fierce fashionista will teach everyone a lesson in fashion they’ll never forget. She’s got style, she’s got grace, and looks to put the growing NXT UK Women’s Division in its place. Who will join Jinny on the catwalk for a fashionable fight?

Danny Burch VS Sam Gradwell!

The Boston Brawler has done alright in the American NXT alongside Oney Lorcan, but now he wants to remind the UK that he’s one of their own. Meanwhile, the man Pete Dunne sucker punched in the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Championship tournament is back to prove he’s not to be overlooked. Burch and Gradwell are gritty as they come, but who will hit harder and get the win?

The bell rings and Gradwell mouths off at the fans mouthing off at him. Burch gets his attention, he’s Gradwell’s opponent. Gradwell agrees, and we have a brawl! They throw forearms back and forth, and Burch gets an edge. Burch throws EuroUppers until Gradwell falls! Burch puts Gradwell in a corner for a mudhole stomp. Gradwell hits back with a sucker punch, then a clubbing forearm. Gradwell gives EuroUppers back, then says “Shh!” as he clobbers Burch on the back! He snapmares Burch down for a falling headbutt! Fans tell Gradwell “You Look Stupid!”, perhaps a reference to a resemblance to Sheamus. Gradwell ignores the jeers as he brings Burch up for body shots. He reels Burch into a fireman’s carry but Burch slips out for a German Suplex! Gradwell is up so Burch clotheslines him down! Cover, TWO!

Burch keeps his cool while Gradwell checks his shoulder. Burch stands Gradwell up for EuroUppers, and dares Gradwell to get up each time. Gradwell slips out of the facelock to a Michinoku Driver! Cover, TWO! Gradwell kicks Burch while he’s down, but the ref stops him. He gets up and eggs Burch on now. He toys with Burch but Burch just grits his teeth. Gradwell grabs an ear, Burch breaks free to rock Gradwell with a right! Both men are down but fans rally up. The ref starts a 10 count, but both men get up at 5. Fans sing as Burch and Gradwell egg each other on.

Gradwell runs in for a forearm, Burch gives a body shot back. They brawl, Gradwell throwing heavy forearms but Burch using boxing style. Burch gets a boot, staggers about, but ducks under to give back forearms. He stands Gradwell up, Gradwell gives him a EuroUpper, but Burch comes back with a headbutt! Burch is on Gradwell, suplex lift for a top-rope draping DDT! Cover, Burch wins!

Winner: Danny Burch, by pinfall

The match wasn’t pretty, but it was bloody gritty! Burch wins his NXT UK TV debut, and will surely look to climb up to the Bruiserweight’s UK Championship.

In-ring interview with Danny Burch!

What a great performance! How does it feel to be performing back in the UK? Burch says it’s amazing to be back! He was born in London, he’s a proud Englishman, and no matter where he goes, this here will always be home for him! Fans appreciate that sentiment. Burch continues to say this means so much, “because for 15 years, I traveled the world, flying the flag for British Wrestling”, with his blood, sweat and tears so that he could be anywhere in the world, look anyone in the eye, and know he’s earned their respect. Fans know “You Deserve It!”

But in seriousness, Burch knows he can look in the eyes of anyone in the NXT UK locker room, that he’s earned their respect. Burch is in the prime of his career, in the best shape of his life, but this isn’t about respect anymore. He wants someone’s attention. And that someone is the WWE UK Champion, Pete Dunne! Burch calls out the Bruiserweight. British Strong Style? Burch was British Strong Style while Dunne was in diapers with snot running down his face. But in all due respect, Burch isn’t hard to find. He’ll be in the locker room, simply saying, “Come ‘n’ have a go if you think you’re hard enough!” Burch calls his shot, will the Bruiserweight give him it?

NXT UK, meet Jordan Devlin.

The Irish Ace is ready to be known as something more than just Finn Balor’s student. Devlin has a mean streak as the “most explosive, aggressive and athletic” superstar on the roster. Everyone will find out they’re not in the United Kingdom, but in the Kingdom of Jordan Devlin.

Noam Dar VS Zack Gibson!

The Scottish Supernova got his shot at Pete Dunne in the series premiere while Liverpool’s Number One had his back at Royal Albert Hall. Neither man succeeded in dethroning the Bruiserweight, but now they look to prove who deserves yet another chance. Who will win this match to make big moves back towards the WWE UK Championship?

The bell rings and the two circle. Cambridge jeers Gibson but he tunes it out as he ties up with Dar. He brings Dar down into an armlock, but Dar gets up. Gibson wrenches the arm but Dar rolls through to wrench back. Gibson rolls but Dar brings him back down. Dar wrenches the arm but Gibson gets up. He keeps on Gibson as he encourages the fans to sing “If you hate Gibson, shoes up!” Dar then shifts to a facelock and takedown. Cover, ONE, and the two back off. Dar puts his feet up to say he agrees with the fans. Gibson says Dar needs to ignore the fans, but Dar shoes off his shoe as further point. Dar circles with Gibson again and they tie up. Gibson gets the arm, wrenches and rolls Dar, then wrings out the arm.

Dar gets to a corner, but fans continue to jeer Gibson with songs. Gibson and Dar circle again, and Dar gets a waistlock. Gibson gets the arm and a wristlock takedown. He wants the armbar but Dar bridges. Dar works his way out of the headscissor, then has Gibson in a leg butterfly stretch. Dar shifts that into an Indian Deathlock, and wants to take Gibson’s boots off! Gibson resists so Dar just completes the lock and snaps it back. Dar then shifts to Penalty Kick the shins. Gibson backs away to ropes so Dar gives him a breather. They circle and tie up, Gibson rolls Dar into a grounded armlock. Gibson works over the wrist but Dar gets up. Fans rally as Dar endures the attack on the arm. Dar tries a few different counters but Gibson holds on. Dar tries to throw Gibson off but Gibson holds on.

Gibson trash talks Dar but Dar gets up and gets Gibson in a facelock. Gibson holds on as Dar continues to attempt powering out. Dar throws body shots, then uses a leg to flip thruogh. Gibson whips him at a corner but Dar goes up and around to roll Gibson. Gibson tries to sit on the cover but Dar sunset flips it. ONE, crucifix pin, TWO! Dar keeps on Gibson with a backslide attempt that goes around and around, but Gibson breaks free to knee low. Gibson runs but Dar goes sideways to sweep the leg! Gibson clutches his ankle while getting to ropes. Fans sing for Dar as he aims at Gibson. Gibson stands on the apron as Dar goes over, but Gibson hotshots the arm! Gibson hobbles up but Dar sweeps the legs again!

Dar goes out to the apron while Gibson’s on the ground. Gibson grabs Dar’s leg, yanks him in, and wants a suplex. Dar has the guillotine facelock so Gibson shoves him off. Dar uses the ramp to hit a flying dropkick to the knees! Gibson clutches his legs while the referee checks on him. Fans fire up with Dar as he brings Gibson up. Dar throws forearms, then puts Gibson in the ring. Cover, TWO! Dar brings Gibson up, quick back suplex and cover, TWO! Gibson survives but still works on getting his legs working. Dar is on Gibson, throws forearms again, then whips. Gibson reverses into a hammerlock DDT! Gibson doesn’t cover, he grounds ‘n’ pounds! Fans say “If you hate Gibson, stand up!” Gibson stands and fans boo.

Gibson hobbles to Dar and throws stomps and forearms in the corner. He reels Dar into a lariat, then covers, TWO! The fans sing “If you hate Gibson, sit down!” Gibson has Dar in a keylock, then brings him around for a half nelson chinbar. Fans rally for Dar and Dar works his way up. Gibson grabs Dar’s arm and wrenches the wrist. Dar snapmares Gibson but Gibson holds onto the hand. Gibson hammerlocks and stomps the arm on the mat! Gibson mocks the pinkies out while he slaps Dar around. Fans sing for Dar as he gets up and fights back. Gibson takes Dar down and tweaks the ankle! Gibson goes back to the arm but fans don’t stop cheering for Dar, even as Gibson throws Dar with an armbar suplex! Dar crawls but Gibson toys with him. Fans again say “If you hate Gibson, stand up!”

Dar ducks the clothesline to give throat chop, headbutt and uppercut! Dar runs in but gets an enziguri! Gibson hops up but Dar sweeps his legs again! Gibson flounders to a corner, Dar hits a big back elbow! Dar reels Gibson in, Northern Lights Suplex! Float over cover, TWO! Both men are down and fans again stand up. Dar fires himself up and brings Gibson up. Fisherman Suplex! Cover, TWO!! Dar almost had Gibson, but Gibson’s still hurting. Dar stalks him to ropes and unleashes strikes! Gibson shoves Dar away then wrings the arm. Dar rolls through but runs into throat chops! Gibson hops up, leaps for a flying code breaker! Cover, TWO!! Dar lives and Gibson can’t believe it! Fans rally for Dar as he and Gibson stir.

Gibson sits up first, and he stalks Dar. Gibson drags Dar over and gets the arm. Dar reaches for ropes but Gibson brings Dar around for forearms. Then the armlock! Gibson rear mounts but Dar resists and gets the ropebreak! Gibson doesn’t let up so Dar throws him out. Dar shoves Gibson away but Gibson comes back for more, powerbomb on the ramp! Fans lose their minds while the referee checks on Dar. Gibson returns to the ring and wants the count to end this. Fans boo but the count begins. Dar stirs but the count passes 5. Dar crawls, returns to the apron at 9, and gets in just in time! But Gibson is on him, with the Shankly Gates! Gibson sits down deep as he pulls back hard. Dar endures, reaches, and gets another ropebreak! Gibson backs off and fans chant “YES! YES!”

Gibson continues to say Dar needs to ignore the fans. He throws a forearm in Dar’s face, then mocks Dar’s other poses. Gibson kicks Dar while he’s down, then throws more forearms. He toys with Dar, but Dar hits him back! Dar sweeps the legs yet again! Dar is up and fans fire up, pinkies out! Gibson ducks the kick! Then has the arm again! Dar victory rolls Gibson, TWO!! So close, and even Gibson is shocked he got free. Gibson runs but misses, Dar sweeps the legs. Dar hurries to a corner while Gibson is down. Dar climbs up, takes aim, and double stomps the knees!! Gibson is writhing and shouting in pain, but fans know “You Deserve It!” Dar grits his teeth while Gibson begs for mercy.

Gibson drags himself up, and throws a forearm. Dar hits back and now we have a brawl. Dar hits, Gibson goes after the hand, but Dar gives him an elbow. But Gibson gets the arm again! So Dar kicks the leg. They go back and forth, and Dar drops down for a kneebar! With heel hook! Gibson rolls and kicks with his good leg until he’s free. Gibson crawls to a corner but Dar grabs the bad leg. Dar gets an enziguri for it, but then catches the missile dropkick into an Ankle Lock!! Gibson writhes and reaches but Dar grapevines the leg!! Fans are thunderous but Gibson again uses his good leg to fight. Now we have palm strikes back and forth. Dar and Gibson fight fast and furious and the fans love it!

Gibson gets the ear! The ref counts and he lets go at 4. Both men are down but fans chant “UK! Woop Woop!” Dar and Gibson get to opposite ends. They stand, Gibson runs in but into a boot. Dar hops up, leaps but misses the double stomps. His own leg buckles a bit, Gibson throws him into a post! Gibson lifts Dar up, Helter Skelter! Cover, Gibson wins!

Winner: Zack Gibson, by pinfall

Liverpool’s Number One got more of a fight from the Scottish Supernova than he expected. But in the end, Gibson managed to capitalize on an opening, and takes the win. Will Gibson get another go at the Bruiserweight? And will he prove himself right, that a 100% Gibson beats a 100% Dunne?

Mustache Mountain VS Saxon Huxley & Sam Gradwell!

Trent Seven & Tyler Bate told any and all would-be tag teams to step up and step into the ring with the “big strong boys”. The NXT UK Tag Team Championships are coming, will the former NXT US Tag Team Champions add them to the collection? Or will this new combination of Mystical Machine and human thunderstorm ruin their plans?

The teams sort out and the Muscle Cat starts against Seven in a rematch from last episode. They circle with the bell and tie up. Saxon pushes Seven to a corner then shoves. Seven shoves back and now it’s a shove fight. Saxon forearms Seven, but Seven CHOPS Saxon. Seven chops again, then fakes the chop. Saxon just saw this trick, so he reverses and rocks Seven right out of the ring! Saxon backs off but Gradwell gets a cheap shot in! Gradwell puts Seven in for Saxon as Tyler protests. Saxon covers, TWO! He takes his frustration out on Seven with stomps. Saxon drags Seven up as fans sing for “Jesus! Hoo, Hah! I wanna know~ oh, If you’ll be my God!”

Gradwell tags in and he mugs Seven with Saxon. Gradwell pulls Seven back against the ropes but lets go at 4. He stomps Seven hard, but Seven scrambles for his corner. Gradwell is on him with a chinlock and clubbing forearms. Gradwell toys with Seven, then scoop slams him down. Falling headbutt added, cover, TWO! Fans rally for Mustache Mountain as Gradwell drags Seven to his corner. Saxon tags in and the mugging continues. Saxon clubs Seven down, and keeps him away from Tyler. He throws another forearm and Seven drops. Saxon toys with Seven, but keeps him away again as he drags him around for an elbow drop. Fans rally as Saxon drags Seven up.

Saxon rocks Seven but Seven gets mad. Saxon throws another, but Seven eggs him on! Another haymaker rocks him, though, and Saxon drags Seven up. Saxon throws another forearm, Seven comes back with the backhand. Seven hurries for his corner, dumps Saxon out, but then Gradwell runs in! Seven sends Gradwell out, onto Saxon! Hot tag to Tyler! Tyler builds speed and FLIES onto both Gradwell and Saxon! Tyler puts Saxon in, and blasts him with a running uppercut. And then another! He whips corner to corner but Saxon reverses. Saxon runs in, but into Tyler’s strong exploder! Tyler kips up, then hits the shooting star! Cover, TWO! Fans chant “Big Strong Boys!” as Tyler tags in Seven. Seven brings Saxon around but Saxon spins out to shove Seven into Bate. Bate tumbles out while Saxon tumbles into a tag from Gradwell.

Gradwell boots Seven, then hauls him up. Saxon comes in, combination spinebuster and backstabber! Then Gradwell turns Seven over for a half crab! Gradwell pulls back while Seven endures. Fans rally up and Seven drags himself towards ropes. Gradwell brings him back, but then Tyler runs in. Saxon intercepts, but Tyler picks him up to ram him into Gradwell! Seven is free while Tyler and Saxon slump out of the ring. Gradwell brings Seven up but Seven throws a heavy forearm. Gradwell hits back with his own, but Seven gives him the back hand. Seven staggers into Tyler’s tag, then gets Gradwell in a full nelson. Tyler runs in, rebound lariat and dragon suplex! Cover, Mustache Mountain wins!

Winners: Tyler Bate & Trent Seven, Tyler pinning

Seven & Bate issued the challenge, and have succeeded in the first go. Will they continue to conquer the competition? Or will a team come along and surprise us all?

Travis Banks has been attacked!

The Kiwi Buzzsaw was set to face the Last King of Scotland in this episode’s main event, but now referees are digging him out of a chair pile! NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint comes in to see this, and calls for medics. Travis might not be in any shape to compete now, who takes his place against Wolfgang? And more importantly, who did this to the returning superstar? Though, given Travis’ history with the Coffey Brothers, do we really need to look very far?

NXT UK, meet Isla Dawn.

The Glasgow Goddess hits precise and hits hard. She fell short in Royal Albert Hall and in the WWE Mae Young Classic, but she’ll have her chance to redeem herself, up next!

NXT UK, Jinny is still on her way.

“Sweetheart, don’t let my good looks fool you.” Jinny knows that when people look at her, they’re intimidated. At the end of the day, everyone will wish they were just like Jinny.

Backstage interview with Johnny Saint.

He gives us an update on the condition of Travis Banks after that blindside attack. Mark Andrews comes looking, too, and has an answer for everyone. He knows it’s the Coffey Brothers. Those two think they can get away with anything, but that’s not true. The High-Fiving, Stage-Diving superstar volunteers to take Travis’ place and show the Coffey Brothers “exactly what they’re messing with.” Saint considers this option, what will his decision be?

Isla Dawn VS Nina Samuels!

The Devil’s Rose lost to the Lightning from Down Under in the series premiere, but that won’t deter her from making a big move in the NXT UK Women’s Division. Will she turn it around in her second appearance? Or will the Scottish Sorceress put a spell on her?

The bell rings and they circle and tie up. Nina powers Isla to a corner, but backs off at 2. She pie-faces Isla, but Isla smirks as she sees the way Nina plays. They circle again, tie up, and Isla pushes Nina back. Nina turns it around and has Isla back in a corner. Nina backs off at 2 but then toys with Isla. She swings but Isla dodges to hit back. Isla gives a EuroUpper then snapmares for a mule kick. She keeps moving, Penalty Kick! Nina scrambles away to the apron. Isla is on her there, but gets a hotshot. Nina drags Isla’s arm and yanks her into a snap suplex. Cover, TWO! Nina keeps her cool as she bumps Isla off buckles.

Nina stands Isla up to wrap the arm around ropes. She wrenches hard but backs off at 4. Nina whips Isla out but right back in to the buckles! Isla goes down hard and Nina backs off with a grin. She drags Isla up, cover, TWO! Nina keeps on Isla and her bad arm, but Isla fights her off. Nina grabs Isla’s hair while wrenching the arm. Isla feeds off the fan rally and arm-drags Nina away. Nina runs but into Isla’s kicks! Isla gets a half nelson but Nina fights out. Nina suplexes but Isla makes it a small package, TWO! Nina lines up a shot but misses, Isla’s kick hits! Isla has Nina in a special gut wrench suplex! Cover, Isla wins!

Winner: Isla Dawn, by pinfall

Isla is successful in her NXT UK TV debut! Can she climb her way up to the top of the Women’s Division and challenge for the coming championship? And what if Nina’s chances of getting in on the gold?

Exclusive interview with Pete Dunne.

The Bruiserweight has been WWE UK Champion for over a year since taking the title from Tyler Bate at TakeOver: Chicago. How has his life changed since then? Dunne had a chip on his shoulder for 12 years, but what’s changed is that everyone from the locker room to the fans that he is the Best in Britain. Danny Burch has called Dunne out, wanting to be the next challenger. What is Dunne’s response? It doesn’t matter how prepared Dunne is, it’s on Burch. Dunne has beaten man after man after man, but it’s up to Burch to reach Dunne’s level.

Burch also said he was British Strong Style before it was a thing, does that intimidate Dunne? Dunne will let Burch say he invented British Strong Style, but Dunne says he perfected it and took it around the world. Then what does the Bruiserweight need to do to retain his title? Burch wants Dunne’s attention, he’s got it. Dunne will hurt Burch and walk out still the WWE UK Champion.

A decision has been made!

Johnny Saint honors Mark Andrews’ request, and it will be the High-Fiving, Stage-Diving going against the Last King of Scotland! Will Andrews be able to overcome Wolfgang to then focus on the Coffey Brothers?

Eddie Dennis speaks.

He had us consider his feelings “watching my friends Mark Andrews and Pete Dunne” live their dream, without him. Dunne has the title and Andrews has the fans, but Dennis has the drive. The youngest principal in all of the UK now quit to dedicate himself to his first love. Headmaster Dennis is ready to accomplish greatness. Four months back in, he tried out for WWE. At ten months back in, he has his contract. And he was working through an injury during that. His “friends” set the foundation of the UK Division, but Dennis vows to build this brand around him. Dennis is here, and he has “everything to prove.” Will he make up for time lost when he finally arrives in NXT UK?

Jordan Devlin VS Tucker!

The Irish Ace is ready to shoulder the weight of a nation as he fights up towards the top of the UK Division. However, the lifelong underdog won’t just stand down and let himself drop to 0-2. Can Tucker Super Duper Kick-start a comeback? Or will Devlin step out of Finn Balor’s extraordinary shadow and be the new face of a people?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up and Devlin gets the wristlock. Tucker rolls, handsprings and snapmares, but Devlin reverses back quick. Devlin whips but Tucker goes up and handsprings. Tucker keeps moving, and hits a springboard back elbow! Tucker handsprings and enziguris Devlin! Cover, ONE! Tucker brings Devlin up but Devlin reverses out to urenage and standing moonsault! Cover, ONE! Devlin grounds ‘n’ pounds Tucker, then chokes him. The referee backs Devlin down, but he goes at Tucker with a stiff forearm. Devlin wrings Tucker’s arm out, hammerlock and stomp! Tucker clutches that arm but Devlin gets the arm again. Devlin uses his legs to hammerlock and tweak the arm! Tucker writhes but Devlin drags him up for a EuroUpper. Devlin has Tucker in a corner and gives him a sharp chop. He wrenches Tucker’s arm in the rope but backs off at 3.

Tucker chops but Devlin forearms. Devlin misses a chop, Tucker fires off chops and forearms. Tucker runs but into a dropkick! Cover, TWO! Devlin grows frustrated, but he puts Tucker in a high keylock. Fans rally as Tucker endures. Tucker fights his way up, but Devlin knees low. Devlin back suplexes but Tucker lands out to hit a slingblade! Cover, ONE, tries again, ONE! That bad arm clearly limits Tucker’s covers, but he has fans on his side. Devlin crawls to a corner and Tucker runs in for a screaming clothesline! Tucker throws Devlin down, then steps in for the complete shot! Cover, TWO! That was close but Tucker isn’t deterred.

Tucker uses the one good arm to climb up top. Tucker aims but Devlin gets knees up for the swanton! Devlin fireman’s carry but Tucker slips out. Tucker wants his kick but Devlin counters with an elbow. Devlin gets the fireman’s carry again, and throws Tucker down with a modified driver! Cover, Devlin wins!

Winner: Jordan Devlin, by pinfall

The Irish Champion wins, and vows to carry the entire nation with him to the top. There are many eyes on the Bruiserweight, will Devlin position himself to go after the title soon enough?

Exclusive interview with Danny Burch.

He has 15 years of experience, has it prepared himself to be the next WWE UK Champion? Burch asks back, “Have you ever tried so hard and never, ever made it?” Y’know, you try out for something, but you’re told you’re not good enough. So you work a whole year and try again, only to be rejected again. That was Burch’s life in wrestling. Now some would quit and walk away, but not Burch. He’s made out of stern stuff, and he is ready to be the new UK Champion. But Dunne has had the belt for over a year, and is seemingly unbeatable. Dunne’s an “interesting animal”, and almost flawless in all aspects. All Burch can do is be the best he can be so that Dunne doesn’t get ahead.

Dunne systematically breaks down opponents and is willing to do almost anything to win. What is Burch willing to do to win? It’s not what he’s willing to do. He’s fine with Dunne taking things that far, because “that’s just another day in my life, mate. I’m right at home.” So what would it mean to be WWE UK Champion and the face of a brand? Burch will answer that in two weeks when he has that belt around his waist. The challenger is ready, and we know the champion is ready. Who will have that coveted piece of gold after all is said and done?

Mark Andrews VS Wolfgang!

It doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to see that the Kiwi Buzzsaw was taken out by the Coffey Brothers in a preemptive strike. However, the rocker from Wales won’t let them get away with it. Will Andrews get a big win before going after the Coffey boys? Or will he find he’s bitten off more than he can chew?

The bell rings and fans are on Andrews’ side. He and Wolfgang circle then tie up. Wolfgang powers Andrews to a corner, but backs off cleanly. Wolfgang howls and fans echo it. Andrews comes out to circle and tie up with Wolfgang again. Wolfgang puts Andrews in another corner, then on the top rope. Wolfgang tells Andrews he’s watching him closely. Andrews hops down and they go a third time. Andrews gets a waistlock but Wolfgang pries his way out. Fans rally as Andrews spins and handsprings to get a headlock. Wolfgang lifts Andrews but Andrews holds on. Wolfgang tries again but Andrews still holds on. Andrews grinds the headlock but Wolfgang lifts him again.

Andrews sunset flips but Wolfgang stays standing. Wolfgang yanks Andrews up, but Andrews wheelbarrows into an arm-drag! Andrews tries another but Wolfgang blocks with strength. Wolfgang yanks Andrews back up but Andrews just arm-drags on the other end. Andrews dropkicks Wolfgang to a corner, then runs in. Wolfgang puts him on the apron but gets a swing kick. Andrews springboards and hits a huricanrana! Wolfgang wants a timeout, but Andrews DIVES! Wolfgang catches him, fireman’s carry and trophy lift, to toss him on the apron! Fans applaud the power game while Wolfgang takes his time returning. Andrews is in a corner, so Wolfgang stomps a mudhole into him. The fans duel now as Wolfgang drags Andrews up for a whip corner to corner. Andrews hits buckles hard and then hits the mat.

Wolfgang stalks Andrews but Andrews hits back with body shots. Andrews stands to throw forearms but Wolfgang knees low. Wolfgang brings Andrews around and up in another trophy lift! Wolfgang goes to throw Andrews all the way out, but Andrews escapes! Andrews throws hands and chops, but Wolfgang shoves him away. Andrews fires off furious palm strikes! Wolfgang clobbers him with a forearm! Andrews mule kicks, front kicks but his whip is blocked. Wolfgang whips Andrews, Andrews slides to dropkick Wolfgang again! Fans fire up as Andrews runs back at Wolfgang. Andrews gives a 619 to Wolfgang’s back, then slingshots in to victory roll Wolfgang into Stomp 182! And then standing corkscrew senton! Cover, TWO! Wolfgang grits his teeth while fans rally up.

Andrews throws more forearms, then a kick. Wolfgang blocks that and throws the foot down, but Andrews ducks the clothesline. Andrews runs and springboards for a crossbody! But Wolfgang turns it into a gutbuster! Wolfgang aims at Andrews, and runs in for the SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Andrews lives and Wolfgang is furious. Wolfgang’s fans say “One More Time!” so he waits for Andrews to sit up. Andrews hits back with body shots, but Wolfgang throws hands. Wolfgang drags Andrews up into a fireman’s carry for the wasteland slam. He steps on Andrews to go to the corner. He jumps up, but misses the moonsault! Andrews hurries up, he jumps, moonsault into a tornado DDT! Wolfgang rolls out of the ring, but Andrews builds speed to FLY! Direct hit, and the fans fire up!

Andrews puts Wolfgang in as fans duel. Andrews runs in, tilt-o-whirl but Wolfgang blocks the DDT! Wolfgang suplexes, Andrews hits Stun-Dog Millionaire! Andrews hurries up while Wolfgang is down. Andrews aims, shooting star!! Cover, Andrews wins!

Winner: Mark Andrews, by pinfall

Andrews didn’t have to take this match, but he did, and he won! Will Andrews take this momentum and use it to get even with the Coffey Brothers?

Andrews looks Wolfgang in the eye and admits it was a very close match. He offers the Last King of Scotland a handshake of respect. Fans hope Wolfgang takes it, and he does. Wolfgang himself has a bit of a climb in store if he wants to get somewhere in the UK Division, can he do it?

But wait! The Coffey Brothers blow past Wolfgang and right into the ring! Andrews fights them off 2v1 but that doesn’t go his way. Joe & Mark beat Andrews down, but what is Wolfgang going to do? He doesn’t do anything, so it’s up to Flash Morgan Webster to make the save again! However, the Coffey Brothers are ready this time, and Flash doesn’t have his pilot helmet. They beat Flash down, but still Wolfgang just watches. Fans convince him, so Wolfgang finally gets in the ring and the Coffey Brothers run away again. Wolfgang stands with Flash, only to clothesline him!?

It would seem the Last King of Scotland is on the side of the Glaswegian giants, but they want proof. They want him to beat up the man he just shook hands with. They feed Andrews to Wolfgang, and Wolfgang gives Andrews a pop-up powerslam! Scottish blood is thicker than water, will these three take over all of the UK Division?

My Thoughts:

A great pair of episodes, but I just wish they’d given some warning. My schedule concerns aside, I’m thinking this format is so that they can get through the backlog of episodes so that we’re closer to present day. For one, the backlog is reason why we couldn’t have an NXT UK Women’s Championship as part of WWE Evolution. Secondly, we can get either NXT UK titles on a TakeOver come Survivor Series weekend, or they get their own specials on like a Friday or something.

Both episodes have pretty solid matches, but only a few really added things to story. Seven VS Saxon in Episode 3 was great, and it clearly fed into the Mustache Mountain VS Huxley & Gradwell in Episode 4. Gradwell & Huxley already look to make a good combination, maybe they’ll stick together just to fill the Tag Division. Also I like that fans picked up on Gradwell looking like a less pale Sheamus. Anyway, the building story of Andrews-Webster-Banks VS the Coffey Brothers is pretty good. Seeing those three stick together is cool, but since it was 3v2, it should’ve been clear someone would join Joe & Mark Coffey in the fight. Wolfgang going Heel is a good move for him, it’ll give him a much needed spark.

Isla Dawn VS Nina Samuels was a pretty good match. It could’ve gone either way, but I feel like Isla is one of the many women NXT UK wants to bring up to give us that Women’s Championship tournament. Dakota Kai VS Toni Storm is next and that in itself could be a preview of the tournament. I’m thinking that since Toni Storm won the Mae Young Classic this year, that means she wins this match, too. There are a lot of women still to be introduced and hyped up, such as Jinny, but pretty sure Toni Storm getting the MYC nod means she’s going to go pretty far.

Burch VS Gradwell was great for how stiff it was. Burch calling out Dunne was great, too, and I really look forward to his match with Dunne as part of next week’s episode batch. I feel like Dunne will retain, but it’d be quite shocking in a good way if Burch found a way to win. Dar VS Gibson was also great, and I suppose it works for Gibson to win. Dar might still have things to do in 205 Live, so he can settle for being just a step outside of the title scene. I’m expecting that whether it’s Burch or Dunne, Gibson makes a move to be the next challenger to see if he really can beat Dunne when at 100%.

My Score: Episode 3 – 8.5/10; Episode 4 – 8.2/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (10/31/18)

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Mitchell’s WWE Mixed Match Challenge 2 Results & Report! (10/30/18)

AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (4/24/24)

Anybody can get it!

Published

2 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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; wins and
Mina Shirakawa VS Anna Jay; wins.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/23/24)

GO ACE! GO ACE!

Published

22 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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 DDT 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, INTO 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.