Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (12/4/18)

Published

4 years ago

December 4, 2018

Tonight, The Queen, The Empress and The Man converge on a contract signing, for the SmackDown Women’s Championship TLC TRIPLE THREAT MATCH!!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Asuka & Charlotte VS Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville; Rose & Deville win.
Triple Threat: Xavier Woods w/ The New Day VS Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus; Jey Uso wins.
Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.
AJ Styles VS The Miz; Styles wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The SmackDown Women’s Division has never been more competitive!

Last week, Paige announced a TLC Match for the title between Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, but the rest of the roster wanted their own shot. All nine women battled it out in a battle royal, and in the end, it would be ASUKA who stood tall! The Empress of Tomorrow gets another shot at the title, will she be ready The Man and The Queen be ready for her?

Paige is in the ring!

“SmackDown isn’t just the land of opportunity, it is the brand that makes history.” She is proud to be the GM in charge of the first-ever Women’s TLC Match in the WWE. And not just any TLC match but a triple threat. So with that said, she introduces the woman who earned her shot, Asuka! The Empress makes her way out to the ring, then Paige introduces The Queen, Charlotte! These two are familiar foes from their Wrestlemania SmackDown Women’s Championship match where Charlotte retained the title while ending Asuka’s Streak. And last but certainly not least, the champ herself, Becky Lynch! The Relent-Lass Lass Kicker, The Man comes out, her title already hanging from the hook. Fans are fired up for Becky as she joins the others in the ring.

Becky knows they’re making history, but she always makes history when she’s in the ring. And she plans on making some history at TLC. Going through a table, being hit with a ladder or a chair, none of that compares to her journey here. So it doesn’t matter if it was earned or handed to you, Becky will do anything it takes to win, unlike these two “dopes.” Charlotte says Becky needs to change the song, because she’s a broken record. Charlotte says she picked up the ball Becky dropped, and destroyed Ronda with a kendo stick. And all it took from Nia was one punch to bust Becky open. Becky speaks up but Charlotte tells her to shut it. Imagine what she’ll do with tables, ladders and chairs.

Asuka speaks up now, and says Becky already beat Charlotte. But, Becky’s never beat Asuka. Becky chose wrong for Survivor Series. Asuka would have beaten Ronda in the match. And now, Asuka will beat both of them at TLC! Charlotte is confused. Asuka could’ve beaten Ronda? Because Charlotte didn’t, and she broke Asuka’s streak! That was luck. The three competitors bicker but Paige calms them down. Becky says Asuka and Charlotte couldn’t beat Ronda and they won’t beat her. The Man signs the contract and takes her leave. Charlotte is fine with that, Becky’s a lot of talk anyway. Charlotte will beat Becky and Asuka, again. “WOO~!” Asuka resorts to Japanese for this one. Charlotte says the mystique is gone, and now she finishes Asuka at TLC.

Paige keeps the peace again, and gets Charlotte to sign her part of the contract. Asuka signs her part, and then wants to see if she can break Charlotte tonight! But wait, here come Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. “Really, Paige? This is how you want to make history? With these two women?” Two undeserving women, instead of two women Paige herself groomed for the main roster. Charlotte lost at Survivor Series, regardless of what she did to Ronda. And Asuka only won the battle royal by a fluke. Sonya was dominant but made one tiny mistake. But Sonya promises that won’t happen again. These two are driven to action. If you want to see fire and desire, you’re looking at it. Now, Charlotte and Asuka already signed the contract, but what happens if they don’t make it?

Paige doesn’t want idle threats from them. Have a tag team match instead, against Asuka and Charlotte, tonight! This match up happens after the break.

Shane McMahon meets with The Miz, again.

And The Miz is confused why he’s hosting Miz TV with Daniel Bryan as a guest. Because Miz TV is his show, it has his name in it. Miz would laugh on any other night, but he was hoping Shane would be up for doing the job they were both born to do: #BestTagTeamintheWorld! Shane reminds Miz they’re not a team. But use that sharp mind to get answers from this “New” Daniel Bryan. Fine. But Shane owes him. Shane doesn’t owe Miz anything. Not in front of the trophy, Shane! Miz heads off to prepare, but what favor will he insist Shane honor?

Asuka & Charlotte VS Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville!

Everyone knows The Empress and the Queen have history, but it’s not like the duo formerly known as Absolution are perfectly united. The Golden Gift screwed the Gladiator Gal over at WWE Evolution, and questioned Sonya being chosen for Survivor Series over her. However, they seem united in trying to get opportunities wherever and however they can. Can Mandy & Sonya surprise everyone against two of the best women in the WWE today? Or are they still not ready to #DoItWithFlair?

SmackDown returns as the teams sort out, and we start with Asuka and Sonya as an honorary rematch from last week’s battle royal finish. The two circle and dodge each other. They tie up and Asuka gets an arm and the waistlock. Sonay gets the standing switch but Asuka reverses to a wristlock. Asuka wrenches but Sonya reverses to her own wristlock. Asuka spins through to reverse back then whips. Sonya reverses and things speed up. They collide shoulders but neither woman falls. Asuka gets the arm and the takedown but Sonya reverses to her own takedown Sonya gets a headlock but Asuka headscissors. Sonya pops up but Asuka ducks a kick. Asuka kicks but Sonya ducks it, only to end up in Asuka’s Fujiwara armbar. Asuka grinds her knee on the shoulder then stomps away.

Sonya gets up and knees out of the hold, then drags Asuka over to tag Mandy. Absolution whip and kick Asuka, then drive in knees and throw Asuka down by her hair. Mandy covers, TWO! Mandy soaks up the heat as fans boo and jeer. She toys with Asuka and mocks her pain. She stands Asuka up but Asuka fires off palm strikes! Asuka goes for the pop-up knee but Mandy forearms out. Mandy whips Asuka but Asuka goes up to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Asuka taunts Sonya and tags in Charlotte. Fans “WOO~” for Charlotte’s snapmare and kick to Mandy’s back. Charlotte brings Mandy up to whip into a corner. Mandy elbows back but runs into a scoop. Mandy slips out and shoves Charlotte into buckles! She drags Charlotte up but still gets thrown with an exploder!

Sonya runs in but into Charlotte’s boot. Charlotte throws Sonya, too! Then Charlotte slingshots onto both Sonya and Mandy! Fans fire up as Charlotte struts. But wait, here comes Becky, belt back in hand. The Man wants a front row look at her challengers while we go picture in picture.

Charlotte puts Mandy in the ring and covers, TWO. She keeps on Mandy with a facelock, and she tags to Asuka. Asuka kicks Mandy in the leg while Charlotte holds her up. Asuka then gives Mandy knees while Becky takes a seat near commentary. Mandy gets kicks to the back, and then Asuka hits the sliding kick! Cover, TWO! Asuka makes sure Becky’s watching as she brings Mandy around. Mandy tags out and arm-drags. She misses the knee but Sonay SPEARS Asuka for her! Cover, TWO! Becky seems unimpressed either way. Sonya kicks Asuka around and drives in a knee. She drags Becky into her own chinlock and body scissors to grind her down. Becky is still nonplussed. Asuka endures and makes it a cover, TWO! Sonya kicks Asuka right down!

Sonya hits Charlotte for good measure, then drags Asuka over to her corner. She kicks and kicks and kicks, Mandy keeping Asuka up. Tag to Mandy and Absolution choke Asuka on the ropes. Sonya scuffs Asuka with a knee before Mandy brings her up. Mandy wrenches Asuka into a standing abdominal stretch. Asuka endures the bend and even the elbow in her ribs as fans rally. Mandy practically dribbles Asuka’s head in the hold, but Asuka still endures. Asuka fights her way out and kicks Mandy as we return to single picture. Fans fire up but Mandy throws Asuka down! High stack cover, TWO! Charlotte is relieved but Mandy bounces Asuka’s head off the mat. Becky is still unimpressed. Cover, TWO!

Mandy drags Asuka around and tags in Sonya. They stomp away on Asuka as fans boo and jeer. Sonya drives in knees on Asuka then snapmares her. Sonya hits the sliding knee! Cover, TWO!! Absolution is furious but Sonya keeps on Asuka. Tag to Mandy and they stomp Asuka more. Fans rally up for Asuka and Asuka fights Mandy. Mandy shoves Asuka for that golden knee! Cover, TWO! Mandy is shocked, but she drags Asuka back over. She kicks Asuka then tags Sonya. They mug Asuka and tag back for more. Mandy brings Asuka up but Asuka fires off body shots. Mandy shoves her and runs her over again. Wheelbarrow but Asuka makes it a bulldog! Fans fire up as Asuka and Mandy crawl, hot tags to Charlotte and Sonya!

The Queen rallies and uses those Flair Chops! Charlotte chops and chops on Sonya, then whips. Charlotte hits a big back suplex and kips right up! Fans are thunderous but Charlotte runs into a boot. Charlotte still SPEARS Sonya! Mandy comes in but gets a knee and thrown right out. Charlotte kicks Sonya down, but Mandy trips Asuka up. Mandy rocks Charlotte with a right but Asuka trips her up. Charlotte boots but hits Asuka by mistake! Sonya rolls Charlotte but Charlotte turns it around! Asuka boots Charlotte!! Sonya covers, Absolution wins!!

Winners: Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville, Deville pinning

Dysfunction downs the Empress and Queen, which is actually to Becky’s liking. But it doesn’t really matter when TLC will be every woman for herself. Will Becky stay The Man after taking on such fierce competition? Or will there be a new champion going into the New Year?

Triple Threat: Xavier Woods w/ The New Day VS Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus!

Awwwww~ Austin~! The Women’s Championship won’t be the only Triple Threat at the TLC Pay-Per-View. The SmackDown Tag Team Champions have lost to both The New Day and The Usos in recent weeks, so all three teams will compete for the titles. Therefore, one member each directly competes tonight to represent! Who will take some crucial momentum with just weeks left before the PPV?

The bell rings and the three men circle. Cesaro hits the others first, but end sup caught the second time. HE gets uppercuts from both Woods and Jey and then they throw him out of the ring. Fans want pancakes as Kofi and Big E are on commentary, and Kofi and Big E oblige! Flapjacks fly as Woods and Jey tie up. Woods powers out of a headlock but Jey runs him over. Jey runs but things speed up. Woods leaps again but Jey shoves and things continue to speed up. The Bar talk strategy while Woods goes to suplex Jey. Jey fights out and back suplexes but Woods slips out. Woods dodges and slides but Jey ducks and rolls up! TWO, Woods rolls Jey, TWO! Jey runs Woods over and covers, TWO, Woods returns the favor, TWO! Woods kips up and the two shake hands.

Cesaro runs in but gets a double punch! Woods and Jey double clothesline Cesaro out and we go to break.

SmackDown returns as Woods and Jey are both stuck on the top rope. Cesaro dropkicks Woods down but Jey shoves him away. Jey adjusts and leaps, but into a European Uppercut! Cover, TWO! The Swiss Cyborg goes for his Neutralizer but Woods returns. Cesaro runs over but gets a kick! Jey uppercuts Cesaro, and then Woods runs at Jey. Jey dodges for the pop-up Samoan Drop! Cesaro and Woods are each in corners, so Jey starts a hip attack train! First stop is Woods, but Cesaro bails out. Jey changes plans to FLY onto Cesaro! But then Woods leaps for a tornado DDT on Jey! All three men are down while Sheamus and Jimmy coach them up. Cesaro gets in the ring but Woods follows. Things speed up again, wheelbarrow facebuster! Cover, TWO!

Woods grits his teeth while he and Cesaro crawl. Fans rally up as Woods stands. Woods aims at Cesaro and rolls, but into a push. Cesaro leaps but gets a swing kick! Jey climbs and leaps, but his splash meets knees! Cesaro small packages, TWO! Woods leaps in with the Limit Breaker elbow! Cover, Jey breaks it! The New Day admit on commentary that it was super closer. All three men are down, hurting from this battle, but Woods is up first. “Woodsy” uses the power of positivity and pancakes. He swings on Jey but Jey hits back. They brawl while Sheamus checks on Cesaro. Woods gets an edge and backs Jey down. He runs but into Jey’s body check! Jey runs but into Woods’ forearm! Woods runs but into another body check! Cesaro returns to grab Jey. He also gets Woods, combination airplane spin and Swiss swing!

Cesaro shows his strength as he tosses Jey aside, then gets Woods in the Sharpshooter! Woods is stuck but he doesn’t give up. Jey comes in, Cesaro blocks the superkick only to get the dragon whip! Woods rolls Cesaro up, TWO!! Cesaro throws Woods out but SUPERKICK! Jey covers, Jey wins!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall

The Usos gain ground in this battle of three teams, but how will it go down when it’s three teams at once?

Backstage interview with Rusev & Lana.

The Bulgarian Brute was going to have a match with The King of Strong Style, but Shinsuke Nakamura chose to attack Rusev before there was a bell. Nakamura would give Rusev two Kinshasa knees before leaving Rusev alone. Rusev says Nakamura did that because he’s afraid. Rusev shows off his muscles, and knows he’s both strong and relentless and… Hungry. Not for chicken, yogurt, cheese or any food. He’s hungry for that United States Championship! Nakamura holds onto that title like a child does their favorite toy. But that title is no toy, that title represents honor and tradition. Nakamura has no honor, but he won’t have any excuses. Rusev will get his hands on Nakamura and… Feast! A feast fit for Rusev Daaaay~! Will that particular Rusev Day happen to land on TLC Sunday?

Lars Sullivan speaks.

“It doesn’t matter which brand I choose to go to. I will wreak havoc the magnitude of which you’ve never seen.” No one has seen a freak like the Leviathan. Which brand will get this Mile High Monster on their roster? And which roster will regret it?

It’s time for Miz TV!

But wait, before Miz can finish his introduction, it’s the FABULOUS Truth! What do they want? A DANCE BREAK~! Truth and Carmella floss and twerk, and that’s it. “As you were.” Miz can’t believe the fans like that. Continuing on, the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show once again makes history. For the first time ever on Miz TV is the NEW Daniel Bryan! This new and more sinister side of the Goat is also the WWE Champion after what he did to AJ Styles weeks ago. This new and more sinister Bryan declared that The Beast, Brock Lesnar, beat the weakness out of him. And this new and more sinister Bryan declared that the Yes Movement, his movement, is DEAD. But he’ll also have to face AJ Styles again at TLC for the title.

Miz sits with “The New Daniel Bryan”, but how does he want to be addressed? Miz sticks to Daniel, because he doesn’t really look different. But there is a little something that is different. Bryan is confident, isn’t pandering to the fans, and knows that there’s no such thing as an honorable victory. It’s either winning or losing, no matter how you do it. Meaning Miz was right all along! Fans actually agree with that. But this Bryan says people thought the “old” Bryan was smart, but how smart was he if he catered to the people? That Bryan allowed them to subvert his dreams. But this Bryan doesn’t care about the people, and his dreams are in control. This Bryan doesn’t have many intellectual peers, including The Miz, but he has plenty of books written by great minds like Alexander Hamilton.

Bryan notices the fans booing, and calls them “Fickle.” These “sheep” all go “What?”, something stupid from 20 years ago. But as Hamilton once said, “Giving power to the mindless masses is dangerous, both for the individual and the society.” These sheep are proof. But even more dangerous is that old Daniel Bryan with the “practical wisdom and brutality of the new Daniel Bryan.” Miz hears what Bryan is saying, but it sounds less like Hamilton and more like Miz. Doesn’t Bryan see that the only reason Bryan has that title is because he did whatever it took, just like what Miz told him.

Bryan says Miz’s problem is that he never gets to the point. Bryan kicked Styles in the balls. But it was one man in the groin on one day. The people harm the earth every single day with their needless consumption! “If you want to count sins, I kicked one man in the groin on one day. These people commit countless atrocities against the earth and future generations” every moment of their lives! Wait, Miz is confused. This isn’t about any of that. Bryan has painted Miz as the bad guy for eight years, and had everyone fooled. But not Miz. Miz saw Bryan’s truth the entire time, and now Bryan owes him an explanation. Is Bryan champion because he did what Miz told him to? Yes or no. Fans say “Yes! Yes!” And so does Bryan.

But then he says “No”, and then “yes” and back again. Because it doesn’t matter. What matters is that the Old Bryan is dead. That Yes Movement with these old logos, dead. And most importantly, the one thing that no one here, let alone AJ Styles or Miz, can do about… “Here is your WWE Champion, the NEW Daniel Bryan.” Fans boo and Bryan calls them fickle, but here comes the old WWE Champion, the Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles heads right at the ring but Bryan shoves Miz into him! Styles kicks Miz away then chases Bryan! He catches Bryan and drags him back to ringside. Bryan runs away, but Miz gets involved again. Styles goes after Miz AND Bryan! Miz saves Bryan with a Skull Crushing Finale to Styles! Fans boo as Bryan gets away with manipulating Miz. Will Bryan continue to get away with it at TLC?

Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton!

The Charismatic Enigma and Viper have already gone to Hell and back against each other this year, but nothing is over between them. At the same time, Hardy is hunted by a new Destroyer in Samoa Joe, and Orton hunts new prey in Rey Mysterio. Who will move on to be better prepared for new grudges on the way to the New Year?

Before the match, we see Orton’s message for Mysterio. Orton says Mysterio should have stayed away, but he didn’t and now he’s been hurt and humiliated all over again. Hardy won’t stay away either, so Orton is more than happy to crush him again.

The bell rings, and Hardy goes right at Orton! Hardy throws hands and kicks, but then Orton kicks back. Orton goes after the ear gauge hole, but Hardy fights him off. Hardy hits a jawbreaker then clotheslines Orton out of the ring! Orton goes running as Hardy says “DELETE! DELETE!” Hardy clobbers Orton and throws him into the post. Orton kicks back then bounces Hardy off the announce desk. Orton lifts Hardy but Hardy fights out! Hardy bounces Orton off the desk, and again! Hardy gives Orton the back suplex onto the desk! “DELETE!” echoes while we go picture in picture.

Hardy goes back out to fetch Orton, dragging him off the desk and bumping him off the apron edge. He puts Orton back in but Orton is on him during reentry. Orton hangs Hardy out to dry on the ropes! Orton stalks Hardy around the ring and stomps away on the limbs as only he does. Then he stomps Hardy right in the stomach before covering. TWO, but Orton keeps his cool. Orton grins as he sits Hardy up for a chinlock. We return to single picture as Hardy endures the squeeze. Fans rally for Hardy and Hardy fights his way up, but Orton forces him back down. Orton pulls back on Hardy’s head but Hardy gets up again. Hardy fights out and kicks for the spinning back kick! Both men go down but Hardy gets to a corner.

Fans rally with “Delete! Delete!” as Orton runs into Hardy’s boots. Hardy goes up, Whisper in the Wind! Cover, TWO! Both men are down but Orton stalks Hardy again. They brawl and Hardy counters punches Orton. Hardy whips but Orton reverses, only for Hardy to hit back! Hardy gets the atomic drop and leg splitting leg drop, dropkick on top! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps his cool as he stands back up. He kicks but the Twist is denied. Orton back elbows Hardy into the ropes, and Hardy ends up on the apron. Hardy shoulders back in but Orton catches him, for the draping DDT! Orton gets up again and enjoys the moment as he hears the voices in his head. He stalks Hardy as fans fire up.

Hardy denies the RKO to go for the Twist. Orton slips out but is still denied his RKO, Hardy runs Orton over with forearms! Hardy hurries up top while Orton is down. Orton springs up to stop Hardy with fists. Orton climbs up but Hardy resists. Hardy slips out to trip Orton up! Then Twist of Fate! Orton is down and the shirt comes off as Hardy heads back up. Hardy aims, but Orton rolls away. So Hardy wrecks him with a dropkick! Hardy goes out to clear the announce desk! He drags Orton over and bounces him off the desk again. Then another back suplex onto the table top! Orton writhes, but Hardy is far from done with Orton. Hardy goes to the top rope, but Samoa Joe has a message from the titantron.

Joe is at a bar, enjoying himself while watching the show. And then he orders a round for the bar. RKO from Orton! Cover, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

“Tough break, Jeff, tough break.” Joe then goes into PSA mode to warn us about the “dangers of excess.” Moderation is key. You can make good choices, like having a drink with friends. Or having 14 and waking up in jail. Assuming you wake up at all. Drink responsibly. Cheers, Hardy. Samoa Joe uses Hardy’s past as a weapon, but will Joe’s future be rendered OBSOLETE?

Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan.

He was running from Styles earlier, but why is he still here? The New Bryan doesn’t run. Everything he does is done with purpose. And now, he’s joining commentary for the main event!

AJ Styles VS The Miz!

The New Daniel Bryan dodged The Miz’s questions and dodged AJ Styles’ revenge, and even pitted them against each other. While The Phenomenal One will get at Bryan at TLC, he and the Hollywood A-Lister look to settle things with each other tonight! Will Styles roll towards his WWE Championship rematch at TLC? Will The Miz gain some momentum before tonight’s Mixed Match Challenge Playoffs?

SmackDown returns and Bryan has appeared on commentary as promised. The bell rings and Styles puts Miz in a corner for shoulders to the stomach. Styles CHOPS Miz then bumps him off buckles, then chops him again. He whips Miz but redirects him back into the same corner. Styles pushes Miz into buckles but the ref backs him off. Miz kicks Styles and puts on a headlock. Styles powers out but Miz runs him over. Miz says he’s the phenomenal one but things speed up, and Styles dropkicks Miz down! Styles glares at Bryan while Miz rolls out. Styles chases after Miz and they go back into the ring. Miz stomps but Styles sees it coming, and trips Miz up. Styles then slingshots in for a senton! Cover, TWO! Miz jawbreakers Styles back while Bryan mocks Styles on commentary.

Styles chops Miz then whips. Miz reverses and hits the kitchen sink knee. Miz brings Styles around and chokes him on the ropes. The ref counts and Miz lets up at 4, to hit his rope attack! Bryan calls out the “corruption” of Byron Saxton while Miz puts Styles in a camel clutch. Styles endures while fans rally. He pries his way out and fights back, but Miz counters Styles into the A-List combination! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps his cool as he rains lefts down on Styles. Miz stalks Styles to a corner and whips him corner to corner. Fans boo and jeer as Miz mocks Bryan’s Yes chant. Miz runs into a SUPERKICK! Styles runs at Miz, but Miz puts him on the apron. Styles hits Miz away but Miz boots Styles down! Miz has control while we go to break.

SmackDown returns once more, and both men are down. Fans rally up as a ten count begins. Both men stand at 4 and start brawling. Styles hits the Phenomenal Blitz! And sliding forearm! Miz scrambles to a corner while Styles fires up. Styles runs in for a big clothesline, then fireman’s carry for the Ushigoroshi! Cover, TWO! Miz lives and Styles is surprised. Styles keeps focus as he brings Miz up for the Clash, but Miz counters with a catapult! Styles hits buckles, and then Miz gets the full nelson. But Styles counters with a victory roll! TWO and Miz kicks low for the basement DDT! Cover, TWO! Now Miz is the one surprised, but fans know “This is Awesome!”

Miz runs but Styles dodges to throw Miz out. Styles aims and slingshots for the forearm! Bryan gets up and Styles locks eyes with him. Bryan says he’s not going to attack, and offers a handshake. But this is so Miz can throw Styles into steps! Miz puts Styles in the ring, gets him up, Finale! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives!! Miz and Bryan are both shocked. Miz keeps on Styles with knees dropped on knees. He wants the Figure Four but Styles shoves him away to the post! Styles gets up but Bryan drags him out! Styles shoves Bryan down and then sees Miz coming, Calf Crusher! Miz flails, taps, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by submission

The Phenomenal One gets the win with two enemies after him, but then Bryan goes after Styles again! Bryan chop blocks Styles’ leg, then slams it into the post over and over again! The new and sadistic Bryan throws Styles’ body into the post! And then he throws Styles into the announce desk, and into the ring. Fans boo and jeer while Bryan aims at Styles. Bryan runs to chop block Styles again! Bryan still goes after the leg with a Heel Hook! Styles writhes and shouts in pain but Bryan won’t let go even as more refs rush the ring. Bryan lets go when he’s satisfied, but fans still boo and jeer. Bryan takes off his jacket to buzzsaw kick Styles down! And then he stomps Styles out like he did the night he changed into this Bryan. Bryan does a victory lap, but still comes back for more!

The New Bryan grabs his belt and forces the ring announcer to make the same declaration as before: “Ladies and gentlemen, here is your WWE Champion, the New Daniel Bryan.” Do the fans not approve? “Fickle!” The entire WWE Universe is fickle in the eyes of this new and sadistic Daniel Bryan! Styles stands up in the ring, and Bryan chop blocks him again!! And back to the Heel Hook as we go off the air! Will this new and sadistic Bryan ever stop? Can this new and sadistic Bryan ever be stopped?

My Thoughts:

SmackDown continues to be great! And with only FOUR matches! The stories on SmackDown are better, for one, so that’s a major part of it. For example, they consolidated the Women’s Division into one story that branches from the title. I am glad to see they didn’t go the general route of a contract signing turning into a brawl, those happen too much. Sonya and Mandy looked great in their match with Asuka and Charlotte, and the falling apart of the Face team was well-done given how late in the match it happened. The battle lines are drawn and the TLC Triple Threat is going to be great, so long as Becky or Asuka win out. Charlotte’s had her time, and she’ll just end up being a female John Cena with yet another big win like this.

The Tag Team Division is another stronger point. The Triple Threat Tag Title match is going to be great, but even tonight’s triple threat of 1v1v1 was impressive! The Bar, The New Day & The Usos are the best teams in the WWE, so I really hope their match is announced to be something more, like a Ladder or Tables match. That kind of No DQ physicality will be great for all three teams, but I’m thinking Big Show shows up to do something. The best thing would be if he helps The Usos and is a Face again, just for a good laugh. Then while we got Orton VS Hardy again, they made it worth watching, as did Samoa Joe’s part via titantron. PSA’s by Joe would definitely get people to listen. That said, I’m still hoping we get a mash-up of Joe-Hardy, Orton-Mysterio and Nakamura-Rusev in one massive match.

Miz’s moment with Shane still makes me think something with them is coming for Wrestlemania, either as Miz VS Shane or as Miz hopes, Miz & Shane VS tag champions. Either way, Miz will make it worth watching. The Miz’s part with Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles was also really great. The New Bryan being this evil eco-warrior is a weird choice, maybe Vince’s, but the rest of how the New Bryan behaves is still great. Especially him using his two biggest rivals against each other. Miz VS Styles was a great match, and then Bryan ending the show with that brutal attack was perfect. I really, really hope this match more than any of the others gets a stipulation like a Chairs Match. Even with other feuds like Becky and Charlotte on the block, Bryan and Styles has gotten extremely personal, so their match needs to fit accordingly.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

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Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/19/23)

The semifinals are here!

Published

13 hours ago

March 19, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The New Japan Cup 2023’s Final Four!

Four is bad luck in Japan, but these four are grateful to be in the New Japan Cup semifinals! David Finlay VS Tama Tonga, Sanada VS Mark Davis, who will win to go for it all?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shota Umino & Oskar Leube VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; Shota & Oskar win.
Six Man Tag: Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Ryohei Oiwa VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi & Team Strong Style VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Kyle Fletcher; Cobb & Fletcher win.
Shingo Takagi & BUSHI VS Aaron Henare & Great-O-Khan; Henare & Khan win.
YOH & Lio Rush VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: Tama Tonga VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances to the finals.
New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: SANADA VS Mark Davis; Sanada wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Good Bad Guy settled things with Bullet Club, but fate has intervened to have him face the NEW leader! Will Tama get past Finlay and into the finals? Or will the Rebel take over everything?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tama and Finlay circle, Tama claps to get the fans going more, and then he ties up with Finlay. They go around, Tama puts Finlay on ropes, but he lets off slowly as the ref calls break. Fans applaud and the two reset. They circle, fans rally up for Tama, and the two tie up again. Tama powers Finlay back but Finlay turns it around to have Tama on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak again, Finlay lets off slowly, but then swings on Tama! Tama dodges, then hits a headlock takeover! Tama grinds Finlay down, but Finlay keeps his shoulders up. Finlay fights to his feet, powers out, then slips around to headlock!

Tama powers out, hurdles, drops, then DROPKICKS Finlay down! Finlay bails out while fans fire up! Tama storms up to the ropes and slingshots but Finlay slides in! Tama lands on the apron, Finlay storms up but Tama ROCKS him with a forearm! Tama hurries in, and he arm-drags Finlay around! Finlay blocks the next, whips, but Tama reverses. Tama hurdles, but gets caught to a fireman’s carry! HOTSHOT, then BIG back suplex! Fans applaud, that was a good sequence, but Tama crawls to a corner. Finlay stalks Tama, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS him! Finlay whips corner to corner hard and Tama bounces off buckles! Finlay covers, TWO!

Fans rally but Finlay stomps Tama’s hand! Tama clutches that hand, but Finlay fishhooks his face! The ref reprimands, Finlay lets off, and Finlay says that was the nose, not the eyes. The ref doesn’t believe him. Finlay throws Tama out! Gedo tells the ref to leave Finlay alone, but the ref reprimands Gedo for getting on the apron. Finlay drags Tama up to RAM him into railing! No Man’s Land disappears as the railing go back! Finlay rains down fists, but fans rally up for Tama. The ref reprimands Finlay but he drags Tama up and puts him in the ring. Finlay covers, ONE!! Tama is hanging tough but Finlay is amused.

Finlay digs his knee into Tama’s face, he wants the ref to Too Sweet but the ref says no thanks. Finlay drags Tama up, whips him hard into the corner, and Tama bounces off buckles again! Fans rally while Finlay taunts them, “You think Tama’s getting to the finals?” Finlay stomps Tama, then springboard stomps! The ref reprimands, but Finlay clamps on with a cobra clutch. Finlay thrashes Tama around but Tama endures. Gedo tells Tama to give up but Jado coaches Tama to hang tough. Fans rally, Tama fights up and throws hands, but Finlay CLUBS him down! Finlay stomps and elbows Tama, but the ref counts.

Finlay lets off, he brings Tama up to whip corner to corner, but Tama comes back to CLOBBER Finlay! Fans fire up but Gedo is mad! Jado coaches Tama, Gedo coaches Finlay, but Tama is the first to stand. Tama roars, CLOBBERS Finlay, and ELBOWS him! Tama whips, Finlay reverses but Tama CLOBBERS Finlay again! OFF COMES THE VEST! Finlay goes to a corner, Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then clinch, for an EXPLODER! Finlay scrambles away and out of the ring, but Tama PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time and the fans fire up! Tama slides into the ring to let the ring count handle Finlay.

Finlay sits up at 5 of 20 so Tama goes out to fetch him. Tama puts Finlay in, stalks him to a corner, and Finlay wants mercy, but gets body shots instead! Tama whips Finlay out and then back into the corner, runs in, but Finlay elbows him away! Finlay storms up, but into a scoop! Finlay slips free to CHOP BLOCK! Tama writhes and clutches his knee but Gedo is loving this! The ref checks on Tama but Tama refuses to let this stop him. Finlay storms up on Tama to sit him up, “Look at this beautiful face!” CROSSFACE FOREARM! Gedo likes those, so Finlay sits Tama up again, to CROSSFACE FOREARM!

Finlay drags Tama up again, and he fires off MORE crossface forearms! Fans rally for Tama but Finlay looms over him. Finlay drags Tama up by his hair, sits him up, and BLINDSIDER LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Tama is still in this and Finlay is annoyed. Finlay paces around while Tama slowly rises. Finlay drags Tama up, gut wrenches and Canadian Racks, but Tama slips free! TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Fans rally as Tama and Finlay stir. Both men crawl over to each other, and Tama ROCKS Finlay with a forearm! Finlay ROCKS Tama right back! Finlay eggs Tama on and Tama sits up.

Tama ROCKS Finlay with another forearm, but Finlay ROCKS Tama again! Tama growls, he and Finlay sit up again. Tama ROCKS Finlay, Finlay ROCKS Tama, repeat! They throw forearms as they slowly stand, and they speed up as the fans rally! Finlay gets the edge, Tama fires off a strike fest! Finlay rebounds but into SRC!! Tama goes to a corner, fans fire up as he climbs, and Tama aims! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Jado and Tama rally the fans by pounding the mat. Finlay drags himself up with the ropes, Tama runs in, GUN- NO! Finlay rolls Tama, with tights! TWO!! GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks again!

Finlay drags Tama up with a dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, OSAKA STREET CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while Finlay grows frustrated. Finlay aims as Tama rises, Jado warns Tama of what’s coming, but Finlay runs in, into a KNEE! Tama SUPER- NO, Finlay dodges to DEEP SIX!! Tama staggers up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives and Gedo is furious! Finlay argues the count but the ref says that was all fair. Fans rally back up, but Finlay brings down the kneepad. “X marks the spot!” Finlay drags Tama up but Tama is deadweight. Finlay still hauls Tama up, suplexes, but Tama slips free!

Tama rolls Finlay, ties up the legs, and he has a SHARPSHOOTER!! Finlay endures and fans fire up! Tama sits deep on the hold, Finlay flails and fights forward! Finlay claws at the mat, but Tama goes deeper! Finlay fights back up, crawls and reaches out, but Tama drags him away again!! Finlay shouts in pain but he hasn’t given up yet! Another fight forward, and Finlay gets the ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go and Finlay writhes in pain, but the fans rally up again. Tama drags Finlay up, hooks an arm, but Finlay fights and RAMS Tama into a corner! And again and again and again! The ref counts, Finlay lets off and staggers away.

Tama runs in, but Finlay fights off the DDT! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Finlay gut wrenches to a CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay is beside himself but Tama survives again! Fans are thunderous for Tama but Finlay is right on him. Suplex and- NO, Tama fights, wrenches, but Finlay ROCKS him! But Tama cradles!! TWO!!!! Finlay escapes but the SUPERMAN PUNCH hits! BLOODY SUNDAY!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Finlay barely survives but Tama just pounds the mat. Finlay rises up, GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks, spins Tama, suplexes, GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks again and ROCKS Tama!

Tama roars, but Finlay fires off a flurry of forearms! Finlay spins, into a HEADBUTT! GUN- NO, Backslide! Deadlift TRASH PANDA!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Even El Phantasmo has to give old rival Finlay credit on that one. Gedo gets the mic to make the announcement official: The Rebel wins, and he just beat the NEVER Openweight Champion! Finlay will take the EFF over everything! Gedo needs the Rebel, Bullet Club needs the Rebel, and the world needs the Rebel! But will the Rebel get what he wants in the tournament finals?

New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: SANADA w/ Just5Guys VS Mark Davis w/ The United Empire!

New team, new look! The Cold Skull is looking sharp, but will he still bring about a Skull End? Or can Dunkzilla conquer the Cup on behalf of the United Empire?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as Davis and Sanada circle. Davis eggs Sanada on but Sanada feels things out. They keep circling, tie up, and Sanada headlocks. Davis powers out, Sanada RAMS shoulders, but neither man falls! Sanada ducks Davis’ chop, gets an arm and wrenches, but Davis whips Sanada away! Davis CHOPS this time, and Sanada is stinging. Davis whips, Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Sanada whips, Davis cartwheels, then scoops and SLAMS! And SENTONS! Fans fire up while Sanada bails out, but Davis goes out after Sanada. Davis brings Sanada up to whip him into railing!

Sanada drops to his knees, but Davis drags Sanada up to ROCK with a forearm! Great-O-Khan is on commentary and he waves the glowstick in praise. Davis puts Sanada on the apron to CLUB and KNEE and CLUB again! Davis gets space, fans rally up, and Davis runs in to KNEE LIFT Sanada into the ring! Crowns up and the Empire high-fives. Davis gets in the ring while Sanada sputters. Davis knees for the cover, TWO! Davis clamps onto Sanada’s arm but Sanada endures. Fans rally, Sanada fights up to his feet, and he throws forearms! Sanada wrenches but Davis DECKS him! Davis drags Sanada up but Sanada waistlocks!

Davis fights free of the hold, CHOPS Sanada to the corner, then whips him corner to corner. Davis runs in but Sanada dodges the splash! Sanada reels Davis in to back suplex, but Davis turns it into a CROSSBODY! Davis drags Sanada back up and back suplexes, but Sanada lands on his feet! Sanada hits the BIG back suplex! Both men are down but their teams coach them while the fans rally up. Sanada kips up, and then he fires up! Sanada DROPKICKS Davis, Davis stays up, so Sanada DROPKICKS! And dropkicks, but misses this time! Davis runs, but Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Then he DROPKICKS Davis out of the ring!

Sanada takes aim and PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Davis! Sanada stares down the Empire, but then he encourages the fans to get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada likes that. Sanada may have a new haircut but he is still Sanada. Sanada puts Davis in the ring, drags him up to fireman’s carry, but Davis fights it! Davis fireman’s carries now, but Sanada fights it! Only for Davis to rise up again! Sanada fights more, gets to the apron, and he counter punches! Sanada slingshots, but Davis HOTSHOTS him! And then TRIANGLE JUMP FOREARMS! Sanada falls, and Davis DIVES?!? Direct hit into the railing!

Fans fire up as No Man’s Land disappears again! Red Shoes checks both men, they’re both okay to continue, but their teams argue about territory. The ring count starts, Davis drags Sanada up at 7 of 20. Davis puts Sanada in at 10 of 20, aims from the corner and climbs up! Sanada rises, Davis FLYING SHOULDERS him down! Cover, TWO! Sanada is still in this but Davis keeps his cool. Davis drags Sanada up, but Sanada blocks the lift! Sanada throws down elbows, but Davis CHOPS him! Davis whips, Sanada goes up and out and springboards in to MISSILE DRPOKICK! Davis stays up!?

Davis swings, misses, and Sanada CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! But Davis KNEES low! Davis back suplexes but Sanada KNEES free! Sanada runs, into a LARIAT! Davis hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up and rally as Sanada survives. Davis drags Sanada by a leg, says it’s time to end this! But Sanada kicks Davis away, so Sanada JABS him down! Davis gets the legs, YANKS Sanada up, but Sanada rolls through! Sanada fireman’s carries to T K O!! Cover, TWO!! Davis is still in this, but Sanada goes up top! ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to roll through as Davis moves! Davis scoops to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Davis drags Sanada up, wrenches and torture racks, but Sanada slips free! Sanada ELBOWS Davis, QUEBRADAS and has the dragon sleeper! Davis snapmares free to clothesline in the corner! Sanada falls over and fans fire up! Davis climbs the corner, goes to the very top, and DIVING SPLASH, but he FLOPS as Sanada moves! Sanada goes up, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto the knees!! Davis cradles Sanada, TWO!!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Davis rises first, drags Sanada up, and fans rally up. Davis swings, but Sanada blocks the forearm to fire UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT!

Sanada spins, into JAB! But he still ROLLING ELBOWS! Davis ENZIGURIS!! Sanada is down and Davis fires up! Fans rally, Davis throws off the elbow pad! Davis waits, Sanada rises up, Davis keeps moving, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Sanada survives and fans fire up again! Davis stalks Sanada to the corner, then runs side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! Davis shouts “DEAD!” and he drags Sanada up into the torture rack! But Sanada slips free again! O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO!?! Davis escapes by nanoseconds! Sanada storms up, but Davis trips him! Davis has the legs, Close Your Eyes and Count to F@#$!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!?

The fans, the Empire and Just5Guys are all going nuts! Davis roars, he wrenches, torture racks, but Sanada slips free again! SIDEWINDER DDT!!! Cover, SANADA WINS!!!!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Davis drove the Cold Skull into the ground, but then Sanada did it back to him! Will Davis find his singles success another time?

Wait, David Finlay and Gedo make his way back out to the ring to see the other finalist in person. Gedo gets the mic to say they just want to give Sanada words of support. Gedo tells Sanada to do his best, because in Nagaoka, Finlay’s gonna beat his face in with the shillelagh, and throw him out of the ring like trash! “See You Next Time, Just Five Losers!” Gedo and Finlay leave, having copied and mocked Sanada’s catchphrase and his new team. Sanada gets the mic to say, “Oi, Finlay! And the people of Gunma. I promise I will beat Finlay on Tuesday, and come back here as the New Japan Cup winner.” Fans applaud that! Sanada then tells Gedo and Finlay to get outta here.

Finlay and Goto leave, flipping Sanada off over their shoulders. Sanada says this debut with J5G is a day he’ll never forget. Fans applaud that, and the mic is handed over to Taka Michinoku. Taka says, “Soon enough, it’ll be us who changes the scene here in NJPW! JUST! FIVE! GUYS!!” The Cold Skull is red hot, but will that heat bring him through to win it all?

My Thoughts:

A great semifinals for the New Japan Cup! Both matches were awesome stuff, and though Tama came close, I figured Finlay would win. He has been winning since his Heel turn and joining the Bullet Club, but he hasn’t quite won the Club over, yet they can’t really deny him, either, because he’s now in the finals of the tournament. The big things in Sanada VS Davis were Sanada’s new look, and that he buries that piledriver. But similarly to Finlay, Sanada’s getting a push because of the big change in allegiance, and now they’re both in this great match for the finals that honestly could go either way.

Gedo as booker does love to push the guys he backs as a manager, but Finlay’s story could be more about controlling Bullet Club than getting the title. And Sanada has openly stated he sees Okada as a rival and Okada reciprocated, so revisiting that now, with Sanada and Okada both having changed ever so slightly, we could get an awesome match for the world title.

My Score: 9/10

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/18/23)

It’s lights out, but for who?

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Who rounds out the Final Four?

The New Japan Cup is getting closer to the end! Shota VS Finlay, Goto VS Tama, who will join Mark Davis and Sanada in the semifinals?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Oskar Leube & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Fujita win.
YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma VS Aaron Henare & Kyle Fletcher; Henare & Fletcher win.
Six Man Tag: Team Strong Style VS Bullet Club; Team Strong Style wins, by disqualification.
Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS The House of Torture; The United Empire wins.
8 Man Tag: Chaos VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Chaos wins.
New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Shota Umino VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances.
New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Hirooki Goto VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Shota Umino VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Roughneck took The Mighty’s Front Man to the limit and then won, but now he funs into Bullet Club’s newest leader. Will #SHOOTER be the one shot down? Or will another one bite the dust as Shota brings about a paradigm shift?

The two get face to face and start shoving. Red Shoes backs them off, the bell rings and the forearms start flying! Fans fire up as they go faster and faster, and Shota gets the edge! Shota fires off in the corner, but Finlay turns things around, only to miss! Shota fires off more, and even shoves his dad aside! Shota fires off knees and he CLUBS Finlay, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Finlay up. Finlay throws forearms in return, whips, but Shota reverses to ELBOW Finlay down! Shota keeps moving to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans fire up again while Finlay checks his chin.

Shota kicks at Finlay, stomps him, but Finlay eggs him on. Shota stomps, Finlay throws a body shot, but Shota just BOOTS Finlay into the corner! Finlay kicks back from below, and even SPITS at Shota! Shota doesn’t flinch, so Finlay steps to him. Shota DECKS Finlay, then digs his boots in! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Shota lets off at 4 and talks trash. Shota stomps Finlay, stands him up and CLUBS him! Finlay goes to ropes, Shota ROCKS him with another forearm. Fans rally, Shota ROCKS Finlay again, and then whips Finlay to ropes. Finlay reverses to TACKLE Shota to the apron! And then all the way into railing!

Gedo likes that as Finlay RAMS Shota in again! Finlay taunts Red Shoes, then throws hands on Shota. Finlay smacks Shota off the apron, follows him around the way, and claws at Shota’s face! Finlay ELBOWS Shota down, Red Shoes reprimands, but Finlay claims it was just the nose. Finlay stomps Shota around on the ramp, going after the limbs. The ring count starts and Finlay drags Shota up at 6 of 20 to put in at 8. Fans applaud and Finlay paces. Finlay stomps Shota down, gives him toying kicks, but Shota sits up with a frown. Finlay UPPERCUTS Shota in the back, but Shota doesn’t budge!

Finlay gets in Shota’s face, then DECKS him! Finlay stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! Shota goes to a corner, Finlay HEADBUTTS then stomps away! Red Shoes reprimands as Finlay digs a knee in. Red Shoes counts, Finlay lets off at 4 and talks more trash. Fans rally up as Finlay brings Shota out. Finlay taunts the fans, “This is your boy?” Shota stands to ROCK Finlay! Shota hits back! Finlay CLUBS Shota down! Shota writhes but Finlay covers, ONE! Finlay clamps onto Shota with a cobra clutch to grind him down. Fans rally and Shota endures. Finlay shakes his head and pulls harder on the hold, but Shota still endures.

Shota fights up, Finlay knees him low and then again, and again. Finlay whips, Shota reverses to scoop, TOSS and UPPERCUT! Fans fire up while Finlay sits up in a daze. Shota storms up on Finlay, whips him to a corner, then runs in to UPPERCUT! Shota FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect so Finlay escapes, but Shota keeps his cool. Shota kicks Finlay but Finlay gives a body shot. Shota kicks and kicks and CLUBS Finlay, then brings him up. Finlay fights the clinch with elbow after elbow after elbow! Finlay runs, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Finlay bails out!

Shota hurries out to the apron, Finlay stands and Shota CANNONBALLS onto him! Fans fire up with Shota again as he shakes the railing! Shota drags Finlay back up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally behind Shota. Shota aims, to slingshot DDT! Finlay writhes but Shota wants him to stand. Fans rally, but Finlay blocks the kick, and he spins Shota around, only to swing into Shota’s clinch. Finlay fights free, then he clinches back, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and the fans rally but Gedo argues the count. Red Shoes says that was a fair count, so Finlay drags Shota up.

Finlay makes Red Shoes watch as Finlay CROSSFACE FOREARMS Shota! And again! Gedo likes that so Finlay gives more CROSSFACE FOREARMS! Finlay then sits Shota up to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and the fans fire back up! Finlay argues the count but Red Shoes defends it was fair. Finlay kicks Shota around, waits on him to rise, and the fans rally. Shota stands, ducks the lariat, and EXPLODERS! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Red Shoes checks both guys and they slowly stir. They go forehead to forehead, and Shota throws a forearm! Finlay throws it back!

Finlay eggs Shota on, Shota ROCKS Finlay! Shota eggs Finlay on, so Finlay ROCKS Shota! Shota ROCKS Finlay again, so Finlay ROCKS Shota again! They go forearm for forearm, fans rally and the two stand. The forearms keep going, back and forth, faster and faster! Finlay UPPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Shota roars and UPPERCUTS in return! And again! Finlay rebounds into another UPPERCUT! Shota UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Fans fire up but Finlay throat chops! And throat chops again! Finlay fires off HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then he rains down fists!

Red Shoes reprimands, those are closed fists! Finlay lets off and claims palms but Red Shoes can tell. Fans rally for Red Shoes as he argues with Finlay. Finlay goes back to Shota, but Red Shoes has him stay back to check. Shota is still in this, but Finlay thinks he’s won by knockout. Shota grabs at Finlay’s foot, so Finlay gut wrenches to a Canadian rack! But Shota slips free to CROSS RHODES! Shota holds on, he drags Finlay up, CROSS RHODES! Shota drags Finlay up again, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but fans are thunderous behind Shota! Shota aims from a corner, runs in, but Finlay LARIATS!

Shota stands, but into a SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and Finlay is shocked! Finlay drags Shota up to gut wrench, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives again and the fans are thunderous! Finlay scowls at Red Shoes and argues the count, but the count is still fair. Fans rally behind Shota, but Finlay brings down the kneepad. Finlay slashes his throat and he drags Shota back up. Suplex to- NO, Shota cradles! TWO!! Finlay escapes, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Shota staggers to a corner and Finlay hoists him up top. Finlay climbs up after Shota, fires off forearms, then brings Shota up.

Shota throws body shots to stop the superplex! Finlay fires forearms and HEADBUTTS! Finlay brings Shota up again, but Shota SUPER GOURD BUSTERS first! Shota then hurries down and runs in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Shota roars and the fans are thunderous again! Shota picks Finlay up but Finlay fights free. Shota kicks low, underhooks, but Finlay powers him back. Shota sends Finlay into buckles! And then TORNADO DDTS! Roll through to the pick-up, SNAP BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Shota roars! Fans rally behind Shota and he aims from the corner again.

Gedo shouts at Finlay but the fans rally up. Finlay rises, Shota underhooks, but Finlay fights the lift! Finlay stomps the leg! And then HEADBUTTS Shota down! Gedo says Finlay’s got it! Suplex, but Shota fights free! ENZIGURI! Finlay rebounds, but swings into hooks! Finlay fights the backslide to backslide, but Shota rolls through! Finlay suplexes, Shota slips free, backslide and underhooks! Finlay spins Shota around, suplexes, TRASH PANDA!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

Another hard-fought battle, and The Rebel comes out on top! Finlay stands on Shota to add insult to injury, then he throws Shota out to just add more insult! Gedo makes the official announcement that Finlay won, and then he says what Finlay did to Shota will happen to everyone else! “Okada! Okada! Are you listening? The Rebel’s coming for you! The Rebel is taking the eff over everything! I need the Rebel, the Bullet Club needs the Rebel, and the world needs the Rebel!” Will Finlay be unstoppable until he has taken everything?

New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Hirooki Goto w/ Yoshi-Hashi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

The Fierce Warrior and the Good Bad Guy have both had their run-ins with the United Empire, and they both came out on top to make it this far. But there’s only one spot left in the semifinals, who is the final of the final four?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. Goto and Tama tie up, Goto powers Tama back, but Tama breaks free. They reset, tie up again, and Tama powers Goto back. Goto turns things around to put Tama on the ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break. Goto lets off with pats on the shoulder and fans applaud. Tama and Goto circle again, tie up, and Tama headlocks. Tama grinds the hold, but Goto powers out. They RAM shoulders, but Tama keeps moving. They RAM shoulders again, both men egg each other on, so Goto runs. Goto dodges the lariat to run Tama over! Fans fire up while Tama staggers up.

Goto whips Tama corner to corner, runs in but into an elbow! Tama runs in but into a hip toss! Tama avoids the elbow drop, headlocks, but Goto powers out, only for Tama to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! But now Goto avoids an elbow drop and fans fire up for the standoff! Goto and Tama circle again and fans rally back up. They tie up, Goto headlocks, and Goto grinds the hold. Tama powers up but Goto holds on tighter. Tama fights up, powers up again, but still can’t power out as Goto just holds tighter! Goto grinds the headlock more, but Tama fights up to throw body shots. Tama powers out this time, and things speed up.

Tama hurdles, but Goto counter a hip toss with a hip toss! Tama goes to ropes, Goto runs in, but Tama dumps Goto out to the apron! Tama swings but Goto counter punches! But then Tama GUN STUN STUN GUNS Goto down! Goto falls to the floor and Tama waits on the ring count. Goto stirs at 5 of 20, fans rally and Hashi coaches Goto up. Goto sits up at 12 of 20, but we past 15 before he stands! Goto slides in at 18! Fans applaud, but Tama drags Goto up to COHP! Tama whips, DROPKICKS and covers, TWO! Tama keeps cool as he looms over Goto. Tama brings Goto up, then CLUBS him in the chest again and again!

Fans rally while Tama paces around. Tama drags Goto back up, snap suplexes and covers, TWO! Tama clamps onto Goto with a chinlock and grinds him back down. Fans rally as Goto endures, but Tama brings Goto down to the mat. Goto kicks and flails, fights his way back up, and he throws body shots. Tama CLUBS Goto on the back, then ROCKS him with a forearm! And then another! Goto scowls but Tama eggs him on. Tama ROCKS Goto again, but Goto snarls. Tama fires off forearm after forearm! Tama then runs, but Goto blocks the boot! Goto throws the foot down but Tama ROCKS him with another forearm!

Goto blocks another boot, waistlocks, but Tama elbows free! Tama runs, Goto follows and LARIATS Tama down! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama crawls to a corner but Goto is right on him. Goto whips corner to corner and runs in to MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Tama survives, and Jado coaches him up. Goto brings Tama up but Tama fires body shots and low headbutts! Tama whips, Goto reverses and he runs Tama over! Fans fire up as Tama bails out, and Goto hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and both men go down at the railing! Fans fire up as both men stir.

The ring count starts but Goto is already up at 2 of 20. He drags Tama up at 5, but Tama is deadweight so Goto stomps him. The count passes 10, Goto drags Tama back up at 13. Goto puts Tama back in at 15 and fans applaud. Goto fires up and fans rally behind him. Goto climbs up a corner, but Tama ROCKS him first! Tama throws another forearm, but Goto hits back! Goto ELBOWS Tama in the head, but Tama throws body shots. Tama ROCKS Goto, climbs up and CLUBS Goto on the back. But Goto throws body shots and forearms! Tama and Goto fire off back and forth, and Tama gets the edge! Tama stands Goto up for the SUPERPLEX!

Fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes checks, both men stir, and the fans rally up again. Goto crawls to a corner but Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Goto hangs tough and the fans rally up. Tama drags himself up with the ropes, and he storms over to Goto. Tama stands Goto up but Goto throws a forearm! Tama throws a forearm right back! Goto drops to a knee, but he grits his teeth. Goto stands up to ROCK Tama with a forearm! Tama shakes that off to ROCK Goto right back! Goto ROCKS Tama! Tama ROCKS Goto! The forearms go back and forth again!

Fans fire up as Tama fires off a strike fest! Tama whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries and USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and Tama clutches his neck. Goto roars and fans fire up with him! Goto drags Tama up, dragon sleepers, but Tama throws hands from below! Goto blocks that, spins Tama around, but Tama fireman’s carries! SRC! Tama flounders but finds his way over to the corner! Tama goes up, for the SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Goto is still in this, but fans fire up with Tama! OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama watches Goto stir, and Tama pounds the mat. Fans clap along and build back up.

Goto rises, Tama runs in, GUN- NO, Goto blocks! Goto shoves, runs, Tama redirects but Goto follows! Tama dodges and runs, GUN- NO! Goto blocks, then deflects the boot! But Tama jumps, VELENO! Both men are down after the satellite DDT and the fans are thunderous! Tama rises first, the fans rally back up, and Tama takes aim from the corner. Goto flounders, rises, and Tama rushes in, GUN- NO, Goto puts him in the corner! DRAPING SHOUTO!! But Goto’s too tired to make the cover! Fans rally up again and Goto rises. Goto roars and Tama rises, BUZZSAW! Goto then drags Tama back up to fireman’s carry!

USHI- NO, Tama flips through! But Goto still blocks Gun Stun! Goto drags Tama back up, spins him around, but Tama SUPER FOREARMS! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives Tama’s shoutout to The Prince, but Tama roars! Tama drags Goto up, underhooks, but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches and HEADBUTTS! And then LARIATS!! Fans fire up as Tama goes flipping through the air! Goto roars and gathers all his strength! BUZZSAW!! And then another dragon sleeper! G T- NO!! Tama blocks to a backslide but Goto holds that off! Tama HEADBUTTS, and GUN STUNS!!! Cover, TAMA WINS!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

The NEVER Openweight Champion bests one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! The Fierce Warrior misses out on the final four, will he and Hashi simply regroup to focus on the tag titles for the Spring?

As for Tama, he shakes Goto’s hand to show respect, and the two hug it out. Goto raises Tama’s hand in victory, then lets him have the ring. Tama gets the mic to say, “HAMAMATSU~!” Fans cheer and Tama continues in Japanese,
“Really, thank you so much! Goto-san. That was amazing, thank you.” Fans cheer the respect shown, and Tama asks that everyone please keep supporting him! A short and sweet message from the Good Bad Guy, will he go all the way until he has his hands on the Cup?

My Thoughts:

Another really good night for the New Japan Cup, though not as shocking and wild as yesterday’s. Shota VS Finlay went about as expected in that Finlay goes over, but I am still impressed that Finlay is a Heel that doesn’t cheat to win. He didn’t need Gedo to do things for him here, Finlay just outdid Shota. And then we got a great main event where I was rather surprised that Tama won out. I thought Goto was going to go strong to the finals to put over the other side of the bracket. Instead, Tama gets a great win here and he’ll get to face Finlay next week, in a great rework of Tama taking on the Bullet Club.