Coverage
Joe’s CMLL Results & Review 1/20/2019
With CMLL having fun with New Japan, Joe lets us see what the proper CMLL shows deliver.
Rey Samuray, Millenium, and Astro vs El Perverso, Black Tiger, and Sombra Diabolika
Astro and Perverso start the match out with some grappling. Samuray comes in next with Black Tiger and they tie up a few times until Samuray hits a snapmare on Tiger to the outside. Sombra and Millenium are in next, and Millenium hits a hurricanrana on him to the outside, then everyone comes in to trade spots on each other. Samuray hits a hurricanrana off the ropes on Perverso for the pin. First Fall: Rey Samuray pins Perverso with a pinning hurricanrana.
Tiger and Astro start this round with Astro getting the jump on him, hitting a hurricanrana to the ramp then hitting a pose. Samuray and Perverso are in next and Samuray hits an arm drag to the outside, then does an asai moonsault into an arm drag. Perverso starts to strike Astro when he re-enters the ring. Tiger and Sombra then chop Millenium’s bare chest. They clothesline Astro on the ropes then start to team on Samuray. Black Tiger then submits Astro with a body stretch. Sombra gets Millenium in an arm stretch and submits him. Second Fall: Sombra Diabolika submits Millenium with an arm stretch.
They start the round beating on Millenium and Astro. Samuray tries his hand but suffers the same fate. They make a come back finally and Astro hits a springboard splash on Sombra, then Millenium hits a 450 on Black Tiger and Rey Samuray pins Perverso with a moonsault. Third Fall: Rey Samuray pins Perverso with a moonsault.
Winners: Rey Samuray, Millenium, and Astro
Halcon Suriano Jr, Robin, and Tigre Rojo Jr vs El Malayo, Toro Bill Jr, and Police Man
Police Man and Rojo Jr start out the match with some standing grappling which transitions to them on the ground exchanging counters. Suriano comes in next with Toro Bill and Halcon is really really small. They do some grappling on the ground. Toro Bill uses his size to his advantage. Robin gets in with Malayo but that doesn’t last long as they throw him to the ramp to team on Tigre Rojo. Police Man power bombs Halcon for the pin and Malayo submits Rojo with an arm stretch. First Fall: Malayo submits Tigre Rojo with an arm stretch.
Robin gets taken out early and then they team up on Halcon and Rojo. Robin comes back to try and save the day but he gets taken out again. Robin does facilitate the come back, slamming Malayo by his head then hitting a hurricanrana on Toro Bill. Halcon then hits one on Police Man. Rojo tricks Malayo to the outside then hits a spinning dive over the top rope. Suriano slams Police Man then Robin hits a swanton bomb for the pin. Suriano then catches Toro Bill in a flying arm bar for the fall. Second Fall: Halcon Suriano submits Toro Bill with a flying arm bar.
Rojo and Malayo start the round off and Rojo has the momentum advantage eventually drop kicking him to the outside then posing. Suriano hits a hurricanrana on Bill then avoids a double team attack by Police Man. Suriano then feigns a dive and hits a pose. Robin comes in next and he’s got the big momentum advantage as well. Robin hits a middle rope dive on Police Man through Suriano’s legs, then Suriano hits an asai moonsault. In the ring, Tigre Rojo then gets Malayo in a flying arm bar to win the match. Third Round: Tigre Rojo Jr submits El Malayo with a flying arm bar.
Winners: Halcon Suriano Jr, Robin, and Tigre Rojo Jr
Super Muneco, Super Pinocho, and Super Raton vs Rocky Santana, El Gallego, and Romano Garcia
This match starts out with a brawl. After some brawling Pinocho hits a middle rope dive on Gallego. Raton hits multiple back breakers on Rocky Santana and pins him. Muneco then gets Garcia in some odd arm twist for the fall. First Fall: Super Muneco submits Garcia with an arm twist.
This round starts out as a brawl again. Eventually this leads to Santana, Gallego, and Garcia teaming up on their opposition. They get Pinocho in a triple team submission then do the same to Raton. Second Fall: Super Raton is submitted by a triple submission.
They try to team on Pinocho to start, but he fights back using trickery. Then there is some posturing. Raton then gets the advantage on them by making them look like fools. It’s like the three stooges. Muneco and Raton get Santana and Garcia in a double submission on the mat and then in the center of the move Pinocho tries his best to hurricanrana Gallego but can’t roll over. When he finally does he gets it for the pin. Third Fall: Super Pinocho pins Gallego with a hurricanrana.
Winners: Super Muneco, Super Pinocho, and Super Raton
Niebla Roja, Stuka Jr, and Stigma vs Mephisto, Luciferno, and Ephesto
Luciferno and Roja brawl in the crowd during the introductions. The other guys are just posing as normal. Stigma and Ephesto start out in the ring and they posture a little before they tie up and grapple. They re-engage a few times and Stigma hits a hurricanrana on him to the outside bringing in Mephisto and Stuka. Stuka takes out Mephisto and then Ephesto takes Stuka out. Roja comes in hitting a cross body. Roja hits a hurricanrana into a pin on Luciferno but Luciferno reverses it for the fall. First Fall: Luciferno reverses Roja’s hurricanrana into a pin.
They team up on Stigma to start the round off. After they take out Stigma they move to Stuka and so on. They get the heat on these guys for like 5 minutes until Roja finally hits a hurricanrana on Luciferno and then hits a dive. Stuka hits a swinging neck breaker on Ephesto and Stigma gets Mephisto in a small package for the fall. Second Fall: Stigma pins Mephisto with a small package.
There’s some posturing to start this round off. Finally after a few minutes of posturing Stigma and Ephesto square off. Stigma takes out Mephisto and Ephesto and wants a piece of Luciferno but Luciferno doesn’t want any. So Roja comes in and Luciferno retreats up the stairs. Stuka takes out Mephisto and then hits a monkey flip on Ephesto. Stigma hits a middle rope dive on Ephesto. Finally Roja and Luciferno are in the ring. Luciferno hits a Styles clash and pins Roja for the win. I guess this will be a future feud. Third Fall: Luciferno pins Niebla Roja with a Styles Clash.
Luciferno post match challenges Niebla Roja for his championship. Roja raises the steaks saying mask vs hair.
Winners: Mephisto, Luciferno, and Ephesto
Rush, Villano IV, and Vangellys vs El Valiente, Euforia, and Kraneo
Match starts with a brawl during Euforia’s entrance, which was also the last one. Rush goes for Euforia’s mask and Kraneo and Valiente get taken out, so this causes them to team on Euforia. They drop Mije on top of Kraneo while he’s down. They beat on the other guys until Vangellys hits Valiente with a spear and Villano IV gets Valiente in a single leg crab for the fall. First Fall: Villano IV submits Valiente with a single leg boston crab.
This round begins with them teaming on Euforia some more. They all hit drop kicks on Euforia then Rush goes for his mask again. Rush is now beating on Valiente and Valiente hits a hurricanrana on Vangellys to make a come back but Rush stops it immediately by kicking him. Euforia makes a come back hitting clotheslines on everyone. When Rush gets up Euforia kicks him in the groin as pay back for all the times Rush does it. Second Fall: Rush wins via DQ.
Euforia wants a one on one match with Rush. Euforia beats up Rush in the crowd area.
Winners: Rush, Villano IV, and Vangellys
Arena Mexico Tuesday
Aereo and Acero vs Pequeno Nitro and Pequeno Violencia
Acero starts off with Nitro and they engage on the ground and trade pinning combinations to start. They re-engage a few times until Aereo and Violencia come in. They tie up and then start to grapple as well. Aereo hits a hurricanrana on him which leads to Nitro hitting a cross body on Aereo. Acero comes back in hitting a hurricanrana on Nitro. Violencia and Nitro team up on Acero to gain the advantage. Nitro hits a back stabber on Aereo for the pin. Violencia hits a slam and senton on Acero for the fall. First Fall: Violencia pins Acero with a senton splash.
Nitro and Aereo start and Aereo goes for an arm drag but Nitro throws him on his face. Acero gets greeted by a double team when he comes in. When they take out Acero, Aereo comes back in to try and fight them off. Finally a come back gets made when Nitro falls out of the ring. Aereo hits a flying elbow smash off the top on Violencia for the pin. Acero then gets Nitro is a body stretch. Second Fall: Acero submits Nitro with a body stretch.
Aereo starts out hot in this round disposing of Nitro rather quickly. Acero comes in next with Violencia and Acero gets the advantage on him but Nitro comes in to stop his momentum. Acero eventually gets Nitro on his shoulders and Aereo hits a drop kick off the top for a pin. Acero hits a lionsault on Violencia for the win. Third Fall: Acero pins Violencia with a lionsault.
Winners: Aereo and Acero
Star Jr, Oro Jr, and Retro vs Nitro, Metalico, and Sangre Azteca
Oro starts with Azteca and right when they engage Metalico attacks Oro from behind. As they are grappling and engaging every time Oro has the advantage Metalico interferes. Retro comes in and slaps Azteca’s chest until Metalico comes in. Right when he does Oro wants a piece of him. Metalico gets the advantage continuously clotheslining him. Finally Star comes in with Nitro and they go at it doing acrobatic spots. Oro and Metalico find their way back in the ring and Oro submits Metalico with a head scissors. Retro gets in with Azteca and catches him in an abdominal stretch. First Fall: Retro submits Azteca with an abdominal stretch.
There’s a bit of posturing to start the second round off. Oro and Azteca finally start going at it then they go to the outside to fight and this leads to Star coming in and taking out Metalico and then taking out Nitro. Retro enters with a returning Azteca and it doesn’t last long as Metalico is back in. Retro goes for an inverted bear hug but it gets broken up. Azteca gets Retro in a camel clutch and Nitro hits him with a drop kick. Then Nitro holds him and Azteca hits a double stomp to the inner thighs for the pin. It really looked like the groin. Then they get Oro in the ring and Nitro hits an elbow drop from the top to the inner thigh, or groin and Metalico pins him. Second Fall: Metalico pins Oro Jr after Nitro hit an elbow drop to the inner thigh.
Oro gets laid out on the ramp in between rounds and Retro gets thrown into the ring to get teamed on. They do the typical triple teaming, going from wrestler to wrestler to isolate each. Oro tries to make a come back hitting an elbow on Metalico and a moonsault on Nitro but foolishly goes for the pin and gets stomped out. Star almost pins Metalico with a cross body but it gets stopped. Retro goes for a cross body and Azteca drop kicks him for the pin. Star goes for a head scissors but Nitro slams him into a leg lock for the win. Then once the match is over Metalico steals Star’s mask. Third Fall: Nitro defeats Star with a leg lock.
Winners: Nitro, Metalico, and Sangre Azteca
Drone, Pegasso, and Stigma vs Misterioso (Disturbio), Kawato San, Universo 2000 Jr
Unless my eyes deceived me when writing down the line up, Distrubio is replacing Misterioso. Stigma starts out locking up with Disturbio. They do some acrobatic grappling to start. Pegasso and Kawato are in next and they trade holds and submissions. After them Drone and Universo make their ways into the match for the first time. Drone hits an arm drag and gets the better of Universo in another exchange. Universo whips him to his corner and Drone gets stomped out. Drone then whips Universo to his own corner and then Universo gets stomped out. Stigma is in there getting teamed on and goes for a sunset flip on Universo but Universo counters with knees to the face for the pin. Disturbio then hits knees to the face on Drone in the corner for the fall. First Fall: Disturbio pins Drone with knees to the face.
They start this round teaming on Drone and then taking out Pegasso when he tries to help. Afterwards they work over Stigma. Pegasso re-enters but Kawato hits him with a big drop kick bringing Drone back in who just gets stomped out. Drone then avoids a double team attack and hits a middle rope dive on Universo. Pegasso hits a cross body on Kawato and then gets a school boy for the pin. Distrubio gets placed on the top rope and Stigma hits a jaw breaker on him for the fall. Second Fall: Stigma pins Disturbio with a jaw breaker.
Kawato and Pegasso start this round out exchanging strikes. Pegasso wins that battle which brings in Drone and Universo. Drones rolls out of a sunset flip and kicks him. Then hits a drop kick on him taking him out. Disturbio tries a monkey flip on Stigma but he lands on his feet. Stigma then counters Disturbio’s attacks hitting an arm drag to take him to the outside. Universo gets Pegasso in a half crab but Drone breaks it up with an enziguri. Stigma then hits a hurricanrana off the apron on Universo. In the ring Drone hits a lionsault on Kawato for the pin. Drone then slams Universo and then Pegasso hits a 450 for the win. Third Fall: Pegasso pins Universo with a 450 splash.
Winners: Drone, Pegasso, and Stigma
(Match Relampago) El Sagrado vs Tiger
They start out this lightning match doing some standing grappling. They bring their grappling to the ground finally. Tiger clotheslines him and then he rolls out of the ring causing Tiger to hit a rotating dive to the outside. They go back into the ring and then find themselves back on the floor. Sagrado rolls out of an attack and then hits a power slam on the floor. When they get back into the ring Sagrado continues to get the heat on Tiger. Tiger hits a pop up power bomb finally, then goes for a hurricanrana but it’s counter into a power bomb. Tiger tries to roll into a submission combination but Sagrado counters. Sagrado then gets Tiger in a pinning combination and wins. El Sagrado pins Tiger with a pinning combination.
Winner: El Sagrado
Blue Panther, Black Panther, and Blue Panther Jr vs Luciferno (El Coyote), Polvora, and El Felino
Coyote is replacing Luciferno in this match. Panther Sr starts out with the aforementioned Coyote. They start with some grappling until Panther Jr and Polvora come in. They trade spots and counter each other some. Felino and Black Panther are in shortly after. Panther quickly and slickly gets Felino in a pinning combination for a surprise first fall. Felino’s teamed look stunned. Nice flash finish. First Fall: Black Panther pins Felino with a pinning combination.
They start this round beating on Blue Panther Sr. When Jr tries to save him they gang up on him. They take out Sr and continue to work on Jr. Felino gets Black Panther in a stretch submission and he taps. Polvora hits Jr with a sit out face buster and Felino steals the pin. Polvora is upset and confused by this. Second Fall: Felino pins Blue Panther Jr after Polvora hit a sit out face buster.
They start the round teaming on Blue Panther. The midge that goes to the ring with Felino did a few moves on him. Black Panther makes a come back, feigning a dive then diving on Felino. Panther Jr continues the momentum hitting multiple back breakers. Sr and Jr go to pin the downed opponents and the ref takes long to get into position and this causes Panther Sr to complain to the ref. Black Panther hit a hurricanrana on Felino to the outside and hit another middle rope dive. Polvora and Coyote work on Sr in the corner but when Coyote comes out Panther Jr hits a victory roll for the pin. Panther Sr collides with Polvora and then Jr hits a double leg take down into a stretch submission for the win. Third Fall: Blue Panther Jr submits Polvora with a stretch submission.
Winners: Blue Panther, Black Panther, and Blue Panther Jr
Niebla Roja, Kraneo, and Volcano vs Shocker (Luciferno), Mephisto, and Rey Bucanero
Well there’s Luciferno. Replacing Shocker. Volcano starts out with Luciferno and Luciferno tries to knock over Volcano by running into him but he can’t. Volcano hits a few arm drags then feigns a dive. Bucanero is in his bullet club shirt so I guess since there’s the Fantastica Mania tour he’s reminding people he’s kind of in there. Kraneo gets in with Bucanero and Bucanero tries and fails to slam Kraneo. Mephisto gets in with Kraneo and tries to work him over but Kraneo hits him with a splash. Mephisto rolls to the outside and Roja hits a dive on him. Kraneo throws Mije on top of Luciferno. Then Volcano hits a handspring splash on Bucanero and Kraneo hits a leg drop on Luciferno for the fall. First Fall: Kraneo pins Luciferno with a leg drop.
Roja chases Luciferno up the ramp to start this round. Bucanero and Mephisto met Luciferno and they regroup on the ramp. There’s a ton of posturing nobody wants to get in there with Kraneo. So Volcano comes in and he gets the advantage on Luciferno. Volcano tries to do a bounce off the ropes double arm drag but slips and fails and then gets stomped out. Bucanero ends up in the crowd after Volcano fights back and sits on a girls lap and talks to her. Roja gets in there with Mephisto and they exchange strikes. This has been a pretty sloppy match. They team on Roja to get him out of there as he got the leg up on Mephisto. Volcano and Kraneo sandwich Bucanero and Luciferno, then hit running attacks in the corner. They go to do a double team move on Mephisto but he moves and they collide. Mephisto launches Roja in the air and then kicks him in the groin. He goes for the pin but the ref pulls him off and declares Roja the winner. He couldn’t have possibly thought he’d get away with that. Second Fall: Niebla Roja wins via DQ from Mephisto
I believe Roja has challenged Mephisto to a one on one match come Tuesday. He challenges him mask vs hair. I’m pretty sure that won’t happen. Bucanero knows all about losing to Niebla Roja in Apuesta matches. They start to answer him, then corner Roja and stomp him out.
Winners: Niebla Roja, Kraneo, and Volcano
Arena Mexico Friday
Magnus, Arkalis, and Astral vs Akuma, Espanto Jr, and Metalico
Magnus starts with Metalico and they do some grappling to begin. Metalico complains some to the ref during the exchanges. Arkalis gets in with Metalico and drop kicks him to the outside. Espanto gets in and runs over Arkalis a few times, then drop kicks him off the apron. Astral uses his speed to hit a hurricanrana on Espanto. Akuma comes in and takes out Astral, which brings Magnus in to take out Akuma. Magnus and Metalico trade acrobatic spots until Metalico hits a DDT. Astral re-enters and Akuma hits a code breaker into a german suplex by Espanto for the pin. Arkalis comes in and gets thrown in the air and kicked by Akuma. Metalico then submits him with a stretch. First Fall: Metalico submits Arkalis with a stretch.
They team up on Magnus to start this round. Arkalis comes in to try his hand and Espanto pulls his mask. They continue their team up attack on Astral. They make a come back, Astral hits a hurricanrana on Akuma on the ramp. Arkalis hits a hurricanrana on Espanto then pins him with a blue thunder bomb. Magnus then hits knees to the corner on Metalico for the fall. Second Fall: Magnus pins Metalico with knees to the corner.
Astral and Metalico go back and forth to start. Astral gets him to the outside then poses. Arkalis and Espanto go back and forth until Arkalis hits a drop kick off the top. Akuma and Magnus botch a spot which Akuma immediately is upset by. Arkalis goes for a hurricanrana on Metalico but it’s reversed into a power bomb in which he bumps weirdly for. Astral gets hung up in the barricade and Akuma hits a drop kick off the apron. Metalico hit a DDT on Magnus and Espanto hit a splash off the top for the win. Third Fall: Espanto pins Magnus with a splash off the top.
Winners: Akuma, Espanto Jr, and Metalico
Marcela, Princesa Sugehit, and La Jarochita vs Dalys, Amapola, and La Metalica
Jarochita starts grappling with Metalica. Sugehit is in next with Amapola and Amapola tries to use her size but Sugehit uses her speed to counter. Dalys gets in with Marcela and they stare each other down. They go back and forth with attacks and strikes. Marcela hits a hurricanrana off the top then a back breaker. Chaos breaks out and Sugehit gets Dalys in a submission, and Marcela gets Amapola in a submission and Jarochita submits Metalica all at once. First Fall: Sugehit lead a triple submission for the fall.
Round starts with Jarochita and Metalica. They go back and forth for a bit until Jarochita knocks her off the apron. Marcela comes in and Dalys and Amapola team up on her. They hold Jarochita in the ropes and drop kick her. Marcela gets held down and Metalica hits a swanton bomb for the pin. Sugehit was a split second late to make the save. Second Fall: Metalica pins Marcela with a swanton bomb,
The rudos start this round continuing to team up on Sugehit, then Marcela. Taking out Jarochita whenever she interferes. Sugehit dodges an attack leading to a Marcela drop kick on Dalys. Sugehit and Marcela go for a double suplex on Dalys but Dalys reverses them. Dalys rolls to the outside and Sugehit hits a flip dive off the apron on her. In the ring Metalica goes for a power bomb on Jarochita but Jarochita reverses it into a pin. Marcela then hit a michinoku driver on Amapola for the win. Third Fall: Marcela pins Amapola with a Michinoku driver.
Winners: Marcela, Princesa Sugehit, and La Jarochita
Guerrero Maya, Esfinge, and Rey Cometa vs Dragon Rojo, Polvora, and Virus
Esfinge starts with Rojo and they lock up and start to fight for position. Esfinge hits a hurricanrana to the outside then feigns a dive. Maya comes in next with Virus and they start to trade holds fighting for position. Polvora is in next and Rey Cometa great him with a cross body splash. Cometa fast gets teamed on, however. Cometa then gets Polvora in his corner and then they beat on Polvora. Everybody gets in the ring and they fight until Roja gets Esfinge in a neck stretch submission and Virus gets Cometa in a leg arm stretch. First Fall: Virus submits Cometa with a leg arm stretch.
We start this round with Virus working over Esfinge. Esfinge gets teamed on and stomped out of the ring. Next on the menu is to team Cometa. Polvora hits Cometa with a very close to a groin shot drop kick in the corner. Maya baits Polvora on the outside and then Cometa hits him with a hurricanrana. Esfinge slams Rojo and Cometa hits a 450 on him for the pin. Esfinge hits a springboard frog splash on Polvora. Second Fall: Esfinge pins Polvora with a springboard frog splash.
Esfinge and Rojo start the third round posturing to the crowd. Esfinge starts out hot, making Rojo and Polvora miss their double team attacks. He hits a 619 on Rojo then a hurricanrana on Polvora to the outside. Maya comes in and hits a cross body on Virus followed by an arm drag. Cometa uses his acrobatics to his advantage but Rojo eventually catches him. Everyone trades spots with each other until Maya hits a dive on Virus. Something must have went wrong because they quickly switched camera angles. Esfinge then hits a moonsault on Rojo then Cometa hits a step up tornado dive on Polvora. In the ring Maya hits a neck breaker on Virus for the win. Third Fall: Guerrero Maya pins Virus with a neck breaker.
Winners: Guerrero Maya, Esfinge, and Rey Cometa
Kraneo, Volcano, and Stuka vs Shocker (Vangellys), Rey Bucanero, and Hechicero
No Shocker here. Bucanero and Stuka started the match but weren’t even in there for a minute so Volcano and Hechicero make their way in. Hechicero starts to work over Volcano’s lower half. Volcano gets offense in hitting a few back breakers. Kraneo and Vangellys come in now. Kraneo hits an elbow drop and Bucanero comes in to take him on but gets caught with a leg drop. Mije dives on Hechicero then Vangellys attacks Kraneo and works on Volcano. Hechicero beats on Volcano on the outside now. Stuka hits a hurricanrana on Bucanero to the outside and then he hit a middle rope dive. Volcano and Kraneo sandwich Vangellys and Hechicero. Kraneo and Volcano hit middle rope splashes on Hechicero and Vangellys respectively for the fall. First Fall: Kraneo and Volcano hit middle rope splashes on Hechicero and Vangellys.
This round starts with Stuka monkey flipping Bucanero. Volcano fights off a double team of Bucanero and Hechicero and then Volcano drop kicks Vangellys to the outside. Stuka and Hechicero get in and exchange attacks. Vangellys and Volcano go to the outside and Volcano hits a back breaker on him. Hechicero drop kicks Kraneo into a sunset flip by Bucanero for the pin. But Stuka hits a splash on Hechicero for the pin. Stuka goes for a splash on Bucanero but Bucanero gets up and pulls his mask off. Second Fall: Stuka wins by mask removal by Bucanero.
Winners: Kraneo, Volcano, and Stuka
Gilbert El Boricua, Mephisto, and Ephesto vs Diamante Azul, El Valiente, and Niebla Roja
Valiente starts out with Ephesto and they trade submissions to start. Roja is in nest with Mephisto and Roja is working fast hitting a few drop kicks on Mephisto. Gilbert and Azul square off chest to chest. Azul hits a big judo toss. Crowd went crazy over that sequence. Gilbert leaves the ring and Azul chases but he gets jumped by Ephesto and Mephisto. This causes a brawl. Ephesto hits a shoulder breaker on Roja for the pin. Mephisto hits a face buster on Valiente for the fall. First Fall: Mephisto pins Valiente with a face buster.
This round starts with everybody brawling on the outside of the ring. After the brawling Roja gets teamed on. Once they’re done with him they move to Valiente. Azul comes in to square off with Gilbert but they end up jumping him. Azul makes a come back and slaps Gilbert then clotheslines the other two. After that he hits a middle rope dive on Gilbert. Roja gets Ephesto in a pinning combination and then Valiente pins Mephisto with a lung blower. Second Fall: Valiente pins Mephisto with a lung blower.
Valiente and Mephisto start the round going back and forth but Valiente ends up having the advantage. Roja comes in with Mephisto and Roja throws him in the air and kicks him in the gut. Gilbert comes in and runs over Roja. Roja fights back getting him to the outside then faking a dive. Azul avoids a double team attack and hits a big arm drag hip toss on Mephisto. Valiente dodges Mephisto’s attack leading to him falling out of the ring. Roja then hits a dive on Ephesto and Valiente hits a middle rope dive on Mephisto. Azul catches Gilbert with a german suplex to win. Crowd was into this match. Third Fall: Diamante Azul pins Gilbert with a german suplex.
Winners: Diamante Azul, El Valiente, and Niebla Roja
Rush vs Euforia
Rush attacks Euforia on the ramp during his entrance. Rush poses then Euforia capitalizes. Euforia throws him into the barricade. In the ring Euforia hits a hurricanrana on Rush and then hits a middle rope dive. When they get back in the ring Rush gets Euforia down in the corner and hits a running drop kick for the fall. First Fall: Rush pins Euforia with a corner drop kick.
Rush steals the ring girls card and hits Euforia with it while the ref isn’t looking. Rush beats on him in the crowd then poses on top of the announce table. He then throws a beer at Euforia. Be warned those in the front row. Rush starts to tear at his mask now. Rush rips his mask off. Well there’s that. Second Fall: Rush rips Euforia’s mask off for the DQ.
Euforia goes to the back to get a new mask. Euforia has his green mask. He was in his blue colored gear. Euforia fires up a come back clotheslining Rush. Bringing him into the crowd area and throwing him into the announcing area. Euforia then throws a beer at Rush. Rush dodges Euforia’s corner attack bringing him to the outside then Rush performs the rare over the top rope dive. He grabs a fans beer and pours it on himself then flips his hair. In the ring Rush hits a belly to belly for a two count. Euforia counters Rush and hits a power slam for a two count. Rush rolls to the outside and Euforia then hits a middle rope dive. Back in the ring Euforia goes to the top and Rush meets him hitting a superplex. Rush places Euforia on the top rope and goes for a hurricanrana but Euforia reverses it into a power bomb. Rush kicks out and then gets Euforia in the corner for knees to the corner. Euforia kicks out. Euforia hits a lash ride power bomb for a two count. Rush then gets Euforia in a Jay driller for the win. Third Fall: Rush defeats Euforia with a Jay Driller.
They’re taking Euforia out on a stretcher. Rush comes back out and attacks Euforia on the stretcher.
Winner: Rush
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Four championships on one Friday night!
AEW Rampage hosts FOUR (non AEW) championship matches on one night! Will the champions make it through with their titles?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico; Vikingo wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura; Willow wins and retains the title.
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty; Shibata wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico w/ Jose!
Two of these men teamed up just last night on ROH to win a Six Man Tag, but now they are opponents for the top title in AAA Lucha Libre. Meanwhile, La Faccion Ingobernable’s Prince of Silver and Gold is hungry for gold, will he take it away from Vikingo?
The bell rings and the three circle. Fans rally up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and “LUCHA LIBRE!” Dralistico swings, Vikingo dodges, but then Komander ducks Vikingo’s kick! Dralistico picks Vikingo up, throws him at Komander, but Komander throws Vikingo back. Vikingo wheelbarrows and arm-drags Dralistico but handsprings through. Vikingo dodges Komander now, shoves him to ropes, but Komander springboards! Vikingo gets under the crossbody, Komander tumbles and rolls but Dralistico jumps over, and then Vikingo jumps over Dralistico. Komander jumps over Vikingo, Dralistico jumps over Komander again, and they cycle continues!
Fans fire up for jump after jump, and then the three stand off. Dralistico raises the LFI fist and the three circle. Dralistico shoves the other two to then DOUBLE SHOTGUN! They bail out, Dralistico runs to FLY! Dralistico wipes both men out and fans fire up! Dralistico RAMS Komander into steel steps, and then he runs and RAMS Vikingo into railing! Fans cheer, Jose pats Dralistico on the shoulder and Dralistico goes back to BOOT Komander down. Dralistico puts Komander in, aims and springboards, to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Dralistico wants a faster count but the ref says his count was fair.
Dralistico stomps Komander but fans taunt him. Dralistico bails out, tells the fans he’s done with them, but then they boo. Dralistico goes back to the ring, brings Komander up and tells everyone to hush. Dralistico CHOPS and Komander sits right down! Fans cheer as Dralistico says one more time, and he CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips Komander. Komander reverses, runs in but is put on the apron. Dralistico swings, Komander blocks, and then Komander CHOPS! Komander slingshots up but Dralistico trips him! Dralistico ROCKS Komander, puts him in the ropes, and then goes up the corner.
Fans fire up as Dralistico WOE STOMPS Komander to the apron!! Fans fire up but then Vikingo gets in to go up and up and AIRHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Dralistico and the fans are thunderous! Vikingo gets Dralistico and Komander in the ring, and then runs in at the corner. Dralistico stands up into the GAMANGIRI! Vikingo goes up the corner, to IMPLODER DRAGON RANA!! Fans fire up as Vikingo keeps Dralistico in the ring to then go up the ropes, OUTSIDE-IN PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Komander breaks it! Fans fire up as this continues, they love “LUCHA! LUCHA!”
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Dralistico, Komander adds a knee, and they double whip corner to corner. Vikingo sends Komander in but Dralistico TOSSES him out! Vikingo and Dralistico step up face to face, and Vikingo CHOPS! Dralistico CHOPS! Vikingo CHOPS again! Dralistico drops to a knee, and fans rally up. Vikingo throws forearms but Dralistico gives them back. Dralistico then SOBATS, KNEES, and runs, but into a SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, TWO! Dralistico survives and Vikingo is a bit surprised. Fans continue to rally as Vikingo sees Komander on the apron. Vikingo storms up to throw forearms on Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Komander down to the floor, then he fires forearms on Dralistico. Vikingo gets the fans fired up as he whips corner to corner. Dralistico reverses, runs in, but Vikingo puts him on the apron. Dralistico bumps Viking off buckles, ROUNDHOUSES him, then springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Vikingo is still in this and Jose is upset. Dralistico drags Vikingo up, pushes him to ropes, then goes out to look under the ring. He brings out a TABLE! Jose helps Dralistico set that up at ringside, then Dralistico goes to fetch Vikingo. Komander is there but Dralistico ROCKS him and RAMS him into railing.
Dralistico CHOKES Vikingo against the railing, Rampage returns to single picture, and Dralistico puts Vikingo in the ring. Fans rally up, Dralistico runs to SUPERKICK Komander in the corner! Dralistico tranquilos on the top rope and fans are torn. Dralistico runs side to side again but Komander avoids the boot wash to GAMANGIRI! Komander springboards and double jumps, FLYING RANA!! Not the cleanest but fans fire up. Vikingo returns, Komander goes Matrix to then arm-drag Vikingo around! And dropkick! Fans fire up again as Vikingo brawls with Dralistico on the outside, and Komander climbs the far corner!
Komander tightrope walks to double jump MOONSAULT! “This is Awesome!” as Komander puts Dralistico in the ring. Komander goes up the corner again, tightrope walks again, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Vikingo DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! Fans fire up as Dralistico flops out onto the table. Vikingo whips Komander, Komander reverses, but Vikingo goes up and Komander hits buckles! Vikingo then springboards to FLYING POISON-RANA Komander down!! Vikingo puts Komander out on the table with Dralistico, and then runs the ropes! Fans fire up as Vikingo goes up and 630 SENTONS through the senton!!
“This is Awesome!” but Dralistico avoided disaster! Dralistico puts Vikingo in, slashes his throat, POWER- RANA!! Cover, VIKINGO WINS!!
Winner: El Hijo del Vikingo, by pinfall (still AAA Mega Champion)
Dralistico is furious that victory was snatched away from him in an instant! But this is why you cannot underestimate El Hijo del Vikingo! Will his AAA Mega reign continue through the summer?
Backstage interview with Team Triple J.
Lexi Nair is with Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, “and the talk all week has been that you, Sonjay Dutt, and your group will be suspended.” WHAT?! Fined? Suspended? The only ones who should be facing that is AEW itself! They backed Triple J into a corner and they came out swinging like any real fighters would! Lethal feels that there should be consequences for Aubrey Edwards! She’s been against Triple J since the dawn of time! Something needs to be done about her! Jeff adds that there’s been enough talk these past five days. Should the heat go on the promotion? Should the heat go on Briscoe? On Aubrey?
The reality of the fact is, these five people are walking, talking, fire-breathing heat! But wait, here comes Mark Briscoe! He wants everyone to simmer down. There will be no suspensions, he assures us that. Mark talked with Tony Khan, Tony promised them there would be no suspensions. Because if Triple J is suspended, then they can’t be here. Because if they aren’t here, then they can’t get the ass whooping they deserve! Lethal wants Mark to hold on but Mark tells Lethal to shut up! We ain’t talking about Lethal! We’re talking about Jeff and KAREN! What?! “We?” Who is “we?!” AUBREY EDWARDS!!
Triple J cannot believe this. Aubrey wants Karen? Then there’s nothing but air and opportunity between them. So then Aubrey CHOKES Karen!! Karen and Aubrey start scrapping and Triple J, other refs and security rush in to stop this! When and where will Double J & the one true Karen have to face off with the Sussex County Chicken and one pissed off zebra?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti!
Speaking of just last night on ROH, the Frontman of TMDK just defended this belt against Rocky Romero to prove a point to “Samoan Joseph” about who is the better, harder working Television Champion. And here he is again as part of this championship edition of Rampage! Will the ZSJ Show continue on into the summer block? Or will NJPW have some #LightsCameraAction?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Action gets his 15 minutes of fame!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, fans rally, feel things out, and ZSJ shoots in to waistlock and full nelson. Then he spins Action to a cravat, but Action pries at the hold. ZSJ facelocks now, Action wrenches out of that but ZSJ rolls and slips away. Fans cheer this opening exchange and the two reset. Action shoots in but ZSJ avoids him. They tie up with knuckle locks, ZSJ bridges back and wrenches around to then wrangle Action with a top wristlock. Fans cheer and ZSJ digs a knee into the shoulder. Action rolls, cartwheels, arm-drags, but fans cheer as ZSJ holds onto the wrist!
ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the fingers, drags Action up and wrenches the arm to wrangle him again. Action keeps his shoulders up, fans rally, and Action kips up to wrench and MONKEY FLIP! But ZSJ still holds onto the wrist! Fans rally, ZSJ bends the fingers and he tortures Action’s arm. Action fights up but ZSJ keeps after the fingers. ZSJ flexes but Action stands. Action spins, flips and arm-drags free! Action then CHOPS ZSJ, then knuckle locks to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! ZSJ flounders up, Action DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Action runs to IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!
ZSJ is still in this but he goes to a corner. Action runs in, but ZSJ dodges. Action goes up, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! ZSJ bails out, fans fire up and Action builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Fans are fired up with Action and he brings ZSJ back up. Action puts ZSJ in, slingshots, but ZSJ shoves him! Action lands safe but swings into body scissors, which ZSJ makes into a HANGING TRIANGLE! ZSJ did this to Rocky last night! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go at 4 and he drags Action back in, to WRING the arm out! Fans sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” as he stalks Action. ZSJ sits on the arm, hammerlocks it, and TWISTS!
Action writhes while fans are torn over the savagery. ZSJ gets Action’s leg, steps over to get the arm, and he STOMPS the arm! “OI! TV Tekkers, mates!” ZSJ stalks Action to a corner, brings him up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! “This is Awesome!” and ZSJ knuckle locks to wrench Action. Action endures as ZSJ twists the wrist more, and then ZSJ KICKS a leg. Action stays up so ZSJ wrenches and twists the wrist. Action throws body shots and CHOPS! ZSJ jumps on to drag Action down to a DISARMER! Action endures, reaches out, and fans rally. Action kicks around, ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Action gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but he storms up to drag Action up. ZSJ has a double wristlock but Action endures. Fans rally, ZSJ jumps on to body scissor! Action stays up but ZSJ keeps on that arm. Action throws body shots, then suplexes high and HARD! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Action roars, runs, springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and fans rally up again. Action brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the torture rack to wrench and PELE the arm! And then he drop toeholds Action so he can STOMP the arm again! Fans are torn while Action clutches the bad shoulder.
ZSJ drags Action up, but Action blocks the Pele to ENZIGURI! Action puts ZSJ up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. But ZSJ gets the bad arm to twist it! And YANK it! Action throws body shots, forearms, but ZSJ DECKS Action! ZSJ eggs on the fans, the fans cheer, and Action kips up! PELE!! Action runs corner to corner and jumps up to SUPER STEINER!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Action can’t believe it! Action drags ZSJ up, torture racks, but ZSJ has a SLEEPER! Action sputters, he starts fading! But Action powers up! ZSJ lets go, slips free, but Action drops to victory roll! TWO!!!
ZSJ KICKS Action in the leg! And then KICKS him in the arm! ZSJ is mad now, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Action goes up, POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flops around, Action runs in again, “This is Awesome!” as Action SHOTGUNS ZSJ down! ZSJ is in the drop zone, Action goes up, SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again but Action goes right to the apron. Action springboards, but flies into a TAKEDOWN! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!! Action flails around, but ZSJ gets the other arm! Modified Rings of Saturn, into JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Action verbally quits, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World TV Champion)
Action’s 15 minutes of fame were really just over 10 minutes as The Frontman does it again! But now he moves on to defend this title at NJPW Dominion on Sunday against Jeff Cobb in a highly anticipated rematch. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will ZSJ get crushed by the Imperial Unit?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura!
The Babe with the Power, too sweet to be sour, is the very-first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion after a powerful run at Resurgence. But will Willow make it through her first defense? Or will the Queen of Joshi take Willow’s throne already?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we witness a historic first defense!
The bell rings and the two RAM each other! Fans rally up as Emi and Willow RAM shoulders again! And again! Emi eggs Willow on so she says okay! Willow runs, RAMS Emi, but Emi roars! Emi runs, Willow follows and runs Emi over! Fans fire up and Willow waves. Willow brings Emi up to snap suplex! Willow runs up to CHOP Emi in the corner, then follows her along the ropes. Willow CHOPS Emi in the other corner and fans rally up. Willow puts Emi in the third corner, CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up but Emi avoids the big chop. Emi runs in but Willow goes out to the apron.
Emi stops from hitting buckles, but Willow still counter punches her! Willow then brings Emi up, and fans fire up as they go up the ropes! Emi fights the suplex, tries to suplex Willow, but Willow fights to try again. But Emi rakes the eyes! Emi runs to BODY CHECK Willow off the apron! Emi goes out, signals to media to move, and laughs before she TOSSES Willow at railing! Fans rally as Emi runs in to SPLASH Willow against the railing! The ring count climbs as Emi drags Willow up and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Emi puts Willow in the ring, taunts the fans a bit, soaks up some heat, and then takes her time going up the steel steps. Willow sits up, Emi steps in, but Willow throws body shots! Emi CHOPS Willow, Willow goes to ropes, and Emi CHOPS her again! Willow goes to a corner, Emi soaks up the heat, and she storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! Emi swaggers around, storms back up, but Willow CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Willow CHOPS again! Willow falls, Emi hurries to sit her up into a DRAGON SLEEPER! Willow endures, fights around, but Emi cranks the hold!
Fans rally, Willow fights but Emi pushes her to a cover, TWO! Willow is free of the hold, but Emi CHOPS her! And CHOPS her again! Willow eggs Emi on but Emi pokes her in the eye! The ref reprimands but Emi just grins. Emi brings Willow up to HEADBUTT! Willow staggers but she throws body shots. Emi eggs Willow on and SLAPS her! Emi brings Willow around to reel her in and hook the arms. But Willow fights with body shots! Willow fires off but Emi CLUBS her down as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Willow has Emi in a corner. Willow goes corner to corner to back body block! And clothesline! And snapmare to then go up. Emi stands, Willow MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Emi survives, maybe even got Willow’s eyes again, but Willow comes back. Willow fireman’s carries but Emi slips fere to the DRAGON SLEEPER! Emi laughs, to TWISTING DDT! Willow staggers to a corner, Emi grins and runs in, BODY CHECK in the corner! Emi goes up top to TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Emi is frustrated. Emi reels Willow in, hooks the arms, but Willow fights again!
Willow Alabama Lifts but Emi sunset flips! Willow rolls through to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Willow just runs in, only for Emi to sidestep and roll-up! TWO, but Emi steps over. Willow powers out of La Magistrol, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Willow fires up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Willow fires up again, swings, but Emi gets around to CHOP LARIAT!! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! The ref checks and both women are still in this. Emi drags Willow up, fans rally, but Emi underhooks the arms. BUTTERFLY FACEBUSTER!! Emi fires up, she’s not done here!
Fans are thunderous as Emi waits on Willow to rise. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! MACHINE GUN CHOPS, but Willow shoves her away. Emi CHOP LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Willow comes back to POUNCE Emi into the corner! Fans fire up as Willow runs to CANNONBALL! And then she drags Emi out to high stack, TWO!! Emi is still in this and fans fire up! But the straps come down and Willow fires up! Fans fire up with her, she reels Emi in to gut wrench, but Emi fights the lift! Emi slips free to SLAP! SLAP! And SLAP! Emi runs, but Willow CLOBBERS her!
Gut wrench, and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Now that’s a first defense for the history books! How much better will Willow make this inaugural reign if this is just the beginning?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
After their encounter with Dralistico and Preston Vance last Wednesday, #JungleHook reunites for a TEXAS TORNADO TAG MATCH! Will Jack Perry & The FTW Champion tear apart La Faccion Ingobernable?
BIG news for ROH!
On Friday, July 21st in Trenton, New Jersey, ROH returns to PPV with Death Before Dishonor! Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 9th!
Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.
“Tonight, two technical masters go face to face when Lee Moriarty takes on Shibata for the ROH Pure Championship.” Nigel McGuiness says a competitor like Shibata can pick you apart, one body part by another. But Tony Schiavone and Taz say not enough is said about just how talented Moriarty is for such a young wrestler. It looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for the main event!
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty!
The Wrestler defended this title just last night on ROH against his student, Alex “The Android” Coughlin. But now he faces #TAIGASTYLE, who has come close to snatching this title for his own not too long ago. Will tonight be Moriarty’s night? Or will Shibata make it through this Pure Wrestling Double Header?
The introductions are made, our judges are BJ Whitmer, Christopher Daniels & Jerry Lynn, and the belt is raised as we see who is truly THE Wrestler!
The bell rings and the clock is ticking on this 60 minute time limit. The two feel things out, Moriarty shoots in but Shibata holds him off with a sprawl. They clinch on the mat, Shibata slips to a waistlock and then a chinlock. Moriarty slips free but Shibata pushes him to a cover, ONE! Shibata wraps Moriarty up with his own arm and then goes for the armbar! Moriarty clasps hands but ends up in a TRIANGLE! Moriarty falls onto the ROPEBREAK, that is his first of three. Shibata even lets Moriarty know it as they reset. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, clinch, and Moriarty tries for a leg.
Shibata powers Moriarty down, gets around to a waistlock, and they stand up. Moriarty pries the hold, fans cheer this technical exchange, but then Moriarty elbows free! Moriarty stomps Shibata into a corner, the ref counts, but Moriarty digs his boot in. Fans boo, but Shibata powers up to back Moriarty down! Shibata throws the foot down but Shibata ROCKS him! Moriarty runs to dropkick the legs out! Fans boo while Moriarty grits his teeth, and then the fans rally up for Shibata as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Moriarty mocks the applause as he stands over Shibata. Moriarty then says they can stop all that, and he grabs a leg to DDT the foot! Moriarty kips up, air guitars, and he ties up Shibata’s legs into a unique crisscross toehold. Then he sits with it for a modified stump puller! Shibata’s shoulders are down, Moriarty is practically stealing Darby Allin’s Last Supper! TWO as Shibata kicks out and Moriarty argues the count. Moriarty drags Shibata around, stomps a leg, then stomps it more and more before another DDT to the foot! Moriarty mocks the clapping from the fans, and then he drags Shibata around for a spinning toehold!
Shibata endures as Moriarty ties up the legs into another cross toehold. Moriarty puts Shibata into an Indian Deathlock, then he knuckle locks Shibata for a cover. TWO as Shibata gets an arm up! Moriarty pushes the arm back down, TWO as Shibata gets the other arm up! Moriarty pushes that arm down, TWO as Shibata gets both arms up! Moriarty CHOPS Shibata, pushes on the legs, then lets Shibata go. Moriarty gets a leg, hooks it, and ties Shibata up in another cross toehold, only for Shibata to trip him! Shibata gets Moriarty’s legs, steps through, but Moriarty fights the figure four! Shibata powers through to sync it in!
Moriarty endures, reaches out, but his shoulders are down. TWO as Moriarty sits up, Shibata keeps on the pressure, and Moriarty falls back onto his shoulders. TWO as he sits up again! Shibata has the extended leg caught in a heel hook behind his back! Moriarty falls back again, shoulders are down, TWO as he sits back up! Moriarty endures, reaches out, claws at the hold, and he pries it open. Shibata works to keep it on tight, Moriarty is down again, TWO! Moriarty sits up, Shibata thrashes around, and Rampage returns to single picture. Fans rally, Moriarty drags Shibata along as he reaches back, but Shibata drags him from the ropes!
Moriarty scrambles and goes to the opposite side, ROPEBREAK! That’s his second, he has one left, and we’ve only just past six minutes! Shibata stomps Moriarty’s bad leg, has him in a corner, and he fires off forearms! The ref counts, Shibata fires again and again, but lets off at 4. Shibata runs corner to corner but Moriarty follows to KNEE him in the corner! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO as Shibata fights out of the “pancake.” Moriarty HAMMERS away on the back of Shibata’s head! Fans rally, Moriarty suplexes, but Shibata blocks! Shibata powers out but Moriarty kicks low!
Moriarty runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans rally, Shibata stomps his legs into working, and he storms up on Moriarty. Shibata drags Moriarty up to whip him to a corner and BOOT! And he fires off more forearms! The ref counts, Shibata runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up for that Shibata signature and he drags Moriarty up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Moriarty is still in this but Shibata clamps right on with a chinlock! Moriarty fights to the ROPEBREAK, but that’s his last! Shibata waistlocks. Moriarty switches to roll up, TWO! But Moriarty rolls with to get the BORDER CITY STRETCH!!
Shibata endures, Moriarty pulls him back, but fans rally up. Shibata rolls things to a cover, TWO! Moriarty ROCKS Shibata, winds up, but Shibata ROCKS Moriarty! And then SLEEPER!! Shibata sits Moriarty down, runs, PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
Just past nine minutes and Shibata finishes things off, but wait! Daniel Garcia is here! The Dragonslayer is a former ROH Pure Champion, and he’s walking out right to the ring! Garcia steps in, he swaggers up to Shibata, and it is clear this is what’s next for Shibata. Shibata raises the belt to signal his accepting the challenge, will The Wrestler put down this sports… enner-tay-ner?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I’m surprised this wasn’t just a Battle of the Belts special. Excalibur said it himself on commentary in the main event, but it was great to start off with the epitome of lucha libre and finish on Strong Style technical wrestling. The AAA Mega Championship was a great opener, and was definitely another instance where I’m grateful we can pause things because they were going fast and furious. Or maybe at Flash speeds, since that’s a Warner Brothers movie they could plug. But as I figured going into this, all the champions retained, since none of these were AEW titles (directly, since ROH is a subsidiary of AEW now).
The NJPW World Television Championship continues to be a great title to watch because of the 15 minute time limit speeding things up. Likewise, ZSJ is always a great wrestler to watch, but so hard to write for cuz he has the biggest collection of named signature moves/holds of any wrestler I’ve seen. I had to double check what he was using to make Action tap, because I keep thinking things are Clarky Cat when they’re not Clarky Cat. ZSJ is setting a very high bar for this title, maybe he retains against Cobb at Dominion or maybe he loses, but it’s going to be hard for the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion to match what ZSJ has done.
Great first title defense for Willow and this title, she and Emi put on a great match. I wonder when Willow has her first defense on NJPW Strong, and who she’ll be facing. And we got a great Pure Championship match to finish, and I’m surprised it was so quick, even compared to the NJPW World TV Championship match. But great win for Shibata, I like that Garcia is stepping up, and that’s going to be an awesome match. I don’t know if they’re going to wait until Death Before Dishonor in July for that match, but knowing AEW and ROH, they can find a way to stretch things out. Especially with Garcia also busy being part of JAS and doing JAS things.
My Score: 8.7/10
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SmackDown celebrates The Tribal Chief!
Roman Reigns celebrates 1000 DAYS as WWE Universal Champion, but what does it matter after Jimmy Uso betrayed him at Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly; Theory & Pretty Deadly win.
- The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab; The Good Brothers win.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans; Vega wins and advances to MITB.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford; Knight wins and advances to MITB.
PLAY BY PLAY
Paul Heyman speaks.
“Roman Reigns, your Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, stands at the apex of sports entertainment. Nearly three years ago, Your Tribal Chief reclaimed his Universal Championship. And as time passed, Roman’s title reign has surpassed legends, icons, hall of famers. On the Grandest Stage of Them All, the Head of the Table smashed and stacked his competition. Then humbled a Hall of Famer, and sent a 16-time world champion into the Ocean of Obscurity. Every contender, unable to withstand Roman’s sheer dominance and forced to…” ACKNOWLEDGE him.
“Challenger after challenger, crumble at his feet. And at his second Showcase of the Immortals as your reigning champion, Roman Reigns conquered The Beast, unifying the WWE and Universal titles on his 581st day as the champion in WWE. His power persisted. His Bloodline strengthened. His legacy flourished. Greatness on a different level. And on his 945th day, the greatest champion of any era made history by retaining his championship for the third straight WrestleMania. And now, it’s time to acknowledge the longest reign in over 35 years, over 1000 days. Roman. Reigns…!”
Austin Theory is in the ring.
The Now may not have reached even half of what Roman has achieved, but he is the United States Champion. He welcomes us to Austin Theory Live but the fans boo. Theory says they don’t need to have an attitude. Tonight is a very special night. “Tonight is the celebration of your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns’ historical title reign. But you know what’s even better than that? If you took Roman’s title reign, and you combined it with the greatest United States Champion of all time… wait for it… Austin Theory’s reign, and you’d have… What is that? A total of 1,209 days! That is impressive. And not only that, it is very inspiring.
“It is almost as inspiring as being the guy who beat John Cena at WrestleMania.” Fans boo but Theory says we should face it. Let’s not be idiots! We all know Theory will have his 1000th day celebration for his title, and a 2000th, and maybe even a 3000th. Probably a 4000th. But if they just keep giving him guys like Sheamus, he’ll be the US Champion forever! “Guys, you really can’t boo me because I’m 25 and I’m the greatest to ever do this. And when you’re this great, everybody wants to gravitate towards you, they wanna be a part of it.” That brings Theory to the guys he wants to bring out.
These two guys did what was right! Theory presents none other than Pretty Deadly! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince make their entrance, and their theme song has a new remix, and they join Theory in the ring. They get mics, and Kit tells Theory, “We came here to tell you, that it was a pleasure destroying those ugly gremlins, the Brawling Brutes.” Elton says that unlike Sheamus, Theory is a champion the people deserve. They wanna show Theory their appreciation for such a good champion, in a way that only they can! “YES BOY~!” And they point to him! Feels good, right? But wait, here come the Brawling Brutes!
Fans fire up as Sheamus leads Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne out to the ring, ready for Fight Night! The ref hurries in to keep the peace, but will Theory & Pretty Deadly be leaving in pieces?
Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly!
The trios sort out, Ridge starts against Elton. Elton headlocks, Ridge powers out and he CLOBBERS Elton! Fans fire up as Ridge UPPERCUTS Elton, then HEADBUTTS him to a corner. Ridge adds a clothesline, then bumps Elton off the buckle, KICKS him in the back and CLOBBERS him again! Ridge drags Elton up, tags in “Butch,” and they coordinate, suplex dropkick combo! Dunne drags Elton up, wrenches, but Elton throws body shots. Elton RAMS Dunne into the corner, tags in Kit, and Kit runs in to UPPERCUT! Dunne clutches his jaw while fans boo. Kit drops elbows, rains down hands, then covers, TWO!
Kit sits Dunne into a chinlock. Dunne endures, fans rally for Sheamus, and Dunne fights up. Dunne powers out, drops then hurdles to then drop and CLOBBER Kit! Fans fire up, Dunne stands on Kit’s hands, then STOMPS them! Kit ducks the buzzsaw and scrambles away. Tag to Theory, fans boo, and Theory tells Dunne he wants Sheamus! Fans fire up because they want that, too! Dunne tags Sheamus in and the Mohegan Sun Arena are fired up! These two circle, but then Theory bails out, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Elton has Dunne down with a top wristlock. Fans rally, Dunne endures and he fights up to his feet. But Elton throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Elton grabs at Dunne. Dunne grabs Elton’s fingers! Dunne bends the fingers, Elton screams, but Elton CLUBS Dunne down! Tag to Theory and he runs to BLAST Ridge! Theory taunts Sheamus, stomps Dunne, then brings Dunne up to CLUB him down. Fans rally for Dunne but Theory flexes on him. Theory drags Dunne over, tags in Kit, but Dunne kicks at Theory. Kit stomps Dunne, stands him up and UPPERCUTS him down!
Tag to Elton and Theory CHOKES Dunne behind the ref’s back! Pretty Deadly stomp while the ref is busy with Sheamus. Elton drags Dunne up but Dunne CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Elton ROCKS Dunne, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Dunne goes up, leaps, FLYING DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Dunne and Elton crawl, hot tags to Theory and Sheamus! The Fella rallies on Theory! And clotheslines in the corner! Whip corner to corner for another clothesline! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Sheamus ROCKS Pretty Deadly and has them both on the ropes!
But Theory rolls Sheamus up! TWO!! Sheamus gets Theory with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Then an IRISH CURSE for Kit! And then an IRISH CURSE for Elton! Fans fire up and the Brutes return. Everyone fireman’s carries someone, for a TRIPLE WHITE NOISE! Fans are thunderous and Sheamus has Theory all alone! BROGUE!!! Cover, but Pretty Deadly drag Theory out! Sheamus hurries up top!? Ridge BLASTS Pretty Deadly, Sheamus steadies himself, and he FLYING LARIATS Pretty Deadly back down! Dunne goes up, everyone gathers, ASAI MOONSAULT onto Theory & Pretty Deadly!
Fans are thunderous as the Brutes prove they can fly! Sheamus commends Butch for topping things off, and SmackDown goes to break.
Elton stomps Dunne. Elton brings Dunn up but Dunne gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kit runs in but into an ENZIGURI! ENZIGURI for Theory! GAMANGIRI for Kit in a corner! GAMANGIRI for Elton in a corner! Tag to Ridge and SPLASHES Elton! Then Ridge brings Elton up, Dunne joins in, BACK SUPLEX BOMB COMBO! Sheamus tags in and goes up for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives but Sheamus keeps his cool. Sheamus drags Elton up, reels him in, Canadian rack but Elton fights free of the crucifix! Elton BOOTS Sheamus, tags Kit, then gives Kit the boost, CRY MARTINI!
Theory tags in, drags Sheamus up to ROCK him and torture rack him! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory is furious and he rains down fists! Fans boo while Theory seethes and looms over Sheamus. Theory talks trash, brings Sheamus up, but Sheamus blocks a body shot to LARIAT point blank! Elton gets in but Ridge gives him an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kit DROPKICKS Ridge but Dunne ENZIGURIS Kit! Dunne runs at Theory but Theory shovels him up and out! Theory somersaults, into a KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Sheamus is too tired to be upset. Both men crawl and fans rally up.
Sheamus and Theory reach out, hot tags to Elton and Ridge! Kit tags in, but The Fridge picks Elton up! Kit saves Elton, but then Ridge picks them both up! DOUBLE back drop! Fans fire up as Ridge kicks Kit to the apron. Sheamus has Theory, and Dunne has Elton! Fans fire up for the TRIPLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! The Brutes all go to 10, though Dunne gets a little extra. Ridge then scoops for NORTHERN GRIT! Cover, but Theory breaks it! Dunne swings on Theory but into A-TOWN DOWN! Sheamus clotheslines Theory out! Sheamus pursues Theory, but Theory POSTS Sheamus!
Kit and Elton coordinate, they pull a sneaky move by hiding Elton under the apron skirt. The matching outfits make Ridge think that’s still Kit! Ridge drags Elton in, and surprise! Kit CHOP BLOCKS Ridge! Kit tags Elton, they get Ridge up for SPILT MILK!! And tag to Theory so he can cover, Theory & Pretty Deadly win!
Winners: Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly, by pinfall
The three of them hurry away before Dunne returns, having pulled another fast one. Will Kit & Elton be heading towards the tag titles? Will anyone be able to take the US Championship from Theory?
Paul Heyman is backstage.
The Wise Man is holding onto both the black WWE Championship and blue Universal Championship belts for the Tribal Chief as he walks up to the private suite. Heyman walks inside, is he going to discuss the celebration plans with Roman Reigns during the break?
SmackDown returns, and Heyman’s talking with Solo Sikoa. The magnitude that has never been accomplished before in the WWE. This needs to be special for the Tribal Chief, especially given what happened at Night of Champions. Heyman wants this to be special for Roman Reigns. And he knows Solo feels the same way. Heyman will go talk with Adam Pearce to make sure that Solo’s brothers, The Usos, are nowhere to be found tonight so that this is the night that we acknowledge Roman… Reigns! Heyman smiles and heads out, how does Solo really feel about what Jimmy did to Roman?
The OC talk backstage.
The Good Brothers are worried but Mia Yim says it’s fine, tonight is his birthday. AJ Styles walks in and they say happy birthday! Yes, it IS his birthday! And he apologizes for losing at Night of Champions, he ruined their night. No, no, it is not his fault. But you take the L, keep it moving. The OC has their back. But did anyone else see the “diss” track by Hit Row? Yeah, but Styles would rather see the Good Brothers drop Hit Row. Too Sweet, baby! And that match is happening next! Will Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis think twice before opening their mouths next time?
The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab!
SmackDown returns as Hit Row makes their entrance. The teams sort out, but Adonis ambushes Karl Anderson! Fans boo and the ref counts while Adonis stomps away, but then he lets off at 4. Adonis whips to CLOBBER Anderson, then he taunts Luke Gallows. Anderson goes to a corner, Adonis drags him out and tags Dolla. Hit Row whip Anderson to a corner, then Dolla whips Adonis in to RAM Anderson! Dolla talks trash on The Machine Gun, then reels him in for an ELBOW! Dolla talks more trash, drags Anderson to the ropes, and he CHOPKES him! The ref counts, Dolla lets off and tags Adonis.
Adonis runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Adonis sits on Anderson while smoothing his hair, but lets off as the ref counts. The ref argues with Adonis and B-Fab sucker punches Anderson! Michin storms up and B-Fab backs off. Adonis covers, TWO, but he clamps onto a chinlock. The ref has Michin and B-Fab back off, and fans rally as Anderson fights up. Anderson throws body shots but Adonis CLUBS him! Adonis whips, Anderson reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down. Fans rally, Anderson hot tags Gallows! Doc BOOTS Adonis, BOOTS Dolla, then DECKS Adonis!
Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Adonis to a corner, runs in and back elbows! Then he keeps moving, FLYING UPPERCUT on Adonis! Fans fire up as Gallows scoops to AK 47! Tag to Anderson, the Good Brothers get Adonis up, MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, Good Brothers win!
Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall
But Dolla BOOTS Anderson! And CLOBBERS Gallows! But Styles springboards in, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Fans fire up as the birthday boy gets him some, and The Hit Row? They don’t want none! Will The OC be too sweet all the way to some gold?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
Yes, he is very excited, this is perhaps one of the biggest nights in SmackDown history. He excuses himself and ends the call as he sees Heyman walking in. Pearce tells Heyman right now that the Usos’ travel was canceled, they were told they weren’t needed tonight. And as requested, should The Usos want to show up, security has been doubled. The Usos are NOT getting inside the building. Heyman smiles and puts a call into Roman Reigns. Will nothing go wrong during the 1000 Day Acknowledgment?
BREAKING NEWS for Raw!
Seth Rollins put out the open challenge for his NEW World Heavyweight Championships on social media and it was quickly accepted by Damian Priest! Will the Judgment Day add more gold when the Punisher brings down The Visionary?
SmackDown presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The 21st Century Success Story, “The Dynamite from Down Under, the Moment Maker, the Aussie Icon,” gets the big introduction once again as he’s already in the ring. And he says, “What a week it has been here in the WWE, and we’re gonna keep it rolling with the most honest talk show in WWE history.” Waller brings us the biggest and the best, and he’s done it again tonight. So please welcome the NEW Raw Women’s Champion, ASUKA~! The fans do like that as the Empress of Tomorrow walks out with the belt on her shoulder. She joins Waller in the ring and at the desk as he welcomes her to the show.
Waller says, “Congratulations, what an incredible performance against Bianca at Night of Champions. In fact, let’s see exactly how you got it done.” Waller and Asuka look to the tron as we all see a Progressive Match Flo recap video of that match. Asuka used blue mist fingers to finish Bianca, and Waller says wow. Asuka laughs and smiles, and in Japanese, she says “I told you saw! I’m the Raw Women’s Champion!” Waller says he could not have put it better himself! But he can’t help but notice the briefcases above the ring. There’s no shortage of people who think they’re ready for Asuka. They’re gonna climb the ladder, win the briefcase to be Miss MITB, and maybe cash in on her?
Waller says Asuka’s gotta keep her head on a swivel. Nevermind that Bianca’s gonna come looking for a rematch. Asuka is amused there. She reenacts how she spat mist on her finger, got Bianca in the eyes and made Bianca cry. Waller is amused, too! He says that was so true. And so smart! He can’t imagine the pain and suffering Bianca went through. Asuka’s even drooling some blue mist right now. Waller looks a bit worried, but also maybe excited. But then IYO SKY shows up! She tells Asuka in Japanese that she’s nothing special for what she did. And Iyo won’t even need MITB to take that title from! But she’s still gonna win it, and then Iyo will be the new champion!
Asuka laughs, and tells Iyo she’s a child, the way she’s storming up in here. Iyo tells Asuka to shut up, dammit! Asuka calls Iyo an idiot, Iyo calls Asuka a scumbag, and they go back and forth like that. Waller has them stop, this is HIS show, he did not approve a second guest! But wait, here comes BAYLEY! The Role Model says Iyo said that after both Iyo and Bayley qualify for the MITB, one of them is winning the MITB briefcase. Though it is every woman for themselves, and Bayley’s won it before, so either way, DMG CTRL will win the title- Wait! Here comes Shotzi!
Fans fire up as the Wild Child says, “Awww, Bayley! There is NOTHING that I would love more than to crush your dreams with the help of some cold, hard steel! Because, if there is anyone made for the pure chaos of the Money in the Bank Ladder match, it’s me!” Wait, here comes Lacey Evans! The Model Soldier is embodying Sergeant Slaughter and she tells Shotzi to shut up and salute her! Fans boo but Lacey says none of these nasty things are taking the briefcase anywhere, it’s coming home with her. But first, she’ll take her Cobra Clutch, wrap it around that “shrimp,” Zelina Vega, and-
Wait! Here comes Zelina! Fans fire up as La Muneca says there is only one problem with everyone’s plans. They are all underestimating Zelina. And y’know who else did that? Rhea Ripley at Backlash. Because Zelina was this close to becoming champion! So “Shrimp?” Keep that energy, Lacey. Because to be honest, even if Lacey got her hair done, her nails done and traded in those “piss soaked boots” for red bottoms, you still wouldn’t be half the woman Zelina is. So please, underestimate her. Everyone do that. Because it will be that much sweeter when she wins. Because that is how she is going to become Miss MITB!
Bayley laughs and says they’re all idiots. Waller says this is the best day of his life. Bayley asks him what kind of show he’s running here, and he’s hoping for more ladies to show up. Asuka slips away to say, “Hey hey hey hey! NO ONE is ready for Asuka!!” But then Bianca storms up to ROCK Asuka with a forearm! They brawl on the stage and fans fire up! Referees rush out to stop that scrap, only for Bianca to break lose and hit Asuka again! The refs and even some producers get in to separate them again, but fans wanna “Let Them Fight!” Will the angriEST Bianca be coming after the Empress?
Cameron Grimes talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
They watch a replay of Baron Corbin ruining Carmelo Hayes’ moment just last Tuesday on NXT, and Grimes said that’s exactly what Corbin did to him last week. Is Corbin even here? No, and with his free agency status, the next time we see him will be next Tuesday on NXT. Grimes says Melo will handle that. But the next time Corbin shows his face on SmackDown, Grimes will handle that. Pearce nods, will the Carolina Caveman crush Baron Corbin?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans!
Since everyone was already at ringside, this match is happening now! And Vega is already clutching her jaw, it seems the Model Soldier got a cheap shot in while everyone was watching Asuka and Bianca. Will Vega still be able to humble Lacey for underestimating her? Or will another Woman’s Right simply take Vega out?
The bell rings and Lacey stomps Vega into the corner! The ref counts, fans boo, but Lacey lets off at 4. Lacey stands on Vega’s hair and salutes, then lets off to SWINGING BRONCO BUSTER! Lacey pushes Vega around, covers, TWO! Lacey sits Vega up, and clamps on the COBRA CLUTCH! And she SWINGS Vega around! Fans rally for Vega but Lacey TOSSES her away! Lacey dusts off her hands, runs in, but Vega goes up and over and rolls Lacey, Schoolgirl Kick! Cover, TWO! Vega whips, Lacey reverses but Vega KICKS her! Only for Lacey to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Lacey dribbles Vega off the mat, then smirks as fans boo.
Lacey salutes but fans boo, and Vega hits low. Lacey BOOTS Vega, drags her from ropes and stands on her for a cocky cover. The ref says it’s on the throat! Lacey steps off to argue with him, and then Lacey clamps onto Vega with a chinlock. Fans rally but Lacey throws knees into Vega’s side! Vega still endures, fans rally up, and Vega kicks from below! Lacey drags Vega up but Vega RAMS her into a corner! And again! Vega smacks Lacey off buckles, headlocks and springboards for a headlock takeover! Lacey runs in but into the tilt-o-whirl and CODE RED!! Cover, VEGA WINS!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
What did she just say about underestimating her? Because there’s the proof! Lacey toyed with Zelina but got played, will Zelina soon be La Muneca en el Banco?
The LWO celebrates backstage.
They are so proud of Vega! Latinos around the world are going to gather in celebration! And next week, when Escobar wins his qualifier and win the MITB contract, oh he can see it now. She can see it, too. Rey Mysterio can see it, too! It is only a matter of time before the entire locker room refers to them as Santos y Zelina, Mr. and Mrs. Money in the Bank! Will the LWO soon take over London?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford!
The Mega Star told the Street Profits that if they want the smoke, he’ll be the one to burn ’em! Is that not an insult but just a fact of life? Or will #KingTez be the one saying “YEAH!” on the way to London?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and Knight wrenches to a hammerlock, and he slaps Ford around. Fans rally for “L A KNIGHT! L A KNIGHT!” The two circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Knight powers out the back to hammerlock, but Ford switches it onto him. Knight switches back, Ford switches again, Knight switches again. They keep going, Knight gest the ROPEBREAK, but Ford slaps him around now. Fans are a bit torn but Knight gets heated. Knight shoves, Ford shoves, repeat! Fans are on Knight’s side as the two tie up again but Ford headlocks. Knight powers out but Ford runs him over!
Ford actually seems to enjoy upsetting the Knight fans, and things speed up. Knight hurdles, but Ford whips him away to keep things moving. Ford hurdles, Knight hurdles, but Ford DROPKICKS! Fans are salty as Ford clotheslines Knight in the corner. And then in another corner! Ford whips Knight into the corner, runs in but Knight puts Ford on the apron. Ford ROCKS Knight back! But Knight BLASTS Ford! Fans cheer Knight while Ford crawls and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men collide! Fans rally up while both men are down, and then Knight stands. Knight throws haymakers but Ford gives them back! They go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford gets the edge, whips, but Knight reverses, only for Ford to LARIAT! Ford rallies on Knight, ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT again! Knight gets up, Ford hits a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up, fans fire up, and Ford flexes to MOONSAULT, but Knight moves! Ford lands on his feet, swings but misses, and Knight torture racks! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up, Knight stalks Ford and fans duel. Knight stands Ford up but Ford elbows him! Ford runs in but into an elbow! Ford falls over, Knight tries a springboard, LIONSAULT FLOPS as Ford moves! Ford ENZIGURIS Knight, then fires up to clinch and ROCK BOTTOM! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and Ford is seething. Fans fire up as Ford drags Knight up. Ford whips, Knight KICKS back! Ford doges the lariat, both men run, DOUBLE LARIATS take them down! Fans fire up again while the ref checks both men. Knight and Ford crawl to each other, and Knight throws a haymaker. Ford gives it back!
Fans rally as the hands go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford CHOPS, then DECKS Knight! Knight stands at the ropes, Ford runs in but is put back on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS Knight then goes up a corner! But Knight ROCKS Ford first! Knight climbs, Ford throws body shots then shoves Knight away. Knight returns and springs right up! But Ford shoves him back down! Fans fire up as Ford comes in, FROM THE- NO, Knight moves! Knight kicks low, BF- NO, Ford O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Knight O’Conner Rolls with ropes!! Knight wins!!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
The Mega Star snatches that one away from Ford, but the fans still love it! Knight then brings a ladder out and sets it up under the briefcases. Knight climbs, says this is what we’ll see, because whose game is it? Will this really be what happens when LA arrives in the UK?
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.
“Sanguis rubeus luna et exponentia exitio.” That phrase repeats as we travel through a snow covered forest. Translation: “The perfect moon will spell your doom.” The Unholy Union is here, what will they do to the landscape of SmackDown?
SmackDown sets the rest of the qualifiers!
For the Men’s MITB, Baron Corbin returns from NXT to take on “Butch” Pete Dunne, and Mustafa Ali returns from NXT to take on Santos Escobar! And then, as announced during the Grayson Waller Effect, DMG CTRL is in the mix as Bayley takes on Mia Yim and Iyo Sky takes on Shotzi! Will DMG CTRL look to take control of that briefcase one way or another?
Triple H is here!
Fans fire up for The Game as he heads to the ring! It seems even he is here to celebrate Roman Reigns’ 1000+ days as Universal Champion! What will HHH have to add to the occasion? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and HHH is in the ring with a pedestal and a familiar looking cloth. HHH has the mic to say, “On rare occasions, an athlete comes along that is so dominant that they change the entire face of their chosen sport. And when it happens, they will be talked about for generations to come. In boxing, it was the Great One, Muhammad Ali. In basketball, Michael Jordan. In the WWE, right now, we have the privilege of witnessing that greatness live. Believe me, you will talk about this for generations, so please help me welcome a man who has passed 1000 days as champion. Please help me welcome a man that you will tell your children and your grandchildren about.
“Please help me welcome the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.” The Head of the Table makes his entrance with fans torn between boos and throwing up the ones. Roman has Solo and Heyman with him, the brand new “1000 Days” branded jacket and shirt on as he holds up the belts for the pyro. The Bloodline, if this group even still counts as that, continues on into the ring. Roman then shakes HHH’s hand and Heyman fetches a mic. Heyman also shakes HHH’s hand, and then HHH tells Roman, “On behalf of the WWE, and on behalf of the entire WWE Universe, I would like to congratulate you on surpassing 1000 days as champion.”
That is something that hasn’t been accomplished in the WWE in almost forty years! Truly an epic accomplishment. So to congratulate Roman and celebrate this historic achievement, it is HHH’s honor to present him with a brand new Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt. HHH takes the cover off to reveal the same home base design, but with a GOLDEN face plate! Heyman removes the belt Roman is wearing on his waist so that he can hold up the new belt, for more pyro! HHH then helps Roman put that belt on, then Heyman hands Roman the mic. Roman smiles while fans are torn between cheers and jeers.
Roman says, “Pennsyl- No, no, no. I mean, c’mon! That’s not good enough anymore. The entire universe…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!” Wait, the USOS are here?!? How?! Heyman heard from Pearce that this wasn’t supposed to happen! But Jimmy & Jey do walk out and Roman glares at Heyman. Heyman defends he was assured this wouldn’t happen, but it is! And we see what the Usos are going to do, after the break.
SmackDown returns and the Usos are now in the ring with Roman, Solo & Heyman. And Jimmy’s staring Roman down. He even glances at the brand new Universal Championship blet. Jimmy has the mic, but Roman speaks first, telling Jey to kick Jimmy in the face! Fans boo but Roman says it again, kick Jimmy in the face. He didn’t stutter, do it now! That’s what Jimmy did to Roman. Jimmy took Roman’s tag team titles away from him, so Jey has to fix this. Jey has to kick his brother in the face! Fans boo more, and Jey just paces. Roman is not happy about that, and he tells Jey this is the last time: KICK HIM IN THE FACE AND FIX THIS RIGHT NOW!
Jimmy speaks up to that the only one who needs fixing is ROMAN. Fans cheer that! Roman scowls but Jimmy says Jey can’t fix this. Jimmy kicked Roman in the face, “The Kick Heard Worldwide.” And Jimmy did what he did in Saudi not to be the Tribal Chief, not to lead the Bloodline, but because Jimmy was being a brother. Brothers treat each other with love and respect, and as of lately, you ain’t been such a good brother, Roman. What kind of brother manipulates, betrays and hurts his own family? What kind of brother does that, Uce? Roman has gone crazy! CRAZY! This right here is Jimmy’s brother! It is embedded in Jimmy to protect Jey.
In fact, SOLO is Jimmy’s brother! He’ll protect Solo, and he’s gonna tell Solo right now, that after Roman’s done using you, he’s gonna abuse you, betray you, kick you to the side, and put you in the dirt! Jimmy IS Solo’s brother, that’s why he’s saying this. Fans cheer that, too! Roman tries to laugh it off but Jimmy tells Solo to listen to him. Fans rally for the “USOS! USOS!” and Roman says that’s because of ROMAN! Roman is the Tribal Chief! You see him? Tribal Chief. This here is an imposter! Jimmy talking like he’s the leader, like Solo don’t have a voice. Let’s hear it from Solo who Solo is loyal to!
Roman hands the mic to Solo and fans boo. Solo looks at the mic, thinks about it, and fans chant for “SOLO! SOLO!” Solo says, “I acknowledge you, My Tribal Chief.” Fans boo and Roman smiles. But then Solo says, “But these two right here… They’re my brothers.” UH OH~! Roman is shocked and the Usos smile! Solo hands the mic back, to stand with his brothers!! Roman can’t believe what he’s seeing! Jimmy says hey, hey, so what’s it gonna be, Uce? Does Roman wanna run this thing together with respect? Or just end up on the Island of Relevancy all by himself? Roman tells Jimmy to shut up, but Jimmy pie faces him!!
Heyman is shocked and cowering in the corner! Fans fire up as Jey and Solo are both tense. Roman registers what just happened, then gets up in Jimmy’s face. Jey stops them both, and he wants to keep the peace. It’s not going like this. Jey needs them both, they cannot start fighting! They’re better than that, okay? Jey gets Jimmy to understand, and Jimmy cools off. Stronger together, Uce. But see, Jey is Jimmy’s brother, and Solo is Jimmy’s brother. But so is Roman. Roman’s always been family. So be a brother, have respect, and run this place like they’ve been doing! But TOGETHER! Bloodline, right? Family, right? They are still the ones, right?
Roman wipes sweat from his brow and takes a breath. Fans want Roman to accept what the Usos are saying, but he seems unsure what to do. Roman and Jimmy HUG!! Fans cheer, and Jey is relieved. Roman then says, “No.” WHAT?! Heyman is shocked all over again! Roman lets go and Jey is upset again! How could Roman say that?! And then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES JIMMY!?!? Jey is even more devastated!! Roman takes his leave, Heyman and Solo following behind. Is the Tribal Chief’s iron grip that powerful? Heyman then asks Roman, “What about Jey?” Roman says Jey will do what he always does and fall in line. Just give it time.
Fans boo as Roman refuses to share love and respect with his family. What will it take for The Usos to change that?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode to follow Night of Champions with! Granted, a lot of that comes from the Bloodline story, which once again continues to be the top story. And with this story already having set a high bar, they find a way to raise the bar again. Great video package narrated by Heyman to open the show, good promos backstage to expertly set up what we got in the closing segment. I did appreciate that since they’re not undoing the unification, Roman now just has one actual belt to hold onto and he can just keep the other two at home. Naturally, they just kept the cookie cutter shape they’ve been using, but I like the gold backing on the logo there, it really stands out.
And naturally, the Usos DID show up, and what an amazing emotional rollercoaster there. After all that, we are definitely getting Usos VS Roman & Solo, and that will be the moment of truth where I would think Solo really does side with his brothers. Then it’s on Roman to either “fall in line” and accept his family as family, or he ends up all alone with just Heyman. Either way, this is all great stuff that can carry the story into the Summer, maybe even to SummerSlam. And what would really put a cherry on top: if Roman, no more pawns to get in the way, gets beat by a Mr. MITB cash-in.
Great opening Six Man from Theory & Pretty Deadly VS Brawling Brutes, and I figured the Heels would find a way to win. I would think Pretty Deadly finds a way into the Undisputed Tag Team Championship scene for the summer, as those titles are meant to be on both Raw and SmackDown. And who wouldn’t love seeing a promo between Kevin, Sami and Pretty Deadly? At the same time, The Good Brothers should also get in on some of that, they got a really good win off Hit Row. Happy birthday to AJ Styles, maybe he can find his way to a title match of some kind. Him and Theory wouldn’t be half bad for MITB.
Really good Grayson Waller Effect segment, though not really because of Waller. If this same stuff happened with The Miz and MizTV, it’d amount to about the same great stuff. Asuka and Iyo getting at each other and then arguing in Japanese seems to be their thing, but I would love if we got Iyo to turn Face. Between her and Asuka being longtime rivals, and DMG CTRL about to fall apart at a moment’s notice, Iyo could come out a top Face for the SmackDown Women’s Division. But I also do like that Bianca went after Asuka, that was a logical move. I just wish we got to see the sucker punch from Lacey live and not in a replay.
The MITB qualifiers were both good matches, but Zelina was a very obvious winner given Lacey’s attitude and how Zelina seems to be on a great push. Ford VS Knight was a bit closer, but the fans are just loving Knight, so it makes sense Knight won here. We’re also going to get great stuff out of next week’s matches, and I’m thinking Bayley, Iyo, Escobar and Dunne win. Bayley and Iyo because of the DMG CTRL breakup story they’re giving us, Escobar because the LWO tease they gave us, and Dunne because it won’t be Corbin since he’s got stuff brewing in NXT and Grimes just isn’t gonna let him win.
And what a spooky vignette from Fyre & Dawn. Just as it isn’t clear what they’re planning with having the Smackdown Women’s Championship on Raw and vice-versa, I’m not sure what’s going on with the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships still being up here on main roster. I don’t think they’d unify, nor do I want them to unify, mostly because Fyre & Dawn probably wouldn’t beat Ronda & Shayna. Well, Shayna didn’t do well against spooky given Twisted Alexa during pandemic era, but I still don’t think using supernatural elements would be enough to take out Ronda. Though it would be pretty funny to see.
My Score: 8.8/10
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