Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: The 47th Anniversary Show!

NJPW turns 47 and celebrates in a big way!

Published

4 years ago

March 15, 2019

NJPW turns 47 and AXS gives us TWO HOURS tonight! Jay White and Will Ospreay go Champion VS Champion in a non-title instant classic!

Coverage of the 47th Anniversary Show will be as aired by AXS TV.

Gifs can be found on http://frentique.tumblr.com/

OFFICIAL RESULTS

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: BUSHI & Shingo Takagi VS Roppongi 3K; Roppongi 3K wins and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Taiji Ishimori VS Jushin Thunder Liger; Ishimori wins and retains the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto & Hiroshi Tanahashi; Okada, Goto & Tanahashi win.
Champion VS Champion: Jay White VS Will Ospreay; White wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS set the scene for this epic anniversary!

In 1972, professional wrestling changed forever as Antonio Inoki and Carl Gotch headlined the inaugural NJPW event! The decades have gone by with dream match-up after dream match-up, and that tradition continues even now! The Switchblade ushered in the Cutthroat Era to become the NEW IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Jay White will head to Madison Square Garden for his first ever defense, but he has much more than just a tune-up tonight! The Aerial Assassin returns from injury still the NEVER Openweight Champion and looks to show he can beat White again. Will Will Ospreay ascend to even greater heights? Or will he simply Breathe with the Switchblade?

But first, the Bone Soldier Reborn hit NJPW hard upon his debut, and kept hitting all the way to becoming IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion at Wrestle Kingdom. Taiji Ishimori beat a great Junior Heavyweight in Ryusuke Taguchi, but now he dares aim for the greatest! Ishimori called out Jushin Thunder Liger, and the living legend accepted by telling the youngster, “You will regret this.” Does Liger have what it’s take to become a historic 12-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion? Or will the Bone Soldier prove he can hang with “the big boys”?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: BUSHI & Shingo Takagi VS Roppongi 3K!

A special bonus on this two hour airing, Los Ingobernables de Japon’s championship duo put up their belts again so soon, and against one of the best Junior Heavyweight teams in NJPW. Black Mask and Muscle Hawk had a confrontation with Sho & Yoh already, and left Chaos’ contenders down and out. Will hunters become the hunted or vice-versa here tonight?

Skip the entrances and start with Sho and Shingo with the bell! Sho goes right at Shingo and fires off! Shingo staggers but Sho stomps and forearms him to a corner. Sho whips corner to corner but Shingo reverses. Shingo blocks the boot to clothesline! Shingo goes corner to corner but Sho follows to get him back with a clothesline of his own! Sho runs but they both clothesline! Each man staggers back but fans fire up. Sho roars and Shingo grits his teeth as they stare down. Shingo shoves but Sho comes back with a clothesline. Shingo stays up and hits Sho back. Sho manages to stay up but Shingo throws big forearms. Shingo runs but Yoh tags in. RPG3K drop toehold and dropkick! They double dropkick Bushi, too! LIJ regroups outside but RPG3K build speed to FLY! Sho almost ends up on commentary!

Sho hobbles up but he doesn’t let that bad leg bother him. RPG3K get Shingo back in, and Yoh stomps away on Shingo. Yoh drops for a knee wrench, then yanks on the leg. Yoh drags Shingo over and tags in Sho. RPG3K split the wishbone then keep on the leg with stomps. The referee counts but Sho lets up at 4. Sho clubs then whips and then knees Shingo down! Sho kicks stiff but Shingo doesn’t flinch. Shingo stands and they both throw forearms at each other. Sho gets an edge then runs, but Bushi gets a cheap shot in. Bushi holds Sho but Yoh gets a cheap shot in! Sho breaks free and runs Shingo over! Yoh comes in and RPG3K stomp a mudhole into Shingo.

RPG3K double whip corner to corner then Sho whips Yoh in. Shingo puts Yoh out and Bushi trips him up. Shingo gives Sho a boot and PUMPING BOMBER! Bushi whips Yoh hard into barriers while Shingo gets his bad leg moving. Shingo drags Sho up and tosses Sho out. LIJ hit Rocky Romero then Shingo runs Sho into the railing! Bushi rakes Yoh’s face while Shingo rains right hands down on Sho. The referee reprimands Shingo while Bushi gets away with more. LIJ is in control while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns as Bushi still stomps Yoh. Shingo puts Sho in the ring and slingshot stomps down! Shingo grinds his boots in while the ref is busy with Bushi. Fans rally while Shingo pulls Sho back in a motorcycle stretch. Tag to Bushi and LIJ mugs Sho. Bushi takes his shirt off and uses it to choke Sho! The ref counts but Yoh comes in to get back at Bushi. Yoh runs but into Shingo’s spinebuster! The ref is busy helping Sho so he misses Shingo catapult Yoh into Bushi’s CHOP! Bushi basement dropkicks Yoh then stomps him out of the ring. Bushi goes back to Sho but Sho CHOPS him. But Bushi barely flinches, and he CHOPS Sho back! Bushi stomps Sho down then brings him over. Tag to Shingo and LIJ mugs Sho in the corner. Shingo hushes the crowd so they can hear his CHOP!

Sho writhes, chest stinging from those open palm chops. Fans rally but Shingo drags Sho up. Shingo toys with Sho but Sho stands to CHOP Shingo. Shingo eggs Sho on so Sho chops and punches and kicks. Sho runs but into Shingo’s back elbow, then into a jab! Shingo clobbers Sho with a left-hand lariat! The ref checks on Sho, who looks glazed over. Shingo drags Sho around while Yoh slowly returns. Sho resists a suplex then suplexes Shingo! Shingo fights out, suplexes Sho but Sho slips out. Sho waistlocks but Shingo elbows back. Shingo whips Sho but follows through to knee him into the ropes. Shingo runs but into Sho’s SPEAR! Both men are down and fans fire up. Hot tag to Yoh! Yoh uses Shingo as a step stool to hit Bushi with a flying elbow!

Yoh dragon screws Bushi, then throws haymakers on Shingo. He whips but Shingo reverses, only for Yoh to run him over with a spinning elbow! Fans fire up with Yoh as he stalks Shingo in the corner. Yoh runs corner to corner but his back elbow is caught! He elbows out but Shingo throws him down. Yoh dodges the knee drop then dropkicks the bad one. Shingo blocks the kick but Yoh gets out of the dragon screw! Yoh dragon screws Shingo back! Yoh puts Shingo in a Figure Four Leglock! Sho returns to intercept Bushi, drop down into an armbar! RPG3K has dual submissions on the champions! Bushi resists while Shingo endures but they’re both stuck! Fans rally both ways as Shingo rolls to a ropebreak! The ref helps Yoh release while Sho shoves Bushi out.

RPG3K regroup while Shingo crawls. Yoh drags Shingo up, and puts on a full nelson. Bushi wipes Sho out into railing while Shingo powers out of the full nelson. Shingo breaks free of the waistlock, too, but Yoh hits back with uppercuts. Yoh whips but Shingo reverses, pop-up Death Valley Driver! Both men are down but Shingo tags to Bushi. Bushi goes to an open corner and climbs. Bushi leaps, missile dropkicks hits! And he hits the Bushi-rooni, too! He runs in corner to corner for meteroa, then fisherman. Yoh slips out of the swinging neckbreaker but Bushi guards the enziguri. Bushi enziguris Yoh back, but Yoh mule kicks in return. Yoh ducks one kick but Bushi hits the other. Bushi runs into a lethal combination! Fans rally as both men crawl, hot tag to Sho!

Sho hits Shingo then drags Bushi up. Sho hits a big suplex then covers, TWO! Fans rally as Sho deadlifts Bushi. Bushi elbows out then runs, but Sho keeps up to dropkick! Sho waits for Bushi then runs, but Bushi blocks his lariat to code break the arm! Shingo returns to hit Yoh then coordinates with Bushi. Shingo whips corner to corner and runs in for a BIG clothesline! He feeds Sho to Bushi’s enziguri, then they combine for a spinebuster backstabber! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives and keeps RPG3K in the match. But LIJ coordinate again, wheelbarrow but Yoh SUPERKICKS Bushi! Sho fights off Shingo then works together with Yoh. RPG3K double whip but Shingo holds ropes. RPG3K blocks the double clotheslines, but not the second effort! Shingo runs but into double knee strikes! RPG3K go after Bushi, backstabber to dropkick!

Fans fire up as RPG3K drum the mat. They stalk Bushi, call for it, but Bushi breaks free of 3K. Bushi shoves Sho into Yoh then double huricanranas them down! Bushi and Sho slowly stand and Sho fires forearms. Sho whips but Bushi dodges to DIVE onto Yoh! Shingo clotheslines Sho but runs into a German Suplex! Sho holds on but Shingo resists. Sho still gets Shingo up, but Bushi shoves the ref aside! Bushi breathes green mist into Sho’s face!! PUMPING BOMBER! But LIJ isn’t done here, they coordinate, wheelbarrow and codebreaker, REBELLION! Cover, but Yoh breaks it!! RPG3K stays alive but Shingo clotheslines Yoh out. Shingo keeps on Yoh while Bushi climbs and aims at Sho. Sho stands, Bushi leaps, but Sho dodges! Bushi enziguris Sho while Yoh whips Shingo to railing. Bushi runs in, but he’s caught into 3K!! Cover, RPG3K win!!

Winners: Roppongi 3K, Sho pinning; NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions

Rocky Romero celebrates with his boys as they become three-time champions! Will this third time be the charm to become truly the best Junior Heavyweight duo in the world?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Taiji Ishimori VS Jushin Thunder Liger!

Born Soldier Reborn considered himself one of the greatest Junior Heavyweight wrestlers even before arriving in NJPW, and he feels even more justified now that he has the title. But he wants to make it undeniable, which is why he called out the legend. Will Ishimori regret flying to close to the sun? Or will it be Liger who crashes and burns?

Introductions are made and the belt is raised. Fans are strongly behind Liger even before the bell. Ishimori and Liger circle and fans are already thunderous for the living legend. Liger and Ishimori approach but back away before tying up. Ishimori gets a waistlock but Liger reverses to a wristlock. Ishimori reverses but Liger drop toeholds! Liger has Ishimori in a figure four knot and shifts right to a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Ishimori pops out to a cover but Liger gets away fast. Fans applaud and cheer as Liger circles with Ishimori again. Liger gets a single leg takedown then goes for a toehold. Ishimori resists so Liger shifts to another knot. Liger has Ishimori in a combination figure four knot and double wristlock!

Ishimori endures and works his way around. Ishimori gets an arm free and gets the ropebreak. Liger lets go, but comes right back for a surfboard! Liger pulls Ishimori back but Ishimori endures, even as Liger rocks him back! He can’t get Ishimori up so Liger makes it part chinlock instead. Ishimori pops out again but Liger drags him away. Liger gets the legs hooked and pulls on the arms. He rocks Ishimori for THE Romero Special surfboard! Then he shifts to the dragon sleeper variant. Ishimori refuses to give up, even as Liger pulls him in deep. Liger lets Ishimori go to drag him back up. Liger throws forearms into Ishimori’s back, then shoves him to ropes. Ishimori hits back on the rebound! Ishimori runs, handsprings and enziguris Liger down!

Fans rally as Ishimori tosses Liger out hard. Ishimori pursues, then whips Liger into railing! Ishimori throws haymakers then drags him into the ring. Fans rally for Liger but Ishimori grinds his foot in. Ishimori backs off at 4 but comes back to cravat Liger. Liger manages to prevent a snapmare so Ishimori just cranks on the cravat harder. Ishimori puts Liger down for the neck twist! Liger writhes while Ishimori looms over him. Ishimori rains down rights then wraps on a chinlock. Fans continue to rally and Liger feeds off the energy. Liger fights out but Ishimori drop toeholds fast! Ishimori wants the crossface but Liger gets the ropebreak just as quickly. Ishimori backs off to come back with haymakers. He runs but into Liger’s tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Ishimori bails out but Liger wrecks him with a dropkick!

Liger aims from the apron at Ishimori, cannonball! Direct hit wipes Ishimori out, but Liger isn’t done. Liger opens the gate and drags Ishimori through. Liger suplexes and drops Ishimori with a brainbuster! The referee checks on Ishimori while Liger leaves him behind. Fans cheer as Liger stands tall in the ring! The ring count begins and passes 10 of 20 before Ishimori even sits up. Ishimori starts crawling at 15, gets to his feet at 18, and runs in at 19.9! Liger runs at Ishimori in the corner for a SHOTEI! Liger drags Ishimori up to the top rope then climbs up to join him. SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Ishimori still lives but fans still rally behind Liger. Liger drags Ishimori up, powerbomb lifts, but Ishimori counters with a DDT! Both men are down but stirring as fans continue to cheer.

Liger and Ishimori crawl towards each other, and they start throwing forearms. They go back and forth, and slowly rise to their feet. Liger throws more forearms then whips, but Ishimori goes Spider-Man to slide under and around. Ishimori shoulders in then springboard seated sentons Liger down! Liger bails out but Ishimori builds speed, corner moonsault! A direct hit, but Ishimori takes a moment to catch his breath before putting Liger in. Ishimori aims from across the way, then runs in corner to corner for meteora! Liger is down but Ishimori shows no mercy. Ishimori drags Liger up, gut wrench, Bloody Cross! Cover, TWO!! Liger lives and shocks Ishimori! Fans rally but Ishimori drags Liger. Liger hits a Fisherman Busher outta nowhere!

Liger fires up and takes aim at Ishimori. Ishimori stands, but blocks the Shotei! Ishimori runs, but into SHOTEI! Liger isn’t done there, LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO?! Ishimori barely survives but Liger won’t let up! Liger drags Ishimori up again, suplexes but Ishimori knees out. Ishimori grabs Liger but Liger counters Bloody Cross into a Northern Lights! Liger runs but Ishimori catches the kick! Ishimori drops down to the Lebell crossface! Liger endures and fans are thunderous for him not to give up! Ishimori pulls back but Liger holds on, to get the ropebreak! Ishimori lets Liger go, and looks at a loss for what to do to end Liger. He whips but Liger slips out, only for Ishimori to clothesline. Liger stays up so Ishimori runs, and clobbers him! Cover, TWO!

Ishimori drags Liger up and runs again, but into a FLASH CRADLE! TWO!! Ishimori escapes and runs, but into a Thesz Press! Cover, TWO! Liger powers up, but Ishimori dodges, tilt-o-whirl takedown into the Lebell Lock!! Ishimori cranks back, then shifts to Rings of Saturn! Ishimori uses it to get Liger away, back to the Lebell! Liger taps, Ishimori wins!!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission; still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion

The Bone Soldier makes the legend submit! That in itself is a massive accomplishment! Does this truly make Ishimori the greatest Junior Heavyweight in the world? Liger leaves without a word while Ishimori takes up the mic. “Next up, April 6, I want to put this belt on the line.” He wants a match for Madison Square Garden! Ishimori calls out ROH to send him a proper challenger. It seems there’s someone already here to answer the call!

Dragon Lee, who is really more a CMLL star, steps up to Bone Soldier and says, “Ishimori, make no mistake. NJPW isn’t the only one with the best wrestlers. ROH isn’t the only one with the best wrestlers.” The best come from Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre! Lee has wanted to be Junior Heavyweight Champion, so he’ll show Ishimori and the world that HE is the best, in MSG! Ishimori responds, “I speak Spanish, too, ok?” And hola, Dragon Lee, he’s Ishimori. He is the champ, and let’s have some fun! #ItisReborn! Madison Square Garden will host an international instant classic, who will prove themselves the best Junior Heavyweight in the world?

Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto & Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The stars keep on coming as Tetsuya Naito, EVIL & SANADA take on The Rainmaker, the Fierce Warrior and the Once in a Century Talent! Will the recent title losses suffered by LIJ drag them down? Or can they make a massive comeback even against this amazing trio?

The teams sort out, and Okada starts against Naito! Fans are already loving this match and duel over fan favorites. Okada and Naito circle and tie up, but are even in strength. Okada gets Naito to the ropes but backs off to feint. Naito comes right at him with a facelock and clubbing forearms. Okada forearms back then whips. Things speed up and Naito arm-drags Okada, but Okada arm-drags back. Naito headscissor holds but Okada pops out, Naito Tranquilo! Fans cheer this stand-off as Naito takes his time standing back up. Naito and Okada circle again, and Naito kicks and clubs Okada to the ropes. Naito whips but Okada reverses. Okada boots then snapmares to dropkick Naito down! Okada tags Goto but Naito gets away. Sanada tags in and now they circle.

Sanada and Goto tie up and Goto fires forearms. Goto kicks but Sanada blocks and trips him up! Sanada goes for Paradise but Goto pushes him away. Sanada kicks back then whips Goto corner to corner. Goto reverses but runs into an elbow. Sanada hops and springboards but Goto gets clear. Sanada lands on his feet and runs but Goto follows to clothesline him down! Goto tags Tanahashi then attacks LIJ alongside Okada. The super trio whip, kick and drop elbows on Sanada, Okada tops it off with a dropkick. They look to each other, but the team pose isn’t quite ready. Tanahashi drags Sanada up to throw body shots. Tanahashi whips Sanada corner to corner for a big dropkick. He whips Sanada again but Sanada goes around with him, battling for the abdominal stretch! They go around and around, and it’s Sanada who gets it!

But it’s not for long, as Naito comes in to dropkick Tanahashi! Evil rushes Okada and Goto! LIJ stomps the super trio out then Naito whips Okada into railing! Sanada stomps Tanahashi then tags in Evil. Evil grabs Tanahashi’s leg and smashes the knee on the mat. Tanahashi clutches the notoriously bad leg but Evil smashes it again. Evil tags Naito and they smash both knees down! Tanahashi writhes but Naito ties him up in an Indian Deathlock. Tanahashi endures as Naito pulls and twists. Goto stomps Naito but Sanada whips Goto. Sanada elbows Goto down, Goto avoids the standing moonsault but not the dropkick to the back. Naito brings Tanahashi up and tags in Evil. LIJ go after the bad leg, then Evil clubs Tanahashi on the back.

Tanahashi forearms Evil but Evil eggs him on. Evil kicks low then wrenches the arm over and over. Evil whips Tanahashi corner to corner, then runs in, but blocks the boot! Tanahashi uses the other foot to boot Evil, then goes to kick. Evil blocks that kick and hand sit off to referee Red Shoes, but then Tanahashi blocks the mule kick! Tanahashi gets Red Shoes to let go, then he dragon screws Evil! Both men are down with bad legs but fans rally up. Tanahashi and Evil crawl, hot tag to Okada! Okada throws forearms on Evil then whips. Evil reverses but Okada dodges to hit the big back elbow! Okada hits Naito for good measure, but Evil hits Okada. LIJ double whips but Okada DDT’s Sanada! Okada kicks and DDT’s Evil, too! Naito runs in but even he gets a DDT! Okada kips up and fires up!

Okada whips Evil for the flapjack! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Okada drags Evil up. Okada scoop slams then heads for the corner. He climbs up top, but Evil gets clear. Evil clotheslines Okada in a corner, Fisherman Suplex! Cover, TWO! Evil keeps his cool as fans continue to duel. Evil goes to fireman’s carry but Okada fights it off. Okada clubs Evil but Evil CHOPS back. Okada whips but Evil fakes him out. Evil runs but Okada wrings him out. Evil counters Rainmaker but Okada escapes Everything is Evil. Okada runs but Evil follows to clothesline Okada down! Evil tags Sanada and Sanada drags Okada up. Sanada whips but Okada reverses, only for Sanada to tumble and slingshot. Okada catches Sanada, reverse neckbreaker! Fans fire up as Okada tags in Goto!

Goto kicks away on Sanada but Sanada stands and blocks. Sanada spins Goto but Goto blocks the German. Goto Germans but Sanada lands on his feet. Sanada feeds Goto to Naito’s atomic drop. Naito feeds Goto to Evil’s mule kick. Sanada saido suplexes Goto down! Cover, but Tanahashi breaks it. Evil throws The Ace out and LIJ goes after him and Okada. Sanada drags Goto up, fireman’s carry but Goto fights out. Goto dragon sleepers, but Sanada reverses! Goto reverses back but Sanada reverses again. Sanada pulls back on the dragon sleeper but Tanahashi dragon sleepers Sanada! Evil German Suplexes Tanahashi! Okada returns, whips Evil and dropkicks him down! Naito returns and dropkicks Okada! Naito baits Goto in, tornado DDT denied into USHIGOROSHI!

Goto fires up and goes to Sanada. Goto fireman’s carries and Ushigoroshi, but Sanada handsprings out of it! Sanada kicks back then runs, but GOto follows. Sanada dodges and rolls Goto to the dragon sleeper! He swings Goto around before bringing him into Skull End. But Goto rolls through and around to deathlock and cover! The super trio wins!

Winners: Goto, Okada & Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto pinning

What innovation from the Fierce Warrior! LIJ continues to drop, and with the New Japan Cup on the horizon, is there any hope for any of them to make it to the finals? Or will one of the three winners here be strong contenders for the cup this year?

Goto takes the mic and speaks on the New Japan Cup. He vows to be the one to win it all. But Tanahashi takes the mic and says, “Wait, wait, wait. At the New Japan Cup, I’ll be making my comeback.” He vows to win it all, but then Okada takes the mic. “Excuse me, senpai, but the winner of the New Japan Cup is gonna be me, the huge favorite!” All three men stake their claims, but only one can be the cup winner and new #1 contender. Who will it really be by the end of NJPW’s own March Madness?

Champion VS Champion: Jay White VS Will Ospreay!

Perhaps the most exciting tradition of this anniversary is such an exhibition between those who stand atop NJPW’s many divisions. One year ago, when he was the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, the Aerial Assassin took on The Rainmaker, who was then the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Now, a new era has emerged as The Switchblade holds the same title Okada did. Ospreay himself holds his own title, and now we see IWGP Heavyweight VS NEVER Openweight! Will Ospreay show weight means nothing going into the New Japan Cup? Or will White show Ospreay just how much he’s grown since they first faced off?

The belts are put aside for this epic encounter. Fans are solidly behind Ospreay, but White bails out at the bell. White and Gedo grin as they troll Ospreay and the fans. Ospreay dares White to get in but White does things on his time. White returns at 6 of 20, then circles with Ospreay. Ospreay and White tie up and White pushes Ospreay to ropes. But Ospreay pushes back! Ospreay digs deep to put White on the ropes! Fans applaud and Ospreay lets up, but White grabs him to put on the ropes. White backs off but Ospreay ducks the sucker punch. Ospreay gets a headlock but White pulls hair to power out. White and Ospreay collide but neither falls. White taunts Ospreay into trying again, and Ospreay runs. They collide again but still neither falls.

Ospreay dares White to show him how it’s done, and White runs to run Ospreay over. But Ospreay nips right up, only for White to SLAP him. White smirks then runs, but things speed up. White sees the boots coming and pulls Ospreay up to CHOP him. He CHOPS Ospreay more then whips. Ospreay dodges and speeds up even more to finally run White over! Then he dropkicks White down! White bails out and Ospreay builds speed, only to fake him out! Superhero landing! White comes back but gets another dropkick. Ospreay slingshots and takes White down! Fans cheer Ospreay as he drags White up. Ospreay whips White hard into railing, then throws haymakers. Ospreay dodges Gedo and grabs him by the jacket. White clobbers Ospreay down!

White clubs and CHOPS Ospreay around the way, then whips Ospreay at railing. But Ospreay hops over them and rocks White back with a right. Ospreay springboards but White dodges, White saido suplexes Ospreay down! White checks his chin then refreshes the ring count. He fetches Ospreay to suplex, but Ospreay resists. Ospreay tries but can’t quite get White up. White swings Ospreay into the post, ribs first! White leaves Ospreay behind while Red Shoes checks on the NEVER Openweight champ. Gedo talks with White and White goes back to get Ospreay. White puts Ospreay in and toys with him. Ospreay tries to hit back but those ribs rob him of power. Ospreay stands and forearms but White knees low. White lifts Ospreay for a gutbuster! Ospreay coughs and sputters but White pumphandles him for another! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally for Ospreay as he grits his teeth. White drags Ospreay up and keylocks so he can attack the ribs. White rams his shoulder in again and again, then puts on a rear bearhug. Ospreay endures as White squeezes and leans on him. Fans rally but White deadlifts. Ospreay fights out, but then White hits another saido suplex! Ospreay rolls out of the ring but White pursues. White drags Ospreay up to ram him into the apron! Then the railing! Then back to the apron, then back into railing! White taunts the fans with “That’s why I’m the champ!” The ring count begins but White puts Ospreay in at 5. White aims as Ospreay slowly stands. He runs in but Ospreay dodges! Ospreay CHOPS White then throws uppercuts. Ospreay whips but his ribs give him trouble. White Half Hatches Ospreay into buckles, cover, TWO!

Fans cheer Ospreay on but White puts him in a seated abdominal stretch. Ospreay endures even as White digs an elbow into the ribs and hip. Ospreay pries an arm free and gets to his feet. He throws body shots and forearms but White clubs back. Ospreay rocks White with a right! And then another! Ospreay whips but White reverses, Ospreay manages to handspring but White sweeps his arms out! White checks his chin while Ospreay gets to a corner. Ospreay boots White back, then enziguris! Ospreay drags himself to the apron, and slingshots up, but White trips him up! White catches his breath while Ospreay sputters for his own. Ospreay still fights back, but White punches him down. White runs but into a body scissor that sends him out!

Fans fire up as Ospreay builds speed, SASUKE SPECIAL! The direct hit is also double-edged as Ospreay’s ribs hit White. Ospreay still stands up while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns as Ospreay throws White into the ring. Ospreay aims again, springboards for the flying clothesline! Fans fire up with Ospreay as he looms over White. Ospreay throws forearms and jabs then whips. White reverses but Ospreay handsprings and enziguris! Standing corkscrew moonsault! Cover, TWO! Fans keep cheering Ospreay on as he brings White up. Ospreay double underhooks but his ribs won’t let him lift. White CHOPS but Ospreay kicks! Ospreay kicks and kicks and kicks, but White ducks one to reel him in. Ospreay fights to saido off to clothesline White out. Fans cheer and Ospreay builds speed again. Ospreay DIVES, but White makes it a belly2belly into railing! Red Shoes checks on Ospreay quick, but somehow he’s okay to continue.

White gets in the ring and leaves Ospreay behind. The ring count begins and passes 10 before Ospreay stands. Ospreay falls but gets back up at 15. He still has trouble, but hops in at 19.5! White drags Ospreay up into a fireman’s carry, Death Valley Bomb! Cover, TWO! White is too tired to be frustrated, but he kicks Ospreay while he’s down. He rams his knees into the ribs and sends Ospreay into a corner. White stomps a mudhole into Ospreay but backs off. He comes back with knees into Ospreay’s shoulders, then toys with him. Ospreay grabs White’s foot and stands up to put him up top! Ospreay tucks White in, Cheeky Nandos SUPERKICK! White teeters but Ospreay puts him into the Tree of Woe. Ospreay sits down to stare at White. He won’t let White sit up, either! He SLAPS White over and over and over!

Gedo gets Ospreay’s attention, but instantly regrets it. White sits up but Ospreay is right on him with the Canadian Rack. White escapes Stormbreaker but Ospreay dragon sleepers. Ospreay lifts White but White slips out to lift Ospreay. White rolls Ospreay off but Ospreay escapes Blade Runner. White CHOPS then fires off a strike fest. He runs but into Ospreay’s dropkick flip and enziguri! Ospreay swings into a Complete Shot! Deadlift German Suplex! White gets up but so does Ospreay. STANDING SPANISH FLY! But Ospreay’s too sore to cover! Fans are thunderous as Ospreay wills himself to stand. White slowly follows but Ospreay hits first. They trade forearms, and Ospreay grits his teeth to give a trio. Ospreay drags White back up but White knees low! White throws forearms back and Ospreay slouches over.

White drags Ospreay up but Ospreay breaks out to CHOP. And CHOP, and then uppercut! Ospreay calls for it but White stops him from running. Ospreay dodges and hooking SUPERKICKS White! He drags White up then hoists him into an Electric Chair. Ospreay climbs the corner with White on his shoulders, SUPER ARM-DRAG BOMB! Cover, TWO!! White survives but fans keep Ospreay going. Ospreay calls for it and runs, but White drops down before the Oscutter takes flight. Ospreay fetches White and double underhooks, but those ribs still bother him. White grins but Ospreay glares. Ospreay buzzsaws and heel kicks so fast! White is wobbly and Ospreay aims, ROBINSON SPECIAL! But Ospreay says BANG to the Bullet Club leader, Oscutter caught into White’s Rings of Saturn! White elbows and elbows and elbows, just before Ospreay would’ve been out cold.

Fans rally up as White stands. White slashes his throat and drags Ospreay up. Ospreay slips out and REVERSE-RANAS! Ospreay wobbles but he still back hand elbows White! Both men are down but the fans haven’t give up. They cheer Ospreay on as he and White slowly stir. Ospreay grits his teeth and glares at White as he crawls over. Ospreay drags White up by his hair, then pulls off the elbow pad. He aims again, but Gedo runs into the ring! Red Shoes keeps Gedo back but Ospreay wants after him. White LOW BLOWS Ospreay! Gedo goes away, and White drags Ospreay into a sleeper suplex! White drags Ospreay up, cross arms, straitjacket brainbuster! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay still lives and White is just exhausted.

White keeps wrist control and drags Ospreay back up, but Ospreay slips out and POWERBOMBS outta nowhere! Cover, TWO!! White narrowly escapes but fans are thunderous again. Ospreay puts White in the drop zone then climbs up top. Ospreay hits imploding 450! But the impact keeps him from covering! He comes back, ROPEBREAK! White survives by literal fingertips! Ospreay is beside himself but he gets back up. He’s foaming at the mouth despite his ribs hurting. Ospreay pushes through and underhooks, and somehow gets White up! But White slips out, but so does Ospreay! White ducks the hook kick and reels Ospreay in, but Ospreay lands out of the sleeper suplex! ROUNDHOUSE! HOOK KICK! Ospreay aims, spins, ROBINSON SPECIAL! Springboard, BLADE RUNNER?! White caught the cutter, but he’s not done! He drags Ospreay up, TRUE BLADE RUNNER! Cover, White wins!!

Winner: Jay White, by pinfall

Time after time after time, The Switchblade finds a way to shock the world! The IWGP Heavyweight Champion wins, and will simply watch the New Japan Cup tournament play out. Who meets White in Madison Square Garden?

But Gedo feels this isn’t enough. He brings a chair in and hands it to White. The bell rings and fans boo as White aims with the steel. But Kota Ibushi jumps in to make the save! The Golden Star wants to hit the champ, but the Bullet Club appears to save their leader! Chase Owens and the Tongan Firing Squad wreck havoc on Ibushi and Ospreay, but now Tanahashi, Okada and Goto appear! The super trio runs Bullet Club off before anything worse can happen. White clutches his belt while he reminds Tanahashi and Okada that he already beat them. White says it doesn’t matter who comes out of the tournament, he’ll beat them all again! He holds the title up high, but will he be doing so at the end of G1 Supercard?

Backstage interviews

Okada notes how he was “the only one who didn’t get a finish” for the team. But he’s still everyone’s favorite to win, and win he will. The main event at MSG for the IWGP Heavyweight title? That sounds awesome. But as for Jay White, that “son of a b*tch”, Okada will definitely win this time! Okada leaves, but Tanahashi peers around the corner. It seems The Ace disagrees. Tanahashi comes out to take his turn, and simply says, “I want to go to New York.” He wants to be in the main event in New York, too. No, he WILL be in New York! Tanahashi sees the path to New York’s main event before him. This is the best time for the New Japan Cup, and it will be the biggest one yet. Tanahashi took the G1, he’ll take this one, too.

As for Goto, he wants Kota Ibushi to remember back to their NEVER Openweight Championship match. Goto knows him better than anyone. If Ibushi has nowhere else to go, join Goto. And for White, Goto’s coming for your head. “Don’t you forget that.” Ibushi says that he finally made a decision on his own terms. Ibushi is very thankful to Tanahashi. Tanahashi returns for Ibushi to thank and apologize to. Tanahashi likes the idea of teaming with Ibushi in the future, too. Teaming up aside, who comes out of all this the 2019 New Japan Cup Champion, and the man to challenge Jay White in the Garden?

My Thoughts:

One hour of NJPW on AXS is always great, so TWO hours is amazing! We get bonus content, and I was really surprised to see RPG3K win the titles here. I thought LIJ was going to hold on to their belts, but after EVIL & SANADA lost their titles at Honor Rising (which unfortunately AXS had no room for this year), it seems LIJ is quickly on their way back down. LIJ also lost the Six Man Tag, but this loss was a bit more logical given the sheer singles star power they were up against. Okada, Tanahashi and Goto are all major players in the New Japan Cup so naturally they go in with great momentum. Sad to say, Goto is actually the least likely of the three to go all the way, and falls even further when you factor in Naito and Ibushi.

Ishimori VS Liger was incredible, but naturally Ishimori goes over since Liger is retiring. It really did mean a lot for Ishimori to submit Liger, submissions always carry more weight than pinfalls. Ishimori called out ROH because of how G1 Supercard is advertised as their cross-promotional event, but it was clever to bring in CMLL to take the match. Ishimori VS Lee is going to be great, they’re both such fast moving guys. I would still think Ishimori wins, and this is to boost his resume in NJPW. White VS Ospreay was incredible, so it’s just a shame Ospreay can’t challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship given weight restrictions. That said, Ospreay probably won’t win it all, and he’ll focus on his own Openweight title. White could take on anyone at G1 Supercard for a great match, but Okada and Ibushi have the best chances to take the title.

My Score: 9/10

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

Up Next

CMLL’s Review & Results: Homenaje a dos Leyenda 3/15/2019

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/9/19)

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/20/23)

Monday is ImPAULsive!

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The Road to WrestleMania gets even bigger!

On the same night Roman Reigns returns to Raw, Logan Paul hosts a special edition of his talk show, with The Miz as special guest!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Austin Theory VS Montez Ford; Theory wins.
Omos w/ MVP VS Mustafa Ali; Omos wins.
Dominik Mysterio w/ Damian Priest VS Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis; Dom wins.
Bayley w/ Damage CTRL VS Rhea Ripley; Rhea wins.
Chad Gable w/ Otis VS Ricochet w/ Braun Strowman; Ricochet wins.
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Asuka & Bianca Belair; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kevin Owens is here!

The fans fire up as the Prizefighter heads to the ring, but it turns out, he’s not alone! SAMI ZAYN is here, too! The best frenemies reunited on SmackDown, so they’re rolling together here on Raw! Fans sing Sami’s song and then cheer for “SAMI! SAMI!” Kevin says, “I think they like you.” Fans then chant for “KO! KO!” Sami says, “Sounds like they like you, too, pal.” Kevin appreciates them cheering, and Sami says it feels really, really, really good to come out here on the same page with Kevin again. And he didn’t get a chance to say this last week, but Sami says he gets it.

After Elimination Chamber, for weeks Sami came up to Kevin, talking about not being friends and working together, he had it wrong. He thought of it as a business transaction, and that’s not how they’ve done this. They’ve needed each other their whole careers, whether as friends or enemies, they’ve always used each other to get to the next level, and they did it as brothers. Kevin says Sami is right about that, but here’s something Sami might not understand. For 20 years, Kevin’s been Sami’s biggest fan. Whether fighting each other or fighting alongside each other, Kevin’s been Sami’s biggest fan. Whenever he would be asked who is the best wrestler he’s been in the ring with, he’d say Sami Zayn.

So for the last six months, it was frustrating to see Sami in the Bloodline, being held under Roman’ Reigns’ thumb, when the truth is, Sami is better than all of them! He outgrew the Bloodline right away! Kevin knew it, the Bloodline knew it, and the FANS knew it! Kevin couldn’t take seeing Sami stay under Roman. But Sami got through to Kevin, and Kevin realized it was time to get over that and take down the Bloodline together. Sami says they both know what comes next. They look to the WrestleMania sign! And here come the Usos! Jimmy & Jey glare right at Sami & Kevin, and they have mics of their own to speak their minds.

Fans boo but Jey says, “Look at ’em! You see what I see?” Jimmy sees ’em, Uce. That right there is a backstabber! Sami, what you whispering about? Kevin’s Sami’s biggest fan, they like you, too! You two are just gonna backstab each other! They’re the kind of family that cuts at each other’s throats! Sami says they’re gonna talk about family with cutthroats and backstabbers, we all know it is Jey’s dream to get back at Roman Reigns! Jimmy says Sami’s the only one dreaming! Wake up! The two of them staring at the Mania sign like something’s gonna happen there. Nothing’s gonna happen there. NOTHING!

Kevin says let’s just cut to the chase. We all know where this is going, what they’re thinking. And by the sound of it, the fans are thinking the same thing! There’s only one way to settle this, and only one place to do it: The Grandest Stage of Them All! Jimmy & Jey as brothers VS these brothers, Kevin & Sami, for the Undisputed Tag Team titles at WrestleMania! Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” Jimmy says the Usos are the greatest team in the world! Kevin & Sami don’t deserve anything! They’ve been on the same page for three minutes. The Usos have been down since day one! There won’t be a title match at WrestleMania!

Jey says, “To be honest, though… This might be our one shot to put this, uh, Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens problem in the dirt. So yeah! Brother VS Brother at WrestleMania! WE ACCEPT!” In fact, why wait? The Usos rush the ring and the brawl is on! Kevin has Jimmy. Jey has Sami, but Jimmy POSTS Kevin and Sami TOSSES Jey! Jimmy then runs in to TOSS Sami! Sami throws hands, the Usos mug Sami, but Kevin CLOBBERS Jimmy into the timekeeper’s area! Now the Canadians mug Jey! They put Jey in the ring, Jey runs, into a SUPERKICK! And then Sami sets up, HELLUVA- NO, Jimmy bails Jey out!

Fans boo but the Usos regroup and grab chairs! But refs rush out, and a SUV pulls up backstage. The rest of the Bloodline arrives! Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman get the door for the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns! Kevin & Sami dare the Usos to do something, but the Usos retreat to regroup with the Bloodline. But the match is made all the same! Will the Bloodline stand or crumble in Hollywood?

Austin Theory VS Montez Ford!

The Now United States Champion didn’t like all the jokes made at his expense, and he took it out on Angelo Dawkins. But will he be able to do the same to the other half of the Profits? Or will A-Town go down this close to WrestleMania?

Raw returns and Ford makes his entrance. Dawkins sees him out to the ramp then falls back, as Ford did for Dawkins last week. The bell rings and Theory circles with Ford. Fans chant, “We Want The Smoke!” Ford and Theory tie up, Theory headlocks, but Ford powers up. Theory holds on tight, but Ford tries again. Ford gets free, but Theory runs him over! Theory does the running man then says, “All Day.” Fans boo but Theory talks trash on Ford. Ford ties up with Theory, headlocks back, but Theory powers out. Ford leaps over Theory, then CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up while Theory is dazed. Ford says, “You Can’t See Me!”

Ford stalks Theory, but Theory throws body shots and haymakers! Theory CHOKES Ford on the ropes! The ref counts, Theory lets off, but Theory storms up to bump Ford off buckles. Theory stomps away on Ford, the ref counts, but Theory lets off at 4. Fans boo but Theory soaks it all up. Theory then brings Ford up, but Ford turns things around and gives all those stomps back! Theory dodges the haymaker to kick and whip, but Ford reverses and follows to LARIAT! Theory stands, Ford clotheslines Theory up and out! Fans fire up, and Ford TOSSES Theory over the barriers! Fans fire up more as Ford celebrates with them and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Theory has Ford up top, but Ford fights back with body shots! Ford ROCKS Theory, Theory holds onto ropes to stay up, but Ford CLAWS his face then DECKS him! Ford stands up to CROSSBODY! Both men are down and fans fire up! Theory and Ford stand, Theory storms up but Ford counter punches! And again! Ford rallies with big clotheslines, then he dodges to UPPERCUT! Ford hits a BIG back suplex, to a handspring, “You Can’t See Me!” STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Ford has the fans behind him. Ford waits on Theory to stand, and then clinches, but Theory elbows free!

Theory brings Ford in, Ford wrenches out and ROCKS Theory! Theory rebounds to BOOT! Ford ENZIGURIS in return! Theory staggers, but he still fireman’s carries! Ford slips free to DDT! Theory bails out and sputters, but Ford kips up to then FLY!! Direct hit at the ramp and St. Louis is thunderous! Ford puts Theory back in, climbs up the corner, and FROM THE HEAVEN- NO, Ford has to roll through as Theory moves! Somersault SHOTGUN! Theory calls his shot, fireman’s carries, A-TOWN DOWN!! Cover, Theory wins!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall

One miscalculation from Ford and Theory pulls out the victory! But as close as this was, will Theory find himself struggling against the living legend that is John Cena?

Theory gets the mic to say, “He didn’t believe in me, and now he does. And John, you don’t believe in me. But at WrestleMania, you will!” Theory points to the sign, will WrestleMania belong to The Now?

The Bloodline regroups in the private suite.

The Usos sit with Roman, and he says that wasn’t the best start to the night. Are they good? They’re good. Well, it looked like they took a beating. Well, yeah, a few shots. But y’know what? Nothing can hurt Jimmy or hit him harder than being torn away from his brother. Nothing! And then having to sit here and answer to it like it’s his fault! Is Jimmy standing up to Roman? “I will never forgive Sami Zayn for this.” At Mania, the Usos got him. Roman sure hopes so. He really does. “Wise Man!” “Yes, My Tribal Chief?” “Bring me Adam Pearce.” “Yes, My Tribal Chief.” Heyman heads out, as do Jimmy and Solo, but Roman tells Jey to stay.

Jey sits closer with Roman now, but what will the Tribal Chief have to say to him?

Raw returns as Roman and Jey continue to sit.

Roman says, “It’s been a minute. Haven’t seen you. Haven’t heard from you. I got to beg your brother to get some answers. And now you’re back, making decisions. In order to make decisions, you gotta be part of the Bloodline. Are you with us? Are you Bloodline? Are you still my family?” Jey says he is with Roman. He is Bloodline, Uce. The two look at each other, eye to eye, and Roman says, “I hope so. So I’ma let you do you. I’ll see you later.” Jey nods and goes to stand up, but then Roman puts a hand on his knee. “I love you.” Jey goes, and Heyman returns. “My Tribal Chief.” “Yes, Wise Man?” “Did you find out the answers you were looking for?” Roman says yes.

BREAKING NEWS for WrestleMania!

As first announced on SmackDown, there will be two Fatal 4 Way Tag Team showcase matches! While the women’s division is competing for their spots, the four men’s teams are decided! The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders VS The Alpha Academy VS Braun Strowman & Ricochet!

Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.

Byron Saxton is with the WWE Official, and asks for some insight about this showcase matches. Yes, this is a great opportunity to showcase the best tag teams in the men’s and women’s divisions, and- Chelsea Green asks to talk to the manager. Hi, Chelsea, it’s him, Pearce. Then Chelsea wants him to know that she just made matching gear for herself and her tag team partner, Carmella, but Carmella isn’t available tonight! Yes, he knows, so- So he’ll have no problem to agreeing to this new tag partner she found, someone who has no love lost for Bianca Belair and Asuka. In comes Piper Niven!

Chelsea introduces Piper, and says she will help Chelsea destroy the competition. Talk to whoever you have to in order to make this official. For what feels like the thousandth time, Pearce is the one. He is the general manager, he makes things official, and he- Well if he’s so official, then go ahead and make it official that these two are in the Women’s Fatal 4 Way Showcase! That’s what he was in the middle of doing! Oh! Finalizing? Do you know who she is?! She is Chelsea green, she is a star, and you do not want to make her angry. Don’t make her go on social media and at WWE to put her on blast. Or worse, walk him! Put her in! ‘Kay, bye.

Pearce sighs, but at the very least, Chelsea and Piper are going to see if they’re a worthy duo against the EST and the Empress of Tomorrow.

It’s a tale of the tape!

“WrestleMania has played host to some of the biggest collisions in WWE history. And this year, two titans are set for a colossal showdown.” Brock Lesnar has used his natural physical gifts for roughly 20 years. He is 6’3″ and 285 pounds, with a wingspan of 81 inches, Lesnar has the ultimate tools to deliver suplexes and the F5. So it is no surprise that he has achieved so many accolades: seven-time WWE Champion, three-time Universal Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner. He even dominated the octagon to become UFC Heavyweight Champion. It is clear that Lesnar is capable of decimating anyone he’s faced.

But he’s never faced someone like Omos. The Nigerian Giant’s sheer size made him a spectacle upon arrival. 7’3″, 416 pounds, making him dwarf even Khali, Kane and the Undertaker. The 87 inch reach gives him a foot of advantage over the average boxer, and his 14.5 inch hands are twice the size of a normal man’s. Omos has already cemented himself as a force of nature in the WWE. These two have all the components to overwhelm the ordinary competitor, but they’re both far from ordinary. This will be a battle unlike any other, on the only stage big enough to contain them!

Omos w/ MVP VS Mustafa Ali!

If that tale of the tape wasn’t enough for you, then prepare to see the Nigerian Giant in action! Will the Beacon be broken this close to WrestleMania?

The bell rings and Ali tries to reason with Omos. Ali believes in positivity now, and he will win with a smile on his face. Omos SHOVES Ali all the way to the corner! Omos talks trash on Ali, then CLOBBERS him! Ali flounders and Omos roars. Dolph Ziggler is watching backstage, he is not impressed by Ali’s overenthusiasm. Omos drags Ali up to MOUNTAINTOP SLAM!! Cover, Omos wins!

Winner: Omos, by pinfall

MVP gets the mic and says the Nigerian Giant fears no man, animal or beast. But Brock Lesnar will learn to fear the Nigerian Giant at WrestleMania! But will The Beast be able able to build Suplex City on the huge foundation that is this mountain?

Security knocks on Logan Paul’s door.

Logan Paul and his entourage head out, and Miz walks over for a handshake. Miz was hoping to go over the questions for tonight, since Logan will surely want have him, this year’s host of WrestleMania, as his guest on ImPAULsive TV tonight. Yeah, no, hard pass. Logan leaves Miz hanging and heads to gorilla, but will he regret showing up on Raw tonight?

Logan Paul heads to the ring.

Fans are torn as “the Maverick” is ready to host the Raw debut of his talk show. “EY YOOO, ST. LOUIS~! Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get a little ImPAULsive, shall we?” Logan knows last week, Seth Rollins said that the fans don’t want Logan here. Well too bad because tonight, you’re in HIS house! ImPAULsive TV, baby! Boo all you want, but here’s the reality, y’all. He doesn’t have to be here. He doesn’t. He’s made his millions off his name and his brands, but he’s here because he loves it. He hears you, and sadly, y’all don’t love him. Maybe two people do: his dad, who he dragged to St. Louis, and that kid who had the “Drink Prime” sign. Much love, kid.

But the rest of y’all, no matter how many times he gets on the mic for their entertainment, no matter how many of these “superstars” he beats up, the fans will never respect him. But guess what? He doesn’t care! It isn’t his fault you DORKS refuse to see the amount of talent standing in front of you! Logan is a 360 degree entertainer, there is nothing he can’t do, there is no seat he can’t fill, there is no person on this roster he can’t compete with. Whether you like him or not, yes, he IS that good. That’s why he didn’t invite anyone to be his guest tonight. Because he can do it all! And did you think any of his celebrity friends would come to a place like St. Louis?

“Two words: Get real!” They’d be outta here quicker than the St. Louis Rams! Oh, sorry, the LA Rams! In fact, he’s looking to joining the Rams back in LA when he challenged “your hear,” Seth Rollins, to a match at WrestleMania, April 1st, Logan’s 28th birthday. Happy birthday to himself, he gets to kick some ass. But jokes aside, the match will be great. Rollins is top three in the business. But Logan was talking with his brother, Jake, and Jake made a good point. It is hard to be afraid of a guy named “Seth.” Seths are nice guys. Seth Rogan, Seth Curry, though he’s not as good as Steph Curry, but hey.

And maybe, if Rollins hadn’t started this beef, they could’ve been friends! But now, Logan just wants to see himself knock Rollins out again. Actually, can we do that? Can we get a replay of him knocking Rollins out? It was two weeks ago, Rollins gave Miz a superkick and then Logan hit his One Lucky Punch. Do you guys like Rollins? Let’s see that again. Oh, so good! Rollins looked so dumb. Okay, one more time! Put some production value on it. BOP! SMACK! WHAM! Beautiful! Like watching Picasso paint. Logan could see that all day! But then Logan’s mic gets cut? Logan isn’t sure what’s going on here. Did the production team not get the mics right?

Fans cheer that Logan can’t be heard, but he just trades mic. But wait! Rollins is in the production truck! He “apologizes” to “Mr. Paul” about that. He isn’t sure what’s wrong. Logan’s audio isn’t working, the video isn’t working. What could the problem be? HAHAHAHAHAHA! Now the real question, Logan, is how on Earth are we gonna save this terribly awful episode of ImPAULsive TV? Any ideas? OH! Rollins has one. HAHAHAHAHA! “BURN IT DOWN~!” See you soon, Logan! HAHAHAHA! Rollins struts all the way from the truck to gorilla, in a leopard print outfit, too. Logan mocks the fans singing as tone deaf.

Rollins heads to the ring and fans sing more, “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” Logan says St. Louis can’t keep a football team and they can’t keep a tune. And Rollins’ outfit is stupid. Rollins stands with Logan in the ring as fans sing, has the mic, but then TACKLES Logan! The two brawl, spill out of the ring, and Rollins throws hands! Refs rush in, as does Adam Pearce! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” and the two get loose! They COLLIDE, and then Rollins TACKLES Logan over the announce desk! Logan scrambles away, but Rollins trips him on the desk!! Logan lands hard, Rollins wants more, but security drags him away!

Rollins rips up Logan’s set, and hurries up the corner! He SUPER CROSSBODIES onto the security! But Logan hits ONE LUCKY PUNCH!! Logan laughs more than Rollins and he takes his leave. Logan says that’s another one, so third time will be the charm. Will Logan get another lucky punch at WrestleMania? Or will Rollins finally burn this “tourist” down?

Dominik Mysterio w/ Damian Priest VS Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis!

“Ex-Con” Dom keeps pushing his father, Rey, to fight him, but Rey has not caved in. Will the “pathetic, punk-ass kid” take out his frustrations in this match tonight? Or will Johnny Wrestling slap some sense into one smartass before handling another at Stand & Deliver?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Dom gets around but Gargano wrenches to a wristlock. Gargano avoids the body shot to WRING Dom’s arm, then wrenches it again. Dom headlocks, Gargano powers out, and things speed up. Gargano hurdles, drops and CLOBBERS Dom! Dom flounders but Gargano puts him in a corner. Gargano climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count as Gargano goes WAY past ten! Gargano lets off and fans fire up, but Dom kicks Gargano in the ribs! Dom RAMS into Gargano in the corner, Gargano pushes past, but Dom whips him corner to corner. Dom runs in but Gargano goes up and over to schoolboy KICK!

Dom staggers, Gargano RANAS him out of the ring! Fans fire up, Gargano builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up but Gargano clutches his ribs. Gargano stands, Priest coaches Dom up, but Gargano brings Dom around. Dom RAMS Gargano into steel steps! Dom then RAMS Gargano into the barriers! Fans cheer Gargano on but Dom fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES! Gargano falls to the mat and Dom soaks up the heat as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Dom taunts Gargano while tearing away the rib tape. Dom drags Gargano up, gives some Latino Heat, then suplexes for Uno Amigo! And then Dos Amigos! Fans boo but Gargano fights the third! Gargano suplexes Dom into buckles! Both men are down and fans rally up for Johnny Wrestling. Gargano stands, he fires hands on Dom, blocks a kick, then spins Dom to CLOBBER him! Gargano rallies with more clotheslines, then he ducks ‘n’ dodges to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Fans fire up and Dom goes to the apron. Gargano avoids the shoulder to KICK Dom! But Dom HOTSHOTS Gargano!

Dom hurries up to SLINGSHOT- NO, Gargano avoids the senton! SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Dom survives but Gargano keeps his focus. Dom wants mercy now? Fans boo and Gargano storms up, but Dom sends him into buckles! Roll up, feet on the ropes! The ref notices in time and calls off the count! Dom argues with the ref, but Gargano SUPERKICKS Dom down! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and Priest is relieved. Gargano drags Dom up, Dom throws body shots, but Gargano ROCKS Dom with a forearm! Dom ROCKS Gargano back, the forearms go back and forth! Gargano gets the edge, but Dom drop toeholds him!

Fans boo but Dom dials it up, only for Gargano to duck the 619! DISCUS LARIAT! Scoop and LAWN DART! Gargano aims from the corner, SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO!!! Priest is relieved again but Gargano puts Dom up top. Gargano CHOPS and ROCKS Dom, then climbs up after him. Gargano CHOPS away on Dom, then stands him up. Dom throws body shots in return just as furious! Dom CLUBS away on Gargano, then SUPER GOURD BUSTERS! Dom adjusts to FROG SPLASH onto Gargano’s back! Cover, DOM WINS!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall

Priest celebrates with Dom, and Dom pulls it out on an NXT Triple Crown winner! But Dom isn’t done, as he gets the mic. Fans boo, but Dom says, “Last Friday night on SmackDown, my good for nothing father denied my challenge once again to a match at WrestleMania. But you know what, Jefe? I’m not gonna stop until I get what I want. And at the end of the day, I know that this Friday night on SmackDown in las Vegas, the entire Mysterio family will be there live. So I believe that’s the same family that blocked my number, kicked me outta the group chat, and wanted nothing to do with me. But that’s okay, because the Judgment Day group chat is much better.

“But I think I figured out a way to get you to accept my match, and that’s gonna be when I say hi to mom and ask for her permission for you to face me at WrestleMania. That’s if you have the balls to get them out of her purse.” Dom insults his father, but will he regret dragging the rest of the family into this?

The Usos and Solo talk backstage.

Then Heyman walks over and asks if they’re waiting on the Tribal Chief. Because he’s waiting on them to go to the jet. The seafood has been delivered. Shrimp, lobster, mahi mahi. Roman is so proud of all of them, they can take the rest of the night off and indulge. So they can go eat? Okay! Wait, not Solo. Roman needs to talk with Solo. Solo walks back into the suite with Heyman, and Jey says aight. No mahi mahi for Solo. Will the Usos not be needed for what Roman has planned later tonight?

Edge speaks.

“If you push me, I will not just resist. I will throw you through a wall. Finn, I am a hostile man. I keep it caged so I can be the man I’ve become so I can function in society. But inside the cage… Well, that’s caged no more. I won’t apologize for it, I won’t fight it, I will lean into it, I will revel in it, I will savor it. Finn, you have no idea what I’m capable of inside Hell in a Cell, you have no idea what goes through your soul when that steel door slams shut behind you. But I do. I’ve been baptized inside the cell by the Deadman himself! The cell has become my one friend, my partner, my cathedral of pain. It rewards me for the streak that runs through me.

“You cannot become what you need to become by remaining what you are. Finn, you and I are two men who clearly understand that, so I grasped what you meant when you said that Hell couldn’t handle your demons.” Edge laughs, and says, “The scriptures, they say, ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil!’ Well, I never have. Because I’m the evil in the valley. So leave Finn at home. Bring your demon… To meet the devil. He’d like to meet him.” Edge has a sinister smile, what will happen when the Rated R Superstar and the Prince unleash it all in one final battle?

Rhea Ripley heads to the ring.

Judgment Day is coming for WrestleMania, and that includes the Eradicator going after the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Rhea gets the mic and has the music cut. Fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” and Rhea is amused. “Last Friday, Charlotte, she said that I needed to be a champion. She said that I needed to be a star. And y’know, I actually agree with those statements. But the one thing I don’t agree with is living in the past. Charlotte doesn’t wanna accept her future, and that is why she keeps talking about what happened three years ago at my first WrestleMania, when we stepped into the ring one-on-one for the first time.

“Back when I was trying to make a name for myself and earn respect. Now Charlotte, she thinks that she’s the leader of the Women’s Division. But leaders, they actually respect others. And Charlotte, after that match, I knew that you didn’t respect anyone. I knew that you didn’t respect me. And to be honest, I don’t think that you ever will. Because I make you question the respect you have for yourself. When you hear the name ‘Rhea Ripley,’ you question everything. Don’t ‘What’ me, you’re all pathetic.” Fans boo but Rhea smiles. Rhea says that she brings out all the deepest insecurities that Charlotte tries to mask as confidence.

Rhea says that Charlotte knows that every single time they’ve gone to war, Rhea’s gotten up and kept going, because that is what she does. And what Charlotte does is try to keep people down. But not her! Charlotte, you have to admit that it is time. “You’re done! You’re washed. It’s over. It’s over and you have to go home, where you mean absolutely nothing. Because without the WWE, you are nothing.” Fans boo but Rhea says she doesn’t care about Charlotte’s insecurities, or if she respects Rhea. “Because at WrestleMania, I will become a champion, and I will be the biggest star here in the WWE!”

“And Charlotte~… My little Charlotte, when you see me holding your crown above your head… You’re gonna know that all your insecurities are true. I don’t need you to respect me. But you will fear me.” Wait, Damage Control is coming out here now? Bayley tells Rhea, “Earlier, when you were talking about leaders, I was waiting for you to mention my name. Because, Rhea, I do respect you. We all respect you! Anyone that puts Charlotte Flair in her place has the utmost respect from Damage Control. But um, if you needed any tips on how to beat Charlotte, you could’ve just asked your Role Model, because I did beat Charlotte in my first WrestleMania.

“And I’m pretty sure you saw what we did to Trish Stratus! We-” Rhea cuts Bayley off there and says she doesn’t need any help from them. Well, Bayley thought Rhea might say that. Because Rhea has gotten so cocky! Rhea this, Rhea that, everyone is talking about Rhea dominating the roster! Well guess what/ Raw is THEIR show, so DMG CTRL will show her what Bayley means. Rhea laughs. This is HER show? Mate, Rhea isn’t ring ready, but if one of them wants to get her out of her ring, go ahead. Um, well, ding dong, guess Bayley will be the one, since she’s dressed. Then bring it.

Pearce is backstage, he tells the ref to make this official now. The ref rushes out, Bayley VS Rhea is ready to go, after the break!

Bayley w/ Damage CTRL VS Rhea Ripley!

Raw returns and the bell rings for this match to begin. Rhea and Bayley circle, tie up, and Bayley waistlocks. Bayley ducks the elbow, gets a leg, but Rhea gut wrenches! Bayley fights free, goes after an arm, but Rhea shoves her away. Bayley shoves Rhea, and she says, “You think you’re so strong and cool, huh?!” But Rhea shoves back! Bayley pie faces Rhea, but Rhea just gets mad! Bayley wants her to take it easy but Rhea fires off in the corner! Rhea whips corner to corner, Bayley hits buckles hard, then Rhea runs in and fires off more forearms! Rhea whips Bayley into the corner again, runs in, but is put on the apron.

Bayley ROCKS Rhea and HOTSHOTS her! Kai & Sky fire up as Bayley runs side to side to SHOTGUN Rhea off the apron! Rhea staggers, Bayley runs in, but Rhea blocks the daredevil dropkick! Rhea shoves Bayley away, but Bayley grabs an arm to YANK Rhea into the post! Rhea staggers, Bayley storms up, but Rhea SHOVES her into barriers! Rhea goes up, and she CANNONBALLS onto Bayley! Kai & Sky back off, Rhea puts Bayley in the ring, and Rhea pushes Bayley to a cover, TWO! Rhea stalks Bayley, CLUBS her on the back, but Bayley throws body shots. Rhea blocks boots, carriers Bayley out to then RAM her into the corner!

Rhea snapmares, and KAMI-GOYES!! Cover, TWO!?! Bayley survives and Rhea is annoyed, but Rhea drags Bayley up to whip her to ropes. Rhea ROCKS Bayley in the back! Rhea dusts herself off and says this is HER ring. Rhea shoves and CLUBS Bayley again! Bayley staggers, Rhea whips her again, but Bayley ROCKS Rhea back! Bayley CHOPS away on Rhea, puts Rhea in a corner, then runs in, only for Rhea to catch her! Atomic FACEBUSTER! Rhea runs, stomps, and then drags Bayley up. Bayley fights the pump handle, Sky distracts, and Kai claws Rhea’s face! Bayley trips Rhea, high stacks, feet on the ropes! TWO!!

Rhea survives DMG CTRL playing a bit of number games a la Judgment Day, but Bayley hits a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Wait, here comes Becky Lynch! The Man leads the legendary Lita and Trish Stratus out, with a HUGE bag of popcorn between the three of them. Is the Big Time trio just here to watch the show? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns again and Bayle waits on Rhea to rise. Rhea stands, Bayley reels her in, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, ONE?!?! Rhea shocks Bayley and even Becky is surprised. Bayley huffs and puffs and reels Rhea back in, another BAYLEY2BELLY!! And then a short arm- NO, Rhea dodges to atomic FACEBUSTER! But Bayley avoids the basement dropkick! Bayley runs to REGAL KNEE! Rhea is dazed, Kai & Sky fire up, and Becky keeps munching popcorn. Fans cheer Becky but Bayley drags Rhea up to fire forearms. Rhea fires them back! The forearms go back and forth, Bayley gets the edge, but Rhea shoves her away.

Bayley avoids the boot, ROCKS Rhea, but Rhea BACK ELBOWS! Fans fire up as both women stagger, and Bayley ELBOWS Rhea in the corner! Bayley waits on Rhea, runs back in, SUNSET FLIP- NO, Rhea stays up! Rhea drags Bayley right up, BOOTS her right down, and then has a wild look in her eyes! Rhea drags Bayley by the legs, into the PRISM TRAP!! Bayley endures the inverted cloverleaf, reaches out for Kai & Sky, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Rhea lets go at 4, and Bayley bails out. Rhea drags Kai up instead! Sky freaks out, but Bayley POSTS Rhea’s head! But here come Becky and the legends!

Kai & Sky brawl with Trish & Lita, but Trish & Lita toss them aside! Becky scares Bayley back into the ring, into a HEADBUTT from Rhea! And then RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Becky says that’s too bad for Bayley, it was so close. But Rhea is rolling down the Road to WrestleMania, will she rip the Queen down off her throne?

Chad Gable is looking for Otis.

No one’s seen him, it feels like last week. Wait, Otis is getting a spa day? Coach, this is a manicure. Okay, he has been busy with his modeling, but guess what! Gable got them into the WrestleMania Men’s Fatal 4 Way Tag Team Showcase! Wow, really? Yeah! And tonight, Gable is up against one of their opponents in Ricochet. Ricky? Yes! And Otis knows Braun will be out there, so Gable needs his number one guy! Let’s go! But Maxxine Durpi walks in. Otīse’s mani looks marvelous! And now, she’s scheduled him for a session with one of the world’s greatest hand photographers. She sent some samples and the photographer says he MUST work with Otīse!

Maxxine says this is a pivotal moment for Otise’s career! Gable says the models have a match with the Good Brothers, though. Actually, that was postponed. Unfortunately, Mace overexposed his cheeks during a shoot in Mykonos. None of that make sense. When you’re beautiful, you don’t have to make sense! Gable wouldn’t know since he’s so “horrifically middle class.” Now, Otīse, come along, they’re late for the photog. Otis is torn between his coach and his manager. Otis says, “Coach, let’s ride.” Gable’s happy but Maxxine can’t even. Will the Alpha Academy win big tonight on the road to the showcase?

Chad Gable w/ Otis VS Ricochet w/ Braun Strowman!

Raw returns and “SHOOOOSH~! Shoosh, please.” Gable makes his entrance, his number one guy by his side, though admiring his clean hands and trimmed fingernails. The bell rings and and the circle. Ricochet waistlocks, Gable wrenches out and wristlocks, but Ricochet slips through to wrench and wristlock back. Gable rolls, spins, drop toeholds, and floats to a facelock. Ricochet rolls but Gable rolls with him. Ricochet slips free but Gable gets him again. Ricochet slips free again and backs away, and Gable says, “A Thank Yew!” The two reset, tie up again, and Gable headlocks.

Fans rally, Otis admires his hands, but Gable hits a headlock takeover. Ricochet headscissors, Gable kips free and roles reverse as Ricochet headlocks for the takeover and Gable headscissors. Gable holds on tight, Ricochet rolls and turns Gable over to then slip free and float to a facelock. Gable wrenches to wristlock, whips, but Ricochet reverses. Gable goes up and sunset flips, TWO! Ricochet hurries in, Gable dodges but Ricochet rolls off Gable’s back. Ricochet rolls under, handsprings to headscissor, then he DROPKICKS Gable down! Fans fire up, Ricochet runs in, but into a throat chop! Gable goes up, but Ricochet GAMANGIRIS!

Ricochet UPPERCUTS Gable, climbs up after him, and fires off hands! Ricochet then stands on the very top, to SUPER- NO, Gable blocks the Steiner! Gable brings Ricochet up, fireman’s carries, but Ricochet throws elbows! Gable still lifts Ricochet, and SLAMS him down! Gable then adjusts up top, leaps, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Gable is still in control as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Gable is back up top, to MOONSAULT! Ricochet moves, Gable lands on his feet, and Ricochet BOOTS him away! Ricochet then somersault SHOTGUNS Gable down! Fans fire up, Gable goes to a corner, and Otis coaches him up. Ricochet stands, runs in, and CHOPS! Ricochet whips Gable corner to corner, Gable reverses but Ricochet goes up and over and UPPERCUTS! Ricochet roars, RAMS in, bumps Gable off buckles and ROUNDHOUSES him away! SPRINGBOARD LARIAT! Fans fire up more and Ricochet STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO!!

Gable is still in this but Braun tells Ricochet he still has this. Fans rally up, Ricochet waits on Gable, then he fireman’s carries. Gable fights free but Ricochet elbows! Ricochet swings, into a backslide! Roll through, LA MAGISTROL! TWO!! Ricochet trips Gable, jackknife bridges, TWO as Gable bridges up! Gable spins this around, Crucifix Lift into a Canadian Rack, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Ricochet survives, Braun is relieved but Otis is worried! “This is Awesome!” as Gable gets a leg but Ricochet boots him away. Gable ducks the leg lariat, and catches the leap into an ANKLE LOCK!!

Ricochet endures, rolls, sends Gable away and SUPERKICKS! Gable wobbles, into a V-TRIGGER! Ricochet suplexes, but Gable slips free to DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Ricochet escapes by nanoseconds and fans fire up again! But wait, Maxxine comes strutting out to fetch Otis. Otis doesn’t wanna go but Maxxine says the photographer is waiting. Gable is stunned that Otis is leaving! Gable O’Conner Rolls, CHAOS- NO, Ricochet slips out to SLICED BREAD! Fans fire up again as Ricochet goes up top! SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

The One and Only adds to his highlight reel, and he is rolling down the Road to WrestleMania! Will he and Braun do even bigger in the showcase? Who will #GetTheseHands?

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Asuka & Bianca Belair!

The Hot Mess was almost in a pickle without the Fabulous Princess of Staten Island. But she was lucky to find a Scottish Viper willing to take on the Empress of Tomorrow and the RawEST Women’s Champion. Will Chelsea & Piper show Pearce that they’re worthy of the WrestleMania showcase? Or will Asuka and Bianca showcase why they’re the top two women on Raw?

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

AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Dark: Elevation Results & Report! (3/20/23)

Winnipeg gets Elevated!

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The Naturally Limitless ride again!

Dustin Rhodes & Keith Lee continue as a duo in AEW! Will they be rolling through the tag division on Elevation? And what of Swerve’s warning to Keith?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Skye Blue VS TFA (Taryn From Accounting); Skye wins.
Jake Hager w/ Angelo Parker VS Adam Knight; Hager wins.
Emi Sakura VS Zoe Sager; Sakura wins.
Brandon Cutler VS Jason Geiger; Cutler wins.
Six Man Tag: Matt Hardy, Isiah Kassidy & Ethan Page VS Massive Damage, Mo Jabari & Sebastian Wolfe; Hardy, Kassidy & Ethan win.
Top Flight VS Michael Allen Richard Clark & Shaun Moore; Top Flight wins.
ROH Women’s World Championship Proving Grounds Match: Athena VS Taylor Rising; Athena wins and denies Taylor a title opportunity.
Dustin Rhodes & Keith Lee VS Levi Night & Jessie V; Dustin & Keith win.
Tony Nese & Ari Daivari w/ Mark Sterling VS Alex Reynolds & John Silver; Reynolds & Silver win.

QUICK NOTES

A great line-up, namely in some literally great names showing up. “Massive Damage,” “Taryn From Accounting,” and of course, Michael Allen Richard Clark. M A R C, he’s a MARK! I almost hope some of these names stick around through ROH.

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