Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS Results: G1 Supercard Part 1!

NJPW and ROH share the Madison Square Garden spotlight!

Published

5 years ago

April 12, 2019

NJPW and ROH sell out the world’s most famous arena! And AXS brings us TWO HOURS of the action as their coverage of the G1 Supercard begins!

Coverage of G1 Supercard will be as broadcast by AXS TV.

You can find gifs from this event on http://frentique.tumblr.com/

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Revolution Pro-Wrestling Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; ZSJ wins and retains the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship.
IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Kota Ibushi; Ibushi wins and becomes the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Jay White VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and becomes the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS set the scene for this historic crossover event!

History is made as for the first time in almost 60 years, Madison Square Garden plays host two new promotions! Ring of Honor joins New Japan Pro-Wrestling for this event!

The Switchblade reigns after defeating The Ace, and will defend in the world’s most famous arena against a man he’s already defeated. The Rainmaker wants revenge from the defeats in the G1 Climax and Wrestle Kingdom 13, and he blazed a trail through the New Japan Cup for this opportunity! Will Kazuchika Okada take down Jay White to become a FIVE-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion? Or will he simply Breath with the Switchblade as the Cutthroat Era continues?

Plus, the Uncontrollable Charisma fell short in the New Japan Cup, and his mission to be NJPW’s first dual champion has been delayed. And now, the Golden Star that eliminated him from the cup comes for his belt! Will Tetsuya Naito stay Tranquilo as well as retain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship? Or will Kota Ibushi soar to new heights by adding the title to his resume?

But before even that, NJPW’s partnership with Rev-Pro continues to grow stronger as the Undisputed British Heavyweight title is on the line! The Submission Master failed to win this year’s New Japan Cup, because The Ace got revenge for last year! Hiroshi Tanahashi’s defeat of Zack Sabre Jr. earned him this shot, will he take a different heavyweight title for his own? Or will he #JustTapOut to ZSJ in MSG?

Revolution Pro-Wrestling Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The Submission Master and the Once in a Century Talent have gone back and forth in the ring, and now it’s come to a title from outside NJPW! Will ZSJ make up for his New Japan Cup streak ending? Or will Tanahashi make up for missing out on the IWGP Heavyweight Championship?

As always, Taka Michinoku gets a mic and welcomes us to #ZackSabreTime. And he asks the New York fans, in English, “What do you think about this match? I said, who’s gonna win this match!?” But anytime, anywhere against anyone, all ZSJ’s opponents can do is #JustTapOut! The winner will be the Submission Master, Zack Sabrrre Junior~! ZSJ even pie-faces Tanahashi! Tanahashi keeps his cool, then takes off his jacket before we begin!

Tanahashi and ZSJ circle and MSG rallies already. ZSJ reels Tanahashi in but Tanahashi gets up. ZSJ keeps on him with several floats and spins, then pushes to a cover. Tanahashi pushes out before a count and they reset. ZSJ and Tanahashi circle as fans sing. ZSJ wristlocks, rolls and wrenches Tanahashi, but Tanahashi spins through. Tanahshi wrenches but ZSJ rolls through and gets up with a big grin. Fans duel as ZSJ and Tanahashi circle and tie up again. ZSJ bridges and spins to another wrench, but Tanahashi rolls to reverse it. ZSJ rolls through, too but Tanahashi wrangles him back down. Tanahashi stands over ZSJ but ZSJ nips up, only for Tanahashi to wrangle him down again. ZSJ gets up and pops free to throw European Uppercuts. He pie faces Tanahashi again, but Tanahashi uppercuts back!

Fans cheer for Tanahashi as ZSJ gives more EuroUppers. ZSJ has Tanahashi in a corner then whips corner to corner. Tanahashi elbows back then hops up to crossbody! He bounces off but air guitars for the fans. Tanahashi goes back to ZSJ for a scoop slam, then drops an elbow, only to get caught into an armbar! But he makes it a cover, TWO, and ZSJ has the armbar again. ZSJ pulls but Tanahashi rolls, so ZSJ makes it a mounted Fujiwara! Tanahashi still rolls to a ropebreak! ZSJ lets up but stomps the arm. The ref reprimands ZSJ but he toys with Tanahashi while fans rally up. Tanahashi sits up but ZSJ drags him up to go after the arm. ZSJ twists from wrist to elbow and in all directions, to bring it down for another hammerlock stomp! MSG boos while ZSJ trash talks and we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns and ZSJ still taunts the fans. ZSJ kicks Tanahashi while he’s down but Tanahashi takes them all. Tanahashi glares as ZSJ keeps toying with him. Tanahashi gets up and ZSJ pie faces him, but Tanahashi eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ throws EuroUppers but Tanahashi gives them back. Tanahashi throws forearms then runs in, but ZSJ sends him out. Tanahashi’s bad arm keeps him from skinning the cat, and ZSJ grabs him for an armbar! They’re in the ropes but ZSJ lets go at 4. ZSJ smirks as he wants the ref to ask Tanahashi how he feels. The ref does and Tanahashi says he’s not quitting. ZSJ goes after Tanahashi and wrenches the bad arm then pulls at the fingers.

Tanahashi endures the arm torture then fires forearms. ZSJ wrenches again but gets another forearm. ZSJ keeps going but Tanahashi keeps hitting. Tanahashi gets free but ZSJ kicks the notoriously bad leg. ZSJ whips corner to corner but Tanahashi dropkicks out ZSJ’s legs! Fans cheer as both men are down and a standing count begins. ZSJ gets to a corner but Tanahashi runs in for a shotgun dropkick! Tanahashi drags ZSJ up for a scoop slam, then heads up again. Tanahashi hits the somersault senton! Cover, TWO! But Tanahashi keeps on ZSJ with the legs. ZSJ scrambles and denies the Cloverleaf with a ropebreak. Fans rally and duel as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ dodges the slingblade to the abdominal stretch! Tanahashi endures but pops out to his own!

ZSJ endures the cobra twist now but pries his way out back to his! ZSJ grinds in an elbow but Tanahashi powers out. They go around and Tanahashi gets control again. ZSJ endures Tanahashi’s twist but Tanahashi makes it a pump handle to a slam! ZSJ gets to the apron but Tanahashi runs in, only for ZSJ to catch him into a stretch on the ropes! The ref counts and ZSJ lets go at 4. ZSJ goes in but Tanahashi has the leg for the dragon screw! ZSJ tumbles in but Tanahashi isn’t done with him. Tanahashi drags ZSJ into the Cloverleaf! ZSJ endures but rolls to drag Tanahashi into a triangle hold! Tanahashi fades as ZSJ wraps on tight, but Tanahashi finds his second wind. Tanahashi pushes through to get ZSJ back in the Cloverleaf! ZSJ endures again and scrambles to ropes, ropebreak!

Tanahashi lets go but he keeps his cool. He drags ZSJ up to stomp those legs. ZSJ EuroUppers back but Tanahashi throws a palm strike! Sling-Dog! Tanahashi climbs and fans fire up! But ZSJ gets up quick, and kicks Tanahashi down! ZSJ hops up to Kimura wristlock on the top rope! ZSJ drags Tanahashi down and hotshots the arm. Then he drags Tanahashi in to wrench and PELE the arm! ZSJ fires up and kicks but Tanahashi catches it! To a dragon screw, but ZSJ sits down and rolls to the European Clutch! TWO, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up again as Tanahashi survives. Taka tells ZSJ to break Tanahashi and ZSJ fires up. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up and scoops, but Tanahshi slips out to roll! Japanese Clutch, TWO, into an armbar! But Tanahashi blocks to a grounded dragon screw!

Tanahashi stalks ZSJ and brings him up. ZSJ pops out of the full nelson to his EuroClutch, TWO!! Tanahashi escapes but ZSJ hops on for a guillotine. But Tanahashi powers out to a Twist ‘n’ Shout! He holds on for a second Twist ‘n’ Shout! And then the third! Tanahashi fires up and MSG joins him. Tanahashi runs to Slingblade! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ narrowly escapes now, but Tanahashi has more to give. Tanahashi drags ZSJ up and brings him around to a full nelson. ZSJ denies the suplex and tilt-o-whirls into the Octopus Stretch! Tanahashi endures and starts to fade. Tanahashi drops and ZSJ shifts into a hammerlock. ZSJ wants the far arm but Tanahashi scrambles and fights it off. ZSJ still gets the arm!!

Tanahashi endures A Long Way from Home, but ZSJ uses his legs to lock it in! And then grabs one of Tanahashi’s legs!! Tanahashi verbally quits, ZSJ wins!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission; still Rev-Pro Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion

The Submission Master may be A Long Way from Home himself, but he’s still the champion! ZSJ retains his belt and breaks the series tie with Tanahashi, 3-2!

Backstage interview

“Strong Style is dead! Sabreism lives.” ZSJ wants more challengers, but there’s no one left. ZSJ won this title off Tomohiro Ishii in the Tokyo Dome, in front of the largest crowd for a British title in about 400 years or so. Ridiculous! But then he defends this title in Madison Square Garden. Him, a 31-year-old “Vegan Socialist”, is taking over the industry while barely breaking a sweat. Well now he wants the IWGP Heavyweight Championship! He’s had one shot so far but he almost broke Okada back then. Now he’ll finish whoever it is. Tanahashi is done, but what? Naito’s next? “Naito’s made of sponge.” And ZSJ almost did in Ibushi, too.

Who else? Jay White? That “nob head” can’t even lace ZSJ’s boots. White’s the champion not because he’s the best, but because everyone else has failed. ZSJ won’t fail to take him down, like he hasn’t failed British wrestling. This isn’t the Rev-Pro title, it is the British title, and it represents a wrestling scene he’s had in his “soft, moisturized hands” for a decade now. “See what I do with NJPW.” Taka adds that this isn’t the Strong Style Era, it’s Zack’s Time. Will Zack’s time come sooner rather than later?

IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Kota Ibushi!

The leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon wants to become the first dual Intercontinental and Heavyweight champion in NJPW history, but he hit a speed bump already. The Golden Star beat him in the opening round of the New Japan Cup and now challenges for his title! Will Naito stay Tranquilo and keep his Destino on track? Or will Ibushi further derail it by following in the footsteps of both The Ace and the King of Strong Style?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Naito takes his time removing his entrance gear as per usual. Ibushi patiently waits, so Naito takes a little longer with those pants just because he can. The ref asks he hurry so Naito takes them all the way off to then toss the pants at the ref. The ref puts the pants aside and we begin!

Fans lose their minds immediately for these two fan favorites. Naito and Ibushi slowly circle and approach, but Naito quickly side steps Ibushi. Ibushi keeps his cool as he and Naito go again. Naito side steps again and wants Ibushi to take it easy. Ibushi and Naito finally tie up and Naito manages to push Ibushi to the ropes. Ibushi turns it around but lets up with shoulder pats. Naito kicks and elbows back! Naito whips but Ibushi reverses, but Naito sunset flips only for Ibushi to roll through. Ibushi goes to kick but Naito gets clear and arm-drags. Ibushi headscissors but Naito pops out to Tranquilo! Fans are thunderous already as Naito takes his time getting up. Ibushi waits, and the two circle again.

Fans build to a rally as Naito kicks and elbows again. Naito puts Ibushi in the blue corner to throw more hands. Naito whips corner to corner but Ibushi goes up and over. Ibushi gets Naito with a huricanrana! Naito bails out and fans cheer as Ibushi runs to the corner. Naito sees it coming and gets in. Ibushi swings but Naito sweeps and trips Ibushi up! Naito runs to baseball slide Ibushi down! Naito takes his time following after, and fans rally up as Naito brings Ibushi up to whip into barriers! One of the event staff was partially in the way of that, so Naito reprimands the guy for being where he was. Naito then drags Ibushi up for a proper crash into railing!

Fans want “One More Time!” but the ref wants them to return to the ring. Naito stomps Ibushi then drags Ibushi up for a whip to the other railing! Ibushi ends up in the lap of the front row! Naito returns to the ring and lets the 20 count begin. The count passes 5 as fans help Ibushi stand. Ibushi tumbles over at 8 and gets in at 11. Naito keeps on Ibushi with forearms and a toying kick. Ibushi grins as Naito stands him up. Naito throws in a back elbow then whips corner to corner. Naito hits the jump kick and sweep, to swinging dropkick, cabron! He adds a neckbreaker and covers, TWO! The champion is in control while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns and Naito takes his time bringing Ibushi back up. Naito puts Ibushi in a cravat but fans rally up. Ibushi endures the neck crank, then stands up to fight out. Naito clubs him down then whips, but Ibushi reverses, only for Naito to reverse back. Fans duel as Naito runs, but Ibushi dropkicks him down! Both men are down but the dueling grows stronger. Ibushi stands up first but Naito slowly follows. Ibushi fires off a strike fest! Roundhouse rocks Naito, standing moonsault on top! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again and Ibushi brings Naito up. Ibushi waistlocks but Naito throws elbows. Naito pries out to an arm-drag! Ibushi runs in but gets bots. Naito baits Ibushi in for an alley-oop snake eyes! Naito adds a one-leg shotgun dropkick! Cover, TWO! Ibushi is dazed but he’s still in this!

Naito gets Ibushi to a corner but Ibushi flounders around. Naito stomps away on Ibushi but Ibushi still stands. Fans duel as Naito whips corner to corner. Ibushi goes to boot but Naito spins him around for a draping backbreaker! Naito drags Ibushi up for another! Then a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives the assault on his neck and spine but Naito stalks him to the corner. Naito hoists Ibushi up top then climbs up to join him. Ibushi holds on but both men stumble down. Naito keeps hitting Ibushi then puts him back up. Ibushi slips out to PELE Naito down! Naito is on the apron but Ibushi stands on the second rope. Ibushi drags Naito up and everyone knows what’s coming, DEADLIFT- No, Naito fights free! Ibushi goes limp, Naito drags Ibushi back out! But Ibushi slips out and they brawl on the apron.

Naito boots Ibushi but Ibushi SUPER STEINERS Naito off the apron!! Fans lose their minds for that one as both men crash to the ground! The referee checks on both men but they’re somehow okay. Fans shout “MAMMA MIA!” like another promotion as the 20 count begins. Ibushi stands at 8 and drags Naito up at 10. He puts Naito in at 12, then climbs up to springboard stomp! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Ibushi keeps his cool. Fans rally up again and Ibushi drags Naito around for a bomb. Naito fights out and elbows, then rolling kicks! Ibushi comes back but gets a kick to tornado DDT! Naito crawls to a cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives and shocks Naito! Naito drags Ibushi up again as fans declare “This is Awesome!”

Naito puts Ibushi up top, SUPER STEINER of his own! But he doesn’t let up, he hammerlocks for GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! Naito doesn’t fret, he still has his best to give. He drags Ibushi up, wrenches but Ibushi fights out! Naito enziguris and whips but Ibushi reverses. Ibushi dodges but misses, but then gets Naito on the second time around! The clothesline takes Naito down but Ibushi falls, too! Fans rally up as Naito manages to get to a corner. The referee starts a standing count but Ibushi’s up first. Ibushi kicks Naito to the apron and wants what he went for earlier. He drags Naito up to the second rope, DEADLIFT SUPER GERMAN!! Cover, TWO?! Naito lives and Ibushi is beside himself, but the fans are loving “Both These Guys!”

Ibushi drags Naito up again and prepares a wristlock. He throws Naito with a straitjacket suplex! Bridging cover, TWO! Ibushi still has the wrists, but Naito wheelbarrows to a victory roll! But Ibushi sits on it, TWO, to a wheelbarrow lift. Naito denies the driver with another victory roll, but pops out to a wheelbarrow driver! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives and Naito is actually shocked! Fans build to another rally as both men slowly sit up. Naito shakes the cobwebs out before throwing forearms into Ibushi. Ibushi comes back with elbows of his own, so Naito gives more. Ibushi still hits back, and Naito starts enjoying this. Naito throws forearms, Ibushi throws forearms, and repeat! They stand, but keep throwing heavy strikes.

Ibushi gets an edge so Naito spits at him! Naito kicks and kicks but Ibushi just looks mad now! Ibushi CHOPS Naito right in the chest! Naito staggers about but only to get more palm strikes. Ibushi kicks but Naito ducks to hit a REVERSE-RANA! But Ibushi’s still on his feet! DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!?! No one can believe it but the fans are all loving it! Actually, even Naito seems to love this! Naito drags Ibushi back up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirl, but Ibushi blocks Destino! Naito slips out only for Ibushi to roundhouse him down! Both men drop but fans fire up again. Ibushi gets to a corner and shots out to the King, BOMAYE! But he’s not done, sliding Bomaye! Cover, TWO!?! Now Naito survives to shock everyone!

Ibushi gets back up, drags Naito back up, and prepares the bomb. Naito fights back but still gets the Last Ride! Cover, TWO!! KAMIGOYE!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!

Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Intercontinental Champion

The Golden Star has ascended to the level of his wrestling gods! Nakamura, Tanahashi and now Ibushi! Will the trend continue and lead Ibushi to one day be atop the mountain?

Backstage Interview

Kota Ibushi is naturally very happy, and apologizes to those who don’t know Japanese. But that’s okay, there are subtitles now. Ibushi continues by saying he wanted this title so badly. He wanted to be IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and now he can’t believe he’s done it. It took a long time, but he got to compete against so many. Ibushi speaks to the two “gods of wrestling”, and he still sees those men that way. To win this belt here, with Tanahashi in the building, meant so much to him. Ibushi and Naito are the same age, so Ibushi thinks of Naito as a rival. Ibushi beat his rival, and has the title he’s wanted for so long, in the Madison Square Garden. Winning it here is even more meaningful. There is still much more Ibushi wants to say, but he will move on to the next challenge for now.

Ibushi wishes to call someone out. There is one match he wants right away: the man who beat him at the G1 Climax, and who just tonight defeated “god” Tanahashi. Zack Sabre Jr, come challenge Ibushi! Ibushi thanks Naito and takes his leave. Will he and ZSJ battle for the Intercontinental Championship? Will it be title for title?!

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Jay White VS Kazuchika Okada!

Here it is. Not only is this the main event of the broadcast, not only is this co-main-event to the entire G1 Supercard, but this is a battle for THE title in NJPW, with a months of animosity behind it! The Switchblade is willing to do whatever it takes to win, and he’s proved that time and again from the G1 Climax to when he took the title off Tanahashi. Meanwhile, the Rainmaker had a long and winding road of redemption that included several defeats at the hand of Jay White. But even after losing the title, the G1 Climax, and his friend in Gedo, Okada came back to win the 2019 New Japan Cup! Will Okada make it rain in Madison Square Garden? Or will Wrestle Kingdom repeat itself when he Breathes with the Switchblade?

The introductions are made, and the newly minted, completely gold IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt is raised! The bell rings and we begin the NJPW main event of the night!

Fans are already fired up for Okada but White just shakes his head. White bails out and the fans boo, but he and Gedo just smirk. White says he does this on his terms, and takes his time to return. Okada patiently waits but White bails out again. White grins and slides in to finally circle and tie up with Okada. They go around and Okada puts White on the ropes. Red Shoes asks for the break but Okada fakes his chop. Okada pats White’s shoulder then blocks the kick. Okada headlocks but White powers out, only for Okada to run him over. Fans cheer as Okada goes to run, but Gedo’s in his way! Gedo grins as White clubs Okada from behind. White headlocks and throws Okada down to grind him on the mat.

Fans tell Gedo off but White keeps on Okada. Okada gets up and powers out but White grabs Okada’s hair! White brings Okada back down in the headlock takeover, but Okada endures. Okada fights his way up and throws body shots. Okada powers out of the hold but White grabs hair again. White gets the headlock takeover again, then pretends not to know why fans are upset. Okada works his way back up, and fights out again. Okada fights White off but White knees low. White headlocks again but Okada powers out to boot White down! Okada drags White up for a neckbreaker! Cover, ONE, but Okada keeps his cool. Okada drags White up again to snapmare him at the ropes. Okada runs but White bails out, and fans boo more.

White catches his breath but Okada pursues! White kicks Okada and whips him at barriers, but Okada reverses to whip White in! Okada boots White into the front row! Okada drags White up and onto the railing, but Gedo distracts him! White pushes Okada into the post! Then snap suplexes him into barriers! White grins as he goes back into the ring. Fans boo as White allows the ring count to begin. Okada crawls at 2 but doesn’t stands until 8. He gets in at 9 but White stomps him out! White catapult guillotines Okada into the ropes! Cover, TWO! White grows annoyed but he brings Okada into a half camel clutch. He pulls back and Gedo cheers but the fans boo instead. Okada gets around but White keeps on a chinlock with a knee in the back.

Okada gets up to elbow out then run, but into an elbow from White! Cover, TWO! White drags Okada up and CHOPS! He puts Okada in a corner for another CHOP! White back suplexes Okada down hard, covers, TWO! White keeps his cool as he toys with Okada. He drags Okada up but Okada fires forearms. White hits back but Okada kicks. White denies the DDT to hit a DDT! Then he goes to a corner, just to gloat! Fans boo but White goes back to figure four the legs together for his take on the Muta Lock! Okada endures as he drags himself towards ropes. White bridges and pulls but Okada gets the ropebreak! White lets go at 4, then takes his time adjusting his pads. He drags Okada back up but Okada throws forearms. White CHOPS Okada back then whips.

Okada reverses but White denies the flapjack, only to run into it the second time! Both men go down and we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns as the fans rally for Okada. White is first to stand, but Okada kips right up! Okada rallies on White with elbows and a whip, but White reverses. Okada dodges to hit the back elbow! Fans fire up with Okada while White gets to a corner. Okada whips White corner to corner to hit another back elbow, then kicks for the DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps going as he brings White up for a scoop slam. He heads for a corner and climbs up, but White gets under Okada. Okada rolls but runs into a boot. And then another boot, but Okada just gets mad. White boots again but Okada blocks to throw forearms. Okada hoists White up to dropkick him down! Fans cheer as White hits the ground. Okada goes out and follows White around the corner.

Okada drags White up and whips him into railing again. He boots White again, and White slumps into the first row again. Okada goes for it again, but he sees Gedo coming this time and kicks him low! Okada tosses Gedo onto White, then gets a huge running start to FLY onto them both! Direct hit and he bowls them into chairs! Fans fire up with the action right in front of them! Okada drags White up from the seats and throws him back to ringside. Okada stalks White as he crawls and puts him in the ring. White crawls more but Okada stalks White for the Alabama lift. White fights for his life and uses ropes to escape. Okada runs back in but into a waistlock. White hits the snap saido suplex! Both men are down but stirring.

Okada gets to a corner and White goes to the opposite end. White runs in for a big EuroUpper! Then a twisting brainbuster! Cover, TWO! Okada lives but White keeps his cool. White drags Okada up but Okada denies the Blade Runner. Okada runs in but misses in the corner. White runs in but his put up and onto the Alabama lift, to the reverse neckbreaker! But Okada is too exhausted to cover! Fans rally up again as Okada and White stir. Okada drags White up to gut wrench but White slips out. White waistlocks but Okada elbows out. Okada runs but White flounders to a corner. White grins, he’s too smart for Okada. But Okada stomps and elbows White in the corner.

Okada gut wrenches again but White still escapes to a corner. White’s still smug, but he gets a shotgun dropkick for it! Okada puts White in a drop zone then climbs up top. Okada leaps for a big missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! White lives but Okada keeps his cool. Okada scoop slams White into the drop zone then climbs up again. Okada leaps for the Macho Elbow! But he’s not done there, and fans know it’s coming… The Rainmaker Pose! Okada drags White up and wristlock ripcords, but White just sits down. White smirks so Okada kicks him in the face. Okada drags him back up for forearms. Okada continues to pick White up and punch him back down. White is dazed as Okada drags him up again. White suddenly hits a complete shot! Then waistlocks to a deadlift German!

Both men slowly stand, but White is first. White drags Okada up but Okada powers out of Blade Runner to ram White into buckles. White kicks back and snap suplexes Okada into buckles! Then the BIG urenage! Cover, TWO! Okada survives and White is exhausted. Gedo returns and coaches White back up. White drags Okada into position, fisherman but Okada fights out of the Kiwi Krusher. White waistlocks but Okada gets to the ropes. Okada elbows back but White saido suplexes him up and out of the ring! But White drags Okada back up and in to end this in the ring. Fisherman to Kiwi Krusher! Cover, TWO!? White can’t believe Okada survives!

White drags Okada up but Okada elbows him away. Okada uppercuts but White throws strikes. But Okada scoops to a TOMBSTONE! Both men are down again but the fans are loving this. The fans rally up again and Okada gets to a corner. White stands but Okada boots him. White CHOPS back, but Okada gives another boot. Another CHOP, but now Okada and White go head to head with forearms! Okada throws an uppercut in there and then another. Okada throws a third then whips White. White holds ropes to deny the dropkick, then CHOPS Okada down! White stands Okada up for another CHOP, and then more CHOPS against the ropes. Okada’s chest is bruised as White runs, but into a dropkick!

Fans fire up as Okada reels White in, but Gedo distracts! Okada punches Gedo then whips White for another dropkick! Okada reels White in, but White denies the Rainmaker for a Sleeper Suplex! White slashes the throat and drags Okada up, but Okada spins out of Blade Runner to scoop. White slips out but so does Okada, Okada uppercuts but White CHOPS! Okada reverses the whip but White reverses back, but then Okada dodges and dropkicks White in the back! Okada whips but now White reverses to reel Okada in, Blade- SPINNING Rainmaker! MSG fires up and Okada swings White out for a true RAINMAKER! Cover, TWO!? WHAT!? No one can believe White survives THE namesake clothesline. But fans are thunderous for Okada as he drags White up again.

Okada scoops White but White slips out to BLADE RUNNER!! But White’s too tired to cover! Gedo is tense while fans rally up again. Okada and White slowly crawl towards each other and they sit up. White has wild eyes as he forearms Okada point blank. The two sway but Okada returns the favor. White shakes his head to give the forearm back. Okada teeters but he grits his teeth as he gives it back again. White flops over then flounders to his feet, but he still hits Okada. Okada leans but comes back with the forearm. White weakly throws hands. Okada rocks White back, then pushes White around. Okada gives another hard right but Gedo hops in! White low blows!! Gedo did his job so he backs off. Fans tell Gedo off again but White is all smiles as he drags Okada up again. BLADE- GERMAN SUPLEX!

Okada holds onto the waistlock and he drags White up again. Ripcord, but White spins around to a backslide! Okada rolls off but White reels him in, BLADE- No, Okada backslides only to reel White in, but White dodges the Rainmaker, only to get a dropkick! Fans fire up as Okada hits the pose again! Okada wristlocks but White elbows back. White boots Okada time and again but Okada still reels him in for a lariat! Okada isn’t done there, he drags White up again, for another lariat! But that’s not good enough, so the wristlock to ripcord, RAIN- BLADE- JUMPING TOMBSTONE! Then, THE RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Heavyweight Champion

#TheDriveforFive is successful! Okada is once again on top of the mountain, and the Cutthroat Era ends already! His fourth reign was almost two whole years, will his fifth be even greater than that?!

Backstage Interview

Okada gives his thoughts towards this entire G1 Supercard event. “Jay White was really tough. As expected from an IWGP Heavyweight Champion.” White was strong, and will still grow stronger after this loss. Okada and White will surely have many more matches in the future. But Okada will keep beating him “convincingly”. But Okada is thankful to have strong opponents. As for Madison Square Garden itself, the view upon entering was truly incredible. Different from the Tokyo Dome. Only a select view get to see that view. “It’s a magnificent arena with a phenomenal crowd.” This will be a wonderful memory for Okada. It isn’t good-bye, because Okada plans to come back again. He forgets what else he wanted to say, though.

The size of the crowd proves the power of NJPW and Japanese wrestling in general. Okada will return home with pride. He also knows the many major wrestling events going on at this same time, and welcomes those other companies to try their best to outdo NJPW. With Okada back on top, will NJPW grow even stronger than ever before?

My Thoughts:

An amazing two hours for NJPW on AXS, and this is only half of what we’re getting! The Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship was a nice surprise to put on this half, as Tanahashi and ZSJ can do no wrong against each other. Naturally, the British wrestler retains the British title, and ZSJ’s interview promo at the end was superb. No curses, just good ol’ Britishisms and trash talk. The Intercontinental Championship was another great match, with so much story between Ibushi and Naito. I was really surprised but also pleased to see Ibushi won. As his own personal story goes, he obviously wants to follow in the footsteps of Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura. Him calling out ZSJ was also a great surprise, and whether it’s for one belt or both, Ibushi VS ZSJ is going to be another can-do-no-wrong match.

And obviously, the main event, the grudge match, White VS Okada, that was incredible. The pace was methodical, and just kept from dragging on, but even that dragging paid off with that exchange at the end. It is great to see Okada be the conquering hero and get that belt back, as some fans were starting to doubt the legitimacy of White as top guy. There will surely be rematches between these two, as Okada says himself. Okada’s fifth reign has a lot to live up to after that historic fourth, so hopefully there’s something to help ramp it up fast.

My Score: 9.1/10

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

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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/19/24)

Prepare for Backlash!

Published

10 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Did you know that challenger in French is still “challenger?”

In a WrestleMania rematch, AJ Styles takes on LA Knight in a #1 contender’s match, to challenge WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Backlash in France!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight; Styles wins and will challenge Cody Rhodes for the title at Backlash.
SmackDown/WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma; The Profits win and will challenge A-Town Down Under for the titles.
Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez; Santos wins.
WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi; Bayley wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight!

After fighting their way through Triple Threats, the Phenomenal One and the Mega Star meet again, YEAH! It’s a WrestleMania Rematch, the winner moving on to Backlash, YEAH! Will AJ Styles avenge his loss at the biggest WrestleMania ever? Or will everyone from here to France know whose game it is?

The bell rings and the two step to each other. The fans in Pittsburgh “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” and Knight lets Styles know it. Styles snarls, they tie up, and they go around. Knight puts Styles in a corner, the ref counts, but Knight lets off slowly. Styles kicks low! The fans boo but Styles headlocks. Knight pulls hair, throws body shots, then headlocks in return. Styles pushes Knight to ropes, powers up and out, then hurdles, drops and DROP- NO, Knight avoids the dropkick to BOOT, and LARIAT! Knight then TOSSES Styles out of the ring, storms out after him, and brings him to commentary. Knight SMACKS Styles off the desk! And again! And again!

The fans chant “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” with every SMACK, then Knight tops it off with one last SMACK! Knight drags Styles up and into the ring, storms in, but Styles KICKS Knight in the ropes! Styles reels Knight in, but Knight back drops Styles up and out! Styles flounders on the floor, Knight runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! Styles hits desk again and Steel City is loving “L! A! KNIGHT, YEAH!” as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Styles soaks up the heat as he taunts Knight. Styles brings Knight up, but Knight fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight backs Styles down, whips, but Styles ducks ‘n dodges! Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up. Both men slowly sit up, crawl around, and then stand. Styles fires a shot, but Knight gives it back! The haymakers go back and forth, “YEAH! BOO! YEAH!” Styles staggers but he still ROCKS Knight! Knight ROCKS Styles again and again, but Styles throat chops! Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, but Knight ducks the lariat!

Knight JABS, JABS, JABS, and DECKS Styles! Knight stomps a mudhole in at the corner, “YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner to KNEE Styles down! The fans fire up, Knight puts Styles up, and Knight ROCKS Styles. Knight climbs, but Styles ROCKS him back! Knight staggers away, but returns to spring right up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives that crash but both men are down again. The fans rally as Knight rises, and he brings Styles around. Knight reels Styles in, suplexes, but Styles slips free! Styles goes to a corner, ELBOWS Knight away, then goes up to QUEBRADA DDT! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as Knight stays in this and Styles starts losing his cool. The fans rally for Knight but Styles looms over him. Styles brings Knight up and in, but Knight RAMS him into a corner! Knight then scoops Styles, but Styles slips free to roll up, TWO!! Knight escapes, swings, but Styles dodges to PELE! Knight ends up in a corner, Styles runs in, but Knight puts Styles on the apron! Styles ROCKS Knight, springboards, but Knight gets under! Styles comes back, into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Then JUMP ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up with with Knight as he storms around. Styles rises, Knight winds up, B F- NO, Styles bails out!

The fans boo but Knight storms over. Knight drags Styles up but Styles HOTSHOTS him! And pokes him in the eyes! Then ROCKS him! And springboards, to PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship)

Styles bent the rules, but a win is a win! He will get his shot at the American Nightmare in Lyon, France, will this year’s Backlash be phenomenal?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

The car pulls up, Solo Sikoa steps out in a suit, and Paul Heyman is there to greet him. Nice threads, Solo. Tama Tonga walks over and Solo says meet the newest member of The Bloodline, Solo’s MFT. The Wise Man is stunned. But Solo cuts him off to ask if Kevin Owens is here. Heyman hesitates and Solo asks again, is Kevin here? If he is, he’s probably already in the locker room. Then take them to him. Heyman obeys and leads on. There have already been changes to the chain of command, is there about to be a change to the landscape of SmackDown, too?

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

In a familiar scene to Monday Night Raw, there is a podium with something under a satin sheet. The SmackDown General Manager welcomes to Pittsburgh the Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque! The fans fire up as The Game makes his way to the ring! HHH joins Aldis in the ring, gets a mic, looks around at the crowd as he revels in the cheers, then says, “On the heels of the biggest, most epic, history making, record breaking, epic, unbelievable WrestleMania of all time, we are here tonight, sold out, 15 thousand strong, Pittsburgh, PA! So let me say, welcome to SmackDown!” The fans cheer that!

HHH wants to take a moment to say that he thinks Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are both doing great jobs at leading their respective brands into the future. Thank you to both of them. And when we talk about the future, we have to talk about the history made coming into the future. So when history is made, HHH wants it to be represented here befitting of those that make it. So Aldis, if we could, let us bring the… champions out here. Aldis says without further ado, the NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The fans boo as A-Town Down Under make their way, blue belts in hand.

Theory & Waller join Aldis and HHH in the ring, mics already in hand, and they soak up the heat from Steel City. Waller says this is huge. Monday, we saw the second place champions get new belts. And now A-Town Down Under will be presented new titles! Theory says speaking of truth, didn’t Truth think HHH was a magician? Well, who knows what magic trick HHH has to make these guys look better than they already do, but hey, give it a try. HHH says congratulations on becoming tag team champions, so he will show them what they will wear going forward. From now on, they will be the WWE Tag Team Champions.

Reveal! In the style of the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era belts, the solid gold shines. HHH offers a handshake, but Waller leaves him hanging to shake Theory’s hand! Aldis makes it clear to them. They ever pop off and disrespect HHH like that, here’s a real magic trick: A-Clown Down Under will disappear, permanently! The fans like the sound of that! Aldis snatches the blue belts away since they won’t need them, and speaking of disappearing, there’s a chance one of the following four teams will make their title reign disappear. That #1 contenders match starts right now! The fans fire up, but which team defies the odds to get some golden tickets to France?

Backstage interview with Naomi.

Kayla Braxton is with The Glow and says last week, she beat Tiffany Stratton to get this title opportunity tonight. Will the friendship with Bayley get in the way of this match? Naomi says no, of course not. Bayley’s her sister, and she needed help against Damage CTRL, so Naomi was more than happy to help. But in no way will friendship get in the way of this opportunity. It has been over two YEARS since Naomi’s last WWE singles championship match, and there is nothing that will get in the way of making the most of this moment. Now last week, Tiffy Time felt the glow, so that same energy keeps going tonight.

Naomi is also looking forward to next week’s WWE Draft, where she will walk in the NEW WWE Women’s Champion. Naomi is ready, but will she be able to best Bayley in Bayley’s first title defense?

WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma!

SmackDown returns as Legado makes their entrance, followed by Akam & Rezar with the Final Testament. Waller & Theory are on commentary, Waller admitting he wants any team but AOP, and Theory saying these teams are fortunate to have real superstars leading their division. In this form of Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are active, so the Big Strong Boi, Tyler Bate, starts against Montez Ford. They circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Bate powers up to pry at the hold but Ford clamps on tighter. Bate powers up and out, drops, but Ford leaps over! The fans cheer, things keep moving, Bate feints high to drop low!

Bate shows knuckle lock, Ford obliges, but Bate wrenches, baits and double pump handles to FLIP Ford! Cover, TWO! Ford gets up to sweep and cover, TWO! Bate steps over, La Magistrol, TWO! Ford gets up, dropkicks cancel out, and both men kip up! The fans fire up and the two reset. But then Humberto Carrillo sneaks a tag, before he DECKS Bate with a sucker punch! Ford dodges Humberto but Angel Garza holds the ropes open! Ford tumbles out, Garza tags in, and Humberto sits Ford up. Garza runs in to KNEE Ford down! The fans boo, Garza drags Ford to a cover, TWO! Garza back suplexes, Ford lands out!

Ford tags Dawkins and he dodges Garza to FLYING ELBOW! Garza tags out to Akam, but then the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne, tags in off Dawkins! Rezar tags, Dunne runs up but Akam LARIATS him down! Rezar DECKS Dawkins, then the AOP start clearing the corners! But Ford goes up to leap, but into an URENAGE! The fans boo but the AOP roar and soak up the heat. Waller’s worst case scenario might end up reality, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Ford endures a facelock. Ford fights up, pries at the hold, but Rezar shoves him to ELBOW him down! Rezar talks trash, Waller taunts the Steelers players sitting in the front row that they don’t really know what championships are, and then Rezar sucker punches Dawkins down! Rezar stands Ford up, Canadian Racks and bends him! Ford endures, the fans rally, but Rezar thrashes Ford around! Ford kicks and flails, he gets free, hot tag to Dunne! Bate sneaks a tag, Dunne GAMANGIRIS Akam and then NCR fire off on Rezar! The fans fire up, Humberto runs in, but Dunne dodges to SNAP GERMAN!

Bate & Dunne STOMP Humberto’s hands! Then BASEMENT DROPKICK! Garza runs up, but into the REBOUNDER GERMAN COMBO!! The fans fire up with NCR, but Rezar runs up! He grabs Dunne, but Bate says Bop up, BANG! Bate fireman’s carries Rezar?! But Rezar ELBOWS right free! Dunne GAMANGIRIS, Ford SUPERKICKS, and Dawkins ENZIGIRIS! Rezar wobbles, and everyone helps Bate gets Rezar up! BIG STRONG AIRPLANE SPINE! But then Legado CLOBBER Bate and Rezar! They BOOT Dunne, whip the Profits but the Profits reverse to TOSS Legado out! Ellering coaches Rezar while the Profits regroup.

Bate gets up, Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins brings Bate to the very top, but Dunne CLUBS Dawkins! NCR mug Dawkins but Ford joins in! They brawl, but AOP add on! Humberto finds Rezar to tag in, before the DOUBLE TOWER OF DOOM!! Bate’s the only one left up top, so Legado mug him! They double trophy lift Bate, to DOUBLE ROCKET LAUNCH him onto everyone!! Humberto then finds Bate, sunset flips and rewinds, Garza jumps, MISSILE DROPKICK DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! “This is Awesome!” as all eight men are down around ringside, and Waller says this is gonna be easy pickings for A-Town Down Under now.

Dunne grabs Garza, Bate has Humberto, STEREO ANKLE LOCKS!! Grapevine for Garza! But Humberto BOOTS Bate onto Dunne! Legado is free, Ellering has AOP regroup, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Rezar CLUBS Dawkins down. Rezar soaks up heat, taunts the other teams, then CLUBS Dawkins again. Rezar brings Dawkins up again, but Dawkins fires off body shots! Rezar KNEES low, reels Dawkins in, talks more trash, and lifts Dawkins up, to POWERBOMB! But then Dunne runs up to ROCK Rezar! Akam gets in to scoop Dunne and SLAM him on Dawkins! Cover, TWO! Rezar looks to Ellering and he coaches AOP. Rezar HAMMERS Dawkins, Akam tags, and AOP get NCR up! The fans boo but NCR RANA free to send AOP into each other! Ford jumps in, as does Garza.

All the teams realize, they gotta do something about AOP. So they all mug AOP! The fans fire up as AOP tumble out, but now who strikes first? Dunne runs up but Garza SUPERKICKS him first! Bate waistlocks Garza and Ford winds up, but Garza ducks so the BACKHAND hits Bate! Garza SUPERKICKS Ford, but Dawkins DECKS Garza! Humberto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO!! Theory says if A-Town Down Under were in this match, he’d knock everyone out and Waller could just sneak in to cover. Humberto and Dawkins rise and go to corners. Humberto runs up, but Dawkins POUNCES him away!

Dawkins gets Humberto up, Ford returns and tags in! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Humberto and Ford climbs! The stars are out for the BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! Another save from the Bruiserweight and Ford is frustrated. Dunne drags Dawkins up to CHOP, but Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins whips Dunne out of the ring, but Dunne grabs the arm! And he pulls off the glove so he can SNAP fingers! The fans fire up, but Ford ENZIGIRIS Dunne down! Ford brings Humberto up, Humberto JAWBREAKERS! Bate tags in off Ford, BOOTS Garza, then runs up, but into a POP-UP! But Bate RANAS Humberto!!

Bate then DUMPS Garza out, goes to the apron, and Dunne lines up targets. Bate and Dunne climb, Ford runs in, NCR DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT while Ford FLIES over the corner post!! Down goes Legado and AOP!! The fans are losing their minds as Bate hurries to get Humberto up. Bate puts Humberto in, reels him in, underhooks, but Humberto fights it! Humberto back drops but Bate lands on his feet! Humberto cradles, TWO! Humberto LARIATS Bate, tag to Garza! Legado gets Bate up, feed to the POP-UP KICK!! #FTY! Humberto then DIVES to take out Dunne! Garza goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT!!

But Ford flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! The fans are thunderous as everyone is down again! Bate flounders, Dawkins tags in! Dawkins whips Legado, Ford joins in, THE REVELATION!! Cover, PROFITS WIN!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)

Waller & Theory are relieved it isn’t AOP, but they still look a bit annoyed that it is Ford & Dawkins. The Profits are Triple Crown Tag Team Champions from Raw to SmackDown to NXT, but will they soon add the WWE Tag Team Championships to make it a grand slam?

Backstage interview with Bayley.

Byron Saxton is with The Role Model, and brings up the emotional moment from Monday Night Raw where Rhea Ripley had to relinquish her title. But let us focus on Bayley’s title, as she defends it for the first time against Naomi. Where is her head at ahead of the main event? Bayley says after seeing Rhea vacate the Women’s World Championship on Raw, Bayley appreciates her reign more. She is focused, and she has realized she’s THE Women’s Champion in WWE right now, something she does not take for granted. Because we all know that with the WWE Draft, things are bound to change.

And as excited as Bayley is to face her friend, Naomi, one thing that won’t change is her as THE WWE Women’s Champion. Bayley is just as confident at Naomi, so something’s gotta give! Will The Role Model #FeelTheGlow? Or will she still be shining with gold after tonight?

Paul Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa.

The Wise Man apologizes that they haven’t found Kevin Owens, but he has to be here somewhere. Just look at the time. They will find him, somewhere. Solo stops listening and heads to gorilla. Heyman follows after, but Solo gives him a look. Heyman says he isn’t trying to upset Solo. Please believe him. The last person on this planet Heyman wants to piss off is Solo. But respectfully, Solo is making decisions that are not his to make, yet. One day, these will all be Solo’s decisions. But not now, not here! These are decisions that can only be made by one man. Solo asks Heyman if he’s done talking. Heyman asks if MFT is coming with Solo.

Solo just gives a thumbs up, with that taped thumb. The music hits and Solo makes his entrance, Heyman still following all the way into the ring. What does the Enforcer have planned? We’ll find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Heyman has the mic to give his usual introduction. And he doesn’t know if there is a list of the most brilliant backstage maneuvering politicians int he history of the WWE, but if there were, Heyman would have to think that he personally is in the top… Well, permit Heyman, with Solo’s permission, to explain what’s going on right now within The Bloodline, “the premier act in the history of WWE.” The fans chant, “We Want Roman!” but Solo shrugs that off. Heyman assures us that as The Wise Man for… Heyman gets emotional, so Solo just snatches the mic! The fans boo but Solo paces.

Solo tries to talk but the fans boo. Solo says last week, he had to lose a brother! He had to! It was in order for him to find a new one! His MFT, Tama Tonga! And with that, a bloodied Kevin Owens is tossed out, by the Good Bad Guy! Tama shoves Kevin down the ramp, stalks behind him, and referees rush out to stop him from doing anything further! Kevin can’t even sit up, but Tama steps over him to go to the ring. The fans boo as Tama joins Solo in the ring while the refs help Kevin to his feet and to the back. Tama raises his finger to the sky, because he acknowledges Solo! Heyman has no choice but to go along, but wait! Kevin is heading back down the ramp!?

The fans fire up as Kevin shows his grit and defiance! He drags Tama out to fire off hands!! The fans cheer but then Solo whips Kevin into steel steps! Solo drags Kevin back up, puts him in the ring, but now security rushes in! Tama storms in after Kevin but Kevin TACKLES Tama! The security gets Kevin away from Tama, but Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Kevin down!! The fans boo but then Tama SPLASHES Kevin! Tama rains down fists on that bloody wound, then he DECKS guard after guard! Producers try but Tama is a madman! Tama shoves everyone away so he can slip out of the ring, to grab a chair!!

The fans boo as Tama storms back in, but now Aldis steps up! Aldis warns The Bloodline here, and Solo has Tama stand down. Solo takes the chair from Tama to show they’re done here. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but the damage is done. Solo & Tama are a dangerous duo, will nothing and no one stop them from taking over SmackDown?

Heyman goes to the parking lot.

He’s in shock, but Aldis finds him and pulls him along. Was Heyman aware of this? Aldis shows Heyman the aftermath of one car T-boning another! And in case Heyman can’t guess, the struck car was Kevin’s. The attacking car was Tama’s! Heyman says this wasn’t authorized! No, Heyman, Aldis is speaking now. He gets this is a conflict within The Bloodline, but on his show, things are settle din the ring. Next week is the Draft, a lot of eyeballs on it, and a lot top brass are gonna be here. So Aldis will not tolerate this behavior. So make sure The Bloodline understands. Because, Heyman, if you don’t, the repercussions will be equally savage.

Aldis brings Heyman in close to tell him losing isn’t the only thing that has consequences. Will the Wise Man be able to rein in such an unruly force as Solo and Tama?

Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez!

The LWO still doesn’t believe Legado’s claims that they had nothing to do with Dragon Lee going down before WrestleMania, so they’re going to get to the bottom of this one themselves! Will Caribbean Cool make the Emperor of Lucha confess his crimes? Or will Santos prove he was right all along?

The bell rings and the two talk trash. Then they start throwing hands! Carlito backs Santos down but Santos gets around to whisper something in Carlito’s ear. Carlito ELBOWS Santos away, runs up and hits a THESZ PRESS! Carlito then bumps Santos off buckles, fires hands, then has him in another corner. Carlito whips corner to corner, runs up, but Santos BOOTS him! Santos runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Vega coaches Carlito to stay on Santos and he brings Santos up. Carlito ROCKS Santos, whips, but Santos KICKS him! Santos runs, but into a DROPKICK! Carlito kips up and the fans fire up!

Santos is on the outside, the ref won’t let Carlito go after him, but then Carlito WRECKS Santos with a dropkick! Carlito loads up to PLANCHA! Direct hit on Santos and Carlito hoists Vega up to celebrate! The fans cheer the LWO on as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Santos whips Carlito hard into buckles. Carlito falls over, Santos soaks up the heat, then Santos HEADBUTTS Carlito to a corner. Santos then CHOPS, gets space and runs in, to DOUBLE KNEE! Carlito slumps in the corner but Santos puts him up top! Santos GAMANGIRIS then climbs up! SUPER STEINER! Carlito flounders, Santos pushes him to a cover, TWO! Vega is relieved but Santos huffs and puffs. Santos rains down fists on Carlito, then clamps on a top wristlock. Carlito endures and Vega coaches him while the fans rally. Carlito rises, throws body shots, then LARIATS!

The fans rally as Carlito starts to rally with more clotheslines, and an ELBOW! Carlito kicks, runs, and KNEE LIFTS! Santos wobbles, Carlito LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Santos is tougher than that but Carlito says he’s going up! Carlito climbs, but then Lopez gets on the apron! Vega storms right over to YANK her down! The fans fire up as Vega goes up, and RANAS, only for Lopez to block! Lopez SWINGS Vega into barriers! Carlito ROCKS Santos, steps in, but the ref is reprimanding Lopez so he misses Santos KICK ropes to jam Carlito low! Santos reels Carlito in to POST him, then brings him back for the fireman’s carry! PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Santos wins!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall

La Madrina helps The Emperor steal this victory, them taking down the Caribbean Cool and La Muneca! Whether or not Legado beat down Dragon Lee, will nothing stop them from conquering SmackDown?

VIP Skybox interview with Damage CTRL!

Kayla is with Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane & Asuka as they sit way up in the back. What made the former WWE Women’s Champion and crew want a special view of this main event? Dakota takes offense for Iyo with the use of “former” there. Is Kayla trying to disrespect them? Iyo will take that title back when they’re good and ready. But for now, they’re here to watch two people they can’t stand tear each other apart! Does Dakota need to remind everyone here that DMG CTRL is still the most dominant force in the WWE!? The fans boo but Dakota says the Kabuki Warriors are STILL the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and that will not change-

WAID! Jade Cargill is here! She makes her entrance from the other skybox, with Bianca Belair alongside her! The strongEST duo argues with DMG CTRL, their own title intentions clear. But for now, it’s time for the main event! Who shines with gold here in the Steel City? We find out, after the break!

Cody Rhodes speaks.

The American Nightmare is in the UK as part of Raw’s tour, but he still took time to say, “What is the task? Run up the score, leave no doubt, right? Formerly, the task was ‘win the big belt, in the big place.’ We’ve done that. Now, it’s a whole new frontier for us, undiscovered country.” There’s an old expression: the title can make the man, or the man makes the title. Which will it be for Cody? He’s in London tonight, the O2, 16 THOUSAND, then it’s on to Belfast, Ireland. Cody is keeping his promise to bring this title all around the world. Back home, AJ Styles has emerged the #1 contender to this championship.

So then, it will be two Georgia boys duking it out in Lyon, France. The first time ever, at that. Styles has an unprecedented reputation in pro-wrestling. The modern day Excellence of Execution, if you will. Styles rarely misses. But the same goes for Cody. So Backlash in France, Cody looks forward to it. The contract signing is next week, even as the WWE Draft is going on! Will things be explosive when American Nightmare and Phenomenal One meet face to face?

WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi!

SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and either we shine or we glow!

The bell rings, the fans rally, and the two circle. The two tie up, go around, and Bayley headlocks. Naomi powers up but Bayley wrenches to wristlock. Naomi slips through, rolls Bayley up, ONE!! The fans rally as the two go again. Naomi waistlocks, Bayley headlocks to hit a takeover, and she makes it a cover, TWO! Naomi fights up to her feet, powers up but Bayley wrenches gain. Naomi waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, ONE! Both women get up, Naomi ducks the boot but Bayley arm-drags her around! Bayley has the cording hold, the fans rally up, and Naomi fights to her feet. Naomi whips Bayley away, but Bayley runs her over!

The fans cheer and Bayley tells DMG CTRL she’s watching them, too. Things speed up, Naomi does the splits to duck under, then she comes back to kick from below! She drags Bayley into a cradle, ONE!! Bayley hurries to step over, LA MAGISTROL! ONE!! Naomi and Bayley get up, Naomi trips Bayley to jackknife, ONE!! Ghost pin, TWO! Both women hurry up, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans rally while both women are down, evenly matched in this chess game so far. Both women rise, and Naomi SHOTGUNS first! Then she runs up, uses the ropes to slingshot and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Naomi is frustrated but keeps her focus.

Naomi drags Bayley up, Bayley shoves her away. Naomi dodges the lariat to hit REAR VIEW! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Naomi lets her know it was that close, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Bayley whips Naomi to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Bayley gets up, Naomi runs up, JAWBREAKER! Bayley ends up in a corner now, Naomi runs in, and she forearm SMASHES! Naomi then runs Bayley corner to corner for a BUCKLE BULLDOG! Naomi slips out to the apron while Bayley flounders, and Naomi climbs. The fans duel as Naomi CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Naomi knows that. Naomi keeps her focus while DMG CTRL, Bianca & Jade all focus on them. Naomi ROCKS Bayley, tries the ropes again, but Bayley stops the bulldog to SMACK Naomi off buckles!

Bayley then reels Naomi in, SAIDO! High stack, TWO! Naomi is still in this and Bayley remembers Naomi’s tougher than that, too. Bayley drags Naomi into a drop zone, then goes up the corner! Bayley aims, to MACHO ELBOW onto knees! Bayley writhes, Naomi goes to the apron. Bayley stands, runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Naomi slingshots, for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and Naomi is stunned! Naomi refocuses, goes to the corner, and goes up to SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT onto knees! Bayley returns the favor and both women are down. Bayley shakes out the leg, stands and runs, to KNEE Naomi down!

Bayley hurries to put Naomi back in a drop zone, and then hobbles her way to a corner. Bayley climbs, to MACHO ELBOW!! Direct hit this time and Bayley covers, TWO!! Naomi survives and Bayley is frustrated. Bayley hobbles on the bad leg, leans on ropes while she catches her breath, and the fans duel even more. Bayley stalks Naomi, hooks her up, but Naomi PELES free! Naomi hurries to a corner, Bayley runs up, but Naomi goes up to sunset flip! TWO!! But into the BUTTERFLY LOCK!! Bayley endures, reaches out with her legs, but then she tucks to a cover, TWO!! Naomi gets up, both women throw forearms!

They both wobble, storm up, and Bayley eggs Naomi on. Naomi wants this, right? So hit her! Naomi fires a forearm, Bayley hits back! Naomi winds up to forearm, Bayley comes back with another! The fans fire up as the forearms go harder and faster! Bayley gets the edge, but Naomi SWATS one, to SCORPION KICK, and then JUMP KNEE! Bayley tumbles out of the ring, Naomi PLANCHAS! Direct hit and a hard one, both women are down on the floor! The ring count starts, Naomi stirs at 3 of 10. Naomi brings Bayley up, but BAYLEY2BELLY onto the desk!! The count is 7! Naomi flounders on the desk, but then TIFFANY ATTACKS BAYLEY!!!

Winner: Bayley, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Champion)

Tiffany makes herself the center of attention as always as she ruins this main event! She dribbles Naomi off the desk, then RAMS Bayley into steel steps! Then she drags Naomi off the desk to POST her! Tiff storms back over to Bayley, puts her in the ring, then adds Naomi in, too. Tiff says sorry not sorry, but it’s Tiffy Time! Tiffy goes to the corner, for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Tiff flexes over both champion and challenger, having upset Bianca & Jade but having entertained DMG CTRL. But will Wrestling Barbie pay for pissing off the Role Model?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown that also acted as a WWE Draft go-home. Great match from Styles and Knight to open the night but also follow-up their WrestleMania match. Naturally, Styles wins because then he and Knight are 1-1 in 1v1 matches, and also natural Face VS Heel right there. Good promo from Cody Rhodes, that title match is going to be awesome. Awesome new looks for the WWE Tag Team Championships, though maybe too much gold. Nothing really pops when it’s all the same color, so they should’ve had silver on the WWE logo and the words, “Tag Team Champions,” but it’s still a great redesign.

We also got an awesome Fatal 4 Way tag match, with Theory & Waller decent on commentary. And pieces are falling into place for what I was thinking: Profits win the right to face Theory & Waller, we’ll surely get Lashley wanting the US Championship, we’ll get a good faction feud there as we approach those title matches. Also good continuation of the LWO VS Legado feud with Carlito VS Santos, and distractions of course helped Santos win. There’s gotta come a point where Carlito reveals it was him, Dragon Lee, it was him all along! Now, that would make like the third turn since the start of this rivalry (Santos to Heel, Andrade to Face and Carlito to Heel) but hey, the drama is heightened each time, and maybe Dragon Lee will actually get a win in this feud.

Great stuff in Bayley VS Naomi, as well as all the promos. DMG CTRL watching from the skybox, same as Bianca & Jade, was good stuff. The tag title match is definitely coming for Backlash, that will be great stuff. But I should’ve figured Tiffany would “ruin” the main event so that there won’t really be a choice between Bayley and Naomi. The Draft is coming, hopefully they think to keep all three on the same brand, and probably here on SmackDown, so that those three can have it out. I don’t know the chances of a Triple Threat for Backlash but it still feels possible. Though at the same time, I don’t think they’d take the title off Bayley after only a month, so she’d probably use Tiffany against Naomi to retain.

And what wild stuff with this new, more vicious Bloodline. Solo is in a suit because he certainly thinks he is Tribal Chief already, given Roman Reigns did give him the nod as “Tribal Heir” a few months ago. And while Tama is the MFT, which everyone is already wondering what that even means, it’s clear he’s also the right hand man and a loose cannon at that. Without the Draft, it’d be pretty wild for Jimmy to come back and help Kevin against this new Bloodline. With the Draft, we could get Jey back on the same brand as his family and then he and Jimmy stand against Solo and Tama. But either way, it’ll be a wild ride in this new chapter and I’m all for it.

My Score: 8.9/10

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.18.2024

Motor City Machine Guns either go out on their backs, or head to Rebellion as champs! Lets see how they finish their current run in TNA!

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Andrew Balaz

No burying the lead here! The Main Event is The System versus Motor City Machine Guns, and it’s the Go Home episode before Rebellion! So we’re guaranteed a damn good tag match, and we should get either new wrinkles, or ways to keep the storylines cooking going into the Pay-per-View.

With all the rumors and innuendo about the Guns being on their way out, I think we all assume that MCMG is losing, but my inner fanboy is still excited.

Part Three: Acceptance @TheJonGresham #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/NE9FPzCCz2

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Ratings:

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – SQUASH
LSG vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – SQUASH
Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno: Ali wins via 450 Splash – ** 3/4
Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna: Rosemary wins via Spear – ***
Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards: System wins via Roster Cut + Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

So we kick off the match with Josh coming out to commentary again to watch Hammerstone’s match. They really need a new way to try and keep heat without reusing the same tired gimmick of “ring side seat” to a Squash match.

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone

Guido tries to shoot the half, but Hammerstone shrugs him off, lifts him like a child and runs him into a corner, few short shots and then just tosses him across the ring. Hammer gets a little distracted talking smack to Josh and eats a foot, but then tosses Guido with the ole Sack of Shit move and keeps working over Guido.

Hammer shoves Clayton, and provokes him to push him back right in front of the referee. She ejects them, Guido tries to take advantage but when he goes for the pinfall Hammer kicks out immediately and presses Guido out of thing through the ropes. Continues to dog walk Guido, puts the head gear on the ECW Original and then Torture Racks him while staring directly at Josh, and of course picks up the submission victory.

.@XiaBrookside and @Ashamae_Sebera face off NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/Q0S3wSRpeu

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

LSG vs Joe Hendry

Hendry cuts a little promo, mentioning the Fat Uncle Phil joke…something about shopping at the TOP Dollar Store. Solid mic work.

LSG is a damn good local talent, he’s been seen in ROH and AEW in the past (perhaps others, but that’s what comes to mind immediately for me), but we all know this is an enhancement match. A few nice chain wrestling spots early, but Hendry uses his power to stop the smaller wrestler, Sack of Shit into Standing Ovation and the match is over quickly.

Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno

Well okay, having Deaner ask the crowd if they wanted a 3v2 or their third member…RHYNO…is pretty much a no brainer in Philly. But at least the gimmick isn’t quite as cringe as I expected.

Jake starts with Zack Gibson and throws him around. Jake goes for the tag and Deaner asks the crowd who Jake should tag, and the crowd picks Rhyno. Rhyno Whips Gibson into a corner, Drake actually softens the impact, allowing Gibson to fire back, tag out, but Rhyno levels both GYV members and then even knocks Ali off the apron. Rhyno tries to call to the crowd to tag in Deaner and that goes over like a fart in church. He tags him in anyway, and the crowd is kinda dead and doing whatever it wants after the obvious ECW chants when Rhyno tagged in.

GYV take a couple lumps but they of course start to work over Deaner and capture some momentum. Solid tandem work from GYV, they cut off Deaner from making a tag and goad Jake a little to cause the ref to block off the babyfaces so the heels can take a few shortcuts. Cody eventually makes the tag to Rhyno, hot tag, he tries to set up the Gore but the GYV manage to stop him in his tracks and hit an Enzuigiri to daze the Man Beast, he falls to his corner and Jake tags himself in. Jake literally runs them all over, tags in Cody and Launches him from the Top Rope into Zack Gibson. Ali makes the save and Jake tries to get his hands on Ali, but the GYV keep throwing themselves at him, literally. The triple team finally gets the best of Jake, they hit 3 Dives and then post Jake, so they gather around Cody like hyenas.

They forgot about Rhyno, he’s set up for a Gore, he Gores Drake, Gibson and Ali take out Rhyno, but then Cody starts to fight back. Ali stops Deaner’s offense with an Avalanche Sunset Bomb, then hits his 450 Splash. Jake barely misses being able to break up the pin.

.@TheEricYoung channels "The Sickness" as he prepares for FULL METAL MAYHEM with @FrankieKazarian at #Rebellion! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/tm1TqxZBLo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna

Jody tries to start quickly with Shoulder Tackles, Lariats and Scoop Slams, and it does seem somewhat effective. Rosemary is having trouble finding offense against the intensity, but she keeps kicking out. Shotgun Dropkick finally gives Rosemary an opening, she goes into full mount and rains down strikes. Rosemary shoves Jody into a corner and Bites her in the corner. Jody tries to fight out, they go across and Rosemary catches her with the legs and puts her in the Upside Down. Splash in the corner from Rosemary, Exploder Suplex and Jody is eating a lot of offense.

Rosemary looks like she’s caught after she gets tripped up into the ropes and Jody goes for her Rope Knee into the German, but Rosemary dodges. Rosemary hits her own suplex and pulls out a beautiful Last Chancery! I haven’t seen her do that in a long time. Jody manages to fight to the ropes, Rosemary is a little slow to capitalize and eats a Pump Kick. Rosemary goes flying into the ropes, Jody hits the Double Knees into the German this time for 2, and they trade a few haymakers after that. Jody folds Rosemary with a low Lariat, Zombie rise spot a few times, Jody goes for a pinfall and Rosemary kicks out.

Havok jumps up on the apron, Dani meets her and they decide to step down, but the distraction was enough. Jody turns around and eats a Spear. Rosemary wins!

Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards

Eddie and Shelley start off, and its a very simple slow start. Mostly an early stalemate, the typical Japanese style the TNA seem to love to employ. Starters tag out, but then Shelley with the blind tag, Sabin Baseball Slides out, picks Eddie’s ankle and sends his face bouncing off the apron, while Shelley sneaks up being Myers and they hit a tandem move before we cut to commercial. Off of the commercial it looks like Eddie and Myers regained control. But a nice Jawbreaker from Shelley sends Eddie falling back into the MCMG corner. Dragon Screws to both legs from Sabin and Shelley, and we get the Dragon Screw dissection spot for the Guns.

Myers gets sick of things, tries to get involved, but Simultaneous Figure Fours from the MCMG makes The System look silly. Alisha does the classic “push the rope forward” gimmick to assist Eddie in breaking the hold. She keeps chirping at Shelley until she finally grabs his foot. Shelley doesn’t take kindly, tries to grab her by the hair but she gets away, Shelley eats a strike and falls back to the ropes so Lish can just throttle him with the rope, Sabin walks over and acts like he’s going to PK her and the look of disgust on her face is hilarious, like “how dare he threaten to kick her”. Would I be mad is Masha decides to team with Lish and they win the Knockouts Tag titles? No, because the Knockouts Tags are trash. But I still prefer Lish as valet/manager.

Shelley starts fighting back after another commercial break, Eddie tries to cut him off, but Sabin clocks Eddie and Shelley manages to make the tag and Sabin comes in. Lights up both System members, Kick off Tornado DDT, into a Running Gamengiri. Eddie tries to counter but Shelley assists, tandem strikes, Double Baseball Slide into the classic MCMG spot 5 Hole Dive! Keeping up with the classics Shelley stacks the System members on each other and hit the Missile Dropkick/Flatliner spot. As the Guns are rolling, Sabin accidentally catches Sabin with his foot and The System take control! They hit their pieces of the System Overload spot, but Sabin kicks out. Roster Cut attempt from Myers, but Shelley is back. High Speed Dirt, Machine Gun Sandwich, but Lish grabs Shelley’s foot when they’re setting up Skull and Bones. Shelley gets dropped on the turnbuckle and thrown out, Sabin eats the Roster Cut followed up with Boston Knee Party and System retains!

Its a little weird to have had the two commercial cuts and the fact there’s still Nic Nemeth to follow. So it feels a little flat, I hope this wasn’t their swan song match, because it was nice to see some classic spots, but it was entirely too abbreviated.

Nemeth comes out, goes into the crowd and finds a kid with a kendo stick and borrows a beer from someone, so he does a bit of a Sandman tribute. Moose cuts off his promo basically immediately. He throws out the “can’t beat the system” line again, and Nic rolls with the punches well. Moose uses a few cute analogies about Nic having a failure laden past, but Nemeth bites back and its really damn good. He says he can see it in Moose’s eyes that he thinks he’s getting in the ring with Dolph Ziggler, but no, there is no more old Dolph Ziggler, just the new Nic Nemeth. And Moose’s cool seems to be slightly shaken after those words. Good promo.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

So this was okay, if it didn’t end as strongly as it did, I would’ve rated this much lower. Two squash matches in the beginning, reusing the Josh comes out to the announce table to watch trope is boring, hell even Clayton’s shove to Hammerstone was super lame looking. The Deaner match was luke warm at best, but things picked up around the Rosemary match.

Lets also not overlook the segments with ASH & Xia, Jonathan Gresham’s whole deal and EY having to return to the violence/sickness/world class maniac, whatever you want to call it, were all great building blocks. This definitely wasn’t what I would call a strong Go Home, but it didn’t hurt things for Rebellion. The whole injury of Cardona was addressed, which honestly sounded weird since Jordynne basically said she was expecting them to have a backup plan so she has a backup plan. I don’t really like how that video package came across.

But who knows, all I know is, this wasn’t an awful episode, it just wasn’t really strong either. Here’s to hoping Rebellion Saturday is still strong.

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