Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (6/4/19)

SmackDown heads for Super Showdown!

Published

6 years ago

June 4, 2019

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown, You’re Next!

Because Goldberg makes his return to respond to The Undertaker’s message from Raw! Plus, a huggable Moment of Bliss with SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley, and Kofi Kingston prepares for Super Showdown!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The New Day VS Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens; The New Day wins.
WWE 24/7 Championship, Lumberjack Match: R-Truth VS Elias; Elias wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
WWE 24/7 Championship, Under the Ring Match: Elias VS R-Truth; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
SmackDown Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Carmella VS Alexa Bliss VS Charlotte Flair; Bliss wins and will challenge Bayley for the title at WWE Stomping Grounds.
Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Apollo Crews; No Contest.

PLAY BY PLAY

The New Day opens SmackDown!

Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and a platter of pancakes are in Laredo, Texas to bring the positivity. Kofi himself has returned from his homecoming in Ghana, West Africa, refreshed having seen family and meeting both fans and dignitaries. But now, with mic in hand, Kofi says “If there’s one that I’ve learned over the past three months, is that life is crazy, man.” Life is full of surprises! Kofi thought he’d seen it all and done it all in his 11 years as a WWE superstar. From championships to friendships, and pancakes babyyyy~! But to be honest, it hasn’t all be highs. There were lows, too. But Kofi takes pride in having fought through the lows no matter what! And by doing that, he got the opportunity of a lifetime: winning THE WWE Championship at Wrestlemania! Fans let him know “You Deserve It!”

And as amazing as winning the grandest title on the grandest stage in front of his family was, what is most important is to inspire people to do whatever they want to do! To believe in themselves and that anything is possible! As such, we are treated to a video package to show how Kofi’s homecoming went. 26 years since he’s last been in Ghana, being there again was an experience full of love and admiration. Their WWE Champion makes His Excellency, President Nana Akufo-Addo and the entire country very proud. They support him 30 million strong! Kofi thanks them for being so welcoming.

Back in the present, fans cheer Kofi as he gets a touch emotional. After 26 years, Kofi was finally able to go home, his birthplace, and got to see the look in the people’s eyes. That was so amazing, to tell a child that they can be whatever the want to be, just like he did in his life. Kofi met aunts, uncles and cousins he hadn’t ever seen before, but Dolph Ziggler comes out to interrupt. Fans boo as Ziggler tells Kofi he is an inspiration for sure. If this were Super Showdown, they’d both be in the ring, but Ziggler respects Kofi’s sacrifice and journey too much. But this isn’t about that, this is about why Ziggler ended up this way. Ziggler won’t let fans cheer for Kofi, because it’s about Ziggler.

Now a video package plays for Ziggler’s journey. The great champions he defeated to become champion. His 14 years have been memorable and golden. Ziggler has had title after title, and yet, he has gotten nothing in return. Fans boo as Ziggler says he gave everything to the WWE Universe. He gave his soul to the WWE, and yet it’s Kofi who gets the glory. It’s Kofi who wins the WWE Championship when it should’ve been Ziggler! Ziggler says Kofi is a hero, “but one day, all of you will realize I am the hero” and it should’ve been him!! Kofi says no one is saying Ziggler hasn’t had a great career. Their careers have even been linked! Kofi knows how it is to be passed over, but after all of it, there’s one thing Ziggler left out. And now that footage rolls.

December 19th, 2017. Ziggler was the WWE United States Champion and he said he was unappreciated! Ziggler left the fans with the memory… of him quitting. Fans boo Ziggler again as Kofi brings up that if Ziggler says “It should’ve been me!”, but if that were true, it would’ve been. But whenever things don’t go Ziggler’s way, he quits! Ziggler walks out, turns his back and takes himself out of the game! That’s the difference between them. No matter how hard things got for Kofi, Kofi never quit! Kofi never quits on himself, on his brothers, or on the WWE Universe! Fans cheer Kofi on the agree. Ziggler keeps saying it should’ve been him? At Super Showdown, it won’t be Ziggler. And as long as Kofi has the title, it will NEVER be Ziggler!

Ziggler shows one more clip. When Ziggler attacked Kofi in his return to SmackDown! In the ring, outside of the ring, and with a chair in multiple ways, Ziggler brutalized Kofi all because he wants to be champion. Ziggler says Friday will be his day. But tonight, it’s Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn! The New Day takes on the best frenemies, can they win to keep Kofi strong going into Super Showdown?

The New Day VS Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens!

SmackDown returns as teams sort out. The bell rings as Xavier and Sami start. Sami clubs away on Woods’ back and then stomps him down. Fans boo but Sami backs off to taunt Kofi. Sami goes back to Woods for a headlock. Woods powers out but Sami runs him over with a shoulder. Things speed up and Woods dropkicks Sami down! Cover, TWO! Woods wrenches and brings Sami around, but Sami spins through to wrench back. Woods rolls and spins to wrench Sami back! Sami endures the standing armlock and Kofi tags in. Kofi climbs and drops ax handles on the arm. Kofi wrenches Sami while Ziggler watches backstage. Sami gets away and tags to Kevin.

Kofi welcomes Kevin as Kevin slowly approaches. The two go and Kofi gets a takedown! Kofi throws hands but Kevin shoves him away. Kofi keeps on Kevin with body shots and haymakers, but stops at the ref’s count. Kevni BOOTS Kofi back and then clubs away! Kevin stomps Kofi against the ropes, and shouts “This is MY show!” Fans are mixed as Kevin goes back to Kofi with a knee. Kevin taunts Woods but then Kofi hits back. Kevin whips Kofi corner to corner but Kofi goes up and dropkicks him down! Tag to Sami but Kofi dropkicks him, too! Kofi brings back the Unicorn Stampede! Tag to Woods, stomps, tag to Kofi, and repeat! Kofi whips Woods in for a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!

Woods keeps on Sami with a whip, but Sami holds ropes and bails out. Sami and Kevin regroup but so do the New Day. Kofi FLIES and wipes out Kevin! Sami protests but he gets wrecked by Woods’ dropkick! Woods keeps on Sami with CHOPS! He puts Sami in the ring but Kevin drags Woods down! Sami kicks Woods while he’s down, and now Kevin tags in. Kevin drags Woods out to throw him hard into barriers! “Who’s got something to say now?!” Fans boo in response, but Kevin goes back to stomp Woods more. Kevin drags Woods up and in and then hits a back senton! Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps his cool while Kofi and the fans cheer Woods on. Kevin drags Woods up but Woods fights back. But Kevin knees and clotheslines Woods down! Another senton, another cover, TWO!

SmackDown goes picture in picture as Kevin drags Woods away from Kofi. Kevin puts Woods in the corner and tags Sami. Sami mugs Woods and then chokes him on ropes. The ref backs Sami off but Kevin gets a cheap shot in! Kofi protests but Sami just taunts him more. Sami drags Woods back up and wrenches to a snapmare. Sami wraps a chinlock on and Woods endures. Fans rally up and Woods reaches for Kofi, but Sami uses the tights to bring Woods back down. The ref reprimands Sami about that, but Sami just squeezes tighter on Woods. Woods starts to fade, but he gets a second wind. Woods gest to his feet and fights out, but Sami pulls him back. They fight back and forth and Sami yanks Woods down!

Tag to Kevin, and Kevin stomps Woods back down. Kevin mocks Woods and crawls to Kofi, who obviously gets pissed. Kevin goes back to Woods and stomps him down again. Woods reels back, clutching his face. Kevin stomps him tot he corner and then drags him from ropes. Kevin blows a kiss to Kofi, but drops a senton onto knees! Sami tags in and goes after Woods, but Woods slips out of the back suplex! Woods hits Sami with the heel kick! Both men are down and fans are fired up! Woods crawls, but so does Sami, hot tags to Kevin, who takes Kofi out! Kevin blows kisses to the fans before he CHOPS Woods to a corner.

SmackDown returns to single picture as Kevin puts Woods on the top rope. Kevin punches Woods as he climbs up to join him. Woods fights back while Ziggler is still watching. Woods knocks Kevin away then drops him with a missile dropkick! Both men are down and crawling, hot tag to Sami and Kofi! Kofi springboard ax handles and then chops Sami down! Kofi dropkicks then hits a leaping lariat! Fans fire up again as Kofi hits the New Day Boom Drop! Kofi takes aim from a corner, but Kevin grabs his foot! Woods hits Kevin, but Sami dodges Kofi. Kofi SUPERKICKS, then Trouble in Paradise! Cover, The New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, Kofi Kingston pinning

Kofimania is still rolling, but Ziggler SUPERKICKS Kofi!! And he SUPERKICKS Woods! Ziggler sure got out there from the backstage area fast. The Show-Off looms over Kofi, but will he be returning to SmackDown as the WWE Champion?

Shane is backstage on SmackDown.

And he asks the rowdy fans to quiet down a moment. There is a lot of speculation about what Shane did to Roman. Fans believe Shane did it just to soften Roman Reigns up for the coming Super Showdown match. Shane has the footage roll. It was all amazing, but it was actually because Roman said Shane doesn’t stand a chance. Shane obviously showed why he does stand a chance. Anything Roman can do, Shane can do better, because he’s the Best in the World. Shane promises to come out to call Roman out. But which Roman will we see? The Big Dog strutting his stuff? Or a Little Pup with his tail tucked between his legs.

SmackDown has A Moment of Bliss!

The Goddess is a Wild Card, but she’s going to be talking to SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Alexa Bliss has a mic. This is a very special Blue Brand Moment of Bliss. Alexa is honored to be a Wild Card from the more prestigious show, Monday Night Raw. But she introduces her guest, Bayley! Fans cheer for the huggable and Alexa welcomes her as they sit down. Laredo cheers for Bayley while Alexa sips coffee. Oh, bad coffee. Someone take this. A SmackDown staffer swaps it with another mug, and she taste tests it. Okay good, but put this in her favorite mug. The staffer does as ordered, but Bayley kinda wants Alexa to ask her questions, being the champ and all. Right, of course. After her coffee. IT’ll only take a minute, maybe. Seriously? Wow, Bayley, rude. Sorry this is her show, but they’ll go with Bayley’s timing.

Let’s start with Money in the Bank. Well actually it started just before. No, Alexa’s not arguing, but let’s be real. MITB was a good night. Going from Ms. MITB to SmackDown Women’s Champion in one night. But it took years to get to that good night. Yes, Alexa agrees. When she was also Ms. MITB and cashed in the same night, it was spectacular. Alexa had a lot of great SmackDown moments. She is the two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and defended it in a Steel Cage Match. In a way, when Alexa was champ, that title meant something. Fans boo as Alexa asks Bayley if the title means anything with her. Bayley sees what Alexa is doing, ti’s classic baiting. But things have changed, and despite the past, Bayley is looking towards the future.

Alexa isn’t cutting Bayley off but her coffee is coming. Alexa has her special mug but Bayley slaps it out of her hand! Seriously? Is this the kind of champ she is? Maybe that belt should be on a more deserving waist. It already is. But then here comes Carmella! The inaugural Ms. MITB and former SmackDown Women’s Champion is here to be part of the conversation. Alexa can’t just come from Raw to challenge Bayley. If anyone has a shot, it should be a SmackDown superstar, got it? Yes, of course. But is this a challenge to her? Wait, here comes yet another former SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair!

The Queen has Laredo fired up as she says hi. Sorry to interrupt, but she couldn’t help herself. Charlotte talked to her good friend, Shane, and there will be a contender’s match for Stomping Grounds! Isn’t that great? It happens tonight, too! Carmella VS Alexa Bliss VS… Wait for it. Wait for it. Charlotte! WOO~! Of course. But what a big Triple Threat! Who wins to be the new #1 Contender to the SmackDown Women’s Champion?

Carmella hurries backstage to find R-Truth.

But obviously he’s still hiding. The WWE 24/7 Champion is having a rough time. He wants to support Carmella, but he’s having to defend this title, even on holidays! He wants Shane to help him out but Shane’s not responding. Wait, here’s something on Carmella’s phone? Oh oops, he used the wrong phone! Carmella answers for Truth. She hands Shane over to Truth. Hello, who this? OH, is it really Shane? Yes it is. Well Shane, help him! This title is ruining his life! Yes, he knows it’s 24/7 but- Well, Truth apologizes for Shane Appreciation Night. Shane accepts?! Yes, the rules are to blame. But now it’s time for a proper match with normal rules. When? NOW?! Oh no! But against who?! No not him! Aw shoot! Truth hurries off, but just who is it he’s up against?!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias is on SmackDown.

And in the ring. The Drifter is Truth’s opponent? We’ll know after the break.

WWE 24/7 Championship, Lumberjack Match: R-Truth VS Elias!

Apparently this is how Shane accepts an apology for someone who ruins his own Appreciation Night. The entire SmackDown roster and even some 205 Live Cruiserweights are here to watch this match very closely. Will the winner of this match even get away with the title with so many prospective contenders just waiting to jump in?

The bell ring sand Elias goes at Turth. Truth rolls Elias, TWO! Elias knees low and CHOPS Truth to then throw him out! The Lumberjacks swarm and attack! They put Truth back in for Elias, and he knees Truth right back down! Roll up, Elias wins!!

Winner: Elias, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion

Elias is now a two-time WWE 24/7 Champion! But just as he holds that belt up, the Lumberjacks are ready to swarm HIM! Elias realizes the gap in his evil plan with Shane as they ALL attack! The Lumberjacks throw each other out, but Elias slips out in the chaos! Elias thinks he’s getting away, but Truth finds him! And the fight is on, under the ring?! Is this even possible? The Lumberjacks keep brawling like a battle royal. Maybe these guys will all be in Super Showdown’s historic 50 Man Over the Top?

Wait, is that a three count from under the ring? Truth won the belt back?!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion

This is incredible! Truth is now a four-time champion! And in an innovative “Under the Ring” match, too! But the chase is on again as Drake Maverick gives chase! #RunTruthRun!

SmackDown hears from Aleister Black.

“Last week, I offered what is tantamount to an open challenge.” But he’s guessing it’s either cowardice or intelligence that has kept people from knocking on his door. He’s not a hard man, his door has “ALEISTER BLACK” right on it. But funny enough, as he’s saying this out loud, he understands now. Aleister’s track record speaks for itself to what he inflicts. It isn’t your Daddy’s WWE. But until someone, anyone, does come knocking at his door, Aleister will sit right here, waiting impatiently until someone, anyone decides to be a man!! How long will the Embodiment of the End have to wait for a fight?

Shane McMahon heads to the ring!

The Best in the World has The Revival with him, but not as Wild Cards thanks to his authority to make an exception. Shane and the #TopGuys go in to the ring and Shane picks up a mic. Obviously he needs Greg Hamilton’s “proper introduction” as “The BEST, in the WOOOOOOOOOOOORLD~! SHAAANE, McMAAAAHON!” Yes, pretty good stuff. Shane talks to Dash & Dawson as he says last night was great. The Revival decimated the Usos, they were amazing, weren’t they? They were fantastic, even. Shane has them here for emotional support, but to be selfish a bit, Shane fast forwards to the end of last night. They were all there live, of course, but please, we need to see that footage again.

And so, the footage plays of Shane, The Revival and Drew McIntyre giving Roman Reigns a Shatter Machine, a Claymore, and Shane’s own take on the Spear. The Revival love that! Shane says that was just last night. Imagine how it’ll be at Super Showdown! Shane paints a little picture for us: what he did last night was training a dog. You bring the dog home, they’re all rebellious and rowdy, so you have to discipline it. You need to put it in a corner and show it who’s boss. Shane is boss literally, but there’s always that one dog that’s more high-spirited and cocky. Like Roman. And so what do you do to that dog? You take it up a notch and that’s what Shane will do on Friday. Shane is going to NEUTER the Big Dog and make him a Lap Dog!

But here comes Roman! Sore as he is, he will not back down. The Revival rush to intercept, but he SUPERMAN PUNCHES Dawson! Dash throws hands but gets thrown into the LED’s! And gets a SUPERMAN PUNCH, too! Shane realizes he’s all alone, because he forgot to bring McIntyre. Roman heads for the ring and Shane acts like he’s ready to fight. But then a CLAYMORE outta nowhere! McIntyre WAS here! The insurance policy pays off again as the Scottish Terminator says Roman belongs to him! He then puts Roman in the corner for Shane as Shane runs in, to SPEAR him again! Two nights, two Spears and two times Shane mocks the battle cry. But will Shane go three for three when it’s time for Super Showdown?

SmackDown Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Carmella VS Alexa Bliss VS Charlotte Flair!

The Queen made this match with help from Shane O’Mac, but just because she has another opportunity doesn’t mean she’ll get it. Will #CharlotteNineTimes get her chance at being #CharlotteTenTimes? Will she be knocked aside by the FABULOUS Princess? Or will a The Goddess of Raw be in line for SmackDown’s title?

SmackDown returns with all three women in the ring and the bell!

Alexa, Carmella and Charlotte stare down before slowly approaching. Alexa is wary, as the lone Raw superstar might be in trouble against two SmackDown superstars. But then Charlotte kicks Carmella, so Alexa jumps on Charlotte! Alexa waistlocks but Charlotte elbows out. Charlotte throws Alexa out and goes to Carmella. Charlotte whips but Carmella reverses, only to be put on the apron. Carmella gets a forearm from Charlotte, but avoids the shoulder to kick back. Alexa returns to knee Carmella down, then hop on Charlotte for the Sunset Flip Powerbomb! Cover, but Carmella breaks it in time!

Carmella drags Alexa up to feed her a boot. Carmella then hops up and hits a flying huricanrana! Alexa rolls out but Charlotte trips Carmella to jackknife cover, ONE, into the Code of Silence! Charlotte endures the squeeze and powers her way up, to have Carmella upside-down. Carmella rolls through to cover, TWO! Alexa returns and hits Carmella with that hard right! Alexa and Charlotte stare down, and then speed up. Charlotte scoops but Alexa arm-drags. Alexa runs into a BOOT! Fans “WOO~” for Charlotte, but Carmella returns to mule kick and FABULOUS Kick! Carmella mocks the Woo as Charlotte rolls away. Carmella brushes off her shoulder, but Fire & Desire head out to the ring. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville distract Carmella just on being there, but Carmella still fetches Alexa.

Alexa throws Carmella into barriers! But then Charlotte CHOPS Alexa! And again! Charlotte tells Fire & Desire to kiss this, then she chases little Alexa. She catches up to CHOP her again! Charlotte puts Alexa in but Alexa dropkicks her down! Cover, TWO! Alexa grows frustrated while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Alexa throws a tantrum while Charlotte catches her breath. Mandy and Sonya watch Carmella while Alexa stomps Charlotte down. Cover, ONE, and Alexa is upset again. Alexa drags Charlotte up by her jaw, but Charlotte grabs her back! Charlotte has Alexa int he choke grip but Carmella flies in with a crossbody! She gets them both but covers Charlotte, TWO! She covers Alexa, TWO! Carmella tries Charlotte again, TWO! So she tries Alexa again, TWO! Charlotte again, TWO! Alexa again, TWO! Charlotte, TWO! Carmella freaks out! Carmella argues with the ref but goes back to Alexa. She throws Alexa right into the post, with a pretty good wedgie. Then Carmella takes a moment to dust herself off before going to Charlotte.

Carmella throws forearms on Charlotte as SmackDown returns to single picture. She puts Charlotte on the top rope, for a FABULOUS- No, Charlotte blocks the Steiner, but Carmella heel kicks. Charlotte brings Carmella up, but still gets the Steiner! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally for “Mella! Mella!” as she stomps a mudhole and moonwalks it dry. Carmella runs back in for the Fabulous Bronco Buster! But then Charlotte clotheslines Carmella down! And brings her around, for the Figure Four! Carmella drags herself but the bridge is in! But Alexa hits Twisted Bliss to break it all! Cover, but Carmella breaks that! But Fire & Desire aren’t amused.

All three women are down but stirring. Carmella crawls after Alexa but Alexa gives her the STO. Alexa hits knees, but misses the rest of Insult2Injury. Charlotte gives Alexa Natural Selection! Cover, but Carmella breaks in! Charlotte is furious and BOOTS Carmella out of the ring. She goes to Alexa but Alexa bumps her on buckles and rolls her up! With tights! TWO!! Charlotte kicks out Alexa’s leg, then puts it in the Figure- FABULOUS KICK! But Fire & Desire strike! They trip her up, but she kicks them away. Alexa has Carmella, Bliss-DT! Cover, Alexa wins!!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall; NEW #1 Contender to the SmackDown Women’s Championship

The Goddess of Raw is going on to Stomping Grounds! Will Alexa become a three-time SmackDown Women’s Champion? Or will Bayley show her and everyone that she’s no longer the same girl she was before?

SmackDown returns for an exclusive interview with Lars Sullivan.

The Leviathan’s actions have spoken louder than any words, but he promises to finally speak to the WWE Universe since coming to the main roster. Lars has been on a true rampage since his call-up. But what is it that drives a man like him to do this? Lars grimaces at Laredo as he considers his first words. “Would you ever ask a nightingale why they sing their sweet song? Would you ever ask a lion why they methodically stalk their prey before sinking their teeth into flesh and viciously ripping it apart?! Then why would you ever ask what drives a man like me?” Lars keeps the mic up as he says he’s come to realize that he’s not just a man. For his entire life, Lars has been described by one word. Can you guess that word? Say it, Kayla!

Kayla is too hesitant to speak. But it’s okay. Lars has been called this his entire life, he can take it. So just say it. “Freak?” Lars holds back his emotions, and says that when a lion performs it’s primary function, it’s a lion. When Lars performs his primary function, people do use that word. But Lars’ primary function is to hurt, maim, dissect, vivisect and dehumanize! He is here to show all the fans that the world isn’t rainbows and sunshine, but pain and agony! So is this what Lars is going to teach Lucha House Party at Super Showdown? Lars laughs as fans chant “Lucha! Lucha!” Does Kayla like nursery rhymes? Yes? Well here’s one. Three blind mice, watch how they run. Watch how they’re caught, and watch how they’re tails are ripped apart with his bare hands in a beautiful portrait painted in their bodily fluids!

Kayla is outright mortified, but Lars is gleefully amused. Is the horror movie come to life going to make brutalizing three human beings look like child’s play?

Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Apollo Crews!

El Idolo has a Super Showdown with the Demon side of Finn Balor for that WWE Intercontinental Championship. But will he get more than just a warm-up against a superstar looking for an opportunity of his own?

SmackDown returns as Apollo makes an entrance, and Almas attacks him right away! Almas is anything but Tranquilo as he fires off hands and feet on Apollo, then hits La Sombra, the hammerlock DDT! Apollo rolls out, but here comes Finn! Finn runs and fights with Almas just days from their match! Finn double stomps Almas down then throws hands in the corner! Almas fights back but gets a Slingblade! Vega trips Finn up and Almas has his opening! Almas knees away on Finn, then gives Finn una La Sombra! El Idolo leaves the champion down, but that was just Finn the Man. Will Balor the Demon make Almas regret being so aggressive?

Goldberg finally comes to SmackDown!

The living legend has Laredo chanting his name as he makes his classic entrance from the back with security escort. He makes his way on stage and the ovation gets louder as he makes his way to the ring. Goldberg doesn’t want to get emotional again, but the fans still chant his name. He thanks Laredo for the welcome, and moves to business. “I’ve been waiting over 20 years to experience what it would be like, in this ring, one-on-one, with The Undertaker.” And now, Goldberg finally gets the match he’s always wanted. He heard Taker on Raw, and he made an interesting point. Taker said he did not want to share the ring with the “family man.” He wants the icon, the ass-kicker that went 173-0!

Well, Taker, Goldberg appreciates the advice. What that did made a light go off in his head. Because Taker’s right! Goldberg doesn’t want family man against Taker, because family man would lose. So Goldberg left that guy at home. Fans love to hear that! Friday night, as sure as hell as he stands here now, the Goldberg we’ve watching for 20 years, the one Taker’s been wondering how he stacks up against him, that ass-kicker Goldberg, is coming! Friday, Super Showdown, once and for all, we will all see who the better man is. Because Undertaker, you’re next to REST IN PEACE! But wait! Is he here?! The lights go down, and when they come back up, HE IS!! Taker is behind Goldberg!! Goldberg realizes that, turns around, and just laughs in his face.

Laredo is losing their minds for these two legends as they stare down. Goldberg does not back down, but neither does Taker. The lights go down again, and when they turn back on, Taker is gone. A classic move from the Phenom, but again Goldberg laughs it off. “So that’s it?” Friday it is, then. The big man better bring his jockstrap and tighten it up real tight, “because it’s gonna be a ride.” Goldberg heads out, headed straight for Jeddah! Will he come back to the states, an even stronger legend? Or will the ass-kicking machine be the one left for dead?

My Thoughts:

Well, another go-home just like last night, but this was considerably better. Of course, SmackDown almost always does that. Kofi Kingston gives us a great solo promo, if only Vince saw how great he was sooner. And it was also great to see Kofi’s trip home, this is why he’s such a great champion. Ziggler had a good part in this, but obviously Kofi wins the promos. The tag match was great, and naturally the New Day wins to keep Kofi strong. I’m pretty sure Kofi wins at Super Showdown, too, but this match is still going to be great. Then we go to Stomping Grounds, against who knows. Also, that new boot logo for Stomping Grounds is asinine but completely something Vince would do in this current WWE.

The WWE 24/7 Championship continues to be absolutely incredible. Shane continues to punish Truth by putting him in a Lumberjack match, and while it wasn’t much of a match, the creativity continues with Elias and Truth actually having a cover under the ring. Between things like that and hopefully more “on location” matches, this title really is a lot more fun than it looked to be. Sadly, it’s getting play than the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, but oh well. The women got better use tonight, but even then, the logic of Alexa Bliss doing something on both shows is confusing. Alexa is technically a Face with Nikki Cross but then technically a Heel against Bayley? The promos were good, the match was great, but why Alexa? Other than by default, since Carmella has Mandy & Sonya to worry about.

But even then, why throw in Alexa? If she and Nikki have a thing with the IIconics, is that just going to fall apart now? Or is Alexa going to be compelled to choose and then not choose Nikki? This is going to be messy and it’s Vince’s fault. The Wild Card Rule is still messy, too, with Roman Reigns showing up again just to get beat down, again. And it was almost obvious. It would’ve been a little better if Shane ran away, no McIntyre, and it makes a point of how Shane needs his bodyguard without using his bodyguard. For that matter, the main-event-by-default match could’ve and should’ve gone differently. Almas beating up Apollo to No Contest that match was fine, but did we really need Finn to get the same? Just let Almas stand tall on his own, and Finn can respond on social media.

Goldberg had a great promo! Loved his response to Taker from Raw, and I loved his response to Taker appearing in person. I just hope that for the great appearances on TV and the promos and how good this is on paper, we actually get something great in actuality.

My Score: 8.2/10

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Steven Mitchell

CM Punk is back! Will Seth Rollins’ vision already be in trouble?

Last Monday Night Raw, CM Punk & Sami Zayn helped Jey Uso against Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker. What happens tonight as they’re all in Louisville?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

PENTA VS Chad Gable; Penta wins.
The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers w/ Chad Gable; win.
AJ Styles VS Finn Balor; wins.
Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley VS Giulia & Roxanne Perez; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of “Sabu,” Terry Brunk.

CM Punk is here!

Louisville fires up for the Best in the World, and they know, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and asks, “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Louisville, Kentucky or what? I’m a pissed off man but I’m fortunate enough to say that this is my home! All the dust has settled from WrestleMania, and I waited a few weeks, and I’ve nursed a few injuries and a lot of hurt feelings, but I can’t shake being pissed off!” The fans cheer that! Punk says he has a lot of enemies. It’s really easy to list off who he’s NOT pissed off at. But number one with a bullet, a big, fat bullet…

The person that Punk is most pissed off at right now… is himself. The fans are surprised to hear that, but Punk says yeah, he’s mad at himself, mostly because we’ve been here before. This isn’t the first time Paul Heyman stabbed Punk in the back. Stab him in the back once, shame on you. Stab him in the back twice, shame on him. But he though the could trust his friend. Almost 12 years ago, Heyman smashed a ladder into Punk’s head, gave him 13 staples right down the middle, and they moved past that. At least, he thought they had. They had grown and matured as humans, or at least Punk knows Punk had.

And apologies to Jey Uso, but when Punk came back to the WWE, Jey had warned him about Paul Heyman, but Heyman is Heyman. Heyman is who he always has been: a fat little snake! So yeah, while Punk is pissed at Heyman, he’s more upset with himself. He might be upset with “Temu Punk,” Seth Rollins, but Punk will get them all. But we know how this ends, we’ve been down this road, Heyman knows how this ends, Punk can’t wait to get his hands around Heyman’s fat neck and squeeze until Heyman’s eyes pop out. But “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Punk says good, where are you, Penguin?!

Heyman storms out to the stage and Punk dares him to explain why he did what he did. And Wise Man, understand that whatever words you choose, they will be your last! But before that, here comes Rollins! The fans sing and Punk says that’s all Rollins is! But Rollins also has Bron Breakker by his side, and the trio stands together on stage. Rollins, in his all rattlesnake skin ensemble, is handed the mic. The fans chant for Punk but Rollins says, “Just when I think you can’t get any more selfish or any more egotistical, you find a way to top yourself. This man, Paul Heyman, was your best friend! Your best friend! And you made his life HELL on the Road to WrestleMania!

“And now you are out here in front of the entire world, gaslighting all of us, trying to make us believe that he betrayed you?” The fans seem to agree. Rollins says Punk makes him sick! Heyman believed in Punk for YEARS! YEARS, when no one else did. But y’know what Rollins believes? He believes Punk is scum, is trash, is excrement, and that he was right about Punk all along. And just when Rollins thinks he can’t hate Punk more than he already does, Punk stands there in that ring as THE reason Rollins is not World Heavyweight Champion right now! Punk says Rollins ain’t ever gonna be champ as long as Punk’s on two feet.

The fans cheer and Rollins groans. The fans chant for Punk but Rollins and Heyman chuckle. What is Punk’s deal? Does he love punishment? Does he love suffering? Does he love being on the wrong side of history? Wait, wait, wait. Rollins gets it now. Punk loves to play the victim. Punk loves to come out here and boo hoo, poor CM Punk~! Punk so desperately so wants to be a victim, he so desperately wants to die a martyr… The fans bark in anticipation, and Rollins says he believes that can be arranged. Rollins hopes Punk has prepared his last words. And with that, Bron is sent to the ring like the attack dog he is!

Punk says is the little doggy gonna bark or bite. And then the brawl is on! Bron RAMS Punk in the corner again and again, rains down fists, and the fans boo as Rollins swaggers into the ring. Bron runs but Punk BOOTS him! And TACKLES Rollins! The fans fire up but now it’s 2v1 as Bron gets back on Punk! But wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! Sami fires hands on Bron, then on Rollins! The fans fire up but Bron picks Sami up! EXPLODER! Punk is up to brawl with Rollins, but Bron joins in again! They mug Punk, and Heyman brings a chair! The fans boo but wait! JEY USO IS HERE! SUPERKICK and the chair is down!

Rollins and Jey brawl, Bron goes after Jey, it’s another 2v1 mugging! But then Sami is back, as is Punk, and they have chairs! They chase off Rollins, Bron & Heyman! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Rollins has Bron stand down. Will Punk, Sami & Jey turn the tide when it’s their three against Rollins’ three?

PENTA VS Chad Gable w/ Ivy Nile!

While he still has #CeroMiedo, he also has zero titles because one way or another, Judgment Day screws him over! Of course, it was “El Grande Americano” who factored into things at Backlash, so Penta knows exactly who to go after this time! At least, maybe? Will Penta prove Gable and Grande are one in the same? Or will Gable #SHOOOOSH all the conspiracy theory noise?

Raw returns as Gable makes his entrance. Penta wants right after him but the ref keeps him back. And just as Michael Cole is wondering if Pat McAfee will make it tonight’s show, Pat arrives! Louisville cheers Pat and he gives high-fives on his way to commentary, still in one piece after his battle with Gunther. He even still has energy to hop up onto the desk to salute the fans.

The bell rings and Gable is a bit off balance from Pat’s entrance. Penta CLOBBERS Gable, stomps away on him, then KICKS Gable’s leg! Penta CHOPS Gable, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Penta whips, Gable ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING HEADBUTT! Gable rains down fists, then he paces around in a huff. Gable CHOPS Penta down, CHOPS him again, and CHPOS him again! Gable whips, then CLOBBERS Penta! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Penta and Gable is annoyed by that. Gable drags Penta up, but Penta fires body shots! Penta ELBOWS Gable, whips, but Gable reverses. Gable ELBOWS Penta down and he then hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!

Gable is annoyed but the fans rally for Penta. Gable drags Penta up, whips corner to corner hard, and Penta falls! Gable storms up to put Penta on the top rope. Gable climbs up, pulls on Penta’s mask, but the fans boo. Gable pries at the mask now but the ref reprimands. Penta fires elbows and Gable falls back! Penta leaps to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Gable is up, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Gable tumbles out, Penta says “CERO! MIEDO!” and builds speed. Gable moves, Penta adjusts to PLANCHA, but Gable HEADBUTTS him down! Gable shouts, “Lucha Libre SUCKS!” and fans boo, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and the fans rally for Penta as he fights up. Penta fires elbows and is free of the chinlock, only for Gable to throat chop! Gable whips, Penta reveres, but Gable ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Penta to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Ivy is worried, and the fans rally up. Penta runs in at the corner to GAMANGIRI! Gable sits down, Penta headstands and SWINGING DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Penta covers, TWO! Penta is annoyed but he shakes out his arm and brings Gable up. Penta half nelsons, pump handles, but Gable slips around to shove. Penta springboards but Gable catches him to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

Penta escapes and Gable is upset. Gable drags Penta to the center of the ring, then goes up a corner. Gable DIVING HEADBUTTS into a CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Gable flounders away. Penta rises up and the fans rally. Penta storms up, KICKS and CHOPS Gable, then CHOPS again! Gable whips, Penta goes up, stumbles, but still goes up! Gable grabs ropes to fight the backstabber, then BUCKS Penta away! Gable goes up, MOONSAULTS, cover, TWO!! But into an ANKLE LOCK!! Penta rolls to throw Gable away, and then SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up while both men are down again! Penta calls his shot, hammerlocks an arm, and he SLAPS Gable into giving up the other arm! But Gable powers out and has the ANKLE LOCK!! Penta endures, fights forward, and reaches out, only for Gable to drag him back! Penta fights up and rolls to victory roll! TWO, and Gable rolls Penta up! TWO! Gable throat chops Penta again! Gable hauls Penta up to the top rope, then climbs up after him! They are on the very top, but Penta fights with body shots! Gable gives shots back, then talks trash, but Penta tells him CERO MIEDO! Penta SHOVES Gable, Gable lands out, but Penta hits a FLYING DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta wins!!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall

Gable tried to belittle lucha libre, but it backfired! Penta comes through and gets even with at least one enemy, but will he even the score with “El Grande” and Judgment Day soon enough?

Roxanne Perez & Giulia speak.

Roxie says, “Tonight, The Prodigy & The Beautiful Madness take on the Genius of the Sky and Rhea Ripley. And I think we’ve made it very, very clear that this division isn’t safe anymore.” Giulia says in Japanese, “They are strong, but we are hungry. We didn’t come here to wait our turn. We came to take over.” Roxie says that means going after the very top. Iyo, Rhea, they don’t give a damn about your history because they’re here to make their own! You are looking at the future of this industry. And the future starts tonight. Will these former NXT Women’s Champions put the WWE Women’s World Champion & Mami in the past?

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/10/25)

For the 32nd time…!

Published

22 hours ago

May 11, 2025

Steven Mitchell

They’re the best around! Nothing’s ever gonna keep ’em down!

With quite a lot of pro-wrestling crossover in both blocks, this might be the most star-studded tournament ever ever! But will the Rogue Luchador still be THE Best of the Super Juniors?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Ninja Mack & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X; Taiji & Robbie win.
Six Man Tag: Master Wato, Ryusuke Taguchi & Kevin Knight VS MAO, Tiger Mask & Shoma Kato; Wato, Taguchi & Knight win.
YOH & Toru Yano VS Robbie Eagles & Hartley Jackson; Yoh & Yano win.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Nick Wayne VS SHO; Nick wins.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Dia wins.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA: Hiromu wins.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Titan; Desperado wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Nick Wayne VS SHO!

The Prodigy isn’t just the historic youngest ROH World Television Champion ever, he is now the historic youngest entry into the BOSJ ever! But will he make The Patriarchy proud? Or will the Murder Machine ruin all the fun right in round one?

Well to start, Sho grabs a mic to tell Nick, “Congratulations on your first BOSJ. To commemorate this moment, here’s this towel as a present.” It is in fact a House of Torture rally towel, but as Nick cannot read Japanese, he doesn’t realize Sho is pranking him. It reads, “I am a country bumpkin.” Nick still bows in thanks for the gift, and Sho talks more trash, this time on Chiba. Chiba is so far removed into the countryside and from civilization that no one’s phones get reception. Sho tells Nick again congrats on being here, and he’ll let Nick introduce himself to the “country idiots.” Nick takes the mic, but Sho ATTACKS!

The fans boo as Sho CLUBS away on Nick, then talks more trash. The bell rings and Sho puts Nick against ropes. Sho wraps an arm around ropes, pulls on the arm, but stops as the ref reprimands. Sho stops to whip Nick, Nick reverses and hurdles, then bypasses Sho to UPPERCUT him down! Nick handsprings up and the fans cheer! Sho bails out but Nick builds speed, only for Sho to use a Young Lion as a shield! Nick stops short and goes to the apron, only for Sho to YANK him down! The fans boo more but Sho just grins. Sho drags Nick up, brings him to a corner, and SLAMS Nick’s arm off the post! Sho then goes to fetch a chair!

The ref stops that, so Sho knuckle locks Nick and brings him to the crowd! Sho wrenches Nick to a wristlock and ELBOW BREAKER, then he aims at the chairs! The fans hurry away and Sho BOWLS Nick into the chairs! STRIKE! The ref reprimands but Sho just takes a chair and digs it into Nick’s side! Sho stands on Nick’s hand, has another chair, but the ref reprimands. Sho puts the chair aside and drags Nick to his feet. Sho wrenches the arm, pulls it through the corner, and wraps it around the post! The ref reprimands again and Sho lets go at 4. Sho puts Nick in the ring, and then he SLAMS the bad arm against the post!

Sho hurries off to go snatch the bell hammer! The ref stops Sho, and Sho grabs a chair! Sho SMACKS Nick’s arm against the post! The fans boo but Sho laughs as he gets away with it! Nick shakes out the bad arm but Sho is right on him with a cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Nick stays in this, but Sho grins as he drags Nick up to knuckle lock. Sho wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and Nick falls back. Sho stands Nick up to wrench again, then pushes him down to kick, KICK, and SUPER- NO, Nick blocks the kick! Sho ducks the lariat to POP-UP ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Nick clasps hands, but Sho pries it free, ARMBAR!!

The fans rally up and Nick scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Sho lets go at 4. Nick clutches his bad arm but Sho goes outside to grab the ROH World TV title! The ref reprimands, stops Sho as he steps in, and Sho sets the belt down. To step on it! The fans boo and Nick gets pissed! Nick fires hands, but Sho CLAWS his face! Sho whips Nick, Nick grabs ropes, but that also hurts his arm! Nick still ELBOWS Sho away, ELBOWS him again, then runs up. Sho SWATS the lariat, whips, and the ref almost gets hit! Sho runs up, but Nick BOOTS him away! Nick goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS!

The fans fire up and Nick goes back to a corner. Nick runs in and UPPERCUTS! Nick snapmares Sho, runs up, and he spins Sho for an ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Sho survives but the fans rally for Nick. Nick shakes out the bad arm, storms over to Sho, and waistlocks to drag Sho up. Nick then shifts to a half nelson, but Sho fights the full nelson! Sho swings Nick into ropes! Nick falls in a heap, clutches the bad arm, and stands up, only for Sho to run in! Nick TOSSES Sho, builds speed, and FLIES! Direct hit on Sho and the fans fire up with Nick! Nick drags Sho back up, puts him in the ring, and the fans rally as Nick goes up the corner.

Nick aims, FROG- NO, Nick has to roll through as Sho moves. Nick goes back, but Sho dodges again! Nick still pursues, but Sho uses the ref as a shield again! And then SPEAR! Both men are down, but Sho crawls his way over to the corner. Sho grabs Nick’s title again and the ref stops him! Sho SHOVES the ref, then grabs his Torture Tool! Sho aims, but Nick dodges! Nick kicks low, and then he has the torture tool! The ref stops Nick, Nick apologizes, but Sho LOW BLOWS in the distraction! The fans boo but Sho reels Nick in! POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Sho is shocked while the fans fire up!

Sho “aims his bow” and reels Nick in. Sho tucks the arms but Nick fights the lift! Nick BACKDROPS, Sho sunset flips, TWO! Sho stands, ducks a kick, and then GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Nick’s right up! Only for Sho to LARIAT Nick back down! Sho laughs and drags Nick back up. Nick trips Sho to a jackknife bridge! TWO! Sho shoves the ref, but Nick blocks the low blow! Nick slips around, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Sho survives but the fans fire up with Nick! Nick waits on Sho to rise up, then he ROUNDHOUSES him! Nick brings Sho around and hooks a leg, PRODIGY PLEX!! Cover, Nick wins!!

Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)

Sho tried a lot of different tricks, but Nick still gets the better of him! The Prodigy has his first win in his first BOSJ, will he soon be the youngest man to win Best of the Super Juniors?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

After a tough time last year, The Infinite Carat Diamond is back and ready to shine! But will he overcome the Heel Master’s many antics? Or will he crack under the pressure?

Classic House of Torture, Kanemaru attacks Dia during his introductions! The fans boo but Kanemaru SMACKS Dia off the commentary desk! And then POSTS him! The bell rings to get this on record as Kanemaru stomps Dia. Kanemaru drags Dia up, brings him around, and whips him at another post! Dia uses that to swing into the ring! Dia then DROPKCIKS Kanemaru off the apron, slingshots out, but Kanemaru YANKS him down! Kanemaru puts Dia in the ring, but then on the apron, SUPER KNEE SMASH to the floor! The fans boo and the ref checks Dia. Dia is somehow okay to continue, but Kanemaru leaves him behind.

The ring count starts, Dia hobbles up and rolls in at 7 of 20. The fans cheer but Kanemaru stomps Dia’s leg! Kanemaru has Dia on the ropes but the ref counts. Kanemaru whips Dia to then dropkick the leg out! Dia writhes but Kanemaru drags him up, for a SHIN BREAKER to the mat! Dia writhes more but Kanemaru brings him around by that leg. Kanemaru YANKS the leg, then looms over Dia. Dia clutches his knee so Kanemaru stomps him on the side. Kanemaru then grabs the leg and twists it in a standing toehold! The fans rally as Dia endures, but Kanemaru puts on even more pressure! Dia fights around and has the ROPEBREAK!

The fans applaud, the ref counts, and Kanemaru lets go at 4, just to stomp the leg again! Kanemaru drags Dia to center while the fans rally, and Kanemaru has another standing toehold! Dia endures as Kanemaru uses his own leg for leverage. Kanemaru pushes on the foot, but Dia fires hands from below. The fans rally, but Kanemaru turns Dia over for a HALF CRAB! Dia endures, fights forward, and the fans rally, only for Kanemaru to pull back more! Dia still scrambles his way over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Kanemaru lets go, only to SMASH the knee on the mat again! Dia writhes but he refuses to let this take him out.

Kanemaru drags Dia around, drops an ELBOW on the knee, then he pulls on the leg! Dia still endures, even as Kanemaru puts on more pressure. Dia tries to fight back with a chinlock but Kanemaru thrashes the leg! Kanemaru then drops KNEE after KNEE on Dia’s knee! Kanemaru kneels on the leg, slaps Dia around, then kicks him around. The fans rally and Dia rises up to CHOP! Kanemaru gives Dia more mocking kicks, but Dia CHOPS again! Kanemaru kicks the leg out! Dia writhes, Kanemaru stomps him more, but the fans continue to rally. Kanemaru stomps the leg, digs his boot in, but he also uses ropes for leverage!

The ref reprimands and counts, so Kanemaru steps off at 4. Kanemaru stalks Dia as he crawls away. Dia still refuses to give up, so Kanemaru drags him up and grabs the leg. Dia fights the lift with elbows! Kanemaru kicks the bad leg again! Kanemaru whips Dia to a corner, runs up, but Dia BOOTS him! And BOOTS him again! Dia runs, slides, and then tilt-o-whirl arm-drags! And DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Kanemaru tumbles out! Dia fights through the pain to build speed, but Kanemaru gets away! Dia sees Kanemaru go to the side, and intercepts him with a 619! Kanemaru falls to the floor, Dia sets up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS!

The fans fire up as Dia takes Kanemaru down again! The ref checks and both men are okay to continue. Dia rises, the fans fire up again, and Dia hobbles over to Kanemaru. Dia puts Kanemaru in the ring, the fans rally, and Dia SOBATS! And LEG SWEEPS! And STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Dia stays fired up and the fans stay with him. Dia goes up the corner, shakes out the bad leg, and DD- NO, Kanemaru dodges the 4D! Kanemaru then DROPKICKS Dia’s leg! Kanemaru steps through to FIGURE FOUR! Dia endures as the fans rally up, but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Dia drags Kanemaru along as he grabs the ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer but Kanemaru doesn’t let go. The ref counts and Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru drags Dia up, scoops him, BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO! Dia survives but Kanemaru brings him right up. Kanemaru suplexes, but Dia cradle counters! TWO, and Dia leaps up! Kanemaru stops the rana to SMASH the knee! Step through and FIGURE FOUR!! Dia endures and the fans rally up again! Dia keeps his shoulders up but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Dia works to move around but Kanemaru turns against him! Dia rolls through, and crawls his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go cleanly this time while the fans applaud.

Dia clutches his knee but Kanemaru brings him right up. Kanemaru scoops and SLAMS Dia into the drop zone! Kanemaru goes up, MOONSAULT! Kanemaru has to bail out as Dia moves! Kanemaru returns, blocks a boot, and CLUBS the leg! Kanemaru whips, Dia reverses, but Kanemaru reverses back, to send Dia at the ref! Dia stops short, but Kanemaru CLOBBERS Dia into the ref! The fans boo but Kanemaru hurries to bring Dia up. Kanemaru THROWS Dia down, then grabs his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a swig, but the ref grabs the bottle! Kanemaru lets him have the bottle, but then Dia ENZIGIRIS! The whiskey mist goes to waste!

Dia puts Kanemaru up top, climbs, and the fans fire up for the ASTRO SCISSORS! Kanemaru tumbles away, but Dia runs up to REPTIALIAN!! Cover, Dia wins!!

Winner: Dragon Dia, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)

Much like Sho to open, Kanemaru had his tricks up his sleeve, but none of them paid off! Dia is already shining with this win, but will he be the centerpiece of the whole A Block?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!

The Japanese Young Punk and the Italian Crown of Fire are both former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions looking to spark something all on their own. But will Fujita prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will Akira blaze a trail to the top of the block?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle fast. They tie up, Fujita powers Akira to the mat then goes for an arm. Akira slips around, Fujita waistlocks, but Akira keeps moving. The two separate and the fans applaud this opening exchange. The two reset and circle again. They tie up, Fujita waistlocks but Akira wrenches out to hammerlock. Fujita switches the hammerlock, but Akira sits down, rolls, and hammerlocks in return. Fujita spins, steps over, and he holds Akira down so he can CHOP Akira on the back! The fans applaud but Akira is annoyed. Akira says okay, and he fires a forearm!

Fujita eggs Akira on so Akira fires another forearm! And then a CHOP! Fujita comes back to CHOP! The fans fire up, Fujita runs, but Akira CALF KICKS him down! The fans fire up more while Fujita bails out. Akira storms out, saying if Fujita wants to play, let’s play! Akira POSTS Fujita, brushes himself off, then drags Fujita back up. Akira CHOPS Fujita against the apron! Akira sits on the apron and wraps Fujita up with the headscissors! The ref reprimands but Akira lets go at 4. The fans rally, Akira drags Fujita back up, and then ROCKS him with a forearm! Akira talks some smack, ROCKS Fujita again, but then Fujita ROCKS him in return!

Fujita RAMS Akira into the apron, CHOPS, and CHOPS, and then KNEES low again and again! The ref reprimands and wants this in the ring. Fujita puts Akira in, the fans applaud, and Fujita runs corner to corner. Akira puts Fujita on the apron, but Fujita springboards, only for Akira to stop him and trip him up! Fujita flops to the mat, Akira covers, TWO! The fans rally while Akira drags Fujita up. Fujita breaks free to fire a forearm, but Akira eggs him on. Fujita fires another forearm, but Akira blocks the chop! Akira KNEES low, scoops and SLAMS, then covers, TWO! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Fujita stays in this, but Akira stays on Fujita with a rear bearhug! Fujita endures, even as Akira squeezes tight and talks more trash. Fujita crawls, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Akira lets go in frustration. Akira drags Fujita up, bumps him off buckles, then RAMS into Fujita! Akira RAMS in again, then whips corner to corner. Akira runs up and LARIATS! Akira then snapmares and covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out and the fans rally up, but Akira stays focused. Akira drags Fujita up, but Fujita breaks free to CHOP! Akira mule kicks, whips, but Fujita reverses. Akira dodges the chop but not the LEG LARIAT!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Akira go to corners and the fans rally. Fujita runs corner to corner and CHOPS! Akira is stinging, but Fujita whips corner to corner. Fujita runs up again, but Akira puts him on the apron! Fujita ducks a shot to ROCK Akira, then he springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita sits Akira up to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Akira stays in this but Fujita stays focused. Fujita waistlocks to deadlift, but Akira fights with elbows! Akira runs, but Fujita drop toeholds, and then has the legs tied up! Akira fights the rest of the hold, but Fujita still grabs the arms!

Fujita and Akira struggle against each other, and Akira slips an arm free to have the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go and the fans rally up again. Fujita stands Akira up and suplexes, but Akira fights that off! Akira wrenches, Fujita ducks the lariat to waistlock, but Akira runs to ropes! Akira TOSSES Fujita out with that and then runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Akira builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Fujita and the fans fire up more! Akira roars, the fans cheer, and the standing count starts. The fans chant for “A! KI-RA!” and he puts Fujita in at 6 of 20, Akira goes to the corner, springboards and LIONSAULTS onto knees! Cover, TWO!!

Akira survives the turnaround and the fans rally up. Fujita stalks Akira, waistlocks and deadlifts, but again Akira fights with elbows! Fujita still reels Akira in and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Akira lands on his feet! Akira SUPERKICKS, but Fujita CHOPS! Akira ENZIGIRIS! Fujita HEEL KICKS! The fans fire up with Fujita now and he brings Akira around. Fujita suplexes, but Akira slips free! Akira has the arms, pops Fujita up, TIGER GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Fujita survives and Akira is stunned! The fans rally up while Akira drags Fujita up. Akira reels Fujita in, SPEEDFIRE! But Akira isn’t done, he goes to the corner!

The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” and he runs in, NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to DOUBLE CHOP! But Akira comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up again as Fujita flounders around! Akira roars and he gets moving, but Fujita sidesteps! Akira bucks the O’Conner and runs in, only for Fujita to drop toehold! Fujita wants the legs but Akira cradles him, TWO!! Both men rise and the fans rally again! Fujita dodges to SNAP GERMAN!! But Akira manages to stand?! Akira runs back in, but Fujita pops him up! Fujita has the waistlock, and he holds on even as Akira fights with elbows! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!!

Akira survives and the fans fire up again! Fujita hauls Akira up again, half nelson then facelock, but Akira fights with knees! The fans rally as Akira fires knees down low, only for Fujita to hook one! Fujita suplexes Akira into a torture rack! BURNING HAMMER DDT!! Cover, Fujita wins!!

Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)

Akira brought the heat, but he was put out like a light with that one! Whatever Fujita calls that new move, will it be the key to his success in this tournament?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA!

Two of the most decorated Super Juniors battle once more, all to help kick off this year’s tournament! Will the Ticking Timebomb make things more and more fun? Or will the Time Splitter turn back the clock to his former glory?

As soon as Hiromu’s ringside, Kushida wants to dive out onto him! Hiromu scrambles away from one corner, only for Kushida to hurry and DROPKICK him off the apron! The fans fire up as Kushida climbs and the bell rings, but Hiromu hurries up top! Hiromu trips Kushida, then brings him to a fireman’s carry! The fans fire up but Kushida fires elbows! Kushida has the HOVERBOARD way up there! The fans rally, the ref reprimands, but Hiromu throws Kushida off! Kushida finally takes his jacket off, and he HANDSPRING KICKS Hiromu down! Kushida builds speed, but then Hiromu slides back in!

Kushida lands safe on the apron, only for Hiromu to SUNSET FLIP! Kushida holds onto the ropes, throws hands, then RAN- NO! Hiromu stops the rana, brings Kushida back up, but Kushida fights free of the powerbomb! Hiromu dodges the boot, and then DROPKICKS Kushida’s leg! Kushida writhes and the ref checks him while the fans rally up. Hiromu stands and catches his breath. Kushida is still in this, so Hiromu drags him around, and SMASHES the knee on the floor! Kushida hobbles and flounders around, but Hiromu stomps him down. The ref reprimands but Hiromu drags Kushida around to SMASH the knee again!

Kushida writhes and Hiromu paces. Hiromu keeps Chiba fired up while Kushida rolls into the ring. Hiromu slides in but Kushida hurries to bail back out. Hiromu pursues, then pushes Kushida back into the ring. The fans rally as Hiromu keeps Kushida from escaping again. Hiromu CHOPS, then whips Kushida to a corner. Hiromu runs in and LARIATS! Then he snapmares to basement DROPKICK the legs! Kushida writhes but Hiromu turns him over for the MAXIMUM THE HOLDING! But Kushida scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go, only to drag Kushida back. Hiromu fakes the knee smash so he can grapevine the leg!

Kushida endures the modified leg lock and he crawls his way forward! Hiromu puts on the pressure with his modified Trailer Hitch, but Kushida still manages the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go and the fans rally up. Hiromu taunts Kushida, but Kushida CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Kushida runs, but Hiromu drop toeholds and leg scissors! Kushida endures the modified calf slicer as Hiromu puts on the pressure! The fans rally, Kushida crawls, and Kushida reaches out again for another ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go and the fans applaud. Hiromu drags Kushida back, turns Kushida over, and SMASHES the knee again! And again!

Kushida writhes and the fans rally but Hiromu looms over Kushida. Hiromu stomps Kushida’s leg! Kushida hobbles to the corner but Hiromu stomps a mudhole into that leg! The ref counts, Hiromu backs off, and Kushida hobbles up. Kushida CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Hiromu kicks the bad leg! Kushida CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Kushida whips, Hiromu reverses, but Kushida manages the handspring and BACK ELBOW! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kushida and Hiromu go to corners while the fans rally. Hiromu stands up first, but Kushida runs up! Kushida blocks boots, and has an ANKLE LOCK!

Hiromu hops around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Kushida lets go at 4, but he has Hiromu stuck on the top rope. Kushida runs to DROPKICK Hiromu down to the floor! The fans rally while Kushida crawls to the apron. Hiromu rises up and Kushida takes aim, FLYING RANA! Hiromu tumbles and the fans rally up again as Kushida puts Hiromu in the ring. SOMERSAULT DDT, and then ARMBAR! Hiromu scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go in frustration, but he aims for an arm! Kushida runs up and DROPKICKS Hiromu’s left arm! Then he KICKS, KICKS, KICKS, only for Hiromu to block the last one!

Hiromu also blocks the fastball to DRAGON SCREW! Kushida writhes but Hiromu gets the legs, MAXIMUM THE HOLDING!! Kushida flails, reaches out, drags Hiromu along, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Hiromu holds on. The ref counts so Hiromu lets go at 4. Hiromu grows frustrated but the fans continue to rally. Hiromu drags Kushida up, fireman’s carries, but Kushida fights free! Kushida runs in, Hiromu BOOTS him, then Hiromu runs, only for Kushida to dodge! Kushida tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Then he slips around to drag Hiromu into the HOVERBOARD!! Hiromu endures and the fans fire up more!

Kushida puts on the pressure as Hiromu fights around, but then Kushida headscissors Hiromu to keep him down! Hiromu flails, reaches out, and the fans rally as he fights the scissors. Hiromu rises, clasps hands behind his back, but Kushida puts on more pressure! They go around and around, but Kushida fires elbows! Hiromu CLUBS away on Kushida in return! The armlock is undone, but Kushida fires Kawada Kicks! And it’s back to the HOVERBOARD! But Hiromu fireman’s carries free! He throws Kushida into a dragon sleeper, makes it a facelock, suplexes, only for Kushida to fight free! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Kushida KICKS a leg!

Kushida KICKS Hiromu’s leg again and again, and Hiromu falls! Kushida runs, but into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Hiromu and Kushida slowly rise, and Hiromu fireman’s carries! But Kushida hits a crucifix takedown! TWO, and Kushida steps over for LA MAGISTROL! But Hiromu stuffs it to his own cover, TWO! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Hiromu wrenches and tucks, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL, but Kushida rocks it back! JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Kushida ducks a shot, spins Hiromu, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Kushida PELES!

Kushida runs, but Hiromu follows! Kushida dodges, they both run, but Hiromu hits a CODE BREAKER! Shoutout to Bushi before the MAXIMUM THE HOLDING!! Hiromu steps over to make it MTH 2.0!! Kushida endures, reaches out, but Hiromu turns it back over, and makes it a BACKBREAKER! Then back to MTH 2.0!!! Kushida endures, but he TAPS!! Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)

The Ticking Timebomb’s arsenal continues to evolve, and he manages to make one of the best Junior Heavyweight technical wrestlers tap out! Is this a sign that Hiromu can make his way back to the top of this division? Is there still time for Kushida to do the same?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Titan!

The Rogue Luchador finally won a BOSJ trophy with last year’s tournament, but now he wants to go back to back! Will Desperado start strong with this main event? Or will El Inmortal bring down THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?

Titan offers a handshake, Desperado takes it, and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Despy gets Chiba even more fired up, then he ties up with Titan. They go around, Despy waistlocks, but Titan spins to facelock. Despy wrenches out, Titan rolls, then Titan kips up, bridges, and handsprings. Titan wrenches, WRINGS Despy, then covers, ONE! Despy trips Titan to cover, ONE! The two stand off and the fans cheer. Titan and Despy reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock, but then Titan trips Despy. Things speed up, Titan ducks ‘n’ dodges, but he avoids Despy’s hurdle to dropkick the legs out and DOUBLE STOMP!

The fans fire up and Titan watches Despy rise. Titan runs but Despy puts him on the apron. Titan blocks a shot to CHOP, then he springboards to CROSSBODY! Titan keeps moving and he DROPKICKS Despy out of the ring! The fans fire up and Titan builds speed, but Despy avoids the slide! Despy comes back, Titan dodges and returns to tilt-o-whirl, but Despy blocks the DDT! Despy suplexes Titan to the floor! The fans rally and Despy stretches out his back. Despy drags Titan up, brings him around the way, and CHOPS him! Titan leans against the railing and the fans rally up. Despy paces, then he brings Titan around, only for Titan to CHOP!

Despy eggs Titan on and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! Titan snarls while he and Despy go around the way. Despy CHOPS again and Titan falls to his knees. Despy puts Titan in the ring, the fans applaud, and Despy storms in so he can hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans applaud, but Despy clamps onto Titan with a chinlock. Titan pries at the hold but Despy shifts into a modified motorcycle stretch. Despy leans on Titan and folds him up. Titan endures, and Red Shoes notices Despy pulling at the mask strings. Despy stops that and whips Titan to a corner. Despy runs in and LARIATS!

Titan tumbles and sits up while the fans rally. Despy looms over Titan, eggs him on, and then stands him up. Titan CHOPS! Despy eggs Titan on so Titan CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Despy KNEES low, runs, but Titan follows! Titan trips Despy, goes to the apron, and then GAMANGIRIS! Despy staggers away, Titan springboards in, FLYING RANA! Despy tumbles out, Titan DIVES and Despy is sent into the Young Lions! Titan rolls back into the ring and fires up! The fans rally with Titan and he builds speed, but Despy moves! Titan just changes course to DIVE again! Down goes Despy and the fans fire up!

Titan rises and the fans cheer. Titan drags Despy up, puts him in, and kicks him down. Titan then fireman’s carries Despy for a DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Despy toughs it out but Titan steps through, only for Despy to cradle! TWO, and Titan SUPERKICKS! Despy stumbles into the corner and Titan fires up again. The fans rally up, Titan runs corner to corner, FRAME OUT LARIAT! Despy falls and Titan goes up! Titan aims for DIVING- NO, Despy avoids the stomps! Titan comes back, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO, but into the STRETCH MUFFLER! Titan endures, fights around, but Despy wants that arm!

Titan pushes up to have both legs and RANA Despy away! Despy goes back outside but Titan FLIES! Down goes Despy but it’s a hard landing for both! Even commentary is stunned seeing that! The fans fire up even more and Red Shoes checks on both men. Titan rises, drags Despy up, SMACKS him off the apron then pushes him in the ring. Despy sputters his way to center, and Titan rises up! The fans fire up for the springboard, DIVING BODY PRESS! Titan bounces off but crawls back to the cover, TWO! Despy survives and the fans fire up more! Titan roars and the fans rally behind him again as he grabs a leg.

Titan steps through, but Despy kicks and kicks and kicks! Titan lets go, but he comes back to CLUB Despy! Titan stands Despy up but Despy fires body shots and CHOPS! Titan ducks the haymaker to fire off a strike fest! But the LOCO MONO finds him! Despy runs, but Titan goes Matrix to then CALF KCIK! Titan roars and reels Despy in, but Despy suplexes first! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and Despy rises. Despy drags Titan up, reels him in and underhooks the arms, but Titan fights the lift! Despy still tries, but then he KNEES Titan low! Despy roars, the fans fire up, and Despy whips, but Titan reverses!

TORNADO- NO, Despy stops the DDT again! Despy suplexes, Titan slips free and shoves, TORNADO DDT! Then Titan suplexes for the GOURD BUSTER, and SUPER- NO, Despy blocks and rolls Titan up! STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Titan fights, Despy wants the other arm, but Titan uses his core to sit up! DESTROY- NO, Despy blocks the rolling piledriver, and he tucks Titan in! DUDEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and the fans fire up again! Titan rolls away to one corner, Despy crawls to the other, and the fans rally as hard as they can. Despy aims as Titan rises. Despy runs in, but Titan SOBATS, KICKS, and fires off strikes! WHEEL KICK!

The fans fire up as Titan now skins the cat to the top rope! Titan aims, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Direct hit, but Titan clutches his foot! Titan crawls to the cover, TWO!!! The delay saves Despy and the fans fire up again! Titan drags Despy around, has the leg, and rolls to have LLAVE IN- NO, Despy pushes through to turn Titan over! STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Titan fights around, Despy grabs the other arm, NUMERO DOS PLUS!!! Titan QUITS, Despy wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)

While Titan won against Desperado last year, and even the year before that, third time is the charm as Desperado has avenged himself! But with this only being round one, is there still a chance Titan will make this his tournament?

As for Desperado, he grabs the mic to tell Titan in Espanol that this was their third BOSJ battle. Despy knows he won today, but that is just one out of three. “I can’t let that go. I don’t know when, but next time, I’ll even the score. I want to face you more. Perhaps you can come to Japan more? Alright. When can we fight for this title? Where can it be? Arena Mexico? Korakuen Hall? Tokyo Dome?” Titan jokes they could do it here in Chiba. Despy thanks Titan, and says he’ll now address the fans.

The fans applaud, and Despy apologizes for the side conversation. He admits he doesn’t have the best long-term memory. But he’s pretty sure he tapped out to Titan the last two times, even in last year’s opener. That much he does remember, so he’s glad he won today. He explains how that makes him and Titan 2-1 and that Despy wants to make the score even. He also explains how he wants to face Titan for the title even. The fans like the sound of that, and Despy also explains about asking where to do it, and how Titan was down for doing it here. The fans applaud, and Despy says Titan sure is cool, huh?

Despy says that in a tournament like this, whether you’re a champion or a Young Lion, you’ve got an equal chance of winning. There are no real byes here. It doesn’t matter where you come from or how long you’ve been in the business, “that’s what’s so interesting. A Young Lion might beat me. Or someone from another promotion might beat the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. That’s what makes the Super Juniors exciting. But it doesn’t matter if you’re young, a masked man, or whatever, I’m still the champion. It doesn’t matter that I won last year and could repeat this year. Hiromu won three times in a row, four total.

“One time isn’t enough. That guy is always ahead of me. Even if we’re not fighting, I’m always competing with my rival.” The fans applaud that! Despy then says, “It’s too early to talk about how emotional and cool this series is. Doesn’t matter how dirty or clean you do it. It’s about the man raising the trophy at the end! And it’ll be me!” The fans cheer as Despy drops the mic to hold up the title. Will he still be the Best of the Super Juniors after another grueling gauntlet of a tournament?

Here are the A Block standings!

Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the B Block standings!

El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great opening to the BOSJ this year, but rather surprising to see a mixed bag of matches. I suppose part of it was the various schedules needing to be accommodated, what with Clark Connors still in California last night for Resurgence. Good stuff with both House of Torture guys losing, giving Nick Wayne and Dragon Dia great wins to start their runs. Sho pranking Nick was pretty clever, too, made me think of Edge & Christian pulling stuff like that on Kurt Angle. Great stuff from Fujita VS Akira, carrying from their rivalry when United Empire and TMDK were fighting over the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles. It really feels like these two can make a singles feud out of it, too.

Hiromu VS Kushida was great, especially with how fast it got going. Great win for Hiromu, he’s always a frontrunner in the block so I expect big stuff for his run. And similarly great stuff from Despy VS Titan, with a great win for Despy. Just as his promo after said, he finally got one on Titan, and it would be great if Titan could spend more time in NJPW but he is still more a CMLL talent than anything. There is still potential for them meeting again in the semifinals, but it really depends on the plans they have for everyone else. And a lot of Despy’s promo did kinda nod to how Nick Wayne is in the block, being the youngest in this tournament while also from AEW. Despy VS Nick could really steal the show, whenever it’s set to happen. Actually, is it the next round?