Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/21/20)
Is The Fiend nothing but ash?
What is in store for Raw with what’s left in 2020?
After TLC, Drew McIntyre is STILL WWE World Champion, we have NEW Raw and Women’s Tag Team Champions, but what about The Fiend?! Has the Viper vanquished him once and for all?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke; Nia & Shayna win.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Very Important Photobombing: R-Truth retains the title.
- Angel Garza VS Drew Gulak; Garza wins.
- Ricochet VS T-Bar w/ Retribution; T-Bar wins.
- The Hurt Business VS Jeff Hardy & Matt Riddle; The Hurt Business wins.
- Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias VS Gran Metalik w/ Lince Dorado; Ryker wins.
- Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Peyton Royce & Lacey Evans; Charlotte & Asuka win.
- Six Man Tag Street Fight: Drew McIntyre, Sheamus & Keith Lee VS The Miz, John Morrison & AJ Styles w/ Jordon Omogbehin; McIntyre, Sheamus & Lee win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Charlotte Flair returns to Raw!
The Queen and the Empress reign together as the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! It was quite the return for Charlotte, having been out six months recovering from injuries. Charlotte has a mic to say, “Well, would you look at this? I am in the ThunderDome. And what would the ThunderDome be without the Queen?” Charlotte’s first night, she walks out champion, because that is who she is to the core. Nothing has changed. When a friend asked for help, and there’s something in it for Charlotte, she gladly obliged. “The heartbeat of this division,” Charlotte’s friend and tag partner is ASUKA!
The other half of the new tag team champions makes her entrance as #AsukaTwoBelts! Asuka and Charlotte hug and Asuka is excited to be a double champion! “The Empress of Tomorrow is the DOUBLE~ CHAMPION~ of Today!” She is both Raw Women’s and Women’s Tag Team Champion! It’s a great feeling to be partners with a friend! Nia and Shayna were NOT ready for Asuka, nor were they ready for Charlotte! WOO~! Charlotte wants Asuka to wait a moment. What about the Raw Women’s Championship? But before the discussion can be had, Shayna and Nia storm out!
The former tag team champions join Charlotte and Asuka in the ring, grab some mics, and get in on the conversation. “Charlotte, Charlotte, Charlotte. It’s so good to see you.” Guess it took all six months to heal that arm, but it didn’t fix that robotic voice. So does this soft voice work for you instead, Nia? “I kicked your ass last night~!” Shayna says that’s not robotic, at least. But before they get too comfortable with the tag titles, Nia has a holiday story for them. Santa isn’t the only one with a Naughty or Nice list. Nia and Shayna have a list, too. The only thing is, the naughty don’t get coal. They get “seasons beatings.” Just ask Lana, Kairi Sane, and-
“Mandy~…!” Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke are here! But the Sexy Muscle Friends aren’t in a good mood. Something looks different about each other, but they’re not sure what it is. Oh, Nia and Shayna look different! Shayna looks like Rudolph with a nose job, and Nia just needs the antlers. Oh wait, what’s different is… They’re not tag team champions anymore! So then, move over, these two are coming through! Charlotte likes this attitude. And while this match was already going to happen, the champs say it should happen NOW! A ref arrives, Asuka and Charlotte join commentary, and it is happening! Will the former champions lose twice in 24 hours?
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!
Raw returns and this match begins with Shayna and Mandy. They tie up, Shayna facelocks and brings Mandy down but Mandy rolls to get free and get an arm. Shayna pushes Mandy over, gets the arm in return, and floats around to push Mandy around. Shayna toys with Mandy, but lets her up to tie up again. Mandy waistlocks, slams Shayna down, then brings her up to slam her again! Shayna gets up, pries free to switch, but Mandy uses a leg to trip Shayna up. Shayna kicks Mandy, Mandy cartwheels to evade then she kicks Shayna down! Cover, ONE!
Mandy puts Shayna in a corner, rams her shoulder in, then tags in Dana. The Sexy Muscle Friends double suplex Shayna hard! Shayna scrambles, tags in Nia and Nia stares Dana down. Dana dodges Nia, throws forearms but Nia headbutts her down! Dana flounders to a corner, dodges Nia but not enough as she gets clipped! Nia drags Dana up, headbutts Dana again, and Asuka is growing worried. Nia digs her boot into Dana, but lets off as the ref counts. Dana gets up but Nia chokes her, then TOSSES her! Nia runs in to corner splash! Dana flops down, Nia talks smack to Mandy, then Nia whips Dana corner to corner, but Dana dodges clean this time!
Dana come back with a handspring back elbow! Dana keeps moving, but Nia blocks the handspring, only to get an around the world headscissors! Tag to Mandy, they chop block and KENE FROM A ROSE Nia out! Shayna hurries over but Dana wrecks her with a dropkick! The Sexy Muscle Friends stand tall, then LEAP onto the former champs with double crossbodies! Asuka is fired up for Dana and Mandy, and Charlotte is fired up that Asuka is fired up. Charlotte sees Dana and Mandy flexing on Nia and Shayna, and they put Nia in. Mandy follows but Nia knocks her down! Nia stalks back out, drags Mandy up, and throws her into barriers! Nia looms over Mandy as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia has Mandy in a bearhug. Mandy fights out, kicks and throws forearm after forearm! Mandy kicks again, runs but Nia blocks the knee to CLOBBER Mandy! Nia looms over Mandy, drags her up and tags Shayna in. They mug Mandy, Shayna clubs Mandy down, and Shayna steps on Mandy’s foot to keep her anchored. Shayna SMASHES the knee into the mat! Then she has a standing heel hook on Mandy, leaning on the leg deep. Mandy fights back but Shayna DDT’s the leg! Shayna drags Mandy away, tags Nia back in, and Nia stomps the leg! Nia puts Mandy on the ropes to choke her but lets off as the ref counts.
Nia puts Mandy’s leg on the rope and STOMPS it! Mandy crawls but Nia stays in her way. Nia pie faces Mandy, kicks her around, then drags her back up. Mandy breaks free to fire off body shots! Nia shoves Mandy to the corner but Mandy boots her away! Mandy ROCKS Nia, but Nia CLOBBERS Mandy again! Nia drags Mandy away, and drops the leg, only to miss! Mandy hurries, reaches, but Nia has a leg. Mandy kicks Nia away, Shayna tags in and she DECKS Dana! Mandy hits Shayna back, dodges her and LARIATS! Mandy rallies and Asuka fires up on commentary! Mandy gets a snap suplex! Shayna goes to a corner, but she dodges Mandy, only for Mandy to elbow back!
Mandy bumps Shayna off buckles, throws forearms, then snapmares Shayna to run. Dana tags in before the KNEE FROM A ROSE! Dana handspring SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! They almost had the Queen of Spades! Dana drags Shayna up, ducks a kick to give an enziguri! Dana hurries up top, leaps, SWANTON! Cover, but Nia shoves Mandy and drags Dana off the cover! Mandy comes back with a FLYING KNEE! Dana handsprings and elbows Nia into the post! The Sexy Muscle Friends regroup but Shayna KICKS Mandy down! Dana ghost pins Shayna, TWO! Shayna gets Mandy for the swinging BACKBREAKER!
Shayna drags Dana by her arm, wrenches it, locks it in, and- Dana dodges the stomp to roll Shayna into buckles! High stack, TWO!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Dana taps, Shayna and Nia win!
Winners: Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax, by submission
So close and yet so far from victory, Dana and Mandy couldn’t put away the former champions! Shayna eggs Charlotte on but Mandy dropkicks her down! Then the Sexy Muscle Friends both DUMP Nia out! Mandy and Dana lost the match but the race is still on! Will the wrestling royals have to watch their backs against even friends?
The Hurt Business arrive backstage.
And they immediately spot someone wearing a New Day shirt. It was an early Christmas present… Well, maybe he didn’t get the memo. Wardrobe change! They literally RIP the New Day shirt off this guy, and force him to wear a Hurt Business shirt. Now that looks good! Merry Christmas!
Raw returns with the VIP Lounge!
MVP, the WWE United States Champion, Bobby Lashley, and the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions head to the ring for this “Champions Edition” of their talk show. “If ever there was a time for a champagne celebration, it is tonight!” And what better place to celebrate than the most exclusive club in all of the WWE? So allow MVP to indulge himself as he says, “Once again the Hurt Business is in the ring, so that can only mean one thing. Big things poppin’, little things stoppin’. So relax and enjoy the view, because the VIP Lounge is for champions … people who are better than you.”
Shelton Benjamin starts by saying they showed the world why they are better than ANY tag team on Raw! Cedric Alexander continues to say ESPECIALLY the New Day! The titles now have the prestige they deserve because they are in the Hurt Business. The come-up is over, because this is PRIME Alexander! Forget about pancakes, unicorns and all that. The Hurt Business has champagne and custom made suits! Right, Mr. CEO? Lashley says they are the most dominant force in the WWE. Get used to this view. Alexander and Benjamin have proven themselves as dominant, and Lashley promises not a man on this earth can beat him for the US Championship.
So to commemorate the occasion, MVP has a photographer to capture these moments for posterity. They gather together, hold up the belts, and the pictures are taken. Looking good, right? Wait, R-Truth is photobombing them! But he is a champion so… Wait, here come the “contenders!” Erik, Titus O’Neil, Akira Tozawa, and the Lucha House Party, chase Truth around the ring then back up the ramp, through the Christmas trees and presents, and then backstage! Lince Dorado snatches a present! And before the Hurt Business can respond, Jeff Hardy and Matt Riddle are here! And they have mics!
MVP says they were NOT invited! Wait the 24/7 Championship chase is still going in the background. Riddle congratulates the bros on the big win. And he’s digging the celebration. But they’ve got a couple of things wrong. You don’t need to waste money at the clubs. They just need to chill with the homies, throw a disk around, get a little toasted, and listen to Joe Rogan or watch Dave Chapelle to escape “the day to day, existential grind that live is.” Y’know what Riddle means? Hold on he has more. There’s no reason to spread negative vibes, because in the end, we’re all the same: self-aware, carbon matter that is on a rock hurling through space. So just chill-
No, they’re NOT the same. Riddle doesn’t even know what he’s talking about but no one cares about his hair-brain concepts. Why are they here? Hardy translates: there are more important things in life than status and money. So Hardy and Riddle would rather die with pride than live with greed. But facing MVP and Lashley means having something more than money can buy: faith. Will the Hardy Bros get a big win at the expense of the Hurt Business?
Angel Garza VS Drew Gulak!
Raw returns as Sarah interviews the Lethal Lothario backstage. Garza knows he faces Gulak for the first time ever, but these are the holidays! What better way to celebrate than to give the women of the world the #GiftOfGarza? Speaking of gifts, a rose for Sarah. Yes, Garza is up against Gulak, but he will be thinking of Sarah. Maybe they can have an interview under the mistletoe? From one former Cruiserweight Champion to another, will Gulak give Garza the gift of a lesson in grappling?
The bell rings, Gulak rushes Garza and they tie up. Gulak puts Garza in a corner, the ref counts and Gulak backs off. Garza takes off the pants, and throws them at Gulak! Garza then sucker punches Gulak, puts on a facelock but Gulak hits back! Gulak scoops to a backbreaker! Gulak throws hands, Garza turns things around and CHOPS! Gulak boots, Garza blocks and has the legs in the ropes to ROCK Garza with a right! Then KNEES Gulak in the side! Cover, ONE!! Garza keeps on Gulak, drags him around and digs his forearms in. Garza drags Gulak up to get the arm and pulls back. Gulak elbows Garza’s leg, gets around and puts on a cobra twist!
Garza endures, chokes Gulak and shoves Gulak down! Garza brings Gulak back up, whips him to ropes and hip tosses him down! Cover, TWO! Garza is after Gulak again, but Gulak throws elbows and haymakers! Gulak throws body shots, whips corner to corner but Garza BOOTS back! Garza waistlocks, Gulak switches but Garza bucks him off to SUPERKICK! Then the underhooks, the lift, and WING CLIPPER! Cover, Garza wins!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
It seems Garza is both a lover and a fighter! Will Garza continue to fight until he gets what he really loves in a championship?
AJ Styles and Jordan “Omos” Omogbehin walk backstage.
Neither is in a good mood after how TLC went down. Charly Caruso asks their reaction to The Miz’s cash-in. “Hot. Livid! Past my boiling point!” Miz screwed Styles out of his championship win! So obviously, still emotional. But if that’s the case, why is Styles being on Miz TV. Styles wants to hear what Miz has to say for himself. And for his sake, it better be good! Will Styles and Omos look to cancel Miz TV after the break?
Raw returns with Miz TV!
The Guru of Greatness and Hollywood A-Lister are back with the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, but clearly they’re not in the best mood. “In life, you’re not often presented with an opportunity to become WWE Champion. Last night, I had the chance to etch my name in the history books as a two-time WWE Champion.” But Miz failed. Not only did he fail himself, but he failed his family. He’s sorry. But that’s not the only apology to be issued tonight. They welcome their guest, AJ Styles! The Phenomenal One, and Omos, join Miz and Morrison in the ring, and Styles keeps Omos from going after Morrison.
Miz explains that he invited Styles to, well, explain his actions. Miz isn’t usually so impulsive, but Styles would’ve done the same in that position. Styles doesn’t want to hear it! Doesn’t Miz realize he is the biggest idiot on earth?! Miz is selfish, and incompetent! Miz cost Styles the WWE Championship, in a Ladder Match, by cashing in the MITB briefcase! You don’t think Miz knows that?! The contract was everything! Ten YEARS ago, Miz cashed in a MITB contract, won the title and main-evented Mania! He wanted the same to happen this year! For 15 YEARS, Miz has dedicated himself to being the poster child of the WWE! And nobody respects him! Nobody cares!
But if Miz cashed in at the right time, and became champion, just maybe someone would respect him! Styles, the fans, everyone! And then he’d take Raw to new heights! But Miz can’t do anything about that now. He can only make it right. So from the bottom of Miz’s heart, soul and with every ounce of dignity he has, he apologizes. But they were both robbed last night. So, it’s the holidays, right? A time for giving and forgiving. So Miz will give Styles an early gift. Miz presents Styles with an opportunity to be part of The Marine 7. Wait, why is he so small on that poster?! Where is Morrison!?
Omos speaks up! Don’t defend Morrison! Morrison was the one who gave the ref the briefcase! Well, because Styles was down, it looked like he was losing, so- But Styles says Morrison also hit Omos with a chair! Omos was gonna make himself a Peanut Butter & Morrison sandwich! Oh big talk having the big man behind you! Styles says is gonna give Morrison a “thunder cookie!” Morison has a five course meal ready for you! Omos moves aside, Miz calms Styles and Morrison down. Because Omos is RIGHT! Morrison cashed Miz’s contract in, Miz is the ONLY one who can cash it in! That’s a LOOPHOLE! Miz demands his contract be revived!
But Drew McIntyre interrupts them here. “Lads, we’ve got ourselves a Six Man Holiday Street Fight later tonight. And if anyone takes you guys out, it’s not each other. It’s gonna be Drew McIntyre.” And speaking of taking these guys out, after he defended his title at TLC, he had a bit of a celebration. Styles will remember that match for a long time because of that mark on his left cheek. McIntyre, Sheamus and Keith Lee each had some pints, had some laughs, and remembered that hilarious “Nightmare Before TLC.” Then Jack Daniels, Jim Bean and Mr. Jameson joined the fun, and McIntyre got the creative juices flowing for a sequel! He had no time for a booklet, but he has it all on a napkin. This will be called, “The Nightmare After TLC.”
‘Twas the night after TLC, and Miz had no Money in the Bank, and Styles was left title-less, with Drew McIntyre to thank! Sheamus appears from the other side of the ring! Both AJ and Miz whined, screaming, “This isn’t fair!” This truly was a Phenomenal Nightmare. Keith joins in! McIntyre tries to remember the big finish. What was it? Don’t ask Sheamus. Everything after 3 AM was a blur. Keith says they can improvise the finish in the Street Fight! But with all this talking, they’re not dressed up for nothing. Let’s just throw down right now! And so the brawl is on! Sheamus has Miz, McIntyre has Morrison and Keith has Styles!
McIntyre TOSSES Morrison overhead and out of the ring! Sheamus knees Miz, McIntyre CLOBBERS Miz then tosses the director chairs! Keith keeps Styles down, but then Styles dropkicks Keith into Styles! McIntyre keeps the peace to explain, and Omos helps Styles get away. There is still dysfunction dating back to Survivor Series, can the WWE Champion keep his friends on friendly terms for tonight?
Keith Lee and Sheamus argue backstage.
Keith didn’t trust Sheamus before, he doesn’t trust him now! McIntyre barges in to stop this. Otherwise, he’ll knock them both on their asses! McIntyre says Keith hitting Sheamus was an accident! Now cool down before the Six Man! Sheamus storms off, and McIntyre tells Keith that Sheamus is like a brother to him. He can be a bit of a prick sometimes, but Sheamus is loyal, too. The three of them could do so much damage if they were united. Let McIntyre worry about Sheamus. Just focus on Styles and the others. Keith accepts that and also heads out. Is this going to work out for the Scottish Warrior, Celtic Warrior and Limitless One?
Ricochet VS T-Bar w/ Retribution!
The One and Only continues to fight against Mustafa Ali’s horde of havoc wreaking henchmen! Will the towering T-Bar break Ricochet down into joining the movement?
Raw returns as Ricochet makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ricochet dropkicks T-Bar! Then fires off hands! T-Bar shoves Ricochet but Ricochet dropkicks a leg out! And then BOOTS T-Bar! Ricochet springboards but into T-Bar’s arms! For a standing knee to the side! And another! And another! And then T-Bar TOSSES Ricochet aside! Retribution is fired up to see that, and Ali tells T-Bar he needs to force Ricochet to see the light. T-Bar fires off clubbing forearms, then runs to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Ali is still confident in T-Bar. T-Bar sits Ricochet up to dig a knee in and clamp on a chinlock!
Ricochet endures, fights up, but T-Bar CLUBS him! T-Bar whips Ricochet, Ricochet holds ropes then dumps T-Bar out! Ricochet builds speed but Slapjack is there, so Ricochet dropkicks him down! Mace rushes in but Ricochet dodges and QUEBRADAS! Ricochet stares Ali down but T-Bar BOOTS Ali down! T-Bar puts Ricochet in but Ali says Ricochet needs to learn. “Stop feeling with your heart! Think with your mind, you fool!” Ricochet hits Ali with fists! T-Bar drags Ricochet in, torture racks, FEAST YOUR EYES!! Cover, T-Bar wins!
Winner: T-Bar, by pinfall
Ricochet put up another fight but Retribution still wins! T-Bar tells Ricochet himself, “When are you gonna learn? Retribution is not your enemy! We are your ally! You will either join us, or we will end your existence!” Will Ricochet finally fall in line with Ali, T-Bar and the mission?
Raw shares The New Day’s post-match reactions.
Even after losing the titles, Xavier Woods says this has happened before. This is what the New Day does. They’ve been at the top of the mountain before and will be there again. Kofi adds that they have to take hats off to the Hurt Business. Kofi cracked teeth, was spitting out pieces in that match. But it’s okay. A man is not measured by high he climbs, but by how high he bounces back from falling down. That is just what they do! Will New Day bounce back better than ever before?
The Hurt Business VS Jeff Hardy & Matt Riddle!
MVP and Bobby Lashley are ready for the Charismatic Enigma and the Original Bro! Will Jeff and a different Matt succeed as this different kind of Hardy Bros? Or will the Hurt Business bankrupt them after the break?
Raw returns and the Hardy Bros make their entrance! The flip-flops fly and teams sort out, and Hardy ambushes MVP and Lashley! MVP gets out, Lashley shoves Hardy down, but Hardy is right after him again! Tag to Riddle, the Hardy Bros mug Lashley and Riddle hops on for a sleeper! Lashley throws Riddle off hard then CLOBBERS him! Lashley looms over Riddle, bumps him off buckles, and tags in MVP. MVP throws body shots on Riddle, stomps him down, but lets off at the ref’s count. MVP keeps Riddle in the corner, RAMS him with a shoulder, then clubs him down! Tag to Lashley, and they mug Riddle in return with stomps!
Lashley looms over Riddle while Alexander talks smack. Lashley hits a neckbreaker, covers, TWO! Riddle hurries for his corner but Lashley drags him away by his hair! Lashley rakes Riddle’s face but stops as the ref counts. Riddle gets up to fire off KICKS! Lashley blocks, but Riddle boots free! Hot tag to Hardy! Hardy fires off forearms and whips, but Lashley reverses. Hardy hits back with forearms, and an atomic drop! Trip up, leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick! Splash, cover, TWO! Lashley has power but Riddle tags in. Hardy Bros whip Lashley corner to corner, Riddle sets up, BROETRY IN MOTION!
Lashley falls out of the ring but MVP runs in! Hardy atomic drops MVP to trip, but Hardy helps Riddle with a STANDING FLOATING BRO! MVP bails out, the Hurt Business regroups, but they get wrecked by a dropkick, and Riddle PENALTY KICKS MVP! The Hardy Bros are fired up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Hardy fires off on Lashley. Hardy whips, Lashley reverses but Hardy elbows back! Hardy goes up but Lashley SHOVES him down! Hardy crashes ‘n’ burns to the steel steps, then the floor! Benjamin and Alexander mock Hardy’s pain as Riddle checks on him. Hardy manages to get up but the ring count is 5 of 10! And then 7! Hardy hobbles in at 9, but Lashley is looming right over him. Hardy tries to get to Riddle but Lashley drags him up, wrenches an arm and hits a vicious elbow breaker! Tag to MVP, MVP stomps Hardy then digs an elbow into the shoulder. Hardy endures, MVP shoots to a cover, but Hardy is under ropes. MVP moves Hardy to try again, TWO!
MVP drags Hardy up but Hardy throws hands! MVP throat chops and SMASHES Hardy off his knee! The Hurt Business cheers as MVP runs, BALLIN~! Elbow drop! Cover, TWO! MVP rains down furious rights, then drags Hardy up to whip him to a corner. MVP runs in but Hardy dodges the boot! Hardy goes up and hits WHISPER IN THE WIND! Both men are down and the fans are fire dup on their ThunderDome screens! Hot tag to Riddle! Riddle rallies with a strike fest, then spins MVP for a PELE! Riddle kips up, runs in and forearms MVP, then goes side to side to forearm again! Alexander distract son the apron but not enough, MVP gets a BROSPLODER! To BROTON!
Riddle is fired up and drags MVP into a Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, Lashley breaks it! Lashley helps MVP get to the corner then tags in. Lashley runs at Riddle, and gets him for a COMPLETE SHOT! The Hurt Business is fired up as Lashley reels Riddle in for a suplex, but Riddle fights out! Riddle gets to his corner, Hardy tags in and ROCKS Lashley! FINAL FLASH from Riddle, Hardy sets up for SUPER BROETRY IN MOTION! Riddle wipes out Alexander and Benjamin as Hardy goes up! But MVP is there, only for Hardy to kick him away! SWANTON FLOPS! Lashley aims from a corner, Hardy gets up, but Hardy knees the spear away! TWIST- To the HURT LOCK!! Lashley thrashes Hardy around, Hardy taps, the Hurt Business wins!
Winners: The Hurt Business, by submission
The Hardy Bros were so close, but the Rocky Mountain Machine is just too powerful! But Hardy and Riddle aren’t deterred, will they go back to the drawing board and have a solution?
Styles argues with Miz and Morrison backstage.
The apology sucked! Well Styles’ attitude sucks! It seems these three aren’t doing very well, either. Will the Phenomenal One, the Awesome A-Lister and the Guru of Greatness be able to recover in time for the Street Fight?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter has Jaxson Ryker in the ring as security as he plays his guitar. Ryker is a man that understands the universal truth. And after the year Elias has had, from winning at WrestleMania, getting hit by a car but coming back to release his album and getting #1 on the charts, to then survive electrocution, this has been a whirlwind. He thanks his fans who put his album on the top of the list. And those who didn’t just haven’t heard it yet. Elias’ music changes lives! Ryker was reborn by the Universal Truth. Tonight, we test just how powerful Elias’ music can be. Before Ryker sends a message to-
No time to waste! Gran Metalik storms out to the ring for this revenge match over how roughly Ryker treated him, over simply chasing R-Truth! Will Ryker wreck Metalik to send a message to all of the roster?
Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias VS Gran Metalik w/ Lince Dorado!
The bell rings, Ryker grabs at Metalik but Metalik kicks and CHOPS! Ryker whips and sends Metalik flying with a shoulder, all while Elias climbs up the corner? Elias plays while Ryker drops ax handle after ax handle on Metalik! Elias is Ryker’s bard as Ryker whips Metalik, but Metalik POSTS Ryker! Metalik goes after Elias on the top rope, for a SUPER STEINER! Elias tumbles out, Lince has the guitar and plays a tune of his own! But Ryker CLOBBERS Metalik! Ryker choke grips and Choke BOMBS! Cover, Ryker wins!
Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by pinfall
Elias says that is the power of HIS music! Ryker made Metalik understand through pain, but will anyone else come to #WalkWithElias?
Randy Orton is here!
The Viper, the Apex Predator, the Legend Killer… The Fiend Killer? There is no more remorse on Orton’s face, but there is a sick satisfaction. Yes, an Inferno Match is about lighting a part of your opponent on fire, but Orton didn’t end at winning. With Bray Wyatt unconscious on the mat, Orton soaked him with gasoline and set him ablaze! He even looks at the spot in the ring where Bray’s body burned before striking his signature pose on the corner. Orton gets a mic to say, “My entire life, I have been called many, many different things. Sick and twisted, deranged and demented.” Orton proved he is each and everyone one of those things when he burned The Fiend alive!
A normal man would have regrets if they set another man on fire, but The Fiend is no normal man, and neither is Orton. “Last night, I enjoyed every single second as I stood by and watched The Fiend… burn!” Orton again goes to the spot in the ring where it happened. He finds the exact spot where it happened. If Orton closes his eyes, he can still see it, and still smell it. “The stench of burning flesh has a tendency to linger.” Orton didn’t sleep last night, because the voices in his head, which he grew accustomed to, were just gone. The voices don’t exist. The only sound Orton hears in his head is the Fiend gasping for his last breath as the fire grew hotter and the flames grew higher.
Orton smiles into the camera as he says, “The Fiend is gone. The Fiend is no more! And I am the evil son of a bitch that took him out!” Then why are the lights shutting down!? Orton hurries out of the ring but it’s too late. A spotlight shines on the ring, and Alexa Bliss is there! She has a new set for A Moment of Bliss that’s even more demented than before! “Expecting someone else?” He built this for her. Call it, “Alexa’s Playground.” C’mon in, Orton. Wondering where “he” is? He could be at a tanning salon. Looked a little pale. Or maybe he is at the beach. It’s good weather in Florida. Hopefully he doesn’t get a sunburn! Or maybe Fiend is at his favorite restaurant, having his favorite food: barbecue!
Alexa laughs at her own jokes, but admits Orton is right. It was right here, where you can still see and smell what happened to The Fiend’s flesh. He’s not here right now, but it’s almost as if he became one with the mat. “Under the ground, under reach layer of the earth. He’s home.” But if he ever leaves home, he’ll come back to Alexa’s playground. And it’ll be like nothing Orton’s ever seen before. Alexa stares at Orton with her spooky eyes, and the lights turn off again. And when they come back this time, the playground is gone! Did Orton only make The Fiend stronger by burning his body?!
Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Peyton Royce & Lacey Evans!
The brand new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have a title defense set for Christmas SmackDown, so they need something to help them bridge the gap from TLC to Friday night! Will the Queen and Empress be ready for this dysfunctional duo?
Raw returns as Asuka returns to the ring, with pyro! Lacey does last minute stretching as Sarah interviews her and Peyton about facing the new champions. Are they up to the challenge? What kind of question is that? “Pey-Pey” and Lacey asked for this match! They’re not sitting around for handouts. No one is as relentless as Peyton. Ready to get hands on the nasties and take out the trash? Yes, ma’am! High five? No, ma’am. And for the record, Peyton got them this match. But either way, the Sassy Southern Belle and Venus Flytrap head to the ring, ready to upstage the new champions!
The teams sort out, Asuka starts with Peyton, and the two tie up. Asuka headlocks, Peyton powers out but Asuka runs her over! Asuka rolls Peyton, Peyton ducks the kick and waistlocks. Asuka switches, Peyton switches, and Lacey tags in. O’Conner roll but Asuka pops out to get her lock! Lacey drags Asuka off Peyton, Charlotte protests but Asuka throws Lacey out. Lacey blocks the punch to sweep the legs, then slingshots in! Asuka moves to mule kick back! Peyton tags back in, Shayna and Nia are watching backstage as Asuka hip attacks Lacey off the apron! But Asuka turns around into Peyton’s HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Peyton grows frustrated but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Lacey hits Asuka with a swinging bronco buster in the corner! Lacey then hops up, salutes, but Peyton tags in to steal the cover! TWO! Peyton clubs Asuka over and over, goes to the apron to hop up the corner, but Lacey tags in! It’s only fair! Lacey sweeps Asuka’s legs, then slingshots for the elbow! Cover, TWO! Peyton tags back in and the dysfunction is only growing stronger. Asuka is crawling away while they’re arguing! Peyton intercepts with a forearm, then slaps Asuka around. Asuka swipes back! Asuka blocks a kick to get around for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Hot tag to Charlotte!
The Grand Slam Queen rallies on Peyton, back suplexes Lacey high and hard, then kips up! Charlotte CHOPS away on Pey-Pey! Peyton is reeling but Charlotte CHOPS her more! Charlotte whips, Peyton reverses but Charlotte holds ropes to stop herself,. Charlotte hits Peyton with a backbreaker and a BOOT! Charlotte gets the legs, steps through, but Lacey runs in! Charlotte kicks her first, scoops her and hits an EXPLODER! Nia and Shayna are upset as Charlotte swaggers, but Peyton kicks the leg! Peyton rolls Charlotte to a HALF CRAB! Lacey trips Asuka up, rams her down, then slingshots, but Asuka slide sin to sliding KICK Peyton down! Asuka then slides to trip Lacey up, and ROUNDHOUSES her down!
Charlotte flounders up but glares at Peyton. Charlotte trips Peyton, gets the legs, but Peyton twists to victory roll! TWO, Charlotte trips Peyton again! Charlotte lets out a “WOO~!” and puts on the Figure Four! Figure EIGHT! Peyton endures but taps, the champs win!
Winners: Charlotte Flair & Asuka, by submission
The Queen and Empress stand tall together with their belts! But there is still a lot more for them to prove as a team! Will they make it through Christmas day with the gold to then reign in the new year?
WWE and Raw acknowledge Titus O’Neil’s work in the community.
Titus himself rewarded a 27-year member of Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa Bay, Florida. He gave Virginia Lowell a very merry Christmas with a brand new car! She was so touched, because she’d never had a moment like this in her life. But her dedication and love for the school needs to be acknowledged and is an example to be followed. Titus also gave away five cars to families in need, and his own dedication and love for the community is something to be acknowledged and followed.
The Miz makes calls to his lawyer.
Again, the loophole of how the MITB contract holder having to be the one to give the briefcase is grounds enough! Talk to WWE management, or the USA Network, and get this set right! Miz is sick of being mistreated! Styles tells Miz to hang up, but when Miz doesn’t, he hangs up for him. They have a match! Morrison and Miz have to shrug that off quickly, because their match is NOW!
Six Man Tag Street Fight: Drew McIntyre, Sheamus & Keith Lee VS The Miz, John Morrison & AJ Styles w/ Jordon Omogbehin!
Neither trio teaming tonight has had the smoothest time together. But it is the holidays, and they all have common enemies on the other side. Will the the King of Claymores, the Fella and the Limitless One make their opponents #BaskInTheirGlory? Or will the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *stare off into distance* and Phenomenal One be able to turn things around before the year is over?
Raw returns as Keith Lee makes his entrance. So far, Sheamus and Keith are able to stand together. Then Miz and Morrison make their entrance, followed by Styles and Omos. The bell rings and Morrison steps up to start with Sheamus, they tie up and go around, and Sheamus has a facelock. Morrison gets around to club away on the arm then he whips, Sheamus kicks back, clubs Morrison and ROCKS him with a right! Morrison throws hands back, trips Sheamus up and drags him over to tag in Miz! Miz stomps Sheamus and throws hands at the ropes. Miz chokes on Sheamus, then Morrison KICKS Sheamus! Styles tags in, he and Miz mug Sheamus, but Sheamus hits back!
Sheamus throws hands on Styles in a corner, reels him in and CLOBBERS him! Sheamus drags Styles up, Styles throws hands, then he puts Sheamus in a corner. Morrison tags in but they all mug Sheamus! Morrison stomps Sheamus, Miz gets his shot and Morrison mule kicks! Morrison cravats, but Sheamus resists the snapmare and throws hands! Sheamus CLOBBERS Morrison and drags Morrison over to tag in McIntyre. McIntyre and Sheamus split the wishbone! McIntyre drags Morrison up to bump off buckles, then CHOPS him! Morrison flounders but McIntyre drags him around to stomp the arms.
McIntyre drags Morrison up but Morrison slips out of the scoop to dropkick the bad leg! Morrison fires off KICKS, brings McIntyre out of the corner and KICKS the leg, to a DRAGON SCREW! McIntyre clutches his leg, Morrison drags McIntyre up but gets a GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre hobbles to his corner, brings Morrison with him and CLUBS Morrison down! Tag to Keith, McIntyre gets the bad leg moving as he and Keith double suplex Morrison and hold him up! Then they TOSS Morrison across the way! Morrison crashes down and Keith glares at Miz and Styles. Keith dares one of them to tag in as he drags Morrison away.
Keith clamps onto Morrison’s arm, drags him up to knuckle lock, and then brings Morrison over to tag in Sheamus. The mutual friends of McIntyre whip Morrison and run him over with double shoulders! Then they double elbow Miz as he runs in! And double hip toss Styles! McIntyre’s team holds the ropes and Sheamus gives Keith a pat on the shoulder. Keith gives it back. Sheamus gives another, but Keith gives a GRIZZLY MAGNUM!? McIntyre gets in before this gets too aggressive! This is what McIntyre was talking about, them destroying anyone as a unified unit! But will they stay unified after the break?
Raw returns once again and Sheamus has Styles’ arm! Styles endures as Sheamus keeps twisting! Sheamus drags Styles up, Styles throws haymakers, then runs, but into an elbow! Sheamus drags Miz into the ring and Morrison joins in! McIntyre goes after Morrison and throws him out! The Celtic Connection have a duet of BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Keith meanwhile comes around and has them feed him BOTH Miz and Morrison, for a DOUBLE RAM into the apron! Keith throws Morrison into presents! And then he throws Miz into a pile of presents on the other end! Styles is put in the ring for Sheamus to grind down with a chinlock!
Styles endures, Sheamus gives him clubbing forearms then drops knees over and over! Sheamus digs his knee in but Styles tries to pull on the beard. Sheamus drops another knee, then throws big haymakers. Styles hits back, someone throws in a present box! The box is moved aside as Sheamus whips Styles, but Styles dodges and Sheamus POSTS himself! Hot tag to Miz and Miz stomps away on Sheamus! Morrison jumps in again but McIntyre goes after them! Keith also gets in, Sheamus and McIntyre CHOP Miz and Morrison out of the ring! Sheamus drags Morrison back up, fireman’s carries, and hits a rolling senton! Sheamus goes up top, but has to DECK Morrison first!
Styles creeps over, Sheamus glares at him, but then Morrison returns! Morrison shoves Sheamus down through a table of cookies! Keith and McIntyre check on Sheamus while Morrison and team creep over. Morrison drags Sheamus away to stomp him down! Morrison puts Sheamus in, stomps and covers, TWO! Miz tags in, he and Morrison drag Sheamus up for a double GUT BUSTER! Miz knocks Sheamus down, claws at his face, and digs in with no disqualifications stopping him! Sheamus hurries for his corner but Miz keeps him away with a facelock and clubbing forearms! Miz hits a BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!!
Miz seethes as he drags Sheamus up and around. Styles tags in, they stomp away on Sheamus at the ropes, and Styles kicks Sheamus down! Styles drags Sheamus up but Sheamus fires off hands! Styles headbutts then enziguris! Styles dropkicks Keith just because! But Sheamus hits WHITE NOISE outta nowhere! Both men are down and McIntyre reaches out! Sheamus crawls, Styles does, too, hot tags to Miz and McIntyre! McIntyre rallies with big shoulders, then a whip, and an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Morrison gets in but gets an OVERHEAD SUPLEX for his trouble! Miz gets another OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
McIntyre manages a kip up, he elbows through Morrison’s boot to INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM him onto Miz! McIntyre brings Miz up, Miz slips out of Future Shock to kick the bad leg! Miz runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Styles breaks it! Styles turns around into Keith’s POUNCE! Morrison gets up, FLYING CHUCK to Keith! Sheamus sees Morrison, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Miz BOOTS Sheamus out but McIntyre clotheslines Miz out! Styles uses a candy cane kendo stick to SMACK away on McIntyre’s bad leg! McIntyre hobbles out, Styles runs over, McIntyre TOSSES him into a Christmas tree!
Styles flounders and McIntyre brings him over, to POWERBOMB him through a table of eggnog!! Yuck! Morrison has a kendo stick but so does Sheamus! Sheamus SMACKS away on Morrison first! Morrison hits back, McIntyre gets in as Keith gives him Miz! Sheamus chases Morrison off, McIntyre aims but Sheamus tags in!? Sheamus wants to finish this, but then Keith tags in! Are they falling apart again? Morrison distracts Keith, Keith shoves Morrison into Omos’ arms! Morrison thinks he’s saved, but Omos POWERSLAMS Morrison through a table! That’s for the chair shot at TLC! Meanwhile, Keith pops Miz up for a SPIRTI BOMB!! Cover, Keith and the Celtic Connection win!
Winners: Drew McIntyre, Sheamus & Keith Lee, by pinfall
Then Sheamus BROGUES Keith! McIntyre can’t believe Sheamus! “I vouched for you! Why!? Why?!?” McIntyre told Keith he could trust Sheamus but clearly not! Is there still no love lost between these former Team Raw members?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good Raw to follow TLC, but it could’ve been better. For one, there were too many recap packages and it sure felt like too many commercial breaks throughout the night, that alone might be a problem with ratings. Obviously more the recaps than the commercials, but it has been awhile since USA Network has given Raw a picture in picture break. Another horribly glaring flaw was how the Six Man Tag main event went. If it is a Street Fight, meaning no disqualifications and no count outs, IT BECOMES A TORNADO TAG BY DEFAULT!! The six of them should’ve all been brawling, it should’ve been chaotic, and it should’ve wrecked everything at ringside. But no, it was some awful hybrid of a NORMAL Six Man Tag and a Street Fight. The table spots and kendo sticks came off more like, “Oh, yeah, we forgot those were allowed.”
The only good development was Sheamus giving Keith a Brogue over their dysfunction finally hitting a boiling point. And a bad development from the entire story of the world title is that Miz thinks he can get his MITB briefcase back because of a loophole. It really hurts the amazing passion Miz gave us in that promo about not being respected. And a promo like that always works with Miz because we all know it was a legitimate thing when he got started! With Miz being booked the way he has, it also adds to that a bit, where WWE isn’t giving him and/or Morrison respect by making them respectable threats to the world title, but him using a loophole to get his briefcase and his title shot back is not The Miz I want getting the shot. The Miz captured within the worked shoot promo is what I want! Miz needs to have aggression so that we’ll want to see him fight McIntyre for the title.
We had pretty good stuff for the Women’s Division, and obviously focused on the Women’s Tag Division. Charlotte and Asuka have good promos against Shayna and Nia, but the Sexy Muscle Friends were fed just the dumbest reindeer jokes on Nia and Shayna, all because it’s the holidays. Those lines didn’t need to be in the promos, just stick to the joke about the belts being gone. But they at least get to look good in a match with Shayna and Nia, even if they lose. Shayna and Nia keep an eye on Charlotte and Asuka during their match with Peyton and Lacey. I suppose it’s good progress for Peyton and Lacey to and least try to be united, and it was fine that it didn’t work out. Charlotte and Asuka win, obviously, because for one, they’re Charlotte and Asuka.
Then the new champs have a title match on Friday already, and though the team isn’t announced, the challengers have to be the Riott Squad. That is the only women’s tag team on SmackDown that is winning at all. I hope this is a sign Charlotte and Asuka get to follow in the footsteps of Bayley and Sasha, going back to NXT to face some NXT teams like Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell of The Way, and maybe even get involved in a TakeOver event. Raw has the ratings problem, but I would think strengthening the Women’s Tag Division on all shows would help Raw just as much.
The Hurt Business had a pretty good night. They bullied a New Day fan within the crew because duh, the New Day is the one tag team even plausible as a contender to the Raw Tag Team Championships. Yes, Hardy and Riddle did well as a team, but they still lost to MVP and Lashley. There is still some sorting out to do on who challenges for the US Championship next, but maybe Hardy gives Riddle the go ahead on it. Riddle had a hard time with his overly complicated “chill” promo, so I think WWE needs to let Riddle be the Bro and not try to write him as what they think The Bro should be.
Garza squashes Gulak because he desperately needs momentum after splitting off from Zelina Vega and then just treading water with trying to go all in with the Lothario bit. Ricochet loses to a Retribution member again, but perhaps because he isn’t joining. I’m still wondering if someone joins his fight, since Dana was apparently a one-time partner. Maybe Titus O’Neil can move over from the 24/7 Championship scene to help Ricochet. Titus has been a great role model for his charity, maybe he can be a role model in the ring standing against Ali trying to force everyone to see things his way. Ricochet and Titus would make a great combination, really. And speaking of the 24/7 Championship, Truth getting in on the VIP Lounge was a great way of sprinkling all that in.
I think the best stuff tonight was Orton and Alexa in relation to The Fiend. Orton might’ve been trying a little too hard to be menacing supervillain, but he is still doing really well. Alexa having a playground set is a great evolution of her own part in this story. I don’t know if Nikki Cross returns to feud with Alexa more, but I almost want a “Firefly Playground” match now. And what Alexa said about The Fiend only getting stronger now, Bray Wyatt might be the secret to Raw fixing their ratings and fulfilling that apparent request by USA Network for more “adult” content, in terms of being spooky scary horror movie stuff. Either way, I hope the endgame is the Firefly Fun House sequel with Orton to bring up his past and throw it in his face.
In fact, with John Cena being disappeared because “You Can’t See Me,” I think Orton should get “burned” in return since A) he loves burning Bray’s stuff, and B) Orton’s original theme was “Burn In My Light.” Gotta bring things full circle to make it worth it.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/19/24)
Still together for Round 5!
We’ve reached the halfway point!
As Best of the Super Juniors 31 hits round five, it’s time to see who stays alive in the blocks, and whose windows get slammed shut!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS Kosei Fujita; Bushi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Dragon Dia; Douki wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Taiji Ishimori; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Ninja Mack; Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: TJP VS HAYATA; TJP wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS SHO; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Blake Christian; Desperado wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Blake Christian: 4-0, 8 points
Titan: 3-1, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-1, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-2, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-2, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-2, 4 points
HAYATA: 2-2, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-3, 2 points
BUSHI: 1-3, 2 points
TJP: 0-4, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-1, 6 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-1, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-2, 4 points
SHO: 2-2, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-2, 4 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 2-2, 4 points
DOUKI: 2-2, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-2, 4 points
Dragon Dia: 0-4, 0 points
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Nova Fireball burned the Bone Soldier while the 44 Caliber crushed the Infinity Carat Diamond with overwhelming strength! But this match here is personal given how Drilla betrayed The United Empire. Will Akira finally put this War Dog down? Or will it be another Drilla Killa from the Abunai Gaijin?
The bell rings and Drilla dropkicks Akira’s legs! Drilla stomps Akira at the ropes, the ref counts and reprimands, and Drilla finally lets off at 4. The fans boo while Akira clutches his knee, but the ref keeps Drilla back. Akira gets up so Drilla kicks out the leg, stomps it, then digs his boot into it! The ref counts again as they’re in the ropes, and Drilla lets off to get in the ref’s face. Akira gets up to fire a forearm, but there’s no base behind it with the bad leg. Drilla eggs Akira on, Akira throws more forearms, but Drilla trips him. Akira kicks Drilla away with the good leg, but Drilla’s right back! Drilla trips Akira, then DDTS the leg! Then HEEL HOOK!
Akira endures, the fans rally, but Drilla pulls on the leg! Akira crawls along and drags Drilla with him, for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Drilla lets go, but then drags Akira back from ropes! HEEL HOOK! Akira scrambles and has the ROPEBREAK! Drilla lets go at 4, and this time Akira gets away to the outside. The ref checks Akira while Drilla taunts the Fireball. Akira pounds the mat in frustration, hobbles back into the ring, and the fans rally behind him. Drilla stands Akira up to CHOP him! Drilla runs up but Akira ELBOWS from the corner. And ELBOWS again! Akira then tilt-o-whirls to DDT!
The fans fire up while both men are down, then rally up as Akira shakes out the leg. Drilla stands first, though, but Akira blocks the kick! Akira fires forearms and a CHPO! Drilla takes a swing but Akira ducks to fire forearms and a CHOP! The fans cheer while Drilla sputters. Akira tries to run but the bad leg won’t let him take a step! Akira gets frustrated, but then Drilla KICKS the legs out! Drilla taunts Akira, then tells the ref to back up. But Akira catches Drilla to a cradle! TWO, and Drilla ENZIGIRIS Akira down! Drilla kicks Akira around, brings him up, and laughs at his pain. Drilla SLAPS Akira on the back, but Akira trips him! JACKKNIFE BRIDGE! TWO!!
Drilla escapes, Akira hobbles up, but Drilla again kicks the leg! HEEL HOOK!! Akira endures while the fans rally up! Akira TAPS, Drilla wins!
Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by submission (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
Drilla won but he won’t let go! He’s like a dog with a bone! Young Lions get involved, so Drilla lets go, only to THROW the Young Lions out! Then he goes back for Akira for HEEL HOOK!! Akira suffers, the ref reprimands, and Drilla finally lets Akira go. The fans boo but Drilla laughs. Will nothing stop the Abunai Gaijin from tearing through the rest of the block? Will Akira even be able to fight in the BOSJ’s second half?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS Kosei Fujita!
The Black Mask escaped being last place at TJP’s expense, but the Ichiban Young Punk is riding high after taking down 100 Proof. Will Bushi make round 5 tranquilo? Or will is it still true that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
But as Bushi gets on the apron, Fujita BLASTS him down! Fujita then builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and the fans fire up! The fans rally behind “FU-JI-TA!” as he snatches Bushi’s mask cover and throws it down. Fujita puts Bushi in, the bell rings and Fujita sits Bushi up for the PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer, Fujita drags Bushi up, and Fujita suplexes, but Bushi fights it! Fujita tries again, Bushi still fights! Bushi then slips free to waistlock, but Fujita elbows free. Fujita whips, Bushi reverses and Bushi dropkicks the legs out! Bushi sits Fujita up to KICK him in the back! Bushi then bumps Fujita off buckles and CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!
Bushi puts Fujita’s leg in ropes to pull! The ref counts, so Bushi DROPKICKS the leg. The fans rally, Bushi stomps the bad leg, then he ties Fujita up into a TRAILER HITCH! Fujita endures and the fans rally up. Fujita crawls forward, bringing Bushi with him, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Bushi holds on until the ref counts, and then Bushi looms over Fujita. Bushi brings Fujita up, reels him in, but Fujita fights the lift! Fujita CLUBS away on Bushi, but Bushi kicks low. Bushi whips, Fujita reverses and GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita goes to a corner, Bushi goes to the other.
Fujita runs corner to corner to CHOP! Fujita shoves Bushi down, then goes up and out, to springboard in and MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita sits Bushi up to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Fujita waistlocks to deadlift! Bushi fights with elbows but Fujita ducks under and hits a GUILLOTINE! Fujita brings Bushi down, they roll, and end up in the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets off and the fans cheer. Fujita then storms up to Bushi, brings him up, and ducks the enzigiri! Deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Fujita as he drags Bushi back up and in.
Fujita suplexes, but Bushi fights that, to FISHERMAN SCREW! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Fujita goes to a corner, hobbles up and finds Bushi. Fujita brings Bushi up to fire forearms. Bushi wobbles, Fujita runs, but Bushi ROCKS him back! Bushi runs but Fujita CHOPS! Fujita roars, runs, but Bushi DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up and Bushi goes to a corner. Fujita stands, Bushi runs up, CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again and Bushi rises. Bushi roars, climbs, and he takes aim. Fujita rises, turns around, MX!! Cover, Bushi wins!
Winner: Bushi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
Maybe The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they do fall! Fujita is now dragged down the ranks, will he be able to climb back up? Will the Black Mask be a dark horse in this race?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Dragon Dia!
Japones Del Mal has had a roller coaster ride in this round robin, but the Infinity Carat Diamond has only been going one direction: down. Will this finally be Dia’s chance to shine? Or will Douki have back to back wins?
The bell rings, Dia runs up but Douki dodges! Douki wags his fingers, whips, but Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides to then tilt-o-whirl arm-drag! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Dia stalks Douki, and Dia whips corner to corner. Douki reverses, runs up, but Dia trips him into the buckles! Then Dia hops on for a sunset flip! Douki rolls through but Dia KICKS him! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! TWO! Douki is still in this but Dia fires right up! Dia climbs a corner, the fans rally, and Douki rises. D D D D- NO!! Douki stops the 4DT to SAHAWARI SUPLEX! Briding cover, TWO!! Dia escapes and the fans fire up again!
Douki keeps his cool and he drags Dia up. Dia breaks free, CHOPS, but Douki eggs him on. Dia CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Douki HELL STABS! Dia SOBATS! Dia runs up, Douki does the splits! Dia tumbles out, Douki slingshots, but Dia tiger feints the legs out! Then Dia ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Dia storms up on Douki, brings him up, and puts him in the ring. The fans rally, Dia brings Douki up for the leg hook, and END OVER! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives but Dia aims from the corner. The fans rally, Dia runs up, rolls, but into a Gory Especial! But Dia slips free to arm-drag!
Douki stands, BOOTS and goes ot the apron! But Dia avoids Daybreak! Dia is on the apron, he trips Douki, then CORKSCREW SPLASHES! Into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Douki has Dia caught, pulls on the arms, but Dia fights his way around! Douki rolls Dia from ropes, but Dia jackknifes it! TWO!! Dia ghost pins, TWO!! Douki escapes again but Dia wheelbarrows. Douki stops the somersault to full nelson! SUPLEX DE- NO, Dia fights free! Douki dodges an elbow to LARIAT! The fans fire up and Douki drags Dia up! The fans rally as Douki fireman’s carries, and swings, but Dia slips around to REPTILIAN KAI! Ghost pin cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Douki survives! Dia grits his teeth, rises back up, and he goes to a corner! Douki rises and the fans rally up. D D D D- NO! Douki gets around! Dia switches, Douki elbows free, but Dia keeps him from running. Douki kicks free but Dia ducks the enzigiri to ENZIGIRI back! Douki swings, Dia dodges and rolls, REPTILIAN- NO, Douki pops him around, Electric Chair into Wheelbarrow! Full nelson, SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!!! Bridging cover, DOUKI WINS!
Winner: Douki, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
A fast and furious fight from the start, but Dia’s determination to hit that DDDDT may have been his undoing! Will Dia ever get points on the board at this rate? Will Douki prove he’s ready to be the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Jet is flying high, eyeing that top spot, but the Heel Master is looking to reroute him. Will Kanemaru be sipping his whiskey in first class? Or will Knight drop him back in coach?
Of course Kanemaru attacks while Knight’s being introduced! Kanemaru KICKS and CLUBS Knight, the bell rings and Kanemaru whips, but Knight reverses! Knight hurdles, hurdles then DROPKICKS! Kanemaru bails out, Knight kips up and takes his coat off, to then build speed! Kanemaru hurries away but Knight slides out and goes to the corner! Knight PLANCHAS but Kanemaru gets away again! Knight lands on his feet, Kanemaru runs up to dropkick the legs out! Knight writhes, Kanemaru storms up on him, and SMASHES the knee on the floor! The fans boo and Knight flounders away, but Kanemaru goes around the other way.
Kanemaru watches Knight slide in so he slides in. Kanemaru drags Knight up, to SHIN BREAKER! Kanemaru holds on, trips Knight, and ties up the legs into a FIGURE FOUR! Knight endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Kanemaru claims he needs help, so the ref undoes the leglock. Knight clutches his knee, but Kanemaru drags him from ropes. Kanemaru YANKS the bad leg, then he stomps it. Knight hobbles away to ropes but Kanemaru kicks the bad leg more. Kanemaru brings Knight around to whip, then he dropkicks the leg out again! Kanemaru stalks Knight, grabs the leg, and drops an elbow on the knee!
Kanemaru has the leg in a toehold, but Knight endures. Kanemaru pulls on the bad leg, but Knight fights around to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Kanemaru lets off, but he drags Knight from ropes again, to SMASH the knee! Knight writhes, goes to a corner, but Kanemaru stands on the bad knee! The ref counts, Kanemaru lets off, and Kanemaru pushes past the ref. Kanemaru stomps Knight’s leg, stomps him more, then stalks him to a corner. Knight stands, Kanemaru puts the leg in ropes, but the ref counts. Kanemaru pulls until 4, then he stomps Knight down. Kanemaru drags Knight out of the corner, but Knight throws body shots!
Kanemaru kicks the bad leg again. Knight fights the shin breaker this time, but Kanemaru kicks the leg again! SHIN- SUNSET FLIP! TWO! Kanemaru gets up, the fans rally, but Kanemaru kicks Knight. Kanemaru whips, Knight comes back to LARIAT! Knight fights through the pain to rally on Kanemaru! Knight whips, Kanemaru reverses, but Knight goes up and over! Knight then jukes Kanemaru for a SKY 2 HIGH! But he can’t cover from the pain in his leg! The fans fire up as Knight runs and JET SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru is still in this but the fans are behind Knight. Knight drags Kanemaru up and fireman’s carries.
Knight throws Kanemaru but Kanemaru lands on his feet! Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg! The fans rally, Kanemaru gets the legs and steps through, but Knight cradles! TWO! Kanemaru escapes, Knight goes to a corner. Kanemaru runs up, but into a BOOT! Knight goes up and leaps, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Knight is a little frustrated but the fans rally up as he goes to the corner. Kanemaru rises, Knight runs in, but Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Then as a weapon as he shoves the ref into Knight! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Knight, then goes to his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a swig, but Knight SATELLITE-
NO, Kanemaru slips under, kicks the bad leg, but Knight still pops Kanemaru up! WHISKEY MIST!! Kanemaru then trips Knight, into the FIGURE FOUR! The fans boo and Knight tries, but Knight taps! Kanemaru wins!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
The Heel Master grounds The Jet with a bad wheel, but Knight isn’t out of the running just yet. Will Knight be able to course correct and head for the top? Will Kanemaru continue to mess up plans with these underhanded tricks?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Timesplitter and Bone Soldier both suffered their first losses last round, but they’re still holding the top spots. Who gets put on the bubble while the other gets a little more breathing room?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “KU-SHI-DA!” as he and Taiji circle. They feel things out, Taiji goes for a leg but Kushida does the same. Taiji facelocks, rolls with Kushida, then rolls Kushida, but Kushida slips free. The fans cheer that fast opening exchange and the two reset. Kushida and Taiji feel things out again, tie up, and Kushida wrenches to then snapmare. Kushida gets both arms for a motorcycle stretch, but Taiji rolls over, kicks free, wrenches back, steps over then arm-drags! Kushida kips up to arm-drag! Taiji ghost pins, ONE, and Kushida wants an arm. Taiji throws Kushida down, floats to a lateral press, ONE!
Taiji clamps onto the arm but Kushida slips around to waistlock. Taiji fights but Kushida full nelsons. Taiji fights but Kushida spins him back into the full nelson. Kushida spins Taiji to arm-drag, then hammerlocks. Taiji rolls, headscissors but Kushida kips free. Kushida goes for the legs but Taiji jumps over! Kushida jumps on to body scissor, but Taiji keeps an arm back. Kushida still wants to knuckle lock? Taiji obliges, but then Kushida wants the kimura! Taiji gets free of the body scissors to waistlock but Kushida switches. Kushida then spins to get the arm! Taiji fights off the double wristlock and the fans rally up.
Kushida throws elbows then wrenches Taiji’s arm. Taiji uses ropes to flip through, then he wrenches back. Taiji hammerlocks, spins and wrangles Kushida, but Kushida headscissors! Kushida grabs Taiji’s leg to stop the kip up, and now it’s a modified cradle! KUSHIDA WINS!!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Taiji is absolutely stunned! He got caught by a rather simple move, and now Kushida’s the top of the block! Will Kushida be able to win this whole thing in the blink of an eye? Will the Bone Soldier just have to be quicker on the draw from now on?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Clark Connors!
El Inmortal could not stop All Heat from firing up, but 100 Proof knows what that’s like. However, will Connors add on to the misery with No Chaser? Or will Titan overcome defeat by keeping the faith?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two run in! They RAM shoulders, then fire forearms back and forth! Connors ROCKS Titan, whips, but Titan reverses, TORNADO- NO, Connors stops the DDT, then runs Titan over! The fans applaud the show of strength, but then Connors drags Titan up and TOSSES him out. Connors goes out to bring Titan up and CLUB him. Connors says hey to Drilla on English commentary, then he brings Titan up. Connors says watch this, and he brings Titan to the back of the crowd! Then he goes up the bleachers! But Titan throws body shots and brings Connors back down!
The fans cheer as the two return to floor level, Titan knees low and he brings Connors to the ring. Connors throws body shots now, and he SMACKS Titan off the apron! Then Connors throws a Young Lion into Titan! Shoma Kato sure has seen a lot action for not even being in this tournament. The ref reprimands but Connors drags Titan up. Connors goes after the mask! The ring count climbs, the fans boo, but Connors wrenches Titan’s neck! Connors stands Titan up to POST him! Titan falls, we’re past 10 of 20, and Connors leaves Titan behind. Connors mocks Titan’s pose and even prayer, but Titan slides in at 15!
Connors drags Titan up but Titan fights the suplex. Connors knees low, snapmares Titan, then stomps him! Connors runs up to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud but Connors goes after the mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, and Connors lets off of the laces. Connors stalks Titan, tells fans to shut up, then he brings Titan up. Titan CHOPS! Connors CHOPS back! Titan drops to his knees but Connors stands him up and whips. Titan holds ropes to avoid the powerslam, then BOOTS back! Connors ELBOWS Titan, reels him in, but Titan hangs Connors out to dry! Connors slips to the apron, and he ducks Titan’s punch!
Connors throws Titan down by his mask, but Titan kips up to PELE! Titan then builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit on Connors and the fans fire up! Titan rises, the fans fire up more, and Titan KICKS Connors in the side! Titan brings Connors up to CLUB him, puts him in the ring and covers, TWO! Titan is frustrated but he CLUBS Connors. Connors ROCKS Titan with a forearm! Titan ROCKS Connors in return! Connors ROCKS Titan, Titan ROCKS Connors, and they both stand. Connors fires another forearm but so does Titan! The fans rally as they pick up speed, going back and forth, forearm for forearm!
Connors gets the edge, winds up, but Titan bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire off a strike fest! SOBAT! Titan runs, but Connors goes the other way, JEEP FLIPPER!! The hangtime on that one! Titan flounders around, Connors seethes, and Connors takes aim from a corner. Connors barks, runs in, but Titan BOOTS back! And SOBATS! KICKS! PALM STRIKE! WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up and Titan roars! Titan hurries to get Connors up into a fireman’s carry. Connors fights free and waistlocks but Titan switches. Titan shoves, follows, and TORNADO DDTS! The fans rally up more as Connors flounders to a corner.
Titan aims, throws off an armband and runs, LOCO LARIAT! Titan hurries back up top, aims, and DIVING- NO, Connors dodges the stomps! Connors runs in, Titan dodges, and Connors stops from tackling the ref! Connors runs up again but Titan goes Matrix! CALF KICK! The fans fire up and Titan roars! Titan grabs Connors’ leg, steps through, but Connors SNATCHES the mask!! The fans boo, Connors loses grip of the mask and Titan gets it back! Even Connors isn’t sure what happened, but then he runs up to SPEAR!! Connors drags Titan up, for NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)
Connors messing with the mask was just enough to mess up Titan’s flow, and that’s all Connors needed to snatch this win. Connors also Too Sweets Drilla, will nothing stop these War Dogs from running the whole tournament? Will Titan be able to get past this defeat and be tranquilo again?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Ninja Mack!
The Ticking Timebomb and American Shinobi are both 2-2, trying to keep up with the top of the block. Hiromu got a big win over Sho just last night, will he get another big win here? Or will the Ninja from Noah turn the tides?
Hiromu taunts Drilla on his way to handing Milano Collection AT-san tonight’s framed picture. The fans rally up already, and Mack makes sure Hiromu notices the “NINJA! NINJA!” chant. The bell rings, the “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” comes through. But then “NINJA! NINJA!” returns. Hiromu waits on Mack but Mack still kneels in his corner. Then Mack somersaults forward, and offers a handshake. Hiromu is a little wary, but he does kneel. The fans cheer as Hiromu shakes Mack’s hand, and Mack puts up his dukes while still kneeling. Hiromu is confused, but they still tie up. They go back and forth while kneeling and the fans rally up!
Mack headlocks, then he grinds Hiromu down. Hiromu headscissors, Mack kips free, but then returns to his knees! The fans cheer, the two tie up again, and Mack waistlocks. Hiromu wrenches free, hammerlocks, but Mack drags him down to a cover. ONE, Hiromu headscissors but Mack kips free again, and they stay on their knees! The fans cheer this unique low style match. They tie up, and Mack arm-drags Hiromu to an armlock! Mack arm-drags free, and it’s back to the knees! They tie up again, Mack fireman’s carries for the takeover, then has the arm. Hiromu arm-drags free again, but Mack’s still on his knees!
Hiromu runs up, Mack trips him, but Hiromu kicks him away. Hiromu headlocks, and now we’re standing as Mack powers up and out. Hiromu RANAS but Mack handsprings through! The fans cheer and the two reset. Hiromu runs up, Mack dodges, but Hiromu RANAS again! Mack still handsprings through! The fans cheer for “NINJA! NINJA!” but Hiromu kicks him. Hiromu whips, Mack reverses, but Hiromu RANAS again, only for Mack to handspring and flip! The fans cheer but Hiromu gets frustrated! Hiromu runs up, but Mack dumps him out! Mack then builds speed, but Hiromu slides in to ELBOW him down!
The fans rally while Mack checks his chin. Mack goes to a corner, Hiromu storms up and CHOPS! Mack scrambles away but Hiromu follows on his knees. Mack turns around, Hiromu CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs, and clotheslines! Hiromu snapmares to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Hiromu walks over to Mack on his knees. Mack CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS back! Mack CHOPS again, Hiromu CHOPS him down! Mack sits up, Hiromu stands him up, and then Hiromu scoops to SLAM! Hiromu clamps on a headscissor squeeze! Mack flails and fights around while fans rally.
Mack reaches out, moves around, and has the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go quickly, then mocks the “NINJA! NINJA!” But Mack throws body shots back! Hiromu CHOPS Mack, whips him to ropes, but Mack reverses. Hiromu holds ropes, then runs up to RANA! Mack still handsprings through! Mack says no ranas today, but then Hiromu dropkicks Mack’s leg out! Hiromu smirks and wags his finger, then goes to Mack. Mack KICKS Hiromu away! Mack kips up and SCREW KICKS! Hiromu tumbles out of the ring, Mack builds speed, and SASUKE- NO, Hiromu slides in! Then he SUNSET FLIP- NO, Mack blocks the bomb and flips free!
Mack runs back up, Hiromu TOSSES Mack into the ring, but Mack just rolls and handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL SUNSET FLIP, and then APRON POWERBOMB!! The fans are thunderous while Hiromu writhes and flounders around. Mack hobbles over to bring Hiromu up and into the ring. The fans rally as Mack goes up the corner and takes aim. DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Mack covers again, TWO!! Hiromu is still in this but the fans fire up as Mack drags him to a drop zone. Mack CHOPS Hiromu, goes up the corner again, and fans cheer “NINJA! NINJA!” for the NINJA BOMB onto knees!
Hiromu fireman’s carries and rolls to bring Mack up! TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO! Mack survives the 1.5 but Hiromu still has more in his arsenal! The fans are thunderous as Hiromu runs, but Mack ducks the lariat to backslide! TWO! Mack cradles, TWO! Hiromu wrenches and hooks Mack but Mack slips free! Hiromu RANAS, but again Mack handsprings and flips through! But Hiromu jumps on for TRIANGLE D!! The fans duel as Mack endures, and Mack TAPS!! Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
The American Shinobi may be spring loaded, but he couldn’t bounce back when caught like that! Will the Mack attack just have to fight harder in the second half of this tournament? Will Hiromu blow up the top of the block and return to the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: TJP VS HAYATA!
The Public Enemy is feeling like anything but a leader right now given he’s dead last in the block. But could this halfway point be a turning point for TJP? Or will he be further lost in the Silence of Darkness?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two stare down. The two circle, feel things out, and tie up. TJP wrenches, hammerlocks, but Hayata switches that onto TJP. TJP sits down, rolls, and trips Hayata to a toehold. Hayata tries to chinlock but TJP fights it off. TJP pulls on the leg, but Hayata uses his other one to hook TJP for an ARMBAR! TJP sits up quick and turns Hayata over to then float up to a chinlock. Hayata endures so TJP traps an arm, floats and turns Hayata in one motion, and covers, TWO! TJP facelocks Hayata, brings him up to wrench and wristlock, but Hayata slips in to wrench and wristlock in return.
TJP fights up, rolls, spins, cartwheels then drops to TWIST SCISSORS! But Hayata headscissors back! TJP headstands, the fans cheer, and TJP turns Hayata over. TJP rolls back to tie up the legs, BOW ‘N’ ARROW! The fans cheer, but Hayata pops free to cover, ONE! TJP sweeps and covers, ONE! Hayata arm-drags, TJP arm-drags, and both men handspring up! The fans fire up while the two stand off. Hayata and TJP reset, TJP offers a handshake, but Hayata leaves him hanging. TJP and Hayata circle, tie up, and Hayata powers TJP to a corner. The ref counts the break, Hayata lets off slowly, but then he forearms TJP!
TJP puts Hayata in the corner to UPPERCUT! TJP whips corner to corner, Hayata reverses but TJP goes up and over. Things speed up, TJP Spider-Mans to the apron but Hayata HANDSPRING KICKS him down! Hayata then PLANCHAS and down goes TJP! The fans fire up while Hayata stands up. Hayata brings TJP up, then POSTS him! The fans rally for TJP while he crawls, but Hayata drags TJP up, to POST him again! TJP falls back, checks his nose, but Hayata brings him up again. Hayata puts TJP in, the fans applaud, and Hayata stomps TJP around. Hayata clamps on a chinlock and he grinds TJP down.
TJP endures, the fans rally up, and TJP stands. TJP powers up and out, but Hayata runs him over! Things keep moving, TJP hurdles but into an atomic drop! Hayata flips TJP for a cover, ONE! The fans cheer but Hayata keeps calm. Hayata stands TJP up to ROCK him, then has him at ropes. Hayata ROCKS TJP, whips him, but TJP holds ropes. TJP BOOTS back, runs up but Hayata ducks! TJP BOOTS Hayata’s lariat away, then drags him down! TJP traps one arm, has the other, DARK SACRIFICE! The fans fire up with TJP and he watches Hayata rise. TJP SOBATS, SNAP HALF HATCHES, then stands back up!
SNAP HALF HATCH! TJP has two, he gets Hayata up, THREE HATCH AMIGOS! Or maybe Three Kaibigan so it’s Tagalog. The fans rally up as TJP aims from the corner. Hayata stands, TJP runs up to back elbow in the corner! TJP then sits Hayata down so he can scrub Hayata’s face! The fans cheer and TJP goes side to side, to BOOT WASH! The fans cheer more and they want it again! TJP obliges and he scrubs Hayata’s face some more! TJP runs side to side again, for the BOOT WASH! The fans fire up, TJP throws up the crown, and then he stands Hayata up. TJP puts Hayata up in the Tree of Woe, then he goes up the corner.
The fans fire up as TJP aims, WOE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Hayata is still in this but the fans rally behind TJP. TJP pounds the mat and fans clap along, “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP aims, runs up, but Hayata gets around him to roll him up! TWO! Hayata takes a swing but TJP catches it to spin and FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Not so final but the fans rally behind TJP. TJP goes for the corner and climbs up. But Hayata trips him up first! Hayata CLUBS TJP, climbs up, then brings TJP to the top! TJP fights the superplex! TJP throws body shots, but Hayata crosses the arms! TJP fights that and shoves Hayata down! MAMBA- NO, TJP has to bail out as Hayata moves!
TJP whips, Hayata reverses and PELES TJP down! TJP flounders to a corner, Hayata goes to the other. Hayata runs up to SHOTGUN TJP down! Hayata then scoops to SLAM TJP into the drop zone! SECOND-ROPE SAULT! Cover, TWO! TJP stays in this and the fans fire up again but Hayata says he’ll end it now! Hayata crosses TJP’s arms, reels him in again, but TJP fights the lift! Hayata kicks him, kicks again, then reels TJP in. But TJP RAMS Hayata into the corner! TJP staggers back, runs up, but Hayata dodges! TORNADO- NO, TJP stops the DDT to SUPERKICK! Hayata SUPERKICKS! Hayata runs, into a WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down!
TJP and Hayata stir, sit up, and head for each other. TJP fires a forearm, but Hayata gives it back. TJP fires another forearm, so Hayata gives it back! They stand, the forearms keep going and the fans rally up! TJP gets the edge, then runs, but Hayata atomic drops! Hayata runs to BULLDOG! Hayata then hauls TJP up, crosses the arms, but TJP NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Hayata still has TJP’s arms! TJP reels Hayata in! STRAITJACKET DDT!! TJP aims, runs up, ONE BY ONE!! Cover, TWO!! Hayata survives and TJP is stunned! The fans are thunderous as TJP pounds the mat and goes back to a corner.
TJP climbs, MAMBA SPLASH onto knees! Hayata crosses those arms, STRAITJACKET DDT! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and Hayata is furious! The fans are thunderous as Hayata gets TJP up! 403- CRADLE!! TJP WINS!!
Winner: TJP, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hayata earns 0)
TJP snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, and he lives for another round! Will the United Empire’s new leader pull off one of the biggest comebacks in the BOSJ? Will the Silence of Darkness still find a way to shine?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS SHO!
The Sniper of the Skies is neck and neck with the Murder Machine in this race to the top. Will the Soul of PWA Champion get one over on the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion? Or will Sho continue to lie, cheat and steal until he’s won it all?
For whatever reason, Sho tries to pester Kosei Fujita by leaning on him, even pushing his shoulder into Fujita’s chest and stomach. Fujita gets annoyed and he shoves Sho away, and Sho pretends like he just got hurt by Fujita! The fans either cheer because that’s what he deserves or boo because they know it’s a farce. The ref argues with Fujita, Eagles defends Fujita’s innocence, but Sho sneaks up behind Eagles. Eagles blocks the low blow! Sho panics, Eagles says shake hands, and they do. And then Eagles bends fingers! The bell rings, Eagles gets up and around to arm-drag! Eagles keeps moving, he hurdles Sho to then RANA! Sho staggers up, into a WHEEL KICK!
Eagles kips up and the fans fire up. Sho bails out, Eagles builds speed, but then he flips off the ropes as Sho moves. The fans cheer while Sho is upset. Sho still wants Fujita removed from ringside, then he snatches Eagles’ belt! And a chair! Sho wants to smash Eagles’ belt! The ref and Eagles say don’t do it! And then Yujiro shows up! The ref stops Tokyo Pimp where he is, but Sho JAMS Eagles with a chair! Eagles sputters and staggers away, Yujiro keeps the ref distracted, and Sho JAMS Eagles again! Sho puts Eagles’ belt next to the Junior Heavyweight belt, and he brings Eagles into the crowd! Sho has fans move aside, but then decides to go to a different section.
Sho keeps having fans clear out, but then he goes to the merch section! Sho SMACKS Eagles off a table! Eagles falls over, Sho steps on Eagles’ neck, but the ref reprimands. Sho leaves Eagles behind and returns to ringside. The fans boo but Eagles stands back up. The ref is busy arguing with Sho about the chair, the count hasn’t started so Eagles makes it back to ringside. But then Sho kicks Eagles, and suplexes him onto the chair! Eagles writhes and Sho leaves him behind again, and now the ring count begins! Eagles pounds the floor in frustration while he’s down at 5 of 20. Eagles stands at 8 and slides in at 9, but Sho stomps him down!
Sho drags Eagles up, whips him to ropes, and Sho kitchen sink knees him down! Sho grins, he stands on Eagles’ stomach and stomps him more! Sho then has the arms so he can DRAGON STOMP the abs! Eagles endures, and Sho shifts into a half straitjacket clutch! Eagles endures, even as Sho digs a knee into the stomach! Eagles pries at the hold, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, but Sho stands on Eagles’ chest! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Sho steps away. Sho then stomps Eagles and insults Australia. Sho storms up on Eagles in a corner, slaps him around, then stomps him more.
Sho digs his boots in, the ref reprimands and counts, but Sho lets off at 4. Sho grins while he looms over Eagles. Sho talks trash, kicks Eagles, but Eagles throws body shots. Eagles CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Sho kicks low! Sho reels Eagles in to hang him out to dry! Then Sho gut wrenches Eagles off the ropes, for a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Eagles stays in this and the fans rally up but Sho is annoyed. Sho grabs the Soul of PWA belt again, but the ref reprimands. Sho sets the belt down, but then steps on it! The fans boo, Eagles grabs at the belt, but Sho asks what’s wrong. Eagles fires forearms and backs Sho down!
The fans rally but Sho kicks low. Sho whips Eagles to a corner hard, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Sho comes back, but Eagles drops low to get under for the sunset! TWO, but Eagles steps through, only for Sho to kick him in the stomach! Sho then fireman’s carries Eagles, puts him on the top rope, and CLUBS away on Eagles’ side! Sho runs corner to corner and back again, TOP SHELF KNEE! Sho drags Eagles down, covers, TWO! Sho is frustrated but the fans rally up. Sho slashes his throat and vows to end this one. Sho drags Eagles up, reels him in and tucks the arms, STRAITJACKET- NO, Eagles wrenches free and slips around, schoolboy bridge! TWO!
Sho gets up, but Eagles dropkicks the legs out! The fans rally up, Eagles grits his teeth and KICKS Sho in the chest! And KICKS! And KICKS! Eagles’ stomach hurts, but he runs, only for Yujiro to trip him up! Sho distracts the ref, Yujiro CLAWS Eagles’ eyes! The fans boo but Yujiro holds Eagles in place! Sho runs up, but Eagles ducks and Sho BLASTS Yujiro! Eagles gest around Sho, CHOP BLOCKS then runs, BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Sho tumbles out, the fans fire up and Eagles builds speed. Eagles DIVES and takes out both Sho & Yujiro! The fans fire up while everyone is down, and the ring count starts. Eagles roars and rises at 6 of 20!
Eagles drags Sho up at 10, puts him in at 11, and the fans fire up with Eagles. Eagles springboards in, to MISSILE DROPKICK the legs! The fans fire up, Eagles runs, LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Sho is still in this, but he flounders away to a corner. Eagles runs up to DOUBLE KNEE! Eagles then rolls, returns, basement 619! Eagles snarls, runs back in, METEORA! The fans fire up as Eagles stacks Sho, TWO! Sho survives but Eagles drags Sho from ropes. The fans fire up and Eagles steps through, but Sho pulls on Eagles’ scarf! The ref reprimands, Sho lets go, and Eagles SPINNING TOEHOLDS the leg!
The fans fire up while Sho writhes, and Eagles goes up and out. Eagles rallies the fans and he climbs the corner. 450 SPLASH but Eagles has to roll through as Sho moves! Sho runs up, Eagles blocks a kick, but Sho fights the backpack and bends the fingers! Eagles breaks free, SOBATS, then runs, but the ref is a shield! Sho SPEARS Eagles down! The fans rally while Sho has a wild grin on his face. Sho drags Eagles up, tucks the arms, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Sho is furious with the ref but the count was fair. Sho aims his bow, drags Eagles up and reels him back in. Sho pump handles, lifts, but Eagles slips free!
Eagles steps over, ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS and PELES! Sho wobbles and the fans fire up! Eagles cravats, but Sho powers out! Yujiro is there but Eagles BOOTS him! Eagles dodges Sho, waistlocks, but Sho switches. Eagles fights the lift, to cravat and ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! But into the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Sho endures, but Yujiro gest on the apron! Fujita drags him down! Sho crawls for ropes , but Eagles drags him away! Eagles puts on the pressure, but Sho grabs at the ref! Yujiro’s up to something, HE RINGS THE BELL! Eagles thinks he’s won but no, it was a fake out! The fans boo as Eagles is confused!
Sho laughs at Eagles for falling for it, but Eagles just gets the leg again! Sho BOOTS Eagles into the ref! And Yujiro goes after Fujita! Then Yujiro joins Sho in the ring and they beat down Eagles! The fans boo more but Yujiro bumps Eagles off buckles. Yujiro whips corner to corner, then runs in to BOOT! Sho runs in to clothesline! Sho snapmares Eagles and sets him up for Yujiro’s FALLING HEAD- BOOTS! Eagles kicks Yujiro, he kicks Sho, and the fans fire up! Eagles fires off forearms on Yujiro and Sho! Eagles fires a flurry on Sho, but Yujiro kicks low! Yujiro grabs his cane! The fans boo but Eagles dodges! Fujita springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK Yujiro!
The fans are thunderous, but Sho has his Torture Tool! Fujita blocks the wrench attack, and then Eagles wrenches Sho’s arm! They lift Sho up for a MAXXY BOMB!! And then Fujita PLANCHAS Yujiro! The fans are thunderous as Eagles reloads and aims at Sho! HYPERION!! Cover, Eagles wins!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Eagles pulls the trigger and he shoots down the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! This on top of their wins over the War Dogs, will TMDK look to grab up all the Junior Heavyweight gold? Will Sho have to really rethink his game plan to avoid giving out more golden tickets?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Blake Christian!
The Rogue Luchador could not ground The Jet, and now he’s facing the near unstoppable All Heat! Will Desperado get burned again? Or will he bring down THE GCW Champion on his way back to the top?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. Blake taunts the fans calling for “DESPE~!” The two tie up with knuckle locks, then Despe rolls to wrangle Blake and wrench to a wristlock. Blake rolls, cartwheels, slips through and wrenches to then clap with Despe’s hand. Blake wristlocks, hammerlocks, but Despe rolls to wrench and wristlock back. Blake fights up, powers through and waistlocks to then spin, snapmare, body scissor and roll to a cover, TWO! The fans applaud and even Despe claps. Blake mocks Despe clapping for him, and the two reset. They tie up, Despe wrenches and wristlocks but Blake wrenches back.
Despe wrenches, Blake wrenches, repeat, but then Blake CLAWS Despe’s eyes! Blake mocks Despe, whips him to a corner, but Despe reverses. Blake BOOTS back, goes up, but Despe YANKS him down! The fans cheer while Blake writhes. Despe SPLASHES down, covers, ONE! Despe stands on Blake’s leg, Blake reaches for ropes, but Despe stomps the leg! The fans rally as Despe stalks Blake, gets a leg, and he drops an elbow on the knee! Blake tries to fight back, he pulls at the mask, but Despe pulls on the leg! Despe stands up to stomp the leg, but Blake kicks free with the good leg! Despe storms back up but Blake wrenches, hammerlocks and RAMS Despe into buckles!
Blake brings Despe into the ropes, grabs the bad arm, and then turns Despe so that he can stand on the arm and bend it back! Red Shoes reprimands, the fans boo, but Blake STOMPS the arm! Despe flounders away, the fans rally up, but Blake drops down, springboards in, and FLYING LARIATS! Blake mocks the applause then flips everyone off. The fans boo but Blake goes back to Despe. Blake drops KNEES on the elbow! Despe goes to ropes, Blake follows and pulls the arm around the ropes! Red Shoes counts, Blake lets off at 3, then mocks the fans cheering “DESPE~!” Despe throws body shots, then whips, but Blake handsprings and wheelbarrows! Somersault and KNEE DROP!
The fans are torn over the agility, but Blake flips them all off anyway. Despe flops out of the ring while clutching his elbow, but Blake pursues. Blake drags Despe around for a MOUNTED ARMBAR! Blake adds a double wristlock variation, but lets off as Red Shoes reprimands. Red Shoes wants this in the ring, but Blake drags Despe to the corner and wraps the bad arm around the post! Then Blake YANKS Despe into the post! Red Shoes reprimands again, but Blake goes looking for things. Blake brings out chairs! He lets one go to bring the other over, but Red Shoes says don’t do it. Blake lets Red Shoes have that chair, to get the other! Blake JAMS the bad arm!!
The fans boo but Blake sits in the chair to mockingly applaud. Blake then puts Despe’s arm through that chair to bend it! Blake mocks the booing now, but Despe gets free. Blake has the bad arm, he brings Despe around to snapmare, then he steps over for an ARM TWIST! Despe writhes but Blake kicks him around. Despe throws hands but Blake ROCKS him! Blake pulls on the bad arm, claps with Despe’s hand, then clamps on a double wristlock! Despe fights but Blake CLUBS him, brings him along, and body shots him in front of the bleachers. Blake gets space, and comes back with railing! Blake CHUCKS it into Despe!
The fans boo, Red Shoes reprimands, but then Blake wraps Despe’s arms around the railing! Blake ROCKS Despe, wrenches, and UPPERCUTS the arm! The fans boo, Blake gets more space, and he mockingly claps. Blake runs all the way back in, and FLIES over the railing to take out Despe! The fans are again torn because that was still impressive. Blake again mocks the fans cheering on “DESPE~!” and brings Despe up. Blake UPPERCUTS the arm but Despe CLUBS Blake with the other! Blake hits an ELBOW BREAKER on the bad arm! Blake leaves Despe behind to get in the ring, and argues for the count to start.
Red Shoes does start the count, but Despe rises up. Despe reaches the ring at 6, rolls in at 8, and the fans cheer. Blake smirks and storms back up on Despe. Blake wraps the arm around ropes, then YANKS it as he lets off. Blake drags Despe up, then HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES! Blake slashes his throat, vowing to end it now. Blake aims from a corner, runs up, and STEP UP- NO, Despe avoids the stomp! Blake’s leg jams a bit, but he still kicks first. Blake whips, Despe reverses and scoops for a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up while both men are down! Despe and Blake go to corners, and Despe drags himself up with one good arm.
The fans rally, Despe runs corner to corner, and he ELBOWS Blake! Then Despe reels Blake in to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Despe SPLASHES Blake’s leg! Then GROUND DRAGON SCREWS! Now Blake writhes and the fans fire up! Despe nods as the fans rally up behind him. Despe gets the bad leg, YANKS it, then puts on the STRETCH MUFFLER! Blake endures, reaches out, but Despe grabs the arm, NUMERO DOS! Blake flails with his one free arm but Despe drags him back! Blake still fights forward, to the ROPEBREAK! Despe lets go, but “Oops!” he drops knees on the knee! Blake crawls away and Despe shakes the bad arm.
Despe storms up on Blake, whips, but Blake holds ropes! Despe KICKS Blake’s leg and Blake goes to a corner. Despe runs in, Blake dodges and BOOTS! Blake then goes up and out, springboards back in, and he DOUBLE STOMPS the bad arm! Blake wrenches but Despe fights the takedown! Despe scoops, Blake slips free, and Blake staggers to ropes. Despe runs up but Blake dumps him out! Despe is on the apron, Blake blocks his punch to GAMANGIRI! Despe falls to the floor, Blake builds speed, and Blake FLIES! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Both men are down, Red Shoes checks them both, and they’re both okay to continue.
The fans rally as Blake and Despe stir. The ring count starts, Blake rolls closer at 3 of 20. Both men are still down at 5, but Blake drags himself up and in at 9. Despe sits up at 12, hurries over, but the bad arm holds him back! We’re past 15! Despe rises, Blake wants it faster! Despe slides in at 19! Blake springboards in to 450 SPLASH on the back!! Cover, TWO!! Despe survives, but ends up in a FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Blake thrashes the arm, puts on as much pressure as he can, but the fans are rallying behind Despe as he fights around! Despe reaches out, claws at the mat, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, but Blake BITES Despe’s hand!
Red Shoes reprimands and the fans boo but Blake lets Despe go. The match passes 15 minutes, one of the longer matches tonight, and the halfway point of the time limit. Blake goes back to Despe, he throws a forearm, but Despe scowls. Despe fires forearm after forearm, but Blake ROCKS him in return! Blake stands, Despe growls, and Despe throws more forearms! Blake ROCKS him again! Despe glares at Blake, Blake eggs him on, so Despe fires another flurry! Blake UPPERCUTS! Despe KICKS the leg! Blake KICKS the arm! Blake hobbles, wrenches and WRINGS the bad arm out! Blake goes to a corner, slashes his throat, and runs up to STEP UP- SPINEBUSTER!
The fans fire up as both men are down again! Despe roars, he drags Blake up and underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Blake fights it to wrench and PELE the arm! But Despe CHOPS! Blake kips up to SUPERKICK! Despe wobbles, Blake fires up, but Despe ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again! Blake rebounds to JUMP KNEE!! Blake fires up, runs, but Despe DECKS him!! Despe underhooks for TIGER DRIVER!! Despe then drags Blake back up for PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, Despe wins!!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Blake earns 0)
All Heat finally runs out of steam, but Despe still needs the ice for his arm! It was a fiery main event to be sure, but will this first loss take the air out of Blake’s sails? Or can he get hot again in the next round?
As for Desperado, he gets the mic, and he promises someone will translate this for Blake later. When they faced off in America, Desperado thought there’d be more to follow. Desperado waited so long for this, but it was worth the wait! Thanks for the great match! The fans cheer that! Desperado says he was waiting so long, he could’ve made it to the finals twice and lost twice. Whether or not anyone else has waited for this, he’s waited so long to get this! And if we have to wait any longer, even Despe will get bored of himself! So watch closely, because he’s gonna win the whole thing! The fans cheer that! Will the Rogue Luchador, even with a bad arm, claw his way to the top?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Blake Christian: 4-1, 8 points
El Desperado: 3-2, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-2, 6 points
Titan: 3-2, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-2, 6 points
HAYATA: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points
BUSHI: 2-3, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-3, 4 points
TJP: 1-4, 2 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 4-1, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-2, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie Eagles: 3-2, 6 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 3-2, 6 points
DOUKI: 3-2, 6 points
SHO: 2-3, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Dragon Dia: 0-5, 0 points
My Thoughts:
Another awesome round for the BOSJ here, though the results weren’t quite so shocking this time. I will say, it seems like Dia is gonna keep riding the bottom of the block until he has to spoil someone’s run. TJP meanwhile gets a great first win in taking down Hayata. If nothing else, maybe there could be a NJPW VS Noah story where TJP challenges for the GHC National Championship. Great match from Kushida and Taiji for the top spot in B Block, and a very fun match from Hiromu and Mack. Hiromu and Kushida each winning is fitting, they’re both great choices for semifinalists. But with a win over Hiromu and Taiji already, Kushida has all but locked in a spot in the semifinals.
Awesome win for Eagles over Sho, and Sho might have to give a lot of people title matches for the Summer. Awesome main event for Desperado and Blake, and a great win for Desperado here. No more undefeateds in this run, and a win over the A Block leader could be a sign that Desperado is going to the semifinals one way or another. However, in more unfortunate news is that Akira did end up legitimately injured during his match, as confirmed by NJPW themselves. Here’s hoping Akira can still compete in the tournament, he was doing great for being 2-3. If not, points by forfeit would go to Hiromu, Douki, Eagles and Sho. B Block is really strong with a lot of 3-2 records right now, free points would really help Hiromu, Douki and Eagles move past Taiji, who lost to Akira anyway.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/18/24)
Come together for Round 4!
Who will lead the blocks at the end of tonight?
Four men go into the Best of the Super Junior’s fourth round at 3-0. Will any of them be able to go 4-0? Or will they all run out of luck?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Clark Connors VS Kosei Fujita; Fujita wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Dragon Dia VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: HAYATA VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Hayata wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Ninja Mack; Douki wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS TJP; Bushi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Blake Christian; Blake wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Taiji Ishimori; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Deperado VS Kevin Knight; Knight wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS SHO; Hiromu wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Titan: 3-0, 6 points
Blake Christian: 3-0, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-1, 4 points
Kevin Knight: 2-1, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-1, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-2, 2 points
HAYATA: 1-2, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-2, 2 points
TJP: 0-3, 0 points
BUSHI: 0-3, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-0, 6 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-0, 6 points
SHO: 2-1, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-1, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 1-2, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-2, 2 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 1-2, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-2, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-2, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 0-3, 0 points
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Clark Connors VS Kosei Fujita!
100 Proof is going strong, but the Ichiban Young Punk isn’t feeling so mighty. Even so, Fujita could make a big leap up the block if he wins here. Will TMDK have a golden ticket to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships? Or will he have to drown his sorrows with No Chaser?
The bell rings and Connors runs right in! Fujita dodges, RANAS, and Connors tumbles out! The fans fire up and Fujita builds speed, but Connors steps aside. So Fujita goes to the apron and PENALTY KICKS! The fans fire up with Fujita while Connors flounders back into the ring. Fujita storms after Connors, CHOPS him, then has him in a corner. Fujita CHOPS again, then follows Connors to another corner. Fujita CHOPS again, Connors snarls, and he goes to the fourth corner. Fujita CHOPS, Connors shoves him away. Fujita runs back in but Connors TOSSES him up and out! The fans boo while Fujita flounders.
Connors goes out after Fujita, drags him up, and runs him into a POST! Connors shouts, the fans cheer, but then Connors takes a fan’s TMDK shirt! Connors CHOKES Fujita with it, then throws it at a Young Lion. Connors then storms down the aisle, comes back for Fujita, and tells fans to shut up with the booing. Connors stands Fujita up and fans move aside! Connors BOWLS Fujita into the chairs! Strike! The fans boo, Connors tells them off but the fans tell him off back. Connors says no one boos him! Nobody! Connors takes a chair, throws it down on Fujita, then does it again and again with more chairs!
The ref reprimands, Connors leaves Fujita behind, and the fans rally up for Fujita. Fujita rises as the ring count starts, but Connors paces around the outside as he waits. The count reaches 10 of 20, then 13. Connors chuckles as Fujita crawls, but then Connors shoves a Young Lion into Fujita! Connors leaves Fujita behind and we’re at 17! 18! Fujita slides in at 19! Connors is mad at the ref for the slow count! The ref defends his count was fair. Connors tells fans off, has a cocky cover on Fujita, but the ref refuses to count. Connors scrapes Fujita’s face, drags him up, and snap suplexes! Then Connors runs to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up for Fujita but Connors is frustrated. Connors drags Fujita up, but Fujita blocks the snap suplex! The fans rally as Fujita continues to block. Connors throws body shots, but Fujita CHOPS! Connors wobbles, Fujita CHOPS again! Connors UPPERCUTS, Fujita wobbles and Connors runs, but into a LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita rises, waits on Connors, and then runs up to CHOP in the corner! Fujita snapmares Connors, goes up and out, and the fans rally as he takes aim. Fujita springboards back in, but into a SPEAR! Connors shakes his head, whips Fujita, and SNAP POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Fujita survives! Connors goes to a corner and takes aim. Connors barks, runs in, SPEAR!! Cover, but Connors lets off!? Connors grins and wags his finger, he wants Fujita to hurt! Connors calls out “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE! F you, punk!” Connors steps through to steal the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Fujita endures, the fans rally up, and Fujita claws his way around! But Connors drags him back! Fujita claws at the mat, powers up and has the ROPEBREAK! Connors lets go in frustration, The Sniper he is not. But Connors stomps Fujita around and drags him up. Connors reels Fujita in and calls his shot!
But Fujita fights the lift, wrenches and waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Connors is still in this but Fujita still holds on! Connors fights the lift, throws an elbow, but Fujita CLUBS him back! Fujita runs, but Connors goes the other way! JEEP FLIPPER!! The fans boo but Connors reloads in the corner! Fujita slowly rises, Connors runs in again, SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fujita survives and the fans are thunderous! Connors CLUBS away on Fujita, drags him up, but Fujita’s a ragdoll! The ref checks but Connors CLUBS Fujita more. But Fujita trips Connors, rolls and ties the legs up, QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH!!
Connors endures, reaches out, scrambles forward, but Fujita gets the arms! QUEEN ANGELITO’S SURFBOARD!! Connors endures, but Fujita has the chinlock now to really pull him back! Connors TAPS, Fujita wins!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by submission (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
Connors got cocky and now he pays for it! How will he explain this one to Bullet Club? As for Fujita, The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will they be aiming for those tag titles after this tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Dragon Dia VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Infinity Carat Diamond isn’t shining quite as bright as he’d hope being the bottom of this block. However, 44 Caliber hasn’t quite hit the mark, either. Will Dia be unbreakable even now? Or will he start to crack under the pressure?
The bell rings and the two stare down. The fans rally for Dia and the two circle. They tie up, and Drilla shoves Dia down! Drilla laughs and mockingly apologizes. Dia fires himself up, ties up with Drilla again, but Drilla THROWS Dia away! Drilla eggs Dia on, and Dia stands back up. Dia dodges to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Drilla shoves, Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl arm-drag! The fans fire up and Dia keeps moving. Dia tilt-o-whirls twice, DEJA VU RANAS! The fans fire up and Drilla goes out to the apron! Dia GAMANGIRIS him down, then PLANCHAS, but Drilla catches him! Drilla pops Dia around, but Dia slips free to arm-drag again!
The fans fire up while Drilla writhes on the floor. Dia catches his breath, the fans rally up, and Dia drags Drilla up. Dia puts Drilla in, the fans applaud, and Dia hurries to bring Drilla up. Drilla CHOPS back! Dia comes back to CHOP, and CHOP, and CHOP! Drilla spins to CHOP! Drilla snarls, runs, but Dia DROPKICKS him! Drilla stays up, Dia runs up to ENZIGIRI! Dia fires up, drop toeholds Drilla, then runs up, 6- NO! Drilla blocks the call, brings Dia up, but Dia slips free and DROPKICKS Drilla onto ropes! Redial, 619! Dia then slingshot CORKSCREW SPLASHES! The fans fire up as Drilla goes out, and Dia ASAI MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up again as Dia continues to bring out the Ultimo Dragon arsenal! Dia drags Drilla up and into the ring, then aims from a corner. The fans rally, Drilla stands, and Dia runs up, roll and- NO, Drilla fights it! But Dia rains down fists, and hits REPTILIAN RANA! Cover, TWO and Drilla sunset flips! To deadlift and POWERBOMB! Flip over, and Canadian Rack! DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, Drilla wins!!!
Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
Perhaps Drilla learned from watching Connors fail that you don’t show mercy, you get the job done! Will 44 Caliber continue to go for the kill until he’s the Best of the Super Juniors? As for Dia, he is still at the bottom, is he about to break?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: HAYATA VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Silence of Darkness and the Heel Master are near the back of the pack, both hoping to claw their way up. Will the GHC National Champion make quite the impact in the fourth round? Or will Kanemaru make things a bit hazy with his whiskey?
Oh well of course Kanemaru attacks during Hayata’s entrance! House of Torture 101 is do whatever you can to get the edge! Kanemaru then drags Hayata up to POST him! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Kanemaru stomps Hayata. Kanemaru tells the ref to leave him alone, even pushes him aside, and then he stomps Hayata. Hayata gets out of his coat but Kanemaru brings him around to SMACK off the commentary table! Kanemaru then drags Hayata by a leg, turns him over, and SMASHES the knee on the floor! Hayata writhes, Kanemaru leaves him behind, and the fans rally up. The ref checks, Hayata seems okay to continue.
Hayata gets in the ring, the bell rings, and Kanemaru is right on Hayata with a whip. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out! Kanemaru then drags Hayata up for a SHIN BREAKER! Kanemaru drops an elbow on the leg, then traps the leg in a toehold. Hayata tries to fight back but Kanemaru cranks the knee! The fans rally as Hayata endures, crawls over, and has the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go, but then drags Hayata from ropes to YANK the bad leg! Hayata writhes, Kanemaru storms up and stomps the bad leg! Hayata grits his teeth as he sits up, but Kanemaru grabs the leg, trips Hayata, and has a standing toehold!
Hayata endures as Kanemaru twists the ankle! Hayata pushes back but Kanemaru traps the leg for a KNEE JAMMER! Kanemaru lets off to then drag Hayata from ropes, and turn him for the HALF CRAB! Hayata endures, the fans rally, but Kanemaru sits deep! The fans rally as Hayata fights his way forward, to the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru holds on until the ref counts 4. The fans boo but Kanemaru looms over Hayata. Kanemaru stomps Hayata’s leg, but Hayata rises to fire forearms! Kanemaru kicks the bad leg, then grabs it for a SHIN BREAKER! Hayata falls over and Kanemaru paces around.
Kanemaru taunts Hayata, kicks him around, slaps him around, then kicks him some more. Hayata stands to ROCK Kanemaru! And ROCK him again! Kanemaru CLAWS the eyes! Kanemaru whips but Hayata reverses to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up and Hayata gets up. Hayata goes to a corner, runs up and SHOTGUNS Kanemaru down! Hayata slaps the bad leg into working and the fans rally up. Hayata runs in at the corner, but into a BOOT! Kanemaru runs up but Hayata dodges! Hayata BOOTS back, goes up, and reels Kanemaru in, TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while Hayata crawls for the cover, TWO!
The fans rally behind Hayata as he drags Kanemaru up. Hayata scoops and SLAMS Kanemaru into a drop zone, then goes up the corner. Hayata manages the second-rope MOONSAULT but FLOPS as Kanemaru moves! Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg! Kanemaru steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Hayata endures as Kanemaru thrashes and puts on the pressure! The fans rally, Hayata reaches out, and he fights to turn things, only for Kanemaru to turn it right back! Hayata endures, keeps fighting, and he turns things over! Kanemaru turns them back over but now they’re in the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru needs the ref to undo the hold?!
The ref pulls at the figure four, Kanemaru lets Hayata free, but then Kanemaru stomps Hayata. Kanemaru drags Hayata up to suplex, but Hayata slips free! But the leg jams! Kanemaru goes up, DEEP- DROPKICK! Hayata counters the flying DDT and now he brings Kanemaru up. Hayata cross the arms, STRAITJACKET DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Hayata brings Kanemaru up again. 403- NO, Kanemaru fights the DDT, trips Hayata, but Hayata cradle counters! TWO!! Hayata kicks, runs, but Kanemaru sends the ref into him! ENZIGIRI! The fans boo while both ref and Hayata go down!
Kanemaru mockingly checks on the ref, then gets his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a swig, brings Hayata up, but Hayata smothers him! Kanemaru pushes Hayata away, but then Hayata ducks the mist! Hayata waistlocks, but he blocks the mule kick! LOW BLOW!! And then 403 IMPACT!! Cover, Hayata wins!!
Winner: Hayata, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
The Heel Master tried to sneak one past the ref, but he ended up tasting his own medicine! Will he just have to drown his sorrows in what’s left of his whiskey? Will Hayata be able to turn things around now that he’s broke even at 2-2?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Ninja Mack!
Japones del Mal was riding high after beating Hiromu, but Drilla drove him right back down to Earth. As for the American Shinobi, he got cheated by Sho just like anyone else. Who rebounds from last round to head back up the block?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for Douki. Mack offers a handshake, and Douki accepts. The fans cheer the sportsmanship and the two circle. They tie up, Douki powers Mack back but Mack puts Douki in the corner. The ref counts, Mack lets off, and the fans applaud. They rally for “NINJA! NINJA!” The two tie up again, go around and end up in a corner. Douki turns things around on Mack, but lets off as the ref counts. The fans rally up for Douki again, and he ties up with Mack. Mack wrenches the arm to wristlock, but Douki rolls. Mack rolls with him! Douki rolls back but Mack rolls with him again!
Douki stands, they both cartwheel, and Mack keeps the wristlock! The fans rally, Douki spins and reaches back to headlock. Douki grinds Mack down but Mack powers up and out. Things speed up, Mack hurdles but Douki leaps over! Mack kips up, whips but Douki reverses. Douki drops down but Mack handstand walks over! Then Mack handsprings back to RANA, but Douki handsprings through! Things keep moving, Douki tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Mack handspring and flips through! The fans fire up as the two stand off! Mack and Douki reset, and Mack takes a fighting stance. He eggs Douki on, and the fans rally up for Douki!
Douki strikes a fighting stance of his own! The two circle, and Mack kicks first! Douki blocks that but then Mack blocks the uppercut! Douki SOUTHPAW HELL STABS! Then he reels Mack in for a DDT! The fans rally, Mack goes to a corner, but Douki is on him with a whip. Douki ELBOWS Mack down, covers, TWO! The fans applaud, and Douki stalks Mack. Mack fires body shots! Douki KNEES low, runs, but Mack pops Douki up to “HADOUKEN!” palm strike! Douki falls back, Mack takes aim from the corner. Mack runs up, UPPERCUTS and then sends himself up and out! The fans fire upas Mack returns to RAM into Douki!
Mack slingshots to sunset flip, but Douki rolls through. Mack reels Douki in, lifts, but Douki slips free! Mack HOOK KICKS, whips, but Douki reverses! Mack headstands in the corner then BOOTS Douki down! High stack cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Mack tells Douki to just quit already. Mack drags Douki up, winds up, but Douki ducks the buzzsaw! Douki waistlocks, Mack switches, but Douki throws elbows. Douki goes to run but Mack reels him in. Douki kicks free, but Mack ducks the enzigiri to HEEL STAB! Mack runs up but Douki BOOTS him! Douki’s on the apron, DAY- CHOP!
Mack sends Douki down and then he builds speed! The fans fire up as Mack handsprings, but into a waistlock! Douki wheelbarrows but Mack slips free to roll Douki up! TWO, into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Mack endures and stays on his feet, but Douki pulls! Mack headstands for a cover?! TWO!! SUPERKICK!! Douki flops out of the ring, Mack fires up! The fans rally, Mack handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! The fans are thunderous and Mack brings Douki back up! Mack puts Douki in, covers, TWO! Mack hurries to get Douki up and reel him in. Mack lifts for the RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives and the fans fire up again!
Mack fires up and calls for the finish! Mack goes up and NINJA- NO, Douki moves! Mack rolls through, but Douki BOOTS him! Douki goes up, Mack UPPERCUTS first! Mack goes up the corner after Douki, to SUPER STEINER that Douki sunset flips! TWO, but into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Mack fights around, reaches out, but Douki rolls him from ropes! ITALIAN STRETCH 32!! Mack is fading, he QUITS! Douki wins!!
Winner: Douki, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
The Mack attack could not stop Douki, and now The Italian Stretch #32 has two victims! Will Mack be able to get back up? Will Douki still find his way to the top of the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS TJP!
A critical showdown is happening right here in the middle of the card! Neither Black Mask nor Public Enemy is on the board yet with their 0-3 records, something’s gotta give! Who leaves the other behind with a daunting 0-4 start?
The fans already rally and duel, “T J P! T J P!” “BU~SHI! BU~SHI!” The bell rings, both rush in, but TJP avoids the low dropkick! TJP stomps Bushi, strips Bushi of his LIJ shirt and throws it away! TJP whips Bushi to a corner, runs in, but Bushi BOOTS him! Bushi goes up to M- DROPKICK! The fans fire up and TJP goes corner to corner, to ELBOW! TJP then stomps Bushi down, and scrapes Bushi’s, well, mask really. TJP runs side to side, but he jumps over Bushi’s dropkick! TJP whips Bushi, Bushi reverses, but TJP goes Spider-Man, only for Bushi to dropkick him down! Bushi builds speed, but TJP returns to LARIAT!
The fans fire up was Bushi tumbles out. TJP builds speed, and he WRECKS Bushi with a dropkick! The fans fire up as TJP throws the crown up. TJP brings Bushi around, and POSTS him! The fans rally again as TJP stands in the ring. TJP goes back out to fetch Bushi and put him in the ring. TJP pounds the mat, fans clap along, “T! J P! T! J P!” Bushi rises, TJP runs up, ONE BY- NO, Bushi ducks and TJP almost runs into the ref! Bushi runs up, TJP dodges, and Bushi almost runs into the ref! TJP kicks low, reels Bushi in, and uses the ref in the TORNADO DDT! Cover, but the ref goes down! TJP realizes his mistake!
TJP checks the ref, goes back for Bushi, but he smothers Bushi to contain the mist! TJP then works up a BLOOD MIST but Bushi ducks! BLACK MIST!! Bushi reels TJP in, backslide and BUSHI ROLL! BUSHI WINS!!
Winner: Bushi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
The Public Enemy tried to make things fast and furious but it all backfired! Bushi finally has points, is there still a chance he can take the block? As for TJP, what is he supposed to do to get out of this awful slump?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Timesplitter must have turned back time somehow, because he is 3-0 and doesn’t look to be slowing down! Will he be able to keep it up? Or will the Sniper of the Skies be the first major speedbump?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Fans start a “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” but it’s not quite as strong as other times. Kushida and Eagles knuckle lock, then Kushida steps over to wrench and cravat. Kushida brings Eagles to his knees but Eagles fights up. Eagles wrenches Kushida’s arm, wrenches it again and top wristlocks, but Kushida endures. The fans rally, Kushida slips around to waistlock, full nelson, then he spins Eagles to arm-drag him down. Kushida wrenches the arm to a hammerlock, pulls on it, but Eagles endures. Eagles sits up, rolls around and drop toe holds to facelock. Kushida rolls free and the fans cheer.
Kushida and Eagles reset, Kushida gets a leg, and then slips to a headlock. Eagles powers up and out, Kushida runs him over! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles but Kushida leaps then backs up, to get the legs! Kushida turns Eagles over for a SEATED SURFBOARD! Eagles endures, fights up, and he fights to turn things around. The fans rally, Eagles gets an arm free and he goes up and around to arm-drag Kushida away! Eagles then runs to CHOP BLOCK the legs out! The fans fire up while Kushida clutches a knee. Eagles grabs that leg, isolates it, SLAPS it around, then winds up to PENALTY KICK the leg!
Eagles says he scores with that kick, then he stalks Kushida to a corner. Eagles CHOPS, then follows Kushida to another corner. Eagles UPPERCUTS, stomps the bad leg, then digs his boots in! The ref counts, Eagles drops back, and Kushida goes to the apron. Eagles goes out after Kushida, SLAMS the bad leg on the apron, and the fans applaud. Eagles goes to the crowd to fire them up, then he steps back into the ring. Eagles stalks Kushida, but Kushida CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Eagles kicks the bad leg! Kushida falls over, but Eagles gets the leg to step over. Eagles has a standing toehold, then SNAP LOCKS it!
Eagles ties the legs up in a FIGURE FOUR! Kushida endures, the fans rally, but Eagles keeps Kushida from ropes! Kushida rolls, Eagles rolls, and they end up in the ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets off the hold, brings Kushida up, and he puts Kushida in a corner. Eagles wrenches, whips, but Kushida barely makes it corner to corner! Eagles runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Kushida sits down, Eagles comes back, METEORA! Eagles fires up and the fans are with him! Eagles drags Kushida to a high stack, TWO! Kushida also has the ropes, but Eagles goes up the corner. The fans rally as Eagles aims, but Kushida is up to GAMANGIRI!
Kushida shakes out the bad leg, climbs up after Eagles, but Eagles fires body shots and forearms! Eagles HEADBUTTS Kushida away! Kushida comes back to HANDSPRING KICK! Eagles falls to the apron then the floor! The fans rally up, Kushida goes to the apron and runs up, FLYING KNEE to the bad arm! Eagles hobbles away but Kushida gets him in the ring. Kushida takes aim, and he KICKS Eagles in the leg! And KICKS again! Kushida whips, Eagles reverses but Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Kushida roars! Kushida goes to a corner, Eagles goes to the other. Kushida runs in, but Eagles dodges!
Eagles returns but Kushida HIP TOSSES him! Kushida handsprings to basement DROPKICK, but Eagles catches the bad leg! HEEL HOOK!! Kushida scrambles around, gets free, but Eagles keeps him from ropes! KNEEBAR!! Kushida endures again and the fans rally up! Kushida drags Eagles along, reaches out, but Eagles drags him back! Kushida basement O’Conner Rolls! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men stand, Kushida runs up to KICK Eagles’ arm! And KICK! And KICK, but into the TURBO- NO, Kushida turns backpack into takedown! ARMBAR!! Eagles flails, fights around, rolls and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Kushida lets go in frustration.
The fans rally while both men are down and catching their breath. Eagles stands, but Kushida runs up to DROPKICK the bad arm! Kushida spins Eagles to ROLLING ELBOW! Eagles avoids the Penalty Kick! Kushida ducks the Roundhouse! Eagles avoids the Fastball to steal the FASTBALL! Kushida wobbles, Eagles reels him in but the bad arm holds him back. Eagles switches sides to cravat, SLICED- NO, Kushida slips free! Kushida jumps on for the HOVERBOARD!! Eagles endures, the fans fire up, and Eagles reaches out. Kushida goes after that arm now! Eagles clasps hands behind his back to stop that!
Eagles wrenches free to ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! ENZIGIRI! Kushida falls and Eagles roars! The fans fire up again and Eagles brings Kushida up. But Kushida cradle counters, then deadlifts into BACK TO THE FUTURE! But Kushida can’t hold onto the package! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Kushida vows to finish this, and he gets Eagles up. Fisherman, BACK TO THE- CRADLE! Kushida gets free, but Eagles gets around, schoolboy with bridge! TWO!! Kushida runs up, wheelbarrow, somersault then roll over! PENALTY KICK to the bad arm!! Eagles flounders around, stands, but Kushida jumps up! Into TURBO BACKPACK!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! Eagles crawls to a cover, TWO!! But Eagles ties up the legs! Kushida kicks free, Eagles SUPERKICKS back! Eagles runs up, TRIGGER!! Cover, EAGLES WINS!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
Eagles pulled The Trigger and he shot down the former SIX-TIME Junior Heavyweight Champion! Will the Soul of PWA Champion soon prove he’s the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Blake Christian!
It’s another critical showdown as El Inmortal and All Heat are both undefeated at 3-0! Titan wants to return to the finals and take that trophy, can he get through the GCW Champion to stay on course?
The bell rings and the two circle. Titan runs up, Blake dodges then whips. Titan goes up and over, handsprings away, and the fans fire up. Titan comes back, Blake slips out to the apron then flips away. Titan WRECKS Blake with a dropkick, builds speed, but Blake slides in as Titan rolls and flips up and out! Blake comes back to FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Blake brings Titan up, wrenches, then he wraps the arm around the post! The ref reprimands and counts, Blake lets off at 4, and the fans boo. Blake brings Titan up, puts him in, and he mockingly calls “Titan~” like the fans.
Blake HIP DROPS Titan, traps one arm, then stands on the bad one! Blake hushes the fans, so they can hear the SNAP! The fans boo while Blake mocks Titan’s pain. Blake brings Titan around into a keylock and he pulls on the arm! Titan scrambles forward to the ROPEBREAK! Blake SLAMS the arm down as he lets off! The fans boo but Blake flexes. Blake stands Titan up but Titan CHOPS! Titan fires forearms but Blake ROCKS him back! Blake snarls and he whips Titan to ropes. Titan reverses to TORNADO DDT, but Blake handsprings through! Titan is rather impressed! Titan runs up, but into a wheelbarrow, somersault and KNEE DROP on the bad arm!
Blake waits on Titan to rise up, then he builds speed, but Titan goes Matrix! Titan CALF KICKS back and the fans fire up! Titan runs up, but Blake puts him on the apron! Titan blocks a punch to GAMANGIRI! Titan springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Blake tumbles out, the fans fire up and Titan builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Blake! The fans fire up and Titan rises! The ring count starts, Titan shakes out the bad arm and stalks Blake. Titan KICKS Blake at 10 of 20, drags him up and puts him in at 14, and the fans applaud. Titan pushes Blake to a cover, TWO! Titan keeps cool and the fans rally up.
Blake sits up, Titan CHOPS him! Blake CHOPS back! Titan CHOPS again, so Blake CHOPS again! They stand, and Titan CHOPS! Blake fires a forearm, then another, then another! Blake fires a flurry, winds up, but Titan kicks, kicks, SOBATS and SUPERKICKS! Blake ends up in a corner, and Titan runs in, but Blake BOOTS him! Blake somersaults to NECKBREAKER! Titan kips right up to PELE! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Titan rolls his way to a corner and the fans rally as he climbs. Titan aims but Blake avoids the double stomps! Blake RAMS Titan into the corner! Blake RAMS Titan in again and again, then YANKS the and arm!
Blake goes corner to corner, but Titan BOOTS him! And SOBATS! KICKS! Palm strikes and WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up, Titan roars, and Titan skins the cat to the top rope! DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Blake writhes, Titan pushes him to a cover, TWO!! The coup de grace wasn’t enough but the fans rally up behind Titan. Titan roars, drags Blake around, but Blake hooks him for a cradle! TWO! SCREW HIGH KICK! The fans rally again, Blake mocks Titan’s pose. Blake whips, Titan reverses, TORNADO DDT! And it hits this time! Titan wants Blake to get up, and Blake goes to a corner. The fans rally for Titan as he runs in, LOCO- JUMP KICK from Blake!!
Blake goes to the apron, springboards in, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, BLAKE WINS!
Winner: Blake Christian, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)
Even the GCW Champion is a little surprised, but he says it is his time now! Is that true with him as the first to reach 4-0? Or will this one loss motivate Titan to fight that much harder to win the rest?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Nova Fireball’s flame is flickering, but The Bone Soldier has been shooting down everyone in his way so far. Can Akira reignite and rise to the occasion? Or will B Block see #ItsReborn?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” as the two circle. Akira and Taiji tie up, Taiji headlocks and he grinds the hold. Akira fights up, powers up and out, but Taiji runs him over. Taiji runs, Akira drops down, hurdles, but then Taiji hurdle and drops down. But Akira RANAS Taiji out! The fans fire up and Akira builds speed, slides, but Taiji ducks under! Taiji scoops, Akira slips free and shoves Taiji! Taiji stops from hitting post, then dodges Akira. Akira stops from hitting the post, but then Taiji pokes him in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Taiji whips and POSTS Akira! Taiji then grabs bell hammer and a chair!
The fans boo but Taiji only has the hammer as the ref reprimands him. Taiji throws the hammer into the ring, the ref goes after it, and Taiji grabs the chair! Taiji runs up to JAM Akira in the head! Then Taiji SMACKS Akira on the back! Taiji soaks up the cheers and jeers, then leaves Akira behind. The ref checks on Akira, and Taiji unties the blue buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is in play as Akira scrambles into the ring. Taiji is on Akira with a wrench, ELBOW BREAKER, and snapmare. Taiji steps over to hammerlock the arm, then cradles Akira into the ARMBAR! Akira endures, flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Taiji lets go at 4. Akira shakes out the bad arm, the fans boo but Taiji tells the fans to shut up. Taiji stomps Akira to a corner, wraps the bad arm around ropes, but the ref counts. Taiji lets go at 4, CLUBS Akira on the neck, then whips him corner to corner. Taiji runs in but blocks boots to put Akira in the ropes. ENZIGIRI, then SLIDING- FLYING CUTTER! Akira gets Taiji first and the fans rally up again. “A! KI RA!” rises but Taiji claws the eyes! Taiji whips, Akira reverses to wrench, straitjacket, and NECKBREAKER! Akira runs to basement dropkick! Taiji bails out and the fans fire up!
Akira aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Taiji and the fans fire up with Akira! Akira puts Taiji in, goes up a corner, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Taiji is still in this but the fans still rally behind “A! KI RA!” Akira shakes out the bad arm, drags Taiji up, SPEED- NO, Taiji blocks the twist! Akira cravats to throw knees in, then tries again. But Taiji wrenches out to WRING the bad arm! Taiji scowls while he stalks Akira. Taiji drags Akira up, whips him to ropes, but Akira reverse. Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire back up. Taiji checks his head and neck, then goes back for Akira.
Taiji drags Akira up, and then POSTS him in the open corner! The ref reprimands, but Taiji hammerlocks and scoops to SHOULDER BUSTER! Akira writhes and Taiji drops back to the corner. Akira slowly rises as the fans rally up again. Taiji runs in to tilt-o-whirl, but Akira fights off La Mystica! Akira powers up to ROCK Taiji! Taiji ROCKS Akira! Akira shouts and ROCKS Taiji! Taiji shakes it off to ROCK Akira! The forearms go back and forth, then Taiji LARIATS! Akira stays up, Taiji runs, but Akira dodges. Taiji dodges but runs into the COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO! Taiji is still in this but Akira goes to a corner.
The fans fire up as Akira pounds the mat. “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” Akira powers up, runs in, but Taiji ducks the Fireball! LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!!! Akira endures but Taiji pushes on that bad arm! Akira reaches out, claws his way over, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes! Akira rolls to a cradle, TWO!! Akira stands, Taiji scoops him into CIPHER- NO, Akira sits on the clutch! TWO!! JUMP KNEE! Taiji roars, BANG, and he reels Akira back in. BLOODY- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!!! Taiji escapes, Akira SUPERKICKS! Taiji wobbles, Akira knuckle locks to go up and up and TORNADO DDT! Taiji staggers around, into the FIREBALL!! Cover, Akira wins!!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Akira is all fired up now as he just took down one of the top guys in this block, if not the entire Junior Heavyweight Division! Is this a sign that Akira can become the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Taiji be able to reload after this loss to still keep a top spot in the tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Deperado VS Kevin Knight!
The Rogue Luchador and The Jet are both just outside the top spots, but now the way is open! Will Desperado ground Knight’s flight? Or will Knight be just too fly to stop him now?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “DE-SU-PE!” as he and Knight stare down. The two circle, feel things out, and then tie up. Desperado wrenches, wristlocks, but Knight rolls and wrenches through. Knight wristlocks, Despe reaches back to cording hold then wrench. Despe whips, Knight reverses and hip tosses! The fans cheer as Knight says he is tsuyoi! Despe gets up, Knight kicks him low. Knight whips, Despe reverses but Knight goes up and over! Despe trips Knight and goes for the leg! STRETCH MUFFLER! Knight scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Despe thrashes the leg all the same! Red Shoes counts, Despe lets off at 4.
Despe grabs Knight’s leg again, drags him back, but Knight stands up. Despe ducks the enzigiri, flips Knight, but Knight lands out! Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to rally with big forearms! Knight then scoops to SLAM Despe, and JUMP SPLASH! Knight flexes, covers, TWO! The fans rally while Despe goes to a corner. Knight runs in to clothesline! Despe shoves Knight, ROCKS him with a palm strike, then another, then another! Knight UPPERCUTS back! Despe boots, Knight blocks, but Despe boots him away. Despe goes up but Knight ROCKS him! Depse ROCKS Knight back! Knight leaps to UPPER- NO, Despe stops it!
Despe then has the leg for a HANGING HALF CRAB! Red Shoes reprimands and counts! Despe lets Knight go, then hops down. Despe SPLASHES the bad leg! The fans rally, Despe drags Knight to the corner, and he SLAMS the leg into the post! Knight flops to the floor while the fans are torn, but Despe shrugs it off. Despe stands on the bad leg, then he SMASHES it on the floor! Knight flounders away and clutches the knee. Red Shoes wants this in the ring, and Knight hops in, but Despe follows after. Despe grabs Knight’s leg, steps over, and drops a leg on the knee! Knight writhes, but Despe hooks him up into an INDIAN DEATHLOCK!
Knight endures, Despe sits up and he pushes on the knees. Knight keeps his shoulders up, and he CHOPS! Despe eggs him on, Knight CHOPS more! Knight CHOPS, Despe “falls” and that puts more pressure on the legs! Knight reaches out, Despe mocks the “KE-VI-NN!” chants, but Knight fights to the ROPEBREAK! Despe undoes the leglock, then “Oops!” he falls on the bad leg! Red Shoes reprimands Despe’s usual tricks, but he brings Knight up. Knight throws body shots but Despe eggs him on. Knight throws a forearm, so Despe kicks the leg out! Despe whips corner to corner but Knight barely makes it halfway!
Despe storms up, but he avoids Knight’s dropkick! Despe gets the legs again and rolls into a STRETCH MUFFLER! Knight endures, reaches out, and he rolls free! Despe staggers up, into a DROPKICK! The fans cheer but that was a bit double-edged given Knight’s bad leg. The fans rally, Knight hobbles to a corner, and manages to run! Knight rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT, then whips. Despe reverses, Knight stops himself, and then Knight DUMPS Despe out! Knight manages to PLANCHA! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Knight says he’s still tsuyoi, and he puts Despe in. The fans rally up and Knight takes aim from the apron.
Knight shakes out the bad leg, steps inside to go up the corner. FLYING LARIAT! Knight still hobbles on the bad leg, but he brings Despe up to fireman’s carry! F5!! Cover, TWO!! Despe stays in this, Beast Incarnate, Knight is not. Knight still aims at Despe as he stands, SATELLITE- NO, Despe denies the DDT! Knight rolls under the lariat, PELE, but into an ANKLE LOCK! Roll and STRETCH MUFFLER!! NUMERO DOS!! Knight reaches out, but Despe THRASHES him! Despe drags Knight away from ropes, but Knight still fights with that one free arm! ROPEBREAK!! Despe lets Knight go, and the fans rally up.
Despe stomps the bad arm, reels him in, and underhooks! PINCHE- NO, Knight fights free! Knight leaps, but Despe still holds off the satellite! Despe GOURD BUSTERS, then runs up, but Knight wrenches! EDGE-O-MATIC! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The fans rally and duel as Knight forces himself to stand. Knight goes to Despe, Despe throws body shots. Knight ROCKS Despe and Despe goes to ropes. Knight eggs Despe on, but Despe gets pissed! Despe ROCKS Knight again and again! Knight fires up and DECKS Despe! The fans fire up and Knight drags Despe up. Despe KICKS the bad leg! And then runs to CHOP BLOCK!!
Knight flounders, Despe gets the leg, STRETCH MUFFLER! Knight rolls to a cradle, TWO!! Despe rises, ducks the leg lariat! Knight ducks the regular lariat! Knight puts Despe up top to PELE! Knight fires up and adrenaline helps him climb! Knight drags Despe up but Despe fights the superplex! Despe CLUBS the bad leg, then he shoves Knight down! Knight rolls back, runs up, UPPER ROOM!! The fans fire up with Knight and he aims from the corner! Knight runs to JUMPING DOUBLE STOMP!!! Cover, TWO!!! Despe survives but Knight roars! Despe slowly rises, Knight runs up, SATELLITE DDT!!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!!!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Truly tsuyoi!! The Jet revved his engines and he flew right over Desperado! Knight is now right behind Blake Christian and Titan, will he be flying past one of them, too? Will Desperado be able to rebound and be ready for All Heat in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS SHO!
The Ticking Timebomb only just got on the board last round against “Ryusuke Taguchi,” even though it was really Dragon Dia. But facing The Murder Machine could be his best bet back to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Will Hiromu be ready for every trick in the book? Or will Sho show us something even more dastardly than ever before?
Wait, wait, wait. What is Sho doing with Hiromu’s framed headshot? And Sho gets the mic to say good evening. It his unfortunate duty to inform everyone that Hiromu could not be here tonight. He has a written statement for Abe-san to read. The fans boo this farce, and Sho intimidates Abe into reading it! The letter is supposedly written by Hiromu himself, apologizing to everyone here tonight that he is unable to compete against “the glorious champion, Sho.” Hiromu doesn’t want to “shame the people of Hachioji by losing to Sho.” Therefore, he cannot wrestle and must forfeit this match. Sho then says this is the truth, Hiromu gave him the letter himself.
Sho says that tonight’s main event will not happen, but the fans chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Sho says yes, he was so looking forward to this tonight. He leads the chant in support of Hiromu, and he “hopes” Hiromu will be alright for next round. Hiromu knows how the fans feel, but Sho will send us home happy with a closing word. The Best of the Super Juniors will have more, more, more, more, more, more fun with everyone~!! Wait, Hiromu’s music plays? Is this more Sho’s sarcasm? Red Shoes won’t raise Sho’s hand in victory because he doesn’t believe this for a moment! Wait, Hiromu IS here, all tied up like Ninja Mack was last round!
Hiromu still gets in the ring and he SHOTGUNS Sho down! Hiromu tells Red Shoes that they can get this going! Hiromu CHOKES Sho with the cuffs Sho put on him! The bell rings, Red Shoes reprimands about the choking, so Hiromu lets off. Hiromu stands Sho up but Sho kicks and whips. Hiromu ducks ‘n’ dodges and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Wait, from the look of it, Hiromu has doodles all over his face! The House of Torture was adding insult to injury apparently. Hiromu kicks Sho out of the ring, then he goes to the apron. Hiromu aims and FLYING SHOTGUNS but into a Young Lion!!
Sho uses Shoma Kato as a shield, then he stomps away on Hiromu! The fans boo, Sho just grins and brings Hiromu up. Sho brings Hiromu along by the cuffs, goes to the back segment of the crowd, and he BOWLS Hiromu into a chair. That’s weak, but then Sho takes a fan’s sign and throws it aside. Sho stomps Hiromu, stalks Hiromu with a chair, but Red Shoes reprimands. Sho puts the chair down, and he pulls on the cuffs to torture Hiromu’s hands! Red Shoes reprimands, Sho lets off, and then Sho leaves Hiromu behind for the ring count. The fans boo Sho, the count begins, and the fans rally up for Hiromu.
Hiromu runs in at 5 of 20 but Sho stomps him! Sho TOSSES Hiromu out, goes after him, and grabs the bell hammer! Red Shoes says no, so Sho throws that away. So then he gets as chair to SMACK Hiromu with! Red Shoes reprimands and Sho “apologizes.” Sho drags Hiromu up, scoops him and POSTS him! Sho then SLAMS Hiromu on the floor! The fans boo more but Sho just grins. Sho leaves Hiromu behind while Red Shoes calls for a key. Sho says he doesn’t know where the key to those went, oh well. A Young Lion hurries backstage to search, but Sho gloats like he’s won anyway. The fans boo and Hiromu storms back to the ring.
Sho hurries out after Hiromu so Hiromu leads him on a high speed chase through the crowd! Sho as the corrupt cop chases the noble hero criminal, all to give the Young Lion more time to find that key! The ring count starts, Hiromu stays away since his hands are still bound. But we’re past 10 of 20, Hiromu has to risk it! Hiromu watches Sho closely, then slides in. But Sho kicks low and CLUBS Hiromu down! Sho drags Hiromu up, THROWS him back out, and then goes out after him. Sho grabs his title belt, takes aim, but Red Shoes reprimands. Sho throws the belt aside, goes looking for a chair, but the key is here!
Sho SMACKS Hiromu again! Sho puts Hiromu in, but wait, was that not the right key? The Young Lions have to go looking again! Sho scoops and SLAMS Hiromu! Sho then gets the legs, and he turns Hiromu for the BOSTON CRAB! Sho wants to humiliate Hiromu with a Young Lion level hold! Hiromu endures, fights forward, but Sho drags him back! Sho sits deep on the hold, but Hiromu endures! The Young Lions return, still no luck!! The fans can’t believe it, but the Young Lions search a third time! Hiromu still fights to the ROPEBREAK! Sho lets go but he’s having fun messing with Hiromu now. Sho taunts the fans but they boo.
Sho kicks Hiromu around, taunts him, but Hiromu CLUBS him! Sho says that’s not fair, he used the cuffs as weapons! Red Shoes says Sho’s the one who gave Hiromu the cuffs! Sho avoids Hiromu but Hiromu CLUBS him again! Red Shoes ignores what’s going on, and the fans cheer that justice! Sho CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes, then runs, but Hiromu blows past him to RANA! The fans fire up because Hiromu can still use his legs! Sho bails out, Hiromu has a reprieve, and referee Kevin Sato is here with the key! So Sho gets in his way! The fans boo but Hiromu FLYING SHOTGUNS Sho! And finally, FREEDOM~!
The fans fire up as Hiromu can finally get his hands on Sho! Hiromu winds up but Sho goes scrambling away! Hiromu runs up, drags Sho up and throws him in! Hiromu drags Sho up to whip him to a corner and clothesline! Snapmare and basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu drags Sho up to reel him in. FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Hiromu throws off the shirt House of Torture doodled all over, and he drags Sho up. Hiromu fireman’s carries to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Oh wait, the House of Torture drew poo on Hiromu’s back. He probably doesn’t even know! But Hiromu fireman’s carries again, only for Sho to bend fingers!
Rede Shoes reprimands but Hiromu kicks, KICKS and whips. Sho reverses, Hiromu stops himself and BOOTS back! Then HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Sho grabs at Red Shoes, and YUJIRO is here! Tokyo Pimp attacks Hiromu and drags him down! REVERSE DDT to the floor! Yujiro puts Hiromu in for Sho, Sho drags Hiromu to a cover, but Red Shoes refuses because of how Sho mistreated him! Sho is furious but Yujiro gets on the apron to argue with him. Sho gets the Torture Tool! Sho aims, swings, but Hiromu ducks! Hiromu snatches the wrench, then throws it back to frame Sho! The fans cheer and Sho defends his innocence on this specific moment!
Red Shoes still confiscates the wrench, Hiromu runs, but then Red Shoes is used as a shield! LOW BLOW!! And then Hiromu is shoved into Red Shoes! Sho and Yujiro then stomp away on Hiromu! The fans boo but this is the House of Torture for you. They double whip Hiromu, then Yujiro BOOTS! Sho runs up to clothesline! Sho snapmares Hiromu then sets him up for the FALLING HEADBUTT LOW BLOW! Sho covers and Red Shoes is back to count, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! But Sho vows to end it now. The fans rally for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” but Sho stalks him. Sho brings Hiromu up and in, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?
The fans fire up and Sho is furious! Sho aims his bow and he drags Hiromu back up. Sho double pump handles, but Hiromu fights Shock Arrow! So Sho suplexes! Hiromu slips free to SUPERKICK! Sho wobbles, the fans rally up, and Hiromu grits his teeth. Sho flounders around, comes back, but Hiromu catches him into TRIANGLE D! Sho endures, pops free, and he BITES Hiromu’s thigh!! At least we hope that’s the thigh! Red Shoes reprimands, and Hiromu spits out the fabric from Hiromu’s shorts! Sho grabs Hiromu’s legs, holds him open, and even pushes Red Shoes aside! But Hiromu kicks Sho’s legs out first! And then TRIANGLE D!!
Sho flails inside the hold and the fans rally! Sho fights to stack Hiromu, then deadlifts him! POWERBOMB! But Hiromu holds on!! Sho flails, but he’s fading! Hiromu pulls on the arm as hard as he can! Red Shoes checks, Sho fights up and stacks Hiromu again! Sho deadlifts for a BUCKLE BOMB! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Hiromu and Sho rise, Sho runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, Sho ducks the lariat then runs, but into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu roars and drags Sho up! Fireman’s carry, but Sho CLAWS eyes! Yujiro distracts Red Shoes, and Sho LOW- NO! Hiromu stops that to LOW BLOW Sho!!!
The fans cheer the poetic justice, and then Hiromu fireman’s carries Sho, to RAM him into Yujiro! Then VICTORY ROYALE!! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives but the fans fire up behind Hiromu again! Hiromu waits on Sho to rise, then runs in to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu isn’t done there, he hauls Sho up to OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, Yujiro YANKS Red Shoes out!! The fans boo as the Tokyo Pimp has to get involved again! Yujiro stomps Hiromu, but here comes Bushi! Yujiro kicks Bushi, fires forearms, then runs, but Bushi TOSSES Yujiro right out! Bushi builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Yujiro!
The fans fire up as LIJ supports LIJ! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! And then inverted suplex, TIMEBOMB MK II!!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Justice, true justice, has been served! The villainous Murder Machine loses in the main event he tried to steal, will he finally learn that crime doesn’t pay?
As for Hiromu, he gets a mic and he tells Sho to hold on. Hiromu has to admit, Sho really is amazing. Hiromu ought to commend Sho. AS IF! Sho should apologize to the great people of Hachioji and to all of Japan, the stupid moron! The fans cheer that! And then apparently, Hiromu winning the main event also won him a year’s supply of original Hachioji ramen? And to present the certificate is the owner of SUPER ALPS, Nobuhisa Shiozawa. The fans cheer this great honor for both of them, especially for a Hachioji native like Hiromu. Wait, would Sho have still been given this had he won? Well, all’s well that ends well.
Hiromu and Shiozawa-san have their photo op, and then Hiromu puts his prize aside so he can get back on the mic. The fans chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Hiromu then tells everyone, “I’m home.” The fans cheer with an “Okairi! <Welcome home!>” Hiromu does apologize that it had to be Sho for this match. But Hiromu does want to talk to Bushi. They’re in different blocks, meaning they could end up opponents down the line. Even so, Bushi helped Hiromu out here, and he thanks Bushi for that. The fans applaud that, too! Hiromu then says, “See you in the semifinals, or even the finals!”
Hiromu thanks everyone for coming tonight. He’s still bummed to see empty seats. This building can fit about 5 THOUSAND, it’s that big. The other day, he was in Niigata, went out for a late dinner, and there was a guy at the restaurant who was a fan. “Oh, it’s Hiromu!” All excited to see him and stuff. Hiromu was flattered, glad to chat. Hiromu asked the fan how the show was tonight, and the guy went, “Huh? There was a show tonight?” A funny story, but it also bummed Hiromu out. NJPW needs to promote better. When NJPW goes to all these different places, even the wrestlers try to promote a little.
And this was a guy who watches World Pro-Wrestling TV weekly! Even then, he didn’t know NJPW was in town! It’s not funny, it’s a real problem and NJPW is working to fix it. But it’s also on the wrestlers to promote the shows more. They gotta hit TV, radio, newspapers, everywhere! Plaster the towns with posters! Advertise anywhere and everywhere! The fans applaud that. Hiromu knows Hachioji is a big city, but he also knows there are a lot of people here who love pro-wrestling. But many still miss out on live shows. If they knew, how many do you think would be in here? And Hiromu knows it’d be a whole lot of fun! The fans cheer that!
“That’s why, wherever we go, big or small, we have to reach each and every person. It’s on each and every wrestler to do so. With that kind of promotion, we can let every fan know that wrestling’s in town and pack the house.” The fans cheer in support of that! Hiromu says they haven’t gone as far as they can yet. They can fill up the seats in here! It’s what he wants! This is Best of the Super Juniors, and the finals are gonna main event Osaka-Jo Hall! And of course it’s gotta be Hiromu in that ring, in that spotlight! Hiromu vows to win BOSJ 31! And then he’ll return here next year as the champion! The fans love the sound of that!
Hiromu wants everyone here to remember his words. “Get excited for the next time we’re in town.” And of course, in this BOSJ, they have to have more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE… FUN TOGETHER~! Hiromu is not just aiming for the trophy and the championship, he wants NJPW to have it all! But will he be able to have it all himself as the rounds keep on coming?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Blake Christian: 4-0, 8 points
Titan: 3-1, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-1, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-2, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-2, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-2, 4 points
HAYATA: 2-2, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-3, 2 points
BUSHI: 1-3, 2 points
TJP: 0-4, 0 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-1, 6 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-1, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-2, 4 points
SHO: 2-2, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-2, 4 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 2-2, 4 points
DOUKI: 2-2, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-2, 4 points
Dragon Dia: 0-4, 0 points
My Thoughts:
Another great round for NJPW here with both blocks going in one night. And great news that of all the matches heading towards Dominion, it will be the BOSJ 31 finals that take the main event. I suppose that means Moxley VS Evil will be second to last, with all the usual antics certainly keeping it from being just a real good match. But that aside, the standings took quite a shift here, with Kushida and Taiji both taking their first losses, right as they’re about to face off in Round 5. Knight getting that comeback win on Desperado was great stuff, and Blake Christian coming out as the ONLY 4-0 is some great stuff.
Bushi getting the win over TJP definitely adds to TJP’s crisis of confidence angle, and I suppose Dia losing again shouldn’t be too shocking given Drilla can’t let someone else get a golden ticket off him. Fujita getting one off Connors is great, though, and with Eagles having already beat Drilla, maybe we get Fujita & Eagles VS Connors & Drilla at Dominion, as I don’t see three-fourths of that making the semifinals. And it’d be pretty cool if TMDK got in on feuding with Bullet Club War Dogs as War Dogs transition away from other feuds.
Hiromu VS Sho was really good stuff, especially with these apparent “arrest” antics. Great win for Hiromu, and great promo from him, as well. Hiromu obviously wants Junior Heavyweight wrestling to come into its own, but he also wants NJPW to get back up to where it was before Pandemic. The lack of advertising and promoting was a rather quiet problem as far as an American fan like myself could tell, so I commend on Hiromu bringing that real conversation up and charging his fellow wrestlers and the company with fixing it, not just leaving it up to fans.
My Score: 9/10
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