Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/19/21)

MVP, you got some ‘splaining to do!

Published

3 years ago

April 19, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Is the Hurt Business dealing in Retribution?

How is it that MVP got T-Bar and Mace to attack Drew McIntyre for him? The Scottish Warrior wants to know that himself, tonight on Raw!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win.
Randy Orton VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins.
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Naomi & Lana; Naomi & Lana win.
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker; Elias wins.
2v1 Handicap: T-Bar & Mace VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins, by disqualification.
T-Bar & Mace VS Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman; T-Bar & Mace win, by disqualification.
Damian Priest VS The Miz w/ Maryse; Priest wins.
Open Challenge: Sheamus VS ???; No Contest.
Asuka VS Charlotte Flair; Asuka wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!

The Scottish Warrior isn’t waiting for anything, he wants to know what’s going on with last week’s sneak attack! “Opportunity is a hell of a thing. You can make your own opportunities, you can work hard, you can never give up and make things happen. Sometimes, opportunity just falls right into your lap.” As such, McIntyre mentioned that he would eventually get his championship rematch, and that triggered some superstars in the back. Before McIntyre knew it, Braun stormed out, “Me want title shot first!” and then Randy Orton slithered his way out and wanted his opportunity. McIntyre let it unfold, Adam Pearce made a Triple Threat #1 Contender’s match for WrestleMania Backlash. It was McIntyre’s chance to earn his rematch and he did that, here before you the contender!

Also, with opportunity can have you dive into the deep end. Let’s talkin about Mace & T-Bar! They want to make their name at the expense of McIntyre. They’re not the masterminds, though. McIntyre knows it’s MVP! No idea why those monsters would align with MVP. Are they going to dress up in suits, take off those stupid masks? Or maybe MVP will put a mask on to cover his ugly mug! McIntyre doesn’t know the answers but he doesn’t know when he gets his hands on those “big bastards,” McIntyre will get retribution! But McIntyre is feeling fired up now. He wants a fight! And just on time, it’s MVP!

MVP says McIntyre should’ve expected him to come out here to address these allegations. At WrestleMania 37, he wasn’t expecting Lashley to put him to sleep with the Hurt Lock! Last week’s Raw, he wasn’t expecting T-Bar & Mace to attack! McIntyre groans and says, “Let me guess: you knew nothing about it!” MVP says that this is a tired and worn-out cliché, but McIntyre should expect the unexpected. But where are MVP’s manners? On behalf of Lashley, MVP gives McIntyre a warm and well-deserved congratulations! Lashley feels McIntyre will make a worthy adversary for Lashley to beat again at Backlash, when he puts on the Hurt Lock and puts McIntyre to sleep again.

McIntyre asks MVP if he’s going to stand here and claim he had nothing to do with that attack. MVP says Lashley, the All Mighty WWE Champion, is the Chief Hurt Officer of the Hurt Business, he makes the decisions, and he decided to downsize the Hurt Business. So think for a moment: why would they recruit those guys when Lashley has proven he can win by himself? Yes, but McIntyre remembers Lashley was sending the entire locker room after him. MVP will say this one last time: Mace & T-Bar have ZERO affiliation with the Hurt Business. Look in the mirror, McIntyre. You were arrogantly daring everyone to a fight, so maybe the chickens are coming home to roost.

McIntyre says maybe MVP is telling the truth. Maybe, just maybe, it was all coincidence that MVP walked out after the Triple Threat, and then McIntyre was attacked. Maybe, just maybe, they can talk this out- But Mace & T-Bar return! They HIGH-LOW McIntyre, then drag McIntyre into the ring! They choke grip and dead lift, for HIGH JUSTICE!! MVP is at least impressed by Mace & T-Bar as they leave McIntyre down in the ring. Is this all just coincidence?

Kevin Patrick is at gorilla to interview T-Bar & Mace about what we just saw, and if there is a deal with the Hurt Business. T-Bar says, “Cats, dogs, birds.” And Mace adds, “Porcupines, hedgehogs, snakes, sabre-tooth tigers.” That last one is extinct, gone forever. That is what they’ll do to McIntyre! These two titans are out to destroy, but for who’s benefit?

McIntyre finds Adam Pearce backstage.

“You know what I’m about to say. I want Mace and T-Bar, and I want them tonight.” But he can’t take them on by himself! Yes he can! He doesn’t care if he gets his ass kicked! His first reaction was to get a baseball bat, but he’s doing this the right way, so make the match. He needs a tag partner! No, he doesn’t need anything. Make the match happen or regret it.

Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin VS The Viking Raiders!

It seems once around isn’t enough! PRIME Alexander and the Gold Standard want another shot now that they’re ready for Erik & Ivar! Will they get even with the Vikings, or be run through all over again?

The teams sort out, Benjamin and Erik start, and they approach. They feel out the grapple, Benjamin gets a leg but Erik denies the takedown. They end up in a corner, they throw forearms and Erik gets the edge. Erik runs but Benjamin dodges to get the waistlock. Benjamin manages to get Erik up to throw him down, then Alexander tags in. Benjamin slams Erik down, Alexander basement dropkicks! Alexander talks trash to Ivar, covers Erik, ONE! Another cover, ONE! Alexander fires off hands on Erik in the corner then stomps him down. The ref has Alexander back off, and Alexander digs his knees into Erik.

Benjamin tags in, he drags Erik up, then reels him in for a clothesline! Benjamin drags Erik back up to bump off buckles! Tag to Alexander and Alexander throws forearms. Alexander clubs Erik, talks trash, but Erik ROCKS him with a right! Erik hot tags Ivar! The Warbeard scoops Alexander for a sidewalk slam! Benjamin gets away from the swipe, and Alexander avoids the splash! Alexander mule kicks, tags Benjamin and then dropkicks a leg out, Benjamin KNEES Ivar down! Cover, TWO! Benjamin drags Ivar up, throws haymakers, has Ivar in a corner, but Ivar hits back. Benjamin puts Ivar in a corner, Alexander tags in, and they mug Ivar in the corner.

Ivar hits back, Alexander chokes Ivar in the headlock! The ref counts, Alexander protests but tags in Benjamin. They mug Ivar more but Ivar fires off haymakers and elbows in return! Ivar goes up to SEATED SENTON! Benjamin gasps, but he leaps tog et a leg! Benjamin drags Ivar back, gets an ANKLE LOCK, but Ivar rolls him! Benjamin avoids running into Erik, but Ivar dodges him to hot tag! Erik fires off and roars, but Benjamin reverses the whip to overhead suplex! Cover, ONE! Tag to Alexander, he runs in to forearm smash Erik! And then tornado DDT! Cover, Ivar breaks it! Benjamin fires off on Ivar and throws him out!

Benjamin goes after Ivar but Ivar whips him into railing! Then SPLASHES him against them! Alexander runs, handsprings but Erik catches him! Alexander elbows free, but runs into Ace Ten Mao! Tag to Ivar! Ivar feeds Alexander to the pop up, THOR’S HAMMER!! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall

Two weeks, two wins, two Viking Experiences that Alexander won’t forget! Is it inevitable that the raid will take the Raw Tag Team Championships back?

Backstage interview with Randy Orton.

The Viper lit The Fiend on fire, and surprised many by beating The Fiend at WrestleMania. Is that really the end of it? Orton promises that the Fiend will no longer be seen nor heard from again as long as Orton is still around. No one could’ve done what Orton did to The Fiend! Not even Lashley or McIntyre. McIntyre got lucky enough to win last week’s Triple Threat and now he’s in a title match. But all Orton has to do now is wait for #WrestleManiaBacklash and see who wins. That man will have a target on their back and Orton will be coming for what he truly cares about, and that is the WWE World Championship.

But here comes Riddle on his scooter! Riddle congratulates Orton on the win, because he is the Legend Killer, the Viper and the Apex Predator. But what does “apex predator” even mean? Riddle couldn’t believe Orton beat The Fiend. Riddle lost his title, but he was just thinking that since neither of them have a title, they should be a team! #RKBRO! They can get matching scooters, even! Snake skins and fangs and- Orton walks away. No fangs, then? Get it, like “no thanks?” Well, Riddle strikes out on another business proposition. Will The Bro have to take the long road back to gold?

Raw returns as Orton meets with Pearce.

Orton is “sick and tired” of the lack of respect. Who is that kid with no shoes again? Y’know what, it doesn’t matter. A lesson needs to be learned. Orton wants what’s his name in the ring for a match. Pearce will see what he can do. Is the Viper going to strike down the Bro as an example to the rest of the roster?

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!

Though the Queen will take on the Empress in a continuation of what happened last week, the THIRTEEN TIME WWE Women’s Champion is going to speak! We hear what she has to say, after the break!

Raw returns and Charlotte has the mic as she soaks up the heat and stands in her special hologram spotlight. “So here’s the thing. I came back to Monday Night Raw last week, simply demanding respect from the women’s locker room and the WWE Universe.” After everything she’s given to the business, she didn’t mean to hurt feelings. She was just expressing how she felt. She came back unapologetically Charlotte, “the biggest star in this division. And if any of those rats in the locker room don’t want to believe that, who do you think they were still talking about at WrestleMania, and I didn’t even have a match?” Charlotte was on every single headline!

And the ladies say they don’t like her but they don’t like each other, either! “Aw~ hey, girl~!” So lame, so fake. And Charlotte doesn’t even know why they’re mad at her. They had their match without her, she was the one with a match taken from her! That’s what everyone works towards and it was taken from her! Oh and Rhea beat Asuka, big whoop! Charlotte can beat Rhea and beat Asuka, and even in the same night! That’s why they call her “The Opportunity!” And Charlotte will give Asuka that opportunity while showing Rhea who is the face of this division! And Charlotte respects Asuka as one of the best. Doesn’t means he has to like her. And Charlotte will remind Asuka how much she doesn’t’ like her, and prove why she’s- Being interrupted by Asuka!

The Empress goes right to the ring, gets a mic, but then Rhea shows up! The Raw Women’s Champion has her own mic, and a big smile on her face. Charlotte asks what’s going on. Are they going to gang up on Charlotte? That’s not nice. But after Charlotte beats Asuka, she wants Rhea to take notes on her future and on how great Charlotte is. Rhea tells Charlotte she’ll take her up on that. But knowing Asuka, Rhea already knows she’ll beat Charlotte. Wait, wait, wait. Did you hear that? Rhea thinks Asuka will beat Charlotte? Does no one remember? Charlotte ended Asuka’s streak at WrestleMania! And she talks over Asuka because Charlotte says SHE will be going for the title.

Asuka keeps trying to talk and then shouts, “Tonight, I will beat you, BIIITCH!!” Rhea laughs at Charlotte getting told. Will Asuka make sure Charlotte eats all her words and then some?

Riddle finds Orton again.

“Gonna beat you to the ring~!” The Bro is ready, the Viper is seething, but who hits the other hard enough for the win?

Randy Orton VS Matt Riddle!

The Viper caught The Fiend off guard at Mania and is focused on reminding everyone who he is. Will Orton make sure Riddle remembers the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment?

The bell rings and Orton circles with Riddle. They approach, tie up, and Riddle waistlocks. Orton gets the ropes, Riddle lets off fast, and the two go again. Orton headlocks to a takeover, and he grinds Riddle down. Riddle fights up, Orton thrashes but Riddle puts him on ropes. Riddle turns things around but Orton throws body shots. Orton reels Riddle into a suplex, but Riddle slips out to hop on with a sleeper! Riddle is a backpack with the body scissors, but Orton reaches out. Riddle gets the arm, and Orton is wrapped up! Orton grabs for hair then throws Riddle off! Riddle gets up and the two go again. Riddle gets around, waistlock to the sleeper and body scissors!

Orton RAMS Riddle into buckles! Riddle hops back on! Riddle has Orton caught again, and Orton starts turning red! Orton gets a second wind for a BACKPACK SENTON! But Riddle sits back up! SLEEPER! Orton rolls to ropes and the ref counts. Riddle lets Orton go but Orton gets outside. Riddle goes to the apron but Orton catches the kick to trip Riddle up! Riddle sputters but Orton comes back to bring him up, BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK! Riddle tumbles and hits the barriers as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Orton stomps away on Riddle, especially the bare feet! Riddle writhes and scrambles as he clutches his toes. Orton smiles as he drags Riddle up to scrape his face with boot laces! Orton chokes Riddle on the ropes, the ref counts and Orton lets off at 4. Riddle gets up to CHOP and CHOP and fire off forearms! Riddle whips, Orton reverses and SPINNING POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Orton keeps his cool as he stalks Riddle, and he brings Riddle up by his hair. Orton facelocks, suplexes high and hard, then lets Riddle writhe again. Oroton ROCKS Riddle with a EuroUpper, bumps him off buckles and throws hands. Riddle CHOPS and SLAPS, but Orton pokes eyes!

The ref reprimands but the damage is done and Orton smirks as he stalks Riddle again. Orton has Riddle in a corner and he CHOPS the ribs! And then CHOPS the chest! Riddle CHOPS and forearms back! He fires off over and over, has Orton in a corner then whips him corner to corner. Orton reverses hard and Riddle hits buckles chest first! Riddle falls back while Orton catches his breath. Orton drags Riddle by an arm, covers, TWO! Orton sits Riddle up by his hair, to then dig forearms into the face and wrap on a chinlock. Riddle sputters as Orton grinds the hold. Orton tells Riddle that respect is very important! “You hear me?!” “I hear you!!”

Riddle gets up, fires off body shots but Orton knees low! Orton EuroUppers, runs corner to corner, but Riddle moves and Orton POSTS himself! Riddle comes back with body shots! Orton shoves, Riddle boots! Riddle spins Orton around for a PELE! Orton is down but Riddle kips up! Fans fire up with Riddle as Orton flounders up. Riddle runs corner to corner for a forearm smash! Then side to side for another! Orton fights the exploder off then DECKS Riddle with a right! Riddle is right up to sweep the legs! BROTON! Cover, TWO! Riddle goes to a corner, climbs up, but Orton clubs him down! Orton turns Riddle around but Riddle fights back as Orton climbs.

Orton and Riddle brawl up top, Riddle CHOPS and slaps and throws forearms. But Orton claws Riddle’s eyes! Orton gets Riddle to the very top for a SUPERPLEX! Both men are down but Orton crawls to the cover, TWO! Riddle survives and Orton seethes again. Orton stalks Riddle, runs in but into the HANGING TRIANGLE! Riddle lets go at 4, Orton gasps and sputters now, but he still kicks Riddle in the ropes! DRAPING DDT! Orton has control again, and he paces about as he listens to the voices in his head! Riddle slowly gets up, and he turns RKO into a crucifix takedown! Cover, RIDDLE WINS!!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall

Now that was outta nowhere! Orton isn’t sure what to make of this, but Riddle just put another feather in his cap! Will this huge win be what brings Riddle back towards a title?

Pearce finishes a phone call.

“You know how it is. Must be Monday.” But then he welcomes Sheamus to his office. Sheamus says they’ve been looking for him. Yes, Pearce wants to congratulate Sheamus on winning the US Championship. That’s right! Look at this beaut! But this isn’t just about his ego, right/ What odes Pearce want? Well Sheamus will be a great champion, no doubt, but think about the legacy! The Open Challenge was a major part of this title’s legacy, and one guy in particular made it every week, and that was John Cena. Now, Sheamus isn’t John Cena, and Sheamus makes sure we don’t forget it.

Does Sheamus look like he cares about the past? This is obviously Pearce just trying to butter him up to do an Open Challenge of his own, and… Sheamus will do it. But it won’t be for the title. Pearce still looks forward to it. Will someone use that Open Challenge opportunity to punch their golden ticket?

Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Naomi & Lana!

The Irresistible Force & Queen of Spades have been able to dominate their opponents, but not deter them from trying again. Will the #RavishingGlow finally take the fight to #ShayNia and earn a title opportunity?

Raw returns as Naomi & Lana make their entrance. Naomi starts with Nia and Naomi dodges Nia to kick. Nia chase Naomi to a corner but Naomi hits back. Naomi kicks, Nia blocks but Naomi boots! Tag to Lana, the Ravishing Glow throw knees and double whip, but Nia double reverses! Lana tilt-o-whirls, but Nia fights the Russian Leg Sweep off! Naomi tags in, Lana chop blocks and Naomi LARIATS! Tag back to Lana, she sliding KICKS! Tag to Naomi, she drops the leg! Cover, TWO! Nia shakes out the cobwebs while Naomi is a bit surprised herself. Tag back to Lana, the Ravishing Glow throws more kicks, but they can’t double suplex. Nia DOUBLE SUPLEXES instead!

Tag to Shayna, and she KNEES Lana down! Cover, TWO! Shayna gets Lana’s arm, wants the Kimura, but Lana body shots and rolls her up! TWO, and Shayna DECKS Naomi! Shayna wrenches Lana’s arm, hammerlocks it to the mat, and lets her hair down as Lana begs for mercy. Shayna shows none as she STOMPS Lana’s arm! But here come the #SexyMuscleFriends! Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke tell Nia that though they hate to interrupt, they wanted to show her something they whipped up. Last week, when the champs were laughing at Mandy, Mandy & Dana got the drop on Nia! Nia doesn’t get what that’s about, but Dana says there’s more!

The next bit of footage was Nia slipping and tripping in the ring! Mandy & Dana had a laugh then, but still did retreat before things got worse. Nia is fuming again, and she storms up the ramp! Shayna wanted to tag in, but Nia wants after Mandy & Dana! Lana manages a tag to Naomi! Shayna swings, misses, and the Ravishing Glow hit the DOUBLE FACEBUSTER! Cover, the Ravishing Glow wins!!

Winners: Naomi & Lana, by pinfall

Nia is shocked, but what did she expect? She lost focus and that cost the team! Will the rest of the Women’s Tag Division keep making a mockery of the champions until someone takes those titles off them?

Raw shares Bad Bunny’s post match interview from WrestleMania 37.

WWE Media asked Bunny how he felt being in front of fans at WrestleMania, and Bunny said it was incredible, and he’s super happy and feeling so many other emotions. “It’s been so long since we’ve had an audience, and for this to be my debut, it was incredible and a dream come true.” The fans gave them all great energy. How did it feel working with Damian Priest? It was Bunny’s pleasure, and Priest knows this, too. It’s just been awesome working with him and learning the process and how Priest works. They talked earlier, this is a great honor to have this moment for the Latino community and Puerto Rico. It is something Bunny will remember forever.

Priest adds that anyone who saw that match can tell how hard Bunny worked and how serious he was out there. Bunny wanted to be proud of his performance, and this is a moment Bunny deserves. How was the overall experience working with the WWE for Bunny? Again, incredible. Everyone here showed him so much respect. They quickly accepted him and he respected them, from the coaches to the bosses, everyone. “It was truly a pleasure to work here. I was able to express myself and give my ideas and collaborate with Damian. Overall, it was a great experience,” and he is thankful for the moment.

Bunny also thanks the Latin community on behalf of himself and Priest. Priest says he should thank Bunny, he earned it. El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo 2022 is coming, but it’s SOLD OUT! Hopefully you got your tickets!

The Miz and Maryse head to the ring!

The It Couple is here to host an all-new Miz TV, and Miz gives us the usual intro for the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show. But this is not your typical episode, because tonight Miz is joined by the love of his life, the mother of his lovely children, and the most vivacious woman in the world! Miz says last week couldn’t have gone any better! First, the Most Must-See Mania Match, where Miz made Bunny a household name, “You’re welcome for the sold out tour, BB.” Then, he and Morrison beat Damian Priest! And to top it all off, the return of Miz And Mrs. was a smashing success!

Maryse thanks the fans for watching, and thanks the most awesome man in her life, who is the most awesome husband and father, and the greatest WWE superstar of his generation. Aw, babe~! These two get lovey-dovey but Miz says they are anything but ordinary. Tonight, they deserve a special celebration! Tonight is THEIR night! Miz and Maryse kiss, and pyro goes off! Then they pop the champagne, and Miz says last week was great, but this week will be even better! Maryse serves him a glass, and tonight they celebrate because another episode of their hit reality show will be on the USA Network after Raw! And then Sunday, Sunday, Sunday will be the world premier: WWE 24 – The Miz, the entire incredible career of him, The Miz!

So raise a glass to the man of the hour, THE Most Must-See WWE Superstar of All-Time… Damian Priest? Priest is making his entrance, at least! Priest goes right to the ring, gets himself a mic and says, “I think I speak for everyone when I saw you’re as delusional as Jake Paul thinking he’s a real fighter.” Also, Miz forgot to show the world how he actually earned that victory last week. For one, it was 2v1. And for another, Maryse was there to be a distraction! And then Miz still used ropes to get leverage! Miz won with his pants down. What type of man brags about something like that? Maybe a man who, uh, how to say… Priest says it in Spanish, then explains that Miz has no cojones. If that isn’t clear enough, Priest can translate with his fists.

Maryse uses French to talk trash Priest back. If Priest wants a match with Miz, he’s got it! Wait, what? Priest thanks Maryse because that Is what he wanted. But before Priest forgets, he gets himself a glass, and toasts Miz. Whoa, that is some trash champagne. Maryse SPLASHES Priest with it!! The Archer of Infamy already wanted payback on the Hollywood A-Lister, but will he add a little extra for what Mrs. Must-See just did?

The New Day talk backstage.

But then Riddle scoots in! Congrats on beating Orton, Kofi hates him! Thanks, bros from other mo’s. But he wants to say, “What’s in the case?” Woods is getting his Antonio Banderas on, #TheDesperado. You could put all sorts of crazy things in it! Like birds, so that you can open it up and let the birds fly out. Or maybe coins, like silver dollars. They all have a group moment and shout, “SILVER DOLLAR PANCAKES! AAAAAAAH~!” Okay, okay, Riddle’s gonna get going now. Kofi asks Woods if he understood any of that. Maybe. But those are good ideas. Will Woods show us what’s in the case when Kofi takes on The Drifter?

Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter and his follower are already in the ring as Elias introduces them both. But then there’s a weird reverb. That’s not Elias’ guitar. What’s going on? Elias looks to the stage, and Woods has an electric bass guitar plugged in! Woods is jamming out, Kofi is dancing, and Elias asks if Woods is trying to copy him. Kofi and Woods head to the ring, and Kofi says Woods is the real musician! But will Kofi get Elias to change genres to the blues after tonight?

Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker!

The bell rings and Kofi rushes Elias but Elias KNEES him down! Cover, TWO! Elias drags Kofi up, suplex for the ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!! Elias drags Kofi up again and DECKS him! And then stomps him around! Woods plays more on his base guitar. Is that Stone Cold’s theme? Kofi hits a DOUBLE STOMP! Kofi throws hands, stomps Elias down, and it’s STONE COLD KOFI!! AW HELL~ YEAH! Kofi whips Elias, Elias reverses but Kofi kicks low. Kofi comes back but Elias manages a trophy lift for a hotshot! Elias catches his breath, drags Kofi up, and he suplexes Kofi to hold him up for a count of 10! Kofi crashes down, gets to a corner, and Ryker cheers Elias on.

Elias stomps a mudhole into Kofi now! The ref backs Elias off but he comes back to BOOT Kofi! Elias drags Kofi to the apron to SLAM him on the edge! Elias goes back in, drags Kofi up, knuckle locks and SUPLEXES him! Cover, TWO! Elias clamps onto Kofi’s arm for a top wristlock and thrashes the arm. Kofi endures, fans rally up, and Kofi fights back with haymakers. Elias knees low, whips Kofi to a corner, then runs in but gets the swing kick! Kofi climbs up, leaps and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Kofi mule kicks, fires off more kicks, but Elias shoves. Kofi leaps but into Elias’ arms!

Kofi sunset flips through, Elias rolls through, but Kofi swings around but no SOS as Elias stays up! But not for long, SOS on the second try! Cover, TWO!! Elias gets to a corner, Kofi runs in to forearm smash! Kofi whips corner to corner, Elias goes up but gets caught, so he mule kicks Kofi away! Elias climbs, Kofi stops him with a forearm! Kofi climbs up but Elias throws body shots. Kofi hops down, but springs back up, but Elias denies the Super Steiner! Elias adjusts, leaps, MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, Elias wins!!

Winner: Elias, by pinfall

The Drifter beat an 11-time tag team champion and former world champion! Does this prove Elias belongs after all?

Raw returns to Alexa’s Playground.

Alexa and “Lily” sit on the swings. “Let me tell you a little something about Lily. She didn’t just come into my life around WrestleMania. We’ve actually been best friends for a very, very long time.” One time, they were on a playground just like this. And another girl was being mean to Alexa. She wouldn’t share her ice cream. Alexa doesn’t really like strawberry anyway, but guess what Alexa did? “I shoved that little bitch right off the swing! She fell on her ass and broke her arm!” Alexa got to eat up all the ice cream after that. “That was fun.” And when the teachers asked why, Alexa simply told the truth: “Lily made me do it.” The teachers thought she was bonkers, but if Lily doesn’t like something, she has no problem letting you know.

Lily “tells” Alexa to get to the point. All the little girls on the Raw roster, there’s something you should know: Lily didn’t like him, and she doesn’t like any of you. Alexa laughs and swings. Will she and “Lily” make sure everyone on Raw have a new nightmare haunting them?

Backstage interview with Mandy & Dana.

They managed to embarrass Nia, costing her and Shayna their match. But is this appropriate behavior? Mandy says they’ll stop right there. They are not the bullies, Nia & Shayna are. Mandy slipped at Mania, but Shayna & Nia laughed at it over and over again. And all the other times- Uh oh, here comes Nia! They hurry off, but then Shayna tells Nia to get focused. The only reason they lost was because of Nia! Nia is so distracted lately, so she better start paying attention, “or else.” Or else what? Angel Garza then walks over and asks what Nia sees in that clown, Reginald. Nia has a lot of things going on, will she be able to focus on the titles at all?

2v1 Handicap: T-Bar & Mace VS Drew McIntyre!

Though they may no longer be Retribution, the towering titans might just face retribution! Will the Scottish Warrior slay two problems at once on his road back to redemption?

Raw returns as T-Bar & Mace make their entrance, still using the Retribution theme song but with all new titantron graphics. T-Bar starts but McIntyre rushes him! McIntyre bumps T-Bar off buckles, stomps and CHOPS, then ROCKS him with a right! McIntyre throws more haymakers, but T-Bar hits back! T-Bar throws hands, throws elbows at the ropes, then whips. McIntyre kicks back, CHOPS back, then reels T-Bar into a suplex. T-Bar resists, throws body shots and suplexes, only for McIntyre to resist. McIntyre throws knees, and then suplexes T-Bar up and over! Cover, ONE! That’s normally McIntyre’s thing!

McIntyre stomps T-Bar, headbutts him in a corner, but T-Bar knees back. T-Bar throws elbows, MVP watches backstage and Mace tags in. Mace fires off body shots, throws knees in the corner, but McIntyre hits back! McIntyre CHOPS, whips, but Mace reverses! Mace gets around McIntyre to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! Mace clamps onto McIntyre, he CLUBS McIntyre on the back, then tags T-Bar. T-Bar and Mace storm over, mug McIntyre, then double suplex McIntyre! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but T-Bar stomps him down! Tag to Mace, they stomp McIntyre then Mace boots him down! Mace gets McIntyre up to ROCK him with an uppercut!

Tag to T-Bar, he and Mace both run in to KNEE McIntyre in the chest! McIntyre drops to his knees and T-Bar clamps on a chinlock! T-Bar thrashes McIntyre around but fans rally on their ThunderDome screens. McIntyre fights up, throws hands but T-Bar knees low. They brawl, McIntyre throws body shots and haymakers! T-Bar throws McIntyre down by his hair! Tag to Mace, and Mace drags McIntyre up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Mace drags McIntyre up by his hair, throws haymakers, but McIntyre throws body shots! T-Bar tags in, McIntyre gets mugged! T-Bar digs his knee into McIntyre at the ropes but lets off as the ref counts.

McIntyre sputters as T-Bar drags him up again. McIntyre throws body shots, then haymakers, then a CHOP! McIntyre keeps on T-Bar, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO! McIntyre aims and runs corner to corner, but into a BOOT! T-Bar hops up, leaps, but into a GLASGOW KISS! Mace shouts to T-Bar but McIntyre backs up to take aim again. Mace rushes over but McIntyre CLOBBERS him! T-Bar RAMS McIntyre to the corner! McIntyre clubs him, Mace mugs McIntyre! The ref calls the disqualification!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification

But now here comes BRAAAUN~! The Monster Among Men runs T-Bar and Mace off! “Stuff doesn’t go down like that in here!” Is Braun going to help McIntyre even the odds against his attackers?

T-Bar & Mace VS Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman!

Raw returns and holla holla, this is now a tag match! Braun and Mace start, tie up and Braun shoves Mace down! “Welcome to the big leagues!” T-Bar says Braun ain’t so bad, but Braun powers Mace back again. Mace turns this around, lets off as the ref counts, and returns the trash talk. Mace shoves Braun but Braun swings on him, Mace gets a headlock but Bran slips out to get one back. Mace turns it back around, but Braun powers up. Mace thrashes, Braun powers out, and the two collide! Mace’s mask comes loose and that slows him down, and Braun runs him over! McIntyre smirks as Braun drags Mace up to headbutt him back down!

Braun has Mace in a corner, throws body shots then bumps Mace off buckles! Braun CLUBS Mace on the back, then glares. There’s a bit of blood from where Braun hit Mace’s mask, but he doesn’t care. Braun gets Mace up, grinds Mace with a headlock, and then knees him hard! Braun ROCKS Mace with an uppercut, tags in McIntyre, and McIntyre stomps Mace. McIntyre fires off furious fists, but the ref backs him off. Mace throat chops McIntyre in the opening! Mace tags T-Bar, and T-Bar runs in, only for McIntyre to spin him around and CLOBBER him! Braun tags in, and he BOOTS T-Bar down! Braun gets T-Bar up and gets in his face as he throws heavy hands!

Braun gets T-Bar up, tosses him across the way, then stalks over. T-Bar kicks but Braun uppercuts! Braun whips corner to corner hard and T-Bar falls to his knees! Mace talks trash to distract, then dodges the swing, and T-Bar chop blocks Braun! Mace tags in, and with T-Bar, the LEG LARIAT CLOHTESLINE COMBO! Cover, TWO! Braun survives, Mace clubs away on him, and drags him into a neck wrench! Mace rakes eyes but the ref counts. Mace lets off to CLUB Braun with the crossface forearm! Tag to T-Bar, they set Braun up and T-Bar runs to BOOT Braun back down! Cover, TWO! Braun is still in this but T-Bar keeps on him with a knee in the back!

T-Bar grinds Braun with the chinlock but fans rally up. Braun fights to his feet, throws body shots but T-Bar CLUBS away on him! T-Bar runs, but into a back drop! Both men are down, they crawl, hot tags to Mace and McIntyre! McIntyre rallies with clotheslines, Mace reverses the whip but gets another clothesline! McIntyre gets Mace in a corner for the OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Mace flounders up, McIntyre gets around him for the NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up and fans fire up! McIntyre gets Mace up, and tears the mask away! It’s DIO MADDIN! Oh wait we knew that. Mace SLAPS McIntyre, so McIntyre SMACKS Mace with the mask!!

Winners: Mace & T-Bar, by disqualification

T-Bar gets McIntyre for a back suplex! Braun runs T-Bar over! And he takes T-Bar’s mask away! It’s DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC! Wait, we knew that, too. Braun CLOCKS T-Bar with the mask, too! No more Retribution, no more secrets, but it was still a win for “T-Bar” and “Mace!” But McIntyre says this isn’t the end, they’re just getting started! Braun says hopefully fans remember these two, because he and McIntyre are going to make them disappear!

Damian Priest VS The Miz w/ Maryse!

The Archer of Infamy wants the Hollywood A-Lister to face reality, but Maryse is the one who dared him to face The Miz in a match. Will Priest once again shoot down the Most Must-See WWE Superstar on behalf of Bad Bunny?

The bell rings, he and Miz circle, but then Miz bails out. Maryse is there to give Miz a good luck kiss, and then Miz gets another. But Priest drags Miz into the ring! Miz swings but Priest hits a ROUNDHOUSE! And a BROKEN ARROW! Priest throws haymakers and body shots in a corner, then ROCKS Miz with an uppercut! Miz sputters, Priest gets him up and KICKS him in the ribs! Priest wrenches and whips Miz to ropes, then hits a leaping back elbow! Maryse is worried for Miz, but Priest stomps and takes aim. Maryse grabs at Priest’s leg! Miz BOOTS Priest down, then runs to WRECK him off the apron! Maryse plays innocent as Miz gets Priest up to throw into barriers!

A ring count climbs, Miz gets Priest up to throw into more barrier! The count is 5 of 10, Miz gets Priest up and into the ring at 7. Miz climbs the corner, leaps, and ax handles Priest down! Miz rains down more fists, then BUZZSAWS Priest! Cover, ONE!! Miz clamps onto Priest with a chinlock! He smothers and chokes Priest, lets off as the ref counts, and leans into the chinlock. Priest fights up as fans rally and he throws body shots. Priest gets free, but Miz spins Priest around for the A-LIST COMBINATION! Miz snarls as he looms over Priest. Miz gives Priest It Kicks! Miz hits front and back and front again! Priest seethes, Miz aims but Priest forearms the kick away!

Priest gets up, Miz is frozen in his tracks, and Priest fires off his own kicks! Priest ROCKS Miz, then FLAPJACKS him! Miz flounders, Priest fires up and takes aim, and makes sure Maryse stays back this time. Priest runs corner to corner to back elbow! Then suplex, but Miz avoids the Broken Arrow, only to get the springboard cannonball! Priest is fired up, but Miz flounders to avoid the choke grip. Priest grabs at Miz but Miz avoids getting pants’d again! Miz swings but Priest counter punches! Maryse is on the apron again! Miz rolls Priest up and has the ropes, TWO!! Priest BELL CLAPS then dragon sleepers, HIT THE LIGHTS!! Cover, Priest wins!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall

Miz & Maryse tried a Hollywood remake from last week, but it fell flat! Priest gets even, but is he finally done with the A-Lister?

Raw returns and Sheamus is in the ring!

The Celtic Warrior and NEW WWE United States Champion has a mic to say, “There is something that the world needs to know right now. And that is that I am your NEW United States Champion~!” And trust Sheamus when he says it will be like this for a long, long time. Now you’re probably wondering, “Sheamy, how’d ya do it?” Well he’ll tell you how he didn’t do it. He wasn’t nice, or reckless. He was the opposite! So here’s the deal: he will be a fighting champion! That means he’ll issue an Open Challenge for his US Championship each and every week on Monday Night Raw! Or, just whenever he feels like it.

Because he’ll ask you! Any WWE superstar, do you want the chance to get your hands on some real gold? If you do, if you’ve got- Here comes Humberto Carrillo! Will Dale Gas get one up on the Fella?

Open Challenge: Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo!

Sheamus attacks before the bell! This isn’t even a match yet, as Sheamus TOSSES Carrillo from the ring! Carrillo writhes on the outside as Sheamus goes out there, and Sheamus CLOBBERS him! Sheamus gets Carrillo up again to run and RAM him into barriers! And then brings him back the other way to RAM him into more barriers! Sheamus then POSTS Carrillo, and gives him Beats of the Bodhrain until he hits the floor! Sheamus wipes the sweat from his brow, drags Carrillo up and scoops him to POST him again! Sheamus then gets Carrillo in the ring, drags him to a corner, and then goes to the opposite corner.

Sheamus finally pulls down the suspender straps and waits for Carrillo to rise. Carrillo staggers over, into the BROGUE!! Sheamus gets the belt and holds it in Carrillo’s face! “You think you’re in my league?! You’re NOT in my league! And this is as close to the title as you’re gonna get!” Sheamus gives his title a kiss, and leaves Carrillo down and out in the ring. Will Sheamus only accept his own Open Challenge when a worthy opponent steps up?

Asuka VS Charlotte Flair!

The Empress of Tomorrow wants a rematch with Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women’s Championship, but the Queen demands respect. Who gets what they want on the road to #WrestleManiaBacklash?

The bell rings, but Rhea makes her way back out to watch this match closely, just as Charlotte dared her to. Charlotte and Asuka then tie up, go around, and Charlotte headlocks, Asuka powers out, rams Charlotte but neither falls! Asuka shoves Charlotte, eggs her on, and then things speed up. Charlotte cartwheels, Asuka keeps going, ducks the hurdle then KICKS the somersault down! Asuka KICKS Charlotte over and over at ropes as Rhea takes a seat at the ramp. Asuka runs, the hip attack misses and Charlotte BOOTS her down! Charlotte drags Asuka to the apron, reels her in and turns her, but Asuka fights the neckbreaker to give the APRON NECKBREAKER!

Both women fall to the floor as the ring count starts! The Raw Women’s Champion stands up and steps closer to get a better look, as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Charlotte CLUBS Asuka down while talking trash. Charlotte CHOPS Asuka off her feet and Rhea enjoys the match. Charlotte whips Asuka to a corner but Asuka elbows back! And boots back! Asuka hops up, leaps and missile dropkicks Charlotte down! Both women are down but stumbling back up, and Asuka dropkicks Charlotte again! Asuka hits the pop-up KNEE! And then a corner HIP ATTACK! Charlotte flounders, Rhea gets closer to watch as Asuka KICKS! Charlotte blocks a kick to ROCK Asuka with a forearm! Charlotte boots but into Asuka’s spin and GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka runs to SLIDING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!!

Rhea is ringside now as she watches Charlotte get up slowly. Asuka waistlocks again but Charlotte elbows out hard! Asuka gets an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Charlotte shifts, throws down forearms and gets free. Charlotte lines up a shot but Asuka still dodges! Charlotte blocks a kick, cravat to KNEE SMASH, then she runs, into a CODE BREAKER!! The Queen and Empress are both down, but Asuka grabs at Charlotte firs.t Charlotte forearms, Asuka forearms, and they brawl to their feet! Asuka HEEL KICKS and Charlotte staggers! Asuka runs, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte is furious but she drags Asuka around by a leg. Charlotte steps through but Asuka kicks her away!

Charlotte is in the ropes, Asuka kicks but is caught! HANGING KNEEBAR!! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off at 4, then tells Rhea that’s what’s coming for her. Charlotte then CHOP BL- NO! Asuka jumps the chop block to get the ASUKA LOCK!! They roll around, Charlotte gets the ropebreak! Asuka lets go, and Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS after all! Charlotte gets the leg, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! They move around, Charlotte bridges, FIGURE EIGHT! But Rhea trips her up!?! Charlotte is pissed, and she goes after Rhea! Charlotte drags Rhea onto the apron but Asuka KCIKS her down! Ghost pin, Asuka wins!!

Winner: Asuka, by pinfall

The Aussie Nightmare gets an assist, but she also gets even with Charlotte ruining last week’s title match! The Queen glares at the ref, and then TOSSES him across the way! She stomps a mudhole into the ref and this is definitely going to be a fine! Charlotte rains down elbows but other referees rush out to tell her to stop. Charlotte does, and grins, before going after the match’s ref again!! Charlotte is finally satisfied, and takes her leave. Or not… Charlotte turns back to the ring, goes back in, and she PUNTS the ref in the ribs!! Will this only make it harder for The Queen to get back to the title?

My Thoughts:

This was a somewhat better Raw than last week, but could still have been better. We got a perfectly fine rematch of Viking Raiders VS Alexander & Benjamin, but it immediately shows how small the Raw Tag Division is if we still aren’t seeing the new champions this week. I don’t know if this is because something happened at Mania we’re not being told about, such as a minor injury, but we need to see the champs again before the next PPV. Kofi VS Elias was a good singles match, and Woods with the electric guitar to play Steve Austin’s theme was a nice touch, but it was rather surprising that Elias won clean. I suppose this is so Elias & Ryker are strong in the tag division, but it is still surprising.

It turns out there was a bit of a rewrite, where Orton and Braun were advertised to have a 1v1, but clearly Orton faced Riddle. This was perhaps one of those times where a Vince McMahon rewrite works out, because Orton VS Riddle was a really good match, and Riddle getting the surprise win was great. This might escalate things, but that could be for the best with both guys since #WrestleManiaBacklash is already a bunch of rubbish anyway. They can miss the PPV, they can be on it to give us something new, either one would be fine but having an even bigger match than tonight would be great.

Alexa’s getting even creepier, but maybe not in the right way. Are we supposed to believe “Lily” has been in Alexa’s head since she was little? With those clearly photoshopped photos of little Alexa and Lily? Of course, WWE is making Babatunde/Dabba-Kato into Commander Azeez like no one can remember Raw Underground from just under a year ago. And I fear that, just as we would’ve gotten Pumpkin Demon Balor VS “Sister Abigail” Bray Wyatt, we’re about to get Alexa becoming Lily for a match. I would instead prefer Lily interacting with Bray’s Firefly Fun House puppet pals in a way to set up Alexa VS Bray in a Firefly Fun House match.

The Women’s Tag Team title story on Raw continues to get a bit complicated, confusing and disappointing. Mandy & Dana rub Nia’s forced clumsiness in her face, and not even very well because they didn’t really make that footage replay all that smooth. Shayna loses the match because Nia wasn’t there to stop Naomi & Lana, and I do appreciate that Shayna got in Nia’s face about it, I’m just not sure how they’re going about it. And just as I wondered what was going on with Reginald, Angel Garza shows up just to bring him up and take a dig at Nia over the kayfabe relationship. Is Nia going to have a meltdown and that’s why her team loses the titles and splits up?

I’m also curious where John Morrison was tonight. Miz and Maryse were the only ones for Miz TV and the match with Priest, but maybe we’re supposed to see that as why Priest won this time. It does make sense, 3v1 is better than 2v1. I have a feeling this doesn’t end until Priest VS Morrison 1v1 can happen, which would be great since that match will be great. And speaking of 2v1, we got some interesting development with McIntyre, MVP and the former Retribution members. MVP claims he wasn’t paying T-Bar & Mace to do the dirty work, and maybe that’s true, but it could still change. The handicap becoming a tag match was a pretty standard move, and things ending with a disqualification was clearly to keep things going.

The masks coming off was a nice surprise, and though I joked about it in the write-up, commentary did NOT say anything about Dijakovic & Maddin being in Retribution at all. I hope Dijakovic & Maddin get to be themselves now, whether or not they team with MVP. And if they stick together, they’d make a strong addition to the tag division, too. Sheamus giving us an open challenge that wasn’t an open challenge was a clever move, but bit of a bummer way for Carrillo to return. Maybe he’ll come back for more until Sheamus gives him a match.

And we got some decent development for the Raw Women’s Championship. Charlotte’s promo before Asuka and Rhea showed up was alright, but after they showed up, it got better because she was being so obnoxious and kept talking over Asuka. Asuka shouting Charlotte down was great, and their match was also great. Rhea interfering on the sly was pretty good, letting Asuka win without really winning, but this is building to something big. Probably a Triple Threat so no matter who wins, the other two don’t look weak. And it won’t go like with Roman Reigns because no offense to Charlotte or Asuka, WWE isn’t treating any of them like they are Roman.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (4/24/24)

Anybody can get it!

Published

9 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Maniac takes on the Powerhouse!

In the wake of AEW Dynasty, in perhaps Will Hobbs’ biggest match, he takes on IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Jon Moxley! Will the Don Callis Family have even more gold?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AEW World Championship Eliminator: Swerve Strickland VS Kyle Fletcher; Swerve wins and denies Fletcher a title match.
Mina Shirakawa w/ Mariah May VS Anna Jay; Mina wins.
Casino Gauntlet: Will Ospreay wins and will challenge for the AEW International Championship at Double or Nothing.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; Moxley wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Elite arrives at Daily’s Place.

They roll up together in the same SUV, showing off all their gold, from Kazuchika Okada still being the AEW Continental Champion to The Young Bucks being the NEW AEW World Tag Team Champions. Matthew congratulates The Rainmaker, and says he is so proud. Nicholas says he is proud of being the first-ever THREE-TIME AEW World Tag Team Champions. Wait, who is this pulling up next? It’s JACK PERRY! He just smiles at the cameraman, and Matt says alright, gentlemen, it’s a big night! They head in, but then security flags Jack down, saying he can’t be here.

Matt has security stop there, Jack is with The Elite. Hands off the merchandise. And cameraman, stick with The Elite, they’ve got some business to attend to. The Scapegoat walks with The Elite, just what will they do on this Homecoming night?

Orange Cassidy is here!

Daily’s Place fires up as Freshly Squeezed makes his way out, or rather is TOSSED out by Trent Beretta! Trent’s modified the old T-Shirt so it now reads, “Trent ~~& Orange~~ w/ Chuck Taylor win the big one.” Trent DECKS Cassidy down the ramp while fans boo the further betrayal! Trent DECKS Cassidy again, and Cassidy flops into the ring! Trent rains down fists, soaks up the heat, and then he gets a mic. “Chuck. Chuck, it’s time. Please get out here.” Trent waits, but tells the fans they have no idea what they’re talking about so please. Chuck walks out on stage and Trent apologizes? He is sorry… that he didn’t do this a long time ago!

Trent is sorry that Best Friends spent five YEARS hugging a narcissistic p*ick! Cassidy was brought in here to be their sidekick, yet somehow he made Best Friends into his lackies! Best Friends fought for Cassidy, protected him, did EVERYTHING for him, and yet Cassidy gave them NOTHING! Cassidy does NOT care about Chuck! Cassidy is NOT his friend! Trent looms over Cassidy while the fans rally for “FRESHLY SQUEEZED! FRESHLY SQUEEZED!” Trent tells Chuck that Trent cares about him. Trent IS Chuck’s friend. So please… Do the right thing and give the people what they want. Trent tosses the mic to Chuck so he can respond.

Trent holds his arms open, and then Chuck holds his arms open, to then stop and say he always thought Trent was a POS! Chuck DECKS Trent!! Trent tumbles away, gets back up, but avoids Chuck’s haymaker! The Kentucky Gentleman tells Trent he knows that they won’t clear Chuck for a fight in this ring. But Chuck doesn’t wanna fight in this ring, he wants to fight in the damn parking lot!! The fans go nuts hearing that! Trent shakes his head, but will he have no choice but to fight his former Best Friend?

Jon Moxley speaks.

“I am confident tonight that I will defend successfully my IWGP Championship, but I don’t want you to mistake that for arrogance, or ignorance, or an underestimation of my opponent, ‘Powerhouse’ Hobbs. I know exactly who ‘Powerhouse’ Hobbs is, what he’s capable of. A truck of a man who hits like one, too. Born and bred with a killer instinct, an instinct I can see and smell from a mile away. I’m acutely aware of what’s at stake tonight. I know it’ll only take one mistake for my entire world to come crashing down around me. And I know that this Callis Family put a hit out on my friend, so I know just how far they’re willing to go to get an edge to win.

“But nobody knows better than me what it takes to get to the top. More importantly, what it takes to stay at the top. So I know, honestly, for me, tonight’s gonna suck. It’s gonna be a walk through Hell. A march through mud and fire, slings and arrows, a march through Hell. But there’s no place I’d rather be, there’s no better way to feel alive. I don’t play golf, man. This is pro-wrestling, this is the king of sports, the greatest thing int he world. And tonight, I’m gonna remind the world just who I am, in case they’ve forgotten. When all the oxygen is pulled out of Powerhouse’s lungs and his carcass hits the canvas, they’re gonna feel it, from Jacksonville to Tokyo!”

The Maniac heads out, but will the Book of Hobbs’ next chapter be written in gold?

AEW World Championship Eliminator: Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis!

Whose Dynasty? SWERVE’S DYNASTY! Because The Realest did dethrone the One True King of Wrestling Television to become the NEW AEW World Champion! Prince Nana leads the way with his dance as Swerve looks to be a fighting champion! Will Swerve snipe the Aussie Arrow? Or will the Don Callis Family already have a win on a world champion to start the night?

The bell rings and the fans rally for Swerve as he stares Kyle down. They circle, get face to face, talk some trash, and then Swerve goes for a leg! Kyle facelocks to fight the takedown, then slips around to a waistlock. Swerve switches and hammerlocks, but Kyle reaches back to headlock. Swerve cranks the hammerlock, but Kyle reaches for legs. Kyle manages to switch, snapmare and then ghost pin, TWO! Kyle headlocks but Swerve slips right out to hammerlock again. Swerve grinds Kyle down but Kyle fights to the ROPEBREAK. Swerve lets off and waits on Kyle. Kyle stands, the two reset, and they tie up again.

Swerve headlocks, Kyle powers up and puts Swerve on ropes. The ref counts, Kyle lets off but then takes a swing! Swerve ducks the chop, snapmares Kyle down and slips around to roll Kyle to a cradle, TWO! Kyle hurries after a leg, but Swerve spins around, victory roll and step over, SHORT ARM SCISSOR! Kyle scrambles around to stack, TWO! Swerve gets up, Kyle goes for a leg, but Swerve steps over. Kyle dodges the dropkick, but then Swerve avoids the Penalty Kick! Both men block the other’s kick, and the fans fire up as they both let off. The two reset, the fans rally for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”

Swerve and Kyle circle, Kyle kicks but Swerve blocks, only for Kyle to ROCK Swerve with a forearm. Kyle whips, Swerve goes up and over then JUMP SOBATS! The fans fire up as Kyle sputters, and then Swerve UPPERCUTS, snapmares, and goes up to FALLING UPPERCUT! Swerve hits the Griddy and the fans fire up! Swerve says “DU~VAL~!” and the fans echo it. Swerve goes for Kyle but Kyle gets to ropes. Swerve waits on Kyle, goes for an arm, wrenches, but Kyle whips Swerve out! Kyle runs to CALF KICK Swerve to the floor! The fans boo but Kyle snarls and Swerve checks his arm. Kyle goes out after Swerve, brings him around, but tells Nana to back off.

Swerve BACK DROPS Kyle away! Kyle writhes, Swerve goes to the apron and he tells fans to pay attention, get off their phones. PENALTY KICK and Kyle goes down! The fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Swerve struts around before he fetches Kyle, and whips him into railing! Swerve again tells fans to watch the show, not their phones. He fist bumps the front row, gets Kyle back up, and pushes him into the ring. Swerve has Kyle on the apron to CLUB him. Swerve then stalks Kyle to a corner, ROCKS him, then has him on ropes. Swerve UPPERCUTS Kyle, whips him to ropes, but Kyle reverses to scoop and SLAM! Swerve writhes while Kyle mockingly shouts, “Whose house?!” Kyle even gets on a corner to soak up the heat and tell Jacksonville up theirs! Kyle goes back to Swerve, Swerve throws body shots, but then Kyle swings. Swerve blocks to fire more body shots!

Swerve turns Kyle for a NECKBREAKER! Swerve drags Kyle around, covers, TWO! Kyle is still in this but Swerve clamps onto him with an armlock and chinbar. Swerve grinds his elbow into Kyle’s face, then grabs the other arm. Swerve wrangles Kyle into a CAMEL CLUTCH, but then makes it a SLEEPER STRETCH! Kyle still endures, fights free, and Dynamite returns to single picture as he stands. Kyle fires body shots, but Swerve grabs the arm. Kyle KICKS and KICKS but Swerve blocks, slips around, LEG CAPTURE BACKBREAKER! Swerve again grinds on the arms, pulls on back, but Kyle slips through to arm-drag free!

Swerve has the wristlock but Kyle fires forearm after forearm! Swerve swings, Kyle swats it to SLAP Swerve! Kyle whips, Swerve flips up and around but Kyle SUPERKICKS him! Then scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! A camera is backstage, and we see The Elite plus Jack Perry walking right up to Tony Khan’s office. Matthew doesn’t even knock as he leads the way right in. In the ring, Swerve and Kyle rise while the fans rally up. Swerve goes to ropes, Kyle runs in, but is put on the apron! Kyle waistlocks to drag Swerve out, and half nelsons! Swerve fights that, slips around, APRON NECKBREAKER!

The fans rally for Swerve while he shakes out his arm, then he encourages them to get louder. Swerve goes up the corner, Kyle slowly sits up, APRON KILL STOMPS!! Swerve clutches a leg, that was a risky move that may have been double-edged! Swerve walks off the pain and fans rally up. Swerve pushes Kyle into the ring, hurries to another corner, and then runs up, HOUSE- NO, Kyle catches the foot! ANKLE LOCK!! Kyle THRASHES the foot but Swerve endures! The fans rally for Swerve as he fights around, reaches out, but Kyle drags him away from ropes! GRAPEVINE!! Swerve is caught, and Kyle is even stomping Swerve’s back!

Swerve endures, the fans are thunderous, and Swerve crawls to the ROPEBREAK! Kyle lets go but keeps his eyes on Swerve. Kyle brings Swerve around to KICK him in the chest! And KICK him again! And KIJCK again, but Swerve blocks! Swerve ROCKS Kyle, Kyle ROLLING ELBOWS! Swerve MULE KICKS, HAYMAKERS, and whips to HIP TOSS! Roll through to the deadlift, but the bad foot holds Swerve back! Kyle suplexes, Swerve slips around and half nelsons but Kyle breaks that. Swerve still O’Conner Rolls so that he can BOOT from below! Kyle wobbles, into the SOMERSAULT FLATLINER! Swerve rolls through again, for the BRAINBUSTER!

The fans fire up as Swerve crawls back to cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and Swerve is frustrated. Swerve snarls, drags Kyle up for a gut wrench, but Kyle flails and kicks his way to turn it around! But then Swerve flails and kicks to turn it back around! So Kyle drops, victory roll and deadlift, into the JUMPING TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives and now Kyle is frustrated! Kyle pounds the mat, Callis tells him number four, and Kyle nods. Kyle goes outside, looks under the ring, but then shakes his head. Kyle doesn’t wanna do number four, he awnts to do it his way! GAMANGIRI! He puts Swerve up top and climbs!

Kyle has Swerve up on the very top, lifts, but Swerve fights! Swerve throws body shots, haymakers, and then he ROCKS Kyle! Kyle ends up in the Tree of Woe, and Swerve hits WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives but Swerve just reloads! HOUSE CALL!! Cover, Swerve wins!!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall (denies Kyle Fletcher a title opportunity)

The Realest crosses Kyle off the list, and Callis is disappointed Kyle didn’t play things how he wanted. Are tensions rising in the Don Callis Family? Who will be next to step to Swerve’s Dynasty?

BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!

As AEW returns to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, so will The Cleaner! Kenny Omega finally makes his way back to Dynamite, what will he have to say about The Bucks’ new Elite?

Backstage interview with Thunder Rosa.

Renee Paquette is with La Mera Mera and notes her being so close to winning the AEW Women’s World Championship, only to fall short. What does Rosa feel went wrong out there? Rosa says she can either stand here and complain about what happened, or she can move on. Honestly, Rosa could bring up who Deonna Purrazzo again got involved in her business, or how “Antonia Tormenta” kicked Rosa in the ovarios. But she won’t. She’s just proud of herself for- Oh, wait, Deonna walks in. The Virtuosa doesn’t get it. Rosa says she doesn’t wanna talk about Deonna, yet all she does is say her name!

Deonna dares Rosa to say things to her face, and Rosa tells Deonna en Espanol that she’s already told her before. The two start shoving, security rushes in, will we see these two have it out before one of them goes back for Toni Storm?

Mina Shirakawa w/ Mariah May VS Anna Jay!

Speaking of Toni Storm, her protege’s old mentor has been coming around AEW & ROH more and more, mostly because of Mariah May. Will Stardom’s Fighting H Cup Idol prove she’s elite? Or will Anna remind us she’s still the Star of the Show?

The bell rings and the two circle. They approach, Anna dodges and she takes a bow. The fans cheer, but Mina says okay, c’mon now. Then Mina dodges and shimmies! Anna mockingly applauds before she BOOTS Mina down! Anna brings Mina up to fire off forearms, then shows off her assets. Anna runs, but Mina dropkicks the legs out! Mina then runs to SHOTGUN Anna down! Mina grabs a leg to SMASH the knee! Mina steps over to SPLASH onto the leg, then struts around. The fans fire up as Mina brings Anna up, ties up the legs, and then DOUBLE KNEE SMASHES! Mina gets the legs again, steps through, but Anna kicks her away.

Anna runs in but Mina dodges in the corner. Mina ducks a forearm, ROCKS Anna with a forearm, then goes up to REBOUND ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Mina stays on Anna while the fans rally. Mina dragon sleepers, but Anna fight the suplex! Anna swings, Mina dodges and tilt-o-whirls, to then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Mina drags Anna by her leg, drops an elbow on the knee, and then another! And then another! And another! Mina shakes it up again and the fans cheer as she drops one more elbow! Mina steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Anna endures, crawls, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Mina lets go and Anna goes to the apron.

Mina lines up a shot, runs in, but Anna ducks to CLAW the eyes! Anna brings Mina into the ropes, give her a kiss right in front of Mariah, and HOTSHOT NECKBREAKERS! Mariah is upset but has to stay back, and Anna goes in to cover, TWO! Mina hangs in there while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Anna CHOKES Mina, lets off as the ref counts, and then she drags Mina up. Mariah says boo Anna, but Anna puts Mina in a corner. Anna digs her boot in, lets off as the ref counts, and Mina sputters as Anna brings her around. Anna ROCKS Mina, brings her around and bumps her off buckles. The fans rally, Anna CHOPS Mina, then she struts. But Mina runs up to ROCK Anna! Anna CLUBS Mina, then pushes her around. Anna stands on Mina but that’s a CHOKE! The ref counts, Anna steps away, and she blows kisses at everyone. Anna brings Mina up, to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Anna is frustrated but she brings Mina back to ropes.

Anna CHOKES Mina more, taunting Mariah to reach out, then Anna steps off as the ref counts. Mina coughs, Anna brings her up, but Mina fires body shots! Anna CLUBS Mina and has her in a corner. Anna drags Mina up, CHOKES her more, but the ref counts. Anna lets off, Mina coughs and sputters, but Anna soaks up the heat. Anna drags Mina up, cravats and snapmares, then clamps on a FULL NELSON! Mina endures, fights around, and Mariah cheers Mina on as she fights up. Mina throws elbows to fight the hold, but Anna holds tight! Dynamite returns to single picture as Mina breaks free and ROCKS Anna!

Anna comes back to ROCK Mina, but Mina ROCKS Anna again! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Anna gest the edge, runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! Anna stands, into Mina’s URAKEN! Anna flounders to a corner, Mina roars and runs in, but Anna puts her on the apron! Mina knuckle locks, ROCKS and climbs up to FALLING KNEE DROP onto Anna! Cover, TWO!! Anna survives but Mina keeps her focus. Mina ROCKS Anna again, brings her in, but Anna wrenches out of the suplex to HOOK KICK! Then Gory Especial, GORY BOMB! Shoutout to Tay and Anna covers, TWO!!

Anna is beside herself but Mariah is also worried. Anna brings Mina up but Mina fights the STO! Mina gets free, blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! Then she steps through on the legs, FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~” but Anna endures and fights to the ROPEBREAK! Mina lets go fast to go up a corner. MISSILE DROPKICK! Anna staggers back up, into the GLAMOROUS SWORD! Cover, TWO!! Anna survives Mina’s enzigiri but Mina drags her into the dragon sleeper! GLAM- NO, Anna slips free to have the QUEENSLAYER!! Mina flails, reaches out, but Anna is too busy staring down Mariah! Mina wrenches out to wrangle Anna!

Mina hooks legs, GLAMOROUS COLLECTION MINA! MINA WINS!!

Winner: Mina Shirakawa, by pinfall

Anna got cocky and got caught! Mariah brings in the champagne and glasses, and they toast the victory! But then Anna CLOBBERS Mariah and DECKS Mina! The fans are torn as Anna puts the QUEENSLAYER on Mariah!! Mariah flails, but here comes Toni Storm! The champ runs Anna off to protect her protege! “How DARE~ you!” Storm checks on Mariah, but wait! SERENA DEEB is here! The Professor of Professional Wrestling is looking rather glamorous herself as she struts out, tosses Storm’s shoes aside, and looks at the AEW Women’s World Championship! Deeb sits down beside it on the ramp and has the camera come in close.

Deeb says she could hold the title up, but she won’t. Because instead, she’s going to make the AEW Women’s Division a promise: the next time she holds the belt, it will truly belong to her as the NEW AEW Women’s World Champion. Deeb is undefeated, will she remain that way all the way through dethroning Timeless Toni Storm?

Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway are in the ring.

Dynamite returns as the Galaxy’s Greatest and #BigStoke are here, balloons at all the corners of the ring, and the fans cheering them on. Stokely says, “In 1977, Bill Withers created one of the greatest songs of all time, Lovely Day. And that’s exactly how I felt when one of my best friends became TBS Champion at Dynasty!” The fans cheer that! Stokely wants to know, is Jacksonville ready to partaaay~?! They sure sound like it! Stokely says Caprice Coleman is on commentary, Krissy Stat is right here, and she says this one’s for Willow.

“She is the Babe with the Power, and we are here to give her her flowers She reminds us that nothing matters and to smile anyway, because every time we see her, she brightens our day. I’m standing her in silver because she is our gold. And now, she has the TBS Championship to hold.” Stoke says with all due disrespect, that was two packs of ass! So let’s just bring out the NEW Face of TBS, “HOO! HOO!” WILLOW~ NIGHTINGALE! Coleman sings along with the theme song just like in ROH, and the Babe with the Championship makes her entrance. Willow gets the mic, Stokely says when this whole thing to started, he didn’t like her. Well she didn’t like him, either.

Stokely says Willow was like a fungus that they couldn’t cut off. But look at them now! Willow earned that title, and they are proud of her! Willow thanks Stokely and Kris, and is proud of herself, too. Because tonight in JACKSONVILLE~, the very place where she hit the big time. She’ll take us back to Spring of 2020. Willow was right here, in the front row, trying to get her big break. Then in 2022, she was in the ring, Tony Schiavone stepped in to join her, and on that big tron, we saw the graphic: Willow is All Elite! But tonight, Willow isn’t trying to catch a break, she is not a rookie. She is THE FACE OF TBS!! WHAT WHAT!

But wait, here comes The CEO. Mercedes Mone again steps on Willow’s moment, just like she did at Dynasty. But it’s already obvious why as she struts her way to the ring. Mone gets her own mic while the fans chant “C E O! C E O!” Mone tells “Jacksonviiiiille~” to say hello to the C E O. Willow tells Mone this has to be like the fourth time she’s done this. And this is Willow’s time! So it just feels like if Mone has something to say, then go ahead and say it. Mone says she just wanted to congratulate Willow! And to enjoy the celebration now, because in just 23 days, at Double or Nothing, you will be looking at the NEW Face of TBS, Mercedes Mone.

The fans are torn, but Mone says she just wanted to ask if Willow was the b*tch who attacked her in the dark two weeks ago! What? Why would she? Kris steps up to tell Mone that Willow got attacked just last week, so how do we know Mone didn’t do that? Well how do we know it wasn’t Kris?! They argue, Stokely speaks up and says while he hates getting up in women’s business, we all know it was Julia Hart. Willow says even before this whodunnit, it feels like there’s been a personal vendetta against her. Does Mone really think Willow meant to injure Sasha during the NJPW Women’s Tournament? Stokely says of course Mone thinks that, but then Kris shuts him up.

Mone asks Willow if she really just asked if Mone blames Willow for almost ending her career. Is Willow really asking if Mone blames Willow for all the pain and suffering Mone went through? Is Willow really asking if Mone was blaming Willow for taking away the one thing Mone loves most for a whole year? Willow doesn’t want the truth, she just wants to feel better about what she did to Mone. Willow says she genuinely feels so awful what happened. But there were a lot of questions and doubts for her, too. She went to hotel room, she looked at the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, and she should’ve been smiling.

But the whole time, she wondered to herself, “Could I have beaten Mercedes Mone at 100%?” And then the next day, Willow saw everyone saying that online. She heard the locker room saying it! And so that NJPW Strong Women’s title reign has quite the asterisk next to it. But THIS title reign? This? There is NOT asterisk next to this! The fans fire up for that! So at Double or Nothing, Mone, Willow wants you at 100%! Because Willow wants to show Mone that she CAN beat her, and why Willow IS TBS Champion. The fans fire up for that! Mone says to enjoy it while she can, because they both know deep down, Willow CAN’T beat Mone.

The fans are torn as the two stare down, and then Mone says bye. Kris grabs at Mone, Mone turns around and mistakenly SLAPS Willow!! Kris has to stop Willow from retaliating, and then refs get out there to stop it! Kris’s mistake only just turned up the heat on this one! Will there be no holding back from the CEO or the Babe with the Power when it’s Double or Nothing?

Alex Marvez waits outside Tony Khan’s office.

Jack Perry is the first to exit and Marvez says they’ve been in there a long time. Is Jack reinstated in AEW? Jack doesn’t answer and moves on, so Marvez asks “Okada-san” if that’s the case. The Rainmaker just pats Marvez on the shoulder and follows Jack. Nicholas, is Jack All Elite again? Matthew, please, Marvez needs the scoop! Is Jack Perry once again in AEW? Matt wishes he had a better scoop for Marvez, but things are still uncertain. One thing Matt will tell Marvez is… Tony Khan literally just agreed to talk with Jack in the ring, live here tonight. That’s still a pretty big scoop! Will TK bring the Scapegoat back into the fold?

Casino Gauntlet!

AEW shuffles the deck and puts a golden opportunity for Double or Nothing on the line! This isn’t your typical gauntlet, either! It is “sudden death,” so anyone that scores a pinfall or submission wins, BUT! There are also timed intervals, so more and more competitors will be added, meaning things can get really crazy really quickly. One way or another, the AEW International Champion will have a new challenger, but who will it be when it’s the luck of the draw?

First out, it’s King Switch! Jay White leads Austin & Colten Gunn out as the NEW unified AEW & ROH World Trios Champions, but will Bullet Club Gold be adding even more gold to the collection? Second out, Top Flight’s Dante Martin! Will Angel Dorado get himself a golden ticket instead?

Jay White VS Dante Martin!

The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. White pulls hair to put Dante in the corner, but Dante slips free. They circle again, Dante waistlocks but White switches. White headlocks, Dante powers up but can’t power out as White holds on. White wrenches to wristlock, but Dante flips through and breaks free. White CHOPS, then CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Dante is stinging, the fans “WOO~” and White says guns up! White whips, runs in, but Dante slips out to the apron! Dante then goes up and around, GAMANGIRIS, then springboards. White gets under, Dante comes back, and turns hip toss into RANA! Then he DROPKICKS White down! Cover, TWO!

White bails out, Dante builds speed, and Dante FLIES, but has to handspring through as White moves! White CHOPS, CHOPS, and then brings Dante around. APRON- NO, Dante slips free of the suplex to JUMP KNEE! Dante puts White in, hurries to the apron, and then slingshots to roll, only for White to catch him! EXPLODER out of the ring! But here comes the third man, PENTA EL ZERO MIEDO! The Man with No Fear now makes this a Triple Threat, will he be able to survive these odds?

Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo!

White storms up but Penta GAMANGIRIS him away! Penta goes up the corner, leaps, CROSSBODY! Penta runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges then SLINGBLADES! Dante returns, but into a SLINGBLADE! Penta whips Dante corner to corner but Dante reverses. Penta SUPERKICKS back, then pops Dante up on the corner, for another SUPERKICK! Dante wobbles into Penta’s fireman’s carry, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Penta spins for the SWINGING DEATH VALLEY! Penta then goes back to a corner, climbs up, but White SHOVES Him to the ramp! White then runs up, fireman’s carries, but Penta fights free! And SUPERKICKS! White flops to the apron, Penta uses him as a step to get up and in and hit a DESTROYER on Dante!! Fans lose their minds as Penta stands, and says “CERO! MIEDO!” Dante bails out so Penta goes after White. Penta CHOPS White, then hears the fans rally up. Penta goes out after Dante, gets him in the ring, and stands him up against ropes. Penta winds up, to CHOP! Dante grits his teeth, but White BOOTS Penta down!

White stands Penta up, CHOPS Penta, but Penta CHOPS in return! Penta hears the fans rallying for “CERO! MIEDO!” and he goes back to SUPERKICK White! Penta stands Dante up, whips him to ropes and SUPERKICKS him down! But then White gets Penta for a cradle, TWO!! Penta escapes, White UPPERCUTS him down! White snarls, stomps Dante, then stomps a mudhole into Dante at the corner. White drags Dante up, whips him to ropes, and back drops him away! White covers, TWO! Penta is after White but White scrambles away as Dynamite returns to single picture. Penta brings Dante up, but Dante fights the suplex!

White storms back in, CLUBS them both down, and next up is KYLE O’REILLY! Whoa, #CombatKyle is now #CleanKyle as his hair and beard are trimmed. Maybe he’s going back to those babyface assassin days!

Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly!

Kyle KICKS White down, KICKS Penta down, and KICKS Dante down! Kyle fires forearms on White, then wrenches. Dante gets up, Kyle BOOTS him away, then gives White an ELBOW BREAKER! Kyle wrenches Dante, BOOTS Penta, then hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Wrench on Penta, ELBOW BREAKER! Kyle whips, Penta reverses but Kyle goes up and over. Kyle also ducks Dante so Dante’s LARIAT takes down Penta! Dante runs up, Kyle blocks the kick and gives it to Penta. Then Kyle gets one of Penta’s legs, DOUBLE DRAGON SCREW!! White KNEES Kyle low, runs but into a KNEE from Kyle! Kyle snapmares White, runs, but feints to then SLAP him!

The fans fire up while White frowns. White gets up but Kyle fires off fast strikes! KICK, LEG SWEEP, and the fans fire up! Dante wheelbarrows Kyle, but Kyle drops that into the ARMBAR! White stomps but Kyle catches that, to a HEEL HOOK! White flails, ROPEBREAK! Kyle lets go, and now we add WILL OSPREAY! Will the Aerial Assassin take his momentum from Dynasty and make it Double or Nothing?

Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Will Ospreay!

Ospreay storms right in, Kyle staring him down! They fire forearms and the fans are thunderous already! Ospreay fires up to fire off a flurry! Kyle KICKS, whips, but Ospreay BOOTS back! Ospreay goes up and out to springboard, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Penta runs up to KICK Ospreay’s leg! Dante gets in, he and Penta double whip, but Ospreay handsprings to DOUBLE PELE! But White SLEEPER- NO, Ospreay arm-drags free! These two know each other well and the fans are thunderous to see this one! White and Ospreay shake hands, but then White CLAWS Ospreay’s face! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!

White clinches, but Ospreay fights free to CHOP! Ospreay whips, White holds ropes to bail out, but the fans boo. Dante kicks Ospreay and runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! And out comes LANCE ARCHER! The Murderhawk Monster says #EverybodyDies, will that be the case in this sudden death gauntlet?

Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer!

Ospreay shakes his head, but Archer storms right in! Ospreay gets in Archer’s… well, chest, but he fires off forearms! Archer DECKS him! Kyle returns, Archer LARIATS! Penta runs up, Archer LARIATS! White runs up, into a half nelson, dragon sleeper, but Dante jumps in! But into Archer’s hand! CHOKE SLAM DDT COMBO!! Penta jumps onto Archer, fires off hands, then whips. Archer reverses to CLOBBER Penta! Kyle gets up, Archer choke grips, but Kyle turns slam into GUILLOTINE! Kyle thrashes, but Archer THROWS him away! Kyle goes to the apron, Archer DECKS Kyle! Ospreay BOOTS Archer, goes up, but Archer STEP-UP KNEES!

Archer picks Ospreay up in the reverse crucifix! BLACKOUT BOMB onto the others on the outside!! The fans are thunderous and Dynamite goes picture in picture!

Archer storms out to go looking under the ring. Archer brings out a TABLE! Daily’s Place loves it as Archer sets up the furniture at ringside. Archer positions that but Ospreay runs up to fire shots! Archer knees low, SMACKS Ospreay off apron, and then goes around to BOOT Kyle down! And CLUB White down! And get another TABLE! Archer drags that table over White, then sets it up with the other. Archer drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay fires forearms first! Archer RAMS Ospreay into railing! Archer CLUBS away on Ospreay, SMACKS Kyle off apron, BOOTS Dante, then CLUBS White. Archer brings White over, and SMACKS him off the table.

Ospreay fires forearms on Archer, then brings him around to SMACK off the apron. Ospreay goes up, takes aim, and FLYING- BODY CHECK!! Archer just has Ospreay bounce right off him! White ROCKS Archer, ROCKS him again, then brings him around to the tables. White fireman’s carries, but Archer’s too big! Archer CLUBS White, CLUBS him again, then ROCKS him! Archer BOOTS Penta, sends him into railing, then goes back for White. White fights the choke grip but gets an APRON CHOKE SLAM for it!! Archer roars, White dangles before he flops, then Archer goes back up the apron. Archer grins while Dynamite returns to single picture.

Archer drags White up to the apron, but next is KOMANDER! The AAA Cruiserweight Champion’s entrance distracts Archer so that White can CLAW the eyes! We’re now at a Lucky 7 Way, is this where someone’s luck runs out?

Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer VS Komander!

Komander hurries to the corner, climbs up and tightrope walks, to FLYING RANA, but Archer blocks!! Archer brings Komander back up, only for Komander to RANA Archer down through the tables!! The Murderhawk Monster is hoisted on his own petard and even Komander is stunned! Komander hurries to springboard in at Ospreay, but Ospreay ducks! Komander rolls through, comes back and kicks, then runs, only for Ospreay to TIGER WALL KICK and- NO, Komander ducks the enzigiri, to TIGER WALL KICK back! Things speed up, Komander tilt-o-whirls around the world, DEJA VU DDT!! Cover, White breaks it!!

White clinches to URENAGE!! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives, but White goes back to Ospreay. But Ospreay flips up and through Bladerunner to LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! White survives, but Ospreay takes off the elbow pad! White rises, but here comes JAY LETHAL! We’re at eight, how much longer can this go?

Jay White VS Dante Martin VS Penta El Zero Miedo VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer VS Komander VS Jay Lethal!

Lethal runs in, Ospreay is ready and they brawl! Ospreay kicks, whips but Lethal reverses! Ospreay handsprings through the arm-drag but Lethal still cartwheels to DROPKICK! Dante returns but into the LETHAL COMBINATION! Penta is back and he KICKS Lethal’s leg! Penta whips, Lethal sunset flips but Penta rolls through. Lethal dodges and handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION!! But White’s back to clinch! Lethal slips free, but swings into the SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! White hurries to clinch again, but Dante MISSILE DROPKICKS them both down! Lethal runs in, Dante goes up and over, then Dante dodges Kyle!

Kyle CLOBBERS Lethal, ducks Dante’s enzigiri, AX & SMASH!! Ospreay returns, Kyle fights the nelson to fire off strikes! KICK, KICK, but Ospreay BUZZSAWS and HEEL KICKS! Kyle yoyos to LARIAT, but Ospreay slips through to pick Kyle up! But Kyle slips free to ROLLING ELBOW! Ospreay SUPERKICKS! Kyle YOYOS into HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives but Ospreay calls for his shot! Underhooks, but wait, he hesitates. Storm Driver 93 damn near destroyed Bryan Danielson, does he want to do that to Kyle? Kyle back drops free first! Then ARMBAR!! But Komander is up top! CIELITO LINDO onto Kyle!! Cover, HIDDEN BLADE!!!

Ospreay drags Komander to a cover, OSPREAY WINS!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW International Championship)

The Assassin found a target and took them out! But here comes the Undisputed Kingdom, the Savior of the Backbreaker leading the way. Roderick Strong stares Ospreay down, with Mike Bennett, Matt Taven, Wardlow and Adam Cole all backing him up. Ospreay doesn’t back down, will he simply tear that gold away from The Kingdom?

Chris Jericho is here!

And as his new theme says, he is The Learning Tree. But what we see is that he is the NEW FTW Champion after cracking Hook in the head with a baseball bat at Dynasty. Jericho smiles and waves at the fans while he gets a mic, but they’re booing back. “Hey, guys! It’s true, I’m the new FTW Champion! It’s great, right? And there’s been a lot of negative connotation with the letters F T W. Does it mean F The World? Does it mean Forget The World? No, it’s none of those things, I’m changing it right here, right now. From now on, this means FOR The World Championship, because this was FOR all of you!”

The fans boo and Taz can’t stomach this on commentary. Jericho says “we” won this together! The whole world is buzzing and he knows why. Jericho is doing God’s work. The Wrestling God, that is, and that’s Terry Funk. Terry once told Jericho that it is now Jericho’s responsibility to teach the younger generation and take them to the next level, and that is what Jericho is doing! Thank you, Terry Funk, and thank you, fans. And thanks, Hook! What a great champion and a tough competitor in the ring. Hook beat the hell outta Jericho, but his only flaw is that there are still certain things he needs to take from The Learning Tree.

There are lessons Jericho wants to teach Hook, including how to get rid of the dead weight that surrounds him: Taz, Shibata, the collateral damage, and all the clowns that support him. More importantly, Hook, you need to listen to Jericho when he says to stay down. Jericho told Hook to stay down but Hook kept getting back up. Even after two Judas Effects! Hook forced Jericho to hit him in the head with the baseball bat. So that’s on Hook. But Jericho knows Hook is listening, thinking on the lessons he learned, and that is exciting to Jericho.

What is also exciting to Jericho is the list of men and women who have been drawn into the #JerichoVortex and come out the other side even bigger and better stars! So many! Jericho is so excited- Wait! “Big Bill” Morrissey is here! Bill has a mic already as he steps to Jericho in the ring. Bill tells Jericho, “I have been in the back listening to you, and I only have one thing to say.” Jericho waits as Bill thinks on his words, and Bill says he needs The Learning Tree! The fans boo, they were clearly hoping for something else.

Bill says everyone knows Jericho is the Socrates of Professional Wrestling! Always willing to give advice, to lend a hand, and to take a less established guy and bring him up to the top with him. That is Chris Jericho to a T. Jericho nods, and Bill knows there is a long line of guys foaming at the mouth for the very opportunity to be under the Learning Tree. But Bill wants Jericho to take this into consideration: there is nobody bigger than Bill, nor better fit for the Learning Tree. Jericho knows it deep down in his heart that Bill is the very best fit for The Learning Tree.

Jericho does have to say, Bill, he has been watching Bill a long time. A fan of his for years. It’s partly why Bill is in AEW. But Jericho will think on what Bill said, and he’ll keep his eye on Bill to see if what he says is true. Bill says go ahead and do that, because he’ll do just that. Just watch him. Bill heads out, Jericho says he sure will be. Let’s celebrate together! Jericho waves and gives a thumbs up, but will Bill be The Learning Tree’s first true pupil?

Backstage interview with The Don Callis Family.

Renee is with Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher and Callis himself as she congratulates Ospreay on becoming #1 contender to the International Championship. Callis, the rest of the Family has had an evening of ups and downs, so- Callis “apologizes” for interrupting but he has to say, he is so happy for the “golden goose,” and now Ospreay will have the gold. An international star deserves the International Championship. The only note Callis has, that Tiger Driver 91, AKA Storm Driver 93. He had that all set up, why didn’t Ospreay use it? No, Ospreay doesn’t wanna do that anymore. Not after what he did to Bryan.

Callis doesn’t understand, what happened? Ospreay says we all saw what happened to Bryan because of his neck, and Kyle O’Reilly has a bad neck, too. Storm Driver has to go. Callis doesn’t care about any of that, Ospreay should win! Roddy’s got a bad neck, so what’s gonna happen if Ospreay shows weakness? Fletcher speaks up saying that Ospreay still won, and he’ll win at Double or Nothing, what does it matter about that move? Callis tells Fletcher shouldn’t be talking about winning after how tonight went. Ospreay WILL be International Champion because he’s gonna nail Roddy with Storm Driver, break his neck, and take his title!

Now, Callis needs to go find Hobbs, he’s gonna coach Powerhouse to a championship tonight, just like Ospreay will win at the PPV. Callis leaves Ospreay and Fletcher behind, Fletcher apologizes on Callis’ behalf. Are the former Empire boys still united despite how Callis is leading this “family?”

BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night!

Once again, Saturday nights are alright for fighting, and it will be another THREE HOUR BLOCK, but this one will be live coast to coast! The Bang Bang Gang will defend their Unified AEW & ROH World Trios Championships against Top Flight, will Jay White & The Gunns make Dante, Darius & Action breathe with The Switchblade? After what happened tonight, Toni Storm will take on Anna Jay, will Mariah May be avenged? And then on Rampage, Thunder Rosa and Deonna Purrazzo finally have it out 1v1, and we get the Parking Lot Brawl! Trent Beretta, Chuck Taylor, who proves they were the strongest Best Friend all along?

Collision and Rampage will follow NBA Playoff coverage, keep your eyes open for this one!

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs!

It was a Windy City Riot when The Maniac took this title off Tetsuya Naito, and he made a point of saying he runs from no challenge. NJPW’s Ren Narita and Shota Umino are both waiting on the other side of this match, will they still get their shot at Moxley? Or will the Don Callis Family start to take over the wrestling world?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who makes history in this historic main event!

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out as the fans rally, and Moxley KICKS a leg. Hobbs stays up, feel things out with Mox, but Moxley KICKS again. The two tie up, Moxley waistlocks the SLEEPERS, but Hobbs RAMS Moxley into buckles. Hobbs throws elbows, stomps a mudhole, then fires hands! Hobbs puts Moxley in a corner, ELBOWS him, but Moxley CHOPS! Hobbs pie faces Moxley, Moxley CHOPS, but Hobbs ROCKS him. Hobbs talks smack, then whips Moxley corner to corner. Moxley stops himself, ROCKS Hobbs, then fires more forearms and KICKS! Moxley runs, but leaps into Hobbs’ arms!

Hobbs pops Moxley up but Moxley slips free to waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX! But Hobbs is right up!? The fans fire up and Hobbs grins. Moxley runs up, into a clinch! EXPLODER! Moxley writhes, bails out, and Hobbs grins as he goes out after him. Hobbs CLUBS Moxley, but Moxley fires a forearm! Moxley SMACKS Hobbs off the timekeeper’s table, but Hobbs body shots in return! Hobbs SMACKS Moxley off railing, then he runs up, only for Moxley to avoid the boot! Hobbs gets caught up on the railing, Moxley BOOTS him over! Moxley goes up the railing, Hobbs rises, but Moxley AX HANDLES him down!

Moxley headlocks, brings Hobbs around the back of the fans, and throws hands. Moxley ROCKS Hobbs, Hobbs HEADBUTTS, and they brawl! The ring count starts, both men have until 20, and we’re at 4 now. Hobbs SMACKS Moxley off a trash can! Hobbs stalks Moxley around the way, CHOPS, then brings Moxley around to ROCK him! Hobbs stalks Moxley, CLUBS him, then pushes him. Moxley hobbles his way back to railing, but turns around to fire haymakers! Hobbs KNEES low, TOSSES Moxley over railing, then storms after him. The count is 15 but Moxley gets in the ring. Hobbs follows and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Hobbs storms up on Moxley, talks trash, but Moxley SLAPS him and flips him off! Moxley eggs Hobbs on so Hobbs BOOTS him down! Moxley flops to the apron then the floor. Hobbs storms out after Moxley, and RAMS him into railing! Hobbs scoops Moxley to APRON POWERSLAM! And APRON POWERSLAM again! And again!! Hobbs snarls, brings Moxley around and SLINGS him down! Hobbs leaves Moxley behind in the ring to soak up cheers and jeers, and even make the pecs dance. IWGP rules do let titles change hands on count-outs, will Hobbs settle for that? No, Hobbs goes out to fetch Moxley, wanting to beat him directly.

Moxley blocks a suplex, fires forearms, but Hobbs hits back! They brawl, Moxley whips but Hobbs reverses! Moxley hits railing hard, and slumps down. Hobbs sits Moxley up to throw down hands, then goes up to rain down mores fists! The ring count climbs, but Hobbs still goes to TEN! Hobbs brings Moxley around to suplex to the floor! Moxley hobbles away, but Hobbs storms up after him. They go up the steel steps and into the ring, and Hobbs eggs Moxley on. Hobbs stomps Moxley, soaks up more cheers and jeers, then BOOTS Moxley down as Dynamite goes to break!

Dynamite returns and Hobbs says he’s whooping Moxley’s ass! Moxley crawls, Hobbs brings him up, but Moxley CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Hobbs body shots, then BEARHUGS! Moxley endures, even as Hobbs squeezes tight! Hobbs throws body shots, Moxley throws elbows, and Moxley is free. But Hobbs CLUBS Moxley first! Hobbs whips Moxley to a corner, then has him on the rebound. Callis doesn’t want Hobbs to wait, keep on him! Hobbs whips Moxley to the other corner, runs in, but Moxley BOOTS! Moxley runs, but Hobbs SLAMS the cutter down! Moxley staggers up, Hobbs runs in, but the splash only gets buckles!

Hobbs falls, clutching a knee. Hobbs bails out, Moxley goes to ropes and takes aim. Moxley builds speed as Hobbs rises, to DIVE! Down goes Hobbs again! The ref checks Hobbs as Hobbs still clutches his knee. The fans rally for Moxley as he rises, fires himself back up, and then gets Hobbs up. Moxley puts Hobbs in, storms around to slide in from the other side, and then waits on Hobbs. Hobbs rises, hobbles, and Moxley runs up to RAM him into a corner! Moxley goes up to rain down fists! Moxley goes way past ten, all the way to TWENTY!! Moxley keeps going past even that! Hobbs can barely guard, Moxley gives him PARADIGM SHIFT!! Cover, TWO?!?

Moxley slips around to a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Hobbs sputters, flails, reaches out, but Moxley squeezes tight! Hobbs is fading, the ref calls it! MOXLEY WINS!

Winner: Jon Moxley, by submission (still IWGP World Champion)

Hobbs is a powerhouse, but even he needs to breathe! The Maniac has his first defense in the books, but NJPW Wrestling Dontaku is coming. Will the #SouledOut Ren Narita take this title from Moxley? Or is Moxley going to blast through him to then take on his former protege, Shota Umino? Wait! Konosuke Takeshita appears on stage. The Alpha wants his own shot at that IWGP World Championship, will he get in line ahead of Narita and Shota?

Backstage interview with Katsuyori Shibata.

Renee is with The Wrestler and brings up Jericho’s “choice words” for him. But what does Shibata have to say in response? Shibata uses his Google Translate voice-to-text to say, “Jericho called me deadweight and collateral damage. Next week, I’m going to damage him in his hometown of Winnipeg, and become FTW Champion.” So then that’s an official challenge for the title? “Yes, with FTW Rules. Jericho, I’m going to chop down your Learning Tree.” Okay then, Winnipeg, Jericho VS Shibata for the FTW title, it is official! Shibata then adds that the rhinestones on Renee’s shirt make a heart, how nice. Yes, she thought so, too.

Shibata is ready to take the fight to Jericho, will The Wrestler prove the Learning Tree is all bark and no bite?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen… Jack Perry.” The fans are torn as The Scapegoat makes his way out, with no music since he isn’t an AEW talent anymore. Jack takes the mic from Schiavone while fans sing, “OH~ Cry Me a River~!” Jack says first thing’s first, he wants it known that he’s had some of the best nights of his life right here in Jacksonville! The fans cheer that! Jack says tonight… they have business to handle. And he wants to handle it right here, right now, face to face… with Tony Khan! Jack waits, the fans chant “He’s Our Scapegoat!” and here comes TK. Tony Khan joins Jack in the ring, as promised earlier tonight.

Jack says it has been a long road. TK agrees. Almost five years ago was the very first Double or Nothing. And since then, AEW has gone on to change the world. But now, TK, it is no secret they’ve had their ups and downs, haven’t always seen eye to eye. But Jack will say right now, from the bottom of his heart, he swears to God, the only thing that Jack has ever wanted is what’s best for AEW. The fans cheer that and TK applauds as he agrees there. So Jack just wants to ask TK to please shake his hand, reinstate him, and let’s go on to continue to change the world together. The fans like the sound of that!

TK gives a big thumbs up, he and Jack shake hands, and they hug it out! Jack is All Elite once again, and then Jack smiles at the camera… Jack raises TK’s hand, the fans cheer, and then Jack DECKS TK!! The Elite rush out here, from Nick to Matt to Okada, and they ask Jack what the hell! This is TK, THE boss of AEW! You can’t just do that, Jack! Jack nods, backs away, and The Bucks help TK sit up, but it looks a little suspicious…! The Bucks realize the optics, as does Okada, and they all say no no no, it’s not what anyone thinks. They help TK to his feet, and then Okada says do it. Matt scoops TK!! Nick goes up a corner!! T K DRIVER ON TK?!?!

The fans lose their minds as The EVPs stand over Tony Khan’s body! Jack drags TK to the center of the ring so all four of them can stand together. The refs rush out and ask what the hell is wrong with the EVPs! Jack says he waited for eight MONTHS to do that! Matt thanks Jacksonville for a great night, they love everyone so much! Jack, Okada, Nick & Matt leave the ring to have their curtain call on the stage. The Elite is running All Elite Wrestling now, are they going to change the world and remake it in their image?

As for Tony Khan, not only do wrestlers like Top Flight, The Infantry, Penta and Komander rush out to check on him, Tony’s father, Shahid Khan, is here! Shahid checks on his son, what will be done as the consequences for The Elite’s actions?

My Thoughts:

A really good episode of Dynamite here, but they were really not handling the audio that well. It was so hard to hear quite a few of the promos, well delivered as they all were. Rosa VS Deonna being set up was a good move, that’s definitely gonna be great. Really good stuff from Jericho as he leans into the obliviously selfish veteran persona, and I was definitely surprised Big Bill wanting to join him. Shibata has a good promo to call Jericho out, but if it’s FTW Rules, pretty sure Bill is gonna screw Shibata over so Jericho wins. And great stuff with the former Best Friends, Chuck VS Trent in a Parking Lot Brawl is going to be awesome stuff, but I wonder if Orange Cassidy messes it up for Chuck.

Great stuff with the Don Callis Family through the night. Moxley had a good promo to hype up the main event with Hobbs, but unfortunately, I think the match got cut down because Hobbs actually got hurt. Moxley was of course retaining, but this doesn’t help. Konosuke stepping up is fine, though, a natural move given this BCC VS DCF story going on. Fletcher stepped up to Swerve in the match tonight, but it was also very clear Swerve was going to win. The Casino Gauntlet wasn’t really named well, and they didn’t really explain it properly before it started, but it was clearly based on William Regal’s Gauntlet Eliminator from NXT a couple years ago.

However, in execution, it was amazing! Great win for Ospreay and a great showing for all the wrestlers involved, Ospreay VS Roddy will be great stuff. But I also really like that they’re not only going with Ospreay being hesitant about Storm Driver, but they’re going with what I was hoping for. Ospreay and Fletcher are likeminded but that means they clash with how Callis wants to do things. This very well could lead to Ospreay & Fletcher VS Konosuke & Hobbs, so long as Hobbs isn’t out of action. Maybe Don Callis Family finds someone else to bring in to make up for that, but also as foreshadowing of Ospreay and Fletcher leaving the group.

I also like that they seem to be heading for another idea I had when it comes to Toni Storm, Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa. Great match from Mina VS Anna with a good win for Mina, but also Anna going Heel on her and Mariah. For that matter, that should mean Mariah and Storm are turning Face to counter, which is fitting since the fans love them so much anyway. Storm defends Mariah, she’ll definitely beat Anna this Saturday, and then we can move into Storm and Mina fighting for Mariah’s affections. And great stuff from the TBS Championship story. Great promos, for one, and then great detail that Kris gets Willow hit. Has it been Kris behind the attacks all along? If Willow somehow retains at Double or Nothing, Kris going after her would be a wild twist.

And of course, incredible stuff out of this story with Jack Perry’s return. Good opening bit as Jack arrives and the EVPs vouch for him, and good little backstage bit to set up the closing segment. I just knew the moment Jack asked for a handshake, he was just setting Tony Khan up. The entire Elite beating TK down was wild but powerful, and this is very much their nWo moment. This combined with Kenny Omega making his return next week, there is something big brewing in a very nWo VS Wolfpac kinda way. Kenny, Hangman & FTR uniting against Okada, Jack & Bucks? Feels like an awesome 8 Man to me.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/23/24)

GO ACE! GO ACE!

Published

1 day ago

April 23, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The House of Torture gets another try!

Despite losing in the NEVER Openweight Six Man title tournament, the House of Torture get one more shot against Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg! But will shuffling the deck really help the King of Darkness trump President Ace?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: El Desperado, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Katsuya Murashima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg win and retain the titles.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo; Tsuji wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors; Takagi wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!

Don’t adjust your screens, this is not a rematch from Wrestling World in Taiwan. That’s because while The Ace, the Joker and the Rook won the tournament, they’re up against a different formation! The King of Darkness and Heel Master now have Tokyo Pimp as their third man, but will that change be enough to change the result? Or will Tanahshi-sachou and team be an undefeated combination?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Darkness Falls!

The teams sort out, and Oleg starts against Yoshinobu Kanemaru. The fans rally behind “BO-LU-TIN! BO-LU-TIN!” as he circles with Kanemaru, but then Evil & Yujiro attack! The fans boo, Tanahashi & Yano hurry in but Evil & Yujiro get them first! Kanemaru drags Oleg out of the ring to stomp him down while Evil & Yujiro have Tanahashi & Yano in corners. Yujiro fires forearms, Evil CHOPS, then the House all whips. But Oleg reverses and sends Kanemaru into railing! And Tanahashi & Yano reverse to send Evil & Yujiro into each other! Oleg returns to CLOBBER Evil & Yujiro! The fans fire up as now Yano & Tanahashi intercept Kanemaru.

Tanahashi & Yano whip Kanemaru to Oleg for a scoop and SLAM! The fans rally behind the champs as Oleg paces around Kanemaru. Oleg stomps Kanemaru, tags Tanahashi, and Tanahashi eggs Evil on. Evil tags in, Tanahashi kicks first! Tanahashi fires hands, UPPERCUTS, then tears away the “President Evil” shirt to TOSS it away! Evil is furious, he made that himself! Tanahashi throws a body shot, then whips Evil corner to corner. Evil reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up for the air guitar and Tanahashi tags in Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad, dodges Evil, then gives Evil the pad!

The ref reprimands Evil and confiscates the pad, and Yano SLAPS Evil on the head! Yano whips, Evil reverses, but Yano avoids the bare buckles. Evil runs up to SLAP Yano, and shove him into the buckles! Kanemaru & Yujiro BLAST Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Evil SMACKS Yano with the pad! Evil TOSSES Yano out of the ring, distracts the ref, and that lets Dick DECK Yano! Dick drags Yano up and puts him in the ring for Evil to cover. TWO! Evil is upset with the “slow count,” and he tags Kanemaru. Kanemaru runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru ELBOWS Yano in the head!

Kanemaru snapmares Yano down into a chinlock and drags him to the corner. The ref reprimands but Yujiro tags in. Kanemaru lets go, so that Yujiro can CHOKE Yano! The ref counts, Yujiro lets off, and he drags Yano back up. Yujiro whips Yano into the bare buckles! Yano suffers his own trick, and Yujiro brings him up to knee low. Yujiro snapmares, drops a leg, then drops an elbow! Then he drops a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Yujiro tags to Evil. Evil BLASTS Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Dick distracts the ref so Evil can put Yano in the COBRA TWIST, and link up with the others!

The fans boo but the House gets away with that. Evil covers, TWO! Evil is even more upset with the ref, and he drags Yano up. Evil reels Yano in for a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wait, who is ringing the bell? Dick is ringing the bell, and Kanemaru is giving the announcement that they’ve won! The fans boo, this is of course a farce. Tanahashi & Oleg storm over, scaring off Dick and Kanemaru. Evil tags Kanemaru, then TOSSES Yano outside. Kanemaru drags Yano back up to whip him into railing! Then DDT to the floor! Yano is down in enemy territory while Tanahashi argues with the ref.

The fans rally up but Yujiro puts Yano in. Kanemaru covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru drags Yano around. Yano is dead weight so Kanemaru leaves him behind to BLAST Tanahashi! Kanemaru drags Yano up but Yano pulls hair! Kanemaru CLAWS Yano’s eyes! Kanemaru whips, Yano reverses and throws him down by his hair! The fans fire up as Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as Oleg CLOBBERS Kanemaru, BLASTS Evil & Yujiro, then runs in at the corner. Kanemaru BOOTS Oleg, runs, but into a POP-UP BEARHUG! Kanemaru endures, but then Oleg turns that into a BIG suplex! The fans fire up as Oleg storms around.

Oleg deadlift gut wrenches, but Dick gets on the apron. Oleg drops Kanemaru to scare Dick off. But then Yano puts Dick in! Dick prays and begs for mercy, but Oleg just deadlift gut wrenches him! Shake, Rattle and THROW! And a kip up!? Oleg then gets Kanemaru back up, Shake, Rattle, and some more shaking, and THROW! Oleg roars, runs, and SPLASHES down! Cover, Evil & Yujiro break it! Then they BLAST Tanahashi & Yano! The House stomps away on Oleg, then drag him up. They double whip Oleg to a corner, then Yujiro BOOTS! Evil clotheslines! They snapmare, Kanemaru distracts the ref, and Dick goes up!

The fans boo but Dick hits the DICK CHOP! Kanemaru covers, TWO!! The fans fire up but Evil tags back in. Evil and Kanemaru get Oleg up to suplex, but Oleg fights it! Oleg DOUBLE SUPLEXES back! Hot tag to Tanahashi! Ace of the Universe meets King of Darkness, and Tanahashi runs to CLOBBER Evil! Tanahashi fires forearms and body shots on Evil, then scoop SLAMS him into a drop zone! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Tanahashi as he waits on Evil. Tanahashi runs, but Evil goes to the corner! Evil LARIATS Tanahashi down! Tag to Yujiro and he storms up on Tanahashi.

Yujiro brings Tanahashi up to knee low and fire forearms. Yujiro CHOPS then runs up, to BOOT! Yujiro then runs, to BOOT again! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi runs, but Yujiro TOSSES him out! Evil is there to set Tanahashi up for a whiskey bottle shot! Evil puts Tanahashi back in, then he and the rest go after Oleg and Yano! Yujiro gets Tanahashi up for an INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Yujiro goes for his pimp cane, but the ref stops him! That leaves Dick open to use the SPOILER CHOKER on Tanahashi!! The fans boo as President Ace suffers! Tanahashi fades out, Dick slips away, and Yujiro laughs.

Yujiro drags Tanahashi up while the fans rally. Yujiro reels Tanahashi in, but Yano gets in to grab Yujiro! Kanemaru gets in while the ref is distracted again! But Yano ducks, the WHISKEY MIST hits Yujiro! LOW BLOW for Kanemaru! But Evil LOW BLOWS Yano! So Tanahashi LOW BLOWS Evil! Dick gets in but Tanahashi kicks the ropes! Dick falls, Oleg returns, and he gets Yujiro up! Tanahashi climbs, Oleg hits the KAMIKAZE SENTON! Then Tanahashi HIGH FLY FLOWS!! Cover, Team Go Ace wins!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

The House of Torture tried their usual tricks, but Tanahashi’s team proved they could play that, too! The Ace, the Joker & The Rook stand tall again, will The House have to start playing a different game?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo!

While Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have already done battle on this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, tonight is a best of five series! Will it be Gene Blast or Blacksmith that sets the tone for tonight?

The moment Yota hops off the corner, Gedo takes a swing! Yota dodges and GENE BLASTER!! The bell rings, Yota covers, Yota wins!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall

Well not sure about the tone but this sure set a new record! From bell the bell, that was FIVE SECONDS! Score one for LIJ already, and Yota helps roll Gedo out of the ring. Will LIJ make this a shut out? Or will the other War Dogs be a bit smarter about the pitches they throw across the plate?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd!

Round two is here sooner than expected after what we just saw, and the Black Mask is up against the #WarReady Mad Man. Gabe vows to take back everything NJPW used to mean, but will he get War Dogs on the board? Or will Bushi keep things tranquilo?

Bushi climbs onto the corner and Gabe rushes him! Bushi jumps over, the bell rings and Bushi DROPKICKS Gabe down! Bushi whips, Gabe reverses but Bushi ducks ‘n ‘dodges to RANA! Gabe bails out, Bushi builds speed, but Gabe gets away. Bushi slides out, but Gabe kicks and CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS Bushi down, then drags Bushi up to dig at Bushi’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Gabe storms around and mockingly calls upon the wrestling gods. Gabe runs but Bushi dodges, Gabe crashes into railing! The fans fire up while Bushi rises. Bushi brings Gabe up, fires forearms, then brings Gabe around. Gabe blocks the bump off the apron to whip Bushi hard into railing!

Bushi flounders and Gabe snarls while the fans rally up. Gabe storms out to open the way to the orange bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Bushi, brings him around and they go up into the stands. Gabe HEADBUTTS Bushi down, shouts “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” then continues up to the next level. Bushi fights the lift but Gabe CLUBS him! Gabe lifts again but Bushi still fights! Gabe CLUBS away on Bushi, CHOPS and HAYMAKERS! Gabe backs up, flips everyone off, and he runs back in, but Bushi dropkicks the leg! Bushi SMACKS Gabe off railing, then he goes up higher into the stands! Bushi stands on the ledge, to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Gabe and the Young Lions!

The fans are thunderous as Bushi rises, and he brings Gabe up. Bushi headlocks Gabe to bring him back down the bleachers. Gabe throws body shots but Bushi throws hands in return. Bushi brings Gabe back to ground level, then through the gate. They return to ringside but Gabe CLUBS Bushi down again. Gabe HEADBUTTS, then he puts Bushi in. The fans rally, but Gabe drags Bushi around to ROCK him again. Gabe has Bushi on the apron, CLUBS him again, then brings Bushi out. Bushi fights the suplex to throw body shots! Gabe HEADBUTTS again, but Bushi fires more hands! Bushi puts Gabe in and the fans cheer.

Bushi drags Gabe up but blocks his haymaker to spin and DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi goes to a corner while Gabe sputters. Gabe stands, Bushi runs in, but no Code Breaker! Gabe ELBOWS, JABS and YUKON LARIATS! Gable copies Takagi, covers, TWO! Gabe flips off the fans, they boo, and so he just flips them off more. Gabe eggs Bushi on, taunts him, so Bushi CHOPS! Gabe dusts himself off, Bushi CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS, says Bushi ain’t got nothing, but Bushi fires a flurry! Gabe CHOPS again, Bushi DOUBLE CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS, then he gut wrenches! But Bushi slips free and shoves!

Gabe blocks one kick, ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! Bushi reels Gabe in, for a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and flounders away while the fans fire up. Gabe flops right out of the ring but Bushi pursues. Bushi drags Gabe up, but Gabe HEADBUTTS him back down! Gabe rips away the LIJ shirt to tell them to suck it! Gabe SPITS on the shirt, throws it down, then goes back for Bushi. Gabe puts Bushi in, Bushi goes to a corner, and Gabe runs in to clothesline! Gabe suplexes, Bushi slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and uses the ref as a shield! BLACK MIST!! Bushi gets the better of Gabe and hooks the arms!

Gabe fights the backslide, BOOTS the ref, so the ref can’t see the Bushi Roll! Bushi would’ve had this one! Bushi goes to check on the ref but Gabe storms up to HAYMAKER! Gabe shouts at the ref, drags him back up, and then storms over to Bushi! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Gabe wins!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall

The series is tied 1-1, and Gabe shouts for water to wash out the mist. LIJ VS War Dogs aside, Gabe now has momentum going into his NEVER Openweight Championship match with Shingo Takagi. Will the Rampaging Dragon be just as #WarReady as Gabe after tonight?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors!

Speaking of the NEVER Openweight Champion, he’s third up in the batting order, ready to drive home another run. Will the Rampaging Dragon score and soar towards Wrestling Dontaku? Or will he be struck out by 100 Proof?

Takagi and Connors get in each other’s face and talk some trash. Connors shoves but the ref has them both back down. Connors gets all fired up, Takagi says okay then, and the bell rings, only for Connors to bail out. The fans boo Connors trolling them, but he says tranquilo. Takagi paces while Connors goes around the outside. Takagi dares Connors to get in but Connors dares Takagi to come on out. The fans rally up so Connors goes back to the apron. Connors steps in, fires up, but then bails out. But Takagi pursues! They go around the ring, back in, and then Connors RAMS Takagi! But Takagi doesn’t fall!

Connors runs again, RAMS Takagi, but still Takagi stays up. Connors fires forearm after forearm after forearm, but then Takagi ROCKS, KNEES, CLUBS and CHOPS! And JABS! Takagi whips, Connors ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Takagi! Takagi rebounds, but Connors runs him over! The fans fire up while Takagi goes to a corner. Connors runs corner to corner to clothesline, then he reels Takagi in. Takagi fights the suplex, and he suplexes Connors instead! The fans fire up again but Connors bails back out. Takagi pursues, JABS, then SMACKS Connors off the apron. Takagi follows Connors around, POSTS him, and the fans cheer.

Takagi stomps Connors, Connors goes around the way but Takagi follows. Takagi runs up to BOOT Connors, then follows him. Connors uses a Young Lion as a shield, then shoves him into Takagi! Connors then whips Takagi into railing! Takagi leans against railing and Connors UPPERCUTS! Connor opens the gate and pushes Takagi into No Man’s Land. Connors brings Takagi around to SMACK off the wood bleachers! Takagi hits back, they brawl, and Takagi knees low! Takagi whips, Connors reverses and Takagi is sent into the wall of the hallway! Connors throws up the Too Sweet but the fans boo.

Connors brings Takagi back to SMACK into the gate, then POST! Connors reels Takagi in, to snap suplex to the floor! Takagi writhes, the ref reprimands but Connors wants the ring count to start. The ring count does start, and Connors scoops a Young Lion to SLAM him onto Takagi! And then he grabs another Young Lion to SPINEBUSTER onto Takagi! Connors slides into the ring at 10 of 20 while Takagi pushes the Young Lions off him. Takagi stands at 17, hurries up at 18, but Connors SPEARS him down! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this and the fans rally, but Connors keeps on Takagi with a half nelson.

Takagi fights as Connors goes for the full nelson! Takagi reaches out but Connors keeps him from ropes. Takagi fights to his feet, powers up, but Connors keeps the nelson! The fans rally more as Takagi keeps fighting. Takagi powers the hold open, but Connors spins him to knee low! Connors whips, but Takagi avoids the snap powerslam! Takagi runs up to SLIDING- NO, Connors dodges, but runs into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up and Takagi goes to a corner. Connors flounders around, rises up, and Takagi storms up to the corner. Takagi clotheslines, then JABS and CHPOS on repeat! Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS and CHOPS!

Takagi whips corner to corner, runs in to clothesline again, then short arm LARIAT! Takagi scoops Connors to SLAM him, then he goes up and up for the FALLING ELBOW DROP! Takagi hauls Connors up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but Takagi looks around. The fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi says, “OI, KORAKUEN! TOKI GA KITA!!” The time has come and the “OI! OI! OI!” continues. Takagi brings Connors up, pump handle, but Connors fights the lift! Connors throws elbows, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi eggs Connors on, Connors throws another forearm! Takagi fires back!

Connors fires more forearms, but Takagi HEADBUTTS! Connors HEADBUTTS, but he’s the one wobbling! Connors ROCKS Takagi with a forearm, then eggs Takagi on. Takagi ROCKS Connors with boxing elbows! Takagi runs, Connors follows to LARIAT against ropes! Connors runs but Takagi follows to KNEE against ropes! Takagi keeps moving, Connors gets under to come back and POUNCE! Then a whip and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! But Connors powers up and runs, to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans fire up but Connors aims from a corner! Connors runs in to SPEAR!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous!

Connors rises, Takagi stirs, and Connors brings Takagi up. But Takagi fights No Chaser! Takagi wrenches out to JAB! And HEADBUTT! Connors dodges the lariat, but runs into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Takagi runs up to PUMPING BOMBER! Then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Connors shakes his head as he stays in this, but Takagi roars! Takagi pump handles for MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?! Connors survives and shocks Takagi, but the fans are thunderous again! “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi powers up. Takagi runs, but Connors dodges! But PUMPING BOMBER still finds him! Cover, Takagi wins!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall

We’re halfway done and LIJ takes the lead! Takagi has momentum for himself, too, but will the Rampaging Dragon be #WarReady for Gabe Kidd? Or will Wrestling Dontaku be the end of the road for Takagi?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Uncontrollable Charisma may no longer be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but we all know he never lets things get to him. Will he therefore stay tranquilo as he looks to win this series for his team? Or will he lose a shootout with the .44 Caliber?

As always, Naito takes his time with his entrance attire. Drilla mockingly asks what happened to his belt, but Naito doesn’t let that get his goat. The fans rally for Naito and that annoys Drilla. Naito puts the pants away, the bell rings, and Drilla runs up! But Naito puts him on the apron, and sweeps the legs! Then he DROPKICKS Drilla down! Naito goes out slowly to fetch Drilla, CLUB him on the neck, and then CLUB him again. Naito CLUBS Drilla more, cravats for a neck wrench, and even grinds Drilla against railing! The ref counts, Naito puts Drilla in, and the fans applaud. But Drilla comes back to WRECK Naito with a dropkick!

Drilla whips Naito hard into railing, and Naito gets stuck! Drilla dumps him over, tells fans off about cheering for Naito, then drags Naito up and around. Drilla CHOPS Naito, follows him along the way, and whips him hard into railing! The fans applaud the impressive speed and strength, but Drilla leaves Naito behind as Naito slumps into the front row. The ring count climbs, Naito sits up at 7 of 20. Naito finds his way around to the gate at 12, steps in at ringside, and rolls in at 15. Drilla throws Naito’s hat at him, then stomps away! Drilla drags Naito up, HEADBUTTS him, then has him on ropes. Drilla CHOPS and Naito staggers.

Drilla eggs Naito on so Naito fires forearms! Naito whips, Drilla reverses and ELBOWS Naito down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Naito but Drilla digs his knee into Naito’s neck! The ref counts, Drilla lets off to get in the ref’s face, but the ref reminds Drilla to respect his authority. Drilla kicks Naito around, steps on Naito’s head, then taunts the fans. Naito gets up to throw hands but Drilla hits back! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, but then Drilla CHOPS! Drilla runs, into an ELBOW! Drilla rebounds, but Naito hip toss NECKBREAKERS! The fans rally as Naito rises and Drilla writhes. Naito drags Drilla up to fire forearms and kicks!

Naito whips, arm-drags, then he ELBOWS Drilla down to basement dropkick in the back! Naito turns Drilla for a NECKBREAKER! Drilla writhes, Naito pushes him to a cover, TWO! Naito keeps on Drilla with a cravat neck wrench. Drilla endures, fights around, and he fights up. Drilla breaks free, CLUBS Naito, then runs, but Naito catches him to a dragon sleeper, NECKBREAKER! Drilla fights the legs but Naito still hooks him into the LEG HOOK NELSON! Drilla endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! Naito again “forgets” how to undo the hold, so the ref pries the legs away.

Drilla is free and clutches his neck, but Naito paces around. Naito drags Drilla back up, but Drilla CHOPS! Naito fires a forearm in return! Drilla CHOPS! Naito forearms! The shots go back and forth, Drilla grunts and has a crazy grin. Drilla fires a forearm, Naito mocks the grunt! Naito fires back, both men grunt and fire forearms again! Drilla CHOPS, but then Naito ROCKS him, SPITS on him, and fires off more forearms! Drilla gets under, shoves Naito then hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Naito and Drilla go to opposite corners, and Drilla runs corner to corner! Drilla blocks a boot but Naito SPITS!

Naito runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Drilla horks up and SPITS a big one at Naito, then DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Naito stays in this and Drilla is seething. Drilla slashes his throat and throws up the Too Sweet. Drilla drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift. Drilla ENZIGIRIS Naito, then gets him back up! Canadian Rack, but Naito arm-drags Drilla into the ref! The ref tumbles all the way out, Naito atomic drops Drilla and ENZIGIRIS! COMPLETE SHOT, and then PLUMA BLANCA!! Drilla endures, flails, is he tapping? But there’s no ref anyway! Wait, David Finlay rushes out here!

The Rebel taunts Naito while swinging the shillelagh! Naito lets Drilla go, only for JAKE LEE to show up!?! Talk about a CrossOver, the Good Looking Emperor is here in NJPW and he fires hands with Naito!! The fans are going nuts, but Naito gets the edge! Only for Jake to KNEE low! Jake puts Naito in a corner, takes aim, and runs in to HELLUVA KICK!!! Or as he calls it, #FaceBreakShot! Naito staggers into Drilla’s arms, for the DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover and the ref is back, Drilla wins!!

Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall

The Rebel gets the Madness Dark Side to help him screw over Naito, and now this series is all tied up again! But then Finlay & Drilla beat Naito down more! Jake steps in, and the War Dogs back away. Jake stands on Naito’s chest, then stomps away! Is Jake going to destroy Naito once and for all? But wait! Here comes Hiromu! The Ticking Timebomb ROCKS Jake, ROCKS Drilla, then fires off on Finlay! But then Drilla & Finlay mug Hiomru! They double whip, but Hiormu ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Hiromu goes out after Finlay, but Drilla CLUBS Hiromu! They POST Hiromu, but what about the main event!?

Red Shoes hurries out here, the fans tell Jake and Drilla to go home. Jake literally kicks Naito out of the ring and then stands him up against railing. Jake gets space, takes aim again, and Finlay makes Hiromu watch the FACE BREAK SHOT that sends Naito into the front row!! The fans boo and tell Jake to go home. Jake smirks as he takes his leave with Drilla, the damage done. Is there an alliance between Jake’s Good Looking Guys and Finlay’s War Dogs? Is Naito just the first casualty of many?

As for Finlay and Hiromu, Finlay RAMS Hiromu into railing! And then RAMS him in again! Finlay RAMS Hiromu a third time, then he soaks up the heat. Red Shoes reprimands, but this isn’t officially a match yet. Finlay takes aim, he runs in, but Hiromu sends him into railing! Hiromu gets Finlay in, the bell rings, and it’s time to settle the score!

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay!

Hiromu fireman’s carries, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay slips away! The fans rally for Hiromu as he eggs Finlay on. Finlay snarls, storms back up but Hiromu then SUNSET FLIPS! Finlay holds ropes to throw down hands! Hiromu staggers away, Finlay fireman’s carries him now! Finlay runs and THROWS Hiromu at a post! The fans boo while Finlay throws up the Too Sweet and taunts them all. Finlay leaves Hiromu behind, he tells the fans they look stupid, then he goes back to fetch Hiromu. Finlay slaps Hiromu around, drags him up, and throws him into the ring.

Finlay crawls to a cover but Red Shoes says nope, too many shenanigans. Finlay is upset, there were a lot of shenanigans both ways. But Finlay drags Hiromu up to suplex and TOSS Hiromu! Now things are fine and Finlay covers, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Finlay mocks the “MOTO! MOTO!” Finlay whips Hiromu hard into a corner! Hiromu falls then crawls, and Finlay taunts him that it’s too easy. Finlay stalks Hiromu to another corner as the fans rally up, but Finlay makes Hiromu smile! Finlay says smile like Tsuji! Red Shoes reprimands, Finlay lets off, but then he drags Hiromu up to whip hard into another corner!

Hiromu staggers and falls out of the ring and Red Shoes checks him. Finlay waits on Hiromu while he writhes on the floor. Finlay mockingly says “Moto! Moto!” Red Shoes has Finlay stay back, and the ring count starts. Hiromu stands at 4 of 20 while Finlay lounges on the ropes. The fans rally, Hiromu rolls in at 10, but Finlay brings him back up. Finlay scoops and carries Hiromu around for a BACKBREAKER! Finlay says he’s strong AF, and then he kicks Hiromu around. Finlay mocks the fans chanting for Hiromu, and that makes them boo Finlay. Finlay pushes Hiromu around, so Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS!

Finlay dusts himself off, eggs Hiromu on, so Hiromu CHOPS again! Finlay felt that one so he knees low. Finlay runs, Hiromu follows, and Hiromu RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay flounders while Hiromu goes to ropes. Finlay runs up, but into a BOOT! Hiromu then has a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets go at 4 and he drags Finlay out to wheelbarrow FACEBUSTER to the floor! The fans rally up behind Hiromu and he goes to the apron. Hiromu aims as Finlay stands, FLYING SHOTGUN sends Finlay through the gate! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he pursues.

Hiromu smiles at TJP on English commentary, then gets a real “MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!” going. Hiromu gets Finlay up and in, and Finlay goes to a corner. Hiromu runs up to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu keeps his cool and he kicks Finlay around. Hiromu drags Finlay up, fireman’s carries, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu takes a swing, but Finlay catches him to an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but Finlay scoops him, for the SWINGING IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives again and Finlay grows frustrated.

Finlay mocks Yota Tsuji as he powers up and goes to the corner. Hiromu rises, Finlay flips him off, and steals GENE- TRIANGLE D!! Hiromu has Finlay caught and the fans fire up! Finlay flails, tries to stack Hiromu, but Hiromu squeezes tighter! Finlay is fading and the fans fire up! But Finlay gets a second wind, deadlifts Hiromu, and POWERBOMBS him down! Finlay is free of D, but both men are down as the fans rally again. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, and lifts, but Hiromu RANAS to a cover! TWO!! Finlay escapes, kicks low and whips, but Hiromu slips free of Deep Six to wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT!

The fans fire up while Finlay flounders! But Finlay sneaks his shillelagh into the ring! The fans rally for Hiromu while Finlay hides the shillelagh under him. Hiromu rises, Finlay shields the shillelagh from Red Shoes but Red Shoes is suspicious. Red Shoes sees the weapon! Finlay shoves Red Shoes away and takes a swing, but Hiromu dodges! SUPERKICK! Hiromu takes the shillelagh now! The fans are torn, but then Hiromu plays like Finlay did hit him! Red Shoes isn’t sure who to believe, but Finlay really is innocent this time! Finlay argues with Red Shoes but fans boo to help sell Hiromu’s trick.

Hiromu then runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! And then fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO! Finlay is still in this but the fans are still with Hiromu. Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu elbows, runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Finlay runs, but into a SUPERKICK! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER, but Finlay stays up! Hiromu runs again, but Finlay catches him spins him, ROLLING ELBOWS, then runs! Into a SUPERKICK! Finlay returns, for another SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous and Hiromu gets Finlay up, suplex and INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!!

Finlay survives his own move but Hiromu won’t let that bother him! Hiromu drags himself up, dragon sleepers Finlay, but Finlay fights the suplex with knees! Finlay suplexes, but Hiromu knees free! Hiromu runs, but Finlay LARIATS! Finlay hauls Hiromu up, Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! Finlay goes to a corner as he thinks on what to do next. Finlay storms over to Hiromu, says it’s over now, and he drags Hiromu back up. But Hiromu slips out of the bomb to tuck the arms! Finlay wrenches out, but into TRIANGLE D!! Finlay flails, CLUBS at Hiromu, but he’s fading again!

Red Shoes checks, the fans rally up, and Finlay fights to deadlift again! POWERBOMB, but Hiromu just holds onto D!! Finlay is fading, flailing, reaching out, but Hiromu squeezes tight! Finlay deadlifts again! BUCKLE BOMB, and INTO OBLIVION!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Hiromu survives again and Finlay is beside himself! The fans are electric as Finlay shakes his head. Hiromu sputters but Finlay brings down the kneepads. Finlay slashes his throat and vows to end this! Finlay drags Hiromu back up, suplexes, but Hiromu slip free! Hiromu wrenches, pump handles, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO!!! Finlay escapes and Hiromu is frustrated!

Both men catch their breath while the fans rally as hard as they can. Hiromu grits his teeth, pounds the mat, and rises up. Hiromu hobbles over but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Hiromu comes back, into another UPPERCUT! And another UPPERCUT! And another! And another, and another! But Hiromu stays on his feet, even as Finlay UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again!! Hiromu won’t stop, but Finlay won’t, either! The fans rally and Finlay eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu runs in, into another UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! Hiromu roars, runs, but into an UPPERCUT!! Hiromu drops to his knees, and Finlay says this is it!

Finlay suplexes, INTO OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

Bullet Club War Dogs takes the best of five in the fifth and final round! It took much more than Finlay wanted, but Hiromu always gives it his all. Will the Timebomb be able to fire back up in time for the Best of the Super Juniors?

Wait, Drilla returns, and now the War Dogs mug Hiromu! But then Tsuji & Takagi return to run them off! The War Dogs egg them on and vice-versa, but then GABE KIDD runs in! He CLOBBERS Takagi, DECKS Tsuji, and the War Dogs beat up on LIJ! The fans boo but the War Dogs just keep stomping LIJ! Drilla stands Tsuji up for Finlay’s SHILLELAGH SHOT! Drilla gives Hiromu the DRILLA KILLA! Gabe hits Takagi with a PILEDRIVER! Drilla gets to hold on to the shillelagh so he can JAM Hiromu! Finlay gives Tsuji the OVERKILL!! The War Dogs stand tall over LIJ, but Finlay still gets the mic to talk.

“What have I been telling you people? I AM the Savage King! You all thought you saw cracks in my game, but that’s because I let you. You all thought you saw weakness in my War Dogs, but that’s because I let you. Time and time again, I have been steps ahead of everyone in this company. Time and time again, I have solved any problem that was put in our way. The only thing worse than fighting a man who knows how to hurt you is fighting a man who knows when. LIJ learned that tonight, didn’t they?” A young fan tells Finlay to shut up and the fans cheer the kid.

Finlay says you can strip him of championships, you can keep him from tournaments, but in the end, remember this: “HATE always finds a way!!” The Rebel has spoken, will he and his hateful War Dogs find a way to dominate all of NJPW whether we like it or not?

My Thoughts:

A great event for the Road to Wrestling Dontaku series. Great Six Man title match with Tanahashi’s team winning again, probably no more shots for House of Torture. Not really sure what House of Torture is supposed to do next, though. We’re seeing Narita go after Moxley and the IWGP World title, Jack Perry is technically back in AEW, Evil and Yujiro could try for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles but you know they’d lose to Bishamon. I’ve been thinking that House of Torture should join Jack in AEW for this stretch until Forbidden Door, have some interactions with The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada or something like that.

Really fun Best of 5 series, and it was hilarious that Yota beat Gedo so easily. Great wins for Gabe and Takagi going into their NEVER Openweight Championship match. For a moment, I thought LIJ was winning, given how badly the War Dogs beat up Naito with the help of their new pal, Jake Lee, a former GHC Heavyweight Champion and a big name in Pro-Wrestling NOAH. But then in the end, Finlay found a way to win against Hiromu, keeping him strong as he probably moves up from midcard titles to world title. If we go by the math, Takagi should win the NEVER Openweight title match, but it’d feed Gabe’s story better if he did get the title.

As for Hiromu, he probably gets a strong showing in Best of the Super Juniors, but since his streak of tournament championships was broken, who knows if he gets another one or if he puts someone else over.