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Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 31 Results & Report! (9/18/21)

The great tradition is back again!

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NJPW G1 Climax 31

G1 Climax’s opening day is all about Block A!

For the second time, NJPW’s Summer tradition is in the Fall! Will Kota Ibushi begin his climb towards a FOURTH G1 Climax Finals appearance?

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kota Ibushi VS Yujiro Takahashi w/ Pieter; Takahashi wins.
  • Great-O-Khan VS Tanga Loa; Khan wins.
  • Toru Yano VS KENTA; Yano wins.
  • Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
  • Tomohiro Ishii VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kota Ibushi VS Yujiro Takahashi w/ Pieter!

The Golden Star is last year’s winner, as well as the year before that, and is the only man to appear in three consecutive finals. But will the Tokyo Pimp look to ruin his chances of making it back there again to start things off?

The bell rings and fans cheer as the two stare down. Ibushi and Yujiro slowly circle, tie up, and Ibushi powers Yujiro to ropes. The ref calls for the ropebreak and Ibushi lets off, but Yujiro pulls hair to turn it around! The ref reprimands, so Yujiro lets off to slap Ibushi! Ibushi keeps cool as he resets with Yujiro. Ibushi rushes in but Yujiro dodges, to slap Ibushi again. Yujiro eggs Ibushi on then kicks low to throw forearms. Yujiro CHOPS then throws more forearms against the ropes. Yujiro stands Ibushi up, runs but into a boot! Ibushi walks into Yujiro’s kick, things speed up and Ibushi dropkicks Yujiro down! Fans cheer as Ibushi stands up and stomps Yujiro.

Ibushi stands Yujiro up for forearms, then Ibushi wrenches and whips Yujiro to a corner. Ibushi runs in but Yujiro puts him on the apron. Yujiro comes back but into a forearm. Ibushi goes up to springboard but Yujiro shoves him down! Ibushi hits the floor and Yujiro goes out to fetch him. Yujiro POSTS Ibushi, shoulder first! Yujiro regroups with Pieter to get his pimp cane, and he has Pieter distract the ref. Yujiro takes aim to CANE SHOT Ibushi in the gut! Then he chokes Ibushi with the cane! The ref leaves Pieter behind and sees Yujiro using the cane. The ref reprimands and counts, Yujiro lets off to get in the ring.

Ibushi drags himself back in the ring but Yujiro is on him with a rain of fists. The ref reprimands about closed fists so Yujiro stops to bring Ibushi up. Yujiro scoops and SLAMS Ibushi down, then paces around. Yujiro drops a leg, an elbow then a headbutt! Cover, ONE!! Fans cheer Ibushi’s toughness but Yujiro keeps his cool. Fans rally up but Yujiro bumps Ibushi off buckles. Yujiro knees low, throws forearms, then whips Ibushi corner to corner. Yujiro runs in and BOOTS Ibushi down! Cover, ONE!! Fans fire up again as Ibushi shocks Yujiro! Yujiro paces while Ibushi crawls, and Yujiro stomps Ibushi down.

Ibushi glares at Yujiro so Yujiro slaps him around. Ibushi fires off forearms but Yujiro knees low! Yujiro knees Ibushi against ropes, whips him but Ibushi reverses to GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up with Ibushi as he gets back up. Ibushi dares Yujiro to get up, then he fires off a strike fest! ROUNDHOUSE to the chest, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ibushi keeps his focus as the fans rally back up. Ibushi reels Yujiro in for a waistlock but Yujiro fights the lift with elbows. Yujiro is free and runs, into a RANA from Ibushi! Yujiro bails out, fans fire up and Ibushi takes aim. Ibushi runs to the corner, GOLDEN TRI- NO! Yujiro YANKS Ibushi down to the ground!

Yujiro has cameramen move aside so that he can whip Ibushi into railing! Ibushi staggers back into a REVERSE DDT! The ref checks on Ibushi but Yujiro gets him up and into the ring. Yujiro drags Ibushi up, stands him against ropes and takes aim, to BOOT Ibushi again! Yujiro reels Ibushi in, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Yujiro brings Ibushi back up. Yujiro reels Ibushi in but Ibushi fights the Incolle Slam. Yujiro ducks the Roundhouse, tries again, INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ibushi is still in this but Yujiro fires up. Yujiro drags Ibushi up, fireman’s carry, but Ibushi fights free.

Yujiro blocks the kick to fireman’s carry again, but again Ibushi fights free! ROUNDHOUSE! Fans fire up more as Ibushi calls for his shot! Ibushi drags Yujiro up, reels him in, LAST RIDE! Cover, TWO!! Yujiro survives but barely! Ibushi vows this will end it now, and he gets Yujiro’s wrists. But Yujiro kicks Ibushi’s leg! Yujiro reels Ibushi in but he shoves free of Pimp Juice. V-TRIGGER! KENNY~! Yujiro flops over but Ibushi isn’t done with him! KAMI- No, Yujiro sends Ibushi at the ref! LOW BLOW! Yujiro reels Ibushi in again, PIMP JUICE!! Cover, TWO!?! Ibushi survives by the seat of his pants and everyone is shocked!

Yujiro roars and fans fire up as he brings Ibushi up. IMPALER!! Cover, YUJIRO WINS?!?

Winner: Yujiro Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ibushi gains 0)

A true shocker to open the G1!! The Tokyo Pimp and his naughty little bunny get to celebrate defeating the double G1 Climax winner! Is this a sign that the Golden Star is starting to dim?

 

Great-O-Khan VS Tanga Loa w/ Jado!

The United Empire’s Dominator and the Bullet Club’s Silverback are both in their first G1 Climax! But they aren’t going to let that get to them, they’re both hungry for the golden opportunity at the end of this grueling tournament! Whose debut is the better by starting off with a win?

The bell rings and the two stare down as fans rally up. Loa grins as the two approach and compare muscles. They talk a bit of trash and Khan shoves Loa. Loa laughs that off then shoves back. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Loa finds a point of leverage to push Khan back. Khan digs in his heels to push Loa back, but Loa puts Khan on ropes. Khan turns things around, Loa turns them back and the ref calls for the break. Loa lets off cleanly and fans cheer, but then Loa takes a swing! Khan gets around to waistlock and he carries Loa around in a rear bearhug. Loa elbows free, runs, but Khan rams shoulders with him! Fans cheer as neither falls and Khan eggs Loa on.

Loa runs, they ram shoulders again and again neither falls. Loa smiles and dares Khan to try. Khan runs but dodges the clothesline to run Loa over! And again! And again! Fans fire up as Khan sees Loa bail out to regroup with Jado. Jado gives Loa some pointers but Khan dares Loa to get back in. Khan goes out, Loa slips away and Jado distracts Kha. Loa gets in the ring, Khan keeps his eyes on Jado as he approaches the ring. Khan gets in, dodges Loa again and throws forearms! Khan hits Mongolian Chops! Fans cheer, Khan runs but into a SPEAR! Loa doesn’t cover, he stomps Khan around instead, then rains down fists!

Loa chokes but the ref counts and Loa lets off and “apologizes.” Then Loa stands on Khan’s throat! The ref counts again, Loa steps away, and he stalks Khan to ropes. Loa CLUBS Khan down, stomps him at the ropes, then drags Khan up by his ponytail. Loa scoops then SLAMS Khan for a BIG leg drop! Cover, TWO! Loa clamps onto Khan, choking him with his own ponytail! The ref notices, reprimands, and Khan gets a ropebreak at the same time. Loa lets off, Khan sputters, but Loa CLUBS him down. Loa chokes Khan with his ponytail again! The ref counts, Loa stops and he brings Khan up. Loa goes to suplex but Khan blocks, so Loa throws body shots and throws Khan out.

The ref reprimands Loa but Jado JAMS Khan with his kendo stick! The Master Heater stomps Khan and eggs him on as he gets up. Another kendo stick jab and Khan goes down again! Loa wants the ring count and so the count begins. Khan starts getting up so Loa goes out after Khan and RAMS him into the apron! Loa snap suplexes Khan to the ground with authority! Fans rally up as Khan writhes and the ring count begins again. The count is 10 of 20 as Khan drags himself up at the railing. Khan hears the 15 and gets in at 16! Loa waits for Khan to stand again, and he runs in to BOOT Khan down! Loa stomps away on Khan’s right arm, perhaps to prevent the iron claw from working.

Khan scrambles to ropes but Loa is on him again. Loa wraps the arm around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Loa lets off at 3, then he brings Khan up. Khan throws body shots and forearms, but the bad arm is weak. So Khan grabs Loa’s ear! The ref reprimands but Khan CLUBS Loa’s ear! Khan whips, Loa reverses and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Khan survives but Loa looms over him. Loa drags Khan up, “I expected more from you. Empire who? Great who?” Loa DECKS Khan and continues to mock him. “Great who? Not you!” Loa stands Khan up and ROCKS Khan again! Khan wobbles and falls back against ropes but the fans rally up.

Loa stands Khan up, reels him in but Khan blocks the suplex! Khan suplexes Loa and holds him up before the GOURD BUSTER! Both men are down but the fans rally again. Khan crawls after Loa, and gives him Mongolian Chops! And then more Mongolian Chops! Khan chops and CHOPS Loa in the corner, then whips him corner to corner, to clothesline from behind! Khan puts Loa up top backward to Mongolian Chop him on the back! Loa falls into a Tree of Woe, Khan stomps him down and digs in his boot! The ref counts and Khan lets off. Khan runs corner to corner, hits his three point stance and runs in to basement dropkick!

Jado gets on the apron but Khan Mongolian Chops him down! Loa frees himself from the Tree but Khan haul shim up. Khan back suplexes to SLAM Loa on his face! Cover, TWO! Khan grows annoyed but he toys with Loa. Khan asks where all Loa’s bravado went, then brings him back up. Mongolian Chop, but Loa doesn’t flinch. Loa throws body shots but Khan throws more Mongolian Chops! Loa throws uppercuts, throws forearms, then eggs Khan on. Khan gives back the forearm and the two brawl! Fans rally up as they pick up the speed! Loa gets the edge, then runs, into a BOOT! Khan runs, but Loa grabs at the ref! Jado SMACKS Khan with the kendo stick!

Loa LARIATS Khan down! Cover, TWO! But into a CROSSFACE! Jado distracts the ref but realizes Loa has control so he hops down. Khan endures the hold, reaches for ropes, but Loa rolls him away! CROSSFACE! Khan endures again, kicks and flails, but he thrashes to get around and reach out! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts but Loa lets off quickly. Khan flounders to a corner but Loa runs in to clothesline! Whip out then in, another clothesline! Loa reels Khan in, back suplex to POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives Loa’s take on Blue Thunder and the fans rally up. Loa mocks Khan’s Jiangshi moves, does some pop ‘n’ lock then steals the Mongolian Chops!

Khan slowly gets up, so Loa Mongolian Chops again! Khan gets mad and stands, but Loa Mongolian Chops again! Loa gets Khan up and reels him in but Khan holds off bomb to back drop! Khan fires up and blocks a clothesline to spin Loa into the HITSUJIGOROSHI! Loa endures the “Sheep Killer” stretch as Khan thrashes him around! Loa reaches for ropes, Khan cranks the hold harder, digging into that chinbar! Loa fights up, Khan scoops him, and Jado gets in the ring! Khan swings Loa to smack Jado down, and then gives Loa a BACKBREAKER! Then he makes it an IRON CLAW, to the ELI- NO! Loa slips out, kicks and ENZIGURIS!

Khan drops to his knees and Loa hurries to get him in position. POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives and shocks Loa! Fans fire up as Khan falls over in a daze. Loa hurries to get Khan back up, scoops him, but Khan slips out to IRON CLAW and ELIMINATOR!! Cover, Khan wins!

Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Loa earns 0)

The Silverback falls to the Dominator! Will Khan make a huge impact in the G1 for the glory of the United Empire?

 

Toru Yano VS KENTA!

After bringing out his vicious past against the Bullet Club’s Crown Jewel, surely the new provisional Mr. KOPW 2021 is ready for retaliation. Will Fang Revived sink his teeth into Chaos’ Clown Prince?

Kenta presents the timekeeper with a new script to read, as if to parody Yano’s long introduction with his own incredibly long introduction. Yano gets impatient with the checks but Kenta wants the ref to be thorough, since we all know Yano has tricks up more than just his sleeves. Wouldn’t you know? Spare tape was in the leg of his tights! Yano promises that’s the only one, and then asks the ref to check if Kenta is hiding something! Kenta denies such things but Yano says Kenta is very suspicious! The ref checks but Kenta refuses to have his butt inspected. Wait, there was wrist tape back there, too! Kenta says he only had it cuz he knew Yano would have some!

Tempers flair and the bell finally rings, only for Kenta to bail out. Yano complains but Kenta tells him to shut up. Kenta paces around the outside and fans rally up. Kenta takes his time returning but then slips right back out. Yano gets annoyed but Kenta wants space to return. Yano’s on the opposite side of the ring and demands Kenta get in. Kenta slides in, Yano storms over, but Kenta slides back out. Yano wants Kenta to get in already, but again Kenta trolls him. Yano rushes out after Kenta, only for Kenta to slide back inside. Now tables have turned and Yano dares Kenta to get back outside while Kenta says for Yano to get inside. Yano gets in, Kenta bails out!

Kenta keeps trolling Yano and Yano storms back outside. Kenta slides in, Yano storms up the ramp, and a ring count begins. Yano says he doesn’t care, but then he walks backwards. The count is 10 of 20, Yano sees Kenta is in the ring and rushes in, but Kenta stomps him down! Kenta stands Yano up and throws haymakers, then he rakes Yano’s eyes! Kenta lets off to throw more forearms, then he whips Yano. Yano holds ropes to taunt Kenta now. Kenta runs in, Yano dodges and he rakes eyes! Yano whips, Kenta holds ropes to mock Yano! Yano storms over and Kenta bails out again. Yano has no idea what is going on here but Kenta snatches Yano’s spray bottle!

Yano pursues to get sprayed in the face! Kenta undoes the nozzle and pours the liquid right on Yano’s face! Kenta stomps Yano down, then brings him up to throw forearms. Things go up the ramp, and Kenta tells the ref to shut up about the ring. Kenta CLUBS Yano on the back, rakes Yano’s eyes, then brings Yano to the entryway and the girders. Kenta finds tape hidden inside a gap! Yano kicks back and throws the tape away! Kenta kicks low, throws haymakers, and the ref gets in between them to say this has to go back to the ring. Wait, Kenta had more tape hidden in another gap in the structure! Kenta brings that out to tape Yano to the entryway! Then Kenta runs to the ring!

Yano is anchored as the ring count begins! Yano curses as he has to rip at the tape! The count is 8 of 20, then 10 before Yano is free! Yano gets free at 11 and sprints for the ring! Yano gets in at 16 and Kenta is frustrated. Kenta rains down rights on Yano, then stomps him around. Kenta whips, Yano reverses and sends Kenta to a corner, then goes to untie the buckle pads of the opposite corner! Yano has bared one of the corners, but Kenta comes back to mule kick. Kenta runs, but into an atomic drop! Yano trips and catapults Kenta into bare buckles! Roll up, TWO!! Yano fires up and whips Kenta at the bare corner, but Kenta reverses to send Yano in!

Kenta runs in to BOOT Yano down, then goes corner to corner to HESITATION DROPKICK Yano into the buckles! Yano is down, Kenta goes up, DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Yano survives Kenta’s coup de grace but Kenta slashes his throat. Kenta drags Yano up, fireman’s carries, but Yano slips out to pull hair! Kenta pulls hair in return! The ref reprimands them both and counts, but only Yano lets go! Kenta throws Yano out of the ring! Kenta goes out to fetch Yano, whips but Yano reverses to send Kenta into railing! Yano goes looking under the ring, and he finds spare wrist tape! The ref tries to stop Yano but Kenta shoves Yano into the ref!

Kenta stomps Yano, looks under the ring, and brings out more wrist tape! How many of these were hidden around the arena? Kenta wraps Yano’s wrists together, then he lifts the apron skirt. Kenta throws Yano under the ring! Kenta has the ref get up and get in the ring to start a ring count! Yano is nowhere to be found so the count begins. Kenta wants it to be faster but we’re only at 7 of 20. The count passes 10, then 15! Yano appears from behind! Yano LOW BLOWS Kenta behind the ref’s back! Roll up, TWO!! Kenta waistlocks, Yano grabs at the ref, then mule kick LOW BLOWS! Yano drags Kenta into a cradle, Yano wins!

Winner: Toru Yano, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kenta earns 0)

Kenta is furious with the ref, but it was his own tricks that came back to bite him! Will Yano be able to find further ways to win by the skin of his teeth?

 

Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr!

Los Ingobernables de Japon couldn’t strike out the Dangerous Tekkers at the MetLife Dome, but can the Uncontrollable Charisma get a leg up towards the top title? Or will the Submission Master make Naito #JustTapOut for the Fall?

ZSJ is patient as Naito takes off his elaborate entrance attire, a new red suit. The bell rings and fans cheer as the two stare down. ZSJ stretches a bit as he waits on Naito. Naito calls for a test of strength, but he’s reaching out in all directions. ZSJ brushes that off by mocking the Tranquilo pose. Naito and ZSJ circle, tie up, and ZSJ gets an arm. Naito holds off the wrench and gets a leg, but ZSJ again goes for an arm. Naito defends with a waistlock but ZSJ uses that to shift to a drop toehold. ZSJ floats to a headlock but Naito slips out the back to hammerlock. ZSJ rolls and gets free, and fans cheer as the two stand off from that technical exchange.

Naito and ZSJ circle again, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. ZSJ waistlocks, goes for a full nelson but Naito switches to full nelson back. ZSJ uses his leg for leverage to break free, but the two switch around and Naito is back in control. ZSJ pries the full nelson apart, drops and kangaroo kicks Naito away. Fans cheer again as the two reset. ZSJ and Naito circle again, feel out the grapple, then Naito gets a leg pick to a toehold. ZSJ fights back with a chinlock and fish hooks, but Red Shoes reprimands. Naito shakes that off to crank the toehold. ZSJ keeps trying the chinlock but Naito pulls on the leg. Naito shifts position, has a standing toehold and twists the ankle.

ZSJ rolls, reels Naito into a headlock and hits a takeover, but Naito headscissors. ZSJ moves around, turns Naito over, ties up the legs, Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Naito pops out to a cover, ONE, and Naito Tranquilos while ZSJ paces. ZSJ backs off to a corner while fans cheer, but Naito is patient as the two reset again. They tie up, ZSJ gets an arm and wrenches to step over, arm-drag and then headlock. Naito powers out, things speed up and the two do-si-do for cobra twists. Naito schoolboys instead, ZSJ rolls through but Naito arm-drags him! ZSJ gets up into a back elbow and a RANA! ZSJ bails out as fans fire up! Naito takes his time slowly going out to fetch ZSJ.

Naito gets ZSJ up and into the ring, clamps on with a chinlock and grinds him down. ZSJ pries at the hold but Naito drives an elbow into ZSJ’s head. Naito then gets a cravat for a neck wrench but ZSJ fights with a leg hooking Naito’s head. The two struggle for control, Naito gets free of the leg to stand ZSJ up. Naito whips corner to corner, runs in and rocket kicks! Leg sweep, but ZSJ catches Naito in a cravat! Naito rolls but ZSJ holds on to then bring Naito in for a snap suplex and basement dropkick! Fans fire up for that flurry while Naito bails out. ZSJ catches his breath while the ring count climbs, but he goes out to fetch Naito into the ring.

ZSJ drags Naito up and around, throws EuroUppers, then DECKS Naito. ZSJ drags Naito back up into an Italian Stretch but Naito fights. Naito makes it a cover, ONE! Naito tries again, ONE! ZSJ kicks Naito’s legs out to bring him down into just the cross leg headscissors hold! Naito endures, moves around, but ZSJ grabs at Naito’s arms to reel him back in. ZSJ sits on Naito’s head in the headscissors, then pushes up to get leverage on the necklock. Naito endures, and gets a ropebreak with a foot! ZSJ lets off cleanly and waits for Naito to sit up. ZSJ wraps on a chinlock, digs his elbows and knuckles in, then wraps Naito up in a straitjacket stretch.

ZSJ uses his head as a point of pressure and he pushes up with his feet to get more torque. Naito endures, fights back up, but ZSJ brings him around to pull on the hold again. Naito fights to his feet, powers up to turn the hold around but ZSJ turns it back around onto Naito! Fans rally as Naito endures again. Naito fights back up, fights the hold and spins it onto ZSJ but ZSJ spins it onto Naito! They spin and spin, and ZSJ gets control again! Fans cheer the technical exchange as Naito endures. Naito fights up again, ZSJ pulls on the arms, but Naito stomps ZSJ’s foot! Naito arm-drags ZSJ, dodges him, but ZSJ kicks back! ZSJ runs, into an atomic drop and NECKBREAKER!

Both men are down and fans fire up! Naito throws forearms and kicks on ZSJ, whips him to ropes then hip tosses for a basement dropkick! ZSJ staggers to a corner, Naito whips him corner to corner. Rocket kick, leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON! Naito poses as fans fire up again! Naito gets ZSJ up, dragon sleeper for a BACKBREAKER! PLUMA BLANCA! ZSJ endures the leg hook full nelson but Naito pushes up to apply pressure. ZSJ moves around, kicks his way over and gets the ropebreak! Naito says he needs help so Red Shoes undoes the hold. ZSJ sits up but Naito CLUBS him down.

Naito hammerlocks but ZSJ resists the rest of Gloria, so Naito CLUBS him again. Naito shoves ZSJ into the corner, puts him through the ropes, but ZSJ slips around to have a DRAPING GUILLOTINE! Red Shoes counts, ZSJ lets go and kicks Naito down. ZSJ runs in to pick the leg and trip Naito up, then PENALTY KICKS Naito down! Both men are down as fans rally up. ZSJ sits up and watches Naito stir. ZSJ grins as he stands up and throws EuroUppers. Naito grins back but ZSJ throws more EuroUppers. Naito eggs ZSJ on, the EuroUppers knock him over! ZSJ watches Naito get to the corner and runs in, but into BOOTS! Naito walks into an uppercut, but he comes back to TORNADO-

No! ZSJ shoves Naito away, goes for the arm, wrench to PELE! ZSJ whips, Naito leaps but into a DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Naito narrowly escapes but ZSJ is too tired to be upset. Fans rally up, ZSJ catches his breath as he grins at Naito. ZSJ slaps Naito around, brings him up and KICKS him in the leg. Naito drops to a knee, ZSJ KICKS him again. Naito gets up, blocks the Penalty Kick to CLUB the leg! Naito reels ZSJ in, spins him, but ZSJ slips out of the neckbreaker! ZSJ wrenches the arm but Naito avoids the Pele! Naito runs into a headbutt, but he turns uppercut into a TORNADO DDT! Both men are down but fans fire up again!

Naito crawls after ZSJ as he heads for a corner. Naito stands, eggs ZSJ on, and ZSJ stands, to get back elbows! Naito knocks ZSJ down, hops up and brings ZSJ up for ESPARANZA! Fans fire up more and Naito aims from the corner. ZSJ slowly rises, Naito runs in, but into a dropkick to the legs! ZSJ runs back in, body scissor takedown to a KNEEBAR!! ZSJ grapevines as he has the ANKLE LOCK added in! Naito endures, ZSJ ties up his legs for a figure four and even a calf killer! Naito fights, reaches and gets the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets off fast as fans cheer. ZSJ comes back to SMASH Naito’s knee into the mat, and then SMASH it again! And then he SMASHES the other knee!

Naito writhes but ZSJ gets a leg for a TWIST! Red Shoes checks but Naito refuses to quit here. ZSJ drags Naito up by an arm but Naito throws a forearm. ZSJ shrugs it off but Naito throws another. ZSJ CLUBS Naito, gets a leg and an arm and reels Naito in. Naito resists the lift so ZSJ kicks the bad leg. ZSJ hooks Naito up again and lifts, but Naito makes it a DDT! Naito stalks ZSJ to a corner, gets him up to the top rope, but ZSJ fights that and moves around, TOP ROPE OCTOPUS! Naito endures, Red Shoes counts the ropebreak, and ZSJ shifts to a SUNSET FLIP SIT OUT BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ gets the legs again, HEEL HOOK!

Naito endures and pries at the grip! Fans rally as Naito rolls and rolls and gets the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go again, growing a bit annoyed. ZSJ starts taunting Naito, mockingly asking if he’s okay. ZSJ then stomps Naito’s leg, but Naito CHOPS! ZSJ shrugs that off but Naito CHOPS again! And again! ZSJ kicks but Naito blocks. ZSJ blocks Naito’s kick, ducks the enziguri, and hooks up both legs to STOMP them! Naito clutches his knee but he avoids Penalty Kick to CORRIENDO SHIKI! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Naito gets up and drags ZSJ around to fire forearms. ZSJ falls over and Naito stomps him on the back.

ZSJ stands and throws EuroUppers! Naito kicks low and reels ZSJ in for a back elbow! ZSJ drops, Naito brings him back up, another back elbow. Naito stands ZSJ up again but ZSJ gets under and around to SNAP DRAGON! But Naito rises! Naito baits ZSJ into a corner but ZSJ hits a TORNADO DDT! ZSJ gets Naito up but Naito scoops for VALENTIA!! Fans fire up as Naito wrenches and- ZSJ drops! Victory roll to EURO CLUTCH! TWO?!?! How close was that?! Naito elbows, ZSJ kicks, Naito ENZIGURIS! ZSJ dropkicks the bad leg! Naito hobbles but ZSJ sweeps the legs! ZSJ DOUBLE STOMPS the bad knee! Naito writhes but ZSJ is after him with a scoop, but Naito hits DESTINO!

Both men are down but Naito sits up first. Fans rally as Naito gets his bad leg moving. Naito drags ZSJ up, wrenches, but ZSJ body scissors to a toehold! INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Then a KIMURA!! Naito is a pretzel as ZSJ combines a leg lock with an armlock! Naito is fading, Red Shoes checks, Naito TAPS!! ZSJ WINS!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)

The Submission Master flexes, he’s ready to show the power of being 100% Vegan! Will he make everyone in the A Block #JustTapOut?

 

Tomohiro Ishii VS Shingo Takagi!

The Stone Pitbull has the luck of drawing THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion in the first round! Will Ishii determine this entire tournament’s trajectory by slaying The Dragon already? Or will Takagi use Ishii as the cornerstone of a run at the finals?

Ishii and Takagi stare down even before the bill, then they fire up in their corners. The bell rings and they start ramming shoulders! They egg each other on, they both run and ram, ram, RAM! They get forehead to forehead and the fans fire up! Then the forearms start flying! Ishii, Takagi, back and forth and fans rally. Ishii eggs Takagi on, Takagi eggs Ishii on, and the forearms keep going! Faster and faster, harder and harder, no guard or hesitation! Ishii wobbles first, Takagi hits him again! Takagi runs, rams shoulders, but Ishii comes back to return the favor. Takagi rebounds and runs Ishii over! Fans fire up as the champion stands tall in this exchange!

Takagi steadies himself, stalks Ishii, and throws him out of the apron. Takagi follows him, CLUBS Ishii against railing, then RAMS him into the apron. Takagi whips Ishii into railing, Ishii hits hard and falls in a heap. Fans cheer while Takagi takes a moment again. Takagi stands on Ishii’s head, digs his boot in, then lets off to drop a knee. Takagi drags Ishii up, bumps him off the apron, then bumps him again. Ishii just stares Takagi down! Ishii CHOPS, whips Takagi into railing, but Takagi comes back, into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Ishii evens things up! Ishii tells Takagi to get up, then brings him up to put him in the ring.

Ishii stalks Takagi, brings him up and CLUBS him on the back. And then again! Ishii brings Takagi up again but Takagi throws forearms. Ishii tanks those to CHOP and CHOP again! CHOP, but Takagi fires up and fires forearms. Takagi CHOPS, Ishii doesn’t flinch and he CHOPS Takagi off his feet! Ishii eggs Takagi on some more, then stands on Takagi’s head in return. Takagi gets up, Ishii CHOPS him! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Takagi fires a forearm, goes to scoop but Ishii knees low. Takagi staggers to a corner, Ishii CHOPS him again! And again! Takagi kicks back, boots Ishii, but Ishii CHOPS him again! Ishii eggs Takagi on and they go forehead to forehead again.

Takagi throws forearms but Ishii doesn’t back down. Takagi headbutts but Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Ishii stops and Takagi sputters as he falls over. Fans cheer as Ishii paces around. Ishii gives toying kicks, stands Takagi up and throws forearms. Ishii CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS, then eggs Takagi on. Takagi fires off forearms but Ishii DECKS him with one! Fans cheer as Ishii steadies himself. Ishii drags Takagi up, whips him to a corner then runs in, but Takagi dodges. Takagi comes back, blocks the boot and swings, but Ishii ROCKS him first! Ishii runs into ELBOW, JAB, Yukon feint to DDT! Fans are fired up while both men are down!

Fans rally up, “TA-KA-GI!” “I-SHI-I!” as the two stir. Takagi gets himself to a corner, watches Ishii rises and runs in to run Ishii over with a shoulder! Scoop SLAM and BIG back senton! Cover, TWO! Takagi rallies up the fans, brings Ishii up but Ishii’s dead weight, so Takagi drops him to drop a knee! Ishii checks his face and Takagi fires up with the fans again. Takagi dares Ishii to get up and Ishii stirs. Takagi gives Ishii toying kicks to the back of his head but Red Shoes reprimands. Takagi KICKS Ishii in the back and Ishii stands right up! Ishii glares as Takagi throws forearms, and Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii eggs Takagi on so Takagi fires off more.

Ishii leans into the forearms and backs Takagi down! Then Ishii DECKS Takagi in the corner! Fans are fired up as the Pitbull is taking the fight to the Dragon. Ishii stands Takagi up to CHOP and forearm over and over and over! Ishii hammers in the forearms but lets off as Takagi sits down. Takagi sputters but Ishii gives him those toying kicks again. Ishii demands Takagi get up, Takagi slowly rises as Ishii keeps kicking at him. Takagi sits up, Ishi KICKS him in the back, and now Takagi stands right up! Takagi and Ishii are forehead to forehead, Ishii throws forearms but now Takagi is the one leaning into them! Takagi backs Ishii down then DECKS him in return!

Fans fire up as Takagi steadies himself and catches his breath. Takagi drags Ishii back up and fans rally. Takagi fires forearms and CHOPS over and over then fires off JAB after JAB! Red Shoes counts, Takagi throws big right hooks and left hooks until Ishii falls over! Takagi keeps the fans rallying as he drags Ishii to a drop zone, and goes up for the YUKON ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up more as Takagi sits Ishii up. Takagi runs, but Ishii ducks the lariat! Ishii swings, Takagi spins him to a suplex! But Ishii growls as he rises back up! Takagi swings, but Ishii spins him to a suplex in return! Takagi growls as he rises, but Ishii follows.

Takagi dodges a clothesline to waistlock but dodges the back elbow. Roles reverse as Ishii waistlocks but dodges elbows. Takagi blocks, ducks and SAIDOS! But Ishii is right up to SAIDO! Takagi is back up, SAIDO!! Ishii staggers up, dodges Pumping Bomber to SAIDO!! Wait, Takagi is right back up?! SLIDING LARIAT! Ishii staggers and flounders to a corner and fans are thunderous as both men are down! Fans rally again, “TA-KA-GI!” “I-SHI-I!” as the two stir. Takagi sits up first, pounds the mat to the rhythm, and makes his way to a corner. Ishii is in the other, Takagi runs corner to corner, for a BIG corner clothesline!

Takagi hoists Ishii up top, climbs up to join him, but Ishii resists the superplex with body shots. Takagi headbutts again and again then gets Ishii back up. Fans rally as he stands on the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!! Ishii writhes but Takagi can’t make the cover right away! Takagi covers, TWO!! Ishii survives but fans rally again. Takagi grows frustrated but he keeps his focus. Takagi drags Ishii up, point-blank clotheslines and Ishii drops to his knees. Takagi stands Ishii back up for another point-blank clothesline. Ishii flops to the ropes but Takagi heads over. Takagi gives more toying kicks, then stands Ishii up again to fireman’s carry.

Ishii fights back with forearms, so Takagi clotheslines! Ishii shakes his head and then CLOBBERS Takagi! Fans are thunderous as Ishii flops back against ropes again. Takagi is dazed but Ishii fires himself back up. Fans rally up as Ishii goes over to Takagi and stands him up. Ishii runs but Takagi follows to clothesline! Takagi runs but Ishii dodges, so Takagi dodges, but ISHII LARIATS! Ishii checks his arm, gets Takagi back up and he hoists Takagi to the top rope now. Ishii climbs up to join Takagi now, but Takagi fights the superplex and the two flop off the top. Fans rally as both men are down and stirring.

Ishii and Takagi fire up, they start throwing forearms, and Ishii puts Takagi in the corner to clothesline! Ishii hoists Takagi back up top and climbs again. Bad arm or not, Ishii STALLING SUPERPLEXES Takagi!! Cover, TWO!!! Takagi survives as Ishii takes things to another level! Fans rally up, Ishii sits Takagi up and runs, but Takagi catches lariat for a half nelson! Ishii fights the pump handle but Takagi lifts. Ishii slips out, but PUMPING LARIAT outta nowhere!! Takagi even used his off hand, the left hand, for that one! Fans are thunderous again as the two are down on the mat. Takagi and Ishii go forehead to forehead like junkyard dogs!

Takagi and Ishii headbutt each other as they stand, then Takagi fires off boxing elbows! Takagi gest about a dozen in, then ROCKS Ishii with the 13th! But Ishii gives his own boxing elbows! Ishii gets about a dozen of his own and ROCKS Takagi back! Ishii swings, into a half nelson! MADE IN JAPAN!!! Cover, TWO?!?! HOW!?!? Takagi roars in frustration but the fans rally up! Takagi drags Ishii around, runs and BLINDSIDE BOMBERS! But Ishii rises again?! Takagi runs, Ishii blocks, ducks and SNAP GERMANS! Takagi stands and wobbles, but comes back to PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!?! The Stone Pitbull still hasn’t broken!

Fans are thunderous and rallying again. Takagi headbutts the mat to fire up. “Oi! OI! OI!” Fans clap along as Takagi gets back up. Takagi drags Ishii around, pump handle and torture rack, but Ishii makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Takagi narrowly escapes and the fans continue to rally. Ishii rolls to a corner but Takagi forces himself to get up. Ishii runs, Takagi swings, they both dodge, DOUBLE BOMBERS collide! Takagi blocks, forearms, but Ishii ENZIGURIS! Takagi falls on Red Shoes! Ishii stands and he hobbles over as fans rally, “I-SHI-I!” “TA-KA-GI!” Red Shoes is fine and Ishii reels Takagi in for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!!

Ishii sits Takagi up, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Takagi is still in this but Ishii roars. Ishii brings Takagi up, reels him in, suplexes but Takagi knees free! Takagi throws body shots, suplexes but Ishii knees free in return. Ishii wrenches, Takagi ROCKS him with a forearm, then fireman’s carries to a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But Ishii is up again! But he runs into the pump handle torture rack! Only to slip out and DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi sits up in a daze and fans are thunderous once more! Ishii gets to his feet, Takagi rises, Ishii runs in to LARIAT Takagi down! Cover, TWO!! The Dragon will not be slain so easily, but Ishii roars and powers up again!

Ishii drags Takagi up, suplexes, but Takagi slips out to waistlock. Ishii throws elbows then a back headbutt! Ishii runs, into an ELBOW! Takagi gets around to DRAGON SUPLEX, SLIDING FOREARM!! Both men are down again but the fans are still loving this! Takagi and Ishii slowly rise, and Takagi gets up with the ropes. Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! No one can believe this isn’t over yet! Takagi and Ishii are down again, but the rallying is as hard as ever. Takagi fires himself up with more headbutts to the mat, and he roars, “OI!!” Takagi gets Ishii up, Ishii CHOPS high! And CHOPS again! Ishii’s going for the throat and Red Shoes reprimands!

But Takagi JABS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS, they BOTH HEADBUTT!! Ishii roars, but Takagi HEADBUTTS first! Pump handle, torture rack, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!!! Cover, Takagi wins!!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)

The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion conquers the Stone Pitbull and has a very strong start to his G1! But this was just round one of this round robin, will he be able to make it to the end? As for Ishii, he gives kicks because his spirit hasn’t given up! Takagi drops one more elbow to make him stop, and the Young Lions get between them. Will Ishii make up for this loss in the coming rounds and still go for the finals?

After showing Ishii his respect, Takagi gets the mic to speak. “Gimme a minute.” Fans clap for “TA-KA-GI!” while he catches his breath. “Osu! It’s that time of year again! G1 is going to bring the intensity this Fall!” Takagi says that the fan support helped him get a great start. And he knows “there’s this misconception that the IWGP champion can’t win the G1, for some reason. Oi, who’s the idiot that started that line of thinking?!” There’s been two others before, so watch as Takagi, the third-ever world champion becomes the third-ever person to do that! Fans cheer that idea, but Takagi also says, “Watch this IWGP World Heavyweight Champion dragon go on a rampage through the G1!!” Will Takagi back up his words and make history this Fall?

 

Here are the current A Block standings!

Shingo Takagi: 1-0, 2 points
Yujiro Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Great-O-Khan: 1-0, 2 points
Toru Yano: 1-0, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-0, 2 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-1, 0 points
Tetsuya Naito: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta: 0-1, 0 points
Tanga Loa: 0-1, 0 points
Kota Ibushi: 0-1, 0 points


My Thoughts:

A great opening to this G1 Climax opening weekend. A Block really surprised me by having Ibushi lose out the gate, but I felt that something had to give for him this year. He’s already had three consecutive finals appearances, and he’s won two of them in a row. To freshen things up a bit, I think Ibushi needs a crisis of confidence, maybe struggling to get out of the middle of the pack. I think his biggest match will be against Takagi as a sampler of the title match we’ve yet to see. That one could really determine everything in the block. As for Yujiro, he might’ve already gotten his definitive win here, who knows if he plays spoiler to anyone else.

The rest of Bullet Club didn’t do as well, with Kenta getting duped by Yano and Loa losing to Khan. Khan VS Loa was very good as both men were new to the G1 and not having faced each other before, I believe. Yano VS Kenta was great comedy, though, as Kenta is always surprisingly willing to go along with gags and stuff like that. Kenta’s going to face Yujiro next time and I’m very curious to see how that plays into the newest Bullet Club Civil War story. Yujiro is part of Evil’s House of Torture, Kenta seems to be Team Switchblade, this could push the tension a bit further.

Naito VS ZSJ was great stuff given all the history between them, and ZSJ winning was only a little surprising given the roll he and Taichi are on as the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion Dangerous Tekkers. ZSJ is going to probably get some really good wins in this, but being a tag champion, he doesn’t necessarily have to win the G1. Ishii VS Takagi being the main event, of course it was the best match, and as with G1’s in the past, any match with the top champion will feel like a title match. Takagi of course stakes his claim as being the top champion to win it all, and he could come very close. At the very least, I’d like to see him in the finals to tease history being made.

My Score: 9.3/10


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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.28.2024

TNA tapings from Philly! Knockouts Number 1 Contender is decided! Rich Swann explains his heel turn and Chris Sabin vs Steve Maclin in the main event!

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Hey, even if Xplosion has been a complete waste of 45 minutes, last week’s iMPACT! showed some promise with this newer direction at least. We’re getting a return of the 8 for 1 match for the Knockouts World Title. So we’ll get a number one contender for Jordynne Grace, apparently Chris Sabin and Steve Maclin have a match, but we get some answers from Rich Swann on his heel turn.

Time to see what else we have going on!

Ratings:

  • 8 for 1 Match: Rosemary, Dani Luna,  Xia Brookside & Steph DeLander vs Havok, Jody Threat, Masha Slamovich & Alisha Edwards: Dani wins via Schoolgirl Roll-Up – **
  • Dani Luna vs Steph DeLander vs Xia Brookside vs Rosemary: Steph wins via TKO – * 1/2
  • Grizzled Young Vets (James Drake & Zack Gibson) vs Cody Deaner: GYV wins via Grit Your Teeth – SQUASH
  • Josh Alexander vs Tracy Williams: Josh wins via C4 Spike – ***1/4
  • Mike Bailey w/Trent Seven vs Eddie Edwards w/Brian Myers & Alisha Edwards: Eddie Edwards wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/2
  • Steve Maclin vs Chris Sabin: Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2

 

Results:

8 for 1 Match: Rosemary, Dani Luna,  Xia Brookside & Steph DeLander vs Havok, Jody Threat, Masha Slamovich & Alisha Edwards

So this is a random tag pairing, which the winning team than faces each other in a Fatal Four Way for Number One Contender position; that explains why half of Decay and Spitfire are on opposite teams. 

Steph faces off with Havok first but tags out to Rosemary to try and shirk responsibility, but Rosemary and Havok work together to level Steph and then Rosemary tags back out to purposefully bring DeLander back into the match. Havok throws Steph around a bit, even Lish gets in some offense, most notably her Bodyscissors Bulldog, but Steph tags out to Dani, Dani and Masha go after each other and then the match slowly starts to break down.

Dani hits the Rope Assisted Blue Thunder Bomb on Masha for 2, and starts looking for the Luna Landing. Masha slips it and we go into a bit of a locomotion Cradle spot which Dani gets the best of and wins the tag for her team!

Dani Luna vs Steph DeLander vs Xia Brookside vs Rosemary

As the match is getting set up, Masha attacks Dani to wipe her out. So the other three start fighting, Xia charges a corner, gets ole’d and she flies into ASH by Elegance who was seated at ringside because she had cosmetic surgery and couldn’t wrestle. ASH posts Xia, gets banished from ringside by the referee, back in the ring Rosemary does her rise from the dead spot and looks to finish Steph but Matt Cardona comes out of nowhere, hits the Radio Silence, Steph DeLander hits the TKO for the easy 1-2-3.

Steph DeLander is number one contender and Matt Cardona is back! Not a terrible wrinkle. The match barely existed but at least these returns are nice. 

GYV hits the ring to complain about Cody Deaner costing them the match against Time Splitters last week. So they call him out and he’s out in Red and Yellow trailer park Flash attire. Santino apparently is allowing Deaner to pick one of the GYV members to fight. Philly picks both, so Deaner attacks both. 

Grizzled Young Vets (James Drake & Zack Gibson) vs Cody Deaner

Cody gets the best of Drake early but then the GYV work over Deaner a bit early, Gibson starts talking smack and Deaner tries to Hulk Up, and it seemingly works. Combination Punches, Manhattan Drop, Corner Bulldog, tries the Deaner DDT, but Gibson cuts him off with a throat chop.

Drake uses the scarf to take advantage of the referee not looking, and then some Grit Your Teeth gives the GYV a win.

Josh Alexander walks out again to be the Talking Weapon…and yeah, not really a big fan of when he speaks. He’s dressed to wrestle so lets hope its an open challenge or a Philadelphia Drink Off with Sandman showing up…or something. Just not a lot of talking, please. OH GOOD, open challenge. Josh calls out Hammerstone, but he gets some Hot Sauce instead of Hammers.

Josh Alexander vs Tracy Williams

As expected with these two, early World of Sport style open with some chain wrestling into athletic counter wrestling and shrugging off both men’s first attempt at submissions. They both take a beat, then we go into a Chop Battle, Williams slows Josh with a Kitchen Sink, but Josh grabs him in the Vertical Suplex and then spill over the ropes. Josh is back in first, Williams tries to crawl up, eats a strike and then eats Josh’s Low Crossbody spot. So now Josh starts dogwalking Williams around the outside.

Josh throws him back in, drives a knee into his face, but as Williams tries to fight back, Josh stops all of that with a Northern Lights Suplex Hold for 2. Josh goes for a Heel Hook to weaken the ankle for a potential Ankle Lock. So just early joint manipulation and Back Breakers from Josh leaves Williams writhing and absorbing so much…not really fighting back much. Tracy tries a desperation short Headbutt to the gut like he’s Spike Dudley, but it seems to just annoy Josh. A few traded Overhand Chops, C4 Spike attempt but Tracy drops his weight. Josh gets a little arrogant, starts with a few half assed slaps and it allows Tracy to fire a few strike, Back Drop Suplex, drives Josh into the corner and sets up the Avalanche Butterfly Suplex. Tracy goes for a submission but Josh is too close to the ropes.

With all of Williams’ offense, Josh manages to fire through and land an Exploder Suplex to rock Tracy. A few more big moves from Josh, into the Power Breaker seems to give Josh all of the momentum. C4 Spike again, Back Drop counter, Back Elbow and Tracy tries a corner set up but Josh cuts him off and they start fighting on the top. Williams counters the Superplex, DDT into the top corner buckle, Death Valley Driver into an STF, then Crossface but Josh is fighting. Piledriver attempt from Williams, straight right says no, Release German Suplex, straps go down but Tracy kicks Josh in the face. They trade Big Boots, Josh with a Backslide into the C4 Spike for the win!

Both these guys chant kicks up, Josh offers the handshake, they go for the corny Indie respect moment and Hammerstone hits the ring and lays them both out. Hammer puts the head gear on Tracy and throws him into the Torture Rack. 

This might be Ali’s best promo ever.

Mike Bailey w/Trent Seven vs Eddie Edwards w/Brian Myers & Alisha Edwards

I do really like The System’s theme song. 

Eddie goes for the NOAH Chop, Bailey ducks the first one and tries to keep things quick, but Eddie catches him and caves in his chest real quick. Front Kick from Bailey into the Back Handspring that culminates into a Gamengiri, Eddie powders and Speedball goes for the Tope con Hilo. Arm Wringer into a Round Kick to the chest. Bailey breaks the count, eats a chop and then get go into a kicks and chops trading spot. Myers provides enough of a distraction since they’re on the outside so Eddie scoops Bailey and Blue Thunder Bomb on the apron.

Another count reset, this time from Eddie and the Chops continue from Eddie. Eventually Eddie throws Bailey back into the ring, very unceremoniously, drops a knee to the eyes and goes for 3 pinfalls in quick succession. Fingers to the eyes, chops to the chest, Backpack Stunner attempt but Speedball wriggles free and John Woo Dropkick gives him some space. Spinning Back Kick, Axe Kick, Round Kick, Running Shooting Star, for 2! Speedball slaps his chest to try and send a message while he starts lighting up Eddie with about half a dozen Round Kicks to the chest. He then goes for the Lightning Kicks while Eddie is on the ropes, Myers pulls out Eddie, Bailey attempts a dive but puts the brakes on, acts like he’s distracted by Myers but avoid Eddie’s sneak attack. Kick to the face into a Corkscrew Asai Moonsault, back in the ring, Tornado Kick from Bailey, goes for Ultima Weapon but he eats a Gamengiri into the Backpack Stunner for 2!

Both men rise, Chop from Bailey sends him on his ass, and we go back to kicks versus chops. Bailey with the combination kicks, tries the Buzzsaw but Eddie moves, Lariat! Tiger Driver attempt, but Bailey says no, Backflip Knees gives Bailey all the momentum. He tries the Tornado set up, Myers and Alisha get involved but Trent Seven nullifes Myers, Bailey with the Double Clutch Superkick to rock Eddie, he goes back to the Tornado set up but Lish grabs his feet, Bailey fights her off, drops Eddie, goes for Ultima Weapon but misses! Boston Knee Party to the back of Bailey’s head, Eddie wins!

There’s a quick video package for the FBI next week. Not sure if that means we only see Guido, or if Vito and others will show up.

Rich homie Swann and AJ Francis show up and I’m fairly sure he named them “First Class”. They keep saying AJ Francis in the same cadence as AJ Styles, so I get what they’re doing there. And Swann basically says AJ was the only one who cared about how Rich was doing, Hendry just stole his thunder and did nothing. “If you ain’t First Class, you’re last” – Talladega Nights references? Well now.

Steve Maclin vs Chris Sabin

Mostly an uneventful start, a few moments from both men, Sabin speeds things up when he ducks out and baits Maclin to try the Scud Missile, but he outsmarts him by sliding back in. Maclin doesn’t full commit to the dive but does roll out a little hard which gives Sabin the chance to jump on him. Baseball Slide, Wristlock over the ring post, throws him back in and looks for a Grounded Top Wristlock. Sabin acting a bit more like Shelley with the joint focus, but Maclin manages to use the ropes to his advantage and bounce Sabin off of them twice.

Maclin finally has some control, Forearm to the low back, drapes Sabin on the middle rope and drives the knee into the back of his head. Maclin lays in some chops, grounds any of Sabin’s attempts and locks in a Chin Lock. Sabin finally fires up , but Maclin hits the Olympic Slam to stifle Sabin’s attempts. Maclin perches Sabin, tries the Superplex but a few punches and a bite gives Sabin an opening and Sabin connects with the Missile Dropkick. Manhattan Drop into a Crucifix cover for 2, Swinging Neckbreaker causes Maclin to retreat to the corner and Sabin focuses a few Forearms to the back of the head and a Snap DDT.

A few wild swings from Maclin give Sabin a gift, so he goes for the Crossface. Maclin barely rolls tot he ropes to break the hold, powders out and moves out of the way of the Plancha. BUSAIKU KNEE to level Sabin. Jar-Headbutt for a near fall! Maclin Tree of Woes Sabin, Caught in the Crosshairs, Sabin sits up but Maclin knows how to avoid the post. A small back and forth, Mayhem for All and only a 2 count! Jar-Headbutt number two misses, La Magistral for only 2, both collide with lariats and then go into the Fighting Spirit spot. Slugfest but Sabin hits a Sole Butt, Sabin tries to continue but Maclin coldcocks Sabin sending him to the outside, Scud Missile Dive – MISSES! Maclin is laid out on the outside, count out starts, Sabin is back in around 6, Maclin barely beats the 10. Springboard Tornado DDT from Sabin for a near fall!

Cradle Shock attempt, but Maclin fights it off. Sabin jumps, misses, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs! Maclin tries the KIA but Sabin turns it into a Wrestler’s Bridge Pinfall for only 2, but Maclin holds on to the arms, connects with the KIA and wins!

 

Overall Score: 7/10

Well aside from the fact the opening match was a little bit of a hectic mess and Kon is still a storyline relevant thing…the better portion of the episode was pretty fun. I didn’t love the allusions to Santino handing out rights to challenge and open challenge vouchers, felt like a weird “authority” figure kind of spin. But when he finally showed up and continued to be the lovable goof, its all good.

Ali had his best promo ever, “Mr Rhinoceros”, was a great way to spin into the conversation with Rhyno. Sabin steering more into Shelley’s bag of tricks and still coming up short is interesting. Steph DeLander with the big return win and bringing Cardona back with her is generally a fun angle. Speedball looked awesome and Hammerstone did a great job looking like a massive douche and executing the best Torture Rack since Lex Luger.

Of course there’s a few gripes, but all in all, it was pretty fun.


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Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/28/24)

Look who finally decided to show up!

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Kyle Fletcher returns to ROH TV!

The ROH World Television Champion is finally back to defend his title! Will the Aussie Arrow hit Blake Christian through the All Heart?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Athena VS Nikita; Athena wins.
  • Cole Karter & Griff Garrison w/Maria Kanellis VS Kaz Jordan & Victor Castella; Karter & Griff win.
  • Dalton Castle VS Nick Comoroto; Castle wins.
  • Brandon Cutler & Colt Cabana VS Rex Lawless & Bryce Donovan; Cutler & Cabana win.
  • Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS KPK; Top Flight wins.
  • Diamante VS Kiera Hogan; Kiera wins.
  • Evil Uno VS JD Drake; Uno wins.
  • ROH World Television Championship: Kyle Fletcher VS Blake Christian; Fletcher wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Athena VS Nikita!

The Fallen Goddess was stressed out watching Hikaru Shida tune up for Supercard of Honor, so she’s getting back in the ring to work through that. Will Athena prove this is still her show? Or can The Russian Vixxen take advantage of Shida being on Athena’s mind?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and then Athena rushes in! Nikita dodges to rally with lariats and a SLINGBLADE! The fans rally, Nikita runs in at the corner and she SPLASHES, to then BULLDOG! Athena gets spiked and Nikita gets fired up! Nikita brings Athena up, underhooks, then PEDIGREES! Cover, ONE?!? Athena is tough but Nikita is still surprised. Nikita storms up but is sent into buckles! Nikita stops herself just in time, and she ROCKS Athena! Nikita brings Athena in while she goes up the corner, for a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The ref counts, Nikita lets off, but Athena gets mad!

Athena DIVES and wipes Nikita out against barriers! Athena is mad now, and she brings Nikita up to THROW her into railing! Athena shouts at Nikita, then wheelbarrows to SWING her into barriers! Athena says you’re welcome and takes a bow, then she goes back for Nikita. Athena puts Nikita in, looms over her while soaking up cheers and jeers, then stalks Nikita as she crawls. Athena hauls Nikita up, CLUBS her again and again, then underhooks for a BUTTERFLY SWING! Athena TOSSES Nikita away, drags her up, and then HALF HATCH SLAMS! Nikita is dazed, but Athena sits her up. Athena ties up the legs and puts on a STANDING CROSSFACE! Nikita taps, Athena wins!

Winner: Athena, by submission

Ahead of crossing swords with the Shining Samurai, the ROH Women’s World Champion is sharpening her edge. As such, she SHOTGUNS Nikita back down! The fans boo as Athena CLUBS away on Nikita! Athena then puts Nikita in the Tree of Woe and lifts her up, to KICK away on Nikita’s back! Athena takes the belt, puts it in front of Nikita’s face, and she trots as she takes aim. But wait! Here comes Shida! The fans fire up as Athena runs away! Shida helps Nikita out of the Tree, then picks up the belt Athena left behind! She even dares Athena to come get it back! Is Shida going to be the one that finally dethrones the Overlord? Or will Athena make sure “forever champion” means forever?

 

Backstage interview with Lee Johnson.

Renee Paquette is here to talk with Big Shotty, and notes his impressive 2024 streak. He asked for this time, so what’s going on? Lee says that he has said it before and he will proudly say it again. He is not here to take part, he is here to take over! And now let him add something else: he is here to take titles! Now, he has heard there’s an ROH World Television Championship match between one champion in Kyle Fletcher and All Heart, Blake Christian. Now, whoever comes out victorious, Lee’s calling his shot! Supercard of Honor, Big Shotty’s got next! Lee is ready to swing for the fences, is he going to get his chance to hit it out of the park?

 

Dalton Castle VS Nick Comoroto!

The Peacock is still in his slump, and not even his substitute Boys are enough. Meanwhile, did the Freak Beast really shave his beard? Then which change will be the more hindering? Castle without Brandon & Brent, or Comoroto with Jacoby Watts?

The Code of Honor is upheld, and in tight quarters, and the bell rings. The fans rally for Castle as he and Comoroto circle. Castle squats low, real low, then he rushes up to collar ‘n’ elbow! Comoroto powers Castle right to a corner, the ref counts, and Comoroto lets off at 4. Comoroto makes the pecs dance and then flicks sweat at Castle. Castle storms right up, and he, uh, “hip” checks Comoroto! Comoroto gives it back! Comoroto smirks but Castle gets those hips moving. Then he hits the low leg takedown! He rolls Comoroto then CLUBS away on him! Comoroto gets free, kicks low, then ROCKS Castle with a haymaker!

Comoroto bumps Castle off buckles then RAMS into him again and again and again! The ref counts, Comoroto whips Castle but Castle reverses to TOSS Comoroto! Comoroto holds on and he manages to skin the cat! A big cat at that, but Castle waistlocks! Comoroto holds onto ropes to stop the lift, then he backs Castle into a corner. Comoroto throws elbows, gets space and comes back, but into a BOOT! Castle runs up, into a LARIAT! The fans rally, Comoroto huffs and puffs and brings Castle up. Comoroto reels Castle in, but Castle Alabama Lifts! Comoroto CLUBS Castle down then shoves him away.

Comoroto swings but Castle blocks to ROCK him first! Castle fires more forearms, but Comoroto shoves him away. Comroto runs up, Castle gets around, BIG GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, Comoroto staggers to his feet, and into an Alabama Lift! BANGAAAAAA~RANG! Cover, Castle wins!

Winner: Dalton Castle, by pinfall

Comoroto is a big man, so this was a big win for The Peacock! But wait, here comes Taya Valkyrie! And she tells Castle, “How dare you say that we are irresponsible! Yeah, we lost The Boys. But after the short time we had them, I realized how rude and annoying they are! So, I’m glad we lost them! Because they were a couple of BAD boys!” The fans boo but Taya says yeah, she went there! And they probably got it from Castle! Because Castle never loved them! Not like Mommy & Daddy TV loved them! So for that, Castle deserves this! Sneak attack by Johnny TV! MOONLIGHT DRIVE and a SHINING WIZARD!

Johnny rains down fists on Castle, then says they were BAD boys! Castle set a bad example for them! They’re all losers! The fans boo but Mr. & Mrs. TV just stand over Castle to make out! Then they stomp Castle on their way out! Even as he wins matches, will Castle still be lost in life with The Boys lost in the woods of Canada?

 

Mark Briscoe speaks.

“Philadelphia. For #DemBoys, that is the origin of professional wrestling. That’s when we felt it. That’s when we said this is in our soul, man.” Jay himself once said, “This is what we was created to do, man.” Baddest tag team on the planet, almost a quarter century, and BOOM, it gets taken away in a moment. So Mark’s starting over from square one, flying solo. Continental Classic, the game plan was to get on top, and to soar! But his wings were clipped, humbled once again. But there’s this voice inside of him, it’s Jay’s voice, that says, “Don’t worry about that broken wing, son. You was born to fly. With wings like an eagle, we gonna mount up.”

Mark knows Eddie Kingston’s got that same voice inside of him. “Ain’t that some s*it?” Mark knows Eddie’s had the highs and lows, the peaks and valleys, just like Mark. Eddie became the first American Triple Crown Champion, took on all comers defending that, but then lost to the AEW Continental Championship to Kazuchika Okada. Eddie talked to his mentor, Homicide, and agreed that it is time to tap into something from the past. Into that hungry Eddie, that ruthless Eddie, that vicious Eddie. The Eddie with that dog in him! That Pitbull! Every yard has a top dog, but Eddie, you may be ROH World Champion, but Mark’s gonna show you in Philly that MARK is top dog!

April 5th marks 11 years to the day that brother Jay won his first ROH World Championship. And just like he told Mark, time to man up. Eddie, it is time to man up. Philly, it is time to man up! Mark Briscoe VS Eddie Kingston, ROH World Championship, Supercard of Honor, we will man up. But who will be the man that holds up that title at the end of the night?

 

Diamante VS Kiera Hogan!

The Cuban Diamond won big in a Four Corner Survival, and she won in the opening round of the ROH Women’s World Television Championship tournament. Both of those losses only served to fan the flames, and now Kiera wants to turn up the heat! Will Kiera get her lick back? Or does Diamante just have Kiera’s number?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Diamante headlocks, and she grinds the hold. Kiera powers up but can’t power out as Diamante holds tight. Kiera tries again, but Diamante still keeps the headlock on. Kiera throws body shots, powers out again and is free, but Diamante runs her over! Cover, ONE, and the two stand off. The fans rally as the two reset and go again. Kiera headlocks this time, dares Diamante to keep that same energy now, but Diamante grinds her forearm into Kiera’s face. Diamante powers out but Kiera runs her over! “And that’s all, periodt!”

The fans rally as the two reset again. Kiera wants that Miami heat, so the two tie up again. Kiera wrenches an arm, wristlocks, but Diamante rolls, kips up and wrenches back. Diamante wristlocks then hammerlocks, then spins Kiera for a snapmare. Diamante clamps on with a chinlock and she grinds Kiera down. Kiera fights up, pries the hold open, and fans cheer as she wrenches back. Kiera uses the hammerlock to wrangle Diamante, then she bridges over! Diamante endures, so Kiera floats to a facelock. Diamante gator rolls free and wrenches Kiera to a top mounted armlock! Kiera endures and the fans rally again.

Kiera fights up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Diamante goes to ropes. The ref counts, Kiera lets off quickly, and the armbands come off! They tie up, Kiera wrenches and wristlocks. Diamante ROCKS Kiera! Kiera falls, Diamante stomps her, then drags her up to ROCK her again! Diamante ROCKS Kiera one more time, then runs the ropes, but into a BOOT! And ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, TWO! Diamante stays in this and she kicks right back. Diamante whips, Kiera ducks ‘n’ whips to then drop and trip Diamante! Kiera keeps moving, STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Diamante sputters and goes to a corner but Kiera eggs her on.

Kiera fires forearms now, then whips corner to corner. Diamante hits buckles hard, then Kiera fires up. The fans rally behind her as she runs in, but Diamante drop toeholds her into buckles! Diamante then stomps away on Kiera in the corner! The ref counts, Diamante lets off at 4, and she drags Kiera up to put her against buckles. Diamante stomps some more, then goes corner to corner and back again, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Diamante drags Kiera to the cover, TWO! Keira stays in this and Diamante is annoyed. Diamante sits Kiera up and traps an arm before she clamps on, cording hold and SHOULDER CLAW!

Kiera endures this modified cobra twist, and Diamante even grinds her forearm into Kiera’s face. The fans rally as Kiera fights up. Kiera throws body shots, ROCKS Diamante, but Diamante RAMS Kiera into the corner! And RAMS her again! Then CHOPS! Diamante puts Kiera up top, ROCKS her, then ROCKS her again! Diamante climbs up to throw more shots, and then brings her up. The fans rally while Kiera blocks the suplex! Kiera throws body shots, then shoves Diamante away! Diamante comes back, but Kiera MISSILE DROPKICKS her! Diamante tumbles and the fans rally while both women are down.

Kiera pounds the mat to fire up again. She nods as she rises, the fans behind her. Kiera runs up to CLOBBER Diamante! And she CLOBBERS her again! Diamante swings, Kiera blocks to snapmare and “EAT IT!” SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Kiera goes Around the World to HIP ATTACK! Then side to side, BOOT WASH! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Diamante gets a bit lucky and Kiera is frustrated. Kiera fireman’s carries but Diamante fights it. Then she CLAWS Kiera’s eyes! CHOP BLOCK! Diamante fires up now, she dragon sleepers, and says goodnight. But Kiera throws knees to say not yet!

Kiera snapmares free, runs up, SUPERKICK! Diamante flounders, Kiera hauls her up, FACE THE MUSIC! Bridging cover, Kiera wins!

Winner: Kiera Hogan, by pinfall

The swinging fisherman neckbreaker punctuates this one, periodt! Kiera wants to be the first in line to face the inaugural ROH Women’s World Television Champion, but just who will it be? The Queen of Guinea, Queen Aminata? Or Athena’s protege, Billie Starkz?

 

BREAKING NEWS for Supercard of Honor!

It’s already a big night with the title matches, including the crowning of the first-ever ROH Women’s World TV Champion, but now even Stardom is getting in on the action! It will be a Six Woman Tag as Mina Shirakawa, Maika & Mei Seira take on Saya Kamitani, Tam Nakano & AZM!

 

Hikaru Shida speaks.

“In AEW, I won Woman’s World title three times, I beat Toni Storm, I beat Saraya, Willow, Anna Jay, almost everyone. I need stimulation! And so do you. Right, Athena? Do you remember the moment we faced each other in the ring last year? I know you’ve been excited! I know fans have been excited! But… the person who has been excited most is me. Excited to beat up the ‘forever champ.’ So, hello, ROH! Be ready for a new era. Because Holy Shida has arrived!” The Shining Samurai is ready, but will she be able to cut down the Fallen Goddess?

 

ROH World Television Championship: Kyle Fletcher VS Blake Christian!

As Supercard of Honor approaches, it is about time the Protostar returned to ROH TV. But will this return be less than triumphant? Or will All Heart be an easy target for the Aussie Arrow?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who heads for Philly!

The Code of Honor is not upheld as Kyle kicks Blake’s hand away, so Blake shakes his own hand. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Blake wrenches, wristlocks, but Kyle shoots around to waistlock and SLAM! The fans boo but Kyle soaks it up. Blake gets up, he and Kyle reset and circle again. They tie up, Blake waistlocks then headlocks. Kyle powers out and runs Blake over! Kyle flexes to show he’s bulking up, but then Blake blocks a stomp! Blake kips up but Kyle breaks free to ROCK Blake! Things speed up, Blake hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Blake kips up and dusts himself off and the fans cheer.

Blake says va fa Napoli, Kyle rushes in, but he blocks Blake’s arm-drag. Kyle whips Blake away but Blake handsprings to wheelbarrow, victory roll, and SPLASH 182! Cover, TWO! Kyle gets away to ropes and catches his breath. Blake storms up, wrenches and whips, but Kyle blocks by holding ropes! Blake CLUBS the arm, but Kyle avoids the chop to clothesline Blake up and out! Fans boo as Kyle builds speed, but Blake slides in! Kyle stops the tope and goes back to the apron, only to get a 619! The fans fire up as Blake builds speed, and Blake FOSBURY FLOPS into the EYE OF THE HURRICANE!

The fans are thunderous as Blake gets Kyle up and in. Cover, TWO! Kyle stays in this but Blake stays cool. The fans rally again as Blake aims from a corner. Blake says he’s becoming champ, and he runs in, but into a POP-UP SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Blake survives and Kyle is annoyed again. Kyle tastes a bit of blood in his mouth, maybe cut his lip or tongue on his teeth. But he shrugs that off to stalk Blake to ropes. Kyle stands Blake up to CHOP him down! The fans “WOO~!” as Kyle pretends he can’t see where Blake went. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Kyle brings Blake up again.

Kyle has Blake in the corner now, winds up, but Blake dodges the chop to CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! MACHINE GUN CHOP! The fans fire up as Blake runs, but Kyle CLOBBERS Blake! Blake is dazed as Kyle hits an Ospreay level elbow shot. Blake crawls to a corner, Kyle eggs the fans on, and Kyle storms up on Blake. Kyle whips corner to corner, but Blake goes up to handstand! Kyle runs in but Blake BOOTS Kyle, then drops into the DDT!! The fans fire up while Kyle sputters! Kyle finds his way to ropes, comes back, but Blake ELBOWS him! Blake whips, Kyle reverses but Blake goes up and over and dragon sleepers! BACKBREAKER to SCREW HIGH KICK!

Kyle tumbles out, scrambles back up, but Blake goes up and out to APRON SPEAR! Blake just keeps going, and he DIVES! Direct hit with the Low-pe Suicida, and Blake puts Kyle right back in! Blake climbs up, Kyle sits up, into the ALL MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives and shocks everyone! Blake is frustrated, but he refocuses and calls his shot. The fans rally as Blake climbs the corner to the top. But Kyle springs up to SWEEP the legs! Blake hits buckles then falls to the mat! Kyle huffs and puffs and aims from the corner. Kyle runs in, GAMANGIRI! And then suplex, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!?

The fans are thunderous again and Kyle cannot believe it! Kyle drags Blake up, but Blake goes to fireman’s carry! Kyle fires off elbows, reels Blake in and- NO, Blake slips outta the bomb to fireman’s carry! Kyle reaches for ropes so Blake HOTSHOTS him on them! Kyle is stuck up there, so Blake goes up a corner! GUILLOTINE FROG SPLASH!! Blake hurries to get Kyle in, then hurries to the corner! Blake runs, step-up, but Kyle makes it a sunset flip! TWO, Blake sits on it, TWO! Kyle deadlifts Blake into a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Kyle wins!

Winner: Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall (still ROH World Television Champion)

Kyle pretends he can’t hear all the boos, but he can’t pretend he doesn’t see Lee Johnson walking out on stage! The Aussie Arrow may have hit the bull’s eye tonight, but is he about to get shot down by Big Shotty?


My Thoughts:

A great ROH at an hour and 20 minutes, and even the matches I skipped ended up being a lot of fun to watch. Great comedic stuff in Cutler & Cabana winning, with Cutler showing off how cut he is under the tracksuit. And there was a great mix of comedy and meaty men slapping meat in Uno VS JD Drake, with a great win for Uno in his home country of Canada. KPK got a great showing here but that added to the quality of the win for Top Flight. And good win for Maria Kanellis’ boys but there was no story advancement with Spanish Announce Project so that was pointless.

Great opening stuff with Athena, in that she dominated Nikita but then got run off by Shida. Shida had a good promo though I wouldn’t have waited until right before the main event to play it. As I said before, Athena VS Shida is going to be great stuff, and this could be the moment for Athena to lose and then move on to AEW to get in on those titles. There was a great video recap package to hype Billie Starkz VS Queen Aminata, but nothing from those two directly. Diamante VS Kiera was really good, and it was logical for Kiera to win since Diamante won their previous 1v1 match. This doesn’t automatically make Kiera the #1 contender to the Women’s TV title, but she’s in the conversation.

Great match from Castle and Comoroto, and honestly, Comoroto looks good clean shaven. Good win for Castle, and of course Johnny & Taya beat him down to add to his misery. I still want savage, feral Boys to return to help Castle get revenge on Johnny & Taya, though. And awesome main event for the men’s TV title. Blake looked great even in defeat, but uh, what happened to Ethan Page? Another dropped ball in the ROH TV title division and Lee Johnson gets to run with it now. Kyle is more than likely defeating Lee at Supercard, but that really depends on what part he’s going to play in Ospreay’s story within the Don Callis Family.

My Score: 8.7/10


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