Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (10/5/21)
Tag teams, unite!
The NXT Tag Division is still must-see!
MSK’s ready to be fighting NXT Tag Team Champions, but they’ll focus on fighting alongside Briggs & Brooks against Melo, Trick & Grizzled Young Veterans!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Mandy Rose w/ Toxic Attraction VS Ember Moon; Rose wins.
- LA Knight VS Odyssey Jones; Knight wins.
- Joe Gacy VS Ikemen Jiro; Gacy wins.
- Cora Jade VS
Virginia FerryFranky Monet w/ Robert Stone; Jade wins. - Pete Dunne w/ Ridge Holland VS Cameron Grimes; Dunne wins.
- Tony D’Angelo VS Malik Blade; D’Angelo wins.
- Indi Hartwell w/ Persia VS Mei Ying w/ Boa; Hartwell wins.
- NXT Tag Team Championships Fatal 4 Way Elimination: MSK VS Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams VS Grizzled Young Veterans; MSK wins and retains the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Mandy Rose w/ Toxic Attraction VS Ember Moon!
With Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne by her side, the #ToxicGoddess took out the Franky Monet Brand and the NXT Women’s Champion to close out the night last week. But will she open the night with a big win over the Shenom? Or will Ember use a Rose to spark a new Prophecy of Flame?
The bell rings and Ember ties right up with Mandy. Mandy headlocks but fans rally behind Ember. Mandy hits a takeover, Ember headscissors but Mandy kips free to get the headlock again. Ember powers out, runs Mandy over with an elbow, then strikes a pose to mock Mandy. Things speed up, Ember stops but Mandy whips. Ember reverses and hurdles but Mandy SLAPS her! Mandy drags Ember up but Ember howls to fire off forearms! Ember kicks Mandy to a corner, scoops her into the Tree of Woe, then KICKS away on her back! Gigi & Jacy complain, the ref backs Ember off and Gigi & Jacy bail Mandy out of the ring.
Fans boo but Ember keeps her cool. Ember shrugs and builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit in Jacy, but Gigi gets Mandy out of the way! Mandy runs in but into an APRON POWERBOMB! Ember puts Mandy in the ring then shoves Gigi down. Ember goes back to the ring but Mandy CLOBBERS her at the ropes! Mandy drags Ember up, reels her into an inverted GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Mandy puts Ember in the corner, stomps a mudhole then walks it off. Mandy snapmares and wraps on body scissors! Fans rally and duel as Mandy thrashes Ember around. Ember endures, pries at the scissors but Mandy adds a chinlock! Ember uses that to get a cover, TWO!
Mandy lets Ember free to CLUB her around the ring. Mandy brings Ember around into an OCTOPUS STRETCH! Ember endures, Mandy drives elbows into the ribs then digs it in. Ember hip tosses free! Ember wrenches and ROLLING ELBOWS to knock Mandy down! Mandy gets back up but Ember ENZIGURIS! Ember then snapmares Mandy and climbs up top. Ember leaps for a FLYING CODE BREAKER! Ember CLUBS Mandy back down, then goes back up top. Fans fire up for the ECL- No, Mandy gets under and comes back, KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, Mandy wins!
Winner: Mandy Rose, by pinfall
Toxic Attraction celebrates as their leader puts Ember out! Will Mandy be the one blazing a trail to the top after what she’s done to top women in NXT?
NXT hears from Legado del Fantasma.
Santos Escobar says, “Decisions, decisions, deciones.” He tells Hit Row has the world buzzing about SmackDown drafting the whole crew. But to him, SmackDown just saved Hit Row’s asses. Joaquin Wilde says, “It’s hard to respect a bunch of wannabe thugs whose deadliest weapons are their words.” Elektra Lopez says she shut B-Fab’s trap so there’s no more games. And Raul Mendoza says it’ll all end when Escobar leaves as North American Champion. Swerve can run to SmackDown like the coward they know he is, or he can prove he’s a man and defend that title. What kind of a man is Swerve? We’ll surely find out soon enough.
LA Knight VS Odyssey Jones!
The Million Dollar Megastar’s mega ego has gotten on everyone’s nerves, but especially on the Breakout Tournament’s runner-up, who got a lot closer to that title contract than Knight did the actual title. But will Odyssey #SoundtheAlarm and make this a bad night for Knight? Or will NXT still be LA Knight’s game even in 2.0, yeah?!
NXT returns as Knight makes his entrance. The bell rings, Knight stays near the ropes as he circles with Jones. Fans are on Jones’ side and Knight wants them to shut up, but he avoids getting cornered by the big man. Jones corners Knight again, Knight escapes and throws a haymaker! Knight gloats but Jones roars! Jones chases Knight, Knight dodges and throws another haymaker, but Jones just tosses him and SPLASHES him in the corner! Then TOSSES him across the way! Knight hobbles up, Jones TOSSES him the other way! Knight bails out and Jones goes out the side. Knight sees Jones storming up and goes around the way.
Knight gets in the ring, Jones pursues, and he runs Knight over! Jones runs in at the corner but Knight drop toeholds him into buckles! Knight clubs away on Jones’ back, but lets off as the ref counts. Knight chokes Jones on the ropes, lets off again, then chokes him again. Knight CLUBS Jones against the ropes but lets off as the ref counts. Fans jeer but Knight chokes Jones again! Knight goes in and KNEES Jones down! Knight gets in to stomp away on Jones, then runs to drop a jumping elbow! Fans tell Knight, “You Still Suck!” Cover, ONE!! Jones throws Knight off with that kick out and fans love this! Knight kicks, CLUBS and throws more hands, but Jones gets to his feet.
Knight scoops but Jones is so big, Knight falls over! Jones and Knight slowly get up, and Jones counter punches Knight, then DECKS him! And again! Jones whips, CLOBBERS Knight, and he fires up with the fans! Jones stalks Knight, gets him up and hits a back suplex GUT BUSTER! But wait! It’s Andre Chase! He’s yelling at Jones for last week but Jones DECKS him! But he turns around into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ROPE- NO, Chase pushes the foot back in! Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall
LA owes a lot to ACU, the Andre Chase University, and that PhD in BS! Will Jones get payback on the punk ass professor? Or will Chase have a lesson plan for that, too?
Backstage interview with Cameron Grimes.
The Carolina Cash Money Caveman says love is in the air. Did you see the #InDex wedding? Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. A bit pricey, but still beautiful. And then Cora Jade and Trey Baxter are having PDA’s in the locker rooms. Grimes is getting jealous. So Grimes is on the search to find himself a lucky lady. But then Pete Dunne and Ridge Holland walk in. The Bruiserweight says there ain’t a woman in the world who’d go even near Grimes. Listen to lover boy Peter! Watch who you’re talking to. Things might be changing around here, but nothing’s changed when it comes to Dunne. He is still the baddest man in NXT! Is Grimes listening?! Yeah, yeah, sure he is.
Then how about you hear this? Bruiserweight VS Grimes! Okay, okay, just excuse him. Grimes walks over to talk to some ladies waiting in the back. Any of them single? Well… NXT cuts away, but is the Million Dollar Caveman about to find himself a Lady Luck?
Kyle O’Reilly talks with Von Wagner in the locker room.
Kyle says that last week was the second time Wagner’s had his back, and he wants to know why. The truth is, Wagner took an opportunity and jumped on it. He doesn’t like Dunne or Holland any better than Kyle does. Wagner respects Kyle’s heart. As far as trust- Kyle stops him there. After the year he’s had, he trusts no one. Let Kyle handle business his way, and stay out of the way. Will Wagner accept that? Or will there be a third time that Kyle needs help from an unlikely ally?
Tommaso Ciampa heads to the ring!
Fans fire up for the NXT Champion, and he’s ready to address the state of the title scene! Who does the Psycho Killer see as a worthy contender? We find out, after the break.
NXT returns to the ring and Ciampa says “Let’s get right to it. On Tuesday night, October 26th, Halloween Havoc returns to NXT! And the champ, well the champ needs an opponent.” Ciampa knows the 2.0 roster is full of hungry men and women, but one man in particular says he isn’t a patient man. He wants to be the flag bearer of 2.0? That’s all fine and dandy, “but in the world we live in, actions speak louder than words. So the question is, who has the balls to come out here and take my NXT title from me?!” Ciampa waits, but here comes that impatient man, Bron Breakker! Bron goes right to the ring and stands face to face with Ciampa.
Bron tells Tommaso Ciampa, “I’ve treated you with nothing but respect since the day that I walked through the door. But I do not give a damn if I’ve been here for four minutes, four weeks or four months. I wanna be the NXT Champion!” And Ciampa wants to fight someone with balls? Bron’s got the biggest balls in the locker room! The match he wants, that the fans want, it happens at Halloween Havoc! Bron VS Ciampa for the title! Ciampa asks if Bron wants to know the difference between them. Bron wants the title. Ciampa NEEDS it. For Bron, the title is just a stepping stone to something bigger and better. For Ciampa, it IS that something bigger and better!
But Halloween Havoc is three weeks away. So as Ciampa sees it, Bron has three weeks to go from intern to a PhD, because CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Bron is fired up, Ciampa pushes past him to take his leave, but these two meet again soon enough! Will there be gold in Bron’s future? Or just a hard learned lesson?
Joe Gacy speaks.
“While the world stood still when social media platforms crashed, I sat with my voice, the voice of a righteous and inclusive generation. I know one platform that won’t crash, and that is NXT 2.0, where tonight, I use the ring as our safe space. And tonight, we gather in unity to prove that conflict can be resolved peacefully. And yes, there can be two winners.” Is Gacy going to win, lose or draw more attention to his cause after tonight?
Indi Hartwell & Persia walk ‘n’ talk.
It was fun and all but sand gets everywhere. But how was it really? It looked amazing. And where is her man? Oh, he’s away this week. She really wore him out, y’know? Went through two packets! Wow, so 7? 8? 9 and a half! WHOA! Wait, what’s this smoke? Tian Sha?! GET OUT! Okay well that was freaky. Indi’s seen freakier. Well the honeymoon is over, but will Indi still be feeling good now that she’s back?
Joe Gacy VS Ikemen Jiro!
The Handsome One is already in the ring as Gacy makes his way to the “safe space” in the ring. But how does Gacy plan on making two winners in a 1v1 match?
The bell rings, fans chant for “I-KE-MEN! I-KE-MEN!” but Gacy offers a handshake. Jiro takes it and the two circle. They tie up, Jiro headlocks but Gacy powers out. They ram shoulders, neither falls, and Gacy gives Jiro the affirmation that he can knock Gacy down. Jiro runs, but he has to duck Gacy’s clothesline! Jiro comes back and arm-drags Gacy. Things speed up and Jiro RANAS! Gacy ducks the jacket punch and the two stand off. Fans rally for Jiro and Gacy gives Jiro respect. He offers another handshake, Jiro takes it, but Gacy uses that to whip him to a corner! Gacy corner splashes, and Gacy apologizes for the trick.
Gacy stands Jiro up, throws hands, then brings Jiro in for a suplex! Gacy drags Jiro up, whips him to ropes and CLOBBERS him with an elbow! Gacy apologizes again but fans seem divided on his “peaceful resolution.” Gacy scoops Jiro but Jiro sips out for a BACKBREAKER! And an IKE-TWIST! Gacy gets up, clutching his neck, and he gets a JACKET PUNCH! And another! And another! And a ROLLING JACKET PUNCH! Fans fire up with Jiro and he runs corner to corner at Gacy, but into a BOOT! Gacy goes up but Jiro GAMANGIRIS! Jiro goes up to FLYING HEADSCISSORS! Gacy hobbles up, into the IKE- NO! He dodges the kick to handspring LARIAT! Cover, Gacy wins!
Winner: Joe Gacy, by pinfall
Well, wait. Gacy won and Jiro lost. Well, Gacy stands Jiro up and gives him a respectful handshake and hug. Is Gacy practicing what he preaches after all? Is sportsmanship a way to make sure there are multiple winners?
Wait, who is that who stands up in the audience? Gacy is started by him at first, but then he smiles. Is there someone who is willing to stand up and follow Gacy?
NXT hears from Duke Hudson.
“NXT superstar, professional poker player. The two go hand in hand, really. It doesn’t matter if it’s the squared circle or the poker table. If I can play with your mind, then I’ve beaten you before it even begins.” And at Duke’s Poker Room, they don’t discriminate. All money is welcomed, because he’ll take it from you anyway. Whether the belt or the mat, #BetterLuckNextTime.
Cora Jade VS Virginia Ferry!
The youngest star in all of WWE skates down to the ring, and after getting a good couple of wins on 205 Live, is ready for her first NXT match! Except, wait, someone drags Ferry out of the ring?! It’s Franky Monet! And she RAMS Ferry into the steel steps! Then gives her a GLAM SLAM to the floor! Robert Stone is fired up, and he apologizes to Cora, but her new opponent is Franky! The ref allows it, and #CardSubjecttoChange is a thing in NXT 2.0! Will the young star still be able to shine when having to turn on a dime?
Cora Jade VS Franky Monet w/ Robert Stone!
The bell rings, Franky CLOBBERS Cora with a clothesline, then pushes her around. Franky elbows Cora against the ropes, whips then elbows her again! Franky laughs, bumps Cora off buckles and throws elbows. Franky CHOPS Cora, stomps a mudhole, then walks it off. Franky whips corner to corner hard, then runs in to METEORA! The ref counts, Frank lets off while grinning, but Trey Baxter appears! All Heart coaches up his girlfriend, but Franky drags Cora out to dribble her off the mat. Franky gets the legs but Cora kicks her away! Cora crawls for Trey but Franky drags her away into a chinlock stretch! Franky CLUBS Cora down then surfboard STOMPS her while staring Trey down!
Cora goes to a corner, Franky runs in but Cora SHINING WIZARDS! Cora staggers away but turns around into a SPEAR! Franky laughs maniacally and she drags Cora up to chicken wing. But Cora victory rolls! Cora wins!!
Winner: Cora Jade, by pinfall
Even Cora is shocked! Bougie Bad is incredibly mad, but will she be where the #GenerationofJade begins?
Backstage interview with MSK.
McKenzie asks Wes Lee & Nash Carter how they feel about this sudden change in the main event. It isn’t an 8 Man Tag anymore, but a FATAL 4 WAY for the titles! Nash says it’ll be tough, Wes says they have to keep their heads on a swivel. But GYV walk in and say this is typical MSK. Last week, they called themselves fighting champions, so here we are! The snakes have found loopholes! They’ll pin one of the two other teams because they know they can’t beat Grizzled Young Veterans! Enough of this! Shut up! They can make this ELIMINATION style, too! Briggs & Brooks walk in and say why wait? The brawling returns from last week right here in the backstage area!
Security and refs rush in and try to pull these four teams apart! With things now every team for themselves, who will be the last ones standing with those NXT Tag Team Championships?
NXT returns with a backstage interview with Ciampa.
He issued a challenge for Halloween Havoc, Bron Breakker immediately accepted it. How does Ciampa feel about that? Well, Bron is young, strong and a certifiable blue chipper. But he is going up against a certifiable main eventer, so this is going to be one hell of a match. But then Gacy walks in. Gacy saw Ciampa offer the opportunity to anyone with the balls to step up to him. That’s oddly specific and toxic energy. Gacy realizes Ciampa must be feeling the strength of privilege as champion, but Gacy speaks for a voice struggling to be heard. They speak through him, and they would love to be included in an opportunity for the title.
Ciampa sees what Gacy’s up to. If Gacy wants his shot, he has to beat Ciampa next week. If Gacy wins, he can join the Halloween Havoc title match and make it a Triple Threat. But no hugs. Ciampa promises that the ring next week won’t be a safe space for Gacy.
Raquel Gonzalez storms into the CWC!
Will Big Mami Cool look to hunt down and trample Mandy Rose for what happened last week?
Pete Dunne w/ Ridge Holland VS Cameron Grimes!
The Bruiserweight called the Million Dollar Caveman out, but now it’s time to put money where mouths are! Will Dunne make this a Bitter End for Grimes? Or will there be a Cave-In in Dunne’s future?
The bell rings and the two circle. Grimes gets a leg but Dunne counters with a facelock. Grimes wrenches out to a wristlock, Dunne rolls and kips up to then handspring and WRING Grimes out. Dunne traps the arm and SNAPS it back. Dunne then grinds the arm, digs a knee into the shoulder, but Grimes kips up. Grimes snapmares free and RANAS Dunne down! Grimes tells Dunne to #KissMuhGrits but Dunne trips him up! Dunne floats to a lateral press but Grimes slips out to arm-drag him down! Fans rally as Grimes has Dunne down in an armlock, but Dunne kicks, gets up, and powers out to speed things up. Dunne hurdles, drops and CLOBBERS Grimes with a clothesline!
Fans boo but Dunne shrugs as he bends Grimes’ fingers. Dunne isolates the arm to STOMP the arm! Dunne keeps after that arm and wraps it around ropes. The ref counts but Dunne stomps Grimes to the corner. Dunne wrenches, wrangles Grimes to the mat, then digs his knuckles into Grimes’ head. Dunne traps the one arm, bends the other and even bends the fingers. Grimes fights but Dunne throws kicks. Dunne wrenches but Grimes throws forearms! Dunne WRINGS Grimes out again! Then basement dropkicks Grimes in the back! Grimes flounders to ropes, Dunne wrings Grimes’ arm and bends the elbow, but Grimes throws body shots!
Grimes forearms but Dunne ROCKS Grimes! Grimes ends up in the corner but h e dodges Dunne’s enziguri! Grimes runs and rallies with big forearms! Fans chant “TO THE MOON!” as Grimes hits a running BOOT in the corner! Dunne flounders, Grimes goes up and Grimes CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Grimes grits is teeth, drags Dunne up with a deadlift but Dunne elbows out of the waistlock. Dunne runs in to ENZIGURI! He shoves Grimes down to KNEE DROP on the arm! SNAP GERMAN! Dunne stomps the feet and BUZZSAWS Grimes down! Cover, TWO! But Dunne has the ARMBAR! Grimes hurries up, makes a cover, ONE and they roll together!
Grimes kicks, Dunne ducks, Grimes flips back to DEAD LIFT GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Grimes snarls and gets to his feet. Grimes drags Dunne up, SUPER FOREARMS, then roundhouse, but Dunne ducks to ENZIGURI! Dunne goes after a buckle pad? That’s to distract the ref! Ridge Holland drags Grimes out, but KYLE goes after Holland! Kyle fires hands, Dunne goes out and THROWS Kyle over the desk! But Grimes PENALTY KICKS Dunne from the apron! Grimes puts Dunne in, runs but Dunne sends him into ropes! Pump handle, BITTER END! Cover, Dunne wins!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall
The Bruiserweight still wins out, but Kyle tackles Dunne! Holland drags Kyle up to HEADBUTT him in the back! Holland stomps Kyle, drags him up and scoops. Dunne ROUNDHOUSES Kyle before the NORTHERN GRIT DRIVER! Fans boo but Dunne just shrugs. With Holland on his way to SmackDown in a few weeks, will he and Dunne make sure to put everyone in their place these next few weeks?
NXT hears from Hit Row.
And they’re laughing and having a good time. Swerve says Santos is actually right, the WWE Universe is buzzing about Hit Row right now. But y’know who they ain’t buzzing about? Legado! Top Dolla can’t believe they think Hit Row is running away. Los estupidos. They ain’t runnin’ from nothing. They’re running to money! Ashante Thee Adonis points out SmackDown chose Hit Row. Everything they do is a mood. Act your age, Legado. And Swerve is so sick of this. Parking lots, in the ring, and Legado keeps making mistakes. But hola, chica. Lopez hung in the No DQ match but she didn’t win. Next time, B-Fab won’t be so nice.
So if Escobar wants to challenge Swerve’s manhood and his title reign, then challenge accepted. That way, Swerve can win and Escobar won’t see this title except on Friday nights. And if you didn’t know, now you know!
NXT shares footage from the break.
After getting beat down by Dunne & Holland, Von Wagner went out to the ring to check on Kyle. Kyle accepted that help, but will these two be able to turn things around on Dunne & Holland?
Tony D’Angelo VS Malik Blade!
It’s a double debut for NXT 2.0 tonight! The Chicago Italiano is here to bring the “family business” to pro-wrestling. Will he be too thick for Blade to cut through in his move up from 205 Live?
The bell rings and the two circle. D’Angelo talks some smack and then ties up with Malik. Fans fire up for Malik, Tony wrenches to a headlock and talks more trash. Malik powers out but Tony holds on tight. Malik pries the hold apart, Tony holds on tighter, and fans are rallying and dueling. Malik rolls Tony up, TWO! Malik throws body shots, Tony CLUBS him on the back! Tony headlocks but Malik powers out, only for Tony to run him over! Tony talks more smack, Malik gets up and the two go again. Tony blocks the takedown for a facelock, then shifts to a headlock. Tony grinds the headlock, Malik powers up and powers out.
Things speed up, Malik leaps but into Tony’s BACKBREAKER! Tony talks more trash, puts Malik in the corner and RAMS him in the back! But Malik BOOTS him back! Malik runs but Tony DECKS him! Tony drags Malik up by his ear, saying he’s gonna teach Malik a lesson his mama should’ve taught him a long time ago. But Malik fires off haymakers! Tony dodges but Malik dropkicks him out! Tony leads Malik on a cat ‘n’ mouse then TACKLES him down! Cover, TWO! Tony is annoyed but he wraps on a waistlock for a rear bearhug. Malik endures, fans rally and duel, and Malik fights up to his feet. Malik throws elbows, Tony shoves him into the corner hard!
Tony BOOTS Malik into buckles! The ref reprimands but Tony slaps Malik around. Tony facelocks, throws some body shots, then spins Malik around for a modified cobra twist. Malik elbows free, ducks and dodges then LEG LARIATS! Fans fire up, Malik goes corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Tony staggers, Malik climbs, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Another try, ONE! Tony gets up and wants a timeout? There’s no timeouts in wrestling! But Tony uses that to sucker Malik into a buckle! Then a BIG Belly2Belly! Tony paces around, says Malik’s down, and gets him up for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through and FISHERMAN NECKBREAKER! Cover, Tony wins!
Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall
Bada bing, bada boom! With wins like that, will Tony be untouchable here in NXT?
Backstage interview with Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes.
It is official: tonight’s tag match is an NXT Tag Team Fatal 4 Way ELIMINATION match! Their thoughts? First, Melo wants to say, “D’Angelo? Forget about it!” You saw it all earlier, Trick & Melo came out on top of that scrap. And somehow, they’ve finessed their way into a title match without the contract. Melo don’t miss, Trick don’t but kiss. They’ll strap up the boots and make the ring sing, cuz they #BoutItBoutIt. Say it again for the people in the back. They bout it bout it! You’re looking at future champs, and that’s all there is to it. Will Melo sink this one from down town with the assist from Trick?
Indi Hartwell w/ Persia Pirotta VS Mei Ying w/ Boa!
The weird encounter backstage apparently raised the ire of Tian Sha’s dragon lady! Will she ruin #IndiWrestling’s return to the CWC?
NXT returns as Indi & Persia make their entrance. Indi shouts out #SexyDexi before getting in the ring with Mei Ying. The bell rings and Indi is very wary as Mei Ying stands up tall. Indi approaches but Mei Ying shoves her away. Indi tries again but Mei blocks and throws her down! Indi gets up, dodges Mei Ying and waistlocks, but Mei wrenches free and WRINGS Indi to then stomp her down! Indi gets up at the ropes, dodges Mei and manages a headlock, but Mei powers out and they ram shoulders. Neither falls so Indi runs again. She rams Mei but Mei RAMS her back! Indi falls over from that shot and sits up gasping for air.
Mei stomps Indi, claws her in the corner then double CHOPS her down! Mei stalks Indi, drags her up and clamp claws into the shoulders! Indi endures, fights up, but Mei digs her nails in deeper! Fans rally as Indi fights up. Indi throws body shots, a haymaker, but Mei just snarls. Mei spins Indi, ripcord and STRAIGHT PALM STRIKE! Indi flounders to ropes, but staggers into the THROAT STAB! They tumble out of the rings as Mei continues to torture Indi! She POSTS Indi, then runs in, but Persia takes the shot for her! Indi POSTS Mei Ying, puts her in the ring, and climbs up for the SAVAGE ELBOW! Cover, Indi wins!
Winner: Indi Hartwell, by pinfall
Persia and Indi get away, but Mei Ying sits up like the Deadman! Indi kisses her wedding ring, is Dexter somewhere watching and celebrating, too?
Lash Legend talks with some fans.
If y’all thought the premiere was good, next week on episode two, Lashing Out is gonna spill some real hot tea that’ll make Urban Meyer look likes child’s play. But Tony D’Angelo walks in and says if she really wants some eyes on her show, have him as her very first guest. Well, she’ll think about it. And she loves him in that new Sopranos prequel. Anyways… Lashing Out was so hot on the internet, she’s why Facebook and Instagram shut down! Will Lash Legend look to break the internet all over again?
Malcolm Bivens properly introduces Diamond Mine.
He will introduce us to each individual member and explain just what makes them special and why you should fear them. First up, their coach, Hideki “Hachiman” Suzuki! He teaches everyone how to be better versions of themselves. Hailing from Japan, he has blessed every continent with his presence and has left bodies in every single corner. He’s won more titles than Tom Brady, and he could kick Tom Brady’s ass. Hachiman says “Diamond Mine has just begun to climb the mountain called NXT. Keep an eye on us.”
Next, their newest member, Ivy Nile. She is half human, half Pitbull and has the greenlight to knock out every single woman in NXT. The star of the Titan Games, a mixed martial artist and a fitness competition veteran. More chiseled than Adonis (of myth, not Ashante Thee Adonis; but maybe him, too). She knows Bivens saw something in her. She is more powerful than ever. And don’t tell anyone but these two are Bivens’ favorites: the modern day embodiments of #RuthlessAgression, Julius & Brutus, the Creed Brothers. Division I athletes, All Americans and national champions. When you win as much as they have, you just stop counting. You can try to, but you won’t keep up.
And of course, last but not least, the centerpiece of Diamond Mine and the NXT Cruiserweight Champion, Roderick Strong. This group is special. They have taken him to new heights, and the title proves that. If you get in their way, you will regret it! #DiamondMineForever!
Raquel Gonzalez is here!
The NXT Women’s Champion apparently didn’t find Toxic Attraction in the back, but will she call them out to the ring? We find out, after the break.
NXT returns and Samantha Irvin is in the ring with Raquel to congratulate her on retaining the title last week, but brings up Toxic Attraction’s attack. Raquel stomps Sam there and says, “Message received. Toxic Attraction has been making headlines. But Mandy, has all that hair-dye seeped into your brain? Do you know who you jumped last week?!” Mandy’s made waves for what? A month? Raquel’s dominated the division for almost a YEAR. This title is not a fashion accessory, chicita. This means you’re the best female in the best division in the BUSINESS. If Mandy thinks Sarray busted her up with a dropkick, mi amore, touch the title again and you will be posing for a body cast!
As for her little- Oh speaking of! Here comes Toxic Attraction! Mandy tells Raquel to please stop. Mandy used to admire Raquel’s strength, tenacity and ambition. And say “What?” again if you don’t think she’s the sexiest woman alive! Fans still go “What?” so guess that means they don’t. But Raquel, now Mandy sees her as just desperate. “A desperate champion that knows her title reign is coming to an end.” And these idle threats simply fall on the floor. So just know Toxic Attraction is taking over. Not even the “unstoppable’ Raquel will slow them down. But it’s not Raquel’s fault! Gigi says Mandy is championship material! As are her and Jacy. Raquel can’t help but stare in awe!
Raquel can’t help but stare in awe at the stitches Gigi has in her head from Raquel bashing her with the title! Gigi storms up but Jacy laughs the insult off. Clearly, they can add jealousy along to desperation. And if Raquel has been living under a rock, which it looks like she has… They’re all over Raw AND SmackDown! They’re the faces of NXT 2.0 now! And soon enough, they will be holding all~ the gold in NXT! They’re not just Toxic Attraction, they’re THE attraction! Mandy and Jacy join Gigi in flanking the ring again, just like last week. Shall they have some fun? Ladies, if you will. Raquel is ready just like last time, too, and asks who wants stitches this time.
But wait! Here come Io Shirai and Zoey Stark! The NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions won’t let Toxic Attraction do what they want! As such, Toxic Attraction step back and back away from a fair fight. When will they throw down with the champions for their crowns?
Wagner talks with Kyle in the back.
Kyle ices his shoulder and Wagner says next week, it’s them against Holland & Dunne. Whether Kyle likes it or not, Wagner’s the only one watching Kyle’s back. Will Kyle let himself trust again in order to get even with his enemies?
Raquel talks with Shirai and Stark backstage.
The champ appreciates the help from the champs, but she didn’t need their help. Well it kinda looked that way to them. Shirai says she dislikes Toxic Attraction way more than she dislikes Raquel. Stark keeps the peace and says that they ARE the champions here. But Persia & Indi walk in to remind Shirai & Stark that Toxic Attraction aren’t the only ones the champs should worry about. Indi points at the belt, Shirai slaps that finger away. Raquel lets them talk this out and heads off. Stark asks if Shirai remembers how they got the belts. Oh right, that’s from beating Indi! Yeah, but Persia says there’s fresh blood in the water now.
Shirai says the only gold they will ever wear here are on Indi’s finger, and on Persia’s ears. Stark likes that sick burn and the champs head out. But will the Aussie besties best the champions when they finally get in the ring together?
NXT Tag Team Championships Fatal 4 Way Elimination: MSK VS Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen VS Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams VS Grizzled Young Veterans!
Briggs & Brooks make their entrances first but this match is all about who is last in the ring! Will the tag division still be must-see? Or will Wes Lee & Nash Carter be completely boxed out of the decision before the night is over?
NXT returns and GYV make their entrance. Zack Gibson & James Drake join Briggs, Brooks, and even Melo & Trick who are already in the ring. MSK now make their entrance, confident despite this being the biggest challenge of their reign. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and in this kind of Fatal 4, only two teams are active. As such, Lee steps up for the champs and Liverpool’s Number One starts with him. Fans are fired up already as Gibson and Lee tie up. Gibosn waistlocks, trips Lee then knuckle locks. Lee pushes up from the cover to then sunset flip, ONE! Gibson runs into a takedown and cover, ONE! Lee avoids the sweep and headlocks!
Gibson powers out but Carter tags in! MSK Blitz, topped off with the DOUBLE STOMPS! Carter knuckle locks, CHOPS and goes up to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Gibson wants things to slow down, and Melo tags in. Melo has the fans on his side but things speed up in the ring. Melo rolls off, boots then ENZIGURIS! Melo runs to springboard SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up as Melo tags his boy, and Trick runs with him to DOUBLE STOMP Carter down! Trick gives Melo the assist for the springboard LEG DROP! Trick covers, TWO! Carter shoves him away, Brooks tags in. Brooks and Trick fire up and talk trash, then Trick SLAPS Brooks!
Trick says he’d punk Brooks’ ass out, but then Brooks fires off haymakers on Trick’s punk ass! Trick blocks, spins, and body shots! Then UPPERCUTS! Then runs, to LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up with Trick, then tag to Melo. Melo BOOTS Brooks, runs, but into a BIG atomic drop! Tag to Briggs, he and Brooks DOUBLE SHOULDER! Tag to Trick, he gets DOUBLE BOOTS! Briggs stays clear of GYV’s corner as James Drake swipes at him, but he and Brooks then DOUBLE HIP TOSS GYV in! Brooks ‘n’ Briggs SPLASH Trick and Drake, then SPLASH Melo and Gibson! They fire up and then things calm down. Briggs tags Wes in to let him “do the flip!”
Lee takes advantage of this and FLIES out onto Melo ‘n’ Trick! Fans fire up, Lee “welcomes’ Trick to the division and throws him in! Hot tag to Carter, he gets Trick up, MUST-SEE BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, MSK ELIMINATES Trick & Melo! One team down, three to go! MSK watches both opposing teams closely as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and fans chant, “WE WANT MELO!” but are getting Gibson putting Lee in a corner. Lee hits back with body shots, but he runs into a scoop! Lee slips off, reaches out, but Gibson keeps him from the other teams to CLOBBER him! Gibson DECKS Carter, tags in Drake, and GYV gets Lee up. Feed to a clinch, Gibson goes up, MISSILE DROPKICK COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Lee lives and GYV is frustrated. Drake drags Lee up, tags Gibson, and they wrench and whip Lee for a DOUBLE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Gibson scowls and looms over Lee. Gibson pushes Lee around while talking trash, then throws a forearm to put Lee back in the corner.
Gibson CLUBS Lee, ROCKS him with a right, then tags in Drake. They double whip, but Lee holds ropes to BOOT Gibson down! Drake blocks Lee’s path to Carter, but Lee waistlocks and swings around to tag in Carter after all! Carter rallies on GYV and fans fire up! Carter CHOPS Drake, whips but Drake reverses. Drake hurdles but Carter YANKS him out of the air, and then DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEXES! Drake flounders to a corner, Carter runs in and KNEES him, to a rolling snapmare and PENALTY KICK! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Gibson drags Drake out! Carter goes to the corner and SUPERKICKS Gibson into Drake! Then ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
Fans fire up as Carter takes out both GYV! Carter puts Drake in the ring but Gibson anchors Carter’s foot! Carter kicks Gibson away but runs into a waistlock from Drake. Carter elbows, Drake whips and Gibson tags in, but so does Brooks! GYV get Carter to jump, into a TICKET TO MAYHEM! Cover, but Carter’s no longer legal! Briggs storms in to shove Drake out! Gibson realizes who is behind him too late, and turns around into Brooks’ ROLLING HAYUMAKER! Brigs choke grips, he and Brooks combine for a CHOKE BOMB!! Cover, Briggs & Brooks ELIMINATE Grizzled Young Veterans! And now, it’s just them and the champs!
Lee makes sure Carter is okay and then he squares off with Brooks. Lee rushes in and punches low, then fires off palm strikes and KICKS! DROPKICK! Brooks wobbles, Lee runs but Brooks CLOBBERS him with an uppercut! Tag to Briggs, Brooks gets Lee up and Briggs runs, BOOT RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO!! Lee survives and Briggs can’t believe it! Fans fire up for MSK as Briggs drags Lee up. Briggs CLUBS Lee, tags Brooks, “This is Awesome!” as Brooks ‘n’ Briggs whip. DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM!! But Brooks ‘n’ Briggs ain’t done, they get Lee back up. CHOKE- NO! Carter tackles Briggs outta the ring! Lee RANAS Brooks down for a cover, MSK wins!!
Winners: MSK, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
The big bad hosses can’t believe how close they were to the titles! They get the belts, but they show respect to the champs by handing the belts to them. Have MSK finally gotten the division to see them as the champions they are? But wait, IMPERIUM attacks from behind! Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner are furious they weren’t anywhere near this match, and they give Carter a SPINEBUSTER to PENALTY KCIK! They stack Lee and Carter, Briggs ‘n’ Brooks run Imperium off! Will the Impeccable German & Pride of Italy get their shot at the gold? Or will MSK make another team respect their champions?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for NXT, especially for this 2.0 era. We got some good stuff out of the women’s division, with Mandy VS Ember opening the night in a fast but strong match. Raquel and Toxic Attraction have a good segment, especially with Shirai & Stark stepping in. Though, I feel like pacing and order of events is screwed up in the typical RawDown way. Toxic Attraction should’ve called out the champs before facing them, but with NXT having to rebuild their women’s tag division, there wasn’t really any other team to fill the gaps. Six Woman Tag should happen just because, and then we can see Indi & Persia get into the ring as a team along the way.
That random moment with Tian Sha turning into a match was very RawDown, but I bet that means Mei Ying ruins things for Indi & Persia. If only Xia Li was staying in NXT. Tian Sha as a women’s team would’ve been really good for this brand. Maybe Indi & Persia have their first match as a team against KC Squared. Even though Indi was a former champ, Persia still has to show her skills. Though, like that seems to matter when Briggs & Brooks, as well as Trick & Melo, got to be part of a title match when they’d yet to have tag matches anywhere. The main event was great all the same, but I’m both a bit surprised and disappointed it was Briggs & Brooks who made it to the end.
At the same time, MSK retaining to be attacked by Imperium, it makes sense that other Faces were still present to help MSK out. MSK VS Imperium is going to be great, who knows who wins there. Now we just need to see Walter be full-time in NXT 2.0 and he goes after the top title. Yes, Ciampa is facing Bron Breakker at this year’s Halloween Havoc, but I really hope Ciampa isn’t losing Goldie so soon after getting her back. Bron did great in his promo, at least, and he is still so very much “Rex Steiner” despite going in a different direction with his name. Gacy wants after the title, too, which is natural.
Gacy had a very good match with Jiro, and apparently that was Parker Boudreaux staring at him from the audience. Gacy will have a good match with Ciampa but I wonder if Boudreaux (Harland in NXT, I believe) gets involved in any way. Dunne VS Grimes was a good match, Kyle going after Holland makes sense, and then Wagner being there to help Kyle also makes sense. Wagner seems a little bland in delivering his promos but maybe he’s just getting comfortable on screen. Their match with Dunne VS Holland could even be Holland’s good-bye since he’ll be going to SmackDown cuz Vince wants that Yorkshire BEEF.
D’Angelo VS Malik was a really good match, and the fans really loved it because Malik is a local guy and for whatever reason, they’ve taken a liking to “Ey, oh, ey!” Tony. But Lash Legend did have a good Sopranos burn. We got quite the promo vignette out of Diamond Mine, and good promos from Legado and Hit Row. Escobar is definitely taking the title off Swerve but I hope they have an awesome match in the process. Swerve losing on the way out is fitting wrestling tradition, and that can make him hungry on SmackDown to go after the Intercontinental Championship. Escobar can then have a fresh run with a title, taking on just about anyone left in NXT 2.0.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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
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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.
My Score: 8.8/10
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