Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/31/21)

The last SmackDown of 2021 is on FS1!

Published

1 year ago

December 31, 2021

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown counts down WWE’s Top Ten Moments of 2021!

It’s New Year’s Eve, and Day 1 is coming! Relive the best of the best from this past year, and see if your favorites made the list before we start all over again!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Number 10: SummerSlam 8/21/21 – Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS RKBRO; RKBRO wins and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
Number 9: WrestleMania 4/11/21 – Logan Paul stunned at WrestleMania 37.
Number 8: 8/21/21 – Goldberg VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; Lashley wins.
Number 7: 8/21/21 – Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Nikki A.S.H. VS Rhea Ripley VS Charlotte Flair; Charlotte wins and becomes the new Raw Women’s Champion.
Number 6: WrestleMania 4/10/21 – Bad Bunny flies at WrestleMania 37.
Number 5: Crown Jewel 10/21/21 – Hell in a Cell: Edge VS Seth Rollins; Edge wins.
Number 4: 4/10/21 – SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Bianca Belair; Belair wins and becomes the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Number 3: 8/21/21 – SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS ~~Sasha Banks~~ ~~Carmella~~ Becky Lynch; Becky wins and becomes the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Number 2: Monday Night Raw 9/13/21 – WWE World Championship Money in the Bank Cash-In: Bobby Lashley VS Big E; Big E wins and becomes the new WWE World Champion.
Number 1: 8/21/21 – The Beast is Back!

PLAY BY PLAY

2021 was a big year!

A year of returns, such as Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Becky Lynch, and most importantly, the fans in the stands! There were big moments, big movements, big accomplishments and NEW champions! But now WWE will count down the top ten moments of the year!

Michael Cole introduces his cohost for tonight, Pat McAfee! Pat says he was forced to be here, but he still got the tux and the suspenders to go with his shorts. He’s ready to get going, but Cole points out this is a two hour show. Pat isn’t the only one here, though! He introduces The Man, Becky Lynch! The Raw Women’s Champion struts onto the set and says the dream team is back together again! And they have Cole here. But to get started, tag teams were big in 2021. For one, Rey & Dominik Mysterio become the first-ever father and son tag team champions, and then we got one of the greatest odd couple champions in Randy Orton & Matt Riddle, RKBRO!

SummerSlam 8/21/21 – Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS RKBRO!

We go back to SummerSlam as the Phenomenal & the Colossal put up the titles against the Viper and the Stallion! We skip the entrances and formalities as Riddle starts with Styles, only for Styles to tag out to Omos! Omos gets in the ring, Orton coaches Riddle, only for Omos to run Riddle over! Omos drags Riddle up to CLUB him down, and then drags him up to scoop, carry, and SLAM! Omos smirks at Orton but even Orton thought that was good. Omos drags Riddle to the corner, Styles tags in, and Omos drags Riddle up for Styles go use Omos as a booster, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!

Styles keeps his cool and he wraps Riddle in a chinlock. Fans rally, Riddle fights up and throws body shots! Styles kicks low, fireman’s carries but Riddle elbows free. Styles switches the waistlock to CLUB Riddle, and shove him at the corner. Riddle KNEES Omos, then dumps Styles out! Riddle hurries, fans fire up, and Omos isn’t sure what to do! Styles hurries back in, and he just anchors Riddle’s foot! Riddle gets up, Styles reaches out but Riddle KNEES Styles down! Hot tag to Orton! The fans are thunderous as Orton rallies on Styles, hits Omos, then gives Styles a back drop! Another shot for Omos, then Orton runs in to clothesline Styles at the corner!

Orton whips Styles corner to corner then gets the POWERSLAM! Omos gets a leg on the rope but Orton kicks him down! Orton then puts Styles through the ropes, and fans fire up as he brings Styles out, DRAPING DDT! Orton hears the voices in his head, but Omos drags Styles out. Riddle leaps in, but Omos catches him for an APRON CHOKE SLAM! Orton drags Styles up but Styles HOTSHOTS Orton back! Styles calls to Omos, he hauls Riddle up, but Riddle slips off to POST Omos! Styles MOONSAULTS and DDT’s Riddle down! Styles aims at Orton now, and he springboards< Orton gets under to pop Styles up but Styles stops the RKO! Roll up, TWO!

RKO OUTTA NOWHWERE! Cover, RKBRO wins!

Winners: RKBRO, by pinfall (NEW Raw Tag Team Champions)

Orton & Riddle just brought down a team that looked unstoppable! And we know now that they’ve been on a roll ever since! Will they continue to win outta nowhere in the New Year?

SmackDown returns.

Pat McAfee says Roman Reigns has had one of the greatest years since humans have been counting years as a thing. Becky says she’s been better but still a great year for the Top Dog, Tribal Chief, Head of the Table, the Big Uce, Roman Reigns. But Roman’s 488 day reign is still behind Brock Lesnar’s record setting reign at 503. Will Lesnar keep that record when he ends Roman’s reign? Or will Roman always be the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion? Becky brings up her title match, but Cole says they’ll wait to give her a whole spotlight. And that means moving on to moment number nine!

4/11/21 – Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn w/ Logan Paul!

Skip ahead to Sami hitting another CORNER EXPLODER, to a HALF ‘N’ HALF! To a BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Kevin lives and Sami can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” and far from over as Kevin gets to a corner. Sami SLAPS Kevin, Kevin SLAPS Sami, it’s a FAST & FURIOUS SLAP FIGHT!! Sami gets the edge, throws body shots and uppercuts, but the ref has Sami back off. Sami gets Kevin up, hauls him up top but Kevin fights. Sami still gets Kevin to the top and he headbutts from below!

Sami climbs, brings Kevin back up, but Kevin counters to a SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Even Logan is reeling from that one! Both men are down, Sami slowly sits up and drags himself to a corner. Kevin sits up and is in the opposite corner. Kevin grits his teeth, runs corner to corner at Sami to clothesline! Kevin keeps going, and clotheslines again. Kevin goes, Sami follows, HELLUVA KICK!! Sami keeps Kevin from falling over, and tells him this is because of Kevin. Sami goes corner to corner, into a SUPERKICK!! Sami staggers, into another SUPERKICK!! Fans fire up for Kevin as he looks Sami in the eye. “You did this.” STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin wins!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall

Logan seems to be the only one shocked, but he still applauds this victory! Whether Kevin has knocked some sense into Sami is yet to be seen, but he did get a big win at #KOMania5! Logan checks on Sami, tries to talk with him, but Sami says someone screwed him! The ref, the managers, someone! Logan tells Kevin that this was awesome stuff. Sami won’t let Logan shake Kevin’s hand! Sami says Kevin conspired against him! Sami wants Logan to listen to him, but Logan shoves Sami! Sami says to hell with Logan! Sami storms off, Logan raises Kevin’s hand in victory. Logan sure is a bandwagoner, huh?

Kevin doesn’t like that, either, and he gives Logan a STUNNER!! “This is MY ring!” And we know now that Kevin Owens is the Prizefighter, having a part in a Fatal 4 Way at Day 1! Will Kevin once again be on top of the WWE as world champion?

SmackDown returns again.

Pat is ready to have fun, the bubbly and the cheers. Cole is a third wheel as Pat and Becky are all excited for the New Year. But Becky keeps it the same cuz look at her biceps! You can’t get more jacked than her! FLEX! Cole has them rein it in and wants a resolution for himself. He wants to have a good time. Uh… Well, moving on, here’s moment 8, and the All Mighty, Bobby Lashley.

8/21/21 – Goldberg VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!

The WCW icon is aiming at Lashley from a corner, and he runs in, but MVP gets Lashley out of the ring! Goldberg goes out and around the way, he still SPEARS Lashley down! Goldberg drags Lashley up and into the ring, goes up the steps as Lashley flounders, and he aims again. Lashley flounders out of the ring, the ref is busy with him so MVP SMACKS Goldberg in the leg with his cane! Goldberg hobbles, but he just glares at MVP! But then he turns around into a CHOP BLOCK from Lashley! Lashley aims from the corner now, but Goldberg bails out and flops to the floor. MVP wants the ring count at least, but Lashley goes out to get Goldberg.

Lashley hauls Goldberg up to a fireman’s carry, and then he POSTS Goldberg’s knee! The Rocky Mountain Machine is dismantling Goldberg! Lashley puts Goldberg in the ring, the ref checks on him, but Goldberg can barely stand up on that bad leg. The ref calls it, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by referee stoppage

The All Mighty wins, but he’s not satisfied! MVP throws a chair in and Lashley picks it up. Lashley aims at Goldberg, and he JAMS the chair into the leg! Goldberg tries to get up but Lashley SMACKS him in the leg, then SMACKS him again! And again! Goldberg still tries to get up but Lashley SMACKS his leg again! And again! Lashley is ruthless, but will he be world champion again after Day 1?

SmackDown returns and goes back to July 19th, 2021

Charlotte Flair defended her title against Rhea Ripley and retained it, only to lose it when Nikki A.S.H. cashed in her Money in the Bank contract! Nikki went from Almost a Superhero to definitely a Raw Women’s Champion! Becky says that was a great moment for the underdog. But lucky for Nikki, Becky wasn’t champion then. Pat usually likes heroes like Hancock, but how could you not become a fan of Nikki? And there’s no rest for the weary, because moment 7 was how Charlotte got number 12!

8/21/21 – Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Nikki A.S.H. VS Rhea Ripley VS Charlotte Flair!

Rhea and Nikki double whip Charlotte, Charlotte holds ropes to KICK Rhea and ROCK Nikki. Charlotte throws Nikki out, then back drops Rhea out! Rhea does her best to land on her feet but she still falls over! Charlotte then goes to a corner, climbs up top, and SUPPER TORNILLO MOONSAULTS onto them both!! Fans are all fired up for that one! Charlotte paces, drags Rhea into the ring, and gets the FIGURE FOUR! Then bridges up, FIGURE EIGHT!! Rhea grits her teeth, claws at Charlotte’s leg, but Nikki SPLASHES down on them all! Rhea clutches her leg, Nikki gets Charlotte up! TWISTING NECKBREAKER! Cover, but Rhea breaks it!!

Rhea gets her bad leg moving, drags Nikki up and pump handles, but Nikki turns Riptide into DDT! Rhea flops out of the ring and Nikki misses her chance! But Nikki goes back to the corner, back up top, and fans fire up as she leaps, but FLOPS as Charlotte moves! Charlotte gets the legs, FIGURE FOUR! And right to FIGURE EIGHT!! Nikki endures, reaches, crawls, but she can’t hold out! Nikki taps, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission (NEW Raw Women’s Champion)

The Queen is back on her throne! This is number 12 (14 if you count NXT), and she’s been holding onto it even through the WWE Draft. Will anyone ever take Charlotte’s crown again?

Everyone loves Rick Boogs!

Especially when he rocks with Shinsuke NakamurAAAAA~! Pat McAfee is their biggest fan, of course. He even uses a bottle of cider as his guitar. Becky says he’s missing the point, though. You gotta evolve, change, adapt. Pat’s been going like this for a year or something now? Hey, whoa. Becky is Pat’s wife’s favorite superstar, got her into liking wrestling, so Pat won’t hold that against her. But it feels like the first time every time! Cole says Nakamura has been a key part of a roller coaster year for Baron Corbin. Pent house, to outhouse, back to pent house. King Corbin, Sad Bumass Corbin, now “Happy” Corbin. Will anyone ever send him back to being down in the dumps?

WWE looks to the names that will lead the way into the New Year.

Damian Priest is WWE United States Champion and continues to use both light and dark to shine in the light. Omos is more than colossal! Veer Mahaan is the lion still on his way, while Reggie redefines what it is to be agile in the ring. XIa Li is the Protector, while Los Lotharios are hard hitting heartthrobs. Austin Theory is ready to impress everyone, especially Vince McMahon. But Becky sees these new faces as just more people to beat. Cole says this year’s WrestleMania had a huge in-ring debut for a huge celebrity: Bad Bunny! So many music awards, and even a killer WrestleMania entrance!

4/10/21 – Damian Priest & Bad Bunny VS The Miz & John Morrison!

It’s a classic WWE story: a top celebrity is a guest; a couple superstars try to use them to expand their brand; the celebrity isn’t really for it and politely declines; the superstars escalate it to a personal level; the celebrity and superstars have a match. The Grammy award winning artist has an Archer of Infamy on his side, but is that enough to take down the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century?

Bad Bunny enters in on the top of a semi truck!

Skip to later, Priest elbows Morrison in one corner, then elbows Miz in the other! BROKEN ARROW sends Miz at Morrison! Choke grip for the SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM! Cover, but Morrison breaks it! Bunny ROCKS Morrison but Morrison kicks back! Morrison ‘n’ Miz regroup, but they get DOUBLE BELL CLAPS, and DOUBLE FALCON ARROWS! Double covers, TWO!! Bunny and Priest almost had it, but they regroup as Miz ‘n’ Morrison bail out. Fans fire up for Priest & Bunny as Bunny whips Priest to FLY onto Miz ‘n’ Morrison! Priest then signals to Bunny, time to see if a rabbit can fly! Bunny climbs up top just like the Rumble, for a SUPER CROSSBODY!!

Direct hit and Priest gets Miz in the ring. Priest reels Miz in, dragon sleeper, but no lights just yet! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, Bunny breaks it!! Fans are thunderous and Miz is shocked! Priest crawls back over, Miz keeps him from his corner but Priest boots him away! Morrison trips Bunny, but Bunny hits back! Bunny reels Morrison in, for a DESTROYER?!! Even Priest is shocked! Priest then BOOTS Miz down, roars and brings him up for an Electric Chair. Bunny tags in, CROSSBODY DOOMSDAY! Cover, Bunny & Priest win!!

Winners: Damian Priest & Bad Bunny, by pinfall

Now that’s a smash hit! Bad Bunny is feeling GOODT, as Booker might say! Will there no longer be any doubt or disrespect from Miz ‘n’ Morrison? Does Bunny have a future in the ring?

When it came to Edge, Seth Rollins took it to another level.

It become one of the most personal rivalries in a long, long time. Becky says Edge is just lucky he didn’t try that with them. She’d be the one beating Edge down. Cole is excited to go to the party but Pat says he’s not invited. But they are halfway through the countdown with moment number 5!

Crown Jewel 10/21/21 – Hell in a Cell: Edge VS Seth Rollins!

What started seven years ago with a vicious physical threat could now end with serious physical trauma. The Rated R Superstar wants to finally exorcise The Visionary from his life, and now they’re both going through Hell! Who survives this dance with the devil inside the sinister steel?

Skip to Rollins brandishing a chair. He wants to copy Edge’s most dangerous invention. CON-CHAIR- NO!! Edge trips Rollins and goes for the arm! Rollins scrambles but Edge still has the CROSSFACE! Rollins crawls, and he reaches for that broken crossbar! Rollins JAMS Edge in the face!! Fans boo and Edge checks his eye. Rollins gets a chair and tosses it to then ROLLING ELBOW it into Edge’s face! Rollins hurries up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Edge is still in this and Rollins is seething. Rollins digs at Edge’s face, throws down hands, then paces about. Rollins goes out and looks under the ring. Rollins brings out a TABLE!

Fans fire up as Rollins sets up the table at ringside. Edge stirs, Rollins stalks up behind him. Rollins clamps on and digs fingers into Edge’s face! Rollins only lets off to reel Edge in. Edge fights the bomb and swings, but into a double underhooks! UNPRETTIER!! Cover, TWO!! Not even a shoutout to Edge’s old pal could win this won! Fans again say “This is Awesome!” but Rollins is frustrated. Rollins drags Edge back to a drop zone, he goes up top, but Edge SHOVES Rollins off! Rollins hits steel then falls through the table!! Fans lose their minds for that one! Edge drags himself out of the ring and brings Rollins out of the wreckage. Edge puts Rollins in the ring, covers, TWO!!

Cut to Edge and Rollins atop the ladder! Edge headbutts Rollins, climbs up to join Rollins, but Rollins claws eyes to stop the superplex. Rollins CLUBS Edge more, then gets up to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Edge through the table!! Cover, TWO!?!? HOW?!? Rollins throws the table scraps out of the ring in anger, and thinks of what he has to do next. Rollins goes out, looks around under the ring, and he brings out the toolbox! But Rollins also looks around for more. Edge staggers up to his feet and Rollins goes back in after him. SUPERKICK! Edge somehow stays up so Rollins kicks the legs out. Rollins wants to relive MSG, SUPERKICK!

Edge flops over and Rollins wants him to get up. But then Rollins goes to the toolbox and brings out a CHAIN! Rollins wraps the chain around his boot like a brass knuckles! Rollins aims at Edge as Edge slowly sits back up. Rollins grins as he FULL METAL SUPERKICKS!! The referee checks on Edge and somehow Edge is still conscious. Rollins says, “This is how your fairy tale ends!” Rollins puts Edge’s head on a chair, goes back to a corner, runs back in, but Edge moves! LOW BLOW with the chair edge!! Edge manages to stand up again, Rollins sputters as he gets back up, Edge SUPERKICKS Rollins down! Edge grits his teeth as he steadies himself and takes aim again.

Rollins gets up for another SUPERKICK! Edge takes the chain off Rollins’ boot and uses it for the GLASGOW GRIN! Rollins wants to use a wrench but Edge gets it and he uses THAT for the GLASGOW GRIN!!! Rollins endures but Edge lets him go?! Edge gets a chair, puts Rollins’ head on it, and runs in to CURB STOMP Rollins to the chair!!! Cover, Edge wins!

Winner: Edge, by pinfall

The Rated R Superstar uses Rollins’ own move to finish this! Has Edge finally moved past The Architect to continue his comeback? As for Rollins, we know he is in the WWE Championship Fatal 4 Way. Can he redeem himself from this loss to once again reign on Raw?

2021 was the Year of EST!

After all, she started it off winning the Women’s Royal Rumble and then winning in the main event of WrestleMania 37. Becky says the first half of this year was Bianca Belair’s. The second belonged to Becky! Becky stopped the momentum right there! But the moment we’re focusing on is Sasha Banks VS Bianca Belair, the second time a women’s match headlined WrestleMania. And who did it first? Becky! That’s who! Trailblazer Becks! Beating Rhonda and Charlotte in the main event!

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Bianca Belair!

The Boss and the EST are making history in this main event. Black history, women’s history, WRESTLING history! But all of that is just icing on the cake. Who proves they are THE woman and walk out of Raymond James Stadium with the SmackDown Women’s Championship?

The introductions are made, the title is raised, and WWE saved the B-E-S-T for last on Night One!

Both women are emotional given all that has built to this moment, and the fans are right there with them. But both women hold back the tears because it’s time to handle business. They tie up, go around, and Sasha puts Bianca in a corner. Sasha claws at Bianca but the ref backs her off. Sasha acts like she doesn’t know what was wrong. Fans rally and duel, “Let’s Go, Sasha!” “E S T!” Sasha and Bianca tie up, Sasha throws Bianca by her hair! Sasha says SHE is the best, but Bianca kips up because SHE’S the best. Bianca shoves, Sasha shoves, repeat, then Sasha side steps but Bianca handsprings and catches Sasha’s leap for a toss!

Sasha sunset flips, Bianca blocks and handsprings again. Sasha avoids it, but Bianca says kiss this. Sasha and Bianca go again, Sasha wants the stabber but Bianca arm-drags free. Bianca tilt-o-whirls Sasha to the torture rack but Sasha scrambles free! Bianca says it was that close. Sasha says it was not and then kicks low to fire forearms. Sasha runs, but Bianca blocks the wheelbarrow to get the chicken wings! GlamEST- No! Sasha victory rolls Bianca out of the ring. Bianca steadies herself but Sasha baseball slide dropkicks! Bianca is right back, blocks a punch but Sasha dodges. Sasha knees but that’s blocked!

Bianca fireman’s carries but Sasha slips out to hotshot Bianca, then bump her hard off buckles! Bianca falls to the floor, the ring count starts and Sasha builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp, but Bianca rolls it through!? Bianca pops Sasha up to then military press her, and carry her up the stairs with her!! Bianca TOSSES Sasha in hard, then gets in. Sasha is angry, she dodges and dropkicks! Cover, ONE!! Bianca grits her teeth, Sasha looms over her, and stands on the ponytail! Sasha taunts Bianca right to her face, then runs, but Bianca follows to run Sasha over! Bianca drags Sasha up, scoops her and says she is the E! S! T!

Bianca does squats before the SLAM, then handsprings to SPLASH, but Sasha blocks to get the ponytail! Sasha fires off KNEE after KNEE, then runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Sasha is furious but she rains down rights and lefts! Cover, ONE!! Sasha paces around, stalks Bianca to a corner, and digs her boot in! The ref counts, Sasha lets off, but comes back to stomp Bianca and bump her off more buckles. Sasha snapmares Bianca into a chinlock and clamps on tight. Bianca endures but Sasha shifts to a motorcycle stretch. Fans rally as Bianca endures and fights her way up. Bianca fights up, elbows free and whips, but Sasha reverses. Sasha runs in but is put on the apron.

Sasha KNEES back, Bianca sits down, and Sasha swings in for a METEOR- NO! Bianca gets Sasha around for a SPINEBUSTER! Bianca and Sasha both roll out but Sasha has the braid! She tries to pull Bianca but Bianca YANKS Sasha into a post! Sasha comes around the way, METEORA but into the barriers! The ring count is climbing! It goes past 7, they both get in at 9, Bianca cradles then dead lifts Sasha to a REBOUND Suplex, but still stalls to do it again! Sasha fights but can’t get free as Bianca just powers her back up! Sasha keeps trying but Bianca SLAMS her down first! Both women are down but fans fire up!

The ref checks on both women, they start to stir, and Bianca goes after Sasha first. They both pull hair, Sasha ROCKS Bianca with a right! Sasha throws her armbands off, gets Bianca’s braid as part of the knuckle lock, but Bianca disrupts the flying arm-drag to reel Sasha in for a LARIAT! Bianca rallies with shoulders then a dropkick! Bianca kips up, for a STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Bianca claps at Sasha, RAMS into the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Sasha BOOTS back! Sasha runs, into the chicken wings! GlamEST Slam! Sasha is in a drop zone, and Bianca heads up top. Bianca aims, leaps, 450 INTO KNEES! Sasha saves herself at the last moment!

Both women are down again and fans rally back up. Sasha is up first and she brings Bianca in but Bianca slides to sunset, TWO! Sasha hurries, gets a backslide, TWO! Sasha KNEES Bianca, runs, but Bianca blocks the rana to get a POWERBOMB! High stack, dead lift, and Bianca POWERBOMBS again! High stack to cover, TWO! Bianca still has Sasha, but Sasha turns the dead lift into a FACEBUSTER! Both women are down once again but the fans still rally. Sasha crawls over to Bianca in a corner. Sasha stomps her again and again but lets off as the ref counts. Sasha stands Bianca up, brings her around in the corner, Sasha uses the ropes for an added boost in the TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!!

Bianca survives and shocks Sasha! Sasha goes to a corner as fans build to another rally. Sasha is up top, she leaps for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Sasha is beside herself now as Bianca gets away to the apron. Sasha storms over, drags Bianca up to kick her, then HOTSHOT the arm on the rope! Then Sasha RAMS Bianca into steel steps! Sasha puts Bianca back in, asks what time it is, and Cole says #BossTime. Sasha tilt-o-whirls but Bianca resists the takedown, only for Sasha to use the braid! HAIR TIE BANK STATEMENT!! Bianca endures, reaches for ropes, drags herself and Sasha over, but Sasha kicks the ropes to roll this away! But Bianca rolls it back to get the ropebreak!!

Sasha uses Bianca’s braid to choke her, then trap her! The ref counts as Sasha stomps, but Sasha lets off at 4. Sasha is fuming, but fans are rallying, and Sasha cools off while Bianca flounders against ropes. Sasha stalks over, drags Bianca up, “You’re the ROOKIE!” Bianca RAMS Sasha into a corner! And RAMS in more and more! Bianca puts Sasha up top, climbs up to join her, and Bianca says she IS the EST. But Sasha fights with furious body shots! Sasha shoves Bianca, but Bianca handsprings! The kick is blocked, Sasha puts Bianca in a Tree of Woe! Sasha stomps away on the legs, then stomps Bianca in the chest! Sasha stands up to WOE STOMP-

NO! Bianca moved, Sasha hobbles but runs back, only to knee buckles! Bianca adjusts, FlyEST 450!! Cover, TWO!?!?? Bianca is having the biggEST freak out of her life because she thought she had it!! Fans know “This is Awesome!” and Bianca gest the maddEST she’s been in a long time. She drags Sasha up, torture racks, “THIS IS MY TIME!” But Sasha lands out of the KOD to grab the braid! Bianca yanks it free and uses it to LASH Sasha!! Sasha staggers, Bianca torture racks, but Sasha slips out! Sasha hops on, no stabber as Bianca is too strong! They go around and around, torture rack to KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!!!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion)

WHOA!! WrESTleMania is a reality!! Bianca just got the greatEST win in her already amazing career, and all of Raymond James Stadium comes out of their seat! Bianca’s family is ringside and they’re the most excited of all! Bianca proves she is the B-E-S-T on SmackDown! Will there be no stopping Bianca from proving she’s the Best of the Best in ALL the WWE?

Pat McAfee shares a “vintage” Michael Cole moment.

It was July 18th, 2021, at the end of Money in the Bank. Roman Reigns told the whole world they were going to acknowledge him. And then JOHN CENA showed up! Cole’s reaction is of course the whole reason Pat loves that moment. Fort Worth practically explodes as Cena is back! Cena says he missed us all, and he gets in the ring! Cena gets to run the ropes and throw his hat again for the first time in over a year! Roman and Heyman are the only ones not happy about this. Cena steps closer, and closer, and looks at the Universal Championship. Then with his hand gesture says, “You Can’t See Me!” Fans are thunderous for the return of the 16 time world champion, but is he planning on making the 17th universal?

Pat pretends he didn’t see Cena at first, but he was back and it was awesome! Becky coughs, and wants them to talk about her return. Right, that’s moment number three! The return of- Wait, she’s only number three? Number three?! Who decided this!? Who!? THREE!? She should be number one! Just roll tape!

8/21/21 – SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Sasha Banks Carmella Becky Lynch!

The EST was meant to face The Boss, but that didn’t work out. The (self-proclaimed) Most Beautiful Woman in All of WWE wanted her shot, but then THE MAN CAME ‘ROUND! Even Bianca was star struck! Mella wasn’t, though, because she doesn’t get her opportunity now. Becky gets the mic to talk to Bianca. “Well what do ya say The EST and The Man blow the roof off this joint for the SmackDown Women’s Championship?” Fans are all for it, that’s for sure! Bianca shakes her head and says, “Let’s go!” Becky’s all fired up, and the match is set! The bell rings and fans go nuts! Becky and Bianca circle, then Becky offers a handshake. Bianca takes it, Becky SUCKER PUNCHES her!

MAN HANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion)

That wasn’t even 30 seconds!! Becky’s back and on top in the fastest fashion we’ve ever seen! Bianca is beside herself, what will it take to get back to the title?

Back in the present, Becky asks Cole, “Is this you?” Did he do this? No! She gives him way too much credit. Pat says Cole had a vote, though. Cole says she should’ve been all ten moments. She agrees, just look at what she’s done. Pat says she could’ve even gone 11. But the top- er, next two moments of 2021 are on their way, after the break.

The WWE Draft giveth, and the Draft taketh away.

Drew McIntyre is a great pick-up for SmackDown with the Claymore and his sword, but then Becky Lynch moved to Raw. But we also saw Big E become WWE World Champion! That was goosebumps for many fans, including Becky’s mom. The penultimate moment is here!

After Bobby Lashley VS Randy Orton…

Lashley hobbles his way into the ring, and here comes BIG E!! The cash-in was promised, and the cash-in is coming! Lashley realizes the situation he’s put himself in now because it’s happening!!

WWE World Championship Money in the Bank Cash-In: Bobby Lashley VS Big E!

Big E wants this to get going but Lashley claims his bad leg is reason enough to not see this through. Big E SLAPS Lashley right across the face! Lashley is pissed and wants this match now, so the bell rings! Lashley tackles Big E and rains down furious fists! Lashley digs his fingers in Big E’s face and then drags Big E up to bump him off buckles. Lashley runs to clothesline, then goes again, but Big E dodges to come back and CHOP BLOCK the bad leg! Big E gets Lashley up, BIG- NO! Lashley slips out of the Ending to SPEAR Big E! Cover, TWO?!? Big E shocks Lashley, and stands right up! Fans are thunderous, Lashley throws hands and reels Big E in, gut wrench but Big E slips out!

Big E scoops, for the BIG ENDING!! Cover, Big E wins!!!

Winner: Big E, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Champion)

The cash-in was called like Babe Ruth’s homers and it came through like ’em, too! Bean Town celebrates with The New Day as they celebrate with Big E, right down to the pyro from the titantron! But these two meet again in Day 1’s Fatal 4 Way! Will the result be the same for the Powerhouse of Positivity? Or will Lashley redeem himself for this fall in the Fall?

SmackDown returns once more.

They’ve talked a lot about 2021 being the Year of the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. But Roman is not the number one moment. That belongs to The Beast. Pat knows who!

After Roman Reigns VS John Cena…

The Head of the Table was still reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Universal Champion, but then the music hit! THE BEAST! THE CONQUEROR! BRRROCK! LESNARRR! And Vegas went NUTS seeing him go down the ramp and to the ring! Roman is furious, Heyman’s “seen a ghost,” but Lesnar circles the ring. “The alpha male of our species” goes up the steel steps so he could look Roman eye to eye. Roman shakes his head but Lesnar gets in the ring with him. “This is Awesome!” as these two stare down again after a long, long time away. But Roman backs away and fans boo. Roman holds up his title, but will he be holding onto it for much longer?

Back in the present, Cole says, “There you have it.” Becky sees what’s going on. There was a misunderstanding. Becky, Brock, they should’ve been swapped. Well, whatever Becky thinks, Roman and Lesnar are on a collision course for Day 1, the title on the line. Who leaves Atlanta the ULTIMATE reigning! Defending! Undisputed! Universal Heavyweight Champion of the WWE? Roman… Reigns…?! Or BRRRRROCK! LESNARRRRR?!

Becky closes us out.

“2022 about to be welcomed to the Big Time. We’re kicking it off right. Big Time Becks defending her title, and it’s gonna be the same way. 2022 is gonna be the same way as 2019, 2020, 2021. 2022 is gonna be the Year of the Big Time. Big Time Becks defends her title.” Cole can’t wait, he’s gonna party with them! No he’s not. Cole thanks them for being here and for us tuning in. Pat pops the corks, pours a drink for Becky and himself, then lets Cole just have the bottle. You’re the best, Cole! But they’ll text him where they’re going, right? Uh, maybe. Bye. Pat takes the bottle back anyway. Well, have a great New Year’s, WWE Universe!

My Thoughts:

I can pretty much give my thoughts already since we all know this is going to be a year-in-review show. They obviously couldn’t do a full SmackDown episode tonight with the PPV on a Saturday, and being New Year’s Eve, pretty sure everyone’s partying and/or watching New Year’s Eve specials. But this top ten list definitely has great moments for WWE, and in some cases, a great way for those who didn’t see these moments the first time to see them for free on TV. So from all of us here at The Chairshot, Happy New Year!

My Score: 8.1/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/31/21)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (12/30/21)

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/19/23)

The semifinals are here!

Published

11 hours ago

March 19, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The New Japan Cup 2023’s Final Four!

Four is bad luck in Japan, but these four are grateful to be in the New Japan Cup semifinals! David Finlay VS Tama Tonga, Sanada VS Mark Davis, who will win to go for it all?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shota Umino & Oskar Leube VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; Shota & Oskar win.
Six Man Tag: Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Ryohei Oiwa VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi & Team Strong Style VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Kyle Fletcher; Cobb & Fletcher win.
Shingo Takagi & BUSHI VS Aaron Henare & Great-O-Khan; Henare & Khan win.
YOH & Lio Rush VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: Tama Tonga VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances to the finals.
New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: SANADA VS Mark Davis; Sanada wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Good Bad Guy settled things with Bullet Club, but fate has intervened to have him face the NEW leader! Will Tama get past Finlay and into the finals? Or will the Rebel take over everything?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tama and Finlay circle, Tama claps to get the fans going more, and then he ties up with Finlay. They go around, Tama puts Finlay on ropes, but he lets off slowly as the ref calls break. Fans applaud and the two reset. They circle, fans rally up for Tama, and the two tie up again. Tama powers Finlay back but Finlay turns it around to have Tama on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak again, Finlay lets off slowly, but then swings on Tama! Tama dodges, then hits a headlock takeover! Tama grinds Finlay down, but Finlay keeps his shoulders up. Finlay fights to his feet, powers out, then slips around to headlock!

Tama powers out, hurdles, drops, then DROPKICKS Finlay down! Finlay bails out while fans fire up! Tama storms up to the ropes and slingshots but Finlay slides in! Tama lands on the apron, Finlay storms up but Tama ROCKS him with a forearm! Tama hurries in, and he arm-drags Finlay around! Finlay blocks the next, whips, but Tama reverses. Tama hurdles, but gets caught to a fireman’s carry! HOTSHOT, then BIG back suplex! Fans applaud, that was a good sequence, but Tama crawls to a corner. Finlay stalks Tama, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS him! Finlay whips corner to corner hard and Tama bounces off buckles! Finlay covers, TWO!

Fans rally but Finlay stomps Tama’s hand! Tama clutches that hand, but Finlay fishhooks his face! The ref reprimands, Finlay lets off, and Finlay says that was the nose, not the eyes. The ref doesn’t believe him. Finlay throws Tama out! Gedo tells the ref to leave Finlay alone, but the ref reprimands Gedo for getting on the apron. Finlay drags Tama up to RAM him into railing! No Man’s Land disappears as the railing go back! Finlay rains down fists, but fans rally up for Tama. The ref reprimands Finlay but he drags Tama up and puts him in the ring. Finlay covers, ONE!! Tama is hanging tough but Finlay is amused.

Finlay digs his knee into Tama’s face, he wants the ref to Too Sweet but the ref says no thanks. Finlay drags Tama up, whips him hard into the corner, and Tama bounces off buckles again! Fans rally while Finlay taunts them, “You think Tama’s getting to the finals?” Finlay stomps Tama, then springboard stomps! The ref reprimands, but Finlay clamps on with a cobra clutch. Finlay thrashes Tama around but Tama endures. Gedo tells Tama to give up but Jado coaches Tama to hang tough. Fans rally, Tama fights up and throws hands, but Finlay CLUBS him down! Finlay stomps and elbows Tama, but the ref counts.

Finlay lets off, he brings Tama up to whip corner to corner, but Tama comes back to CLOBBER Finlay! Fans fire up but Gedo is mad! Jado coaches Tama, Gedo coaches Finlay, but Tama is the first to stand. Tama roars, CLOBBERS Finlay, and ELBOWS him! Tama whips, Finlay reverses but Tama CLOBBERS Finlay again! OFF COMES THE VEST! Finlay goes to a corner, Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then clinch, for an EXPLODER! Finlay scrambles away and out of the ring, but Tama PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time and the fans fire up! Tama slides into the ring to let the ring count handle Finlay.

Finlay sits up at 5 of 20 so Tama goes out to fetch him. Tama puts Finlay in, stalks him to a corner, and Finlay wants mercy, but gets body shots instead! Tama whips Finlay out and then back into the corner, runs in, but Finlay elbows him away! Finlay storms up, but into a scoop! Finlay slips free to CHOP BLOCK! Tama writhes and clutches his knee but Gedo is loving this! The ref checks on Tama but Tama refuses to let this stop him. Finlay storms up on Tama to sit him up, “Look at this beautiful face!” CROSSFACE FOREARM! Gedo likes those, so Finlay sits Tama up again, to CROSSFACE FOREARM!

Finlay drags Tama up again, and he fires off MORE crossface forearms! Fans rally for Tama but Finlay looms over him. Finlay drags Tama up by his hair, sits him up, and BLINDSIDER LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Tama is still in this and Finlay is annoyed. Finlay paces around while Tama slowly rises. Finlay drags Tama up, gut wrenches and Canadian Racks, but Tama slips free! TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Fans rally as Tama and Finlay stir. Both men crawl over to each other, and Tama ROCKS Finlay with a forearm! Finlay ROCKS Tama right back! Finlay eggs Tama on and Tama sits up.

Tama ROCKS Finlay with another forearm, but Finlay ROCKS Tama again! Tama growls, he and Finlay sit up again. Tama ROCKS Finlay, Finlay ROCKS Tama, repeat! They throw forearms as they slowly stand, and they speed up as the fans rally! Finlay gets the edge, Tama fires off a strike fest! Finlay rebounds but into SRC!! Tama goes to a corner, fans fire up as he climbs, and Tama aims! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Jado and Tama rally the fans by pounding the mat. Finlay drags himself up with the ropes, Tama runs in, GUN- NO! Finlay rolls Tama, with tights! TWO!! GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks again!

Finlay drags Tama up with a dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, OSAKA STREET CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while Finlay grows frustrated. Finlay aims as Tama rises, Jado warns Tama of what’s coming, but Finlay runs in, into a KNEE! Tama SUPER- NO, Finlay dodges to DEEP SIX!! Tama staggers up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives and Gedo is furious! Finlay argues the count but the ref says that was all fair. Fans rally back up, but Finlay brings down the kneepad. “X marks the spot!” Finlay drags Tama up but Tama is deadweight. Finlay still hauls Tama up, suplexes, but Tama slips free!

Tama rolls Finlay, ties up the legs, and he has a SHARPSHOOTER!! Finlay endures and fans fire up! Tama sits deep on the hold, Finlay flails and fights forward! Finlay claws at the mat, but Tama goes deeper! Finlay fights back up, crawls and reaches out, but Tama drags him away again!! Finlay shouts in pain but he hasn’t given up yet! Another fight forward, and Finlay gets the ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go and Finlay writhes in pain, but the fans rally up again. Tama drags Finlay up, hooks an arm, but Finlay fights and RAMS Tama into a corner! And again and again and again! The ref counts, Finlay lets off and staggers away.

Tama runs in, but Finlay fights off the DDT! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Finlay gut wrenches to a CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay is beside himself but Tama survives again! Fans are thunderous for Tama but Finlay is right on him. Suplex and- NO, Tama fights, wrenches, but Finlay ROCKS him! But Tama cradles!! TWO!!!! Finlay escapes but the SUPERMAN PUNCH hits! BLOODY SUNDAY!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Finlay barely survives but Tama just pounds the mat. Finlay rises up, GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks, spins Tama, suplexes, GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks again and ROCKS Tama!

Tama roars, but Finlay fires off a flurry of forearms! Finlay spins, into a HEADBUTT! GUN- NO, Backslide! Deadlift TRASH PANDA!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Even El Phantasmo has to give old rival Finlay credit on that one. Gedo gets the mic to make the announcement official: The Rebel wins, and he just beat the NEVER Openweight Champion! Finlay will take the EFF over everything! Gedo needs the Rebel, Bullet Club needs the Rebel, and the world needs the Rebel! But will the Rebel get what he wants in the tournament finals?

New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: SANADA w/ Just5Guys VS Mark Davis w/ The United Empire!

New team, new look! The Cold Skull is looking sharp, but will he still bring about a Skull End? Or can Dunkzilla conquer the Cup on behalf of the United Empire?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as Davis and Sanada circle. Davis eggs Sanada on but Sanada feels things out. They keep circling, tie up, and Sanada headlocks. Davis powers out, Sanada RAMS shoulders, but neither man falls! Sanada ducks Davis’ chop, gets an arm and wrenches, but Davis whips Sanada away! Davis CHOPS this time, and Sanada is stinging. Davis whips, Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Sanada whips, Davis cartwheels, then scoops and SLAMS! And SENTONS! Fans fire up while Sanada bails out, but Davis goes out after Sanada. Davis brings Sanada up to whip him into railing!

Sanada drops to his knees, but Davis drags Sanada up to ROCK with a forearm! Great-O-Khan is on commentary and he waves the glowstick in praise. Davis puts Sanada on the apron to CLUB and KNEE and CLUB again! Davis gets space, fans rally up, and Davis runs in to KNEE LIFT Sanada into the ring! Crowns up and the Empire high-fives. Davis gets in the ring while Sanada sputters. Davis knees for the cover, TWO! Davis clamps onto Sanada’s arm but Sanada endures. Fans rally, Sanada fights up to his feet, and he throws forearms! Sanada wrenches but Davis DECKS him! Davis drags Sanada up but Sanada waistlocks!

Davis fights free of the hold, CHOPS Sanada to the corner, then whips him corner to corner. Davis runs in but Sanada dodges the splash! Sanada reels Davis in to back suplex, but Davis turns it into a CROSSBODY! Davis drags Sanada back up and back suplexes, but Sanada lands on his feet! Sanada hits the BIG back suplex! Both men are down but their teams coach them while the fans rally up. Sanada kips up, and then he fires up! Sanada DROPKICKS Davis, Davis stays up, so Sanada DROPKICKS! And dropkicks, but misses this time! Davis runs, but Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Then he DROPKICKS Davis out of the ring!

Sanada takes aim and PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Davis! Sanada stares down the Empire, but then he encourages the fans to get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada likes that. Sanada may have a new haircut but he is still Sanada. Sanada puts Davis in the ring, drags him up to fireman’s carry, but Davis fights it! Davis fireman’s carries now, but Sanada fights it! Only for Davis to rise up again! Sanada fights more, gets to the apron, and he counter punches! Sanada slingshots, but Davis HOTSHOTS him! And then TRIANGLE JUMP FOREARMS! Sanada falls, and Davis DIVES?!? Direct hit into the railing!

Fans fire up as No Man’s Land disappears again! Red Shoes checks both men, they’re both okay to continue, but their teams argue about territory. The ring count starts, Davis drags Sanada up at 7 of 20. Davis puts Sanada in at 10 of 20, aims from the corner and climbs up! Sanada rises, Davis FLYING SHOULDERS him down! Cover, TWO! Sanada is still in this but Davis keeps his cool. Davis drags Sanada up, but Sanada blocks the lift! Sanada throws down elbows, but Davis CHOPS him! Davis whips, Sanada goes up and out and springboards in to MISSILE DRPOKICK! Davis stays up!?

Davis swings, misses, and Sanada CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! But Davis KNEES low! Davis back suplexes but Sanada KNEES free! Sanada runs, into a LARIAT! Davis hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up and rally as Sanada survives. Davis drags Sanada by a leg, says it’s time to end this! But Sanada kicks Davis away, so Sanada JABS him down! Davis gets the legs, YANKS Sanada up, but Sanada rolls through! Sanada fireman’s carries to T K O!! Cover, TWO!! Davis is still in this, but Sanada goes up top! ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to roll through as Davis moves! Davis scoops to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Davis drags Sanada up, wrenches and torture racks, but Sanada slips free! Sanada ELBOWS Davis, QUEBRADAS and has the dragon sleeper! Davis snapmares free to clothesline in the corner! Sanada falls over and fans fire up! Davis climbs the corner, goes to the very top, and DIVING SPLASH, but he FLOPS as Sanada moves! Sanada goes up, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto the knees!! Davis cradles Sanada, TWO!!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Davis rises first, drags Sanada up, and fans rally up. Davis swings, but Sanada blocks the forearm to fire UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT!

Sanada spins, into JAB! But he still ROLLING ELBOWS! Davis ENZIGURIS!! Sanada is down and Davis fires up! Fans rally, Davis throws off the elbow pad! Davis waits, Sanada rises up, Davis keeps moving, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Sanada survives and fans fire up again! Davis stalks Sanada to the corner, then runs side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! Davis shouts “DEAD!” and he drags Sanada up into the torture rack! But Sanada slips free again! O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO!?! Davis escapes by nanoseconds! Sanada storms up, but Davis trips him! Davis has the legs, Close Your Eyes and Count to F@#$!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!?

The fans, the Empire and Just5Guys are all going nuts! Davis roars, he wrenches, torture racks, but Sanada slips free again! SIDEWINDER DDT!!! Cover, SANADA WINS!!!!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Davis drove the Cold Skull into the ground, but then Sanada did it back to him! Will Davis find his singles success another time?

Wait, David Finlay and Gedo make his way back out to the ring to see the other finalist in person. Gedo gets the mic to say they just want to give Sanada words of support. Gedo tells Sanada to do his best, because in Nagaoka, Finlay’s gonna beat his face in with the shillelagh, and throw him out of the ring like trash! “See You Next Time, Just Five Losers!” Gedo and Finlay leave, having copied and mocked Sanada’s catchphrase and his new team. Sanada gets the mic to say, “Oi, Finlay! And the people of Gunma. I promise I will beat Finlay on Tuesday, and come back here as the New Japan Cup winner.” Fans applaud that! Sanada then tells Gedo and Finlay to get outta here.

Finlay and Goto leave, flipping Sanada off over their shoulders. Sanada says this debut with J5G is a day he’ll never forget. Fans applaud that, and the mic is handed over to Taka Michinoku. Taka says, “Soon enough, it’ll be us who changes the scene here in NJPW! JUST! FIVE! GUYS!!” The Cold Skull is red hot, but will that heat bring him through to win it all?

My Thoughts:

A great semifinals for the New Japan Cup! Both matches were awesome stuff, and though Tama came close, I figured Finlay would win. He has been winning since his Heel turn and joining the Bullet Club, but he hasn’t quite won the Club over, yet they can’t really deny him, either, because he’s now in the finals of the tournament. The big things in Sanada VS Davis were Sanada’s new look, and that he buries that piledriver. But similarly to Finlay, Sanada’s getting a push because of the big change in allegiance, and now they’re both in this great match for the finals that honestly could go either way.

Gedo as booker does love to push the guys he backs as a manager, but Finlay’s story could be more about controlling Bullet Club than getting the title. And Sanada has openly stated he sees Okada as a rival and Okada reciprocated, so revisiting that now, with Sanada and Okada both having changed ever so slightly, we could get an awesome match for the world title.

My Score: 9/10

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/18/23)

It’s lights out, but for who?

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Who rounds out the Final Four?

The New Japan Cup is getting closer to the end! Shota VS Finlay, Goto VS Tama, who will join Mark Davis and Sanada in the semifinals?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Oskar Leube & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Fujita win.
YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma VS Aaron Henare & Kyle Fletcher; Henare & Fletcher win.
Six Man Tag: Team Strong Style VS Bullet Club; Team Strong Style wins, by disqualification.
Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS The House of Torture; The United Empire wins.
8 Man Tag: Chaos VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Chaos wins.
New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Shota Umino VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances.
New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Hirooki Goto VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Shota Umino VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Roughneck took The Mighty’s Front Man to the limit and then won, but now he funs into Bullet Club’s newest leader. Will #SHOOTER be the one shot down? Or will another one bite the dust as Shota brings about a paradigm shift?

The two get face to face and start shoving. Red Shoes backs them off, the bell rings and the forearms start flying! Fans fire up as they go faster and faster, and Shota gets the edge! Shota fires off in the corner, but Finlay turns things around, only to miss! Shota fires off more, and even shoves his dad aside! Shota fires off knees and he CLUBS Finlay, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Finlay up. Finlay throws forearms in return, whips, but Shota reverses to ELBOW Finlay down! Shota keeps moving to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans fire up again while Finlay checks his chin.

Shota kicks at Finlay, stomps him, but Finlay eggs him on. Shota stomps, Finlay throws a body shot, but Shota just BOOTS Finlay into the corner! Finlay kicks back from below, and even SPITS at Shota! Shota doesn’t flinch, so Finlay steps to him. Shota DECKS Finlay, then digs his boots in! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Shota lets off at 4 and talks trash. Shota stomps Finlay, stands him up and CLUBS him! Finlay goes to ropes, Shota ROCKS him with another forearm. Fans rally, Shota ROCKS Finlay again, and then whips Finlay to ropes. Finlay reverses to TACKLE Shota to the apron! And then all the way into railing!

Gedo likes that as Finlay RAMS Shota in again! Finlay taunts Red Shoes, then throws hands on Shota. Finlay smacks Shota off the apron, follows him around the way, and claws at Shota’s face! Finlay ELBOWS Shota down, Red Shoes reprimands, but Finlay claims it was just the nose. Finlay stomps Shota around on the ramp, going after the limbs. The ring count starts and Finlay drags Shota up at 6 of 20 to put in at 8. Fans applaud and Finlay paces. Finlay stomps Shota down, gives him toying kicks, but Shota sits up with a frown. Finlay UPPERCUTS Shota in the back, but Shota doesn’t budge!

Finlay gets in Shota’s face, then DECKS him! Finlay stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! Shota goes to a corner, Finlay HEADBUTTS then stomps away! Red Shoes reprimands as Finlay digs a knee in. Red Shoes counts, Finlay lets off at 4 and talks more trash. Fans rally up as Finlay brings Shota out. Finlay taunts the fans, “This is your boy?” Shota stands to ROCK Finlay! Shota hits back! Finlay CLUBS Shota down! Shota writhes but Finlay covers, ONE! Finlay clamps onto Shota with a cobra clutch to grind him down. Fans rally and Shota endures. Finlay shakes his head and pulls harder on the hold, but Shota still endures.

Shota fights up, Finlay knees him low and then again, and again. Finlay whips, Shota reverses to scoop, TOSS and UPPERCUT! Fans fire up while Finlay sits up in a daze. Shota storms up on Finlay, whips him to a corner, then runs in to UPPERCUT! Shota FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect so Finlay escapes, but Shota keeps his cool. Shota kicks Finlay but Finlay gives a body shot. Shota kicks and kicks and CLUBS Finlay, then brings him up. Finlay fights the clinch with elbow after elbow after elbow! Finlay runs, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Finlay bails out!

Shota hurries out to the apron, Finlay stands and Shota CANNONBALLS onto him! Fans fire up with Shota again as he shakes the railing! Shota drags Finlay back up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally behind Shota. Shota aims, to slingshot DDT! Finlay writhes but Shota wants him to stand. Fans rally, but Finlay blocks the kick, and he spins Shota around, only to swing into Shota’s clinch. Finlay fights free, then he clinches back, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and the fans rally but Gedo argues the count. Red Shoes says that was a fair count, so Finlay drags Shota up.

Finlay makes Red Shoes watch as Finlay CROSSFACE FOREARMS Shota! And again! Gedo likes that so Finlay gives more CROSSFACE FOREARMS! Finlay then sits Shota up to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and the fans fire back up! Finlay argues the count but Red Shoes defends it was fair. Finlay kicks Shota around, waits on him to rise, and the fans rally. Shota stands, ducks the lariat, and EXPLODERS! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Red Shoes checks both guys and they slowly stir. They go forehead to forehead, and Shota throws a forearm! Finlay throws it back!

Finlay eggs Shota on, Shota ROCKS Finlay! Shota eggs Finlay on, so Finlay ROCKS Shota! Shota ROCKS Finlay again, so Finlay ROCKS Shota again! They go forearm for forearm, fans rally and the two stand. The forearms keep going, back and forth, faster and faster! Finlay UPPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Shota roars and UPPERCUTS in return! And again! Finlay rebounds into another UPPERCUT! Shota UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Fans fire up but Finlay throat chops! And throat chops again! Finlay fires off HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then he rains down fists!

Red Shoes reprimands, those are closed fists! Finlay lets off and claims palms but Red Shoes can tell. Fans rally for Red Shoes as he argues with Finlay. Finlay goes back to Shota, but Red Shoes has him stay back to check. Shota is still in this, but Finlay thinks he’s won by knockout. Shota grabs at Finlay’s foot, so Finlay gut wrenches to a Canadian rack! But Shota slips free to CROSS RHODES! Shota holds on, he drags Finlay up, CROSS RHODES! Shota drags Finlay up again, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but fans are thunderous behind Shota! Shota aims from a corner, runs in, but Finlay LARIATS!

Shota stands, but into a SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and Finlay is shocked! Finlay drags Shota up to gut wrench, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives again and the fans are thunderous! Finlay scowls at Red Shoes and argues the count, but the count is still fair. Fans rally behind Shota, but Finlay brings down the kneepad. Finlay slashes his throat and he drags Shota back up. Suplex to- NO, Shota cradles! TWO!! Finlay escapes, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Shota staggers to a corner and Finlay hoists him up top. Finlay climbs up after Shota, fires off forearms, then brings Shota up.

Shota throws body shots to stop the superplex! Finlay fires forearms and HEADBUTTS! Finlay brings Shota up again, but Shota SUPER GOURD BUSTERS first! Shota then hurries down and runs in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Shota roars and the fans are thunderous again! Shota picks Finlay up but Finlay fights free. Shota kicks low, underhooks, but Finlay powers him back. Shota sends Finlay into buckles! And then TORNADO DDTS! Roll through to the pick-up, SNAP BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Shota roars! Fans rally behind Shota and he aims from the corner again.

Gedo shouts at Finlay but the fans rally up. Finlay rises, Shota underhooks, but Finlay fights the lift! Finlay stomps the leg! And then HEADBUTTS Shota down! Gedo says Finlay’s got it! Suplex, but Shota fights free! ENZIGURI! Finlay rebounds, but swings into hooks! Finlay fights the backslide to backslide, but Shota rolls through! Finlay suplexes, Shota slips free, backslide and underhooks! Finlay spins Shota around, suplexes, TRASH PANDA!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

Another hard-fought battle, and The Rebel comes out on top! Finlay stands on Shota to add insult to injury, then he throws Shota out to just add more insult! Gedo makes the official announcement that Finlay won, and then he says what Finlay did to Shota will happen to everyone else! “Okada! Okada! Are you listening? The Rebel’s coming for you! The Rebel is taking the eff over everything! I need the Rebel, the Bullet Club needs the Rebel, and the world needs the Rebel!” Will Finlay be unstoppable until he has taken everything?

New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Hirooki Goto w/ Yoshi-Hashi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

The Fierce Warrior and the Good Bad Guy have both had their run-ins with the United Empire, and they both came out on top to make it this far. But there’s only one spot left in the semifinals, who is the final of the final four?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. Goto and Tama tie up, Goto powers Tama back, but Tama breaks free. They reset, tie up again, and Tama powers Goto back. Goto turns things around to put Tama on the ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break. Goto lets off with pats on the shoulder and fans applaud. Tama and Goto circle again, tie up, and Tama headlocks. Tama grinds the hold, but Goto powers out. They RAM shoulders, but Tama keeps moving. They RAM shoulders again, both men egg each other on, so Goto runs. Goto dodges the lariat to run Tama over! Fans fire up while Tama staggers up.

Goto whips Tama corner to corner, runs in but into an elbow! Tama runs in but into a hip toss! Tama avoids the elbow drop, headlocks, but Goto powers out, only for Tama to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! But now Goto avoids an elbow drop and fans fire up for the standoff! Goto and Tama circle again and fans rally back up. They tie up, Goto headlocks, and Goto grinds the hold. Tama powers up but Goto holds on tighter. Tama fights up, powers up again, but still can’t power out as Goto just holds tighter! Goto grinds the headlock more, but Tama fights up to throw body shots. Tama powers out this time, and things speed up.

Tama hurdles, but Goto counter a hip toss with a hip toss! Tama goes to ropes, Goto runs in, but Tama dumps Goto out to the apron! Tama swings but Goto counter punches! But then Tama GUN STUN STUN GUNS Goto down! Goto falls to the floor and Tama waits on the ring count. Goto stirs at 5 of 20, fans rally and Hashi coaches Goto up. Goto sits up at 12 of 20, but we past 15 before he stands! Goto slides in at 18! Fans applaud, but Tama drags Goto up to COHP! Tama whips, DROPKICKS and covers, TWO! Tama keeps cool as he looms over Goto. Tama brings Goto up, then CLUBS him in the chest again and again!

Fans rally while Tama paces around. Tama drags Goto back up, snap suplexes and covers, TWO! Tama clamps onto Goto with a chinlock and grinds him back down. Fans rally as Goto endures, but Tama brings Goto down to the mat. Goto kicks and flails, fights his way back up, and he throws body shots. Tama CLUBS Goto on the back, then ROCKS him with a forearm! And then another! Goto scowls but Tama eggs him on. Tama ROCKS Goto again, but Goto snarls. Tama fires off forearm after forearm! Tama then runs, but Goto blocks the boot! Goto throws the foot down but Tama ROCKS him with another forearm!

Goto blocks another boot, waistlocks, but Tama elbows free! Tama runs, Goto follows and LARIATS Tama down! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama crawls to a corner but Goto is right on him. Goto whips corner to corner and runs in to MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Tama survives, and Jado coaches him up. Goto brings Tama up but Tama fires body shots and low headbutts! Tama whips, Goto reverses and he runs Tama over! Fans fire up as Tama bails out, and Goto hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and both men go down at the railing! Fans fire up as both men stir.

The ring count starts but Goto is already up at 2 of 20. He drags Tama up at 5, but Tama is deadweight so Goto stomps him. The count passes 10, Goto drags Tama back up at 13. Goto puts Tama back in at 15 and fans applaud. Goto fires up and fans rally behind him. Goto climbs up a corner, but Tama ROCKS him first! Tama throws another forearm, but Goto hits back! Goto ELBOWS Tama in the head, but Tama throws body shots. Tama ROCKS Goto, climbs up and CLUBS Goto on the back. But Goto throws body shots and forearms! Tama and Goto fire off back and forth, and Tama gets the edge! Tama stands Goto up for the SUPERPLEX!

Fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes checks, both men stir, and the fans rally up again. Goto crawls to a corner but Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Goto hangs tough and the fans rally up. Tama drags himself up with the ropes, and he storms over to Goto. Tama stands Goto up but Goto throws a forearm! Tama throws a forearm right back! Goto drops to a knee, but he grits his teeth. Goto stands up to ROCK Tama with a forearm! Tama shakes that off to ROCK Goto right back! Goto ROCKS Tama! Tama ROCKS Goto! The forearms go back and forth again!

Fans fire up as Tama fires off a strike fest! Tama whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries and USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and Tama clutches his neck. Goto roars and fans fire up with him! Goto drags Tama up, dragon sleepers, but Tama throws hands from below! Goto blocks that, spins Tama around, but Tama fireman’s carries! SRC! Tama flounders but finds his way over to the corner! Tama goes up, for the SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Goto is still in this, but fans fire up with Tama! OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama watches Goto stir, and Tama pounds the mat. Fans clap along and build back up.

Goto rises, Tama runs in, GUN- NO, Goto blocks! Goto shoves, runs, Tama redirects but Goto follows! Tama dodges and runs, GUN- NO! Goto blocks, then deflects the boot! But Tama jumps, VELENO! Both men are down after the satellite DDT and the fans are thunderous! Tama rises first, the fans rally back up, and Tama takes aim from the corner. Goto flounders, rises, and Tama rushes in, GUN- NO, Goto puts him in the corner! DRAPING SHOUTO!! But Goto’s too tired to make the cover! Fans rally up again and Goto rises. Goto roars and Tama rises, BUZZSAW! Goto then drags Tama back up to fireman’s carry!

USHI- NO, Tama flips through! But Goto still blocks Gun Stun! Goto drags Tama back up, spins him around, but Tama SUPER FOREARMS! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives Tama’s shoutout to The Prince, but Tama roars! Tama drags Goto up, underhooks, but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches and HEADBUTTS! And then LARIATS!! Fans fire up as Tama goes flipping through the air! Goto roars and gathers all his strength! BUZZSAW!! And then another dragon sleeper! G T- NO!! Tama blocks to a backslide but Goto holds that off! Tama HEADBUTTS, and GUN STUNS!!! Cover, TAMA WINS!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

The NEVER Openweight Champion bests one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! The Fierce Warrior misses out on the final four, will he and Hashi simply regroup to focus on the tag titles for the Spring?

As for Tama, he shakes Goto’s hand to show respect, and the two hug it out. Goto raises Tama’s hand in victory, then lets him have the ring. Tama gets the mic to say, “HAMAMATSU~!” Fans cheer and Tama continues in Japanese,
“Really, thank you so much! Goto-san. That was amazing, thank you.” Fans cheer the respect shown, and Tama asks that everyone please keep supporting him! A short and sweet message from the Good Bad Guy, will he go all the way until he has his hands on the Cup?

My Thoughts:

Another really good night for the New Japan Cup, though not as shocking and wild as yesterday’s. Shota VS Finlay went about as expected in that Finlay goes over, but I am still impressed that Finlay is a Heel that doesn’t cheat to win. He didn’t need Gedo to do things for him here, Finlay just outdid Shota. And then we got a great main event where I was rather surprised that Tama won out. I thought Goto was going to go strong to the finals to put over the other side of the bracket. Instead, Tama gets a great win here and he’ll get to face Finlay next week, in a great rework of Tama taking on the Bullet Club.