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Mitchell’s NJPW WrestleKingdom 16 Results & Report! (1/4/22)

WrestleKingdom 16, Night One!

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NJPW WrestleKingdom 16 Tokyo

NJPW goes even bigger in 2022!

NJPW goes even bigger in 2022 as WrestleKingdom 16 will be THREE nights total! But will Kazuchika Okada make it REIGN once again?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • 2022 New Japan Ranbo: Chase Owens, CIMA, Minoru Suzuki & Toru Yano advance to the KOPW 2022 Fatal 4 Way tomorrow.
  • YOH VS SHO; Yoh wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi VS KENTA, Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo; Kenta, Ishimori & ELP win, by disqualification.
  • Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; wins.
  • Catch Wrestling Rules Pro-Wrestling Rules: Katsuyori Shibata VS Ren Narita; Shibata wins.
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Evil wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
  • IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI; Goto & Hashi win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Hiromu Takahashi; Desperado wins and retains the title.
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and will defend the title against Will Ospreay tomorrow.

PLAY BY PLAY

2022 New Japan Ranbo!

Another year, another chance at the KOPW trophy! Toru Yano has already retained this prize two years running, will he be one of the final four going into tomorrow night? Or will the New Year wipe the slate clean?

First out is Bullet Club’s Crown Jewel and NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion, Chase Owens! Out second is the United Empire’s Ultimate Weapon, Aaron Henare! The bell rings and these two go right after each other with forearms! Henare then fires off KICKS, runs but dodges the Shi Trigger to fire off knees! Henare whips but Chase reverses, then BOOTS Henare, only for Henare to run him over with a shoulder! Fans cheer and Henare runs in, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Chase hurries to stomp Henare at the ropes and even digs his knee in. The ref counts the ropebreak, Chase lets off, and here comes the countdown!

Chase stomps Henare in a corner as we see number three is… Young Lion, Kosei Fujita! Could this be his chance to hit the big time? Kosei runs down the ramp and slides in, dodges Chase and fires off forearms! Chase knees low, runs, but Kosei dropkicks Chase down! Fans fire up for the Young Lion as he fires forearms on Chase. Kosei runs, Chase reels him in for a BACKBREAKER! Kosei writhes to a corner and flops out under the bottom rope, he’s safe. But Henare goes after Chase and tries to throw him over and out! Chase holds onto the ropes, throws body shots through the ropes and gets back in. Henare stomps Chase as the countdown returns!

Henare springboards and stomps Chase down, and number four is… Yuto Nakashima! Another Young Lion enters the match at high speed! Yuto CLUBS Henare and fires off forearms! Yuto fires up, runs, ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Henare! Yuta gets Henare up for forearm after forearm, but Henare hits a heavy body blow! Henare keeps on with the body shots and fast hands! The ref counts as he has Yuto in the corner, and Henare stops at 4. Chase sees Kosei sliding back in and is right on him with fists! Henare snapmares Yuto then KICKS him in the back! The countdown is back already and number five is… Ryohei Oiwa! A third Young Lion!

Ryohei runs into the ring, blocks Chase’s kick and throws him down, to then deadlift gut wrench suplex! Fans fire up as Ryohei dropkicks Henare down! Ryohei gets a leg, drags Henare around, but Henare kicks free, and Chase BOOTS Ryohei down! Chase stomps the Young Lions, as does Henare. Fans rally and here comes the countdown! Number six is… Master Wato! The Way of the Grandmaster makes his way down the ramp while the Young Lions start fighting back on Henare and Chase. Henare wraps Ryohei’s arm around ropes while Chase grinds Yuto down. Wato gets in to hit Chase, then kick Henare!

Wato CLUBS Henare, Chase CLUBS Wato. Chase CHOPS, whips, but Wato reverses to hurdle, back elbow, uppercut and SOBAT! Fans fire up and Wato blocks Henare’s kick to give kicks, sobat and SUPERKICK! Chase blocks Wato’s kick for a SHIN BREAKER! And a leg YANK! The countdown is back, and number seven is… Hiroyoshi Tenzan! Chase chokes Wato but the Young Lions go after Henare! Tenzan makes his way down as Henare BOOTS down Ryohei and Chase dropkicks Yuto! Henare fires off kicks in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Chase JABS Wato, Tenzan finally arrives and he CLUBS Chase!

Tenzan headbutts Chase down, then fires off Mongolian Chops! Wato goes after Henare and throws elbows in the corner. Chase runs Tenzan over but the countdown is here! Number eight is… Minoru Suzuki! Chase stomps Tenzan while Henare and Wato have dueling HEEL HOOKS! They’re both in the ropes but Henare moves around. Tenzan stomps Chase at the ropes, a Young Lion helps Wato with Henare. Tenzan headbutts Yuto and brawls with Kosei. Wato snapmares Henare for an elbow drop! One of the Young Lions covers Henare, TWO! Suzuki approaches and Chase eggs him on! “KAZE NI NARE!” and Chase runs away, only to get caught by Tenzan!

A Young Lion gets in Suzuki’s way and gets driven down for a HEEL HOOK! Ryohei taps, Suzuki ELIMINATES a Young Lion! Then Suzuki catches Kosei into a KIMURA! Kosei taps, Suzuki ELIMINATES another Young Lion! The countdown returns while Wato grinds Henare down and Yuto goes after Suzuki with forearms! Number nine is… Satoshi Kojima! Suzuki DECKS Yuto then drags him up for a SLEEPER! The Young Lion is OUT, Suzuki ELIMINATES Fujita! Tenzan brawls with Suzuki now, Henare hits Wato back, Kojima gets in to help Tenzan! TenCozy goes after Suzuki but he goes after them!

Suzuki gets pinballed between forearms and Mongolian Chops! Kojima Mongolian Chops, then TenCozy double whip to double shoulder tackle Suzuki! Kojima stomps Suzuki around, the countdown is back, and number ten is… Taka Michinoku! The Blue Playmaker is here, but Suzuki is getting mugged by TenCozy! They dig their boots in, but Taka goes after them with kicks! But then Kojima throws a forearm, so Taka pokes him in the eye! Tenzan Mongolian Chops Taka, but Taka CALF KICKS! Taka runs, into the TENCOZY CUTTER! Suzuki stomps Tenzan, clamps on a chinlock, but Kojima gets Suzuki for a headlock!

The countdown is back and number eleven is… CIMA! What a huge moment for Strong Hearts that the #GleatCima is here! Cima decides to go up top right away, and he METEORAS Taka! Cover, Cima ELIMINATES Taka! Wato goes after Cima, Suzuki whips Kojima and runs in to BOOT him! Tenzan digs his boots into Chase while Suzuki PENALTY KICKS Kojima! Suzuki covers, TWO! Wato has Cima in the corner but Cima turns it around to CHOP Wato! Suzuki tortures Kojima’s arm, all the way to the fingers! The countdown is back and number twelve is… Tomoaki Honma! Everyone’s Kokeshi is ready!

Kojima gets a ropebreak but Suzuki just stomps him down. Tenzan CHOPS Henare in the corner again and again, Chase hobbles to a corner, Cima goes after Wato with a forearm but Wato whips. Cima reverses, hurdles, Wato leaps over, Wato dodges and RANAS Cima to ropes! Wato kicks and whips, Cima reverses again to kick and run. Wato back elbows, runs, but Cima dropkicks Wato at the ropes! Cima runs but then fakes Wato out and dumps him over the top rope! Wato crashes down, Cima ELIMINATES Wato! Honma and Cima brawl, Wato CHOPS away at the ropes! Cima whips, Honma reverses and CLOBBERS CIma with an elbow!

Honma runs, KOKESHI! Cover, ROPEBREAK! The countdown is back and lucky thirteen is… Douki! Japones del Mal is here to reinforce Suzuki! Honma stomps Cima in the corner, Kojima stomps Henare in another corner. Honma CLUBS Suzuki, he and Cima go after Suzuki together. Chase hobbles out under the bottom rope while Henare holds on to ropes as Kojima dumps him over! Douki gets in the ring to KICK Honma! Suzuki-Gun mugs Honma, Tenzan Mongolian Chops Cima down! Honma ROCKS Douki, but Douki dodges to HELL STAB! Suzuki catches Chase getting back in and wraps his arm around ropes!

Kojima bumps Henare off buckles as the countdown returns. Number fourteen is… Yuji Nagata! Blue Justice is here, and now #ThirdGen is at full force! Honma dumps Cima over the top but Cima is safe on the apron! Suzuki waits on his eternal rival, and Nagata gets in to fire off forearms! They go back and forth, Suzuki throws a body shot then a haymaker! Nagata hits back, bumps Suzuki off buckles, Chase tries to scrape Douki off the apron, then he uses a cravat to choke Cima. Suzuki turns things around on Nagata as the countdown returns. Number fifteen is… Yoshinobu Kanemaru! The Heel Master came close, will he get back to the KOPW in 2022?

Henare holds on using a foot on the bottom rope! Cima tries to dump Honma out but Honma lands safe on the apron. Suzuki and Nagata continue to brawl, Kanemaru goes fright after Tenzan! Tenzan headbutts and Mongolian Chops in return, but runs into WHISKEY MIST! Roll up, with help from Douki! Douki & Kanemaru ELIMINATE Tenzan! Nagata and Kojima go after them for that, double suplex for Kanemaru! The countdown is back, and sweet sixteen is… Togi Makabe! The Rampaging King Kong is coming to reinforce Great Bash Heels! Kojima fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS on Kanemaru, then adds Chase to it!

Kojima throws Chase down, and reloads to MACHINE GUN CHOP Kanemaru! Suzuki has Cima down and tortures his fingers, but Cima grabs at Suzuki’s face! Kojima finishes up chopping Kanemaru to whip him into the corner. Kojima hits a forearm smash and throws Kanemaru down while Honma goes after Suzuki. Nagata turns on Kojima with a SAIDO! Bridging cover, and Suzuki-Gun helps out! They all ELIMINATE Kojima! Technically every man for himself, or rather that tag teams and factions don’t matter. Makabe gets in and he chokes Henare! The ref counts and Makabe lets off while Honma goes after Suzuki.

Honma gets Suzuki up on the top rope and Cima helps out! The countdown is back and number seventeen is… Bad Luck Fale! Chase Owens has survived this long and now he has an ally! Suzuki fights off Cima and Honma, and he pulls on Honma’s arm! Kanemaru digs his boots into Chase while Douki and Nagata brawl. Makabe sees Fale coming and eggs him on. Fale gets in, Suzuki-Gun goes after him first! Fale blocks the double whip, and he SMACKS Douki and Kanemaru together! Fale TOSSES Douki and ELIMINATES him! Fale TOSSES Kanemaru and ELIMINATES him! Fale TOSSES Honma and ELIMINATES him! THREE eliminations in a row!!

Nagata goes after Fale but Fale fireman’s carries him, only for Nagata to get a SLEEPER! But Fale fights free and CLOBBERS Nagata to ELIMINATE him!! A fourth elimination already! The countdown returns and number eighteen is… Tatsumi Fujinami! The legendary Dragon, inventor of the dragon sleeper, dragon screw and dragon suplex, is here! Fale throws Suzuki over the ropes but Suzuki holds on! Fale goes after Makabe, Cima is after Henare, and Chase is after Suzuki, but now the IMMORTAL Dragon gets in the ring! Fale is ready, but his kick is blocked! DRAGON SCREW! Makabe runs to clothesline Fale out and ELIMINATE him!

Chase CLUBS Makabe down, Fujinami blocks Henare’s kick, for a DRAGON SCREW! Cima goes after Makabe with Chase and they double whip, but Makabe breaks the clothesline to DOUBLE LARIAT them back! But then Suzuki CLOBBERS Makabe! The countdown is back and number nineteen is… Toru Yano! The man to beat is finally here! Suzuki kicks at Fujinami, but he also gets a DRAGON SCREW! Makabe stands off with the legend, and they shake hands, but Makabe’s kick is still caught! DRAGON SCREW! Fujinami gave everyone a Dragon Screw, and he puts Makabe in a FIGURE FOUR! Makabe endures, but Fujinami keeps him caught!

Henare sees Yano get in the ring, and rushes right over! But Yano holds the ropes down and dumps Henare out to ELIMINATE him! Henare can’t believe it! Meanwhile, Yano helps Chase and Cima cover Fujinami and Makabe while they’re still in the leg lock! They ELIMINATE Makabe and Fujinami at the same time!! The Dragon can’t believe it, but he’s out! And then Yano does a head count, we’re at the final four!!

Winners: Chase Owens, CIMA, Minoru Suzuki & Toru Yano (qualify for the KOPW 2022 match)

Yano celebrates but Chase ROCKS Yano, Cima ENZIGURIS, and Suzuki wraps on the SLEEPER! Then they give Yano stomps! They all get their piece of Yano, but this is far from over! Will Yano survive such a fierce field to again be Mr. KOPW? Or is the new year bringing change with it already?

 

YOH VS SHO!

Direct Drive broke the Murder Machine in the Best of the Super Juniors, but then Sho went after Yoh during the finals! And even then, the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships are on the line tomorrow night! Who takes the next win in this RPG3K fallout?

Sho tries to go after Yoh before the bell, but Yoh is ready and he knocks Sho down first! Now the bell rings, Sho bails out and Yoh builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up with Yoh! Fans rally as Yoh drags Sho up by his hair and brings him to the ramp. Sho shouts for mercy but Yoh throws knees, then reels him in to underhook the arms! Sho fights free and runs away down the ramp. Sho kicks a Young Lion and shoves him at Yoh! Sho then drags Yoh up, scoops and SLAMS him on the ramp! Sho mocks Yoh’s pain, then stomps him before going back to the Young Lion. Sho beats him up, then brings him around to scoop and SLAM onto Yoh!

Sho talks trash, goes back to the ring, and lets the ring count handle this. Fans rally up for Yoh but Sho tells them to stop while he plugs his ears. Yoh writhes, crawls for the ring, and gets in at 15 of 20! Sho stomps away on Yoh and kicks him back out! Sho gets the fans to rally up and he builds speed, to then just hop out and whip Yoh into railing! Yoh flops off the railing and Sho puts him back in the ring to cover. TWO, and Sho is annoyed but fans are cheering. Sho tries to tune them out again and he stomps Yoh to a corner. Sho digs his boots in, the ref counts and Sho stops at 4. Fans still rally for Yoh as Sho stands on Yoh’s head.

Sho taunts Yoh, Yoh fights his way up, but Sho rakes Yoh’s eyes! The ref counts, Sho stops at 4, but Yoh blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Fans cheer while both men are down! Sho drags himself to a corner, Yoh gets up and runs in to back elbow! Yoh snapmares Sho to rain down forearms from all sides! Fans rally as Yoh keeps going, and then Yoh gets the arms for DANIELSON STOMPS! Sho sputters as Yoh lets off, and Yoh drags Sho up. Sho pulls a finger! The ref reprimands, Sho CLUBS the arm, but Yoh handsprings to dodge! Sho blocks the superkick to forearm! Sho whips, Yoh reverses and dropkicks Sho down!

Fans rally back up as Yoh waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Yoh fires up and fans are with him as he waits on Sho. Sho crawls, Yoh drags him up and reels him in. Yoh underhooks, Sho fights out to wrench, kick, kick and SUPER- NO! Yoh blocks the superkick, but Sho rakes eyes again! The ref counts, Sho stops, but Yoh gets around to ROCK Sho with an uppercut! Yoh runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield! Then Sho SPEARS Yoh down! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Yoh gets himself to a corner. Sho goes to the other corner, runs in corner to corner, and he clotheslines!

Sho then snapmares Yoh to return those forearms from earlier! Sho even returns the DANIELSON STOMPS! Sho gives Yoh an extra helping, then holds onto a wrist. Fans rally but Sho drags Yoh up and reels him in! But no Snakebite as Yoh jackknifes! TWO, Sho CLOBBERS Yoh! Sho is fuming now as he drags Yoh back up. Sho reels Yoh in, POWERBOMB! Sho rolls and reels Yoh back in, CROSS ARM PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives but Sho keeps his cool. Fans rally up and Sho says this will end it! He aims his bow, drags Yoh back up and reels him back in. Double pump handle, but Yoh slips out to trip and jackknife, to the STAR GAZER CALF KILLER!!

Sho endures as Yoh pulls way back on the leg! Sho reaches out, moves around, but Yoh pulls back even more! Sho keeps crawling, Yoh throws elbows then rolls Sho away! Dick Togo appears! The Spoiler distracts the ref and he misses Sho tapping out! Yoh would’ve won if not for Dick! Yoh lets Sho go to run Dick off, but then Sho gets up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again but fans rally back up for Yoh. Sho crawls his way over, drags Yoh back up, and Sho runs, to LARIAT Yoh down! Sho drags Yoh back up, reels him in, SNAKEBITE!! Yoh reaches, flails, kicks around, and fans rally as he endures!

Yoh gets a second wind but he can’t drag himself and Sho to the ropes! The ref checks on Yoh as he fades, but Yoh gets a third wind! Yoh fights up, moves around, ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up as Sho lets Yoh go! Dick gets on the apron again to distract the ref, and Sho sneaks his wrench out! Sho aims at Yoh, but he tells fans to hush! Yoh flounders up, but he dodges the wrench! Sho gets sent into Dick, then Yoh rolls Sho with the FIVE STAR CLUTCH! YOH WINS!

Winner: Yoh, by pinfall

Direct Drive gets the better of the Murder Machine again! Sho is furious and he stomps away on Yoh! Young Lions hurry in but Sho knocks them down! Sho gets his wrench again and decides to try again! But Sho runs into a SUPERKICK! Dick gets Sho out of there, will this momentum help Yoh and Chaos take the NEVER Six Man titles away from the House of Torture?

 

Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi VS KENTA, Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo!

It’s a two-in-one in terms of building momentum! The Ace joins the Mega Coaches ahead of both the IWGP US Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship matches! Will they trump Fang Revived & The Cutest Tag Team of NJPW? Or will Bullet Club be feeling Too Sweet going into Night Two?

Fans cheer as Tanahashi takes off the jacket and shows off the muscles. Tanahashi is definitely ready to start, but Bullet Club has him wait. The Bullet Club Low Sweets, then Kenta backs down. ELP starts against Azucar and fans rally up. They circle, tie up, and ELP headlocks. Rocky powers out, ELP runs him over and flexes. ELP runs, Rocky stays low to then hurdle. ELP leaps over, Rocky runs in and slides under to shove and follow and RANA! ELP handsprings through, but Rocky ducks the kick to roll-up! ONE, Rocky gets ELP for a backslide, TWO! ELP stomps but Rocky avoids the boot to ROCK ELP with an uppercut!

Rocky runs into the corner, ELP stops the monkey flip to put Rocky up top. Rocky boots back and hits a FLYING RANA! Fans fire up with Rocky and he tags in Taguchi. The Mega Coaches combine for a “Sliced Rocky!” Taguchi covers, TWO! Taguchi drags ELP up, gives him a point blank hip attack, then whips him to ropes. ELP holds ropes to avoid another hip attack, Taiji tags in and kicks low. Taiji whips, Taguchi reverses but Taiji goes out, slides in, goes back out and shoulders in! Taiji springboards, Taguchi gets under and gets around to waistlock. Taiji switches, Taguchi elbows out then runs, but Taiji follows. Taguchi jumps, but hip attack becomes an atomic drop!

Taiji runs, but Taguchi still hits the hip attack! Rocky gets in to intercept ELP with his own hip attack! Taguchi DECKS Kenta, fans rally up while Taiji and ELP end up in opposite corners. The Mega Coaches coordinate, Taguchi and Rocky run corner to corner, hip attack for ELP and clothesline for Taiji! Then the other way to trade! And again! Then they send Taiji and ELP at each other, only for them to reverse! The Mega Coaches dosido, stereo hip attacks for the Cutest Tag Team! Fans fire up as Taguchi goes up top and prepares his Funky Weapon! Rocky has Taiji & ELP, but Kenta gets in to CLOBBER Rocky!

Kenta aims 1000 Years of Death at Taguchi! But Tanahashi CLOBBERS Kenta from behind, and Kenta runs into the Funky Weapon! Taguchi still gets a few years of death to the groin while Kenta DECKS Tanahashi! Kenta throws Tanahashi out while Taguchi falls down! ELP stomps Rocky, Taiji goes after Taguchi, and Kenta rains down fists on Tanahashi on the outside. Kenta POSTS Tanahashi, Taiji tags ELP in and they put Taguchi up top. They put Taguchi in a Tree of Woe while Kenta uses a chair on Tanahashi! The Cutest Tag Team run corner to corner, to then go up and stand on Taguchi’s groin! The ref reprimands and counts, they hop off at 4.

Taguchi flops down again, fans rally up, but ELP drags Taguchi up to knuckle lock. ELP CHOPS, goes up and up and jumps around to show off, to then leap and CLAW Taguchi’s back! Tag to Taiji, he goes up and rallies the fans, to then do his dance moves, jump and CLAW Taguchi’s back! Taiji DECKS Rocky, Kenta gets in to CLUB Taguchi, then Kenta puts Taguchi back in the Bullet Club corner. Taiji rakes eyes, tags Kenta in, and Kenta stomps Taguchi down. Kenta KICKS Taguchi in the side, then drops an elbow on Taguchi’s back! Cover, TWO! Kenta drags Taguchi up but Taguchi throws body shots.

Kenta knees low, runs, but Taguchi follows! Only for Kenta to avoid the hip attack! Taguchi crashes down hard! Kenta DECKS Tanahashi, then he whips Taguchi into a corner. Kenta runs but into the HIP ATTACK! Both men are down and fans rally up! Hot tag to Tanahashi! Tanahashi fires off on Kenta, Kenta reverses the whip but Tanahashi hits FLYING FOREARMS! Tanahashi dropkicks ELP down, then gets Taiji’s leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Kenta kicks but into a DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up with Tanahashi, he runs but Kenta avoids the slingblade! Kenta shoves Tanahashi at the ref, Tanahashi stops from colliding with him!

Kenta rolls Tanahashi up, TWO, and Kenta collides with the ref! Kenta spins Tanahashi around for a DDT! The ref is down so Kenta gets his kendo stick! Kenta aims and SMACKS Tanahashi on the back! And again! Tanahashi crawls, gets up, but Kenta SMACKS him down! Kenta has ELP & Taiji get in, they drag Tanahashi up. They set him up for Kenta, but Tanahashi boots Kenta away! Tanahashi fights free, the Mega Coaches throw the Cutest Tag team out, DOUBLE PLANCHAS! Fans fire up and Tanahashi CLOBBERS Kenta with the kendo stick! And SMACKS and SMACKS and SMACKS away!

The ref returns, he stops Tanahashi from using the stick more but Tanahashi doesn’t care! He shoves the ref away and SMACKS Kenta down again! The ref calls for the bell, that’s a disqualification!

Winners: Kenta, Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo, by disqualification

The Ace goes after Kenta, even as Young Lions try to stop him! Even the Mega Coaches have to hold Tanahashi back! ELP & Taiji get Kenta outta there, will Tanahashi unleash all his rage in the No Disqualification match? Or can Fang Revived stay golden in the new year?

 

Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire!

While Night Two will see Tetsuya Naito face Jeff Cobb and Sanada face Great-O-Khan, they and Bushi join forces to take on the full power of the United Empire! Will the Uncontrollable Charisma, Cold Skull & Black Mask make Night One tranquilo? Or will the Hawaiian Hulk, the Dominator and the returning Will Ospreay be rolling into a big Night Two?

Ospreay wants LIJ to hurry up as they all have elaborate entrance attire. Naito still does things on his time, so the Empire attacks! Cobb CLOBBERS Bushi and then fires forearms on Naito while Khan throws Sanada out. Ospreay just stays back as the bell rings to put this on record, and Cobb whips Naito, but Naito reverses. Cobb blocks the arm-drag but Naito gets an atomic drop! Naito shoves Cobb to a corner, runs in to JUMP KICK, then leg sweep and COMBIN- NO! Cobb RAMS Naito to a corner, then runs to CLOBBER Naito with a shoulder! Naito bails out but Cobb goes out after him to ROCK him with a forearm!

Cobb hoists Naito up onto his shoulder to then run and RAM him into railing! Ospreay applauds and Cobb puts Naito in the ring. Cobb covers while mocking the LIJ fist, TWO! Tag to Khan, Khan stands on Naito’s head, but fans rally up. Khan drags Naito up, but Naito pulls the ponytail! Khan knees low to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian STRIKE! Cover, TWO! Naito pulls at Khan’s hair so Khan pulls Naito’s hair. The ref reprimands, Ospreay tags in! Fans fire up to see him back in action, and he brings Naito around to RAM into the corner! Tag to Cobb and Ospreay laughs as he says, “I don’t need this, I’m in the main event tomorrow.”

Cobb stomps Naito, Khan clubs Naito in the leg, and Cobb RAMS his shoulder into Naito’s back. Naito fights back with haymakers, but Cobb doesn’t budge! Cobb HEADBUTTS Naito, Ospreay applauds, and Cobb whips corner to corner. Cobb runs in, Naito avoids the back elbow to dropkick the legs out! Naito ENZIGURIS, then whips, but Cobb reverses, only for Naito to FLYING FOREARM him down! Fans rally up, Naito and Cobb crawl, but Cobb stops Naito from reaching the LIJ corner. Cobb suplexes but Naito fights out to shove. Cobb ducks but Naito kicks! Bushi sunset flips but Cobb stays up! Sanada dropkicks Cobb down, Bushi sits Cobb back up, Naito basement dropkicks!

Fans fire up but Khan gets in. The ref has him stay back, Cobb crawls over to the corner, hot tags to Khan and Sanada! Sanada rallies on Khan, arm-drags and atomic drops! Sanada trips Khan, has the legs and ties him up in Paradise! Khan is furious but the fans rally up. Sanada gets them to get louder, then he runs to dropkick Khan out of Paradise! Khan flops out of the ring, Sanada aims, PLANCHA! But Khan dodges, gets in the ring, and he hesitates. Sanada dares Khan to plancha at him! Khan decides not to, so Sanada gets in and fires off forearms. Sanada whips, Khan reverses and pulls on an ear! Then a KNEE SMASH!

Khan gets the legs, and has the throne cradle! TWO, Khan runs to BOOT Sanada down! Khan tries again, and bridges! TWO!! Khan clamps onto Sanada with a katagatami! Sanada fights up, throws elbows, but Khan knees low. Khan whips Sanada to a corner but Sanada goes up and out to springboard in and missile dropkick! Fans fire up as both men are down! Khan and Sanada crawl, hot tag to Bushi! Bushi stomps Khan, drags him up and spins Khan around for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi drags Khan up, reels him in, but no Fisherman Screw as Khan wrenches for a drop sayanagi! Khan rolls, tags Ospreay in, and Ospreay waits on Bushi to rise.

Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Fans fire up and Ospreay asks if they want to see it! Ospreay drags Bushi up, underhooks, but Naito CLUBS Ospreay! Cobb runs in but Naito dropkicks the legs out! CORRIENDO- OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cobb turns around into Sanada’s dropkick! Sanada dodges Khan’s boot, knees and whips but Khan reverses. Sanada knees back from the corner, goes up and QUEBRADAS, but Khan gets under! Khan runs into Sanada’s fireman’s carry, then throw into a dragon sleeper! Khan drops to victory roll but Sanada rolls through to forearm and ROLLING- HITSUJIGOROSHI, MARINE!

Bushi gets in, Khan BOOTS him down! Ospreay gets back up, “Let’s do this!” Underhooks and lift, STORM- NO! Bushi slips off to ROCK Ospreay! Bushi runs, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Ospreay fires up, takes aim and HIDDEN BLADE! Cover, the Empire wins!

Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall

The Commonwealth King finishes it off, and the United Empire has all the momentum! Khan taunts Sanada by standing with his back to him, and Cobb lets Naito have the ice packs. Naito taunts Cobb back by putting the pack on Cobb’s knee. Will Khan and Cobb conquer the Ungovernables? Will Ospreay be back on top as the true IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Or will he just have to settle for having three other belts in his collection?

 

Catch Wrestling Rules: Katsuyori Shibata VS ???

The Wrestler is back again! But still taking baby steps, as this is only allowing submissions and grapples, no strikes. Pin, submission, disqualification, count outs, all fair game, but is Shibata ready to take on this challenge? And just who is Shibata facing? It’s the LADOJO prospect, Ren Narita! Is this Ren’s chance to prove he’s ready for the next level?

Before things being, Shibata gets a mic. “I want a rule change. I want pro-wrestling rules!!” WHAT?! Shibata asks Narita if he’s up for that, and of course he is! Then it’s official! This is a full-on pro-wrestling match now?! Is Shibata taking too big a step? Or does he know what he’s doing?

The bell rings, the two circle, and Narita give testing kicks, but so does Shibata. They approach, tie up, and fans are fired up already as Shibata waistlocks and gets Narita down for a top mount. Narita bucks but Shibata stays close with a waistlock. Narita moves around but Shibata doesn’t let him get away. This is still pretty technical stuff as Shibata powers his way back to the top mount. Shibata shoots the half then floats to a short arm scissor. Narita clasps hands then fights up. Shibata has his leg guard, he rolls Narita away and mounts again, then stomps Narita! Fans cheer as Shibata throws the first strike.

Fans rally as the two circle and tie up with collar ‘n’ elbow. They end up on ropes, the ref calls for the ropebreak, and Shibata lets off. Narita turns it around, then CHOPS Shibata! Fans cheer as Shibata takes his first strike! They go again, Narita headlocks and holds on as Shibata tries to power out. Shibata powers out the second time to then get the headlock on Narita. Narita powers out, Shibata holds ropes and drops down to get the headlock. Fans cheer, Narita fights up, but Shibata hits a headlock takeover. Narita headscissors, but Shibata moves around to pop free and kick! Narita gets under and fans cheer how close that came!

Narita and Shibata reset as fans rally up. Shibata gets a leg, trips Narita and steps through, but Narita keeps the Figure Four from completing. Shibata applies more torque and he clamps it on! Narita endures, fans rally, and Shibata keeps on the pressure. Narita moves around, crawls his way over, but Shibata drags him away from ropes! Shibata puts more pressure on, Narita reaches back and gets the ropebreak! Shibata lets Narita go but stomps the legs. Shibata puts Narita in the corner to fire off forearm after forearm, then he knees low. Shibata runs corner to corner but Narita follows to back elbow!

Narita stomps away, the ref counts, but Narita shoves the ref away! Narita keeps on Shibata as he digs both boots in! The ref comes back, counts, Narita lets off at 4. Narita drags Shibata up, has the half hatch but then blocks Shibata’s strike to fire off KICKS! Narita runs, but Shibata catches him for a headlock STO! Shibata drags Narita up, whips him to a corner and BOOTS him! Shibata whips Narita corner to corner and BOOTS him! Shibata fires off forearm after forearm, but Narita eggs him on! Shibata EuroUppers, then stomps away! The ref counts, Shibata lets off at 4, but he gets his scuffing heel kicks in behind the ref’s back.

Shibata goes corner to corner, fans fire up and Shibata runs in, HESITATION DROPKICK!! Shibata hits his signature! And then SNAP HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO!! Narita survives, but Shibata has the ARMBAR! Narita rolls it to get a DOUBLE HEEL HOOK! He rolls it to a SHARPSHOOTER! Shibata endures, fans fire up and Shibata powers up! Shibata crawls forward, Narita sits deep on the hold, but Shibata gets the ROPEBREAK! Narita drags Shibata from ropes for a KNEEBAR! Shibata scrambles and gets the ROPEBREAK again! Narita lets go but shows no mercy as he stomps away on the leg!

Narita hauls Shibata up, CLUBS the leg, but runs into a KITCHEN SINK! Fans are fired up as both men are down. Shibata gets his leg moving, aims at Narita, and SOBATS! Narita staggers, Shibata KICKS him out of the ring! Narita falls to the floor, Shibata lets the ring count start. But then Shibata decides to go out after Narita, puts him in, and ducks the punch to kick! Shibata ducks another punch to get a SLEEPER HOLD at the ropes! The ref counts, Shibata kicks Narita down and runs, into a clinch! Shibata fights the suplex, pulls Narita’s hair, but Narita is giving Shibata headbutts! Narita slips around to a cobra twist! Shibata breaks it to put Narita in the cobra twist!

Narita endures, reaches for the ropes, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets go to KNEE and SAIDO! Shibata holds on, drags Narita back up, ripcord SLAP! Shibata drags Narita back up, to KICK and KICK and KICK! Narita flops, Shibata sits him up to KICK again! Narita flounders to a corner but he fires himself back up. Shibata fires up and BOOTS Narita down! Cover, ONE?!? LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Narita isn’t done, he gets a leg and clubs away on it! Narita KICKS away on that leg, KICKS up high, Shibata keeps his guard up as Narita fires off. Shibata gives kicks in the openings, then KICKS Narita’s leg out!

Narita fires up but Shibata ROCKS him! SLEEPER, then PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!

Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall

The Wrestler is back!! He and Narita went all out in this match, and Shibata stands tall! And though Narita lost, he embraces Shibata, proud to have been the one facing him in this moment. Is this just the beginning of a storybook comeback?

 

NJPW returns to AXS TV!

Thursday, March 3rd, New Japan returns to American primetime television!

 

NEVER Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The Stone Pitbull took this title off Jay White in the United States, and now brings it back to Japan to defend it! But with the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles in the House of Torture, is the King of Darkness about to become the King of NEVER? Or will Ishii never let that happen?

The introductions are made, but Evil attacks Ishii as he enters! Evil CLUBS Ishii, rakes his eyes, and then POSTS Ishii! The bell rings to get this on record, and Evil gets those chairs out from under the ring! Ishii sits up, Evil JAMS him with a chair, then puts it around his head! Evil gets the other chair but Ishii kicks him first! Ishii arms himself with the chair, and they duel! Evil is disarmed, but Dick kicks Ishii enough to throw him off balance! Evil RAMS Ishii into the railing, and down goes the timekeeper! Young Lions hurry to help Abe-san while Evil drags Ishii and the chairs away. Evil knees Ishii low, puts the chair back around his head, and gets the other chair to HOME RUN!

Evil smirks, then he mocks Abe-san as he picks himself up. The ref checks on Ishii while fans rally up, and Evil goes into the ring. Evil wants the ring count to start already, but Ishii staggers up and in first. Evil drags Ishii up while fans cheer, and Evil whips Ishii into a corner. Wait, that one’s buckle pad is gone! Changing up the Bullet Club special, it seems! Evil drags Ishii up, and whips him back into that bare corner! Evil stands on Ishii’s head, then brings him up to throw him out. Dick DECKS Ishii while Evil distracts the ref! Dick puts Ishii in, Evil covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Another one, TWO!! Evil is furious but fans rally up.

Evil kicks Ishii around and taunts him. Ishii gets up but Evil CHOPS him. Ishii doesn’t flinch, he ROCKS Evil then whips him into his bare corner! Evil staggers, Ishii runs him over! Fans fire up and Ishii finally gets his shirt off. Ishii drags Evil up, reels him in, but Evil blocks the suplex. Evil throws elbows, runs, but Ishii dodges. Evil goes to the corner, Ishii gets around, SAIDO! Both men are down but fans fire back up! Ishii gets up and fans rally behind him. Ishii waits on Evil to stand, then he runs, but Evil avoids the lariat. Evil waistlocks, Ishii switches, Evil shoves the ref! Evil backs Ishii down into Dick’s CHAIRSHOT! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER!

Both men are down again but the fans rally. Evil gets up, runs, but Ishii avoids the lariat to spin. Evil JABS Ishii, whips him into the bare buckles, but Ishii comes back to LARIAT! Fans fire up while Ishii grits his teeth to fight through the pain in his back. Ishii hoists Evil up top, climbs up after him, and then brings Evil up for a STALLING- No, wait, Evil fights the superplex. Ishii tries again, and he gets Evil up for the STALLING SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Ishii snarls but he keeps his focus as he sits Evil up. Ishii runs, but Dick is there to swipe at him! Ishii is angry, but then the ref is used as a shield!

Ishii swats Evil’s clothesline and gets a waistlock, but Evil grabs the ref! That throws things off so no back suplex. Ishii runs, the ref is thrown into the LARIAT! Dick gets in and stomps Ishii down! And then he uses the SPOILER CHOKER! But not only that, here comes Yujiro Takahashi! Feed to a LARIAT from Tokyo Pimp! The House of Torture get Ishii up, BIG- NO! No big DDT! Ishii shoves Yujiro into Dick! Ishii then sends Yujiro into the bare buckles! Ishii goes back for Evil as fans fire up! Ishii stands him up to CHOP and forearm on repeat! But here comes Sho! GERMAN SUPLEX!

The Murder Machine is still upset after his loss earlier, so he drags Ishii up and tucks the arms. But here comes YOH! Yoh gets in and he CLOBBERS Sho! And SUPERKICKS Evil! Direct Drive then PLANCHAS onto Sho and Yujiro! Now things are even! A new ref hurries out and he checks on both men. Ishii gets up and he headbutts the corner to fire up! Evil sits up in a daze, Ishii runs and- No, Evil swats his lariat! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Ishii is back up! Ishii tanks Evil’s lariat and HEADBUTTS! Ishii runs but into EVERY- NO! Ishii waistlocks, Evil grabs the ref, but Ishii avoids the low blow kick! Ishii ENZIGURIS Evil down!

Dick tries to get in with the title belt! Yoh stops him, Ishii LARIATS Evil!! Cover, TWO?!! Evil survives but Ishii fires up again. Dick elbows Yoh but Yoh keeps him down! Ishii drags Evil back up, but Sho grabs at the ref! Ishii suplexes, Yujiro LOW BLOWS! The ref misses it all! Yoh attacks Sho, but then Evil gets the title belt! Dick distracts now, Evil takes aim, BELT SHOT!! Evil gets the belt out of the ring and he drags Ishii back up. EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!!

Winner: Evil, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)

Another night, another dastardly way to win! And at least for tonight, Evil is the Double NEVER Champion! But will Chaos avenge this travesty in tomorrow’s Six Man title match? Or does the house always win?

 

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI!

Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. have been quite impressive as champions, having even won a Triple Threat involving Los Ingobernables de Japon and the very team they’re facing here. But the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter fought their way through World Tag League 2021 and are now standing on the precipice of their dream! Will Goto-Hashi make it #LightsOut? Or will they #JustTapOut to the Holy Emperor & Submission Master?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if this is the moment Goto & Hashi have been waiting for!

Hashi and ZSJ start and fans rally at the bell. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ breaks one, wrenches the other, then wrenches more for a wristlock. Hashi breaks free but ZSJ avoids the chop to EuroUpper! ZSJ headbutts low, headlocks, but Hashi powers out and Goto tags in! They double shoulder ZSJ down, then hip toss senton! Then they hammer ZSJ down! Taichi runs in, Goto-Hashi double kick him, but Taichi avoids getting hammered! Taichi chokes Goto to a corner while ZSJ snapmares and NECK TWISTS Hashi! The ref reprimands the Tekkers, Taichi lets off on Goto and exits.

ZSJ drags Hashi out to cravat while Taichi whips Goto into railing. ZSJ slams Hashi down on the ramp for another NECK TWIST! ZSJ goes back to the ring while Taichi chokes Goto with the camera cable! A ring count starts, Hashi gets up at 7 of 20 and in at 8. ZSJ drags Hashi up to go after an arm. ZSJ throws Hashi over to then get a neck lock! ZSJ pushes up to get leverage, but Hashi moves around! ZSJ gets the legs to keep them from touching ropes! ZSJ has them in a figure four knot, but Hashi powers his way with his arms, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go, tags in Taichi, and Taichi stomps Hashi down.

Taichi drags Hashi up, snapmares and KICKS him in the back! Taichi chokes Hashi, the ref sees that and reprimands. Taichi stops, but chokes again. The ref reprimands again, so Taichi uses both hands to choke! The ref counts, Taichi lets off at 4, then drags Hashi back up. Taichi chokes Hashi but sorta hides it as he puts him in the corner. ZSJ tags in to headbutt low and clamp on a cravat. ZSJ snapmares and holds on for a neck wrench. Hashi endures, even as ZSJ thrashes him. Goto rallies the fans and they rally for Hashi as he endures. Hashi fights up, ZSJ cranks on the hold more! Hashi throws body shots, then he CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks!

ZSJ wrenches, KICKS the arm, then runs, but Hashi dodges! Hashi runs to BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up as Hashi shakes out his bad arm. Hashi and ZSJ crawl, hot tag to Goto! Goto rallies on ZSJ, DECKS Taichi, then fires up! Goto runs at ZSJ in the corner, MURAMASA! Headlock and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries but ZSJ fights that with a double wristlock! ZSJ wrenches, wrangles Goto down then wrenches again. Goto ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm, runs, but ZSJ shoots around to an IRON OCTOPUS! Goto endures, stays up and powers out, but ZSJ slips off the fireman’s carry to EuroUpper!

ZSJ runs, Goto follows and Goto LARIATS! Taichi AX BOMBERS! Hashi LARIATS! ZSJ boots and EuroUppers! ZSJ dropkicks Goto’s leg out and PENALTY KICKS! Goto is right back up to LARIAT ZSJ down! Fans fire up as all four men are down! Fans rally as Goto crawls after ZSJ. Goto drags ZSJ up, throws forearms, and ZSJ staggers to ropes. ZSJ comes back with a EuroUpper! And another, but then Goto ROCKS him! Goto runs, ZSJ gets around and has another IRON OCTOPUS! Taichi gets Hashi for the SEITEIJYUJIRYOU! ZSJ drags Goto down for the grounded octopus, then a mounted armbar! ZSJ keeps after the arm but Goto still endures!

Goto moves around, kicks his way over, ROPEBREAK! Taichi lets Hashi go and ZSJ sets Goto free while fans cheer. The Tekkers coordinate and bring Goto up. Goto blocks the scoop, CLUBS away on ZSJ, then runs, but into a choke grip! CHOKE SLAM BACK SUPLEX! ZSJ covers, TWO! Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! ZSJ drags Goto up again, Taichi takes aim, but Hashi anchors Taichi! Goto gets ZSJ in a sleeper, then a La Magistrol! TWO!! ZSJ swings, into a dragon sleeper! BUt he victory rolls for a EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Goto escapes by mere nanoseconds! Goto blocks the Penalty Kick to CLUB the leg! But ZSJ PELES Goto’s arm! Goto fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Goto and ZSJ crawl for their corners, hot tags to Hashi and Taichi! Taichi BOOTS, Hashi forearms! Taichi rebounds to BOOT, Hashi rebounds to forearm! Taichi and Hashi stare down, Taichi KICKS but Hashi forearms! They keep going, back and forht, kick for forearm, but Taichi gets the edge. Taichi ROUNDHOUSES but Hashi BACK HANDS! They stare down again, Hashi throws another forearm and Taichi throws another kick! They keep going, Hashi gets the edge and CHOPS! Taichi drops to a knee, Hashi powers up! Hashi runs, but into a boot! He BACK HANDS again! Taichi wrenches to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK!

But Hashi’s back up?! Only to run into a DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!! Taichi grows frustrated but fans rally up. Taichi aims from the corner, powers up, but Hashi SUPERKICKS first! Hashi fires up and copies Taichi’s stance, but Taichi SUPERKICKS back! Taichi fires up, ZSJ gets in, and ZSJ BOOTS Goto down! Taichi gets Hashi up, Alabama lift, but Hashi slips off to shove Tekkers at each other! HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for ZSJ! DRAGON SUPLEX for Taichi! Taichi’s right back up!? But Hashi LARIATS him back down! High stack, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Hashi drags Taichi back up! Hashi half nelsons and pump handles, but no Karma!

Taichi fights but Hashi holds on, Goto returns! Hashi feeds Taichi to Goto’s fireman’s carry, but Taichi slips off!  HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK! Another fireman’s carry, SUPERKICK to USHIGOROSHI! Fierce Flash hits, but that’s not it! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, SHOTO!! Cover, but ZSJ barrels in and breaks it!! Fans are thunderous again as Goto clubs ZSJ. ZSJ EuroUppers, but then Goto gets him in a facelock! Hashi helps out, G Y R!! Goto-Hashi fire up and they get Taichi back up! Full nelson and lift, but Taichi kicks free! ZSJ drags Goto to an ANKLE LOCK! Taichi has the GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!?!?

Hashi kicks at ZSJ but ZSJ has the ANKLE LOCK! Hashi throws ZSJ off to Goto’s fireman’s carry, but ZSJ slips around to a GUILLOTINE! But Goto powers out! FIERCE FLASH to SHOTO!! Fans are electric as Goto runs in, but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Then GAMANGIRI for Hashi! Taichi erupts and he drags Hashi up! Alabama lift, but Hashi fights it off to a DESTROYER?! Goto gets Taichi, URA GTR!! Hashi gets the Full Nelson, Goto gets the legs, NARAKU!!! Cover, Goto-Hashi win!!!

Winners: Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

The same way Goto-Hashi won the WTL trophies is the same way they win the tag titles! And this might only be the start! Will this momentum help Goto, Hashi and Yoh take the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships off the House of Torture?

Hashi shows Taichi and ZSJ respect by offering a handshake. Taichi sits up, and he slaps the hand away, to pat him on the shoulder and even hug Hashi! The Tekkers are down right now, but will we see them find their way back in the New Year?

 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Hiromu Takahashi!

We just saw Suzuki-Gun’s Dangerous Tekkers lose their titles against the WTL 2021 winners. Now, the Rogue Luchador and the Ticking Timebomb battle again, wanting to settle that time limit draw during the Best of the Super Juniors 28! Will Desperado prove who is really the best? Or will Hiromu make history as being a three-time BOSJ winner that became champion?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the world witnesses the next chapter in this storied rivalry!

The two go right after each other at the bell! They collide with shoulders, then start throwing forearms back and forth! Fans rally up as the two build up speed! Desperado shakes his head, CHOPS Hiromu, and Hiromu CHOPS back! They go CHOP for CHOP, and this is feeling a lot like their BOSJ 28 match. They overhand CHOP, back hand CHOP, and Hiromu eggs Desperado on. Desperado CHOPS, so Hiromu CHOPS again! Desperado is stinging but he still CHOPS back! Hiromu CHOPS, Desperado ROCKS Hiromu with a right hand! Desperado waistlock but Hiromu elbows free. Hiromu runs, but Desperado elbows him at the ropes.

Desperado runs, but now Hiromu follows and elbows him at the ropes. Hiromu fakes Desperado out but Desperado whips to elbow. Desperado then dodges, elbows, runs, but Hiromu dodges and CLOBBERS him! Desperado is up to CLOBBER Hiromu! Hiromu is up to CLOBBER Desperado! Desperado is up to CLOBBER Hiromu! They both get up, DOUBLE FOREARMS, and then they RAM shoulders! Hiromu clotheslines in the corner, snapmares, but Desperado is up to run, into D! Hiromu has Desperado caught in the triangle hold, but Desperado powers up! Hiromu lets go, but Desperado gets around to back suplex! Cover, ONE!! Hiromu GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, ONE!!

Fans fire up as both men stagger. Desperado waistlocks, Hiromu elbows free but Desperado pulls him back. Desperado runs into a pop-up but makes it a RANA! Hiromu falls out of the ring, Desperado runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! Desperado puts Hiromu in, but Hiromu runs to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Fans fire up as Hiromu and Desperado are both down. The ring count starts, Hiromu crawls but so does Desperado. The count is 15 of 20 before either stands up! Hiromu and Desperado get to the apron, they slide in at 19! Fans rally as both men sit up slowly. Desperado throws a forearm from his knees, but Hiromu gives it back.

Desperado stands to throw a haymaker, but Hiromu throws it back! Desperado punches back, Hiromu staggers, but he comes back with another! They go back and forth again, Hiromu fires up to get the edge! Hiromu ROCKS Desperado to a corner, then brings him out to fireman’s carry. Desperado slips off, but Hiromu mule kicks, front kicks and fireman’s carries. Desperado slips off again, but runs into a BOOT! Hiromu runs but into a SPINEBUSTER! Desperado floats and GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Desperado drags Hiromu to a drop zone and goes up top! Fans rally, Desperado leaps, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Fans cheer and Desperado gets back up. He drags Hiromu up, reels him in and underhooks, but Hiromu fights Pinche! Hiromu wrenches, HEADBUTTS, but Desperado ROCKS Hiromu with a forearm! Desperado runs, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! But Hiromu can’t hold the cover as he and Desperado are both down! Fans rally, Hiromu drags himself up the ropes in a corner. Desperado runs in but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly into the corner! Both men are down again and fans rally up even more. Hiromu roars as he stands back up, and he runs corner to corner, to SHOTGUN Desperado back down!

Hiromu drags Desperado up, fireman’s carries, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu grits his teeth as he hobbles back to Desperado and fireman’s carries again. CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up with Hiromu and he drags Desperado back to center. Another fireman’s carry, but Desperado makes it a crucifix takedown! TWO, Desperado spins Hiromu to a backslide, but just to get he arms PINCHE- NO! Hiromu fights it, fireman’s carries, throws him to a dragon sleeper, but Desperado slips out, and then fights the Falcon Arrow! Hiromu spins Desperado around, suplexes, but Desperado keeps fighting it!

Hiromu gets Desperado back to the fireman’s carry, spins, but Desperado sunset flips to the STRETCH MUFFLER! Hiromu endures, rolls Desperado to a cover, TWO! STRETCH MUFFLER! Hiromu endures as Desperado makes it NUMERO DOS PLUS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu sits up and sunsets for a DESTROYER!! Desperado flounders and staggers, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Fans rally up as Hiromu gets back up. Hiromu drags Desperado into the suplex, VICTORY ROYALE! Cover, TWO! Hiromu roars again, he’s far from done! Hiromu drags Desperado up into the dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, but no Timebomb! EL ES CULERO! TWO!!!

Hiromu gets up to SUPERKICK! He dodges Desperado’s punch to SUPERKICK again! Hiromu drags Desperado back up, reels him in, and he underhooks the arms, but Desperado powers to the Alabama lift! He tucks Hiromu in, CRUNCHY!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and Desperado can’t believe it! Desperado roars, drags Hiromu up and underhooks the arms, PINCHE- RANA! Hiromu sits on the cover, TWO!! Desperado escapes, Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but Desperado LOCO MONOS! Hiromu goes down and Red Shoes reprimands cuz that was a closed fist. But Desperado doesn’t care, he drags Hiromu back up! Underhooks, PINCHE LOCO!

Desperado holds on as he rolls Hiromu to the underhooks, TIGER- NO! Hiromu slips off, tucks Desperado in, TWO!?! Desperado escapes the clutch, but Hiromu steals LOCO MONO! Hiromu powers up and fans rally behind him as he drags Desperado back up. But Desperado LOCO MONOS right back! Fans fire up with Desperado now as he gets Hiromu up! Underhooks, PINCHE LOCO!! And then the roll-through, to another PINCHE LOCO!! Cover a la the Deadman, Desperado wins!!

Winner: El Desprado, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

It didn’t matter that Hiromu won the trophy, the Rogue Luchador holds onto the belt! Will Desperado prove that HE is the Best of the Super Juniors through the rest of 2022?

 

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Kazuchika Okada!

The Rampaging Dragon is only the third man to hold this belt, born of unifying IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships. But now, there are those that claim they hold the TRUE belt. The Rainmaker himself resurrected the IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt to act as his G1 Climax 31 briefcase to make such a point. Will Okada reestablish the old order? Or will Takagi burn hot as the sun towards a bright future?

The introductions are made, the winged world title is raised, and forces of nature collide in the main event!

Fans rally up already as the two stare down. Takagi and Okada circle, feel things out, and Okada slips away before Takagi can clinch him. They go again, Takagi gets a waistlock but Okada switches. Takagi switches and brings Okada down, but Okada switches on the mat. They stand, Takagi wrenches to a wristlock, then wrenches again. Takagi pushes through to a hammerlock, but Okada drop toeholds. Okada floats to a facelock but Takagi slips out to get the facelock for himself. They stand, Okada wrenches out, headlocks, and he grinds Takagi down to a knee. Takagi fights up, pries the hold, but Okada powers it on tighter.

Okada hits a headlock takeover but Takagi gets the headscissor. Takagi pushes up to put on pressure, then he gets Okada’s arm. Okada moves around, gets a leg guard, but Takagi pushes through to a lateral press. ONE, and fans cheer as the two stand off. Okada and Takagi go again with a collar ‘n’ elbow. They’re in a deadlock, but Okada finds a point of leverage and he puts Takagi on ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, Okada lets off slowly, and he fakes the chop to pat Takagi on the shoulders. Takagi and Okada egg each other on, so Okada kicks low! Okada headlocks, Takagi throws body shots and powers out. Okada and Takagi ram shoulders but neither falls!

Okada runs, Takagi withstands the shoulder tackle! Okada runs again, rams Takagi but Takagi rebounds, into a drop toehold! Okada drops an elbow on Takagi’s back! Takagi gets to ropes, Okada brings him up, and Okada throws a forearm. Okada turns Takagi to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Okada keeps cool and brings Takagi into a chinlock. Takagi endures, moves forward, and gets a ropebreak. Okada lets off but brings Takagi back up to snapmare, run and basement dropkick! An Okada classic, and he paces while catching his breath. Okada drags Takagi back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the apron for a slingshot, only for Takagi to avoid the senton!

Okada turns around into Takagi’s ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Okada gets up, Takagi clotheslines him out of the ring! Fans fire up and Takagi encourages them to get louder. Takagi then goes out to fetch Okada, and bumps him off the apron! Then Takagi fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES Okada off the apron! Fans cheer more, and Takagi hauls Okada up. Okada fights the pump handle, elbows free, boots and DDT’s Takagi to the floor! But Takagi deadlifts Okada for a suplex!? What power from the Dragon! Red Shoes checks on Okada, he’s okay to continue, and fans rally up as Takagi gets back up.

A ring count starts, but Takagi takes his time stretching out his back. Takagi refreshes the count, hauls Okada up, and RAMS him into the apron! Takagi puts Okada back in, then slingshots to STOMP Okada in the stomach! Fans cheer as Takagi stands on Okada and marches in place. Red Shoes counts, Takagi lets go of the ropes, then DOUBLE STOMPS Okada again! Takagi kicks Okada around, Takagi puts him against ropes, and then throws knees! Takagi whips and KNEES Okada against ropes, then runs to run Okada over! Takagi gets Okada right back up for a FAST back suplex! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps on Okada with a body scissors squeeze!

Okada endures, fans rally up, and Okada moves around. Takagi thrashes Okada, adds on a chinlock, but Okada gets a ropebreak with a foot. Takagi lets go to loom over Okada, and he drops an elbow! And another! And then a SENTON! Fans cheer, Takagi says that’s why he’s champion. Takagi taunts Okada, brings him up, but Okada throws body shots. Takagi HEADBUTTS Okada down, but Okada comes back with more forearms! Takagi ROCKS Okada with just one, but Okada comes back with a string of forearms. Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS back! Takagi then whips, Okada ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Takagi with the back elbow!

Fans rally up again, “TA-KA-GI!” “O-KA-DA!” as both men go to corners. Okada runs in to rally with forearms and elbows! Takagi dodges the boot but not the FLAPJACK! Takagi goes to a corner, Okada whips corner to corner, and runs in to back elbow! Kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps cool as fans continue to rally. Okada waits on Takagi to get up, but Takagi fights the Alabama lift. Takagi runs in, misses in the corner, Okada puts him up to to dropkick him down! Takagi tumbles to the apron and then the floor! Fans rally up while Okada catches his breath and a ring count starts.

Okada goes out after Takagi at 5 of 20, brings him up and whips him into railing! Okada runs and BOOTS Takagi over the railing! Okada has media clear out and then he gets space, to run and FLY over the railing! CROSSBODY sends Takagi crashing down! Fans fire up while Red Shoes checks on Takagi. Takagi’s okay to continue so a ring count starts again. Okada gets up and brings Takagi back to the ring at 10 of 20. Okada climbs up the corner, Takagi stands, and Okada missile dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Okada drags Takagi up, wrenches the arm and puts on the MONEY CLIP! Fans rally as Takagi endures and fights to his feet!

Okada cranks on the hold more, but Takagi steps forward to the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go, Takagi gasps and sputters, but Okada comes back. Takagi fights the gut wrench so Okada CLUBS him! Okada runs, into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint for the DDT! Both men are down but fans rally back up. Takagi gets up and he drags Okada up. Okada fires forearms and an uppercut, but into the Gory Especial! Okada fights it, and has the MONEY CLIP back! Takagi arm-drags free! Takagi runs in but is popped up to the Alabama! Takagi fights out, Gory Especial, NOSHIGAMI! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up!

Takagi drags Okada into a wheelbarrow GERMAN! Takagi crawls over, sits Okada up, and he drives elbow after elbow into Okada’s shoulder. Takagi runs, but Okada catches the sliding lariat to the MONEY CLIP! Takagi endures again, fights back up, but Okada gut wrenches for the SPINNING TOMBSTONE! And then MONEY CLIP! Takagi endures, throws punches with his free arm, but Okada cranks the arm! Takagi fights up, reaches out, but Okada keeps him from ropes with a BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then MONEY CLIP!! Takagi endures all over again and the fans rally up! Okada cranks harder, Takagi throws more punches.

Takagi keeps reaching, Okada drags him down but Takagi reaches back with a foot for the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets Takagi go and fans rally up again. Okada drags Takagi up, scoops and SLAMS him, and then heads for the corner. Another classic formula, Okada drops the MACHO ELBOW! And then, Rainmaker Pose! Takagi stands, Okada ripcords, but PUMPING BOMBER hits first! Both men are down and the fans rally back up! Takagi says he’s not done yet, and he gets up. Fans fire up more as he copies the Rainmaker Pose, and then flexes! Okada BOOTS Takagi for that, then fires off hammering fists! No one mocks Okada!

Red Shoes has to back Okada off, but Okada pushes him away! Okada ROCKS Takagi, and again! Okada runs, Takagi LARIATS! Takagi runs, Okada BOOTS! Okada boots again, but Takagi blocks and LARIATS! But Okada’s right back up to SHOTGUN dropkick! But Takagi gets right back up, PUMPING BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Okada rolls his way out of the ring and flops to the floor. Takagi is annoyed but he goes out after Okada. Takagi drags Okada up, but Okada RAMS him into the apron! Okada POSTS Takagi, then brings him tot he ramp to throw forearms! Okada headbutts to keep Takagi going up the ramp.

Okada goes to gut wrench but Takagi blocks! Okada powers through, but Takagi still fights it! Okada tries a third time but no dice so he EuroUppers Takagi down! Takagi flounders back towards the ring but Okada is there to gut wrench! But Takagi turns it around on Okada, to fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY BOMB Okada on the ramp! Now that’s an attitude adjustment! Fans rally back up, the ring count starts, and Takagi sits up at 5 of 20. Takagi crawls for the ring, leaving Okada behind. Takagi stands at 10, gets in at 12, and lets the count handle the rest. Okada stirs at 14, staggers over to the ring at 17, goes around the railing and gets in at 19!

Takagi wants Okada to stand up in the corner, and fans rally as Okada gets up. Takagi runs in to clothesline! Takagi hauls Okada up to the top rope, climbs up to join him right away, and with little hesitation, hits a SUPERPLEX! Okada writhes and Takagi crawls his way over. Takagi sits Okada up and runs, to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” Fans clap along, Takagi drags Okada up and pump handles, but Okada fights the half nelson! Takagi throws knees, Okada switches but Takagi elbows, only to run into a DROPKICK! Okada gets Takagi for the ripcord, but Takagi ducks to ripcord! Okada ducks, backslides and stands Takagi up, LARIAT!

Okada keeps wrist control, stands Takagi up again, LARIAT! Okada roars, ripcords and RAIN- NO! Pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN! Cover, TWO!! Takagi doesn’t wait, he just gets Okada up again,  MADE IN JAPAN AGAIN!! Cover, TWO!!! Okada survives but is dazed, and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Okada is still in this but Takagi just fires up! Takagi drags Okada up, pump handle and torture rack, but Okada slips out! Ripcord, RAINMAKER!! But Okada can’t make the cover! Fans are electric as both men are down! Okada checks his eye while Takagi flounders.

Takagi crawls over to Okada, but Okada pushes himself up. Okada throws a forearm from the mat, but Takagi gives it back. Okada throws another, Takagi gives it back! Okada throws a forearm, Takagi throws it back! Takagi stands Okada up but Okada throws a forearm! Takagi forearms, Okada forearms, and fans rally up as Takagi roars! Takagi forearms, and again, but Okada just stares him down. Takagi SLAPS and SLAPS and forearms, but Okada EuroUppers! Takagi wobbles, Okada EuroUppers again! And again! Takagi leans against ropes and fans fire up again! Okada eggs Takagi on so Takagi comes back with boxing elbows!

Takagi tops things off and he DECKS Okada! Takagi drags Okada back up, pump handles, torture racks, but Okada slips off, MONEY CLIP! But Takagi arm-drags free, and BLINDSIDE ELBOWS! Takagi goes to the corner, fireman’s carries Okada and climbs up! Okada fights free and then moves around. Takagi throws body shots back, fans fire up, but Okada again resists! Okada and Takagi are brawling up top, Takagi fights up but Okada hits a SUPER DDT!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Okada roars as he stands back up! Ripcord but Takagi elbows free! So Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES! Okada holds on, ripcords, but Takagi dodges!

Okada catches Takagi, spins, but into the JAB! And a HEADBUTT! Both men wobble, POINT-BLANK PUMPING!! Takagi fires up, he drags Okada up and pump handles for the torture rack! Okada fights again, dragon sleeper to a gut wrench! Takagi fights free of that, DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi runs, into a DROPKCIK! Takagi flounders up to his feet, but runs into a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Okada gets Takagi back up, ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuhicka Okada, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

The more things change, the more they stay the same! The Dragon has been slain, and now the Rainmaker is back on top! And as such, Okada wants his belt first. He sets that belt down and thanks it for being there for him. Then he puts that aside, to have Red Shoes put the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship around his waist! But of course, Ospreay returns to get the mic! “This is how you do it! Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, aaaaand NEEEW interim IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika… Okada…!” Ospreay grins as he says Okada has had a rough 2021. That ring gear looks so cheap! And people are agreeing with him!

Ospreay gets in the ring with Okada, and “congratulates” Okada for his hard fought victory. Okada looks exhausted. Ospreay, on the other hand, didn’t break a sweat earlier. So Ospreay can’t wait. Because not only will Ospreay get sweet revenge tomorrow, he will walk out with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and Okada can just go away from NJPW to be an actor. NJPW will be safe in Ospreay’s hands. “See you tomorrow.” Ospreay drops the mic and has a smarmy smile as he exits the ring. Okada takes his turn with the mic to say in English, “Yo, Ospreay. I’m sorry, fake champion. See you tomorrow.”

That gets Ospreay to come back in a huff! Fake champion?! Okada just called Ospreay a fake champion!? “Yeah, yeah, yeah. You are fake champion. See you tomorrow. Have a good night.” Ospreay talks trash as he exits for real, and Okada continues in Japanese for the crowd. “Everyone, Happy New Year! For wrestling fans, the new year doesn’t begin until today. I’ve got three things to say. First: Takagi-san, you were a real champion. And that was a real battle. Thank you very much.” Fans appreciate Okada showing that respect.

“Second: I selfishly resurrected the fourth gen IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt.” Okada knows he confused some people with that. But Okada truly believes that belt fueled NJPW these past 50 years. Okada was mostly upset that when they created the new belt, they didn’t properly say good by to the old one. But with all the fans clapping along, Okada was able to give it a proper sendoff. He thanks everyone for that, and asks for one last round of applause for the IWGP Heavyweight belt. Fans oblige, and Okada continues by saying, “Third: There is no third thing.” Another classic Okada move.

Well, he’d like to call it here, but there is the title match tomorrow. Plus, the 50th anniversary year is just kicking off. Fans applaud that, too! NJPW is really the greatest, and they will continue to give fans hot matches with their support. Okada thanks everyone for coming out to see the show, and knows there is still the “opponent” of COVID. Wrestlers always get back up, so the people have to do the same. That way, next year’s WrestleKingdom, though Okada has said this before, he still promises, “Let’s fill the Tokyo Dome to capacity! That’s the goal for this 50th anniversary!” Fans definitely cheer that!

Okada hopes they continue to support NJPW as it celebrates 50 years and marches forward! Fans also cheer that sentiment. Okada finishes by saying he hopes to see everyone back tomorrow, and promises to make it rain for the 50th! Fans cheer and night one comes to a close! Will Okada make sure to keep this promise and reign through 2022? Or will Ospreay rain on Okada’s parade and already become a two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion?


My Thoughts:

What a great night for NJPW to start WrestleKingdom week! Fujinami was a great surprise in the New Japan Ranbo, as was Cima. Cima being a finalist was also great, he will make the Fatal 4 tomorrow really interesting, as will Suzuki, but I’m thinking it’s between Yano and Chase. Yano is still a comedic genius, but it’d be great if this year, Yano has to chase the trophy while Chase is the one with all the wild match stipulations. Yoh VS Sho was a great grudge match, and I’m a little surprised Yoh not only won, but stood tall no matter what Sho tried to do after. But I also like that this all turned around in the NEVER Openweight title match, Yoh not being enough to thwart the entirety of the House of Torture, so Evil wins the belt.

Skipping ahead, Goto-Hashi VS Tekkers was an awesome match, and what a great moment for Goto-Hashi to finally get the heavyweight tag titles. Now, the math is literally 2 to 1, Chaos standing tall with Yoh, Goto & Hashi winning, so I have a feeling that House of Torture retain their Six Man titles. The Six Man of Tanahashi & Mega Coaches ending in a DQ was a bit of a surprise, but it is a great way to plug the NO DQ match tomorrow. Tanahashi loses the match but stands tall as he whoops Kenta, I’m thinking Kenta retains the title. Meanwhile, United Empire wins their Six Man, so I think Naito and Sanada each win their singles matches.

Holy crap, Shibata surprising with the rule change and giving us not just a pro-wrestling match but a great match with Narita, that was probably the best moment of the whole night. Everyone is rooting for Shibata to get back in the swing of things, this was a great sign that he is right there at the doorstep. Desperado VS Hiromu was great, definitely the way to follow up their BOSJ match, and what a shock that Hiromu doesn’t use the momentum from BOSJ to win. Depending on how the Junior Heavyweight Tag title match goes, any of the four losers could step up to face Desperado for the title next.

And of course, the main event! Great pacing, great build upon what we saw from them in the G1 and the vacated title match before that. I personally really liked Takagi being that newer, fresher face carrying this belt, but I completely understand Okada getting back to the top at this time. Okada’s still running strong, he was the last man to have the fourth gen belt, this was the moment to properly close the book on that chapter in NJPW so that this new one can finally come into its own, just as Okada said himself. Now, Okada VS Ospreay could go either way, but for all those same reasons I just said, Okada could definitely win out and carry NJPW through 2022 and then maybe be the one there when fans in Japan can finally shout out loud in the stands.

My Score: 9.1/10


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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/27/24)

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The #BillyGoat and The Wrestler finally meet again!

As AEW prepares for Dynasty, Will Ospreay prepares for Bryan Danielson by taking on the man he just beat, THE Katsuyori Shibata!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Will Ospreay VS Katsuyori Shibata; Ospreay wins.
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: The Young Bucks VS Private Party; The Bucks win and advance to the semifinals.
  • AEW TBS Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Kris Statlander VS Willow Nightingale VS Skye Blue VS Anna Jay; Willow wins and will challenge Julia Hart for the title.
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta VS The Undisputed Kingdom; Cassidy & Trent win and advance to the semifinals.
  • AEW World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Swerve Strickland VS Konosuke Takeshita; Swerve wins and will challenge Samoa Joe for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Will Ospreay VS Katsuyori Shibata!

The Aerial Assassin wants to slay the American Dragon and prove himself the best wrestler alive today! But that means keeping pace with Bryan Danielson while doing things he’s never done before. Ospreay admitted he got “the piss” beat out of him seven years ago, but will he have redemption here tonight? Or is Ospreay still not better than The Wrestler?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already as these two circle. The fans sing “Ospreay~, Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~! Ospreay~, Ospreay~!” while Ospreay and Shibata feel things out. Shibata avoids Ospreay’s takedown to then waistlock and bring Ospreay around. Ospreay moves, blocks the chinlock, but Shibata just slips around to another waistlock. Shibata gets a top mount and he eggs Ospreay on. They grapple, Shibata finds his way through to go for an arm, ARMBAR! Ospreay gets a ROPEBREAK and Shibata lets off quickly. The fans applaud this opening exchange and start to duel as the two reset.

The two feel things out to a knuckle lock, but then Ospreay kicks low and CLUBS Shibata. Ospreay then snapmares, puts on a chinlock, and he grinds Shibata down. Shibata endures, uses his own leg as a lever and pries the chinlock open. Shibata wrenches to wristlock, but Ospreay spins and breaks to trip Shibata with an ankle pick. Osprey has the toehold but Shibata turns over, uses his leg to reel Ospreay in for a headlock, and then hits the takeover! The fans cheer but Ospreay headscissors. Shibata moves around, pops free, and then stands to kick! Ospreay narrowly avoids it and the fans fire up again!

Ospreay takes a breath and the two reset again. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, but Shibata powers Ospreay back to ropes. The ref counts, Ospreay turns things around, but then Ospreay lets off slowly. But then Ospreay CHOPS! Shibata just gets in Ospreay’s face! Shibata knees low, bumps Ospreay off buckles, and he fires off forearms! The fans fire up, Shibata runs corner to corner, but Ospreay SHOTGUNS! The fans fire up and Shibata scrambles to a corner, Ospreay fires forearms on Shibata now, sits Shibata down with them, then fires up to go corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Ospreay uses Shibata’s won move!

The fans fire up while Shibata bails out, and Ospreay PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Shibata! The fans fire up again, the ring count starts, and Ospreay says, “Yes, bruv!” Ospreay brings Shibata up, CLUBS him and puts him in the ring. But Shibata gets moving, and he BOOTS Ospreay right down! Shibata goes out to fetch Ospreay but Ospreay fires forearms! Shibata just eggs Ospreay on! Ospreay fires more forearms but Shibata backs him down by just stepping forward! Shibata then UPPERCUTS Ospreay, and suplexes Ospreay to the floor! Then he KICKS Ospreay in the back! Ospreay writhes but Shibata leaves him behind.

The fans are torn as Shibata sits cross-legged in the ring while the count climbs. Shibata decides to go back out after Ospreay and put him in the ring. The fans rally and duel, Shibata stomps Ospreay around, then gets the legs to stomp. Shibata steps right through to the FIGURE FOUR! Ospreay blocks the main leg but Shibata powers through! Ospreay sits Shibata up and they start throwing forearms! The leglock is let go so Shibata can CLUB Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Shibata fires a forearm, shoots around, SAIDO! Ospreay writhes again and the fans rally up as Dynamite goes picture in picture!

Shibata dusts himself off, drags Ospreay to center, and again steps through, only for Ospreay to again block the main leg! Shibata powers through to have the FIGURE FOUR! Ospreay endures, reaches out, but Shibata puts the pressure on! Ospreay falls back, but that makes this a cover, TWO and Ospreay sits back up! Ospreay works to turn things over but Shibata works to stop him! Ospreay tires again, and again, and he turns the hold over! Now Shibata endures! Shibata turns things right back over, but Ospreay has the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets the hold go so he can shake out his own legs.

Shibata drops a knee on Ospreay’s knee! Ospreay goes to a corner, Shibata CHOPS! And CHOPS! Ospreay falls to his knees, so Shibata CLUBS him! Ospreay glares at Shibata so Shibata CHOPS and ROCKS him! Ospreay hobbles away, comes back, and he fires a forearm! Shibata eggs him on so Ospreay fires more forearms. Shibata ROCKS Ospreay with one! Ospreay goes to a corner and falls over. Shibata brings Ospreay up, whips him to KNEE him low, then CLUB him down, and KICK him in the back! Shibata KICKS Ospreay again, gives him some scuffing kicks, but now Ospreay sits cross-legged to egg Shibata on!

Shibata kicks, and KICKS, and Ospreay falls over! But then Ospreay gets up in a rage! Ospreay fires forearms, Shibata gives them back, and Ospreay fires a streak of ’em! Shibata ROCKS Ospreay, whips, and Dynamite returns to single picture as Ospreay handsprings and NEURALIZERS! The fans fire up while Ospreay gets up to TOSS Shibata out! Then Ospreay PLANCHAS but Shibata moves! Shibata kicks low, whips Ospreay into the LED barrier, then runs up to BOOT him! The fans fire up as the action comes to them, then Shibata brings Ospreay around. Shibata whips Ospreay back at the LED, but Ospreay leaps up and over!

Shibata runs up but Ospreay ROCKS him back! Ospreay uses the barrier to FLYING FOREARM Shibata down! Ospreay puts Shibata in, aims from the apron, and springboard for PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Shibata stays in this but he’s dazed. Ospreay brings Shibata up, the fans sing again, but Shibata fights the underhooks. Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks, but Shibata stands. Ospreay CHOPS, but Shibata just gets in Ospreay’s face! Ospreay fires forearms but Shibata again backs Ospreay down by just stepping forward! Ospreay fires forearms again and again, but Shibata DECKS him! Ospreay sits up in a daze, so Shibata whips him and BOOTS him in a corner!

Shibata fires a flurry of forearms, then runs, but Ospreay follows to CHOP! But Shibata fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Shibata runs, Ospreay follows again, BOOT! But Shibata just comes back with more forearms! Ospreay eggs Shibata on so Shibata CHOPS, JABS and repeat! Then CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Shibata runs corner to corner to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! The Wrestler shows Ospreay how that move’s done, and then he hauls Ospreay up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Ospreay shakes his head, he’s tougher than that! Shibata keeps his cool, he brings Ospreay up, and the fans rally again.

Shibata clamps on but Ospreay fights the cobra twist! Ospreay switches the twist onto Shibata! Shibata endures, switches it right back, but Ospreay fights his way around! Shibata shifts into an IRON OCTOPUS! Ospreay endures, fights his way around, ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets off to KNEE, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out to SNAP GERMAN! But Shibata’s up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay avoids the boot to SUPERKICK! Ospreay whips, Shibata reverses but Ospreay handsprings, Shibata blocks the Neuralizer to the STF!! The fans fire up as Ospreay endures and Shibata has a higher angle on the hold! But Ospreay still gets the ROPEBREAK!

Shibata lets go, has Ospreay in a corner, and he brings Ospreay up to ROCK him with a haymaker! And another! The ref counts, Shibata lets off, and Ospreay sneaks up to SLAP! Shibata wobbles, but he CROSS COUNTER! Shibata KICKS Ospreay down, shakes out the stars, then sits Ospreay up so he can PENALTY- NO, Ospreay ducks! But the KICK from behind hits! Shibata runs again, PENALTY- NO, Ospreay blocks it this time! Ospreay stands to fire forearm after forearm, but Shibata ROCKS him! Ospreay shakes his head and fires up, and the fans are with him as he fires forearms! But Shibata ROCKS Ospreay with one!

Ospreay shakes his head, comes back to fire more forearms, but then Shibata ROCKS him again! Ospreay leans on Shibata, so Shibata fires a flurry of forearms! Shibata KICKS Ospreay down, but Ospreay springs up to ENZIGIRI! The fans are thunderous as both men are down! A standing count starts, Ospreay rises and he prepares the elbow! Shibata sits up, but he ducks the Hidden Blade! Shibata also ducks the roundhouse, to have the SLEEPER! Ospreay grits his teeth, reaches out, but Shibata gets that arm, SLEEPER SUPLEX! Ospreay staggers up but into the SLEEPER HOLD! Ospreay is fading already!

The ref checks Ospreay, and the hand drops once! The fans rally, and Ospreay gets a second wind! Ospreay fights up, runs to ropes and he TOSSES Shibata tot he apron! Shibata gets up but Ospreay avoids the shoulder ram to STOMP him! Ospreay then hurries to the corner, springboard, MISSILE DROPKICK! Shibata flops down, Ospreay calls his shot! Springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, ONE?!?! Shibata roars and LARIATS!! Cover, ONE?!?! Shibata and Ospreay DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! SUPERKICK from Ospreay and he calls it again, but Shibata SLEEPERS! Ospreay shifts around to SAIDO!

Shibata gets up, Ospreay runs in, HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Shibata survives but Ospreay brings him in! Underhooks and STORM DRIVER 93!! But Shibata sits up with a roar! Ospreay HIDDEN BLADES!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall

An instant classic to say the least, these two showed how elite Strong Style can be! But in the end, the Aerial Assassin avenges his defeat seven years ago! Ospreay shows Shibata respect with the deep bow, and Shibata returns it. Ospreay certainly looks ready for Bryan Danielson, but will he be able to slay The American Dragon and establish his Dynasty?

 

AEW takes a closer look at Bryan Danielson.

Excalibur narrates that you can ask any professional wrestler who is the greatest technician of this or any generation, and one name is on the list: Bryan Danielson. This unassuming kid from Aberdeen, Washington who traveled the world to become an all-time wrestling icon began his journey under the tutelage of Shawn Michaels, and The American Dragon was born. He made his name in the independent circuit before landing in ROH, where for nearly a decade, Bryan laid the promotion’s groundwork as a Founding Father of Honor. Bryan would main event from the very first event to winning multiple world championships.

Bryan would also go global with NJPW, and eventually WWE. But at the height of his career, having become one of the most decorated champions in pro-wrestling history, Bryan had what he loved above all else ripped away. Years of sacrifice for the sport that is his life left Bryan medically unable to compete. Yet, through unflinching determination to regain his ultimate passion, Bryan would fight the steepest of odds and make his in-ring return after three years away. And then in 2021, he shocked the world when he made his AEW debut, showing again why he is an all-time great, and testing the limits of his body against the best pro-wrestlers in the world today.

Bryan himself said he “will not go gently into that good night.” If this is his last year, he is calling his shots! This will be the most epic year of his career. And that means checking off the dream match of American Dragon VS Aerial Assassin! Who will prove they are THE best in the world today?

 

Backstage interview with The Young Bucks.

Renee Paquette is with the AEW EVPs, Matthew & Nicholas Jackson. Tonight, they are in action in the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament against a team that defeated them in the inaugural- Nick gets mad already and claims this is some kind of ambush! Such negativity! Unprofessional, Renee! Is this how she conducts all her other interviews? Where is Alex Marvez? Nick would rather Marvez conduct this interview, he’s also better looking. Matt calms Nick down and says they’ll circle back to that question. What they do want to talk about is that they returned to AEW a couple months ago, with some goals and objectives.

The first one being, well, retiring “Sting’s old ass.” Did that! Second goal: Restructuring The Elite. And how’d they do that? Well, they made some room and brought in The Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada! By the way, did you see Okada’s big Continental Championship win last week? Holy crap that was awesome! And all on his own. Big surprise to everyone backstage, but of course Okada did that fair and square! Just like The Bucks will win tonight! They asked Rainmaker, come, chill out in the back, they’ve got this. But to the question, the biggest goal, the most important one out of everything, is to get their AEW World Tag Team Championships back.

And Renee mentioned the upset last time that ruined Matt’s entire life for an entire year. What do you do to right that wrong? You beat them back! You beat Private Party! See, lightning never strikes twice! And The Bucks will be one step closer to getting their titles back. Let’s have a great show, Renee’s doing awesome, fist bump. But one note: Maybe try smiling more. That’s all. Matt heads out and Nick still prefers Marvez. But will The Bucks really make up for the past? Or will history simply repeat itself?

 

Kazuchika Okada arrives in style!

Still driving the red Ferrari, the NEW Continental Champion is here to watch his pals in action.

 

AEW Double or Nothing is returning to Las Vegas!

Five years running, the AEW Memorial Day weekend tradition returns to Sin City and the MGM Grand! Tickets on sale this Saturday, 10 AM Pacific!

 

AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: The Young Bucks VS Private Party!

We just heard from The Bucks about their goals for 2024, but they may have misinterpreted how things went down with Sting at Revolution. Will they make no mistake and come through on this match? Or will Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen be the one getting their shot (shot shot) at the semifinals?

The teams sort out and Matt starts against Kassidy. The fans rally up while Matt offers a fist bump. Kassidy slaps that away and gets in Matt’s face! Matt pie faces Kassidy, so Kassidy pie faces back! They pie face more, then Matt kicks low! Matt whips, Kassidy rolls Matt up, TWO! Matt runs up, into another roll up, with bridge! TWO, and Matt CLOBBERS Kassidy! The fans boo but Matt brings Kassidy around. Tag to Nick and they mug Kassidy. The Bucks then double whip, but Quen tags in! Kassidy gets Matt, Quen sunset flips Nick, stereo covers! TWO!! The Bucks escape, then block kicks from Private Party.

Matt and Nick trade who has who, then they FLIP them both! Quen & Kassidy both land out, to SUPERKICK the Bucks! The fans fire up while the Bucks bail out, and Private Party builds speed! They DOUBLE DIVE and take The Bucks down! The fans fire up as Kassidy rains down fists on Matt! Quen & Kassidy bring Nick around to put him in the ring. Quen whips but Matt reverses, Quen gets sent over the barriers! Matt kicks Kassidy, whips him, but Quen helps Kassidy SILLY STRING to the floor! The fans fire up but Nick PENALTY KICKS Kassidy from the apron! Nick hurries but Quen meets him on the barrier!

Nick and Quen brawl, Nick pokes Quen in the eye! Nick then brings Quen up to SUPER FALCON ARROW to the floor! The fans lose their minds, The Bucks hurry back into the ring, and they want a count out! Quen writhes, we watch Okada approving backstage, and we pass 5 of 10! Kassidy hurries to get Quen up, but we’re past 7! 8! Quen flops in at 9! Nick stomps Quen around, then tags in Matt. The Bucks drag Quen up to double whip to ropes. But Quen ducks the double elbows to shove Nick into Matt! But Nick kicks low, and he suplexes Quen onto Matt’s knees! Then Nick BLASTS Kassidy down!

The Bucks soak up the heat from Quebec City, and then regroup as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Matt paces around, stomps Quen, then CLUBS him down. Matt CLUBS Quen again, then pushes him to the ropes. Matt jumps to STOMP Quen down! The ref counts, Matt lets off and brings Quen up. Matt whips Quen to the corner hard and Quen bounces off buckles. Matt swaggers up, Nick soaks up heat from the fans, and Matt brings Quen around to scoop and SLAM! Tag to Nick and he slingshot SENTONS! Nick then runs to KNEE Quen in the back! Nick throws in KNEE after KNEE, then stares Kassidy down. The ref keeps Kassidy back, and Nick CHOKES Quen on the ropes! The ref misses all this because he’s arguing with Kassidy!

The ref finally looks over and Nick lets off, then they argue and that allows Matt to scuff Quen. Nick tags Matt in, they get Quen up and whip, but Quen reverses to send Nick to the corner! Nick goes up and over, Matt runs in but Quen ELBOWS him! Nick returns, he’s put on the apron. Quen runs up but Matt scoops! BACKBREAKER, and Nick slingshot LEG DROPS! The Bucks soak up more heat, Matt covers, Kassidy breaks it! Nick kicks Kassidy and TOSSES him out! Nick then goes out to reel Kassidy in! APRON POWERBOMB! Kassidy writhes while Nick soaks up more heat. But Quen throws body shots on Matt!

Matt CLUBS Quen, then brings him around for a chinlock. Quen endures, even as Matt leans on him, and Quen throws body shots. Dynamite returns to single picture as Matt trips Quen and CATAPULTS him into a GAMANGIRI! Nick goes up while Quen falls back, but Kassidy hurries over to SHOVE Nick down! The fans fire up, Matt rushes Kassidy but gets a HOTSHOT STUNNER for it! Quen runs up to SIDE EFFECT! The fans fire up and rally as Quen crawls, hot tag to Brother Zay! Kassidy dodges Matt, to HOTSHOT STUNNER Nick! Kassidy CLOBBERS Matt, CLOBBERS him again, then whips him to ropes.

Matt reverses, Kassidy slides out and avoids Nick, but is put back on the apron! Kassidy RAMS into Matt, mule kicks Nick, GAMANGIRIS Matt, then blows a kiss before he ASAI MOONSAULTS Nick down! The fans are thunderous as Kassidy gets back up to springboard and CROSSBODY onto Matt! Cover, TWO!! Matt survives and Kassidy is surprised! Quebec rallies for Private Party as Kassidy stalks Matt. Kassidy says “DELETE! DELETE!” and Matt stands, into the kick! TWIST OF- NO, Matt shoves Kassidy away, and Nick trips him up! Matt CLOBBERS Kassidy while fans boo. Matt drags Kassidy up and he tags in Nick.

The Bucks put Kassidy up top, CLUB him, and then climb up after him. Matt has the cravat, Nick is underneath, SLICED BREAD BOMB!! Cover, QUEN BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Matt runs back in, but Quen dodges to PELE! Matt falls, flounders his way over to Nick, and Quen drags Kassidy to the Private Party corner. The fans rally, Kassidy reaches up, tag to Quen! Nick runs up, Quen fires forearms on him, on Matt, and back again! The fans rally but Matt kicks low. Matt scoops, Quen slips free, but Nick CLUBS Quen in the back, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Quen flounders to an apron and Nick goes out after him.

Nick stomps Quen, drags him up, and APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Quen writhes, Nick puts him in, and tag to Matt. Matt says this is it! Nick goes up, Matt brings Quen up for the scoop, but Kassidy anchors Nick! Quen victory rolls, TWO!!! That was what got The Bucks last time but they managed to escape! Nick kicks Kassidy away, Matt ROCKS Quen, then CLUBS him again and again! Matt brings Quen around, Nick stands back up. Fireman’s carry, but Quen slips free to shove Matt into Nick! Kassidy gets in, Quen goes up to RANA, GIN ‘N’ JUICE!! Nick flounders out of the ring but Quen tags Kassidy.

Private Party gets Matt up, and they’re going to steal MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!! Cover, NICK BREAKS IT! The fans boo as Nick hammers away on Kassidy! Nick points to someone, goes out of the ring, and he grabs the ring bell!? The fans boo as Nick is abusing his EVP power! But the ref grabs the bell from Nick! Kassidy LARIATS Nick, but Matt LOW BLOWS Kassidy! There goes fair and square! But wait, Quen has one of the title belts!! BELT SHOT!!! The fans fire up as Matt tastes karma! Cover, Nick helps with the ROPEBREAK!! Nick grins as he gets away with that one but Private Party cannot believe this!

Kassidy drags Matt over, he tags Quen, and Quen goes up. 630 SENTON FLOPS as Matt moves!!! Matt hurries to tag Nick, they get Quen up, for E V P TRIGGER!!! It wasn’t the cleanest but it was effective! Cover, The Bucks win!

Winners: The Young Bucks, by pinfall (advance to the semifinals)

Okada again nods his approval. The Rainmaker has a title, is it only a matter of time before Matthew & Nicholas join him?

 

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

For starters, it’s back! Live this Saturday, 8 PM Eastern, and with the other AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals! The Infantry overcame The House of Black with help from Mark Briscoe, but now they’re looking to say yeah to beating FTR! Will Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo be marching into the semifinals? Or will Dax & Cash prove they’re still Top Guys? And in their big return to action (no pun intended), Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey take on Top Flight’s Dante & Darius Martin! Will this tournament soon be Absolute? Or will Angel Dorado & Air Wolf book themselves a flight to the semifinals?

 

Don Callis speaks.

“Tonight, Swerve’s House comes tumbling down. A tornado known as The Alpha, Konosuke Takeshita, is coming. Swerve, our résumé is very clear: We beat Kenny Omega not once but twice; we destroyed Chris Jericho; we destroyed Darby Allin. You wanna bring Prince Nana and the little back-up dance, you go right ahead. You are standing between us and what we want. I am so sick of hearing about Swerve’s House, this little fantasy you’ve constructed for yourself, because you see, your house is on my street. Your house is in the Don Callis Family’s neighborhood. And all those houses are mine. I take what I want, and then I take a little more.

“And tonight, Takeshita is gonna take everything from you, including your opportunity to become the #1 contender. Tonight, the Alpha burns it all down.” Callis has promised big things, but will Takeshita live up to these great expectations?

 

Mercedes Mone arrives backstage!

The CEO arrives in style, struts her way to gorilla, and is going to join commentary for this star-studded #1 contender’s match in the women’s division!

 

AEW hears from Darby Allin.

He’s hanging out with THE Tony Hawk pro-skater, and notes that originally, he was hoping to climb Mount Everest right about now for Tony’s charity, The Skatepark Project, but uh… broke his foot. So does Tony wanna tell us about the project? Of course. This is a foundation to bring public skate parks to underserved areas, operating for over 20 years now. They’ve funded the creation of almost NINE HUNDRED skate parks in that time, and it is important to Tony because it was never lost on him how lucky he was to have a skatepark to go to as a kid. It was his place of belonging and community, where he cut his teeth, and he wants to give that same access to skater kids all over the world.

Darby adds that he wouldn’t be here without skateboarding, so this cause means the world to him. If you wanna donate, just go to Skatepark.org to help out. Darby can’t climb a mountain, but this is Plan B. Darby lets his foot be part of Tony’s handstand grab in the halfpipe! We wish Darby a speedy recovery, and we hope the Skatepark Project has even greater success.

 

Backstage interview with Hook and Chris Jericho.

Renee is with the FTW Champion and The Ocho, and first congratulates Hook on that big win over Jericho last week. Renee brings up Jericho having a proposition for Hook, so what is up? Jericho says what’s up is that a few weeks ago, he said he wanted to see what it was like to face Hook 1v1, to see if Hook is as good as the people say. And after having that match, Hook exceeded expectations. Right out of the gate, he suplexed Jericho right on his head and he didn’t let off. Hook got his first pinfall win, and off Jericho, and Jericho is okay with that. Jericho is proud of Hook, because he saw some things he never had before.

Jericho’s never had a wrestling school, never managed anyone, but he’s also never been in the ring with someone like Hook. Hook’s skills are so highly tuned yet still raw. So Jericho wants to say that after 33 years in the business, if Hook wants any advice from Jericho, Jericho will gladly help sharpen Hook’s skills so he can be the world champion Jericho knows Hook can be. So like he said, if Hook wants his advice, Jericho is here for him. Hook appreciates the praise, and of course he’ll take that advice. He’s Chris Jericho. But being Chris Jericho, Hook knows who Jericho is. Okay, that’s fair. And Jericho knows who Hook is, and more importantly, who Hook can be.

Jericho offers a fist bump, Hook accepts, and Hook says, “Let’s get it.” Jericho says yeah, let’s get it, and he also fist bumps Renee. With The Wizard now his mentor, is it only a matter of time before the Cold Hearted Handsome Devil goes for the top prize in AEW?

 

Mercedes Mone makes her entrance!

The fans chant for the “C E O! C E O!” as she struts down to join commentary. We’re about to see the Galaxy’s Greatest, the Babe with the Power, Chicago Skye and the Star of the Show battle it out, who wins their shot at the Princess of the Black Throne?

AEW TBS Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Kris Statlander VS Willow Nightingale VS Skye Blue VS Anna Jay!

The bell rings and Skye SUPERKICKS Kris! Willow LARIATS Skye! Anna rolls Willow up, TWO! Willow swings, but Anna wrenches to HOOK KICK! Anna whips, Willow reverses, but Anna uses that to LEG LARIAT Skye off the apron and onto Kris! Willow runs up but into a BOOT! Anna runs in to ELBOW Willow in the corner, ROCK her, then whip. Willow reverses, then fires up before she runs in, back body block! And clothesline! Snapmare, then BOOT! The fans rally, Willow runs, and she SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Skye runs in to CLUB away on Willow, then bumps her off buckles. Skye stomps away in the corner but fans boo.

Willow elbows Skye but Skye CLUBS Willow then digs her boot in! Willow powers out of that, but Skye storms after Willow. Skye tries to suplex but Willow’s too strong! Willow wrenches out, but Skye kicks low. Skye then DDTS Willow down! Willow flounders, Skye hurries to cover, but Kris breaks it! Kris hauls Skye up to scoop and SLAM! Kris runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Anna adds a BASEMENT BLOCKBUSTER on Skye! Kris SLIDING LARIATS Anna! Cover, TWO! Kris scoops, Anna slips free and shoves, then follows, but Kris runs her over! The fans fire up as Kris flexes, and she gets Anna up. Kris runs, but Skye tirps her!

Skye spins Kris around to SUPERKICK! Willow POUNCES Skye, PERIOD! The fans fire up and Stokely Hathaway loves it! Willow tells Mone to remember that one, but the fans chant “C E O! C E O!” while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Willow goes back tot he ring, but Anna HOTSHOTS her down! Anna tells Mone to watch her, but Kris trips Anna up! Kris throws hands and CLOBBERS Anna, then CHOPS her against the apron! Anna crawls away, Kris kicks her in the butt! Kris goes for Skye but Skye ROCKS her first! Skye CLUBS Kris, stalks her, but Kris hits back with body shots. Willow CLUBS Anna around the way, stomps her down, but Skye looms over Kris. Skye drags Kris up while Willow keeps on Anna. Skye SMACKS Kris off steps, and Willow scoop SLAMS Anna! Kris hits Skye back, CHOPS her against barriers, then keeps after her.

Anna SMACKS Willow off steps, CLUBS her, and Kris DECKS Skye! The fans fire up for Kris while Willow kicks Anna in return. Stokely coaches on his ladies, but Skye SUPERKICKS Kris! Anna and Skye mug Willow, then bring her up to double whip hard into the LED barrier! Willow writhes, but Kris DOUBLE SPEARS Anna and Skye! Kris puts Skye in, covers, TWO! Skye survives but Kris drags her back up. Kris CLUBS Skye, kicks, but Skye blocks to KNEE! That looks like something Mone does! Skye reels Kris in to SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Skye then runs, but Willow is up to SPINEBUSTER her down!

Willow sees Anna run up and takes a swing, but Anna catches her for a COMPLETE SHOT! Kris is back, and she DISCUS LARIATS Anna! All four women are down and even Mone is loving it. Dynamite returns to single picture as the four meet at center. Anna trades forearms with Kris while Skye trades shots with Willow. They go back and forth, stand back up, and the forearms fly harder! Willow and Anna ROCK Kris and Skye, then Anna BOOTS Willow! Skye runs to BOOT WASH Willow outta the ring! Kris runs in, Anna dodges but Skye blocks to send the arm into Anna anyway! But Kris still ROCKS Skye!

Kris CHOPS Anna, ROCKS Skye, repeat! Then ROUNDHOUSE for Anna! Skye is in a corner, Kris UPPERCUTS her! Kris reels Skye in, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Skye survives and Mone can’t help but love it. Kris kicks Skye away, drags Anna to the drop zone, then climbs up. But Anna ROCKS Kris first! Anna goes up after Kris, CLUBS away on her, and she SUPERPLEXES! Cover, Willow SENTONS them both!! The fans fire up, Skye blocks Willow to again Mone Knee! Skye tries to fireman’s carry but Willow fires elbows! Willow gut wrenches, BABE WITH THE POWER- RANA!! Cover, TWO!!

Willow stands, into a SUPERKICK! Skye runs, hops on, CODE BLUE!! Cover, KRIS BREAKS IT!! Kris saves her friend but also the match! Kris gets Skye up, POWER BREAKER!! Skye flounders away, Kris drags her back, but Anna hooks Kris into the Gory Especial! GORY BOMB onto Skye! Anna double covers, TWO!! Anna snarls, she drags Kris up by her hair, and she clamps on the QUEENSLAYER! But Kris powers out, and feeds Anna to Willow’s SHOTGUN! But now, Kris and Willow are the two standing tall. Willow says let’s do this, pal! Kris says okay, but then Skye LARIATS them both! No effect!

Kris & Willow kick Skye, whip her, but Skye ducks to send Willow into Kris! Then she SUPERKICKS, whips, but Willow reverses! Willow runs in but Skye dodges! Skye ROCKS Willow, but Willow comes back! Skye BOOTS Willow in the ropes, brings her to the apron, and full nelsons! Willow fights free, fireman’s carries, and APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS!! Skye flops down, Mone’s jaw drops just like Quebec’s! Willow high fives the fans but Anna brawls with Kris! Anna clinches, Kris fights free and gut wrenches! The tuck and- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Anna hurries up, but Kris gets around! Anna tosses Kris out, to LEG LARIAT!

But Willow is back in, to gut wrench and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!!! Cover, Willow wins!!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW TBS Championship)

Mone says alright, she accepts Willow’s that good. But wait! JULIA HART runs in to BELT SHOT Willow from behind!! The fans boo but the Princess grins as she holds up the title. Then she glares at Mone over at the desk. Mone stands and walks right up to the ring. Julia holds the title up at Mone, then runs away before Kris can get her! Willow is still getting her shot at Dynasty, will she add that TBS Championship to her list of accolades? Or will the House Always Win?

 

Backstage interview with Dustin Rhodes.

Renee is with The Natural, and says he is currently 3-1 in 2024. Every time he steps back inside the ring, he reminds us all just how much of a badass he is. What is next for Dustin? He does feel he’s started 2024 with a bang. “Everybody on this roster is very, very talented. Every single match I’ve had here in five years has been really, really good. Bangers, all of ’em. Nothing’s different. Surprisingly, right now, at 55 years old, I’m still as passionate as I have ever been.” But then in steps The Butcher, belittling what Dustin is saying. Well what does Butcher want? He heard Dustin wants a fight. Oof, Butcher, your breath…

Butcher says it’s his mustache, it has its own musk. But look him in the eyes. Dustin wants a match? Remember that Bunkhouse Match? Oh yeah he does. Then how about Friday on Rampage, Dustin and Butcher cash some receipts? Oh, Butcher wants receipts? He thinks Dustin’s just some stepping stone? Oh absolutely. Well, if you want it, then you got it. Friday Night Rampage it is! But just remember this: You’re gonna find out why Dustin is The Natural Born Legend. Everyone loves Dustin, even Canada. Butcher can’t wait. This is gonna be quite the shootout, but will it be a good Friday for the living legend?

 

“Timeless” Toni Storm visited Turner Classic Movies!

Ben Mankiewicz introduces himself and then congratulates Toni Storm for not only being AEW Women’s World Champion, but also for “helping redefine the artistry of professional wrestling.” Toni says that’s so sweet. And she congratulates Ben on… whatever it is he does around TCM. One small note, though: crispen your annunciation. No one says “crispen” in America really, but sure, he’ll work on it. Now repeat after her. Chin up. Chin up. Tits out. Uh, no, he won’t say that. And watch for the shoe~! What? She tosses her shoe over her shoulder as she leaves, and now he understands. But will AEW’s leading lady continue to be a modern classic even through Dynasty?

 

Swerve Strickland speaks.

“Tonight comes down to Swerve and Takeshita, to be ranked number one. Now we all know, to be truly number one in the pro-wrestling industry, you gotta hold the AEW World Championship gold. And that is Samoa Joe. Takeshita, you’ve been probably one of the best competitors I’ve ever seen over the last couple months. You’ve been doing your thing. But our motivation’s been vastly different. Mine is for something bigger than me, and that’s history. I’m not taking this lightly. So Takeshita, after I get past you, it’s me and Samoa Joe, one on one, no distractions.”

Swerve then tells Joe, “I didn’t forget what you did to me. And when I finally get you one on one for that championship, you’ll never forget what I do to you.” Swerve’s House is ready, but will this soon be Swerve’s Dynasty?

 

AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta VS The Undisputed Kingdom!

While Roderick Strong took away the AEW International Championship, Freshly Squeezed and his Best Friends feel stopping Matt Taven & Mike Bennett from getting more tag titles is fitting revenge. Will Cassidy & #JustTrent do whatever it takes to be avenged? Or will there only be more gold in the Kingdom’s future?

The teams sort out and Trent starts against Bennett. The bell rings, the two circle, but then Cassidy steps in? Cassidy says it’s okay, just hold on. He walks over and DECKS Taven! The fans fire up as Cassidy goes out after Taven, and Trent fires off on Bennett in a corner! Trent stomps away, Cassidy ROCKS Taven, then ROCKS him again! Trent keeps after Bennett, whips him to ropes but Bennett reverses to CLOBBER him! Taven turns things around on Cassidy to whip him into steel steps! Bennett whips Trent, Trent ducks and DIVES onto Taven! The fans fire up and Trent stands Taven up, but Bennett FLIES out onto them both!

The fans fire up as Cassidy climbs! Cassidy waves hi, then SUPER TRUST FALLS onto The Kingdom! The fans are thunderous as Best Friends shake hands! Trent gets Bennett in, Chuckie T gives him a supportive butt pat, and Trent storms into the ring. Bennett kicks low, CHOPS, then bumps Trent off buckles. Tag to Taven, The Kingdom stomps and mugs Trent, but the fans rally for Best Friends. Taven whips, Trent reverses but Taven goes up and over. Taven then dodges Trent to DROPKICK him down! Bennett cheers as Taven BLASTS Cassidy off the apron! The fans boo but Trent gets Taven for a GERMAN SUPLEX!

Trent GERMAN SUPLEXES again, but Taven throws elbows to fight the hattrick. Taven powers Trent into the corner, tags Bennett, and they mug Trent. Trent fights back with forearms and elbows, but Tavne CLAWS Trent’s eyes! The Kingdom double whips, but Trent holds ropes! Trent BOOTS Taven, dodges Bennett then drops down to STANDING METEORA! Taven mule kicks Trent then SUPERKICKS him down! Cassidy protests, the ref has him stay back, but the ref misses Bennett bring Trent to the apron! APRON PILEDRIVER!! Bennett scurries away and Roddy applauds as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Roddy applauds, but Bennett talks smack on the fans in the front row. Bennett brings Trent up to then rebound and BOSTON BAYONET! Down goes Trent, but Bennett brings him back up and in. Cover, TWO! Trent stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a hard whip to the corner! Tag to Taven and then Bennett whips Trent back in for the BOOT! Trent goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Taven is annoyed with Trent’s toughness but he clamps on a chinlock. Trent endures as Taven leans on him, and then Bennett mocks Cassidy putting hands up. But instead of putting his hands into imaginary pockets, Bennett just flips everyone off.

The fans rally, Trent fights up and he throws body shots. Taven ENZIGIRIS Trent in return! Tag to Bennett and he runs up to basement BOOT! Cover, TWO! The Kingdom is frustrated but Cassidy coaches Trent up. Bennett brings Trent around to stomp him down, then eggs him on. Bennet SLAMS Trent’s arm off the mat, then stands Trent up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Trent is tougher than that so Bennett tags Taven. Taven goes up and soaks up some heat, only for Trent to get up and bring him down into a SAIDO! Both men are down, Bennett is upset but Cassidy is fired up. Hot tag to Bennett, and he stops Trent from reaching Cassidy!

Dynamite returns to single picture as Bennett CATAPULTS Trent into a ROUNDHOUSE! Trent falls back, Taven goes up, ELBOW DROP! High stack, TWO! Trent is showing that grit but Bennett talks trash on Cassidy. Tag to Taven, The Kingdom whips to SPIENBUSTER and LIONSAULT, onto knees! Trent saves himself, hurries over, hot tags to Bennett and Cassidy! Cassidy bumps Bennett off buckles, goes up top, and CROSSBODIES! Then he runs at Taven, only to be put on the apron. Cassidy bumps Taven off buckles, goes up top again, and he CROSSBODIES Taven now! Cassidy keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges Bennett to tilt-o-whirl, but Bennett stops it!

Bennett suplexes Cassidy, only to get STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! But JUST THE TIP of the knee from Taven! Bennett gets Cassidy up, Taven is in the opposite corner, and they hit the PROTON PACK! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy survives and the fans fire up again! Chuck rallies Quebec but The Kingdom reset. Taven climbs, Bennett reels Cassidy in, but Trent SHOVES Taven down! Trent climbs, Cassidy turns things around on Bennett! STRONG ZERO BEACH BREAK!! Cover, TWO!!! Bennett survives #BeachZero but the fans rally up again. Cassidy drags Bennett up, tags Trent, and now Trent brings Bennett up.

But Taven SUPERKCIKS Trent! Cassidy leaps, Taven gets under, but Trent just uses that to TORNADO DDT! Cassidy tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Then BUSAIKU KNEE! The fans fire up as Trent and Cassidy… get distracted by Roddy holding up the International title! But then Chuck YANKS Roddy down! So Roddy DECKS the Kentucky Gentleman! Cassidy chases Roddy all around, Roddy drops the belt and Cassidy DIVES out onto him! Trent runs up on Bennett but runs into a kick! Bennett reels Trent in, but while the ref’s checking on Cassidy, Chuck TRIPS Taven! Trent trips Bennett, jackknife bridge, BEST FRIENDS WIN!!

Winners: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta (advance to the semifinals)

Turns out, two can play at the numbers game! Or is it six? Whatever! Best Friends are facing Young Bucks, making the semifinals that much bigger for both teams! Oh wait, Best Friends HUG, only for the Bucks to interrupt! Matthew & Nicholas are making sure everyone remembers the EVPs still have the power. But apparently not the power to make the Codyvator- er, EVP Lift, go any faster. Will Cassidy & Trent make the inaugural Dynasty PPV Freshly Squeezed? Or will the Bucks prove blood is thicker than Orange Punch?

 

Backstage interview with Kyle O’Reilly.

Renee is now with #CombatKyle and congratulates him on his big return win a couple weeks ago on Collision. How did it feel to finally be back in that ring? Kyle says you can prepare yourself mentally and physically, but there’s no way to get ready for what it’s actually like to get in that ring in front of a live crowd and pull it off. It felt good to rip the Band-aid off, it really did. But it is a deep, deep roster here in AEW, and there is no such thing as an easy match. True, so let’s talk Undisputed Kingdom. They came out there to celebrate with him, is he having any second thoughts on doing this alone?

Kyle says he loves those guys, but no, no regrets. He did it on his own in his return, he’ll do it on his own this week. Collision in London, Ontario, Kyle proves he belongs. Kyle is ready to chase the dragon, but will he be able to keep this going all on his own?

 

Adam “Edge” Copeland speaks.

The Rated R Superstar was backstage after Dynamite last week, and he said, “When you decide to dedicate your life to this, you dream of nights like this. Your hometown, against a man that you’ve known for 40 years, to hear that audience, to hear them sing my music to me. It’s one of those nights that I’ll take with me to the grave.” Edge is sore, bloody, but he got the TNT Championship. This feels like the first time he’s properly won a title since 2011. “Tonight, it felt like that chapter closed. That 40 year story is closed. It’s time to move on. It’s time for me to defend this TNT Championship. Collision, London, the Cope Open’s back.

“To anybody who wants to step up, feel free. There’s more at stake now, too, and I don’t plan on losing it any time soon.” Collision is about to get Rated R in its return, who looks to go toe to toe with the NEW Face of TNT?

 

MORE breaking news for Collision!

On top of the AEW World Tag Team Championship tournament, on top of The Cope Open, there will be a BIG Six Man Tag! Lance Archer & The Righteous tried to tear down the Swiss Superman, but now he’s got back-up! Bryan Danielson & Katsuyori Shibata are teaming with Claudio Castagnoli to take the fight to Vincent, Dutch & the Murderhawk Monster! Will this Collision prove #EverybodyDies? Or will The Wrestler make a great fit alongside the Blackpool Combat Club?

 

AEW World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis!

We have heard from The Realest, and we heard from the head of the Don Callis Family. The time for talk is over, only actions can prove your worth! There can be only one, so who will be THE ONE that faces Samoa Joe in St. Louis?

The bell rings and of course Callis joins commentary, saying the French Canadians are outta control. Nana gets everyone chanting, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” as Swerve and Takeshita circle. They stare down, and Swerve surprisingly offers a handshake. Takeshita surprisingly takes it, but then neither man lets go. They use that as part of the grapple, and they move around to find openings. Swerve steps over, headlocks, but Takeshita wrenches out. Takeshita grinds the shoulder, Swerve trips Takeshita and has the leg, and then floats to headlock. Takeshita slips out the back to waistlock.

Takeshita shoots the half nelson for the cover, ONE as Swerve goes Matrix! The fans applaud the exchange as the two reset. Callis admits Swerve is a great athlete with sneaky strength, but Takeshita is still the best rope to rope wrestler in the company. The two tie up, Swerve headlocks, but Takeshita knuckle locks through to power up and put Swerve on the ropes. Takeshita lets off slowly, but then lands a cheap shot! The ref reprimands, Takeshita whips, but Swerve flips up and around and stares Takeshita down! Takeshita runs in, Swerve sunset flips, but Takeshita stays up. Swerve goes Matrix again to avoid the fist drop, and he rolls Takeshita up, TWO!

Swerve doesn’t let Takeshita go far, he floats around and rolls him for a short arm scissor! Takeshita hurries to the ROPEBREAK! Swerve lets go quickly and Callis admits Swerve has incredibly smooth transitions. The fans rally up, Takeshita rushes in but Swerve dodges to mule kick! Swerve whips Takeshita, Takeshita ducks ‘n’ dodges to TAKESHITA LINE! The fans are torn but Takeshita soaks up the heat. Swerve checks his jaw, and we see Samoa Joe watching backstage. Is Joe upset Swerve is struggling or angrily hoping Swerve loses? Takeshita storms up on Swerve, ROCKS him, then has him in a corner.

Takeshita digs boots in, the ref counts, and Swerve does his best to kick at Takeshita, but Takeshita lets off with a stomp. Takeshita whips, Swerve reverses and UPPERCUTS! Swerve then snapmares Takeshita to go up and FALLING UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Swerve hits the Griddy! Callis says Swerve needs to learn, you don’t pander to the fans! Swerve drops a knee on Takeshita’s face, then clamps on with a chinlock. Takeshita fights up quickly but Swerve throws body shots. Swerve puts Takeshita in ropes, fires more body shots, then turns him for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!

Takeshita writhes and flops to the apron while the fans rally up. Swerve drags Takeshita in, kneels on the cover, TWO! Swerve keeps cool and drags Takeshita up. Takeshita fires a forearm! Swerve gives it back, Takeshita gives another, and Swerve throws another! Takeshita grabs Swerve by the hair to Muay Thai KNEE him! Takeshita kicks, Swerve blocks, and Swerve slips around to clinch and BACKBREAKER! Swerve rolls into the facelock, but Takeshita suplexes first! BRAINBUSTER! Takeshita snarls while fans boo, and Swerve goes to a corner. The ref checks Swerve, Swerve says he’s fine but hard to say, and Takeshita storms over.

Takeshita brushes the ref aside, puts Swerve in a corner and he rains down forearms! Callis likes what he sees as Takeshita grinds the forearm in Swerve’s face. The ref counts, Takeshita lets off at 4, and Swerve clutches a shoulder. Takeshita drags Swerve up, ROCKS him, and Swerve leans against ropes to stay up. Takeshita stands Swerve up to ROCK him again, but Swerve SLAPS back! Takeshita fires a flurry of forearms, then runs in, only for Swerve to sidestep! SNAP GERMAN! But Takeshita’s right up to DECK Swerve! Swerve flops out of the ring and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Takeshita shakes out his arms and scowls while the ring count climbs. Swerve is still down at 4 of 10 but Nana slaps the steps to rally the fans. Takeshita goes out to fetch Swerve, and he hammerlocks the bad arm to POST it! Swerve falls in a heap and Takeshita storms up on him, but the ref says to get this back in the ring. Takeshita drags Swerve up, puts him in the ring, then has Swerve under the ropes for the ROPE GUILLOTINE! Swerve sputters, goes to a corner, but he scowls as he works on the bad arm. Takeshita paces, Swerve turns around, into a HELLUVA KICK! Takeshita hauls Swerve up to scoop and SLAM!

Takeshita goes up the corner, soaks up the heat, and then SUPER SENTONS! Kneeling cover, TWO! Takeshita gives Swerve a taste of what he did earlier, but then drags him into a chinlock. Takeshita grinds Swerve down, even steps over to trap a leg, but Swerve still endures. Swerve reaches out, but then Takeshita pushes him down for a NECK TWIST! Takeshita then goes back for the chinlock, adding a rear mount for more leverage. Swerve still endures and Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans rally up, Swerve fights to his feet, but Takeshita pulls hair to wrangle Swerve back down! So Swerve twists Takeshita’s nose!

The fans rally, the ref reprimands both guys, so Swerve lets go to CHOP! Takeshita winds up to ROCK Swerve! Swerve ROCKS Takeshita, they go back and forth faster and faster! Takeshita winds up to ROCK Swerve again! Swerve leans on ropes again, Takeshita runs in, but Swerve TOSSES Takeshita up and out! Swerve then builds speed, and HANDSPRING RANAS! Swerve still managed that move even with the bad arm, and he puts Takeshita back in. Swerve goes up, Takeshita turns around, CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE!! Callis says that sends a message there, and Swerve definitely looks frustrated.

Swerve goes back to Takeshita to drag him up and fire fast hands! And even some kicks! Swerve winds up, but the bad shoulder holds him back! Takeshita DECKS Swerve again!! The ref checks Swerve as Swerve is in a daze, and Callis says to just call it now. But also, Callis wants Takeshita to show no mercy! Takeshita runs up, Swerve ducks the lariat! Swerve waistlocks, Takeshita switches and shoves Swerve to the apron, then Takeshita runs up. Swerve RAMS into Takeshita, but the shoulder hurts more! Swerve still goes up and over to get in, somersault, but into the fireman’s carry! LANDSLIDE! SHOTGUN BOOT!

Swerve tumbles out, the fans boo Takeshita as he builds speed, but Takeshita FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans can’t help but fire up! Takeshita hopes Joe saw that, and the fans rally for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Takeshita drags Swerve up and around to go up the steel steps and to the apron. Takeshita grins as he steps back in with Swerve, and then Takeshita goes up the corner. Takeshita drags Swerve up and he wants to repeat Revolution! But Swerve throws hands to fight that off, and he then SLAPS Takeshita! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Takeshita HEADBUTTS Swerve down! But Swerve takes out the legs!

Takeshita is stuck in the ropes, for the BOOT and DRAPING DDT!! Swerve goes up the corner, Callis is concerned but Takeshita stirs. Swerve aims to SKY TWISTER! Cover, TWO!! Takeshita survives and Swerve is frustrated again! Nana says he was close, and the fans know “This is Awesome!” Swerve hauls Takeshita up, goes to half nelson, but Takeshita fights it! Swerve still tries but Takeshita elbows him away. Takeshita reaches for a corner, Swerve reels him back in! But Takeshita switches to hop up, POISON-RANA!! Swerve staggers up, into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Swerve survives and shocks Takeshita!

Takeshita snarls as Swerve stirs. Swerve slowly rises, Takeshita brings him around for boxing elbows! Then he ROCKS Swerve again! Swerve leans on the ropes again, Takeshita grabs at him, but Swerve hooks free with his leg to ROCK Takeshita with a right of his own! Takeshita sits back, shakes out the stars, and Swerve nods. Swerve runs up, blocks a boot, and he yanks Takeshita, somersault into the JUMP KNEE! Swerve ends up in a corner, but he goes up and over as Takeshita runs in! O’Conner but then EDDY GORDO RANA! Takeshita stands, into the SOMERSAULT FLATLINER! Cover, TWO!! Takeshita survives and Callis is worried now!

Swerve goes to the corner and fans fire up as he goes up! Swerve takes aim for the- Wait, Takeshita bails out to the apron. Swerve just adjusts to APRON KILL STOMP!!! Swerve pushes Takeshita back in while fans lose their minds! Swerve reloads as he climbs back up, for the KILL- POWERBOMB!! Flip through and suplex, BRAIN- NO, Swerve slips free to CHOP Takeshita on the neck! Then half nelson, BIG PRESS- NO, victory roll! Then the WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! Swerve flounders, sits up, into the POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Swerve survives and shocks everyone! Callis was even ready to celebrate!

The fans rally up as hard as they can, and Takeshita drags Swerve up again. Takeshita puts Swerve up top as fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Dynamite’s already into the overrun, hopefully they don’t go forever! Takeshita climbs up after Swerve, waistlocks, but Swerve fights the lift! Swerve throws hands then ELBOWS Takeshita down! Swerve adjusts, reloads, KILL- NO, Takeshita dodges! Takeshita then runs up, BLUE THUNDER- RANA! Swerve sends Takeshita into buckles! Takeshita falls back, into the HOUSE CALL! One more try as Swerve goes up! KILL STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? HOW?!?!?

Callis is so excited, he loves the shock on the faces of Swerve and Nana! Swerve hurries to get Takeshita up, half nelsons, but Takeshita breaks free! Takeshita ducks the chop, then swings, but Swerve ducks the haymaker! RISING HEADBUTT!! Takeshita wobbles, but he JUMP KNEES in return!! Swerve stays up, runs up, POP-UP KILL STOMPS!!! Swerve hauls Takeshita up, half nelson, BIG PRESSURE DRIVER!!! Cover, Swerve wins!!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW World Championship)

Quebec is thunderous, Callis is upset, and from the looks of it, Samoa Joe is also unhappy he’ll have to face Swerve 1v1. Renee even walks over to ask him how he feels about having said 1v1 match with Swerve. Joe says, “How do I feel? What’s baffling to me is how he’s feeling right now. This is a man celebrating the biggest fate he’s ever gonna catch in his life. And next week, Swerve, when you walk down to that ring and you sign on the dotted line, I am gonna make sure that you UNDERSTAND what you are asking for. You think you’re ready? No. No. You’re not that man.” The King of Wrestling Television storms off, but will he lose his throne to Swerve’s Dynasty?


My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite here, so much great build towards Dynasty. Amazing opening match from Ospreay VS Shibata, great win from Ospreay so that he’ll be ready for Bryan, and then good move following it up with a career retrospective type hype video on Bryan. Awesome #1 contender’s Fatal 4 for the TBS Championship. We didn’t really get any fighting between Kris and Willow, which is actually quite clever, and great win for Willow. Julia of course goes after her, but I feel like that indicates Julia is losing the title and Willow will carry this belt in a feud with Mercedes Mone.

Really good promo from Dustin Rhodes and The Butcher to set up their match on Rampage, and I like that someone finally brought up the Bunkhouse match again. Really good little promo from Kyle O’Reilly to make it clear he’s having another match. And I like that AEW let Darby help plug Tony Hawk’s charity, I’m not even a skater but I appreciate them wanting to help all these kids out there who are or want to be. Good promo from Jericho and Hook to set up not a match but a manager-client relationship. You’d hope Jericho is going to be an honest manager but just as Hook implied, there is always a chance Jericho turns on Hook and we still get them fighting for the FTW title.

Great promo from Edge to give us his feelings after that big win in the I Quit match but to also pivot things towards the Cope Open’s return, just as I was hoping. A bit redundant, though, as they kinda snuck in the announcement during one of the tag matches. They should really just understand what the plan for the show is before having commentary bother with saying stuff like that. Anyway, the Cope Open is going to be awesome, can’t wait to see who becomes Edge’s first defense that he’ll of course win. And great though rather random bit with Toni Storm and Ben Mankiewicz, she didn’t even mention Deonna Purrazzo or Thunder Rosa. Maybe Tony Khan’s still writing that stuff.

A great promo from The Bucks with Renee to lead into their match with Private Party, and that was an awesome match. Of course The Bucks win, both because they’re definitely heading for the titles and they were going to get their win back after all these years. Best Friends VS The Kingdom was also great stuff, and I really liked Best Friends turning the cheat around on The Kingdom. Cassidy & Trent VS Bucks is going to be great, too, but as I’ve said before, this tournament has to be leading to Bucks VS FTR Round 4. FTR will beat Infantry, then beat winner of Top Flight VS Starks & Morrissey, Dynasty will add to AEW’s biggest tag team rivalry.

And of course, awesome stuff in the AEW World Championship story. Great promo from Callis and Swerve, amazing main event from Swerve VS Takeshita, like PPV level in itself. Swerve of course wins, and Samoa Joe had a great promo to respond to it. That contract signing segment will definitely be some good stuff, and their 1v1 match at Dynasty will be match of the year level for sure.

My Score: 9/10


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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/26/24)

A THANK YEW!

Published

on

NXT White 'n' Gold Era

Will the Alpha Academy SHOOOOSH the Wolf Dogs?

In hopes of joining the NXT Tag Team Championship match at Stand & Deliver, Akira Tozawa & Otis face Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin in non-title action!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Shawn Spears VS DIJAK; Dijak wins.
  • Thea Hail w/ Chase U VS Jazmyn Nyx w/ Jacy Jayne; Thea wins.
  • Open Challenge: Lola Vice VS Natalya; Natalya wins.
  • Ilja Dragunov VS Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Adriana Rizzo; Dragunov wins.
  • Josh Briggs VS Duke Hudson; Briggs wins.
  • NXT Tag Team Championship Qualifier: Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin VS Akira Tozawa & Otis w/ Maxxine Dupri; Bron & Corbin win and deny the Alpha Academy a spot at Stand & Deliver.

PLAY BY PLAY

Shawn Spears VS DIJAK!

The Chair Man exposed Ridge Holland’s truth, but now he runs into #HardJustice! Philosophies collide and there will be pain, but who will be proven right on the Road to WrestleMania Weekend?

The bell rings and the fans rally behind Spears as he circles with Dijak. They tie up, Dijak puts Spears in a corner, but then lets off as the ref counts. Spears headlocks, Dijak powers up and out, but Spears runs Dijak over! Things speed up and Dijak ELBOWS Spears down! The fans duel now as Dijak hauls Spears up. Spears SLAPS Dijak! So Dijak clotheslines Spears up and out! The fans fire up as Dijak goes out, puts Spears in, but then Spears dropkicks the legs out! Spears PLANCHAS and down goes Dijak! The fans fire up again with chants of “TEN! TEN! TEN!” The ring count climbs, Spears puts Dijak in at 3, but Dijak FLIES back out!

The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as Dijak roars. Dijak gets Spears up and in, stalks Spears to a corner, then lines up a stomp! Spears goes to another corer, Dijak fires forearms! Spears flounders, Dijak stalks him, but Spears kicks low! Spears CHOPS Dijak int he corner and the fans fire up! Spears CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Dijak ROCKS Spears with forearm after forearm in return! Dijak ELBOWS Spears in a corner, ELBOWS again, then CLUBS him! The ref counts, Dijak whips Spears and scoops for the BACKBREAKER! Dijak then goes up the ropes and the fans fire up for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Dijak is frustrated as Spears stays in this. Dijak drags Spears up, whips him to ropes, but Spears reels Dijak in for a NECKBREAKER! The fans rally up again as Spears stands up. Spears shakes his bad leg out, then scrapes his laces on Dijak’s face! Spears bumps Dijak off buckles, then CHOPS! The fans fire up and want another, but Spears whips corner to to corner. Dijak BOOTS Spears, then HEADBUTTS him down! Dijak then goes up and up and- NO, Spears gets him first, SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous as Dijak somehow rises! Spears runs in to KNEE Dijak outta the ring!

The fans rally up as Spears goes out to talk some trash on Dijak. But wait! Joe Gacy is crawling out from under the ring!! Gacy steals Spears’ favorite chair! Spears SLAMS Dijak against barriers, refreshes the ring count, then brings Dijak up. Dijak knees in return, SMACKS Spears off the apron, then shoves him in. Dijak climbs in but into a CODE BREAKER! Dijak is slumped in the ropes and the fans rally for “TEN! TEN! TEN!” as NXT goes picture in picture.

Spears smirks as he hobbles over and brings Dijak around. Spears steps through to stomp Dijak in the stomach! And again, and again! Spears digs his heel in but lets off to then stomp Dijak’s face! Dijak crawls to a corner, Spears stalks him, and Spears stands Dijak up. Spears CHOPS Dijak, Dijak sputters and staggers to another corner, but Spears is on him again. Dijak dodges the chop to CHOP in return! Dijak ROCKS Spears, then brings Spears around. Dijak ROCKS Spears, then whips him to ropes. Spears reverses and kitchen sink knees! Spears then CLUBS away with crossface forearms! Cover, ONE!!

Spears is frustrated but he paces around Dijak. Spears drags Dijak up, CHOPS him again, and Dijak staggers away to a corner. Spears stands Dijak up to CHOP again! Dijak sputters, but Spears puts him up top. Spears ROCKS Dijak with haymakers, then CHOPS again! Dijak clutches his stinging chest while Spears climbs up. Spears brings Dijak up but Dijak resists the superplex! Dijak throws body shots, Spears hops down, but Spears CHOPS again! And ROCKS Dijak with another haymaker! Spears climbs back up to HEADBUTT Dijak! Then they go to the very top, but Dijak still resists! NXT returns to single picture as fans rally up

Dijak fires forearm after forearm and Spears falls back! Dijak adjusts, Spears stands, and Dijak FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as Spears and Dijak slowly rise. Spears stands first, but Dijak throws body shots! Spears throws hands, Dijak throws them back, and they stand. Dijak fires forearm after forearm, then whips. Spears reverses but Dijak ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! Dijak storms up on Spears, smothers him, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up as Dijak says TIME TO FLY!! The throw is good and Dijak snarls in the corner!

The fans fire up as Spears rises, Dijak choke grips, but spears breaks free! Dijak stops the superkick, choke grips again, but Spears wheelbarrows to victory roll! TWO! Dijak escapes but Spears SUPERKICKS! Dijak CYCLONE KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Spears survives and Dijak is beside himself! The fans are thunderous and hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” But this is just the first match, and it has to end somehow! Dijak hauls Spears up but Spears fights the torture rack! Spears CLUBS Dijak, then fireman’s carries in return! But Dijak slips free! Dijak fireman’s carries again, swings, but Spears DDT counters!!

Spears hurries after Dijak as Dijak goes to the apron. Spears stands Dijak up but Dijak HOTSHOTS Spears away! Dijak snarls, drags himself up, and he aims for a springboard MACHO ELBOW FLOP as Spears moves! The ref checks on Dijak and Spears goes for his chair, only to find it’s gone! Spears is confused, he knows he left it right by the stairs. Dijak hurries after Spears but Spears HOTSHOTS him! Spears goes up, AX- NO, Dijak catches him! HIGH JUSTICE!! Cover, TWO?!? Spears survives and Dijak is furious! The fans are thunderous again but Dijak takes aim again. Spears stands, but he blocks the superkick!

Spears throws the leg down but Dijak SUPERKICKS through anyway! Torture rack lift, FEAST YOUR EYES!! Cover, Dijak wins!

Winner: Dijak, by pinfall

Spears’ chair disappearing may have been the key, but a win is a win! Will NXT General Manger, Ava Raine, look to give Dijak that golden opportunity? Wait, Gacy shows off that HE has Spears’ chair! Will Gacy show Spears what painful truth he needs to embrace?

 

Roxanne Perez watches herself back.

The Prodigy holds scissors in her hand as she watches last year’s vignette about her dream board. “Look at this girl. Just happy to be here, stars in her eyes. God, I was so naive. Watching this honestly makes me sick. If you dream big enough~! Ugh, I wanted everyone to like me. Just pathetic. That gullible little girl that grew up taking pictures with her favorite WWE superstars and looking up to her heroes and trying to do everything right.” She uses those scissors to CUT UP those pictures! Roxanne says that little girl is dead. Wanna know what those heroes got her? Nothing! Which is why she is her own hero now.

From the day she stepped foot in NXT, Roxanne was seen as the next woman to carry the torch. The woman to take NXT 2.0 into the new era. She put this brand before her own life! Always on to the next Premium Live Event, the next TV special, the next live event! Where’d that get her? Discarded and without her title. Now Roxie looks out for herself, and it feel so good! Don’t like it? Too bad. Her proof is in the results. She is in the NXT Women’s Championship match at Stand & Deliver, and she got it by just being herself: breaking the rules and doing it her way.

Lyra, Roxie doesn’t like you, nor does she dislike you. She has no real feelings towards Lyra. Lyra’s just the woman carrying Roxie’s title. Well, barely carrying it now. But don’t worry, at Stand & Deliver, Roxie will be holding that title, and it’ll be back where it belongs. The Prodigy is excelling in being selfish and sadistic, but will those get her what she wants? Or only what she deserves?

 

Hank ‘n’ Tank are rocking out backstage.

Specifically, they’re all fired up because they’re auditioning to be the cohosts of Stand & Deliver! Hank practiced the song, right? Taylor Swift’s Antihero! No, man, Cool Summer! Aw man, that’s so good, too. But apparently, it isn’t just them interested in the job. Brinley Reece is with Malik Blade & Edris Enofe, she wants them to stay positive and give a MILLION percent! Edris says that is mathematically impossible. Malik says it IS possible, you just gotta believe! But Andre Chase also finishes up. How’d it go? He effin’ nailed it! Cool… Next! Next? Chase SLAPS the clipboard out of the staff assistant’s hand before storming off.

Meta Four walks over and Noam Dar says the real stars are finally here. They don’t even knock, they just say hello, hello, hello! Will Ava really accept Supernova 11 and crew as suitable hosts for Stand & Deliver?

 

Thea Hail w/ Chase U VS Jazmyn Nyx w/ Jacy Jayne!

Speaking of things people want and deserve, Chase U’s most energetic prospect is back to her old self! She realized this is who she is and who she wants to be, not what the toxic haters wanted her to be! So then, will Jazmyn get the humbling she and Jacy deserve? Or will they still do what they want to who they want with no remorse?

NXT returns as Jazmyn & Jacy make their entrance. The bell rings and Thea runs up to CLOBBER Nyx! And CLOBBER her again! And again! Then Thea WRINGS Nyx’s arm, then drags her by a leg! The fans rally, Nyx kicks Thea away and hurries to a corner. Thea runs in to back body block! Then she clinches to EXPLODER! The fans fire up, Nyx staggers up, and Thea gest her again! But Jacy gets on the apron! That distracts Thea, Nyx cradles, TWO! Nyx trips Thea, runs, and PENALTY KICKS! There’s her West Virginia soccer ability! Thea gets away to ropes, Nyx distracts the ref, and Jacy storms up.

The ref tells Jacy to back off so she does. Nyx runs up to stomp Thea in the corner, but the fans boo. Nyx lets off as the ref counts, then she drags Thea up to short arm BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nyx stays on Thea by pulling hair and mocking “poor little baby.” But Thea throws body shots! Nyx throws Thea down by her hair, then sits her up for an armlock chinbar combo. The fans rally as Thea endures. Jacy tells Nyx to make Thea pay, but Thea fights up! Thea throws body shots, but Nyx whips her away. Nyx runs up, into an ELBOW! And a BOOT! Thea runs to ROLLING NECKBREAKER!

The fans fire up and Thea storms after Nyx. Thea whips, Nyx reverses to PELE! Cover, TWO! Nyx clamps right onto Thea for a seated chicken wing, then LEG HOOK FULL NELSON! Thea endures, but Jacy snatches the towel! The fans boo as Jacy taunts Chase with it, #TowelGate flashbacks! Riley intercepts the throw!! The fans cheer, but then the ref sees Riley in the wrong?! The ref EJECTS Chase U!! The fans boo as Jacy’s toxicity still prevails! But Thea pushes Nyx to a cover! TWO!! Nyx runs up, into a JAWBREAKER! Jacy distracts Thea directly now, and Thea says she thought they were friends!

Jacy says Thea was never her friend! And then she SLAPS Thea!! The ref was too busy checking Nyx, and now Nyx rolls Thea up! TWO, KIMURA!!! NYX TAPS, THEA WINS!!

Winner: Thea Hail, by submission

Thea is so furious, she doesn’t let off, she SNAPS that elbow!! Nyx is writhing, Thea taunts her, but Jacy CLOBBERS Thea! Thea and Jacy brawl and the fans fire up! But wait, Kiana James & Izzi Dame jump in!! They mug Thea to help their new “friend,” Jacy! The fans boo as the mugging is 3v1, but here come Kelani & Fallon! They CLOBBER Jacy, throw hands with Izzi & Kiana, and now the brawl is 3v3! Kelani DROPKICKS Kiana outta the ring! Fallon ROCKS Izzi, then she and Kelani DOUBLE LARIAT Izzi outta the ring! Thea runs up to CLOBBER Jacy! Jacy reaches out, Izzi & Kiana grab her hands, it’s tug-o-war using Jacy!

Izzi & Kiana manage to get Kiana away from Thea, Fallon & Kelani, but it seems things are only heating up! Will these six women look to Stand & Deliver in order to settle this once and for all?

 

NXT presents Prime Target: Trick Melo Gang.

An old selfie video starts us off, and then Trick Williams himself says they clicked right from the beginning. Trick Melo Gang always gonna be here, that’s all it is, and that’s all it’s gonna be. It was something special, something unique, even for the storied history of NXT. Trick says what he and Melo built was special. What they built together was special. Booker T says Melo’s rise was awesome, but he couldn’t have had that rise without Trick by his side. Trick was there for his boy, every single victory. But Trick’s name wasn’t on those awards. Trick asked THE John Cena how he knew it was his time.

Booker says there was always going to come a time when Trick would have to leave the shadow of Carmelo Hayes. Both men wanted the exact same things: champagne wishes and caviar dreams. But on the flipside, Randy Orton says that Melo saw the signs. His best friend, former partner, everyone is jumping up and stomping their feet for Trick. Melo hears that reaction. CM Punk says this is a good case study of human nature. Neither man set out for it to be this way. Melo remembers like it was yesterday. He called up his boy, asked Trick if he was ’bout it, and Trick said, “I’m ’bout it ’bout it!” And that couldn’t have been more of a lie.

Melo tells Trick that he brought Trick to the water. Melo let Trick drink, he let Trick eat off the same plate as HIM. It was never a we thing, it was a Melo with Trick thing. Melo says that when you come for the One of One, Melo is second to nobody. The betrayal happened, and Melo claimed he wasn’t the one jealous of Trick’s success, because he was the one who allowed Trick to succeed. Melo was just reminding Trick of his place. When you bite the hand that feeds you, this is what you get. Trick was the sidekick, that is all it is, and that is all Trick was ever going to be. This is just part one of Prime Target, stay tuned for the rest!

 

The Alpha Academy warms up.

Maxxine Dupri says Tozawa and Otis are looking good. Eyes on the prize, they gotta focus. Otis says, “Oh yeah, my dove. Stand & Deliver is in our sights. But tonight, it’s not about loving Miss Laaash~!” Tozawa gets worked up but Otis says easy, tonight is about fighting. Tozawa says they will beat Bron & Corbin to then make it to Stand & Deliver, A THANK YEW~! Maxxine likes that fire, but will the Wolf Dogs avoid getting burned?

 

Open Challenge: Lola Vice VS ???

The challenge was put out on social media, because the Mayor of Vice City just knew NXT missed seeing her. Who steps up to prove her wrong?

Lola gets the mic to say, “It’s Stand & Deliver season, baby. And I put out an open challenge to any woman in the locker room who thinks she can handle this Latina Heat. Pero <But>, lemme tell you a little secret. No one, nada, can handle Lola Vice! I am the complete package. I’ve got knockout power in my hands and feet, and I look hot doing it. So I hope whoever’s about to come out is ready to be put to sleep.” IT’S NATALYA!? The fans fire up, and the Queen of Harts tells Lola that she saw the tweet. There is no doubt Lola is one of the fastest rising stars in NXT. But as WrestleMania Weekend has grown, so has Lola’s ego. Someone needs to put Lola in her place!

The fans fire up for that and Natty says she isn’t saying all this because she sees nothing in Lola. It’s because she sees everything in Lola. Natty goes to the ring, and she says that while she sees everything in Lola, she would just love to be the one that kicks her ass! But then Lola TACKLES Natty first! The fans fire up as these two brawl! The ref rushes in to separate them, but it’s only long enough for the bell to ring! They start throwing hands and the fans fire up! Natty CLUBS away on Lola, bumps her off buckles, then bumps her off more buckles! The fans rally for Natty as she trips Lola but Lola kicks her away!

Lola bails out, Natty pursues! Natty CLUBS Lola at the ramp, puts her back in the ring, but Lola hurries out the other side. Natty pursues again and SMACKS Lola off the apron! Natty puts Lola in, CLUBS her again, then gets the fans fired up. Natty DECKS Lola, drags her back up, and talks some trash. But Lola fires body shots and fast hands! Lola has Natty in a corner, Natty shoves her away, but then Lola ducks the lariat! Lola feints to then kick, KICK and ROUNDHOUSE Natty down! The fans fire up while Lola checks her jaw and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and the fans duel as Lola has Natty in a cobra twist! Natty endures, even as Lola digs in an elbow. Natty throws elbows, then hip tosses free! Lola gets up, runs up, but into a BOOT! Natty goes to a corner, Lola runs in again, but into another BOOT! Lola swings, Natty dodges and she ROCKS Lola again and again! The fans fire up, Natty fires off in the corner but the ref backs her off. Natty blocks Lola’s boot to throw her down! Natty then runs, steps on Lola, and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Natty pushes Lola down, has the legs, and the fans fire up as Natty steps through! Lola fights, kicks and has the ANKLE LOCK!

The fans boo as Natty endures and fights around! Lola grapevines but Natty rolls and rolls and has the ROPEBREAK! Lola lets go, has Natty in a corner and she throws body shots. Lola then fireman’s carries, but Natty fights free! Natty spins Lola, goes for a leg, but Lola steps over to La Magistrol! TWO and Natty has a cover, TWO! They both stand and Lola URAKENS! Cover, TWO!! Natty survives and Lola is furious! Lola clamps onto Natty with a TRIANGLE HOLD! Natty endures, fights around, and Karmen Petrovic hurries out here! Karmen cheers Natty on, Natty fights to stack, TWO!

Lola sees Karmen and says she better leave or Lola’s gonna hurt her! Natty goes to a corner, says “I’m a Latina~!” and shakes those hips before the HIP ATTACK! Lola drags Natty up to then URA- NO, Natty ducks to DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up as Natty has the legs again! Natty steps through, but Lola continues to fight! Lola BOOTS Natty, rolls her up, TWO!! Natty now has an ARMBAR!! Lola clasps hands to fight it off but the fans rally! Lola stacks Natty, TWO! SOBAT! But Natty ducks the roundhouse to O’Conner Roll! And it’s deep! NATTY WINS!

Winner: Natalya, by pinfall

The fans cheer the big win for Natty’s NXT return, and she celebrates with Karmen. Will Lola make Karmen pay for even showing up tonight?

 

NXT Media catches up with Shawn Spears.

The Chair Man is on his way out as they bring up his “disappointing result” against Dijak. Spears says, “Uh, ya think? Of course it’s disappointing. All because of… Joe Gacy? A guy who wasn’t even on my radar.” Spears says Gacy is now. Joe took something that is essential and vital to who Spears is so if he wants to play- Wait, someone shouts “INCOMING~!” The chair falls from the sky!? Gacy is up on the roof again! And he apologizes to Spears, Gacy meant to give that back to him sooner. Woops! Gacy laughs and then Oba Femi steps on Spears’ chair. Gacy says sorry, he didn’t see Oba there! Did that almost hit him? Sorry about that!

Gacy continues to laugh, but now he’s got The Chair Man and The Ruler upset with him. Are they both going to show Gacy that the time for games is over?

 

Sol Ruca speaks.

“Nothing beats the crest of a wave. Everything’s flowing and gathering momentum, it’s just beautiful. But then, it can all come crashing down with such an unbelievable force. Which perfectly describes what Blair Davenport did to me last April. She shredded my ACL and put me on the shelf for nine long, hard months. Every single day that I was in the gym, I thought about you, Blair, and how I’d repay you for putting a pause on my career. Rehab sucked, but Blair, I’m back now. And don’t be fooled by my carefree beach life personality, because I’m pissed off. Next week is more than a match. It is for every day I couldn’t walk or straighten my leg, and all the pain that I endured on that rehab table.

“Blair, you’ve stacked up your victims, but now it’s your turn to feel the pain of a tendon tearing. You may’ve torn my ACL, but next week, I snatch your soul.”

Backstage interview with Blair Davenport.

Kelly Kincaid brings up Sol’s message and Blair immediately says Sol is so likeable, right? She has the whole beach bum meets cool girl kind of vibe going for her, but she also reminds her of sand. Annoying, gross, and no matter how hoard you try, you just can’t get rid of her. So, Sol, you think you’re gonna have some big vindication against Blair or something? See, that’s your inexperience talking. You can waste all the time you like trying to ensign these TikTok dorks or whatever, but it’s not gonna help, is it? Blair is so excited to see how well the doctors repaired that ACL, because when Blair is done with Sol, she’ll be on another road to recovery, courtesy of Blair.

The Ichiban Gaijin has given her own warning, but who will still be standing after the smoke clears?

 

Ilja Dragunov VS Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Adriana Rizzo!

The Mad Dragon has tried showing The Don respect, but it’s hard to say if he’s gotten respect in return. The Underboss looks to soften the NXT Champion up, but will he succeed? Or is this a move Tony D’Angelo will regret making in this brutal game of chess?

The bell rings and Stacks eggs Dragunov on? Dragunov runs up but Stacks blocks the boot! Stacks DECKS Dragunov, DECKS him again, then brings him around for a facelock. Dragunov fights the suplex, wrenches through, and then ROCKS Stacks with boxing elbows! The fans rally, Stacks swings but misses, and Dragunov waistlocks! Stacks goes to ropes to buck Dragunov away, then he DROPKICKS Dragunov down! Stacks storms up to throw hands, then reels him in for a short arm LARIAT! The fans rally, Stacks pushes Dragunov around and then puts him in a corner. But Dragunov ROCKS Stacks, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!

Stacks comes back to ROCK Dragunov, then he ducks the spring-back enzigiri! Stacks runs to UPPERCUT Dragunov down! Fans are torn as Stacks stomps Dragunov. Stacks drags Dragunov up, bumps him off buckles, then fires hands. Stacks climbs up and he tells Dragunov he’s not ready for The Don. But Dragunov carries Stacks off the corner, for a POWERBOMB! The fans fire up as Dragunov snarls and rises up! Dragunov builds up the energy, runs up, but Stacks KICKS Dragunov before he can drop the hammer! Stacks scouted Dragunov almost perfectly! Then he STOMPS Dragunov’s fingers!!

Dragunov’s hand is all contorted and he can’t even pull the fingers straight! Stacks grabs that hand, but Dragunov HEADBUTTS! And CHOPS! But that’s the bad hand! Stacks runs up to TORNADO DDT! Dragunov flounders, Stacks covers, TWO! The fans rally as Dragunov stays in this, but Stacks stays on that bad hand! Stacks wrenches the hand and bends the beat-up fingers! The Don & Luca are watching backstage, and while the Legal Eagle is very impressed, Tony has a more wait-and-see attitude right now. Stacks JAMS Dragunov’s hand up, then stalks him. Stacks grabs the bad hand, twists the wrist, then throws down elbows on it!

Dragunov shouts in pain and clutches the wrist as Stacks talks smack. Stacks drags Dragunov up, to KNEE DROP on the hand! Then Stacks aims from the corner! Stacks wants Dragunov to get up, then he runs up, into an ELBOW! Stacks staggers, comes back, into the SPINNING CHOP! Dragunov fights through the pain and JUMP KICKS! Stacks goes to ropes, Dragunov runs up to ENZIGIRI! Stacks flops over and the fans rally with Dragunov. Dragunov hauls Stacks up, shoves him and SNAP GERMANS! Stacks flounders and the fans fire up! Dragunov hurries to haul Stacks up, reel him in, and even with the bad hand, he POWERBOMBS Stacks!

The fans rally as Dragunov goes to the corner. “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Cover, Dragunov wins!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall

The Czar takes the win, but perhaps Stacks still got the job done? We cut back to Luca and Tony, and Luca asks if he needs to go out there. No, no. Instead, invite Dragunov to dinner. At the restaurant? No, this is too big. Dragunov gets special treatment. They’ll have the meal at The Selica. Wait, that place is real? Oh, it is. That’s where he did the- Yeah, yeah. But it’s also for special occasions. So go get it done. Luca nods and heads out, but is Tony trying to lure Dragunov into his last supper?

 

NXT presents Prime Target: Trick Melo Gang, part 2.

Trick Willy returned home to South Philly and said hey to everyone from the neighborhood. His Uncle James, aka “Sweet Baby James,” took Trick in when he moved here, and that’s why Trick’s even wrestling now. Trick appreciates Uncle James and James says Trick’s the man! April 6th, they’re coming back to Philly, Sweet Baby James will get to see it as they tear the roof off the joint! Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love, but Trick ain’t gonna lie, he thought Melo was his brother. Booker says Trick knows it isn’t about getting beat down. It’s about getting beat down, and getting right back up into the fight.

Trick’s boxing coach and long time friend, Matthew Brooks, doesn’t know what’s up in Boston, aka Melo’s hometown, but a real brother never does what Melo did. CM Punk says, “When you’ve been stabbed in the back by somebody you considered a brother, the brother’s knife cuts the deepest.” Garry Cobb, former NFL player and a Philadelphia Eagle at that, says sometimes you get got. You may not get that guy back that same game, it might be something you have to wait for a long time, maybe even wait your whole career just to get that one game with them, that one shot. But there’s nothing sweeter than payback.

Trick’s never been this motivated. He will come back stronger, faster and better. Cobb says when you have that energy, it’s because you know you’re gonna make that play. Punk says, “When something monstrous gets done to you, you risk becoming a monster. And if I was Melo, I would be a little bit worried.” William Davis, family friend to Trick, says Trick’s gonna whoop dat ass, you know that. Trick runs the stairs like Rocky Balboa, and he is ready! “Melo… I’m coming for you.” Will Melo have a response? Stay tuned for part 3!

 

Baron Corbin talks with Bron Breakker backstage.

There he is! Looking good! And really tan, too… Uh, thanks, dude. Corbin asks how, and Bron says it’s because he goes outside. This is all natural, okay? Try it. Well, Bron does realize that tanning beds aren’t the actual sun, right? It must be frying his brain. Bron says he does know that! And he also knows that Corbin would be coming in all pale and ugly and crap. He brought something for Corbin. Boom! It’s a can of spray tan, with the words, “THE SUN” labeled on it! But then in step the Good Brothers. Luke Gallows asks if they’re interrupting something. N-No…! But what do they want anyways?

Karl Anderson says that is a good question. Because what they want as tag team legends is a traditional tag team match for Stand & Deliver! 2v2! But if Bron & Corbin lose, then it one: becomes a Triple Threat Tag; two: doubles the Wolf Dogs’ workload; and three: while you’re stuck on the aprons critiquing tans or lack thereof, Good Brothers will pin Alpha Academy to take the tag titles. If that’s not Too Sweet, we don’t know what is! Bron says woohoo, it won’t be a Triple Threat at Stand & Deliver because the Wolf Dogs will do their job. And the Good Brothers better do their jobs next week. See you in Philly. Maybe.

The Wolf Dogs leave because they’re going to Stand & Deliver no matter what. But will things be that traditional 2v2? Or will the odds drastic go down after tonight?

 

Ridge Holland is in the ring.

Fans are a bit torn on Yorkshire Grit being here live, but he has the mic to say, “It’s extremely hard for me to come out here tonight in front of everyone and say what I’m gonna say. I knew this day would come, but I never thought it’d be this soon. So first off, I’d like to thank Mighty Johns, the man that brought me in. I’d like to thank William Regal for seeing something in this washed-up, former professional rugby player, and giving me a chance. I’d like to thank Shawn Michaels, all the producers and talent back there for allowing me the time to come out here and say what I need to say.

“During my decade plus playing professional rugby, I always said that if I found myself hesitating or if I found myself a step off, that it would be time to have some difficult conversations. And lately, I have been hesitating. I have been a step off. And I can’t in good conscious run the risk of hurting myself or somebody else again.” Fans appreciate the honesty, and Ridge says he is very aware there is a perception around him. He’s heard the whispers, seen the comments, and the DMs, all the messages. Whether they’re true or not, what you haven’t seen is the affect it has had on the man behind “Ridge Holland.”

He is tired. He is tired of taking his work home with him. And he refuses to let this job take away from what he finds most valuable in life, and that is his ability to be the best dad and husband he possibly can be. The fans applaud the honesty again, and Ridge says that these past few days, he’s had a few of those difficult conversations. The first was with the ones that love him and care for him. The second was with himself, six inches from the mirror. Rugby and wrestling both require physical and mental resilience, and it is quite evidence he has been lacking in both. So he has made a decision. One that is best for his mental health and for the welfare and future of his family.

“With all that being said… I’m out here tonight to announce that I’m officially stepping away from in-ring competition indefinitely.” Fans applaud Ridge’s courage in saying that, and Ridge is clearly still emotional. As difficult and gut-wrenching as his decision has been, Ridge considers himself extremely blessed and lucky to even have had the opportunity to step foot in this company, let alone perform in front of millions of people all over the world. The fans applaud that, and Ridge extends the biggest thanks to all of NXT for allowing him to come back and take that last shot at redemption. He’s just sorry it didn’t work out.

Ridge appreciates the fans more than they’ll ever know. Cheers, lads. Thank you. The fans cheer, “Thank You, Ridge! Thank You, Ridge!” Ridge sets the mic down and steps out of the ring. If indefinite ends up being forever, will Yorkshire Grit’s mind finally be at peace?

 

Lyra Valkyria speaks.

“In every story every told, there are two paths you can walk: the wrong path, and the right one. Professor X and Magneto, Vaenera Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, Anakin and Obi-wan. The road to becoming NXT Women’s Champion makes or breaks those that walk it. And everything changes when you reach the top. When you’ve beat Becky Lynch to become champion… the little girl in you has no idea what’s on the other side. There’s a certain force that comes with the NXT Women’s Championship. It’s the same force that took me from Ireland to here, that drove me to beat my idol, that tests my moral compass and drives me to do right by this title every single day.

“When given the chose between right or wrong, that’s where Roxanne and I hit a crossroads. Because she took the easy way out. It’s way easier to walk around punching people in the locker room, being angry at the world. Cuz let’s face it, Roxanne, looking in the mirror, it’s just too hard for you. We both know the truth. Perez was beaten for this title, the minute she couldn’t climb the ladder to retain it last year at Stand & Deliver. Roxanne, I get all of your emotions. But this title deserves so much better than you.

“Honestly, I’d like to think in another life, we’d have been friends. Both dreamt of being here, idolized our favorites, trained day in and day out to prove we were worthy. But the only difference is, you let this title break you. You think you’re the chosen one, but your time has passed. And at NXT Stand & Deliver, it’s just you and me, and I will do anything to keep this title, and everything to keep you the hell away from it.” The Morrigan has spoken, will she come through on this promise in Philadelphia?

 

Josh Briggs VS Duke Hudson!

As Ava Raine said, there are heavy North American Championship implications on tonight’s matches. Dijak knows that, too, that’s why he’s on commentary for this one. So just how heavy is this going to get when big bad Briggs collides with the Chase U MVP?

The bell rings, the fans rally as the two tie up, and they go around. Briggs puts Duke on the ropes, then CLUBS him! Then Briggs headlocks, but Duke powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, neither falls so they start shoving. Duke runs but Briggs ELBOWS him! Briggs ROCKS Duke, has him in a corner and RAMS into him! Briggs fires elbows, then brings Duke around to bump off more buckles! Briggs ELBOWS Duke, tells Dijak to watch this, and then he throws more elbows! Dijak tells Briggs if they were the ones fighting, he’d lay waste to Briggs. Briggs whips Duke corner to corner, then runs up, but into the U~ RENAGE!

The fans fire up with Duke as he storms up and whips. Briggs reverses, Duke ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans fire up as Duke moves like a cruiserweight, then ROCKS Briggs! Briggs rebounds off ropes into the scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Briggs stays in this but bails out of the ring while Dijak brags that he’s been in some of the best North American title matches this company has ever seen. Duke pursues Briggs, but Briggs throws body shots! Duke SMACKS Briggs off the apron, pushes him into the ring, then storms up to the apron. Duke RAMS Briggs before Briggs can ram him, then he slingshots to GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans fire up while Briggs tumbles away! Duke hurries but Briggs flops out of the ring first. Duke goes out after Briggs again, hauls him up, but Briggs RAMS him into steel steps! Duke falls, Briggs grits his teeth, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Duke fights out of a chinlock with body shots. Briggs staggers, Duke fires fast hands and UPPERCUTS! Duke whips, Briggs reverses and scoops, SIDEWALK SLAM to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Duke survives even though Briggs called and raised him on that one. Briggs scowls at Dijak, then storms after Duke. Dijak says he’s the superior big man and will prove it, but Briggs bumps Duke off buckles. Briggs puts Duke up top, the fans duel, and Briggs climbs up. Briggs wants Dijak to watch this but Duke fires forearms! Briggs staggers back, Duke stands, but Briggs kicks the ropes to trip Duke up!

The fans are torn as Duke lands on his MVP! Briggs goes up, then SUPERPLEXES! Both big men writhe and the fans fire up! Briggs drags Duke up for a chinlock, then whips him to a corner. Briggs runs up but into an ELBOW! Briggs tries again, Duke dodges and Briggs hits buckles! Duke fires forearm after forearm, then short arm LARIATS! Then LARIATS! Briggs takes a swing, Duke ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT! The fans fire up as Duke JABS, JABS, JABS, then flips, flops and “U~!” BIONIC ELBOW! The fans rally as Duke SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Briggs stays in this and Duke grows frustrated, but the fans rally up again.

Duke stands Briggs up, whips him to a corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Duke staggers, Briggs runs, but into the BIG BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Briggs survives and Duke is stunned! Duke hurries to haul Briggs up, reels him in, but Briggs resists! The fans rally, Briggs shoves Duke then BOOTS! Then BIG back suplex! Briggs goes to a corner! Dijak chuckles and says yeah, go ahead, go up. Briggs climbs, but Duke gets him for a POWERBOMB!! Duke huffs and puffs and the fans fire up! Briggs goes to a corner, Duke runs in to clothesline! Then Duke whips corner to corner, only for Briggs to LARIAT!

Briggs roars, throws off the elbow pad and he runs, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Cover, Briggs wins!

Winner: Josh Briggs, by pinfall

Dijak admits, that was good. But then Briggs glaring at him only upsets Dijak, so Dijak storms to the ring. But wait! Oba Femi is on the perch! And he tells Briggs and Dijak, “Two monumental victories for the both of you tonight. Now I can finally say that I have two very worthy opponents for this North American Championship. Two titans who get to climb the mountain at Stand & Deliver! But gents, lest we forget, I AM THE MOUNTAIN! And on April 6th, the both of you will find out that nobody can reach that summit. But me and the rest of these good people will pay good money to see you try… IN A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH!”

The fans love the sound of that, but apparently so do Briggs and Dijak! Will Stand & Deliver turn WrestleMania weekend into Meat Madness?

 

NXT presents Prime Target: Trick Melo Gang, part 3.

Roadblock, Melo VS Tony, an NXT Championship #1 Contender’s match. And Trick’s theme song was all that was needed to mess HIM up. And then Trick got in there to go after Melo himself! Trick tossed the bodyguards, threw hands on Melo, and Melo was sent running. Punk brings up the saying, “When you set out for revenge, dig two graves.” This is beyond the ring, this is personal. Who wants to hurt the other man more? Johnny Gargano adds that being betrayed by a man closer than a brother, you lose a part of yourself in the process. And you may never get that part back.

Orton understands where both men are coming from. The main point, the main takeaway, is that at Stand & Deliver, it is gonna be one hell of a way to start WrestleMania Weekend. Tommaso Ciampa says this match is quite possibly the biggest match in NXT history. Cody Rhodes says when it comes to predicting the winner, it is easy: Trick Williams. Trick knows he and Melo aren’t on the same level. They never were. Melo could put on boots, stand on a stepstool and have a Ludacris afro, he’ll still never measure up to Trick!

Melo says Trick really thinks he has what it takes to be on top. What does Trick know about carrying a brand for two YEARS? About being THE guy on the posters? About being THE reason tickets sell? About doing media? About being… HIM? Two years, Trick had Melo’s back, watched him win everything NXT had to offer, because that is what brothers do. Melo says he brought Trick into this world, he will be the one to take him out of it! Melo carried NXT, carried Trick, because he is the greatest performer in NXT history. Trick says Melo wanted a war, so they’re going to war! In the end, it’s Trick VS Melo, but who will Stand & Deliver?

 

Meta Four is messing around with the cameras?

But they can’t seem to figure out which one is what angle. They got the floor, they got the overhead view, but which one is for the truck? There it is! And Dar says hello, hello, hello! Hear him now as Meta Four proves they run this! Lash says you can’t have the biggest show of the year without the biggest stars of the galaxy, okay? And that is why they are officially the hosts of Stand & Deliver! Meta Four ever~! Wait, wait, back to Vic & Booker! And just in time as we’re about to have the main event! But wait, is Meta Four really going to take over the biggest Stand & Deliver ever?

 

Arianna Grace posts on Instagram.

She’s stressed out trying to pick out the perfect dress for “Giorgina,” aka Gigi Dolin. Gold would look so nice, but it kinda clashes with her orange hair. They could fix the hair. But then tassels! Who doesn’t love tassels? No, no, still not right. What about this one? Beige but covered in various precious stones. No, this is Arianna’s favorite so no. Wait! OMG, yes! This one! Gigi will look so good in… What? What kind of dress does Arianna really think will work for Gigi?

 

Backstage interview with Ilja Dragunov.

Kelly Kincaid congratulates him on his victory and he thanks her for that. But Dragunov admits, The Underboss definitely brought it. The D’Angelos did their homework. Yes, and with Stand & Deliver just two weeks away, is Dragunov surprised Tony didn’t show himself? Dragunov was expecting that, but then Luca steps in. Just when you think you know the answers, you don’t. But Luca is here to extend an invitation for a pre-Stand-and-Deliver dinner with The Don. Oh, is that so? Okay, Dragunov is familiar with the restaurant, so tell Tony- No, no, Ilja. This won’t be at the restaurant. Dragunov will need this,

Luca hands over an envelope with the initials “TD” on it. Dragunov does his best to open it, and it would seem there are directions written. Dragunov is rather surprised, but will there be any surprises waiting for him at the infamous Selica?

 

NXT Tag Team Championship Qualifier: Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin VS Akira Tozawa & Otis w/ Maxxine Dupri!

The Wolf Dogs just told the Good Brothers that they’re gonna handle business tonight against the Alpha Academy, but the Stamina Monster & Tree Trunk promised to come through for Master Gable. Who lives up to their word after this high stakes tag match? We find out, after the break!

NXT returns and “SHOOOOSH~!” The Academy makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Tozawa starts against Corbin. Corbin rushes in, Tozawa dodges and fires off fast strikes! Corbin shoves Tozawa away but Tozawa comes back for more! Corbin throws Tozawa to a corner, then runs in, but into OBOTS! Tozawa goes up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as Tozawa DROPKICKS Corbin, and Corbin staggers away! Bron tags in, and Tozawa falls back to tag in Otis! The fans fire up for the “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” The two step up and Bron pushes Otis, only for Otis to shove Bron! Bron runs up, Otis ducks and then headlocks hard.

Bron powers up and out, Otis reverses with a whip, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Otis to CLOBBER him! Bron bails out, Corbin runs in, but Otis sends him into a GAMANGIRI from Tozawa! Otis adds a SPLASH, then a LARIAT! The fans fire up as Tozawa tags in and runs up, pop-up RANA! Corbin ducks the Shining Wizard but not quite enough, he gets clipped on the back end. Tozawa then hurries up top to MISSILE DROPKICK! Corbin tumbles out to join Bron, and Otis scoops Tozawa! Gorilla Press TOSS and down goes the Wolf Dogs! “A THANK YEW~!” as NXT goes picture in picture.

Bron & Corbin sputter while they stir on the ramp, and Otis tags back in. Bron gets up and slides in but Otis is right on him. Otis BELLY BUMPS Bron right down! Otis then brings Bron up, for another BELLY BUMP! Bron leans on ropes, Otis storms up and has him in the corner. Otis whips corner to corner, runs in and RAMS into Bron! Otis digs his shoulder in, then brings Bron out to push him down. Tag to Tozawa, and Otis steps on Bron! Tozawa steps on Bron, to then rapid fire stomp! Bron sputters, Tozawa brings him up and tags Otis back in. The Academy mugs Bron and Otis stalks Bron. Bron throws body shots then UPPERCUTS!

Otis staggers, comes back, and Bron scoops! But he falls over under Otis’ weight! Cover, TWO! Otis tags Tozawa back in and Tozawa stomps Bron around. Tozawa brings Bron up but Bron JUMP KNEES! Hot tag to Corbin and he hurries after Tozawa! But Tozawa SOBATS, spins, slides under, then SPIN- NO, Corbin stops the kick to fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Corbin rains down fists, then lets off to drag Tozawa into a seated half nelson. Tozawa endures as NXT returns to single picture, fights up, and the fans rally, only for Corbin to HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOW! Tozawa drops, Corbin tags in Bron.

The Wolf Dogs mug Tozawa, the fans rally, but Bron headlocks. Tozawa powers up and out, Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds speed to LARIAT! The fans fire up with Bron and he brings Tozawa back up. Bron brings Tozawa over, tags Corbin, and they whip Tozawa to POP-UP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tozawa survives but Maxxine is still worried. Corbin drags Tozawa up, KNEES him low, and then stands on Tozawa’s face! The ref counts, Corbin steps away, and the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Corbin!” “TO-ZA-WA!’ Corbin hauls Tozawa up but Tozawa fires body shots! Tozawa runs, but into an ELBOW!

Corbin tags Bron, they get Tozawa up, SUPLEX CUTTER to the BACK SUPLEX CUTTER! Tozawa is dazed, Bron covers, but Otis breaks it! The fans rally, Bron is annoyed, but then Bron aims from the corner. Tozawa is in the other, and Bron runs in, but only gets POST! Tozawa hurries but Bron grabs a foot! Bron and Tozawa stand, Tozawa ENZIGIRIS! Bron staggers, Tozawa crawls, hot tags to Corbin and Otis! Otis LARIATS Corbin, LARIATS again, then whips to the corner for the BACK ELBOW! Bron returns but Otis sidesteps to WRECKER ELBOW! Otis SPLASHES Bron in a corner, then LARIATS again!

Otis storms up on Corbin but Corbin ROCKS him with a right! Otis ROCKS Corbin back! Corbin ROCKS Otis, Otis ROCKS Corbin! Bron is back, but Otis clinches him! Corbin runs up, but also into a clinch! DOUBLE BACK DROPS! The fans fire up as Otis rips off the shirt! Maxxine says that’s what they’re talking about! Here comes the hip swivels, and the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives and Otis is shocked! The fans chant “You Can’t Handle the Meat!” as Otis drags Corbin up. Ortis scoops, Corbin slips free and he staggers to his corner. Tag to Bron, Bron runs up, but into the WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Cover, Corbin breaks it!

Tozawa SHINING WIZARDS Corbin, and it was a clean one this time! Tozawa hurries back to his corner, Otis tags him in before he Electric Chair Lifts Bron! Tozawa climbs, ALPHA DOOM- POWERSLAM COUNTER?! Bron turns things around quite literally! The fans are thunderous as Bron pulls down the straps! Otis runs up, but Bron dumps him out! Otis ends up on the apron but Bron ROCKS him! Tag to Corbin, but Otis fires hands on both Wolf Dogs! Bron kicks Otis, slides under, and with Corbin’s help, POWERBOMBS Otis through the desk!!! Maxxine freaks out and the fans lose their minds!

Tozawa is alone but he kicks Corbin on the return. Tozawa fires off, SUPERKICKS, but Bron tags in! Corbin catches Tozawa for a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Flip over, then SPEAR!! Cover, Wolf Dogs win!

Winners: Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin, by pinfall (denies The Alpha Academy a title opportunity)

Tozawa & Otis did their best to Stand & Deliver, but they could not withstand the hard-hitting combination of Bron & Corbin. But wait, now the LWO is ringside! And then here come the Good Brothers! And of course, Axiom & Nathan Frazer zip out here! The brawl is on and the fans are thunderous! Refs rush in as “NXT! NXT!” closes out in chaos! Now that only one team faces the Wolf Dogs in Philadelphia, who will overcome the odds in next week’s Triple Threat to be THE #1 contenders?


My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT with a lot of the go-home stuff taken care of here, but in a good way. Great promos from Roxanne and Lyra, with Roxanne trashing her past while Lyra points out the reality of that past. The same goes for the three-part Prime Target on Trick and Melo. You know it’s a big deal when they get names like Orton and Punk to talk on this feud, and it’s very fitting to also have Gargano and Ciampa involved. I don’t know if Trick VS Melo really is the biggest thing in NXT history, but it is definitely the best thing in this generation and deserves to be in the conversation.

Ridge Holland’s promo announcing his indefinite sabbatical was not expected, and it certainly sounded like the fans weren’t sure where he was going until the end there. I would really hope this isn’t some sort of Mark Henry fake retirement speech, because mental health and the work-life balance are serious issues. If Ridge really does feel this is what he needs to do, then I commend him on realizing that for himself and making this move. He more than a lot of wrestlers in this generation has faced misfortune and fans not really knowing how to react to him because of all that. I really do hope that he can find some solace in stepping away from the ring.

Good promo from Arianna Grace to tease what she’s gonna dress Gigi in for the continued pageant queen makeover, and it is probably going to be really weird or shabby as a way to humiliate Gigi rather than make her look good. Really good promos from Sol Ruca and Blair Davenport to hype up their grudge match, that will be some really good stuff for the go-home next week. Great match from Natty and Lola, and of course Karmen shows up to more or less help Natty. Karmen VS Lola is definitely coming and it is definitely going to be good, but I would think Lola wins to make up for the loss here.

Great matches in the North American Championship scene and the stories connected to that. Gacy stealing Spears’ chair was a good way to get us going towards that feud, but that bit where Oba Femi stomps the chair made me think we were going big with another ladder match. But instead, it is as I figured from last week, we’re going big in the sense that this will be the biggest, meatiest match for this title perhaps ever and that is great stuff. Great stuff from the story with Thea, Jacy, et cetera, and I guess it’ll be a Six Woman Tag, not eight like I expected given how Thea “injured” Jazmyn with the kimura. But still, Thea, Fallon & Kelani VS Jacy, Kiana & Izzi is gonna be great stuff.

I do like that Stand & Deliver is getting hosts this year, but how could I not expect it to be Meta Four? Even though they’re Heels, they’re all very entertaining and will be able to make the most out of this role, this really will be a lot of fun. Great stuff with Dragunov VS Stacks and then Tony inviting Dragunov to what I hope I’m hearing/spelling correctly as The Selica. I think that’s supposed to be the boat the D’Angelos met with Legado Del Fantasma way back when, so I do like there’s some continuity coming back. Dragunov won tonight but who knows how the go-home math will sort out. I said a few weeks ago that it’d be wild if Trick won to send Melo off and Tony did the same for Dragunov, leaving us with Trick VS Tony for the Summer, and I will stand by that possibility.

And of course, great stuff in the tag division. Good promos tonight, especially Good Brothers confronting Wolf Dogs. Awesome main event tag, but of course the Academy was losing here. Wolf Dogs are defending the belts 2v2 since the Triple Threat box has been checked by Oba VS Dijak VS Briggs, and that brawl to close us out was great stuff. No one stood tall as we cut away, so technically any team could win next week. LWO is least likely, they’ve still got stuff building with Legado. Frazer & Axiom are second most, they’re great Faces and it’d be a great rematch from the Dusty Cup, but that’s just it: it’d be a rematch. Wolf Dogs VS Good Brothers is fresh, it’d be great stuff, and Good Brothers feel like they’re also the most likely to beat the Wolf Dogs, allowing Bron to go to SmackDown full-time.

My Score: 8.9/10


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