Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/25/22)
NXT gets Toxic tonight!
In NXT, grudges lead to gold!
Toxic Attraction has been doing whatever they want, but that could change! Will Kay Lee Ray lead her team to victory over the women’s champions of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: MSK VS Jacket Time; MSK wins and advances to the semifinals.
- No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Match: Boa VS Solo Sikoa; Sikoa wins.
- Duke Hudson VS Guru Raaj; Hudson wins.
- Six Woman Tag: Toxic Attraction VS Kay Lee Ray, Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta; KLR, Hartwell & Pirotta win.
- Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Grizzled Young Veterans VS Andre Chase & Bodhi Hayward; GYV wins and advances to the semifinals.
- Io Shirai VS Tiffany Stratton; Shirai wins.
- NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Cameron Grimes VS Tony D’Angelo; Grimes wins and will challenge Carmelo Hayes for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
MSK admire the Dusty Cup.
Tonight’s the night! They won last year’s, and thanks to Matt Riddle, they know what it takes to get to the top again. But don’t touch it! Bad things happen when you touch the cup! Wes Lee says nothing’s gonna happen. They’re destined to win again. It all starts in three, two, one!
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: MSK VS Jacket Time!
Wes Lee & Nash Carter are ready to make history as repeat Dusty Rhodes Classic winners! But that means getting through Kushida & Ikemen Jiro! Will the semifinals be must-see or handsome?
The teams sort out, Carter and Kushida start and fans rally for Jacket Time. Kushida and Carter tie up, Kushida waistlocks but Carter switches. Carter drags Kushida down, floats, but Kushida gets a leg to a press, ONE! The two reset, Kushida gets a wristlock, Carter rolls, handsprings and flips to arm-drag free! Fans fire up, and the two reset again. Carter kicks but Kushida blocks to push him back. Carter sweeps the leg, tags Lee, and MSK get Kushida up to bump off buckles! Table top and SUPERMAN CLUTCH! Cover, TWO! Kushida kicks but Lee jumps over. Kushida still gets an arm and wrenches to a wristlock!
Jiro tags in and Jacket Time double wrench for DOUBLE ELBOW BREAKERS! Kushida and Jiro then DOUBLE PENALTY KICK the arms! Lee crawls but Jiro runs in, only for Lee to sweep legs! Cover, ONE! Lee sweeps legs again to cover, ONE! Lee avoids Jiro’s sweep with a handspring, but Jiro shows off his own moves! Lee dropkicks Jiro but Jiro stays up! Fans rally up, Le block s the jacket punch, but Jiro comes back with a JACKET PUNCH! Jiro stomps Lee to the corner, brings him up to CLUB, then tags Kushida. Jiro runs side to side, JACKET PUNCH! Kushida runs in, SHOTEI! JACKET PUNCH! SHOTEI! DOUBLE BULLDOG!
Fans are fired up as Kushida drags MSK and wrenches the arm. Tag to Jiro, Jacket Time CLUB the arms! Jiro ROCKS Lee then whips, but Lee reverses to ROCK Jiro back! Lee whips Jiro in, but Jiro puts him out! Carter tags in, Lee ENZIGURIS, then holds Jiro in for Carter’s BRONCO BUSTER! Carter taunts, covers, Kushida breaks it! Carter focuses on Jiro and holds him down with a facelock. Jiro moves around, Carter gets a chinlock. Fans rally, Jiro fights up and throws body shots. Jiro then throws hands, whips, but Carter holds ropes. Lee tags in, Jiro blocks Carter’s kick and shoves Carter into Lee!
Fans duel, Jiro dodges Carter to JACKET PUNCH! Carter falls out of the ring, Jiro builds speed, but into a STUNNER HOTSHOT! Carter holds Jiro for Lee to GAMANGIRI! Fans are torn as NXT goes picture in picture.
Lee gets in, covers, TWO! Jiro survives but Lee drags him around. Lee wrenches the arm, tags Carter, and MSK whips Jiro for a trip, Chancery and basement dropkick! Carter covers, Kushida breaks it again! Carter gets annoyed with Kushida but he stomps Jiro down. Carter drags Jiro up, EuroUppers him to the corner, then tags Lee. Snapmare and slingshot kneeboard senton! Lee paces, throws down fists into Jiro’s ribs then covers, TWO! Lee keeps cool, he drags Jiro up but Jiro throws body shots. Jiro JACKET PUNCHES, runs, but into a BIG dropkick! Cover, TWO! Lee drags Jiro by his leg, tags Carter in, and sets Jiro up for Carter’s slingshot senton! Cover, TWO!
Jiro reaches out, Carter drags him away and tags Lee back in. MSK mugs Jiro, Lee throws more body shots, and then back suplex, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jiro reaches out again but Lee keeps him from Kushida! Jiro schoolboys Lee away, hot tag to Kushida! Kushida rallies with SHOTEIS on Lee, then SHOTEI for Carter! Kushida whips, Lee sunset flips, Kushida rolls through to BUZZSAW! Carter runs into an atomic drop! Hip toss and basement dropkick! Kushida fires up, FAST BALL for Lee! Kushida then PENALTY KICKS an arm out! Kushida runs corner to corner, HANDSPRING KICKS for MSK!
Kushida goes out to put Lee back in, tag to Jiro. Jacket Time gets Lee up, double whips him to the corner, then Kushida goes in, but Lee tosses him out! Lee BOOTS Jiro, fakes Jiro out, and boots him away to hot tag Carter! Carter rallies, CHOPS, then whips Jiro. Jiro reverses, but Carter catches him out of the air for a flapjack! SNAP GERMAN! Fans fire up, Carter fires off kicks, sweeps the legs, PENALTY KICKS! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Jiro survives and Carter can’t believe it! Fans are loving this as Carter gets Jiro up. Carter CLUBS Jiro, tags Lee, “This is Awesome!” Lee goes up but Jiro fights free to shove Carter into him!
Jiro SUPERKICKS Carter down, but Lee shoulders in. Lee slingshots, but sunset is turned into Alabama lift! Jiro tucks Lee for the CRUNCHY! Cover, TWO!! Fans are dueling, “That was three!” “It was two!” Tag to Kushida, Jacket Time double whip to double hip toss, double basement dropkick! DOUBLE BUZZSAWS! Cover, Carter breaks it!! Kushida throws Carter out, tags Jiro in, and Jacket Time coordinate. Dragon sleeper, but Lee fights out to shove Kushida into Jiro! ROUNDHOUSE takes Kushida down! But Jiro is still up top, SWANTON FLOP! Both men are down, fans are thunderous, hot tags to Carter and Kushida!
Carter dodges Kushida to JUMP KNEE! MSK coordinate, PUSH-SAULT onto knees! HOVERBOARD LOCK!! Carter fights up to his feet but Kushida gets the body scissors!! Kushida cranks the arm but Carter RAMS him into buckles! Lee tags in, MSK coordinates, MUST-SEE BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, MSK WINS!
Winners: MSK, by pinfall (advance to the semifinals)
This was just the first round and it felt more like the finals! Biggest of all, Jacket Time and MSK show respect with bows and handshakes. But will MSK be able to make it back to those finals? Or will Malik Blade & Edris Enofe be bracket busters again next round?
Zoey Stark talks with Io Shirai backstage.
Zoey Stark says the Men’s Dusty Cup is in full swing, and asks if Shirai remembers that Zoey made her debut in NXT in last year’s Women’s Dusty Cup. And that is right around the corner. Zoey has been rehabbing like crazy, but she won’t be able to make it back in time. So…? So Zoey thinks Shirai should find a new partner. What? Well, Shirai has done everything there is to do in NXT, so how awesome would it be to have her name on that trophy? Shirai doesn’t want a new partner. Hold on. Is that because she likes Stark? NO! Tiffany Stratton walks in to say, “OMG, what are you wearing? Did you find it off the clearance rack?”
But fashion aside, Tiffany figures Shirai will have plenty of time to find a partner after she loses to Tiffany tonight. Toodles! Shirai rants in Japanese, but says it’ll be okay, she’ll definitely show Tiffany what’s up. Will the spoiled rich girl learn not to anger the Evil Genius?
Cameron Grimes speaks.
Tony D’Angelo, last week, before I put that portrait over your head, I heard you talking about your boys. Rick the Stick? Well I got some boys of my own. Ben, Benji and a whole lot of Franks.” But they’re not talking about their boys, but about who is the better man, the tougher man. And there is no man tougher than Grimes. Tony D, you’ll be dropped off at Lil’ Italy as Grimes goes after Melo and the North American Championship to take it #ToTheMoon.
Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams arrive.
But not just them, OllieJayy was riding with them! Will they have VIP seats for when OllieJayy performs for NXT live?
MSK celebrates on stage, but they’re interrupted.
Legado Del Fantasma heads to the ring, but they simply move past MSK without a word. What will the Emperor of Lucha, Santos Escobar, have to say about his own near future? We find out, after the break.
NXT returns and Escobar has the mic. “Each and every week, ever since Bron Breakker has shown his hideous, ugly face in NXT, every single superstar says the same thing. At first, they go after the low hanging fruit. They mock him. Because of his father, because of his uncle, and of course, because of his family’s poor, poor math skills. And then when the jokes are done, everybody tells Bron just how special he is, and how he’s not only gonna be a huge star someday, some have the nerve to say he is a huge star now. Can you believe that?” Escobar refuses to do that, Bron. Escobar prides himself in being real, from the start, because that is a trait passed down to him by his father.
Bron and Escobar have similar upbringings. But that is why Bron’s family doesn’t impress Escobar, and why Bron himself doesn’t intimidate Escobar. Escobar doesn’t like Bron. Actually, he DESPISES Bron! He despises how fast Bron got here, how he’d been given all those opportunities, and most of all, he DESPISES hat Bron won the NXT title before Escobar! Bron’s been here only a handful of months, and he already makes Escobar sick! But here comes Bron! The NXT Champion gets in the ring with Escobar and Legado, gets himself a mic, and says let’s get to it then. Bron thinks Santos is a great superstar, but he’s insecure. He needs Mendoza, Wilde and Lopez.
Now yes, they have similar upbringings. But Bron’s family taught him to handle business head-on, while Escobar’s- Escobar won’t let Bron talk about his family! But Bron tells Escobar to callete! The champ’s speaking! If Escobar issues the challenge, then Bron will accept it. It’s that simple. Well Bron has a huge target on his back for someone who is always alone. But like Escobar said, things are done on his time. And trust him, when Escobar’s ready, Bron will know. Fans boo as Legado backs off, but then Wilde and Mendoza rush Bron! Bron CLOBBERS each of them, then dumps Mendoza out of the ring! Bron rips off his shirt, throws it at Escobar, but when will Escobar say it’s time?
Boa speaks.
“Once I become one with these powers, impeding doom awaits you. These powers are uncontrollable.” He tried to warn Solo Sikoa, “You don’t understand the fire you have ignited.” Solo fought Boa and got burned, but now nothing is holding these two back! Where will this fight end when these two can do anything and go anywhere?
No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Match: Boa VS Solo Sikoa!
NXT returns, and Sikoa makes his entrance, only to be blindsided by Boa! The Tian Sha paint is on, the vengeful spirit is in control! Boa uses a kendo stick to SMACK Sikoa into the ring, the bell sounds, and Boa keeps firing off! Fans rally up for Sikoa but Boa goes out to bring out chairs! Boa puts the chairs in the ring but Sikoa grabs one. Boa tosses a trash can in, gets in, but Sikoa hits a SAMOAN DROP! Fans fire up as both men crawl. Sikoa and Boa each get a chair, and they each wedge them into the corners. There’s one chair left, both men jump for it! They each get hands on it and fans rally up as they tug-o-war!
Boa gets the chair, JAMS Sikoa then SMACKS him down! Boa SMACKS Sikoa in the arm, then SMACKS him in the other arm! And again! Boa tosses that chair aside to get the trash can. Boa throws knees then reels Sikoa in, BUTTERFLY SUPLEXÂ onto the can! Cover, TWO! Boa roars, goes back outside, and brings out a TABLE! Sikoa flops out of the ring as Boa sets up the table at ringside. Sikoa ROCKS Boa with an uppercut! They go towards the crowd and brawl into the back. Sikoa DECKS Boa into spare armchairs, then uses a chair to SMACK Boa down! Sikoa and Boa keep brawling and go further into the back.
Sikoa whips but Boa stops himself to then BOOT Sikoa into a table. Boa RAMS Sikoa into spare ladders, then KICKS him against them! Boa RAMS Sikoa back into the ladder, CLUBS him, then throws ladders! Sikoa avoids getting hit, but Boa RAMS him with one! Boa runs in, but Sikoa dodges and Boa hits garage door! Sikoa dribbles Boa off the garage door, gets the ladder and he RAMS it into him with a body check! Sikoa covers on the cement, TWO! Sikoa dribbles Boa off the garage door more, then gets space. Sikoa runs, but Boa dodges and Sikoa hits only garage door! Both men sputter but Boa drags himself over to Sikoa.
Boa dribbles Sikoa off the steel, then KICKS him against it. Boa throws Sikoa out through the door, then fires up, only for Sikoa to block the door! Boa decides to raise the garage door, but all that damage done to it makes that hard. Boa gets it open enough and Sikoa SPRAYS Boa with fire extinguisher! “Got yo’ ass!” Sikoa punches Boa and SMACKS him with a chair, and they return to ringside! Sikoa POSTS Boa, puts him in the ring, and gets that third chair to put in another corner. Sikoa gets Boa up, throws knees, then RAMS Boa into one of the chair corners! And then the second! And then the third! SUPERKICK!
Sikoa goes up and fans are fired up! But Boa hits ropes to trip Sikoa up! Sikoa falls out of the ring, Boa goes out to bring him towards the table. Boa smacks Sikoa off the announce desk, KICKS him, and KICKS him, but Sikoa SAMOAN DROPS Boa against the hood! Boa flops down, Sikoa rains down fists! Sikoa puts Boa on the table he set up, then goes to the ring. Sikoa climbs the corner, fans are going nuts as he FLYING SPLASHESÂ through the table!! Cover in the wreckage, Sikoa wins!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall
Sikoa threw caution to the wind and took the win in this brutal battle! Has Sikoa exorcised Boa and that evil spirit from his path?
Imperium speaks.
Marcel Barthel says, “Our name stands for dominance, our name stands for pride, and our name stands for success.” The same goes for Walter’s new name. “The name I’m known as all over the world, the name my parents gave me in honor of our family patriarch, my grandfather, the man who introduced me to this great sport. But now it’s time to leave the past behind and guide Imperium into the future, standing on my own two feet, with my own identity.” Barthel says this is the “dawn of a new time for Imperium.” They’re closing the door to the past to open one to a whole new future, a whole new age!
Fabian Aichner says “It’s going to be a future led by this man, a man who will spread pain and fear throughout the entire WWE.” He is now… GUNTHER. A rose by any other name would still have thorns, so will Walter’s transformation into Gunther simply mean he brings his devastating power into a new realm to conquer?
Duke Hudson VS Guru Raaj!
No more jiggery-pokery, the deck has been put away and Duke is playing for keeps! He demolished Guru Raaj’s match with Dante Chen last week, will Duke just demolish Raaj directly?
The bell rings, and Duke BOOTS Raaj right down! Duke rains down furious fists, turns them into clubbing forearms, then drags Raaj up to put in a corner. Duke throws body shots, forearms, haymakers, and stomps! “Dukie Sucks!” but Duke just whips Raaj into the corner to scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Duke shouts at the fans but they boo him. Duke drags Raaj up, reels him in, and gut wrenches to the crucifix, for THE RIVER! Cover, Duke wins!
Winner: Duke Hudson, by pinfall
But Duke can’t celebrate long as Dante Chen appears to call him out! “I’m going to give you the respect that you didn’t give me last week, by letting you know, here I come.” Dante gets in and brawls with Duke! The refs hurry in but Duke KNEES low! Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” and then Duke gets free to CHOP BLOCK! He went right for the leg of Dante’s that just healed! Has Duke made sure the Singaporean Warrior can’t raise the stakes?
Backstage interview with Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta.
Persia loves Duke’s aggressive side. And he looks good with short hair. Indi tells Persia to focus, but Persia says “Mrs. Lumis” is one to talk. But in all seriousness, they’re focused. This is a big match tonight, and Indi’s been training her butt off. These two are gonna be one step closer to winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships. Kay Lee Ray walks in, with her bat, saying, “Championships, championships, championships. We know that there’s more to being champion than just doing photoshoots. But what Mandy Rose represents is the complete opposite of that title around her waist.” Persia says to add Gigi & Jacy to that, too.
KLR says that tonight, they can all stake their claims to the titles. “Soon, Toxic Attraction are gonna realize that the next photoshoot they do might be without those titles.” Will the Scary Queen of Scots and the impressive duo behind her soon make Toxic Attraction face utter destruction?
Backstage interview with Legado Del Fantasma.
Wilde & Mendoza are still seething, and though McKenzie asks why Escobar didn’t take Bron on, Mendoza answers. “What the hell is going on?” He goes off in Spanish, and then Wilde says that Bron needs to find out what happens when you disrespect Legado! Escobar says the young champion has made a mistake. These two will get a piece of Bron, 2v1. Unless of course, Bron can find a friend. That’s unlikely since Bron is NXT Champion, and that is a very, very lonely job. So safe to say, Bron’s growing pains are just going to continue. Lopez remembers Bron said it himself, he’s first to arrive and last to leave. Maybe Legado hangs around, too.
Six Woman Tag: Toxic Attraction VS Kay Lee Ray, Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta!
NXT returns and KLR makes her entrance. Indi and Persia are already there, and the teams sort out. Persia starts against Mandy and the two circle. KLR wants in and Mandy doesn’t want any of that! KLR tags in, Mandy runs away to her corner, and Mandy talks things over with Jacy. Jacy tags in, Jacy circles with KLR. They tie up, go around, and KLR powers Jacy to the corner. Tag to Indi, Indi stomps away on Jacy then waistlocks. Jacy switches, Indi runs to ropes to buck Jacy away. Jacy comes back, is put on the apron through ropes, and Indi EuroUppers to then BOOT Jacy down! Cover, ONE!
Indi keeps on Jacy but Jacy wrenches and shoves Indi to then KNEE her to the corner! Jacy RAMS in, tags Gigi, and the tag champs mug Indi. Gigi snapmares, but Indi ducks the Penalty Kick to roll her up! TWO, and Gigi KNEES Indi down! Gigi drags Indi up, whips her to the corner, then CHOPS her! Tag to Mandy, Mandy stomps Indi, then Mandy brings Indi in for a snap suplex! Mandy soaks up the cheers and jeers, then pie faces KLR. KLR runs back in and that scares Mandy, and Indi rolls her up! TWO, but Indi CLOBBERS Mandy with an elbow! Indi drags Mandy over, tags Persia, and feeds Mandy to a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Indi adds a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Persia drags Mandy, KLR wants in, so Persia tags her in! Mandy bails out, but KLR gives chase! They go out, around, back in, but Mandy kicks at KLR. Mandy runs in at the corner, but KLR puts her on the apron and shoulders her down! Toxic Attraction regroups with their leader, Persia and Indi are there, KLR goes up and up and DIVES! Direct hit onto all of Toxic Attraction! KLR drags Mandy up and puts her in, fans rally as KLR stalks Mandy, but Gigi distracts from the apron. Mandy crawls, tag to Jacy, and KLR is furious! KLR fires off on Jacy, CHOPS her, then CHOPS her again! Tag to Persia, and she stomps away on Jacy!
Persia RAMS her shoulders in, tags Indi, and Indi stomps away on Jacy! Indi brings Jacy out but Jacy DECKS Indi with a right! Jacy runs in but Indi BOOTS her! Indi ROCKS Mandy, ROCKS Gigi, but they both pull Indi down! Jacy hits a CANNONBALL! Cover, ONE! Jacy CLUBS Indi, drops a SENTON, then drags her back. Tag to Gigi, she whips and ROCKS Indi with a forearm, then whips and ROCKS her again! Gigi snapmares Indi to KICK her in the back! Gigi gives Indi Kowata Kicks! Gigi bumps Indi off buckles, tags Mandy in, and they mug Indi. Mandy keeps Indi from her corner with an elbow drop!
Mandy mocks Indi’s pain, drags her back, but Indi crawls forward. Indi kicks Mandy away, but Mandy comes back to get an arm. Indi blocks the whip, sends Mandy into the corner, but Mandy DECKS KLR! Mandy backs away from Persia, but into Indi’s SIDEWALK SLAM! Jacy rushes in to drag Indi from Persia, but Indi kicks Jacy out of the ring! Indi and Mandy crawl, but Jacy YANKS Persia down! Gigi tags in, and she kicks Indi down! SWITCHBLADE KICK! Cover, TWO! Gigi is frustrated but fans rally up as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Indi fights out of Mandy’s body scissor chinlock combo. Indi pushes back to a cover, TWO! Indi is free but Mandy stomps her down! Mandy drags Indi up, fans rally, but Jacy tags in. Toxic Attraction mugs Indi, then Jacy stomps Indi down. Indi hits back with body shots, then shoves, but Jacy ROLLING ELBOWS! And a RUNNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Indi is showing impressive toughness, and her team coaches her up. Jacy drags Indi up, CHOPS Indi but Indi CHOPS back! Jacy CHOPS, Indi CHOPS, then Indi blocks the lariat. Jacy dodges but DOUBLE BOOTS take them down!
Fans fire up as both women crawl, hot tags to Gigi and Persia! Persia rallies on Gigi, and she runs into the corner to SPLASH! Persia scoops Gigi for SNAKE EYES! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, Jacy SENTONS to break it! KLR ROCKS Jacy, Indi hits a SPINEBUSTER! Mandy KNEES Indi down, but KLR glares at Mandy. KLR dodges the boot and SUPERKICKS Mandy down! KLR gets her baseball bat! “You wanna run, Mandy?!” Mandy gets out of the ring but KLR gives chase! Mandy dodges and KLR hits steel steps! But KLR still stalks Mandy around the way, and SMACKS the post! Mandy runs away to the back but KLR just keeps following!
Persia and Gigi get up, Persia kicks Gigi and reels her in. Suplex, but Gigi fights to a cradle! TWO! Gigi can’t believe it, but she turns around into a BOOT! Persia fireman’s carries for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, Persia and team win!
Winners: Kay Lee Ray, Persia Pirotta & Indi Hartwell
Powerhouse Pirotta just put this one away, and now she and Indi are on the doorstep of those NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions! Is Toxic Attraction just one match away from losing all the gold?
NXT hear from Malik Blade & Edris Enofe.
Malik can’t believe they’re in the semifinals! And Enofe says they could go all the way. If they do make it and win, they can ask out Mandy Rose. Whoa, what? But she won’t ever say yes. What? No one thought they’d make it even this far, and yet here they are. People thought they’d lose to Harland & Gacy, and then to Legado. But they’ve shocked the world and busted brackets. They can win the whole damn thing, and get those NXT Tag Team Championships! And asking out Mandy. Well, we’ll see. Enofe says Malik can ask out Mandy, while he asks out Gigi AND Jacy.
Malik has seen Enofe’s Instagram. He’s a bad influence. Some might say toxic. Enofe shows off the dancing pecs, but will they be able to impress against MSK?
Cora Jade finds Raquel Gonzalez working out.
So, has Raquel thought about it? Yes, and the answer is still no. What? Why? Raquel isn’t interested in the Women’s Dusty Cup, Cora. What does Cora have to do? Does she have to lift the same weight Raquel does? She can totally do that. Don’t go hurting yourself, kid. Cora tries but it doesn’t budge. Cora asks if this is about New Year’s Evil. No, it’s not. Raquel won the Dusty, knows what it takes, and as much as she hates Dakota, Dakota also knows what it takes and does whatever it takes to win. So can Cora! Okay, Cora jumped off the top of a cage, but that was one time.
The Dusty Cup is round after round. Raquel needs someone she can trust, someone who can get up after getting knocked down. And that just isn’t Cora. Cora says it is! No it isn’t. Yes it is! NO. IT’S NOT. Cora wants to prove it, but Raquel easily blocks her slap. Don’t push it. Raquel storms off, but will Cora get the hint?
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2022 Opening Round: Grizzled Young Veterans VS Andre Chase & Bodhi Hayward!
Ever since arriving in NXT UK, Zack Gibson has been saying he and James Drake are SSSOOOON to be the top tag team in the WWE. But NXT UK Tag Team Championships aside, “soon” has yet to arrive. Will GYV finally get one step closer to that lofty goal? Or will they get failing grades against the professor of Chase U and his star pupil?
NXT returns as Team Chase U makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Drake starts against Chase. They tie up, go around, Drake wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Drake wrangles Chase, steps over and JAMS the arm. Chase backs off, Drake eggs him on. Chase returns, circles with Drake, but Drake gets his arm again. Drake wrenches, wristlocks, but Chase rolls, kips up and WRINGS Drake out! Fans fire up for Chase and even Bodhi is impressed. That was a #TeachableMoment! Drake throws a fit but Gibson calms him down, only for Chase to get a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Chase stomps and fans spell out “CHASE U!”
Chase EuroUppers Drake to the corner, tags Bodhi and Bodhi CLUBS the arm. Bodhi wrenches, tags Chase back in and Chase CLUBS the arm. Chase wrenches, tags Bodhi back in, and Chase feeds Drake to Bodhi’s shoulder. Slingshot sunset flip, TWO! Bodhi wrenches Drake’s arm, tags Chase in and Chase climbs up. Chase hits an AX HANDLE! Drake shoves Chase but Chase JABS, JABS and JABS! Flip, flop, fly and BIONIC ELBOW! Gibson backs off before Chase can give him one! Drake gets Chase, Gibson tags in, Drake powers out and Gibson trips Chase up! Gibson gut wrenches, Drake slingshots, ASSISTED SHOULDERBREAKER!
GYV get in Chase’s face, “Do something!” “This is what we meant!” Gibson puts Chase in the ring, rams shoulder after shoulder into him, and then gets in Chase’s face. Gibson DECKS Chase, drags him back up and whips him into the corner, Chase boots back and elbows Drake! Chase fights out of the GYV corner, but Gibson whips him! Chase spins things around, backslide! TWO, and Gibson keeps Chase from Bodhi! Drake and Bodhi each reach out, Gibson back drops but Chase sunset flips! Gibson stays up, steps through but Chase kangaroo kicks, then flips around to hot tag Bodhi! Fans fire up as Bodhi CLOBBERS Gibson and DECKS Drake!
Bodhi keeps going, Gibson dodges but Bodhi catches him for a scoop SLAM! Bodhi fires himself up, then hits a SPLASH! And then another SPLASH! And then a third SPLASH! Bodhi gets Gibson up but Drake distracts him. Gibson throat chops Bodhi down! Drake tags in, he dropkicks Chase down! GYV run at Bodhi, DOUBLE CODE BREAKER! Cover, GYV win!
Winners: Grizzled Young Veterans, by pinfall (advance to the semifinals)
Andre Chase U put up a fight but it wasn’t enough against the street smart savvy of Gibson & Drake! Will they have another game plan to take out The Creed Brothers? Or will Diamond Mine soon break Grizzled Young Veterans?
Von Wagner gets in and attacks Bodhi! OLYMPIC SLAM! Robert Stone is there, too, admiring Von’s work as he gives Chase a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Stone then enters the ring, and he gives Von a suit to wear. The Robert Stone Brand has been resurrected, and it has incredible brawn to match Stone’s brains. Will these two take over NXT soon enough?
Grayson Waller speaks.
“LA Knight. You thought you had me dead to rights. Dexter Lumis doing your dirty work, but NAH NAH. You thought it was going to be the end of Grayson Waller, but my star is shining brighter than ever. Now, the Grayson Waller Effect is going global, baby!” He has the Bollywood Star by his side as his secret service, protecting NXT’s hottest commodity. And Knight is at a third grade reading level, so he needs to read the restraining order. Sound out those bigger words. It’d be a shame if he goes to jail. Knight might find a way around it, but Waller will be waiting for him. And Sanga, well, he’ll wanna meet Knight first.
Io Shirai VS Tiffany Stratton!
Whether or not the Evil Genius has warmed up to Zoey Stark, she can’t stand Daddy’s Spoiled Princess. Will Shirai simply add Tiffany to the long list of people she’s defeated here in NXT?
NXT returns and Tiffany has made her entrance. The bell rings, fans sing, ‘Io’s gonna kill~ you~!” They tie up, Shirai waistlocks but Tiffany switches. Shirai wrenches free, Tiffany cartwheels through to wrench back. Shirai rolls, kips up and wrenches to another wristlock. Tiffany slips through, goes up the corner and rebounds to arm-drag! Shirai comes back but into a knee. Tiffany runs, Shira drops to hurdle, Tiffany leaps over. Things keep moving until Tiffany holds ropes. Tiffany sticks her tongue out at Shirai, Shirai rushes over but Tiffany sends her out of the ring! Tiffany dusts off her hands but Shirai gets upset.
Shirai goes around the way as Tiffany shrugs. Shirai gets in, Tiffany ROCKS her with a right, then whips but Shirai reverses and FLAPJACKS! Shirai kips up, fans fire up and Shirai mocks Tiffany, “Do you wanna call your dad?” Shirai stomps Tiffany down, runs and runs and basement dropkicks her down! Cover, TWO! Shirai keeps on Tiffany with a crossface! Tiffany scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Shirai lets go at 4, and Tiffany throws her down by her hair! Tiffany says Shirai doesn’t do that to her! Tiffany stomps Shirai, and wraps on a cobra clutch. Shirai endures, fans rally, and Shirai fights up, only for Tiffany to wrangle her down.
Shirai fights to move around, Tiffany leans on her but Shirai gets to her feet. Shirai pries the hold but Tiffany knees low. Tiffany whips Shirai to a corner, handsprings and SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Tiffany grows frustrated, drags Shirai up but Shirai pushes her away. Tiffany kicks low, talks trash but Shirai blocks the kick. Shirai spins Tiffany for a SHOTEI! Tiffany ends up in a corner, Shirai runs in, SHINKANSEN! And then a scoop SLAM puts Tiffany in the drop zone! Shirai steps on Tiffany, goes to the corner, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Shirai wins!
Winner: Io Shirai, by pinfall
Money can’t buy the experience and talent Shirai has! Is it still 100 years too early for Tiffany to ever beat the Evil Genius?
Malcolm Bivens speaks.
“Gunther? What an awful name, I can’t believe your parents named you that. It should’ve been ‘DUMBASS,’ in all caps. I don’t care what you call yourself or what your legacy may be, because everyone keeps talking about, ‘This is a new beginning for Imperium.’ No. This is the beginning of the end for Imperium, because the Creed Brothers are gonna win the Dusty Classic, and then they will become the new NXT Tag Team Champions. And then Roderick Strong, the leader of Diamond Mine, Gunther, he’s gonna chop you down like the big dumb Austrian tree you are.” And then, Ivy Nile will stretch Gunther from here to his mama’s house.
So next week, Gunther can bring his boys, Bivens will bring his, Six Man Tag big money. Julius Creed says Imperium thinks they’re tough, but compared to Diamond Mine, they’re just European pretty boys. Brutus agrees, and says that they’re world class athletes that will take them down whenever they want! Strong says no one out trains, outlasts, or outworks Roderick Strong and Diamond Mine. Enjoy last week’s win, because that is never gonna happen again. Diamond Mine forever!
Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams head to the ring.
Trick says, “Now as you know, Trick ‘n’ Melo always here to steal the show. But tonight, we’re here to introduce our girl to the WWE Universe!” Melo says y’all better put some respeck on the name! She is the FLIEST chick to ever set in the WWE, so make some noise for OllieJayy! Ollie thanks the boys, and says she IS NXT 2.0. She’s here to perform her track, “Make ‘Em Fall.” After Ollie finishes, Melo says Ollie don’t miss! That’s all it is, and that’s all it ever gon’ be!
Tony D’Angelo speaks.
He heard Grimes chirping earlier. That’ll stop when Tony busts Grimes’ face open in two seconds. Then after Grimes, Tony D has a date with destiny and the North American title at NXT Vengeance Day. Will the Made Man make himself #1 contender in tonight’s main event?
Tiffany Stratton complains to her dad.
Did he see what happened? That ref was so unfair! The incompetence level was so beyond, she couldn’t believe it! Hold on. She sees Wendy Choo sipping her drink. Tiffany shouldn’t feel too bad. Everyone loses to Io. Tiffany gets upset and slaps Wendy’s drink out of her hand! That was her free refill! Tiffany says there are so many freaks here. Wendy says she’s not a freak, she just likes being comfortable. But will Tiffany stop whining long enough to actually work and get better in the ring?
NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Cameron Grimes VS Tony D’Angelo!
The Carolina Cash Money Caveman was once Million Dollar Champion, but “that damn” Ted DeBiase took back that golden legacy real quick. Now Grimes wants more gold so he can go #ToTheMoon! But Tony D, he sent the Bruiserweight to the hospital with a busted face from a crowbar. Will Tony break the bank and take the golden ticket to Vengeance Day? Or will Grimes be the one cashing in big like he did all last year?
The bell rings, the two circle, and Grimes shoots in for a leg. Tony stays up, gets to ropes, but then he pulls Grimes’ hair! Grimes wrenches a wristlock, Tony rolls and drags Grimes down to get the wristlock back. Grimes kips up, slips through to wrench and arm-drag Tony around! Grimes tells Tony to #KissMahGrits! Tony seethes, rushes Grimes but is sent out of the ring! Grimes then goes to the apron to PENALTY KICK Tony down! Melo and Trick watch from the perch but Grimes puts Tony in the ring. Grimes gets around to waistlock and CLUB Tony, then EuroUpper! Tony staggers into a KICK and a CHOP!
Grimes bumps Tony off buckles, whips him to ropes, but Tony throws Grimes down by his hair! Tony then sets up, clinches Grimes and hits an EXPLODER! Fans rally with Tony as he talks trash to Grimes and Melo. Tony stomps Grime sin a corner, digs his head into the mat, but the ref counts. Tony lets off at 4, stomps Grimes, then RAMS his shoulder in. Tony whips Grimes corner to corner hard, and Grimes tumbles up and out of the ring! Tony goes out, puts Grimes back in and pushes Grimes around. Tony whips Grimes to ropes, scoops and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tony grows annoyed but fans rally as NXT goes picture in picture.
Tony stomps Grimes, talks more trash, and Grimes drags himself to ropes. Tony chokes Grimes on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tony lets off at 4. Tony reels Grimes in, throws body shots, and then cranks on the facelock. Grimes endures, fights up, but Tony whips him to ropes. Grimes ducks and dodges, to then CROSSBODY! Down goes Tony and fans fire up! Grimes watches Tony go to a corner, storms over but Tony YANKS him into buckles! Tony scuffs Grimes’ head, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Tony clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Tony gets frustrated, and he digs his forearms into Grimes’ head.
Tony sits Grimes up and wraps on a chinlock. Grimes endures as Tony squeezes tight and leans his weight on him. Grimes fights up, Tony throws body shots and brings Grimes back down. Grimes reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Tony lets off and stomps away on Grimes! The ref has Tony back off, Grimes gets up but Tony reels him in for more body shots. Tony clinches again, BELLY2BELLY! NXT returns to single picture as Tony covers, TWO! Fans are thunderous as Grimes fights back up but Tony stomps him down. Grimes blocks a stomp, SLAPS Tony in the face, but Tony reels Grimes in for more body shots!
Tony hits a HALF HATCH! Tony wraps Grimes up in a modified chinlock but Grimes fights up. Tony TACKLES Grimes, covers, TWO! Trick doesn’t seem impressed, but Tony rains down forearms on Grimes. Tony shifts to a rear bearhug but Grimes endures. Fans rally up, Grimes fights up, reaches out, but Tony keeps him from ropes. Grimes stands, throws elbows, and then arm-drags Tony away! RANA! Fans fire up behind Grimes as he runs, and Grimes rallies with forearms! Grimes goes corner to corner, but Tony dodges the boot! Grimes gets stuck in the ropes, Tony brings him out, GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!!
Tony is furious as Grimes survives but fans are fired up! Tony drags Grimes up, throws more body shots, but Grimes turns fisherman into a cradle, TWO! Grimes ROCKS Tony, Tony ROCKS back! Grimes throws a forearm, Tony throws a haymaker! Tony runs, Grimes dodges, COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives, Melo and Trick just shrug. “This is Awesome!” and Grimes grits his teeth. Grimes sees Tony flounder up in the corner, and he fires off KICK after KICK after KICK! Grimes runs corner to corner, GAMANGIRI! But Tony CLUBS Grimes in the back! Tony blocks the kick for an EXPLODER into the buckles!! Cover, TWO!!
Tony is losing his cool and even Melo is shocked by that one! Tony paces around in frustration, but he drags Grimes up to ROCK him with a haymaker! Grimes BOOTS back from the corner! Grimes goes up, but his legs wobble! He goes again, QUEBRADA! Grimes still hits Tony, then runs corner to corner to FLYING BOOT! Tony staggers, Grimes goes up and CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Tony survives and Grimes is shocked! Fans fire up, “TO~ THE~ MOON!” But Tony bails out to the announce desk. So Grimes gets Tony’s hat! The ref tells Grimes to put that back, but PETE DUNNEÂ SMACKS Tony’s hand with a wood cricket bat!!
The Bruiserweight glares at Tony as he gets his revenge, then shrugs. Tony gets in the ring in a huff, CAVE-IN!! Cover, Grimes wins!
Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Champion)
Grimes is coming for the gold! He and Melo are gonna meet on Vengeance Day, but will it be the day Grimes finally gets that North American Championship?
NXT Media catches Bron Breakker on his way out.
What’re his thoughts on Escobar’s tag team challenge? Who will Bron ask to be his tag partner? Bron says Escobar is a number’s guy. As far as partners go, it doesn’t really matter. But wait, who is this pulling up? Legado is here, ready to jump him! NOW is the time Escobar wants to fight Bron! Bron’s ready, but stepping up to reinforce him is TOMMASO CIAMPA! Bron says the math checks out. See you later! Bron and Ciampa fist bump, will they break Wilde & Mendoza to leave Escobar without his pawns?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT, with a lot of great stuff set up for the return of NXT Vengeance Day. That main event, especially. Grimes wins in a great match with Tony D’Angelo, and Grimes is going to have an awesome match with Melo. However, I’m moderately confused with Pete Dunne showing up. If he is being called up to RawDown, why is he back? I suppose screwing Tony over is good enough, but perhaps they’re giving him one more match for a better sendoff than that crowbar to the face? Similarly, what about Ciampa? I like that he’s the one backing Bron up against Legado, but what about Xyon Quinn? Shouldn’t Xyon want payback on Legado for his own story? Or is that going to happen in next week’s tag match anyway?
We got awesome Men’s Dusty Cup matches tonight, especially MSK VS Jacket Time in the opener. That really could’ve been how they booked the semifinal or final match, and I think MSK’s in-ring action is finally winning the performance center crowd over. Enofe & Malik have a good promo to hype their match with MSK up, but it again seems like erryone in NXT 2.0 is thirsty. Grizzled Young Veterans VS Chase & Bodhi was good stuff, and Chase U got to look great in defeat. Diamond Mine is calling Imperium out, so I’m thinking Imperium wins the Six Man Tag to give Creed Brothers the math to win against GYV. Though that’s a bit of a shame for GYV.
Speaking of Imperium, their promo was very good, and it does give reason for Walter to change his name to Gunther, but I gotta agree with Biven’s line about it being a dumb name. But Walter-Gunther will certainly be on his way to a singles title past Vengeance Day, so the winner of Grimes VS Melo better watch out. Waller had a good promo to call out LA Knight and give us Saurav Gurjar’s new name. Sanga better be more careful on social media this time. But he’ll have a good match against Knight to give Knight the momentum going into whatever match he has with Waller. Duke dominating Raaj was great, as was his brawl with Dante. Their match is going to really good, too.
Boa VS Sikoa in the No DQ Falls Count Anywhere match was awesome stuff. They didn’t explore as much of the arena as they could have, and they really focused on the garage door. Maybe too much, since it was so hard for Boa to pull the chain and lift it after all the dents made. But that table spot was an awesome finish, and Sikoa himself could be waiting on the other side of the Vengeance Day North American Championship match. OllieJayy is here, she’s clearly going to be NXT 2.0’s answer to Poppy. Having her already have a kayfabe link to Melo & Hayes is a good start to getting fans to know her, but honestly, it doesn’t really matter to me if she shows up more or not. I was behind in watching and just used fast-forward through her song.
Tiffany Stratton of course loses to Shirai, but I’m curious to what she’ll get Daddy to do about her complaints. The interaction of Shirai and Stark was much more interesting, but I’m not sure Shirai will bother with the Women’s Dusty Cup, even if Stark was healthy. I didn’t think Cora’s new strategy to get Raquel on her side would be to slap her, and we’re going to get a match out of that. Pretty sure Cora will “impress” Raquel by getting up after every big shot she takes until the Chingona Bomb. Then they end up a Dusty Cup team, and who knows how that goes. The Six Woman Tag was good stuff, I still feel like Jacy was a bit awkward but she’s been improving.
KLR chasing Mandy off was great, as was Persia finishing it off. If the tag title story doesn’t go in their favor, I see Persia going after Indi and they feud. Persia could definitely be built as a singles wrestler since Vince loves big powerhouses. The next two weeks will definitely set up title matches for Vengeance Day, but who knows if Toxic Attraction drops any of the belts.
My Score: 8.7/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Le Cauchemar Américain et Le Phénoménal!
That is to say, The American Nightmare and The Phenomenal One! Before Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles fight over the WWE Championship at Backlash, they have one last face-to-face to say whatever needs to be said!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Woman Tag: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Tiffany Stratton & Damage CTRL; Bayley, Naomi, Bianca & Jade win.
- The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament VS New Catch Republic; The AOP win.
- LA Knight VS Angel Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma; Knight wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: A-Town Down Under VS The Street Profits; A-Town Down Under wins and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Woman Tag: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Tiffany Stratton & Damage CTRL!
Lyon, France fires up for the Role Model as she joins forces with The #BIG3 against the Spoiled Rich Girl, as well as Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane, all ahead of the big title matches at Backlash! WrestleMania saw Bayley, Naomi, Bianca & Jade all take down DMG CTRL, but will things be different now that they’re on #TiffyTime?
The teams sort out, and Naomi starts against the Pirate Princess. The fans sing for Bayley while Naomi and Kairi tie up. They go around, Naomi wrenches but Kairi DECKS her! Kairi drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up to get Kairi for a TWERK ATTACK! Naomi then kicks Kairi away, and the fans rally behind Naomi as she runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! And then ENZIGIRI! Naomi drags Kairi over, tags in Bianca, and Bianca slingshots in to handspring and MOONSAULT! The fans cheer, Bianca covers, TWO! Kairi survives but Bianca keeps on her. Bianca brings Kairi up, scoops, but Kairi kicks free!
Kairi whips but Bianca blocks! Bianca whips, catches Kairi and reels her in, to suplex! The fans cheer as she marches around, then SLAMS Kairi down! And kips up, too! Asuka runs up but is sent right back out! Bianca gets Kairi up, but Kairi URAKENS! Bianca wobbles, Bayley tags in! Bianca BOOTS Kairi but is upset Bayley tagged in. The fans want Bayley anyway, but Asuka drags Bianca out! Then Tiff tags in to attack the champ! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Bayley but Tiff keeps her composure as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and fans rally for Bayley, but The Kabuki Warriors bring her up. Bayley fights the double suplex, fires off hands, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Kairi adds a SLIDING D, then Asuka adds a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Bayley stays in this, but Tiff tags in again. Tiff brings Bayley up to CLUB her, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Tiff lets off at 4. Kairi has fun throwing up the double peace as Bayley flounders. Dakota tags in, she stomps a mudhole into Bayley, but Dakota tags Kairi. Kairi tags Asuka back in, then brings Bayley up.
Asuka climbs the corner, Kairi brings Bayley around, and sends her into Asuka’s HIPS! Asuka hops down to cover deep, TWO! Bayley is still in this but Tiff tags in again. Tiff brings Bayley up to whip her to a corner. Tiff runs corner to corner and handsprings in to BACK ELBOW! Tiff snapmares Bayley, runs, and cartwheels into an Alabama Lift, ALABAMA SLAM! High stack, Naomi breaks it! The fans fire up while Tiff is upset. Tiff frowns, stomps Bayley, then taunts the fans. But Bayley fires hands! Tiff CLUBS Bayley, stomps her, then sucker punches Jade! The fans boo but Tiff CLUBS Bayley, then sends Bayley into Naomi!
The fans boo more, but Bayley hits a SAIDO! Both Bayley and Tiff are down, and the fans are thunderous! Bayley and Bianca lock eyes, and are both conflicted being enemies for so long. But tonight is about common enemies, so Jade tags in! And she BOOTS Dakota! And grabs Asuka, for a CHOKE SLAM! Kairi runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Jade catches her for a BACKBREAKER! Jade tags Bianca and then she SPLASHES Dakota! Jade reels Dakota in, brings her up, and POWERBOMBS her down! Bianca then handsprings, gets a lift from Jade, DOMINATOR SPLASH COMBO! Cover, but Kairi breaks it!
Jade TOSSES Kairi out, but Asuka MISSILE DROPKICKS Jade down! Naomi runs up, gets around, BUBBA BOMB for Asuka! But TIFFY STOMPS get Naomi! But then BAYLEY2BELLY for Tiffy! Dakota SCORPION KICKS Bayley! Bianca torture racks Dakota for the KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca’s team wins!
Winners: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall
The fans cheer “OUI! OUI! OUI!” as the EST finishes this one off! Bianca & Jade are going strong into their tag title match, and Bayley will now have to turn around and treat Naomi as much of an enemy as she does Tiff. Will the Role Model hold onto the gold? Or will she #FeelTheGlow?
A-Town Down Under speaks.
Austin Theory tries French by saying, “Bonjour, France. You get a gift tonight. You get the greatest undefeated tag team champs in their first title defense.” Grayson Waller then asks, “What’s that smell?” They both sniff and Theory says that’s red wine. No, Waller isn’t smelling that. It’s strong. Theory takes in a bigger whiff, and says that’s cheese. Nah, that’s just how the audience smells. Waller realizes what it is: smoke! Because that’s what The Street Profits want, right? Well, ATDU will show The Profits that they ARE the smoke! Will Theory & Waller return to the US still holding onto the titles? Or will The Profits be up as they take the gold?
Backstage interview with Bianca & Jade.
SmackDown returns, and Kayla Braxton says after tonight’s great win out there, are they confident in their chances at taking the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at Backlash? Jade says she and Bianca are always confident. Tomorrow night will be no different. And Bianca says with all this history against DMG CTRL, she is so ready for closure, for this to be done, because she is sick of talking about it! DMG CTRL has been coming at her for practically her entire career, and she’s ready for this to be over. We pan over to see Naomi and Bayley are here, too. Bianca says once they take the tag titles, she’ll be done with DMG CTRL for good. Hopefully.
Jade calms Bianca down and Bayley leaves. The EST apologizes for being the angriEST, but will that at least help her and Jade finally humble DMG CTRL once and for all?
Nick Aldis is with Carmelo Hayes backstage.
The SmackDown General Manager knows Melo belongs here on SmackDown after last week’s match with Cody Rhodes. Because two things Aldis asks of you on his brand: show up, and show out. Melo says thanks to “Slick Nick.” And despite what people are saying, Melo knows he almost beat Cody. Melo’s got momentum, he wants to keep it going, so he is declaring for the King of the Ring. Well, alright then. Aldis is sure they can talk about that. At the same time, here’s Bobby Lashley! Lashley says hey to Aldis and Melo, and congratulates Melo for being drafted to SmackDown. More importantly, congratulations on that impressive showing against Cody Rhodes.
And, now that they’re both on the same brand, if there’s anything Lashley can do for Melo, just call him. Melo says thanks, but he’s good. If you didn’t see last week, Melo’s a first round draft pick, went toe to toe with THE WWE Champion, he’s pretty much got it figured out. He appreciates the offer, though. Well, alright, big time. But Lashley will tell him that it’s not about the shots he shoots. It’s about making those shots count. Last week, Melo lost. Oh? Well when was the last time Lashley shot his shot? Melo looks to go but Lashley stops him. Here’s another piece of advice: be careful who you disrespect around here.
Lashley lets Melo exit, will the All Mighty have to teach HIM a lesson?
The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament VS New Catch Republic!
Akam & Rezar thought they were writing off The Big Strong Boi & Bruiserweight last week, but they only gave Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne motivation! New Catch Republic kept AOP from becoming NXT Tag Team Champions, will they also put a dent in their main roster plans? Or will this end up being the Final Chapter after all?
SmackDown returns and The AOP make their entrance. Akam and Dunne start, and Akam grabs Dunne by the neck! Akam SHOVES Dunne up and out, taunts him, then storms out, but into a GAMANGIRI! Dunne gets in to DROPKICK Akam, then DROPKICK again! And DROPKICK again! Akam stays up so Dunne runs up to HOVERBOARD KIMURA! Bate tags in and KICKS Akam! Then NCR fire off fast hands! The fans fire up, Bate goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Then again for another UPPERCUT! Bate keeps going, but Akam LARIATS him inside out! The fans boo but Akam tags in Rezar.
The AOP mug Bate, then shove Bate down. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Rezar talks trash on them in return. Rezar drags Bate up to suplex, but Bate throws knee after knee! Bate gets free, then he fires hands and UPPERCUTS! Bate reels Rezar in, but even he can’t suplex someone that big! Rezar fireman’s carries, so Bate slips around to a SLEEPER! Rezar goes to ropes, Dunne tags in and climbs up! Dunne FLYING STOMPS Rezar’s arms! Bate DROPKICKS Rezar out! Akam runs in but NCR DUMP him out! The fans fire up as Bate tags back in, then goes up top! Dunne sets up for Bate’s KNEE-BOARD SENTON!
The fans fire up as AOP goes down! Bate hauls Rezar up and into the ring, then springboards in to FLYING UPPERCUT! Rezar stays up so Bate runs, but into a pop-up! Rezar fireman’s carries Bate to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Rezar roars, the Final Testament is fired up, but the fans boo and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Rezar looms over Bate. The fans rally up while Rezar brings Bate over. Tag to Akam, and the AOP hit a SIDEWALK SLAM LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Kross is annoyed with the fans, but Akam dribbles Bate off the mat! Akam tags Rezar, the AOP mug Bate again, and then Rezar clamps on a BEARHUG! Bate endures the squeeze, even as Rezar thrashes him around! Bate fights up as the fans rally even harder! Bate wriggles free as he goes up and over to sunset flip, but Rezar YANKS Bate right up, only for Bate to DROPKICK! Rezar staggers back, Akam tags in and runs up on Bate!
Akam drags Bate away, but Bate fires hands! Akam keeps hold of an arm but Bate fires hands! “OUI! OUI! OUI!” Akam whips but Bate hits the REBOUNDER! The fans fire up as Bate crawls, hot tag to Dunne! The fans erupt as The Bruiserweight ENZIGIRIS Akam, GAMANGIRIS Rezar, then ENZIGIRIS Akam! Dunne STOMPS the hands then BUZZSAWS Akam down! Dunne fires up, the fans are with him, and he goes out to ASAI MOONSAULT Rezar down! Dunne runs back in, mule kicks and serves Akam SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO! Dunne goes up top, MOONSAULT, but he lands on his feet as Akam dodges!
Dunne rolls through to tag Bate! Akam runs up, but Bop up, BANG! Dunne BOOTS, Bate fireman’s carries!! The fans are thunderous for the AIRPLANE SPIN!! Bate goes around and around and around with Akam, then THROWS him away! Bate kips up, tags Dunne, then STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Dunne roars before the SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Rezar breaks it! The fans are loving this, but then Rezar grabs both men by the necks! Only for both men to bend those fingers! And DOUBLE SNAP! Then NCR run to CLOBBER Rezar outta the ring! The fans fire up, Dunne runs but Scarlett stands in the way!
The fans boo the femme fatale, but Bate DIVES past her to take out Rezar! But then Kross gets Bate for an F5Â to the floor! Dunne PLANCHAS Kross for it! Dunne gets back in, but Akam hits an URENAGE! Tag to Rezar, the AOP set Dunne up, DRAG THE LAKE! Cover, AOP wins!
Winners: The Authors of Pain, by pinfall
The entire Testament was needed, but they still take down New Catch Republic! These teams are going to Raw via the Draft, will the feud only get wilder from here?
Nick Aldis is visited by Paul Heyman.
The Wise Man asks if Aldis got his memo. Aldis did. And request denied. Heyman wants Aldis to pull Kevin Owens & Randy Orton out of the tag team match set for Backlash? Why? How about for the sake of Kevin Owens? Or for Randy Orton, or for SmackDown as a whole. Heyman says he has tried and tried with Aldis, but fine, leave them in the damn match. What happens to Kevin and Randy is no longer on Heyman’s conscious. It is all on Aldis now. Good night. Heyman storms off, but Aldis asks if that’s by orders of The Tribal Chief. Heyman turns back around to say that’s not funny. Well, Aldis just knows that all communication with Roman Reigns goes through Heyman.
So, is Heyman in charge or not? Heyman says there is a difference between being in charge, and being in control. Heyman has not spoken to Roman since WrestleMania. Heyman then realizes he shouldn’t have admitted that, and Aldis asks him to repeat it. Has Heyman really not spoken to him since Mania? So when “Roman Reigns” pulled Roman Reigns from The WWE Draft, who really did it? Heyman says it wasn’t Roman who withdrew from the Draft. Heyman withdrew Roman from the Draft. But please understand what is going on here. Heyman had no choice. He cannot subject Roman to the chaos going on within The Bloodline right now.
And Aldis cannot subject Kevin & Randy to what will happen to them at the hands of The Bloodline tomorrow night. Aldis says if Heyman can take it on himself to pull Roman out of the Draft, then try pulling Kevin & Randy outta this match. Even right now, on the R-KO Show. Aldis wishes Heyman luck, Heyman storms off completely this time, but just what is going on with The Bloodline?
It’s time for the R-KO Show!
The fans fire up as Randy Orton makes his way out to the ring, sporting the new R-KO shirt! Then Kevin Owens makes his entrance, wearing a matching R-KO shirt. Kevin has the mic, and in French, he welcomes them to the R-Kah-Oh. Then he explains to Orton that is how you would say “K” in French. The fans cheer, and Kevin says good evening, welcome to THE R K O Show! They sit in the armchairs, and Randy says normally, Kevin would have to talk him into something like this. But it didn’t really, because the fans here are so AMAZING! The fans cheer again, and chant for “RANDY! RANDY!”
And Randy says y’know what else didn’t take much convincing? Him and Kevin teaming up for Backlash to kick The Bloodline’s asses! Kevin says yeah, before that, he has a concern about their “guests” tonight. At first, Kevin didn’t want a guest, he just wanted to give France a good, fun episode. But after getting some calls from a number he didn’t want to answer, it was someone he didn’t wanna talk to. But Wednesday, 4 AM, Kevin was worn down, and that is when Paul Heyman asked to be a guest. The fans boo and Kevin said that’s how he felt. But Heyman said he had something very important to tell them so… Why not bring him out?
Oh, does Randy wanna introduce him? The fans cheer but Randy says not really. But he’ll introduce Heyman to the three most dangerous letter in sports entertainment: R K O. Nice. But then Heyman introduces himself to the “ladies and gentlemen” here. The fans fire up for “E C DUB!” as Heyman continues by saying he IS Paul Heyman. The fans know it so well, they say it with him. Heyman says he is a WWE Hall of Famer, the bon vivant, blah blah blah, and without question, Heyman is WWE’s undisputed Wise Man. The fans cheer that. And so therefore, tonight, Heyman comes out here with respect, with admiration, and of course, with wisdom.
Heyman steps inside, but Kevin tells Randy that he can’t just RKO him. Heyman gets worried, and Randy says no, he’s an outta nowhere kinda guy. Heyman steps back out while the fans chant “R K O! R K O!” Heyman says ladies and gentlemen, there will be NO RKOs this evening! The fans boo, and Randy begs to differ. Kevin says he’s never met a man who says so much but yet says so little. Heyman, what do you wanna tell them? Heyman understands why they doubt a man who has very little conscience. The fans chant “We Want Roman!” Heyman says more than you’ll ever know, he wants Roman back, too.
But Heyman came out here for a simple reason: he has great respect for Randy, and for Kevin. When they stepped into the ring with Roman, to was competition, there was a title, and Heyman understood just as they do, that Roman had to do what he had to do! But the rules with Solo Sikoa are a whole lot different. Do yourselves and SmackDown and WWE and the fans, and each of their families a favor, back out of the match. Randy says the absolutely biggest trash is trying to tell him and his partner not to take a match? Heyman is not in position to give advice when everything around him is falling apart.
In fact, that begs the question, Heyman. Who exactly is the real Tribal Chief now? Heyman sweats this question, and he is sure the whole world knows… There is only one Tribal Chief. SOLO SIKOA & TAMA TONGA ATTACK!! They throw the R-KO set away, but then Kevin and Randy fight back! The fans fire up as we get a preview of tomorrow, and things spill out o f the ring! Security and producers rush out, but the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” But then Randy TOSSES security, and gives on a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Kevin goes up to CANNONBALL Solo, Tama and everyone else!!
The fans are thunderous as Team R-KO get in the ring and throw stuff at Solo! The Bloodline retreats, but will they have the final say tomorrow at Backlash?
The Street Profits react.
And DAAAAANG! That was wild! But what’s also wild is A-Town Down Under think they know French. Ford says they’ve been practicing French themselves. Triple Crown that always puts it down, the Profits, oui oui! And tonight, they’re gonna take on Waller & Theory here in Lyon, France! Oui oui! And tonight, they are gonna become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! OUI OUI!! Then that’s how you do it! The Profits are up, and we want the smoke!
LA Knight VS Angel Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma!
The Mega Star is also here to say OUI! But will we instead have to say “Si” as Garza represents for his familia? Or will that be a NON NON as Knight humbles the wannabe Lothario?
SmackDown returns as Legado makes their entrance. We get a QR code blink in, then the bell rings. The fans rally for Knight as he and Garza circle. They tie up, Knight headlocks, but Garza powers up and out. Knight runs Garza over and the fans cheer! Knight tells Garza, “YEAH!” Garza gets up, he and Knight circle again, and they tie up. Garza kicks low, CLUBS away on Knight, then mocks the ‘YEAH!” The fans boo but Garza ROCKS and UPPERCUTS! Garza whips corner to corner, but Knight comes back to LARIAT! Knight whips but Garza reverses, only for Knight to hit a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Knight scrapes Garza outta the ring nthen pursues.
Garza swings but Knight fires counter punches! Knight SMACKS Garza off the apron again and again, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then brings Garza around for one more SMACK! Garza sputters, Knight puts him in the ring, then he tells off Humberto. Garza runs up, Knight dodges to clothesline Garza up and out! The fans fire up as Knight builds speed, to WRECK Garza with a dropkick! The fans fire up with Knight again and he brings Garza back up. Knight puts Garza in, fires more haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight bumps Garza off buckles, “YEAH!” then whips corner to corner! Knight clotheslines, but he has to watch out for Legado.
Knight then reels Garza in for a BIG suplex! Cover, ONE!! Garza is toughing it out but Knight keeps cool as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again as now Garza CHOPS Knight in a corner! Knight CHOPS back! And CHOPS, and HAYMAKERs, repeat! Knight whips Garza to a corner, but Humberto gets on the apron! Knight takes a swing, Humberto gets away, and Garza storms up to HEADBUTT! Garza stomps Knight, mocks the spelling of the name, then whips. Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up again and Knight stomps a mudhole in, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight goes corner to corner to KNEE Garza down! Knight reels Garza in to whip and scoop, then POWERSLAM! Then he runs to drop the ELBOW!
Knight fires up and the fans are with him! Knight waits on Garza to get up, but Humberto gets back on the apron! Knight DECKS Humberto this time, but Garza rolls him up! TWO!! Knight escapes, spins Garza, B F T! Cover, Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall
Santos has Humberto stand down, Knight already got the better of them. And then Knight gets a mic! The fans cheer him on, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight says all around the world, it’s the same song. Another SmackDown, another dummy dropped on his head, three the hard way, YEAH! “YEAH!” Now, if Knight wanted to be cliche, he’d say this is his ring, right? “YEAH!” But nah nah, he wont’ do that. Instead of saying it, NAH NAH! He will MAKE this his ring. And what does he mean? He means he is now entered in the King of the Ring! Santos has a mic now to stop Knight there.
Santos says it is impressive that Knight just keeps talking and talking. The fans tell Santos “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Santos says he’ll show who sucks! Knight keeps running his mouth, now he wants to be King of the Ring. But while Knight will be busy running his mouth, Santos will be busy winning. Knight says sorry, he couldn’t hear anything Santos said while the fans were saying Santos sucks. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” again, but Knight is pretty sure Santos said Knight talks too much. Should Knight keep on talking, Lyon? “YEAH!” That’s what Knight thought! Because when Knight stops talking, that’s when Santos gets stomped out!
And while Santos is down, he’ll think to himself, “My god, what was I just doing? I know whose game it is!” And before anyone else tells him, he’ll hear it the whole damn world saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Mic drop! The tournament is coming, will the Knight rise up to be a king? Or will we have to change the name to The Emperor of the Ring?
Backstage interview with Carlito.
Byron Saxton is with Caribbean Cool, and asks the same question everyone else is: Why did he attack Dragon Lee? Carlito says he’d been away from the WWE for many years. And all he wanted was to have a WrestleMania moment with his familia, The LWO. So when Rey challenged Dom & Santos, Carlito thought Rey would make the right choice and choose Carlito. But instead, Rey chose Dragon Lee. Someone who’s been here what? Five minutes? That’s not cool. So Carlito took matters into his own hands. It wasn’t personal, Dragon. But it would’ve worked out if not- DRAGON ATTACKS CARLITO!!
The refs and producers rush in, Rey stops Dragon, but it is clear Boy Wonder wants vengeance! Will he get it as the LWOÂ and Carlito move over to Monday Night Raw?
WWE Tag Team Championships: A-Town Down Under VS The Street Profits!
Grayson Waller & Austin Theory already had massive egos, but those egos only inflated exponentially after being one of the teams to win at WrestleMania. Will they only get more and more arrogant with every day they’re still champions? Or will those egos be deflated as Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins go for gold?
SmackDown returns as ATDU makes their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly championship material!
The teams sort out and then Waller sucker punches Ford! Theory gets in, he will be the legal man against Dawkins! Theory fires hands, then stomps Dawkins into the corner. The ref counts, Theory tags Waller, and they mug Dawkins. Waller stalks Dawkins to a corner, wrenches and whips, but Dawkins hurdle and FLYING UPPERCUT! Dawkins tags Ford, whips Waller, and Ford DROPKICKS! They taunt Theory, Theory runs in but into a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Ford says “OUI~” but Waller sucker punches him again! Ford gets Waller in a clinch, ROCK BOTTOM! Dawkins tags in and goes up, for a SWANTON BOMB!
Theory drags Waller outta the ring to save him, but Dawkins tags Ford. Ford builds speed, “OUI OUI!” and he FLIES! Direct hit on ATDU and the fans are thunderous! Ford then fetches Waller into the ring, tags Dawkins in, and they get Waller up for a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! “Oui oui!” The fans cheer, “OUI! OUI! OUI!” Dawkins puts Waller in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then CYCLONE SPLASHES! Then ENZIGIRI! Dawkins brings Waller to a cover, TWO! The fans cheer, Dawkins looms over Waller, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Theory tags in, only for Ford to rally on him and Waller! Ford ducks ‘n ‘dodges then LARIATS Theory down! The fans fire up as Ford runs at Theory in a corner, but Theory puts him on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS, then springboards to FLYING ELBOW! The fans fire up, Theory staggers around, into a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up and the fans fire up again! Ford raises the roof, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Theory stays in this but the fans are still loudly behind the Profits. Tag to Dawkins, he and Ford get Theory up for another DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, only for Theory to land out!
Waller tags in, Theory DECKS Dawkins, but Ford ENZIGIRIS Theory! Waller is up top, but Ford sees him! Waller tightrope walks, Ford dodges his leap, but that lets Waller go COAST2COAST on Dawkins! Waller drags Dawkins to a cover, Theory keeps Ford out, TWO!! Dawkins survives on his own but Theory throws Ford to the floor! Theory goes to his corner, reaches out, and gets the hot tag! Theory talks trash on France, then slingshots in to somersault, into a POUNCE!! Dawkins sees Waller somersault in, into a SKY HIGH! Tag to Ford, and Dawkins gets Theory in an Electric Chair Lift! DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!
Theory shocks everyone as he survives, but he and Ford are both down. The fans are thunderous all the same, and Ford tags Dawkins. The Profits mug Theory, then Dawkins fireman’s carries. Ford goes up, but Theory claws Dawkins’ face! Theory trips Ford, but Dawkins ROCKS Theory! Dawkins waistlocks and O’Conner Rolls, but the ref is checking Ford! Waller SOMERSAULT FLATLINERS! Theory covers, the ref sees that, A-Town Down Under wins!!
Winners: A-Town Down Under, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Theory & Waller found a way to snatch this one away, leaving The Profits without their prize. Will Ford & Dawkins just have to work that much harder to get back to a title shot?
AJ Styles is here!
Lyon fires up for the Phenomenal One as he heads to the ring, ready for a final face-to-face with Cody Rhodes before they battle over the title. Will both men keep it civil this close to Backlash? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns once again, and now The American Nightmare makes his entrance. The fans fire up again, and they sing along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, continues to the ring, and the fans continue to sing. Cody gives the title a kiss before he steps in the ring and holds it up for everyone to see. Cody then gets a mic, the song fades out, and the fans cheer Cody on. Cody then asks Lyon, in French, what they wanna talk about. The fans chant “OUI! OUI! OUI!” and Styles says he doesn’t care what the fans want, Cody’s in the ring with The Phenomenal One. The fans taunt Styles with a song and everyone joins in!
Cody holds up the belt and the fans cheer again! Styles says it’s almost like Cody isn’t focused. Cody’s focused on all the energy, and not what he should be focused on. Cody tells Styles that if Styles wants his full focus, he absolutely has Cody’s attention. From one Georgia boy to another, from one Dawgs fan to another, c’mon now! Cody broke into the industry in Georgia, he grew up watching Styles! Styles stops Cody there. He doesn’t need that crap! That “You’re my hero!” crap. No, Styles may be older than Cody, but he’s still in his prime. Cody asks who is saying otherwise. Styles says Cody didn’t have to say it, we knew what he meant.
But here’s the problem with Cody. The fans “WHAT?” and Styles figured they’d do that. These are the most disrespectful fans! That’s why nobody comes to Lyon! The fans boo Styles, but Styles says he and Cody were never on the same path. Cody had a path laid out for him. Because everyone wanted the Son of the American Dream! And that included the WWE. The WWE welcomed Cody with open arms. The fans sing “CODY~, CODY CODY CODY~! CODY~, CODY~!” Styles says Cody loved it here in the WWE, until things got rough and he couldn’t handle it. The fans boo but Cody just smirks at that.
Styles says Cody packed his bags and left WWE, his own decision. One Styles never got to make. Styles was kept from the WWE for YEARS! And when he finally made it here, Styles wasn’t welcomed with open arms like Cody. Styles had to prove himself, make his way to the top, and he did, all by himself. The fans do applaud that because that is true. Styles says, “Unlike you, who had Hall of Famers and Legends watching your back at WrestleMania so you could ‘finish your story.’ That’s great. A bunch of guys I’ve beaten before!” Styles beat them all the same way he’ll beat Cody tomorrow night at Backlash.
The fans boo more but Styles says he will climb his way to the top again, and remind Cody and everyone else, that he IS Phenomenal! The fans have another sing to taunt Styles with and it gets everyone fired up! Cody asks Styles who he’s trying to convince. Certainly not Cody, as Cody knows Styles is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. The modern day Bret Hart, reputation unmatched! But don’t disparage Cody just to build yourself up. Cody’s sacrifices, mistakes, he endured, and there were many, all to stand here THE WWE Champion! The fans cheer that because it’s also true! And Cody points out that his very first title defense just so happens to be Styles!
Some call it a dream match, and Styles will always be Phenomenal! The fans sing again, but Cody tells Styles he isn’t looking at Styles as “phenomenal,” but as his first of many. And that itself is just too sweet. The fans cheer and throw it up, and so do Cody and Styles. But then Styles SLAPS Cody! Cody manages to smile through that, but Styles storms off. This dream match will surely be phenomenal, but will Cody make it through? Or will SmackDown once again be the House that AJ Styles Built?
Wait, there’s a brawl going on backstage!
The Bloodline has found Randy Orton & Kevin Owens again!! They’re all brawling it out while refs and security shout! Solo sends Orton into a cart, then takes aim with a chair! Orton dodges the chair shot, throws more hands, then Kevin gets his shots in! Orton JAMS Solo with the chair, SMACKS him down, and Kevin goes back after Tama! Are these teams going to tear each other apart until there’s nothing left but the blood, sweat and tears?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, especially as a go-home to Backlash. There were some recap packages here and there, but many were in response to the Draft moves and similar stories. Very good promo from Carlito and then attack by Dragon Lee to hype up their feud going forward. Also a very good promo from Melo with Aldis and Lashley. Melo’s ego is gonna get him in trouble, but would not have thought this would be Melo’s first feud. And great promo from Heyman with Aldis to reveal that detail about Roman being radio silent for the last month. It really adds to how Solo Sikoa’s been able to do what he wants while Roman’s been gone.
As such, great “R-KO Show” segment with Heyman as the guest and then the sudden attack by Solo & Tama. The camera framing really helped add to the ambush, and then the brawling reigniting at the very end of the show was a great detail. Both brawl segments went Team R-KO’s way, so I would think The Bloodline finds their way to win. Perhaps the WWE debut of Jacob Fatu? Great 8 Woman Tag to open the night, with a great moment of Bianca and Bayley unsure about working together. But in the end, the Faces win, making me wonder if there will be shenanigans keeping the tag titles on Kabuki Warriors. That promo from Bianca after could be part of it, where her obsession in getting past DMG CTRL costs her and Jade.
Great match from AOP VS NCR, but I should’ve figured the Final Testament would help AOP win. This would’ve worked as a blowoff match if one team was staying on SmackDown but they’re both moving to Raw this Monday, so maybe NCR can get some reinforcements? Really good match from Knight VS Garza though it certainly felt one-sided on the way to Knight winning. Knight and Santos both getting in the King of the Ring tournament is good stuff, those brackets will apparently come out next Monday, and I’m sure both Knight and Santos will have a strong showing. The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments are gonna have to move fast, though, with the finals in Arabia on the 25th.
Good promo from A-Town Down Under and great promo from The Profits ahead of their title match, but the champs retaining the titles make sense. This may have been a special episode in France, but it was still “free TV” so there weren’t going to be new champs so soon after WrestleMania and the new belt designs being introduced. And speaking of this being in France, the crowd was fired up all night, they’ve clearly been hungry for some meaningful WWE content. Cody and Styles almost couldn’t get through their face-to-face with how fired up the fans were to see them both.
Cody and Styles still had really good promos, and Styles with the slap after Cody references Bullet Club was some good stuff. It isn’t just kayfabe and catchphrases that they’re gonna have a great match, but outside of a shoot injury or complete botch, Cody’s definitely retaining the title.
My Score: 8.9/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
He’s here to show the world, he’s here to show the world!
Nic Nemeth finally gets his dream match with Hiroshi Tanahashi, and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship is on the line! But can the Wanted Man trump President Ace of the Universe?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Togi Makabe & Katsuya Murashima VS Boltin Oleg & Shoma Kato; Oleg & Kato win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS SHO & Yujiro Takahashi; Sho & Yujiro win.
- Yuya Uemura & Taichi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Yuya & Taichi win.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Guerrillas of Destiny; Guerrillas of Destiny win.
- Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Shota Umino & El Desperado VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
- Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Nemeth wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Jeff Cobb w/ Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira!
The Front Man and the Imperial Unit have battled over this belt before, and now, in “season 4,” we revisit the rivalry! Will ZSJ still have Cobb’s number? Or will Cobb finally be the star of NJPW World?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly might!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans cheer as ZSJ and Cobb shake hands. ZSJ then rushes in but Cobb avoids him. They feel things out, hand fight for control, and Cobb goes for a leg. ZSJ avoids being thrown but Cobb waistlocks. ZSJ drops, slips out, but Cobb keeps on him. They go around again, ZSJ gets away, and the fans cheer. The two knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, then Cobb blocks a leg pick with a facelock. Cobb pushes ZSJ to a lateral press, TWO!! ZSJ narrowly escapes and Cobb lets him know it. The fans applaud as the two reset, and they feel things out again.
They knuckle lock, ZSJ rolls back and wrangles Cobb. Cobb stands, slips through to wrench back. ZSJ turns around, has a cording hold, and then hooks a leg to make the arm-drag easier! Then he shifts right around to an ARMBAR! Cobb scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets off quickly. ZSJ and Cobb reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock again. They go forehead to forehead, then shoulder to shoulder. ZSJ facelocks but Cobb slips around to a waistlock, then spins ZSJ to a facelock, then headlock. Cobb hits the takeover, denies the headscissors, but ZSJ keeps trying. Third time’s the charm and ZSJ has Cobb down!
ZSJ squeezes tight but Cobb moves around. Cobb headstands, pops free, and then has a standing toehold! The fans applaud, but ZSJ works on his escape. He gets his left leg free, turns over and reels Cobb in, but Cobb turns that into a waistlock! ZSJ wrenches out but Cobb avoids the Pele! Cobb feints moonsault and ZSJ scrambles away! The fans cheer the standoff as the two reset again. Cobb and ZSJ circle, step closer, and knuckle lock again. They both try to clinch, but then Cobb slips around to a waistlock and SLAM! ZSJ scrambles away, clutching his side. ZSJ stands, Cobb storms up, and Cobb TOSSES ZSJ across the ring!
The fans fire up while ZSJ flounders to the apron, still clutching his side. ZSJ seems alright to continue as he gets back inside, so Cobb storms up on him again. Cobb HEADBUTTS the ribs! Cobb whips corner to corner hard and ZSJ bounces off buckles! ZSJ is getting frustrated with himself, but Cobb is right on him again. Cobb whips ZSJ back the other way and ZSJ again hits buckles hard! The fans rally for ZSJ as Cobb storms over. Cobb steps on ZSJ’s chest! Cobb then drags ZSJ up at the five minute mark. Cobb whips, ZSJ goes up and comes back, but is caught into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!
Cobb walks over to pick ZSJ up, then whips him to a corner. Cobb runs in but ZSJ avoids the back elbow! ZSJ goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! ZSJ stands but Cobb follows, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Cobb wobbles but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ fires a flurry of forearms, but Cobb DECKS him with just one! ZSJ is mad and he gets right up! The fans rally up as ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again! Cobb ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm! ZSJ has the fans behind him as he runs back in, only to get run over! GACHI- NO, ZSJ sunsets Cobb first! But Cobb rolls through!
Cobb rolls into the jackknife, TWO as ZSJ bridges up!! ZSJ spins Cobb around, but Cobb fights the backslide! Cobb turns things around to backslide ZSJ, but ZSJ rolls through to trap Cobb’s head! NECK TWIST! PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up again while ZSJ catches his breath. ZSJ still clutches his side, but he watches Cobb rise. The fans rally, ZSJ storms up on Cobb and waistlocks, but Cobb breaks free! Cobb wrenches, snapmares, and steals EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! ZSJ storms up on Cobb, fires forearms, but Cobb ROCKS him with just one! ZSJ walks it off, comes back with more, then a BOOT! Cobb swings, into a BOOT!
Cobb rebounds, but ZSJ BOOTS! ZSJ runs, but into a BOOT from Cobb! ZSJ drops to his knees, but Cobb drags him back up to suplex! ZSJ fights that to wrench and PELE the arm! ZSJ waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, but then Cobb is right back up! Cobb deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES ZSJ away! The fans rally as ZSJ ends up in a corner. Cobb rises, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Cobb then brings ZSJ up for a SPIN OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives heavy impact after heavy impact, but Cobb powers up his arm. Cobb runs, but ZSJ LARIATS with him!
Both men stay up but ZSJ does stagger. ZSJ and Cobb DOUBLE LARIAT again! We hit ten minutes, time is still on ZSJ’s side! But then Cobb LARIATS him down! Cobb runs, but ZSJ KICKS the lariat away! Scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives and the fans are thunderous again! ZSJ runs to KICK! That might’ve hurt ZSJ’s leg more than anything. ZSJ runs but Cobb blocks this kick! ZSJ SLAPS Cobb, so Cobb DROPKICKS ZSJ! Cobb then hauls ZSJ up to suplex, and he puts ZSJ up top! Cobb goes up top with him, then SUPER- NO, ZSJ slips around to a SLEEPER! The ref counts the ropebreak, ZSJ drops back at 4.
ZSJ considers his options, and gets under Cobb, for a POWERBOMB! Roll to a cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Cobb stays in this! But we’re at the three minute warning! ZSJ KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, then runs, but Cobb ducks the Penalty Kick to schoolboy! TWO!! ZSJ escapes, Cobb runs back up, and Cobb blocks a boto! Waistlock, O’Conner Roll, but ZSJ pops that into a SLEEPER! Cobb rolls back to get free, and deadlifts ZSJ into a pop-up! F 5000!! Cobb hurries to haul ZSJ back up, whip and TOUR OF THE- CRUCIFIX TAKEDOWN! ONE!! Cobb gets free fast, and he hurries to haul ZSJ back up! LARIAT! FALLING HAMMER!
Cobb swings again but into an omoplata! ZSJ wants the other arm, but Cobb moves around as we hit the two minute warning! ZSJ just shifts to get the other arm in the omoplata, then a traditional ARMBAR! Cobb holds hands, ZSJ breaks the grip! Cobb powers right through to deadlift ZSJ! Then a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!! Cover, COBB WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World TV Champion)
With 90 SECONDS to spare, Cobb ends ZSJ’s reign! The Imperial Unit wears gold once again, will “season five” be the biggest and strongest yet?
Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have been battling all up and down the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but now Gene Blast will have it out with The Rebel! Who proves they are truly ungovernable?
The bell rings and the fans rally for Yota already. Yota and Finlay stare down, but then back away as Finlay gets annoyed by the fans. Yota encourages the fans and they get louder for him. Finlay gets on a corner to throw up the Too Sweet, the fans boo him. Finlay hops down with a frown, and the two circle. Yota blocks a kick, headlocks, but Finlay powers up, only for Yota to hold on tight. Finlay rolls to a cover, ONE and Yota holds onto the headlock. Finlay powers up again, powers out this time, but Yota runs him over! The fans cheer, Yota grins, but Finlay bails out. The fans boo while Finlay paces. Yota gets on the corner and the fans fire up!
Finlay slides in, Yota hits him with a body shot first! Finlay goes to a corner, Yota RAMS into him, and RAMS him, and RAMS him again. Yota then brings Finlay around to whip corner to corner. Yota runs up but Finlay puts him on the apron! Finlay knocks Yota off the apron, then goes out to RAM him into railing, right in front of commentary! Finlay RAMS Yota in again and again, but the ref reprimands him. Finlay lets off, leaves Yota behind, and says it’s too easy. Yota writhes, the ring count starts, and Finlay waits. Yota rises up at 6 of 20, stands at 8, and makes his way in at 10. But Finlay is there to stomp away on him at the ropes!
Finlay drops a KNEE into Yota’s back, pulls Yota’s hair and a leg, but the ref reprimands. Yota has the ROPEBREAK, the ref counts, and Finlay lets go at 4. Finlay brings Yota up to suplex and BROKEN ARROW! Finlay flexes and fans do cheer the feat of strength. Finlay covers, TWO! Finlay mockingly says Yota is tough, HEADBUTTS away on Yota’s ribs! Then he drops a leg! Yota sputters but Finlay mocks the fans rallying behind him. Finlay whips Yota hard into a corner, and Yota falls forward. Finlay covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Finlay stands on Yota’s fingers! Finlay stomps Yota’s arm, then clamps on a chinlock.
Yota endures as Finlay leans on the hold. The fans rally up again, even as Finlay thrashes Yota around. Yota fights around, reaches out, but Finlay grinds him back down to the mat! The fans rally harder as Yota reaches out. Finlay sits Yota up so he can CLUB away on Yota’s face, then puts the hold on tighter! It’s almost a Bulldog Choke, but Yota fights to his feet! Yota reaches out but Finlay wrangles Yota back down! Yota is fading! The ref checks, and the hand drops once! The hand drops twice! But Yota opens his eyes and rises up! The fans rally and Yota stands to throw body shots! Yota is free, and he runs, but into an ELBOW! Finlay adds a SENTON!
Yota flounders away to a corner, and Finlay barks at him. Finlay aims from a corner as Yota rises, and fans rally with the barking. Finlay runs in, to UPPERCUT! And clothesline! And then Finlay brings Yota out, only for Yota to suplex Finlay into the corner! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay rolls away while clutching the back of his head, and Yota rises while catching his breath. The fans rally again and Yota stands. Yota fires up and runs in at the corner, to STINGER SPLASH! Yota keeps moving, to FLIPPING RANA! Finlay tumbles out, and the fans fire up as Yota builds speed! Yota DIVES and sends Finlay over railing!
The fans fire up with Yota while Finlay is down in No Man’s Land! Yota catches his breath again and the ring count starts. Finlay crawls through the gap, but we’re at 10 of 20 before Yota stands. Yota storms over and drags Finlay up at 15, then puts him in the ring. The fans cheer and Yota gets Finlay up. Yota half nelsons for a GUTBUSTER! Yota then snapmares Finlay into a body scissors squeeze! Finlay endures, moves around, but Yota grabs an arm in a cording hold! Finlay flails with his free arm but he’s still far from ropes! Finlay pulls at the body scissors but Yota just squeezes tighter! Finlay endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts, Yota lets off, and the fans applaud. Finlay coughs as he goes to a corner, and Yota paces. Yota storms over, brings Finlay back up, but Finlay blocks the suplex. Finlay throws body shots but Yota gives a hard body shot in return! Finlay falls over and coughs his way to ropes. The ref has Yota stay back while he checks on Finlay. But then Yota runs up to KICK Finlay into the corner! Yota stands Finlay up to CHOP! Finlay grits his teeth as his chest stings, but Yota brings him up to the top rope! Yota ROCKS Finlay, then roars, and the fans fire up! Yota climbs, brings Finlay up, but Finliay shoves him down!
Finlay adjusts, but Yota comes back to GAMANGIRI! Yota goes back up, brings Finlay to the top, but Finlay throws body shots! Finlay SUNSET FLIPS, but Yota holds on! Finlay pries Yota from the corner, but Yota sunset flips him back! TWO, but Yota kicks and whips! Finlay reverses, and scoops for BLUE THUNDER! Both men are down and Gedo cheers Finlay while the fans rally for Yota. Finlay hauls Yota up for the Canadian Rack, CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans are still behind him, but Finlay keeps his cool. Finlay drags Yota around, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota back drops Finlay away!
The fans cheer as Yota clinches, but Finlay fights free! Finlay gets Yota back in, picks him up, but Yota slips free of the bomb! Finlay dodges the knee, but runs into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Finlay writhes but Yota drags him back up. Yota suplexes for the ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives the brainbuster bomb and we pass 15 minutes, but Yota keeps his cool. Yota grins, even! Yota stands, brings Finlay to a corner, then goes up and up for the FLYING- PRIMA NOCTA! Finlay reels Yota in to bring him up and BUCKLE BOMB! Then suplex INTO OBLIVION! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and Finlay is beside himself!
The fans rally while Yota is down, but Finlay brings his kneepad down. Finlay stands, drags Yota up, but Yota is deadweight. The ref checks but Yota seems okay to continue, so Finlay drags him up! Yota fights the suplex so Finlay knees him low! Finlay brings Yota back up and in, slashes his throat, and suplexes, but Yota cradle counters! TWO!! Finlay runs up, into a clinch! BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! STOMP!! The fans fire up as Yota stands tall, but then he drops back down, needing to catch his breath. The fans rally up and both men stir. Finlay rises first, and he sits Yota up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, and Gedo says nice!
Yota sits back up, Finlay UPPERCUTS him again! Yota shakes his head as he sits back up, so Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Finlay taunts Yota, Yota stands, and Finlay UPPERCUTS! Yota shakes his head and comes back, but Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Finlay eggs Yota on, and Yota snarls as he storms back up. Finlay UPPERCUTS again and Yota drops back! Finlay says this is too easy, but Yota still smiles?! Yota rises, and he fires forearm after forearm on Finlay! Finlay UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Yota drops to a knee, Finlay says BANG! UPPER- BACKSLIDE! Roll through, Finlay blocks a knee to UPPERCUT!
Yota SUPERKICKS! Finlay UPERCUTS! Yota FOREARMS, then he dodges the lariat to JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO!! We hit 20 minutes as Yota hauls Finlay up to a fireman’s carry, and swings into the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Yota storms around. Yota waits on Finlay to rise, then runs in, to CURB STOMP! Yota roars, because he’s not done yet! Up and up, MARVEL CRUSH!! Cover off the flying stomp, TWO!! Finlay survives, but Yota just fires up again! The fans are with Yota as he aims from the corner! Finlay rises, but then Gedo gets on the apron! Yota runs Gedo off, but Finlay SPEARS first!!
Finlay hurries to get Yota up and suplex! STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE!? Yota takes a play out of Will Ospreay’s book (or Orange Cassidy’s, or Mark Andrews’), then runs in to GENE BLASTER!! But Yota says that’s not enough! The fans fire up again as Yota reloads in the corner! Finlay slowly rises, but Gedo distracts the ref! Yota runs in, into a SHILLELAGH SHOT!! Finlay drags Yota up and reels him in, for a POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO?!?! Yota survives and shocks Finlay! Finlay is furious, he gets Yota up for another POWERBOMB!! Then a flip-over, suplex, for OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall
The Goatslayer may have won, but he still needed the ace up his sleeve to steal this one from Yota! Will Finlay stop at nothing to make himself the savior of this company? Or is he simply a false prophet?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
The Wanted Man has wanted to show off ever since arriving in NJPW, and he started off strong taking this title off David Finlay. But now he gets what he wanted even more, and that’s a dream match with The Ace of the Universe! Will Nemeth take President Tanahashi to the Danger Zone? Or will we soon witness the birth of a Two Belt Ace?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who shows the world their true strength!
Tanahashi shows off the abs and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the fans rally up for Tanahashi. Tanahashi and Nemeth circle, tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. They break, reset, and circle again. They tie up, are in another deadlock, but Tanahashi gets around to waistlock. Nemeth reaches back, shoots around to get a leg then a waistlock, then shifts, but Tanahashi fights off the cobra twist. Tanahashi wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Nemeth rolls, slips around again, and tries from the other side. Tanahashi fights the cobra twist to roll Nemeth up, TWO! The fans cheer the exchange and even Nemeth nods as they reset.
Nemeth and Tanahashi circle, Nemeth gets a leg, and he brings Tanahashi down to a cradle, TWO! Tanahashi fights through the leg guard to get a headlock, but Nemeth fights around to roll Tanahashi. ONE, Nemeth facelocks, and he brings Tanahashii up. Tanahashi puts Nemeth on ropes, Red Shoes counts, and Tanahashi lets off slowly. Tanahashi says clean break, but then Nemeth runs up! Tanahashi arm-drags, arm-drags again, and has the cording hold! The fans cheer while Nemeth moves around. Nemeth stands, hooks Tanahashi’s leg with a leg, and then flips Tanahashi over to a cradle! TWO, and the two stand off again.
The fans applaud as both men reset. They feel out a knuckle lock, but Nemeth again goes for a leg. Nemeth waistlocks, and he still wants that cobra twist. Tanahashi drops but Nemeth tries for a ground cobra! Tanahashi clasps hands to resist that, then he rolls things to a headlock. Nemeth keeps his shoulders up, fights to his feet, and he hooks a leg to roll Tanahashi! Tanahashi manages to keep a shoulder up, so Nemeth flips around and has the roll from the other side! TWO, and Nemeth DROPKICKS Tanahashi down! The fans fire up as Nemeth swivels the hips! Tanahashi backs away to ropes to catch his breath.
Nemeth waits on Tanahashi, Tanahashi stands and they circle. They tie up, Nemeth headlocks but Tanahashi waistlocks. Nemeth switches, Tanahashi fights the lift, and then Tanahashi switches. Nemeth reaches around, switches again, but Tanahashi switches on him. Nemeth switches, and goes to throw Tanahashi out! Tanahashi fights that with elbows, then gets a leg, to DRAGON SCREW! Nemeth flounders out of the ring while the fans cheer! Tanahashi goes out after Nemeth, puts him in the ring, and the fans cheer. Tanahashi drags Nemeth up, bumps him off buckles, then fires up as he whips corner to corner.
Nemeth reverses the whip, runs in, but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up for the air guitar! Nemeth stands, Tanahashi runs up and dropkicks the legs out! Nemeth flounders, stands back up, and Tanahashi runs in, but into a dropkick right back! The fans rally while both men are down, but Nemeth grins as he evens the score. Nemeth stands, storms up on Tanahashi and grabs the leg. Nemeth stands on Tanahashi’s face, then DDTs the leg! Tanahashi clutches the knee, but Nemeth drags him around. Nemeth steps over, has a standing toehold, but Tanahashi kicks at him with his free leg!
Nemeth and Tanahashi struggle against each other, and Nemeth powers things into a cover! TWO, and Nemeth YANKS the leg! Then Nemeth cradles Tanahashi, TWO! Tanahashi is still in this and the fans rally behind him, even as Nemeth stalks Tanahashi. Tanahashi fires forearms! But Nemeth kicks the leg out! Nemeth gets the leg to YANK it, then he drops a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is tougher than that but Nemeth grabs the bad leg. Nemeth stretches the leg out, and adds a chinbar so he can bend Tanahashi around. Nemeth hooks the leg, pulls on it, it’s like a standing kneebar! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up!
Tanahashi endures, even as Nemeth makes it an ANKLE LOCK! Tanahashi slips under and brings Nemeth down with his own leglock, only for Nemeth to turn him back over! Tanahashi reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Nemeth stomps the leg as he lets off. Nemeth eggs Tanahashi on, so Tanahashi stands up and fires a forearm! Nemeth fires a haymaker! Tanahashi forearms again, Nemeth throws a forearm back! Tanahashi throws another forearm, so Nemeth kicks the leg out! Tanahashi eggs Nemeth on now, then blocks his superkick! But not the SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and the fans fire up!
Nemeth stands and shows he still has energy to spare. Tanahashi stands, Nemeth taunts him, “I thought you were a legend!” Nemeth whips, and Tanahashi CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again and Tanahashi fires up with them! Nemeth stands into a strike fest! Tanahashi scoops to SLAM Nemeth into the drop zone! Then Tanahashi goes up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nemeth is tougher than that but the fans rally with Tanahashi. Nemeth slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO, Nemeth sends Tanahashi out! But Tanahashi skins the cat! Then he TOSSES Nemeth! But now Nemeth skins the cat!
The fans fire up, Nemeth mocks the air guitar, but then Tanahashi dodges! Nemeth dodges, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down! Both men stir, the fans rally up, and Nemeth fires a haymaker! Tanahashi gives a forearm back! Nemeth fires another haymaker, Tanahashi fires another forearm! They stand, continue to trade shots, and then Tanahashi gets the edge! But Nemeth roars to HEADBUT! Both men wobble, Nemeth roars again, and he whips, only for Tanahashi to reverse and SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up and Tanahashi roars! Tanahashi goes up a corner, Nemeth stands, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up again as Tanahashi resets! Tanahashi climbs again while Nemeth is down, HIGH FLYÂ FLOP!! Nemeth avoids disaster and Tanahashi writhes from his crash landing! But Tanahashi just fires himself back up! After all, as NEVER Openweight Six Man Champion, he can’t give up! Tanahashi runs in, but into SUPERKICK 101!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and we pass 15 minutes! Nemeth rises first, he takes aim again, and Tanahashi turns around into a kick! Nemeth runs, to FAMOUS- NO, Tanahashi stops the Famouser to SHOTEI! But Nemeth roars, swings, only for Tanahashi to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
The fans are thunderous and Tanahashi gets running, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi drags Nemeth into the drop zone, but has him on his stomach! Tanahashi goes up to HIGH FLY FLOW, onto knees!! Nemeth turns over in time, and then covers, TWO!!! Tanahashi survives the crushing counter, and the fans rally as hard as they can for him! Tanahashi stands, DANGER- NO, Tanahashi shakes that off, then runs, but Nemeth dodges! DANGER ZONE!! But Tanahashi rises up and Nemeth reloads, to DANGER ZONE again!! Cover, Nemeth wins!!
Winner: Nic Nemeth, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
Nemeth got what he wanted in this dream match, and then he came out as the Top Gun! Will Tanahashi have to settle for being a Six Man Tag Team Champion for now?
As for Nemeth, he is given the belt, and he holds it up high. But he also shows Tanahashi respect with a hug, and Tanahashi shows it back by lifting Nemeth’s hand. Then the streamers fly! That took Tanahashi by surprise! But then FINLAY attacks Nemeth!! The Rebel also CLOBBERS Tanahashi! The fans boo as this War Dog is off the leash! Finlay rains down fists on Nemeth again, then he TOSSES Tanahashi out. Finlay gets the shillelagh from Gedo and he takes aim! Finlay takes a swing, but Nemeth dodges! Nemeth fires fists in return and the fans fire up! Gedo watches out as these two go all over the place, in all of the streamers!
Young Lions hurry in to stop this, but Gedo calls reinforcements! Here come Connors & Drilla! They get the pack leader outta there, clearly Nemeth isn’t going down easy! Nemeth gets the mic to tell Finlay he’s a coward! Nemeth was just in this ring with a legend, and he’ll do it every damn night! Finlay clearly takes the easy way out, because he’s a POS who attacks from behind! If Finlay had any balls, he’ll fight Nemeth fair and square. Nemeth will defend anytime, anywhere, because that’s how damn good he is! Hell, tomorrow night! Wrestling Dontaku Night 2, rematch for the Global title! Let’s do it!!
The fans like the sound of that! Finlay may have taken a cheap shot, but he’s still getting what he wants. Will the Rebel shoot down The Wanted Man and take back the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship? Or will Nemeth bring Finlay into the Danger Zone?
My Thoughts:
A great start to what I think is the first two-night Wrestling Dontaku ever. I will say, of the matches I skipped, The House of Torture winning over Moxley’s team is classic go-home math showing that Moxley will win out against Narita tomorrow on night two. That way, Moxley then faces Shota Umino next Saturday, May 11th, at Resurgence. Anyway, great NJPW World TV Championship match, and a great rematch from ZSJ and Cobb on top of it. Great win for Cobb, and that was the logical move after having lost to ZSJ the last two times. Also, feels like that’s why ZSJ beat Riddle after Riddle had a rather short run. If Cobb was to win this belt, they didn’t wanna make the Chosen Bros face each other, as great as that would’ve been.
Really good grudge match from Yota and Finlay, but I should’ve known Finlay would need to cheat to win. And as we saw at the end, Finlay wants the Global Championship back, what with losing out on the World Championship when he lost in the New Japan Cup. Great match from Nemeth and Tanahashi, great win for Nemeth, and doing back to back nights is some good stuff out of Nemeth and Finlay. I don’t know if they’ll steal the show, but they’ll definitely put on a real good match to help top off Dontaku.
My Score: 8.8/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- Power Players [043024]
Hockey Talk reviews the action from the first round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs and looks forward to some intriguing...
Hockey Talk- 2024 NHL Playoff Preview [042224]
Hockey Talk previews the 2024 NHL Playoffs and discuss the stunning news that the Arizona Coyotes are moving to Salt...
Hockey Talk- Metro Mayhem [040924]
Hockey Talk looks at an absolutely wild playoff situation taking shape in the Eastern Conference while, out West, the battle...
The Pick N Roll: Sweet Sixteen
Join Patrick O'Dowd and PC Tunney as they breakdown the sweet sixteen of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Hockey Talk- Reverse Psychology [032624]
Hockey Talk looks at the resurgent St. Louis Blues & Washington Capitals. Plus, the Rangers stay hot, and can anyone...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/1/24)
The Gerudo Sisterhood is (not) fine.
Bandwagon Nerds #233: Superhero Madness- The Sweet 16
Superhero Madness continues with Sweet 16 matchups sure to spark a debate among all nerds. All that plus Deadpool, Wolverine,...
Bandwagon Nerds #232: Superhero Madness- A Top Seed Falls
Superhero Madness continues and sees the first #1 seed fall!. Plus, a trailer for a new Transformers movie, and a...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/20/24)
HPW looks to the horizon.
Bandwagon Nerds #231: Disney News & Superhero Madness
Round two of Superhero Madness begins this week. Cinema Con gives us plenty of Disney news and a trip to...
Andrew’s TNA Under Siege Results & Match Ratings: 5.3.2024
The worst card in the history of PLEs got even worse with last second changes! Cringe with me as I...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/3/24)
C'est vendredi soir!
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/3/24)
Will the Ace go global?
DWI Podcast #428: Slappin Jade Ass
What will the landscape of WWE look like after the draft and Backlash?
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.2.2024
Under Siege is tomorrow! Yeah the card looks pretty awful, but maybe this Go Home will spice things up!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/2/24)
The Queen is chasing the crown!
Attitude Of Aggression #290- The Big Four Project: Royal Rumble ’93
The guys review Royal Rumble '93, as Yokozuna conquers 29 other men to earn a shot at the WWE Championship...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (5/1/24)
Jay White is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (5/1/24)
Kenny Omega returns!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/30/24)
Spring Breakin' is almost over!
