AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (4/1/22)

Powerhouse Hobbs is on a Rampage!

Published

1 year ago

April 1, 2022

Steven Mitchell

Will Will Hobbs #BaskInHisGlory?

Two of the biggest, strongest, baddest behemoths in AEW collide one-on-one! Powerhouse Will Hobbs, Limitless Keith Lee, both are on a Rampage!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Young Bucks w/ Brandon Cutler VS Top Flight; The Young Bucks win.
Six Man Tag: The House of Black VS Fuego del Sol & The Dark Order; The House of Black wins.
Owen Hart Memorial Women’s Tournament Qualifier: Jamie Hayter VS Skye Blue; Hayter wins and advances to the tournament.
Keith Lee VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; Keith wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Young Bucks w/ Brandon Cutler VS Top Flight!

It’s a rematch of brothers VS brothers as Matt & Nick Jackson take on Dante & Darius Martin! This has been a long time coming, but will the Bucks be throwing a Superkick Party in Columbia, South Carolina? Or will Angel Dorado & Air Wolf be soaring up the AEW Tag Division rankings?

The teams sort out and younger brothers Nick and Dante start. Fans fire up as the two circle, and they tie up. Nick headlocks, Dante powers out, but Nick runs him over. Dante kips up and ducks a roundhouse, but Nick blocks the clothesline to knuckle lock and CHOP! Nick goes up and up, “Lucha libre~!” FLYING ARM-DRAG! But Dante’s right up and things speed up. Dante whips Nick, Nick goes up and out, but Dante jumps right to the top rope! Nick shoves him away, Dante flips to land on his feet, and he comes back, only for Nick to backflip off the apron to avoid the baseball slide! Dante dodges a clothesline, double dropkicks cancel out!

Both men handspring up and get face to face. Fans fire up as Nick tells Dante they’re going back in the ring. They both get in, but then Matt CLOBBERS Dante and Nick DECKS Darius! Nick tags Matt, Matt drags Dante up and throws big haymakers. Matt whips, Dante reverses and hurdles. Darius shoulder sin, bumps Matt off buckles, then Dante runs in to A-LIST LARIAT! Tag to Darius, he snap suplexes Matt and kips up to tag Dante back in! Slingshot senton! Nick runs in, but into double CHOPS! Darius mule kicks, Dante front kicks and they double dropkick Nick out of the ring!

Fans fire up as Top Flight double kip up! Dante wrenches Matt’s arm, wristlocks, YANKS the arm, then slips around to hammerlock and half nelson. Tag to Darius, the Martins mug Matt, then Darius wrings Matt, rolls and hooks the arm to have the far arm! Matt endures Darius’ double armbar, but Darius shifts to a facelock. Tag to Dante, Dante wrenches and snapmares to KICK the bad arm! Cover, TWO! Dante drags Matt up, brings him over, tag to Darius. Top Flight mugs Matt again, but then Matt throat chops Darius! Matt swivels the hips, scoops, but Darius slips out! Matt denies the O’Conner Roll, he baits Darius in, Nick ROCKS Darius with a forearm!

Nick tags in, he slingshots in, but Darius hits an atomic drop! Darius clotheslines Nick out, Cutler catches him, but Darius sets up for Dante to run in, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Nick falls on Cutler now! Fans fire up as Top Flight coordinates, Matt gets in only to get a Tiger Feint to the rear! Then Dante DIVES to take out both Bucks with that tope! Fans fire up with Top Flight as they control the ring! Darius dares someone to get in but Nick is frustrated. The ring count starts, Nick paces around the outside but finally steps in, to SUPERKICK Dante! Then he runs away from Darius! Darius gives chase, and he jumps over Cutler!

Darius dodges Nick, but then Matt SUPERKICKS him down! The ref reprimands and keeps the ring count going, but Matt returns to the corner while Nick puts Darius in. Nick tags Matt, Matt brings Darius up and reels him in. Matt gets Darius up to BUCKLE BOMB ENZIGURI COMBO! Matt then shoves Dante down and WRECKS him with the running dropkick! Matt skins the cat, Bucks coordinate to CANNONBALL ENZIGURI COMBO Darius in the corner! The Bucks soak up all the heat as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Matt finally decides to cover Darius, TWO! Matt pushes Darius down for another cover, ONE! Matt keeps on Darius, drags him up to snapmare, and then JAMS him in the back with his knee! Matt chinlocks and grinds Darius down but Dante and the fans rally up. Darius fights to his feet, throws body shots, but Matt throws him down! Matt PENALTY KICKS Darius, then KICKS him again! Darius writhes, Matt mocks the fans chanting, and then kicks but misses! Darius slips under to JAWBREAKER! Matt keeps Darius from Dante, whips him to the corner, but Darius goes up and over to escape the Bucks!

Rampage returns to single picture as Darius sends Matt into Dante’s GAMANGIRI! Roll-up, tag to Dante, Dante slingshots up to jump off Darius’ back, flying-mare to Matt! Matt gets up but Dante rallies with forearms! Dante kicks and whips, but Matt reverses. Matt runs but Dante slips out! Matt hits only buckles, Dante slingshots across the corner to SUPERKICK Nick! Then Dante goes up and leaps, BIG missile dropkick for Matt! Fans fire up with Dante and he drags Matt back up. Matt rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands but Matt then sucker punches Darius! Matt throws Dante out, tags Nick, and Nick goes to the apron.

But Dante slips in to avoid the kick from the apron! Then he gets under Nick’s springboard, to go up and over, Darius GAMANGIRIS! SUPERKICK to a COMPLETE SHOT! BIG SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick survives that onslaught, but Dante tags Darius in. Darius waistlocks and drags Nick up, but Nick fights with elbows. Nick boots Dante, switches with Darius, but Darius gives Dante a boost up and over! Dante waistlocks Nick, shoves him at Darius to set him up on ropes, LEAP FROG ATTACK! To Darius’ DEADLIFT GERMAN! Bridging cover, Matt breaks it! Matt kicks Dante, throws him out, but Dante is on the apron!

Dante ROCKS Matt, goes up and up, but Matt SHOVES him off! Dante crashes into railing, Matt runs into a SPANISH FLY from Darius! Fans are thunderous and Darius has Nick now. Darius throws a forearm but Nick comes back to give a forearm. Darius forearms, Nick forearms, repeat! Darius gets the edge, but Nick SUPER FOREARMS! Then sobats! Nick swings, but Darius blocks to fire body shots back! Nick ducks the kick, Darius dodges the knee, and Darius SUPERKICKS Nick! Darius runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Nick runs, but Darius follows, only for Matt to tag in! Darius backslides Nick but it won’t count!

Nick and Matt get arms, B T E TRIGGER!!! Cover, Bucks win!

Winners: The Young Bucks, by pinfall

This was a fast and furious match that ended in the blink of an eye! The Bucks stay at the top of the AEW Tag Division, but they’ve got a challenge from FTR to consider. Will Matt & Nick make sure Cash & Dax learn who is really the top tag team around here?

Kris Statlander speaks.

“Welcome to the other side of Kris Statlander.” Will the Galaxy’s Greatest Alien show us her dark side soon enough?

Rampage returns with Dan Lambert, Paige VanZant & the Men of the Year.

Lambert has a mic already and says, “I’m gonna admit, I felt a little like a bride at the alter when a certain couple disappeared last month, and left me behind with all these great stripper jokes and no one to use them on. But I’m gonna take the high road when it comes to Tay & Sammy from this point forward. Because A, the legacy of the TNT and co-TNT titles has been disrespected enough already. And B, they don’t need my help embarrassing themselves with this high school king ‘n’ queen of the prom gimmick they got going on right now!”

Ethan Page says that in case you don’t get what “Dan the Man” is going on about, Tay & Sammy took NAKED PHOTOS with the prestigious TNT Championship! That’s not even the worst part! Who was behind the camera? Fuego del Sol doing some heavy lifting that Sammy’s not built up for? VanZant speaks up to say it was probably Orange Cassidy making that “Freshly Squeezed” nickname too literal. Lambert wants his team to stop, but Ethan says that was probably how Cassidy hurt his shoulder. Lambert says enough, they aren’t sinking to that level, Sammy & Tay aren’t getting their match, and this “interview” is over!

But then Sammy gets Lambert’s attention from the titantron. Not gonna give them the match, huh? Well, does Lambert like his car? Then consider this step one of changing Lambert’s mind. Tay & Sammy both have sledgehammers! And they take ’em to Lambert’s SURV! They SMASH windows, SMASH tail lights, and even the sun roof! Tay, get the spray paint! She gives Sammy the can, and he sprays “BE MAD” on the hood. Then BLAM, hammer through the windshield! The Spanish God & Brazilian Blackbelt just sent a message, will American Top Team have the response they want?

Backstage interview… with Hook?

Tony Schiavone is with the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil, who has taken AEW by storm. But before Schiavone even asks Hook anything, Danhausen says, “Silence!” He introduces himself, “Very nice, very evil. I’ve come to take over the airwaves via the television screens at home, take over humans, and make all the moneys. But of course, and curse your favorite wrestlers to appear up until last week, with you.” So then. BOOM! Curse! Hook is still not affected. The hell!? Hook just leaves, Danhausen asks the hell from Schiavone! He points, and bam, bad things. But not for Hook. Will Hook be unstoppable as he climbs up the AEW rankings?

Six Man Tag: The House of Black VS Fuego del Sol & The Dark Order!

Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews all had a hand in manhandling Fuego these last couple of weeks, but it was Evil Uno, Stu Grayson and the rest of the Numbers that stopped the bullying and beating from going any further! Now, Fuego, Uno & Stu are teaming up, but will they be able to burn down the House of Black?

The trios sort out and Juggernaut Buddy starts against “Born for Combat” Stu Grayson. They circle and tie up as fans fire up. Buddy headlocks, Stu powers out but Buddy runs him over. Things keep moving, Stu hurdles but Buddy runs him over again! Buddy keeps moving, but Stu get sup to run Buddy over! Stu bumps Buddy off buckles, climbs up but Buddy shoves him away. Buddy BOOTS Stu, but Stu comes back, only to be put on the apron. Stu shoulders in but Buddy catches him! Stu wriggles free of the facelock and dumps Buddy out to then ROCK him with a right! Buddy hops down, Stu FLIES out onto him!

Fans fire up and Stu roars at the ramp! Stu puts Buddy in, covers, ONE! Stu drags Buddy back up, clamps onto the arm, and Fuego snipes the tag! Fuego climbs, but Buddy shoves Stu away, DECKS Uno, then throws Stu out onto Uno! Fuego sees he’s alone, but he jumps over Buddy! Things speed up, Fuego ducks and dodges and tilt-o-whirls, but Buddy LAWN DARTS him into buckles! Tag to Brody and he hauls Fuego up to a fireman’s carry! Gorilla press TOSS onto Uno and Stu! Fans fire up as Brody roars and the House of Black stands together, and Rampage goes picture in picture.

Brody goes out to fetch Fuego and bump him off the apron. Brody CHOPS Fuego against barriers while Malakai goes after Uno with KICKS! Malakai whips Uno into railing, Brody CHOPS Fuego again! Malakai KICKS Uno against barriers then KICKS him down! Buddy slams Stu into railing, Brody CHOPS Fuego again! Buddy sits Stu up to KICK! Brody stands Fuego up to ROCK with a forearm! Uno hits Malakai back but Buddy whips Stu hard into railing. Malakai mule kicks Uno then BOOTS him down! Brody ROCKS Fuego, Buddy CLUBS Stu. Buddy glares at fans, but Stu whips him into railing now!

Fuego is finally put back into the ring, Malakai stalks in after him. Fuego throws body shots, then forearms! Malakai knees low, puts Fuego in the corner, but Fuego fights back! Fuego hits Buddy away but runs into a kitchen sink knee from Malakai! Cover, TWO! Malakai clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Fuego down. Fuego endures, fans rally up and Fuego gets to his feet as Rampage goes to break.

Rampage returns as Buddy knees Fuego low. Fuego avoids the running knee, slips under, but Buddy grabs a foot! Buddy reaches but he ducks the enziguri! Fuego keeps reaching for his corner, and he kangaroo kicks Buddy away! Hot tags to Malakai and Stu! Uno tags in as Stu jumps in, Stu dodges Malakai and Buddy to hit Brody! Uno BOOTS Malakai, Stu BOOTS Buddy! Uno waistlocks Malakai but Malakai elbows free. Stu uses Buddy to get up and RANA Malakai! Uno ROLLING ELBOWS Buddy then DECKS Brody! Stu PELES Buddy, then Uno clotheslines Buddy out! Malakai runs in, into the pop-up, Electric Chair, toss to the POWERBOMB! Cover, Brody shoves Stu onto it!

Brody runs in but Uno BOOTS him! Fuego tags in before Brody CLOBBERS Uno! Brody snarls and roars, then builds speed to go up and out to the apron! CANNONBALL onto Uno and Stu! But Fuego aims at Malakai and fans fire up! Fuego wants Malakai to get up! Malakai stands up, but then Buddy and Brody return! Deja vu from last week, but Fuego ain’t backing down! The House circles around him like a pack of wolves, but Stu drags out Buddy and throws him into railing! Brody grabs at Stu but Uno SHOTGUNS Brody! Fuego rolls Malakai up, TWO!! Malakai blocks a kick, reels Fuego in and throws him, but Fuego lands on his feet!

Fuego runs into a strike fest! But he ducks the roundhouse to get up, POISON-RANA! Fans are thunderous as Fuego builds speed, springboard into BLACK MASS!! Brody and Buddy keep Uno and Stu out while Malakai covers, House of Black win!

Winners: The House of Black, by pinfall

The Fire of the Sun was once again snuffed out! Chris Jericho gives The House of Black his Sports Entertainer(s) of the Week award, but will Malakai, Brody & Buddy be looking for bigger prizes in the near future?

The Young Bucks are on the Cutler Cam.

Nick starts off. “AAA Tag Team Champions. Match of the Year Awards. Tag Team of the Year Awards. AEW World Tag Team Champions. Fans, you might be thinking we’re talking about FTR. But we aren’t. We’re talking about the Young Bucks.” Cutler speaks up to say they should add the IWGP titles. Well, Junior or Heavyweights? They did both. So shut up, Brandon! But speaking of FTR, Matt knows all that stuff Nick listed are also on FTR’s list of accomplishments. Except for one thing, and that’s beat the Young Bucks! Couldn’t quite do that, huh? And by now, FTR and the rest of the world have learned that the Bucks accept the challenge!

So next week in Boston, AEW Dynamite, Young Bucks VS FTR Part 2. Cutler, cut the camera, dumbass. Wait, what about PWG and ROH tag titles? Okay, good point, but still, shut the hell up, Brandon! See you in Boston, FTR! But when these two top teams meet, will FTR be coming off a Supercard of Honor win and be bringing two pairs of titles?

Owen Hart Memorial Women’s Tournament Qualifier: Jamie Hayter w/ Rebel VS Skye Blue!

We already know Toni Storm has entered into this historic tournament with her victorious debut on Dynamite, but there’s still more bracket to fill out! Will Dr. Britt Baker’s best henchwoman take the next spot? Or will Skye from Chi-Town get the biggest win of her career yet?

The bell rings, the two circle and tie up, and Hayter puts Skye right on the ropes. The ref counts and Hayter lets off, to pat Skye on the head. Skye and Hayter circle, tie up, and Skye wrenches to a hammerlock. Hayter slips through but Skye puts the hanmerlock back on her. Hayter tries again, and again, but Skye keeps the hammerlock. But Hayter powers Skye back into the corner and elbows her, too. The ref reprimands, Hayter soaks up the heat, and she chokes Skye against the ropes! The ref counts, Hayter lets off, and she whips Skye to ropes. Skye gets around, waistlocks, but Hayter switches.

Hayter pushes Skye to ropes but Skye turns O’Conner Roll into her own lateral press, TWO! Skye arm-drags and has the armlock! Skye grinds Hayter down, but Hayter pulls hair. The ref counts, Hayter lets off and the two stand. Hater powers Skye back and whips free, but Skye RANAS Hayter to a corner! Fans fire up with Skye and she runs in, but Hayter catches her for a BUCKLE EXPLODER! Hayter grins and Rebel is fired up but fans boo. Hayter stomps Skye, drags her up and runs her corner to corner to bump off buckles. Hayter brings Skye around to bump off buckles again, then talks trash to the fans.

Hayter digs her boots into Skye while mocking the fans, but the ref counts. Hayter lets off, drags Skye up, and brings Skye to center to CLUB her down! Hayter suplexes and holds Skye up, but Skye turns that to a cradle! TWO, Skye hurries to get around Hayter, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Hayter is up, Skye sunset flips, TWO! Skye hurries up, but Hayter gets her for an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Rebel cheers but fans boo as Hayter drags Skye up. Skye fires forearms and backs Hayter down, but Hayter boots her back. Hayter whips, scoops, but Skye headscissors her away! Then SHINING WIZARDS up against the ropes!

Skye gets a leg, uses that to throw Hayter down, and she fires up, only for Hayter to block her superkick! Hayter spins Skye but she hits a low ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, TWO!! Hayter survives and Skye is pulling at her hair in frustration. Fans rally, Skye drags Hayter up and whips, but Hayter blocks! Hayter scoops again, BIG back suplex! Skye ends up in a corner, Hayter kisses the bicep and runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Skye hurries up while Hayter is in the drop zone, but Hayter stands to trip her up! Skye is stuck up top, Hayter goes after her with forearms! Hayter climbs up but Skye hits her back!

Hayter CLUBS Skye but Skye throws body shots! Hayter holds on, CLUBS Skye more, then hits a SNAP SUPERPLEX! Roll through to a BRAINBUSTER!! But Hayter won’t end it here, she wants to hurt Skye! Ripcord, HATE MAKER!! Cover, Hayter wins!

Winner: Jamie Hayter, by pinfall (advances to the Owen Hart Memorial Women’s Tournament)

Rebel celebrates with Hayter as Hayter throws her name into the hat! Will this historic tournament end up won by a Hayter?

AEW makes BIG Dynamite matches!

Before going after the AEW World Championship again, Adam Cole takes on Christian Cage! Will Captain Charisma prove Adam Cole isn’t ready for a rematch with Hangman Page? Then, AEW raises the stakes in Bucks VS FTR 2, by making it a AAA Tag Team Championship match! Will FTR lose the right to say they’re the best luchadors in the world?

Penta Oscuro and Alex Abrahantes speak.

House of Black, Penta says, “Don’t forget about Death Triangle. If you continue to play with Fuego, you’re going to get burnt.” That’s because this is Penta Oscuro and he has #CEROMIEDO!

Mark Henry interviews tonight’s main eventers!

The World’s Strongest Man starts off with introductions for Keith Lee and “Powerhouse” Hobbs, but Hobbs speaks up! He wants to know why Mark can’t ask him the questions first. Is it cuz he’s not a Texas boy? Now that Keith’s here, he’s getting all the attention. But Hobbs tells Keith to listen up. Hobbs will do Keith a favor and open up The Book of Hobbs. Hobbs will hit Keith with that Last Will & Testament Spinebuster, then prove to Keith that he will not bask in glory until thou basks in defeat courtesy of Powerhouse Hobbs.

Keith says Hobbs is indeed powerful and a powerhouse. But “Mr. Hobbs” has been reading this autobiography when in reality he should check himself and get into the science fiction. The Keith Lee he faces tonight is unreal. And when you come to the ring, be prepared to bask in Keith’s glory as he teaches Hobbs a lesson, such as to respect those who came before you, such as Mark Henry. Keith wants Hobbs to prepare himself, because the end is near. Mark says there’s been enough talk. Time for the main event! Will the ring even be left standing after these two titans clash?

Keith Lee VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs!

Rampage returns as Hobbs makes his entrance. Then Keith makes his entrance, and fans are fired up. The bell rings and fans chant, “Keith Lee! WOOP WOOP!” and sing “Oh~ Bask in His Glory~!” Keith conducts the fans, but Hobbs is just annoyed. Hobbs talks trash on Keith and mocks the conducting, then he and Keith finally approach. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then break to get face to face. They tie up again, Hobbs puts Keith on ropes but Keith puts Hobbs in a corner. They go around and around, then break again! Fans fire up as these two look to be even in strength. They tie up again, Hobbs gets around to waistlock then headlock.

Keith endures as Hobbs grinds the hold. Fans rally and Keith powers out, then he rams shoulders with Hobbs! Neither man falls, they go again, and still neither falls. And again, and again! Hobbs keeps trying, he ducks and body blocks but Keith stays up, to rebound and POUNCE Hobbs out of the ring! Fans are thunderous while Hobbs is furious! Hobbs paces around on the outside while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Keith conducts the crowd again but Hobbs eggs Keith on. Keith goes out, he counter punches and fires off hands! Keith and Hobbs tie up out there, but Keith throws another body shot! Keith then scoops Hobbs and carries him! Hobbs slips off to POST Keith! And then waistlocks to POST Keith again! The ref reprimands and wants this inside, but Hobbs runs to TRUCK Keith into the railing! Keith falls over and Hobbs goes into the ring, a scowl on his face. Hobbs mocks the conducting again while Keith stirs. Hobbs then goes out to fetch Keith and fire off forearms! Hobbs smacks Keith off apron, then digs his head into the post!

Keith tries to push Hobbs away but Hobbs ROCKS Keith again! Hobbs shoves Keith into railing and leaves him behind. Keith sputters, Hobbs goes out and fires off hands again! Hobbs pushes Keith around the way, Keith gets in the ring but Hobbs follows. Hobbs talks more trash on Keith, kicks him around, then drags Keith up. Hobbs KNEES Keith right back down! Hobbs drops a knee onto Keith’s chest! Cover, TWO! Hobbs is annoyed but he paces around Keith while talking more trash. Hobbs mocks the fans rallying up for Keith, then drops another knee onto Keith’s chest! Hobbs pulls Keith into the knee as Rampage returns to single picture.

Keith endures, so Hobbs SLAMS his head down! Hobbs looms over Keith, kicks at him, talks more trash, then pie faces him! Keith throws body shots! Hobbs snarls, Keith keeps throwing hands but Hobbs gives knee after knee after KNEE! Keith manages to stay seated up, but Hobbs SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Keith gets to a corner but Hobbs chokes him on the ropes! The ref counts, Hobbs lets off, and he makes everyone look at Keith’s face. Hobbs brings Keith up but Keith GRIZZLY MAGNUMS! And then Keith fires off big hands! He bobs ‘n’ weaves to ROCK Hobbs with a left!

Keith whips but Hobbs reverses to shove him away! Hobbs throws a hand but Keith catches the arm! Hobbs can’t get free, Keith CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Keith raises his hands up. Fans raise their hands to give him their energy, and Keith reels Hobbs in. Hobbs fights off and he manages to back drop free! Fans are thunderous from seeing that feat of strength! Hobbs and Keith both rise slowly, and Hobbs runs in! Keith dodges, runs, but into a POWERSLAM!?! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Keith gets to a corner and Hobbs goes to the other. Hobbs runs in, but into buckles!

Keith rolls, runs and SPLASHES! Keith then TOSSES Hobbs across the ring!! That was a LIMITLESS BIEL! Hobbs gets up, swings on Keith but Keith blocks to HEADBUTT! Keith shoves Hobbs and fans are still thunderous. But wait! Ricky Starks leaves commentary and he brings a chair to ringside! Keith fireman’s carries Hobbs, but Hobbs slips off and shoves Keith at Starks! Starks swings but Keith punches the chair away! Starks is speechless! Keith dares Starks to do something else, but Swerve Strickland rushes out! Swerve trips Starks off the apron and fires off hands! Keith turns around, LAST WILL & TESTAMENT!! Cover off the spinebuster, but the ref is busy with Starks and Swerve!!

Refs and Taz rush over to sort this out, Hobbs shouts to the main ref! The ref gets back in, Hobbs gets Keith up, Keith fireman’s carries! BIG BANG CATASTROPHE!! Cover, Keith wins!!

Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall

And the Limitless One is victorious! But Starks SMACKS Swerve with the chair! And he brings Swerve around to the timekeeper’s area! ROSHAMBEAUX through the table!! Fans lose their minds, Starks gets in to go after Keith, but Keith POUNCES him back out! But Hobbs gets the chair now! CHAIRSHOT to Keith’s back! Hobbs has Starks get him a table! Team Taz sets this up in the ring and in a corner! Starks takes off a shoe to SMACK Keith with it! Hobbs holds Keith up for Starks to drop down with the shoe right onto Keith’s face! Team Taz continue to mug Keith, but Keith hits back! Keith ROCKS Starks, ROCKS Hobbs, then choke grips Starks!

But Hobbs SPEARS Keith through the table!! The Powerhouse looms over Keith and fans boo! Hobbs tells Keith that this is Team Taz territory! What will they do in order to keep it that way?

My Thoughts:

Another awesome episode of Rampage here. We got a great opener out of Bucks VS Top Flight, great innovation happening in that match. Bucks win, though, because as they say in their promo, they’re going against FTR so this is the momentum builder. The AAA tag titles on the line is awesome stuff, and who knows which way the match goes with that. Statlander “speaking” was a letdown, it was just a highlight reel and that one line. But I really liked Sammy & Tay bashing in Lambert’s car as their response to American Top Team talking crap. Of course we’re getting a match, but I bet they find a way to push it until Double or Nothing.

I really liked the cleverness of Danhausen speaking and being confused by Hook’s powers of indifference. Danhausen has finally spoken in AEW, and I wonder if he’ll actually wrestle in AEW against Hook. Great Six Man Tag, and I figured House of Black would win, but Fuego got to look great once again. Penta and Alex have a good promo to keep Death Triangle in the mix, but it certainly feels like they’re trying to wait until Fenix is 100%. We got a really good match from Hayter and Skye, but I figured Hayter would win. We’re going to get a lot of great names in both these Owen Hart Memorial Tournaments, and Hayter is pretty great.

And of course, we got an awesome main event. Keith is incredibly over, Hobbs and Team Taz are doing great Heel work, Swerve showing up is great (even though he was also on Supercard of Honor tonight so this proves Rampage is taped), I am thinking Keith & Swerve VS Team Taz in a tag match before perhaps another badass match of Keith VS Hobbs. Keith really should challenge Starks for the FTW Championship, win it, and who knows what else happens with that. Whether Sammy or Scorpio has the TNT Championship, Keith should definitely go after that next and then win that.

My Score: 8.9/10

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

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Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (6/7/23)

On the road to Collision!

Published

2 hours ago

June 7, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Dynamite brings out the gold!

AEW Dynamite lands in Colorado Springs, and Kris Statlander defends her TBS Championship against Anna Jay A.S! Will Kris still be the Galaxy’s Greatest?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Swerve Strickland; wins and
Texas Tornado Tag: #JungleHook VS La Faccion Ingobernable; wins.
Six Man Tag: Blackpool Combat Club VS Chaos; wins.
Ricky Starks VS Jay White; wins.
AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Anna Jay A.S; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage of AEW Dynamite will begin later tonight]

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

AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (6/2/23)

Champions are on a Rampage!

Published

5 days ago

June 2, 2023

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Four championships on one Friday night!

AEW Rampage hosts FOUR (non AEW) championship matches on one night! Will the champions make it through with their titles?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico; Vikingo wins and retains the title.
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura; Willow wins and retains the title.
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty; Shibata wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico w/ Jose!

Two of these men teamed up just last night on ROH to win a Six Man Tag, but now they are opponents for the top title in AAA Lucha Libre. Meanwhile, La Faccion Ingobernable’s Prince of Silver and Gold is hungry for gold, will he take it away from Vikingo?

The bell rings and the three circle. Fans rally up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and “LUCHA LIBRE!” Dralistico swings, Vikingo dodges, but then Komander ducks Vikingo’s kick! Dralistico picks Vikingo up, throws him at Komander, but Komander throws Vikingo back. Vikingo wheelbarrows and arm-drags Dralistico but handsprings through. Vikingo dodges Komander now, shoves him to ropes, but Komander springboards! Vikingo gets under the crossbody, Komander tumbles and rolls but Dralistico jumps over, and then Vikingo jumps over Dralistico. Komander jumps over Vikingo, Dralistico jumps over Komander again, and they cycle continues!

Fans fire up for jump after jump, and then the three stand off. Dralistico raises the LFI fist and the three circle. Dralistico shoves the other two to then DOUBLE SHOTGUN! They bail out, Dralistico runs to FLY! Dralistico wipes both men out and fans fire up! Dralistico RAMS Komander into steel steps, and then he runs and RAMS Vikingo into railing! Fans cheer, Jose pats Dralistico on the shoulder and Dralistico goes back to BOOT Komander down. Dralistico puts Komander in, aims and springboards, to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Dralistico wants a faster count but the ref says his count was fair.

Dralistico stomps Komander but fans taunt him. Dralistico bails out, tells the fans he’s done with them, but then they boo. Dralistico goes back to the ring, brings Komander up and tells everyone to hush. Dralistico CHOPS and Komander sits right down! Fans cheer as Dralistico says one more time, and he CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips Komander. Komander reverses, runs in but is put on the apron. Dralistico swings, Komander blocks, and then Komander CHOPS! Komander slingshots up but Dralistico trips him! Dralistico ROCKS Komander, puts him in the ropes, and then goes up the corner.

Fans fire up as Dralistico WOE STOMPS Komander to the apron!! Fans fire up but then Vikingo gets in to go up and up and AIRHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Dralistico and the fans are thunderous! Vikingo gets Dralistico and Komander in the ring, and then runs in at the corner. Dralistico stands up into the GAMANGIRI! Vikingo goes up the corner, to IMPLODER DRAGON RANA!! Fans fire up as Vikingo keeps Dralistico in the ring to then go up the ropes, OUTSIDE-IN PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Komander breaks it! Fans fire up as this continues, they love “LUCHA! LUCHA!”

Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Dralistico, Komander adds a knee, and they double whip corner to corner. Vikingo sends Komander in but Dralistico TOSSES him out! Vikingo and Dralistico step up face to face, and Vikingo CHOPS! Dralistico CHOPS! Vikingo CHOPS again! Dralistico drops to a knee, and fans rally up. Vikingo throws forearms but Dralistico gives them back. Dralistico then SOBATS, KNEES, and runs, but into a SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, TWO! Dralistico survives and Vikingo is a bit surprised. Fans continue to rally as Vikingo sees Komander on the apron. Vikingo storms up to throw forearms on Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Komander down to the floor, then he fires forearms on Dralistico. Vikingo gets the fans fired up as he whips corner to corner. Dralistico reverses, runs in, but Vikingo puts him on the apron. Dralistico bumps Viking off buckles, ROUNDHOUSES him, then springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Vikingo is still in this and Jose is upset. Dralistico drags Vikingo up, pushes him to ropes, then goes out to look under the ring. He brings out a TABLE! Jose helps Dralistico set that up at ringside, then Dralistico goes to fetch Vikingo. Komander is there but Dralistico ROCKS him and RAMS him into railing.

Dralistico CHOKES Vikingo against the railing, Rampage returns to single picture, and Dralistico puts Vikingo in the ring. Fans rally up, Dralistico runs to SUPERKICK Komander in the corner! Dralistico tranquilos on the top rope and fans are torn. Dralistico runs side to side again but Komander avoids the boot wash to GAMANGIRI! Komander springboards and double jumps, FLYING RANA!! Not the cleanest but fans fire up. Vikingo returns, Komander goes Matrix to then arm-drag Vikingo around! And dropkick! Fans fire up again as Vikingo brawls with Dralistico on the outside, and Komander climbs the far corner!

Komander tightrope walks to double jump MOONSAULT! “This is Awesome!” as Komander puts Dralistico in the ring. Komander goes up the corner again, tightrope walks again, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Vikingo DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! Fans fire up as Dralistico flops out onto the table. Vikingo whips Komander, Komander reverses, but Vikingo goes up and Komander hits buckles! Vikingo then springboards to FLYING POISON-RANA Komander down!! Vikingo puts Komander out on the table with Dralistico, and then runs the ropes! Fans fire up as Vikingo goes up and 630 SENTONS through the senton!!

“This is Awesome!” but Dralistico avoided disaster! Dralistico puts Vikingo in, slashes his throat, POWER- RANA!! Cover, VIKINGO WINS!!

Winner: El Hijo del Vikingo, by pinfall (still AAA Mega Champion)

Dralistico is furious that victory was snatched away from him in an instant! But this is why you cannot underestimate El Hijo del Vikingo! Will his AAA Mega reign continue through the summer?

Backstage interview with Team Triple J.

Lexi Nair is with Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, “and the talk all week has been that you, Sonjay Dutt, and your group will be suspended.” WHAT?! Fined? Suspended? The only ones who should be facing that is AEW itself! They backed Triple J into a corner and they came out swinging like any real fighters would! Lethal feels that there should be consequences for Aubrey Edwards! She’s been against Triple J since the dawn of time! Something needs to be done about her! Jeff adds that there’s been enough talk these past five days. Should the heat go on the promotion? Should the heat go on Briscoe? On Aubrey?

The reality of the fact is, these five people are walking, talking, fire-breathing heat! But wait, here comes Mark Briscoe! He wants everyone to simmer down. There will be no suspensions, he assures us that. Mark talked with Tony Khan, Tony promised them there would be no suspensions. Because if Triple J is suspended, then they can’t be here. Because if they aren’t here, then they can’t get the ass whooping they deserve! Lethal wants Mark to hold on but Mark tells Lethal to shut up! We ain’t talking about Lethal! We’re talking about Jeff and KAREN! What?! “We?” Who is “we?!” AUBREY EDWARDS!!

Triple J cannot believe this. Aubrey wants Karen? Then there’s nothing but air and opportunity between them. So then Aubrey CHOKES Karen!! Karen and Aubrey start scrapping and Triple J, other refs and security rush in to stop this! When and where will Double J & the one true Karen have to face off with the Sussex County Chicken and one pissed off zebra?

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti!

Speaking of just last night on ROH, the Frontman of TMDK just defended this belt against Rocky Romero to prove a point to “Samoan Joseph” about who is the better, harder working Television Champion. And here he is again as part of this championship edition of Rampage! Will the ZSJ Show continue on into the summer block? Or will NJPW have some #LightsCameraAction?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Action gets his 15 minutes of fame!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, fans rally, feel things out, and ZSJ shoots in to waistlock and full nelson. Then he spins Action to a cravat, but Action pries at the hold. ZSJ facelocks now, Action wrenches out of that but ZSJ rolls and slips away. Fans cheer this opening exchange and the two reset. Action shoots in but ZSJ avoids him. They tie up with knuckle locks, ZSJ bridges back and wrenches around to then wrangle Action with a top wristlock. Fans cheer and ZSJ digs a knee into the shoulder. Action rolls, cartwheels, arm-drags, but fans cheer as ZSJ holds onto the wrist!

ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the fingers, drags Action up and wrenches the arm to wrangle him again. Action keeps his shoulders up, fans rally, and Action kips up to wrench and MONKEY FLIP! But ZSJ still holds onto the wrist! Fans rally, ZSJ bends the fingers and he tortures Action’s arm. Action fights up but ZSJ keeps after the fingers. ZSJ flexes but Action stands. Action spins, flips and arm-drags free! Action then CHOPS ZSJ, then knuckle locks to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! ZSJ flounders up, Action DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Action runs to IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!

ZSJ is still in this but he goes to a corner. Action runs in, but ZSJ dodges. Action goes up, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! ZSJ bails out, fans fire up and Action builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Fans are fired up with Action and he brings ZSJ back up. Action puts ZSJ in, slingshots, but ZSJ shoves him! Action lands safe but swings into body scissors, which ZSJ makes into a HANGING TRIANGLE! ZSJ did this to Rocky last night! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go at 4 and he drags Action back in, to WRING the arm out! Fans sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” as he stalks Action. ZSJ sits on the arm, hammerlocks it, and TWISTS!

Action writhes while fans are torn over the savagery. ZSJ gets Action’s leg, steps over to get the arm, and he STOMPS the arm! “OI! TV Tekkers, mates!” ZSJ stalks Action to a corner, brings him up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! “This is Awesome!” and ZSJ knuckle locks to wrench Action. Action endures as ZSJ twists the wrist more, and then ZSJ KICKS a leg. Action stays up so ZSJ wrenches and twists the wrist. Action throws body shots and CHOPS! ZSJ jumps on to drag Action down to a DISARMER! Action endures, reaches out, and fans rally. Action kicks around, ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Action gets the ROPEBREAK!

ZSJ lets go in frustration but he storms up to drag Action up. ZSJ has a double wristlock but Action endures. Fans rally, ZSJ jumps on to body scissor! Action stays up but ZSJ keeps on that arm. Action throws body shots, then suplexes high and HARD! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Action roars, runs, springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and fans rally up again. Action brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the torture rack to wrench and PELE the arm! And then he drop toeholds Action so he can STOMP the arm again! Fans are torn while Action clutches the bad shoulder.

ZSJ drags Action up, but Action blocks the Pele to ENZIGURI! Action puts ZSJ up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. But ZSJ gets the bad arm to twist it! And YANK it! Action throws body shots, forearms, but ZSJ DECKS Action! ZSJ eggs on the fans, the fans cheer, and Action kips up! PELE!! Action runs corner to corner and jumps up to SUPER STEINER!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Action can’t believe it! Action drags ZSJ up, torture racks, but ZSJ has a SLEEPER! Action sputters, he starts fading! But Action powers up! ZSJ lets go, slips free, but Action drops to victory roll! TWO!!!

ZSJ KICKS Action in the leg! And then KICKS him in the arm! ZSJ is mad now, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Action goes up, POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flops around, Action runs in again, “This is Awesome!” as Action SHOTGUNS ZSJ down! ZSJ is in the drop zone, Action goes up, SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again but Action goes right to the apron. Action springboards, but flies into a TAKEDOWN! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!! Action flails around, but ZSJ gets the other arm! Modified Rings of Saturn, into JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Action verbally quits, ZSJ wins!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World TV Champion)

Action’s 15 minutes of fame were really just over 10 minutes as The Frontman does it again! But now he moves on to defend this title at NJPW Dominion on Sunday against Jeff Cobb in a highly anticipated rematch. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will ZSJ get crushed by the Imperial Unit?

NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura!

The Babe with the Power, too sweet to be sour, is the very-first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion after a powerful run at Resurgence. But will Willow make it through her first defense? Or will the Queen of Joshi take Willow’s throne already?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we witness a historic first defense!

The bell rings and the two RAM each other! Fans rally up as Emi and Willow RAM shoulders again! And again! Emi eggs Willow on so she says okay! Willow runs, RAMS Emi, but Emi roars! Emi runs, Willow follows and runs Emi over! Fans fire up and Willow waves. Willow brings Emi up to snap suplex! Willow runs up to CHOP Emi in the corner, then follows her along the ropes. Willow CHOPS Emi in the other corner and fans rally up. Willow puts Emi in the third corner, CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up but Emi avoids the big chop. Emi runs in but Willow goes out to the apron.

Emi stops from hitting buckles, but Willow still counter punches her! Willow then brings Emi up, and fans fire up as they go up the ropes! Emi fights the suplex, tries to suplex Willow, but Willow fights to try again. But Emi rakes the eyes! Emi runs to BODY CHECK Willow off the apron! Emi goes out, signals to media to move, and laughs before she TOSSES Willow at railing! Fans rally as Emi runs in to SPLASH Willow against the railing! The ring count climbs as Emi drags Willow up and Rampage goes picture in picture.

Emi puts Willow in the ring, taunts the fans a bit, soaks up some heat, and then takes her time going up the steel steps. Willow sits up, Emi steps in, but Willow throws body shots! Emi CHOPS Willow, Willow goes to ropes, and Emi CHOPS her again! Willow goes to a corner, Emi soaks up the heat, and she storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! Emi swaggers around, storms back up, but Willow CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Willow CHOPS again! Willow falls, Emi hurries to sit her up into a DRAGON SLEEPER! Willow endures, fights around, but Emi cranks the hold!

Fans rally, Willow fights but Emi pushes her to a cover, TWO! Willow is free of the hold, but Emi CHOPS her! And CHOPS her again! Willow eggs Emi on but Emi pokes her in the eye! The ref reprimands but Emi just grins. Emi brings Willow up to HEADBUTT! Willow staggers but she throws body shots. Emi eggs Willow on and SLAPS her! Emi brings Willow around to reel her in and hook the arms. But Willow fights with body shots! Willow fires off but Emi CLUBS her down as Rampage goes to break.

Rampage returns and Willow has Emi in a corner. Willow goes corner to corner to back body block! And clothesline! And snapmare to then go up. Emi stands, Willow MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Emi survives, maybe even got Willow’s eyes again, but Willow comes back. Willow fireman’s carries but Emi slips fere to the DRAGON SLEEPER! Emi laughs, to TWISTING DDT! Willow staggers to a corner, Emi grins and runs in, BODY CHECK in the corner! Emi goes up top to TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Emi is frustrated. Emi reels Willow in, hooks the arms, but Willow fights again!

Willow Alabama Lifts but Emi sunset flips! Willow rolls through to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Willow just runs in, only for Emi to sidestep and roll-up! TWO, but Emi steps over. Willow powers out of La Magistrol, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Willow fires up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Willow fires up again, swings, but Emi gets around to CHOP LARIAT!! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! The ref checks and both women are still in this. Emi drags Willow up, fans rally, but Emi underhooks the arms. BUTTERFLY FACEBUSTER!! Emi fires up, she’s not done here!

Fans are thunderous as Emi waits on Willow to rise. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! MACHINE GUN CHOPS, but Willow shoves her away. Emi CHOP LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Willow comes back to POUNCE Emi into the corner! Fans fire up as Willow runs to CANNONBALL! And then she drags Emi out to high stack, TWO!! Emi is still in this and fans fire up! But the straps come down and Willow fires up! Fans fire up with her, she reels Emi in to gut wrench, but Emi fights the lift! Emi slips free to SLAP! SLAP! And SLAP! Emi runs, but Willow CLOBBERS her!

Gut wrench, and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)

Now that’s a first defense for the history books! How much better will Willow make this inaugural reign if this is just the beginning?

BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!

After their encounter with Dralistico and Preston Vance last Wednesday, #JungleHook reunites for a TEXAS TORNADO TAG MATCH! Will Jack Perry & The FTW Champion tear apart La Faccion Ingobernable?

BIG news for ROH!

On Friday, July 21st in Trenton, New Jersey, ROH returns to PPV with Death Before Dishonor! Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 9th!

Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.

“Tonight, two technical masters go face to face when Lee Moriarty takes on Shibata for the ROH Pure Championship.” Nigel McGuiness says a competitor like Shibata can pick you apart, one body part by another. But Tony Schiavone and Taz say not enough is said about just how talented Moriarty is for such a young wrestler. It looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for the main event!

ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty!

The Wrestler defended this title just last night on ROH against his student, Alex “The Android” Coughlin. But now he faces #TAIGASTYLE, who has come close to snatching this title for his own not too long ago. Will tonight be Moriarty’s night? Or will Shibata make it through this Pure Wrestling Double Header?

The introductions are made, our judges are BJ Whitmer, Christopher Daniels & Jerry Lynn, and the belt is raised as we see who is truly THE Wrestler!

The bell rings and the clock is ticking on this 60 minute time limit. The two feel things out, Moriarty shoots in but Shibata holds him off with a sprawl. They clinch on the mat, Shibata slips to a waistlock and then a chinlock. Moriarty slips free but Shibata pushes him to a cover, ONE! Shibata wraps Moriarty up with his own arm and then goes for the armbar! Moriarty clasps hands but ends up in a TRIANGLE! Moriarty falls onto the ROPEBREAK, that is his first of three. Shibata even lets Moriarty know it as they reset. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, clinch, and Moriarty tries for a leg.

Shibata powers Moriarty down, gets around to a waistlock, and they stand up. Moriarty pries the hold, fans cheer this technical exchange, but then Moriarty elbows free! Moriarty stomps Shibata into a corner, the ref counts, but Moriarty digs his boot in. Fans boo, but Shibata powers up to back Moriarty down! Shibata throws the foot down but Shibata ROCKS him! Moriarty runs to dropkick the legs out! Fans boo while Moriarty grits his teeth, and then the fans rally up for Shibata as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Moriarty mocks the applause as he stands over Shibata. Moriarty then says they can stop all that, and he grabs a leg to DDT the foot! Moriarty kips up, air guitars, and he ties up Shibata’s legs into a unique crisscross toehold. Then he sits with it for a modified stump puller! Shibata’s shoulders are down, Moriarty is practically stealing Darby Allin’s Last Supper! TWO as Shibata kicks out and Moriarty argues the count. Moriarty drags Shibata around, stomps a leg, then stomps it more and more before another DDT to the foot! Moriarty mocks the clapping from the fans, and then he drags Shibata around for a spinning toehold!

Shibata endures as Moriarty ties up the legs into another cross toehold. Moriarty puts Shibata into an Indian Deathlock, then he knuckle locks Shibata for a cover. TWO as Shibata gets an arm up! Moriarty pushes the arm back down, TWO as Shibata gets the other arm up! Moriarty pushes that arm down, TWO as Shibata gets both arms up! Moriarty CHOPS Shibata, pushes on the legs, then lets Shibata go. Moriarty gets a leg, hooks it, and ties Shibata up in another cross toehold, only for Shibata to trip him! Shibata gets Moriarty’s legs, steps through, but Moriarty fights the figure four! Shibata powers through to sync it in!

Moriarty endures, reaches out, but his shoulders are down. TWO as Moriarty sits up, Shibata keeps on the pressure, and Moriarty falls back onto his shoulders. TWO as he sits up again! Shibata has the extended leg caught in a heel hook behind his back! Moriarty falls back again, shoulders are down, TWO as he sits back up! Moriarty endures, reaches out, claws at the hold, and he pries it open. Shibata works to keep it on tight, Moriarty is down again, TWO! Moriarty sits up, Shibata thrashes around, and Rampage returns to single picture. Fans rally, Moriarty drags Shibata along as he reaches back, but Shibata drags him from the ropes!

Moriarty scrambles and goes to the opposite side, ROPEBREAK! That’s his second, he has one left, and we’ve only just past six minutes! Shibata stomps Moriarty’s bad leg, has him in a corner, and he fires off forearms! The ref counts, Shibata fires again and again, but lets off at 4. Shibata runs corner to corner but Moriarty follows to KNEE him in the corner! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO as Shibata fights out of the “pancake.” Moriarty HAMMERS away on the back of Shibata’s head! Fans rally, Moriarty suplexes, but Shibata blocks! Shibata powers out but Moriarty kicks low!

Moriarty runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans rally, Shibata stomps his legs into working, and he storms up on Moriarty. Shibata drags Moriarty up to whip him to a corner and BOOT! And he fires off more forearms! The ref counts, Shibata runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up for that Shibata signature and he drags Moriarty up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Moriarty is still in this but Shibata clamps right on with a chinlock! Moriarty fights to the ROPEBREAK, but that’s his last! Shibata waistlocks. Moriarty switches to roll up, TWO! But Moriarty rolls with to get the BORDER CITY STRETCH!!

Shibata endures, Moriarty pulls him back, but fans rally up. Shibata rolls things to a cover, TWO! Moriarty ROCKS Shibata, winds up, but Shibata ROCKS Moriarty! And then SLEEPER!! Shibata sits Moriarty down, runs, PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!

Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)

Just past nine minutes and Shibata finishes things off, but wait! Daniel Garcia is here! The Dragonslayer is a former ROH Pure Champion, and he’s walking out right to the ring! Garcia steps in, he swaggers up to Shibata, and it is clear this is what’s next for Shibata. Shibata raises the belt to signal his accepting the challenge, will The Wrestler put down this sports… enner-tay-ner?

My Thoughts:

A great Rampage here, though I’m surprised this wasn’t just a Battle of the Belts special. Excalibur said it himself on commentary in the main event, but it was great to start off with the epitome of lucha libre and finish on Strong Style technical wrestling. The AAA Mega Championship was a great opener, and was definitely another instance where I’m grateful we can pause things because they were going fast and furious. Or maybe at Flash speeds, since that’s a Warner Brothers movie they could plug. But as I figured going into this, all the champions retained, since none of these were AEW titles (directly, since ROH is a subsidiary of AEW now).

The NJPW World Television Championship continues to be a great title to watch because of the 15 minute time limit speeding things up. Likewise, ZSJ is always a great wrestler to watch, but so hard to write for cuz he has the biggest collection of named signature moves/holds of any wrestler I’ve seen. I had to double check what he was using to make Action tap, because I keep thinking things are Clarky Cat when they’re not Clarky Cat. ZSJ is setting a very high bar for this title, maybe he retains against Cobb at Dominion or maybe he loses, but it’s going to be hard for the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion to match what ZSJ has done.

Great first title defense for Willow and this title, she and Emi put on a great match. I wonder when Willow has her first defense on NJPW Strong, and who she’ll be facing. And we got a great Pure Championship match to finish, and I’m surprised it was so quick, even compared to the NJPW World TV Championship match. But great win for Shibata, I like that Garcia is stepping up, and that’s going to be an awesome match. I don’t know if they’re going to wait until Death Before Dishonor in July for that match, but knowing AEW and ROH, they can find a way to stretch things out. Especially with Garcia also busy being part of JAS and doing JAS things.