Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/28/22)
BOSJ, round seven!
Who gets lucky? And whose luck runs out?
NJPW enters the Best of the Super Junior’s home stretch now! Will Ace Austin still lead A Block? Will B Block’s traffic jam clear up?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Clark Connors VS Taiji Ishimori; Ishimori wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Titan VS BUSHI; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS YOH; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ace Austin VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Master Wato VS Wheeler Yuta; Yuta wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: TJP VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS EL LINDAMAN; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Alex Zayne; Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: El Desperado VS DOUKI; Desperado wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current standings in A Block!
Ace Austin: 5-1, 10 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-2, 8 points
Alex Zayne: 4-2, 8 points
YOH: 3-3, 6 points
SHO: 3-3, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-3, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-3, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-4, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-4, 4 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-5, 2 points
Here are the current standings for B Block!
El Desperado: 4-2, 8 points
El Phantasmo: 4-2, 8 points
El Lindaman: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie Eagles: 3-3, 6 points
Wheeler Yuta: 3-3, 6 points
TJP: 3-3, 6 points
Douki: 3-3, 6 points
Bushi: 3-3, 6 points
Master Wato: 2-4, 4 points
Titan: 1-5, 2 points
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Francesco Akira!
Two men on the backend meet, but the Heel Master fell to the Wild Rhino while Bruciare burned Direct Drive. Will Kanemaru wash Akira out with whiskey? Or will Kanemaru get himself a taste of Fireball?
As soon as Kanemaru throws off his shirt, he rushes Akira! Kanemaru kicks, CLUBS and CLUBS and CLUBS Akira, then stomps him down! The bell rings, Kanemaru stomps Akira to the corner, then whips him to ropes. Akira dodges, tilt-o-whirls and headscissors! Fans fire up and Akira goes to the corner to TRIANGLE JUMP DROPKICK Kanemaru down! Fans fire up with “A! KI-RA! A! KI-RA!” and Akira builds speed. Kanemaru gets back in and dropkicks the legs out! Fans rally, Kanemaru gets Akira’s leg and SMASHES it on the mat! Kanemaru gets Akira up and gets the leg for a SHINBREAKER!
Akira writhes and fans applaud as Kanemaru storms up on him. Kanemaru stands on Akira’s leg at the ropes but the ref reprimands and counts. Kanemaru lets off at 4, and he laughs at Akira as he brings him up. Akira hits back with a forearm but Kanemaru kicks his leg out! Kanemaru YANKS the leg, then drags Akira around to drop an elbow on the knee. And another! And then the toehold! Akira endures, fans rally, but Kanemaru cranks the hold. Akira reaches out, drags Kanemaru along, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud and Kanemaru lets off, but he drags Akira away to stomp the leg! Kanemaru then brings Akira up, but Akira throws a right!
Akira hobbles on the one leg, CHOPS, but Kanemaru kicks the leg out! Kanemaru whips, then dropkicks the leg again! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Kanemaru drags Akira by his bad leg again, and SMASHES the knee into the mat! Akira writhes and grits his teeth, and he manages to make it to ropes. Kanemaru kicks the leg again, stalks Akira to a corner, but Akira throws body shots. Kanemaru digs his boot into knee, Akira grabs at Kanemaru’s hair but Kanemaru rakes Akira’s eyes! Kanemaru then puts Akira’s bad leg on the ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands and counts, Akira throws forearms, but Kanemaru dropkicks the leg!
Fans rally as Akira gets his leg free, but Kanemaru goes outside and drags Akira into the corner. Kanemaru SLAMS the bad leg on the apron! Then Kanemaru ties the legs up against the post! Akira grabs at Kanemaru’s hair, the ref counts, and Kanemaru lets go. Akira crawls away from the corner but Kanemaru stomps the leg. Akira eggs Kanemaru on? Kanemaru keeps stomping, then he dropkicks the leg again! Kanemaru drags Akira around and digs his knees into the knee! Kanemaru has another toehold but Akira kicks with his free leg! Akira gets free, scrambles and kicks again, but Kanemaru catches the good leg to stomp the bad leg!
Kanemaru drags Akira up, reels him in, but Akira fights the shinbreaker with elbows! Kanemaru lets go but he kicks the leg, then tries again. Akira sunset flips through, TWO! Kanemaru kicks low, runs, but Akira manages to follow, wheelbarrow, and victory roll, STOMP 182! Both men are down and fans rally up! Akira gets up, hobbles and is in the corner. But he manages to run corner to corner to clothesline! Akira tries keep moving but the bad leg won’t let him. Akira reels Kanemaru in but Kanemaru blocks the suplex. Kanemaru CLUBS the bad leg, then suplexes Akira. Akira fights that, and manages a GOURD BUSTER!
Fans fire up as Akira gets back up and BUZZSAWS Kanemaru down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” as Akira brings Kanemaru back up. SPEED- NO, Kanemaru slips out! But Akira ducks the enziguri! Akira waistlocks but Kanemaru switches. Akira elbows back and runs, but into another dropkick to his leg! Akira clutches the knee, Kanemaru steps through, but Akira kicks him away. Kanemaru comes back to basement dropkick Akira in the head! Then he gets the leg for a HALF CRAB! Akira endures, crawls and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru hurries to get Akira up, scoop and BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO!
Kanemaru is annoyed but he goes to the corner. Akira manages to get up and ROCK Kanemaru first! Akira climbs up on the good leg, but Kanemaru rakes his eyes! Kanemaru leaps, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up, Akira gets Kanemaru up, chicken wings and pop-up, HIGH ANGLE GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO! The bad leg may have held that bridge back, but fans fire up for “A! KI-RA!” But Kanemaru ducks the Fireball to crucifix pin! TWO, and Kanemaru trips Akira to a jackknife! TWO! Kanemaru shoots into somersault clutch, TWO! ROUNDHOUSE from Akira! Fans fire up and Akira hurries to get Kanemaru back up!
Akira reels Kanemaru in, SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru survives and fans fire up as Akira goes to the corner. Kanemaru sits up, Akira runs in, FIREBALL!! Cover, Akira wins!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
The Fireball was too strong for Kanemaru, and now this loss is a hard pill to swallow! Will Akira be able to light it up these last few rounds?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Clark Connors VS Taiji Ishimori!
Speaking of the Wild Rhino, he’s looking to continue his stampede, but he’s run across the Bone Soldier! Will Connors stay strong outside of Korakuen Hall? Or will THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion get back up from being trumped by Ace Austin?
The bell rings and fans applaud as the two stare down. Taiji claims Connors is a Heavyweight, he’s so muscular. Nope, still a Junior Heavyweight. Taiji doesn’t believe him but the fans rally behind Connors as he flexes. Taiji kicks low, whips, but Connors reverses and runs Taiji over! Fans applaud and Connors brings Taiji up to headlock. Taiji throws body shots, powers out, but Connors runs him over again! Connors stalks Taiji to the corner, brings him up and TOSSES him! Taiji gets to the corner but Connors is on him again. Connors climbs up and rains down fists! Fans clap along, Connors throws hands from both sides, then tops it off at 10!
Taiji flounders, Connors aims, AX HANDLE! Down goes Taiji and fans applaud. Connors trophy lifts Taiji, carries Taiji around, but Taiji fights by raking Connors’ eyes! Taiji throws Connors out, goes out after him and ROCKS him with a right hand! Then another! Then Taiji drags Connors up by his hair and POSTS him! Taiji drags Connors around, has the legs, CATAPULT into the post! Fans rally and the ref reprimands, but Taiji goes to undo the blue corner’s buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special is in play! Connors snarls and the ring count starts, and Connors gets in at 5 of 20. Taiji heads over, wrenches the arm and hits an ELBOW BREAKER!
Another ELBOW BREAKER, then another, and Taiji hammerlocks the arm. Taiji RAMS the bad arm into the bare buckles! The ref reprimands and fans rally up as Taiji looms over Connors. Taiji brings Connors up from the ropes to throw more haymakers. He knocks Connors down, then gets the bad arm for a top wristlock. Taiji wrangles Connors to the mat and isolates the arm to STOMP it! Fans rally while Connors writhes, and Taiji grabs at the arm again. Taiji gets a cobra clutch now but Connors throws body shots. Connors is free, but Taiji rakes the eyes! Taiji runs, Connors drops and goes the other way, to POUNCE!
Fans fire up while Connors and Taiji go to corners. Connors runs corner to corner to back elbow! Then he whips Taiji to the other corner and RAMS in! Connors picks Taiji up for a RUNNING BACK DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Connors aims from the corner. Connors aims, runs in, but Taiji sends the spear into the POST! Taiji reels Connors in, hammerlocks and half nelsons, scoop to the SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this and fans rally up. Taiji aims now, he runs in, tilt-o-whirl, but no Mystico! Connors whips, Taiji BOOTS, Connors SPEARS into a takedown! Taiji has the arm, BONE LOCK! But Connors scrambles, ROPEBREAK!
Fans rally and Taiji lets off cleanly, but he grows frustrated. Taiji brings Connors up, gut wrenches, but Connors slips off to waistlock. Taiji throws elbows but Connors still holds on! DEADLIFT GERMAN! Fans fire up, Connors takes aim and he runs in, SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and Connors can’t believe it! Fans fire up and Connors gets Taiji back up. TROPHY- NO, Taiji slips free! BLOODY- NO, Connors slips free now! Taiji swings, misses, keeps moving, but he runs into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Connors and he roars! Connors drags Taiji back up, reels him back in, TROPHY- NO, Taiji drags Connors down! BONE LOCK!!
Connors endures, fans rally, and Connors crawls forward! Taiji rolls him away, BONE LOCK, but Connors gets to his feet! Taiji trips him and gets the BONE LOCK in deep! Connors taps, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
The stampede is over, the Bone Soldier is reborn! But he can’t take the top of the block without some help, will Ace Austin be the one to fold tonight?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Titan VS BUSHI!
The CMLL World Welterweight Champion is stuck behind all of B Block, but he hasn’t given up the fight! Will the Immortal still have life enough to win this deep into the tournament? Or will the Black Mask not have his run spoiled just yet?
Titan stands on a corner and shows off the Mexico flag, and Bushi attacks! Bushi CLUBS and drags Titan down, stomps him, and the bell rings. Bushi uses the flag to choke Titan! The ref counts, Bushi lets go and Titan gets out of the ring. Bushi pursues and CLUBS Titan again. Bushi goes after Titan’s mask! The ref reprimands and stops Bushi, but Bushi puts Titan in the ring. Titan uses that to build speed and DIVE! Direct hit and down goes Bushi! Fans fire up with Titan as he finally gets his jacket off. Titan KICKS Bushi in the side, then drags him up to put in the ring. Titan drags Bushi up, Bow ‘n’ Arrow lift to the AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!
Titan drags Bushi up, wrenches and CHOPS him on the ropes, then whips. Bushi reverses and dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up while both men are down and Titan clutches the knee. Bushi takes off his shirt to use that to choke Titan! The ref reprimands and counts, Bushi lets off and he brings Titan up. Bushi puts Titan up top backwards, then climbs up, to go after the mask! The ref reprimands and counts, but Bushi only lets go with one hand. The ref reprimands, Bushi keeps trying, and the mask almost comes off! Titan gets it back on but Bushi CLUBS him down! Titan is in the Tree of Woe, Bushi stomps him!
Titan falls out of the Tree, and Bushi brings Titan up by his mask to snapmare and wrap on a headscissor. Titan endures, fans rally up, and Titan reaches out to get the ROPEBREAK! Bushi holds on, thrashes around, but lets off at 4. Fans rally while Bushi taunts Titan. Bushi drags Titan back in, stomps him, and he drags Titan up to hang out to dry! Bushi CLUBS Titan, goes to the corner and jumps, but Titan avoids the dropkick! Titan goes Matrix on the apron to avoid the haymaker, then he GAMANGIRIS Bushi away! Titan then springboards to missile dropkick! Fans fire up, Bushi bails out, and Titan builds speed! Titan FLIES! Direct hit and fans fire up again!
Fans rally up and Titan brings Bushi up. Titan puts Bushi in, aims from a corner, and runs in, SUPERKICK! But Titan doesn’t cover, he brings Bushi back up in a dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bushi is still in this but fans rally again. Fans rally, Titan gets Bushi back up, but Bushi CHOPS! Titan CHOPS back! Bushi CHOPS again, but Titan CHOPS back! Bushi CHOPS, Titan fires off palm strikes! Titan back hands, ROUNDHOUSES and SOBATS! Titan fires up, runs, but Bushi ROCKS him with a right! Bushi runs, into a SUPERKICK! Titan runs, into a back drop! But he kips up to PELE!
Fans fire up and Titan aims from the corner! Bushi stands, Titan runs in, but Bushi spins him around for a DDT! Fans fire up again while both men are down, then rallies up as they stir. They crawl to each other, and Bushi throws a forearm! Titan throws it back, and they brawl as they stand up! Fans rally, Bushi gets the edge and runs, but into a clothesline at the ropes! Titan runs, Bushi DROPKICKS Titan at the ropes! Bushi roars, gets Titan up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! Titan is still in this but fans rally again. Titan and Bushi go to opposite corners, Bushi runs in, CODE- NO! Titan throws Bushi around into a fireman’s carry!
But Bushi slips off! Titan switches, Bushi throws elbows. Titan fires off more palm strikes and some swift kicks! SOBAT, but Bushi ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Bushi gets Titan up, runs, but Titan goes to ropes to TORNADO DDT! Titan hurries to get Bushi up and reel him in! Canadian Rack, SPINNING BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives and Titan goes to the apron! Titan throws off his armbands, fires up, and the fans fire up with him! SPRINGBOARD DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)
In a battle of masks, Titan is victorious! Has the Immortal killed Bushi’s chances? Will he be able to do the same to as he closes out his run?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS YOH!
The Funky Weapon hasn’t had the best of luck in this tournament, but he can still be a spoiler? Or will Direct Drive get back in gear in the homestretch?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the two slowly circle. Taguchi pats his sides along with the “TA-GU-CHI!” “Y O H!” Yoh and Taguchi feel out the grapple, Taguchi gets a leg but Yoh holds it off and floats to a waistlock. Taguchi drop toeholds and floats to a facelock but Yoh slips out to get the arm. Taguchi trips Yoh to have a toehold, Yoh uses his free leg to go for an armbar but Taguchi rolls Yoh up. TWO, and fans cheer as the two separate. Yoh and Taguchi reset, tie up, and Taguchi headlocks. Taguchi grinds Yoh down, but Yoh pulls hair. The ref reprimands, and Taguchi fires point-blank hip attacks on Yoh!
Taguchi runs, but Yoh drops, sidesteps, but Taguchi holds ropes to stop himself. Yoh avoids Taguchi with a handspring! Yoh swings but Taguchi manages to go Matrix! Taguchi kicks low, runs and manages a SCISSOR KICK! Fans applaud Taguchi busting out some new stuff, and Taguchi stands Yoh up for a big wind-up and leg sweep! Taguchi stomps to rally the fans and he runs, but Yoh drop toeholds and basement dropkicks the butt! Fans cheer and Taguchi holds his hips. Taguchi sits up and Yoh brings him up as fans rally. Yoh CLUBS Taguchi, turns him, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Yoh keeps cool, he stomps Taguchi around, then brings him up. Taguchi throws body shots, CHOPS, then kicks low. Taguchi whips, Yoh reverses but Yoh dodges the hip attack! Taguchi crashes, Yoh covers, TWO! Taguchi gets up but clutches his butt. Yoh cravats to snapmare, and he has the arms for a motorcycle stretch! Taguchi endures, fights up, and fans rally as he tries to turn it on Yoh. Yoh keeps Taguchi back, but Taguchi fights through! Taguchi turns it around, but Yoh turns it right back! Taguchi gives hip bumps! Yoh lets him go, but he comes back to kick. Taguchi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally while Yoh clutches his leg.
Taguchi brings Yoh up, whips him to the corner, then handsprings to HIP ATTACK?! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style! “ORYA~!” BUM- ROLL-UP! TWO, but Yoh goes for the KNEEBAR! Taguchi kicks around, gets Yoh’s leg, OH MY GARFUNKLE! Yoh fights up, gets Taguchi’s leg back, KNEEBAR! Taguchi endures, grabs at Yoh’s arms and fans rally up as they struggle! Taguchi crawls for ropes but Yoh drags him away! Taguchi enziguris but Yoh ducks it! Yoh waistlocks, drags Taguchi up and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Yoh holds on, GERMAN SUPLEX!
Yoh still holds on, but Taguchi fights the hat trick with elbows! Taguchi runs, HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Yoh O’Conner Rolls, but into a body scissor clutch! TWO!! Yoh gets a cradle, TWO! Taguchi hurries up, Yoh sunset flips but Taguchi brings down the tights, VOLT GREEN! Cover, TWO! Yoh sunset flips, TWO! Taguchi sits again, TWO! Yoh sunset, TWO! Taguchi, TWO! Yoh, TWO!!! Fans fire up, Taguchi dodges Yoh, but Yoh sidesteps a la Taguchi! Taguchi whips, he gives the side steps, to a RANA! Cover, Taguchi wins!!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
Yoh can’t believe he got caught! Is he stalling out in the homestretch? As for Taguchi, can he continue to shock us all in these final rounds?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ace Austin VS SHO!
The Impact X-Division Champion leads the block at 5-1 after defeating Taiji Ishimori! But can he keep the momentum going? Or will the Murder Machine rob The Inevitable like he has his other opponents?
Sho promises he’ll behave as Austin makes his entrance. But when Austin springs out his magic cane, Sho snatches it and uses it to BOP Austin! The ref reprimands and takes the stick, then rings the bell. Sho storms up to stomp Austin, drags him up then throws him out. Sho goes out and gets a chair! The ref reprimands, but Sho headlocks Austin and brings him to the big opening in the corner of the arena. Austin throws body shots then forearms! Then some kicks! Sho falls and crawls but Austin brings him up. Sho shoves Austin away, Austin comes back but Sho rakes his eyes! Sho whips, Austin reverses but Sho reverses back and Austin hits the wall!
Sho laughs as he goes back to ringside and the ref checks Austin. Fans rally, but Sho picks up the chair and comes back! The ref tells Sho no but Sho shoves him away. But Austin kicks Sho back! Now Austin gets the chair! But the ref stops Austin and Sho runs away! Sho hurries to grab the trophy! He holds it up and Austin hesitates. They can’t damage the trophy so Austin stands down. Sho tells Austin to put the chair down but Austin tells Sho to put the trophy down. They agree to put their items down at the same time. Fans rally, the trophy and chair are carefully set down on the floor, but then Sho goes for the chair!
Austin stands on the chair to stop him, and then DECKS Sho with a forearm! Fans cheer, Austin holds up the trophy! Austin places the trophy back on the table, then he goes back for Sho. But Sho uses the chair! Sho JAMS then SMACKS Austin! The ref missed it all making sure the trophy was secure! Sho drags Austin up in a facelock and uses that to bring Austin along. Sho brings Austin to the other wall, and throws him into a garage door! Austin writhes but Sho stands on his head! The ref reprimands, Sho steps off at 4, and finally goes back to ringside. Sho makes sure the ref comes with him, and then the ring count starts.
Austin gets up at 4 of 20, fans rally and he hurries back towards the ring. He’s halfway at 10 of 20, hustles up, and gets in at 15 of 20, then skins the cat out of the ring to avoid Sho’s cheap shot! Austin drags Sho back out, and bumps him off the apron! Sho staggers into Austin’s dropkick! Austin kips up on the apron, handsprings to dodge and PENALTY KICKS Sho down! Fans fire up and Austin slingshots in to build speed! FALL TO GLORY! Direct hit and fans fire up! Austin offers a little kid a high-five, but they say no thank you. Well that’s okay, Austin goes back to Sho. Austin puts Sho in, steps in, but Sho avoids the kick!
But Austin still A-LIST LARIATS in the corner! And fires off point blank shots over and over! Fans rally, Austin shoves Sho and Austin steps in, FLYING CHUCK! Fans fire up, and Austin stomps to tune the band. But Sho uses the ref as a shield! Austin shoves the ref aside, blocks Sho’s sucker punch to knee low, knee lift, and then RIPCORD SLAM! Austin fires up, HOUSE OF CARDS! Fans fire up as Austin aims from the corner, and he runs in, THE- NO, Sho tosses Austin at the ref!! Then LOW BLOWS! Sho goes to his corner, gets his wrench, and then aims at Austin! WRENCH SHOT!! But the ref is still out! Sho shouts at him to do his job!
Sho tells someone to get another ref, and here comes one! Cover, TWO!! Austin still lives and fans fire up! Sho drags Austin up, wrenches and SNAKEBITE! Austin endures, fans fire up, but he’s fading! The ref checks, Austin is OUT! Sho wins!!
Winner: Sho, by submission (gains 2 points; Austin earns 0)
Another match, another cheat to win! Sho takes Austin’s ace card, and he stomps it! Is this joker going to take over the block now that he’s dealt with Ace?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Master Wato VS Wheeler Yuta!
The Way of the Grandmaster defeated one singles champion already in Titan, and now he faces another in the ROH Pure Champion! Will Wato prove he’s more than just one half of Six or Nine? Or will the Decoder figure him out and get back up in the block?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Yuta wrenches to a hammerlock. Then he spins Wato to a cravat. Wato reaches out and spins Yuta into a cravat of his own. Wato snapmares to chinlock but Yuta fights to get the hammerlock. Wato fights up, reaches back, throws some elbows, then gets around to hammerlock then headlock. Yuta pries at the hold but Wato wrenches him to a wristlock. Yuta rolls, handsprings, and arm-drags Wato away! Fans rally up and Yuta kicks low. Yuta whips but Wato reverses, then runs in at the corner. Yuta goes up and over, scoops, but Wato slips out.
Wato waistlocks, Yuta switches and shoves him to ropes. Yuta drops, hurdles, but Wato leaps and keeps moving to RANA! Yuta flounders but runs back in, into an elbow, uppercuts and SOBATS! Fans fire up with Wato and he waits on Yuta to get up. Fans rally and Wato KICKS at Yuta’s leg, then KICKS his chest! And then he KICKS Yuta down! Yuta goes to a corner, elbows Wato away, then goes up. Wato swings but Yuta catches the arm to twist it! ARMBREAKER DDT! Fans fire up while Wato writhes, and Yuta springboards to stomp Wato! Cover, TWO! Yuta drags Wato, KICKS the arm, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER!
Yuta wrings Wato out to drop a knee on the arm! Yuta then isolates the arm to STOMP it! Yuta eggs Wato, KICKS him, and fans rally up. Yuta facelocks but Wato throws body shots, then forearms! Wato whips, Yuta holds ropes and that jams Wato’s arm! Yuta gets the arm, wrenches, but Wato powers out to CALF KICK Yuta down! Fans fire up and Wato waits on Yuta. Wato starts rallying with forearms and a BOOT! Wato whips then dropkicks Yuta out! Fans fire up, Wato builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit but a rather rough landing for Wato, too! Wato gets up as the fans rally, and he drags Yuta up and into the ring.
Wato aims from a corner, springboards in, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally more and Wato brings Yuta up. Wato waistlocks but Yuta resists the lift. Yuta switches, waistlocks, but Wato throws elbows! Yuta still holds on, Wato fights more, pries the hold, breaks free and slides under! Wato waistlocks but Yuta wrenches the bad arm! Yuta wrangles Wato down but Wato rolls and wrenches! He hooks Yuta up, MOUSE TRAP DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Wato fires up! Wato drags Yuta up, reels him in to scoop, but Yuta slips out! Atomic drop, ENZIGURI! Both men are down and fans fire up again!
Yuta gets Wato’s arms, CATTLE MUTILATION, but Wato slips out! Crucifix pin, TWO! Yuta ducks the roundhouse, wheelbarrows but Wato stops that to HIGH ANGLE GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yuta escapes but Wato hurries up top! R P P FLOPS as Yuta moves! Yuta grits his teeth and fans rally up again! Yuta gets Wato up, wrench and PAIN SABER! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then, SEATBELT CLUTCH! Cover, Yuta wins!!
Winner: Wheeler Yuta, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
The Way of the Grandmaster hits another bump in the road! Will he just have to settle for being a spoiler? As for Yuta, will he be able to formulate a plan for an outside shot at the top?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: TJP VS El Phantasmo!
The United Empire’s Public Enemy Number One takes on the Bullet Club’s Headbanga with a top spot in the block on the line! Will it be TJP > ELP or ELP > TJP in the seventh?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. TJP encourages the fans and they get louder. ELP ranks the sides. Three sides, good. One side, bad. The two circle, tie up, and TJP wrenches to a wristlock then hammerlock. ELP drop toeholds, facelocks, but TJP slips out and facelocks back. ELP rolls but TJP gator rolls to get the facelock back. ELP slips out to get the arm and pushes TJP down. TJP pushes up and goes around the other way. TJP rolls, spins, gets a leg and trips ELP to then get the arms, ghost pin, TWO! Fans applaud as the two stand off. ELP and TJP knuckle lock, but TJP kicks one and cartwheels to wrangle ELP down.
TJP has the top wristlock but ELP rolls to get up. TJP wrenches, ELP rolls and trips TJP. ELP gets a Bow ‘n’ Arrow but TJP pops right out to cover, ONE! TJP handsprings up and fans cheer the exchange. Fans rally, “T J P!” “E L P!” as they tie up again. ELP wrenches, ELBOW BREAKER, then wristlock. TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, and drags ELP into the TWISTING HEADSCISSOR. TJP throws up the United Empire hands, but ELP headscissors. TJP moves around, headstands, but ELP spikes him into the mat! ELP squeezes tight and digs his elbows into TJP’s back. TJP powers to another handstand, but ELP spikes him again!
Fans rally, TJP uses his leg to hook ELP’s legs and pop free, but ELP shoves TJP back down! TJP hops and hops and handstands to get free, and he drags ELP into an inverted motorcycle stretch! ELP handstands and even clicks his heels, but TJP spikes him in return! Fans applaud and TJP drags ELP up to whip corner to corner. ELP reverses, handsprings, but into BOOTS! TJP runs, but ELP sends TJP at the corner. TJP headstands in the corner whip ELP struts, fans applaud both! ELP still struts, but then notices what TJP’s doing. ELP storms over, but into a headscissors! Fans rally up behind TJP as he builds speed!
ELP moves, but TJP Spider-Mans then decides to strut on the apron. ELP sees that and is annoyed but the fans rally as TJP even does the drop steps. ELP swipes but TJP jumps over and kicks low. TJP then uses the apron to TORNADO- NO, ELP blocks to snap suplex to the floor! The ref checks and they’re both okay to continue. Fans rally up, ELP flexes and French kisses his biceps… ELP puts TJP in, gets the arm and wrenches, then suplexes again. ELP stalls and then SLAMS at 10! Cover, TWO! ELP throws a knee, then fireman’s carries to GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but ELP keeps his cool.
ELP brings TJP up, reels him in, but TJP blocks the lift. TJP wrenches, knuckle locks, and kicks away. TJP goes up the corner but so does ELP! ELP CHOPS TJP down, then jumps and jumps and hops across the way to do more jumping around. Then he struts and fans rally again. TJP kicks the ropes and ELP falls into a HOTSHOT! And then TJP TRIANGLE JUMP DROPKICKS ELP away from the apron! Fans rally, TJP brings ELP up and into the ring. TJP then goes up the corner, for a MAMBA- NO, he has to roll through as ELP dodges. ELP runs back in but TJP goes up and over in the corner, then TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally again and TJP drags ELP up. TJP dragon sleepers and inverted suplexes, but ELP slips out! ELP straitjackets but TJP slips out of the torture rack to IRON OCTOPUS! Fans rally and ELP endures. ELP pops free, TJP sunset flips but ELP rolls through to get TJP up! TJP fights the tuck, jackknife bridges, TWO! Fans fire up again, ELP CHOPS! TJP SOBATS! ELP ENZIGURIS! Both men are down and fans fire up again. ELP snarls and he gets to ropes. ELP tunes up the band and takes aim, but TJP blocks the kick! TJP then dodges the clothesline to springboard FLYING FOREARM! Fans fire up and TJP goes back up top.
ELP trips TJP up! TJP is slumped over the corner, ELP tucks his arms in from there! ELP brings TJP out but TJP kicks free and tilt-o-whirls, IRON OCTOPUS! ELP fights that but TJP trips him, and has the leglock! PINOY STRETCH!! ELIP scrambles, TJP drags him from ropes, but ELP kicks him away. ELP swings but into the dragon sleeper, only to victory roll! TWO, TJP has it, TWO! TJP gets ELP in a backslide, TWO! The arms stay hooked as they stand up, but TJP drops to sunset flip. ELP rolls out and brings TJP in to tuck the arms! C R II!! Cover, ELP wins!
Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
The Headbanga didn’t need any tricks for this one! Will he be able to pull away from the pack now? As for TJP, is it too late for him to take the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS EL LINDAMAN!
Another top spot in the block is on the line! The Sniper of the Sky and the G-Rex Champion are coming off huge wins, but only one can win again! Who will have the GLEATer run in this tournament?
The bell rings and Lindaman fires up already! Eagles copies Lindaman, and fans rally up more. Eagles encourages them to get even more into it, and they oblige. Lindaman and Eagles tie up, Lindaman waistlocks and wrangles Eagles down then floats around to facelock. Eagles fights up, wrenches out, wristlocks, but Lindaman rolls and trips Eagles to have a standing toehold. Lindaman then brings Eagles up and headlocks. Eagles powers up but can’t power out as Lindaman holds on tight. Eagles throws body shots, powers out this time, but Lindaman runs him over! Fans rally and things speed up. Eagles hurdles, but Lindaman blocks the hip toss!
Lindaman body shots, goes to hip toss, but Eagles counters that to drag Lindaman down. Eagles handsprings then basement dropkicks! Fans fire up and Eagles smirks while he follows Lindaman towards a corner. Eagles knuckle locks and wrenches the wrist, then knuckle locks the other hand. Fans rally while Eagles goes up and around, but Lindaman blocks the arm-drag! Lindaman kicks and whips Eagles to a corner, but runs into a boot! Eagles runs in, but Lindaman lifts him for an AIR RAID CRASH! Lindaman fires up, but then he wobbles. Lindaman steadies himself, fans rally up and he runs corner to corner, to back elbow!
Lindaman puts Eagles in the ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Another, ONE! Another, ONE! A fourth, ONE! Lindaman is annoyed but he drags Eagles into a chinlock. He digs his knee into Eagles but Eagles endures. Fans rally, Lindaman brings Eagles up but Eagles swings on him! Lindaman dodges, kicks out the legs then basement dropkicks the back! Lindaman gets the fans rallying up and he eggs Eagles on. Eagles throws body shots, Lindaman still eggs him on! Eagles JABS the abs so Lindaman CLUBS him down. Lindaman brings Eagles up but Eagles blocks the suplex! Lindman still tries and fans rally up.
Lindaman gets Eagles up, throws him down but Eagles lands on his knees, so Lindaman KICKS him! Lindaman runs, but Eagles ducks and dodges to RANA! Fans fire up, Eagles eggs Lindaman up and Lindaman rushes in, WHEEL KICK! Both men are down again but fans rally back up. Eagles kips up and the fans fire up with him! Eagles KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, but Lindaman eggs him on! Eagles runs, LEG LARIAT! Fans fire up, Eagles goes to a corner and Lindaman goes to the other. Eagles runs corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! He rolls back, runs back in, but Lindaman dodges and Meteora hits buckles!
Lindaman waistlocks, Eagles kicks free and whips but Lindaman reverses. Eagles blocks so Lindaman drop sayanagis and DDTs! Fans fire up while both men are down again. Fans rally again as Eagles and Lindaman get up. Lindaman throws forearm after forearm, but Eagles gives those all back! Lindaman snarls and he gives another forearm, then another. Eagles CHOPS, ROCKS, and KICKS! Lindaman ROLLING ELBOWS! Eagles drops to a knee, fans fire up and Lindaman runs, but into a BOOT! Eagles runs but Lindaman elbows him! Lindaman whips, Eagles reverses but Lindaman holds ropes. Eagles runs into a BOOT, but he comes back to tiger feint the legs!
Fans fire up, Lindaman is down and Eagles takes aim! Eagles springboards, but Lindaman catches him to a fireman’s carry! Eagles fights free and waistlocks. Lindaman elbows, switches, CLUBS and GERMAN SUPLEXES, but Eagles lands on his feet! SOBAT, cravat, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Eagles drags Lindaman to a drop zone, stomps him down, then goes up top! 450 but he has to roll through as Lindaman dodges! Eagles comes back, into a CORNER EXPLODER! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Eagles sits up and shakes his head while Lindaman fires up. Lindaman hobbles over and brings Eagles up. KUMAGOROSHI!
Lindaman then drags Eagles into a wheelbarrow cover, TWO, but Lindaman lifts Eagles up! Eagles throws elbows, but into chicken wings! Eagles fights free, Lindaman reels him in, but Eagles victory rolls, to get the legs! Lindaman kicks Eagles away, but Eagles gets around, SCHOOLBOY BRIDGE! TWO, RON MIL- NO! Lindaman drags Eagles into a cradle! TWO! ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! But Lindaman ducks the Pele to deadlift waistlock! Eagles switches, Lindaman switches, repeat and repeat until Lindaman elbows free. But Eagles blocks the kick, CHOPS and hook-up, TURBO BACKPACK! Cover, TWO!! But Eagles has the leg! RON MILLER SPECIAL!!!
Lindaman reaches out, Eagles puts on the pressure, Lindaman taps!! EAGLES WINS!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Lindaman earns 0)
The Sniper shoots down another champion! Is Eagles going to prove he IS Best of the Super Juniors? Or can Lindaman still finish strong with heart?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Alex Zayne!
The Ticking Timebomb is running out of time if he wants to get his threepeat. But with a bad leg holding him back, is there just no way? Or will he be able to handle The Sauce’s heat and take back a top spot?
The bell rings and Hiromu rushes in! Zayne gets around to waistlock but avoids the back elbow. Hiromu avoids the forearm, waistlocks but then avoids Zayne’s back elbow. Zayne avoids the superkick but Hiromu avoids the Eddy Gordo! Fans fire up as Zayne handsprings and Hiromu backs down. Fans rally up, “HI-RO-MU!” “AL-EX ZAYNE!” as Hiromu copies Zayne playing with his hair. Zayne smirks, but then says it’s time to get the sauce! He runs to run Hiromu over, and he flexes. Things speed up, Zayne springboards but Hiromu catches the knee drop to a roll-up! TWO, Hiromu runs but Zayne trips him while sliding out!
Zayne brings Hiromu to the apron and spins him around to KNEE him in the face! Fans fire up and Zayne runs in to APRON SOMERSAULT SCISSOR KICK! Fans rally as Zayne gets Hiromu in the ring, slingshot senton! And then RUNNING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! Zayne keeps cool and fans rally more as he brings Hiromu up. Zayne CLUBS Hiromu, then gets the bad leg. Hiromu wants mercy but Zayne KICKS the leg! And again! Then Zayne drops an elbow on the leg and has the toehold. Hiromu grabs the ropes, the ref counts and Zayne lets off. Fans rally, Zayne brings Hiromu up to DECK with a forearm!
Zayne kicks and digs his heel into Hiromu’s bad leg, then grinds the knee! Hiromu clutches the leg but he gets up to CHOP! Zayne snarls and fans rally up as Hiromu CHOPS again! Zayne dodges the next chop and he CHOPS Hiromu back! Hiromu falls, Zayne says that was finger licking good. Zayne clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Hiromu. Hiromu fights up, throws elbows and gets free, only for Zayne to follow him as he runs! Zayne catches Hiromu for a SLEEPER! Fans rally up as Hiromu endures and fights back up. Hiromu throws body shots, is free again, but Zayne ROCKS him with a forearm. Zayne runs, but Hiromu follows and RANAS!
Fans rally as Zayne goes to a corner and Hiromu goes to the opposite. Zayne runs in but Hiromu dodges and clotheslines! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Zayne bails out, Hiromu goes to the apron, FLYING JOHN WOO! Fans fire up and Hiromu works on getting his bad leg moving. Fans rally, “HI-RO-MU!” “AL-EX ZAYNE!” Hiromu puts Zayne in, runs from the corner, SHOTGUN into the other corner! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Hiromu is frustrated for not realizing how close they were, but fans rally up. Hiromu brings Zayne up, reels him in, but Zayne blocks the suplex! Zayne wrenches, scoops, BAJA-
NO, Hiromu rolls through the blast! But Zayne ducks the Penalty Kick and rolls Hiromu up! Hiromu rolls through but Zayne EDDY GORDO KICKS! Fans fire up while Hiromu and Zayne go to opposite corners again. Zayne runs in to back elbow! Zayne puts Hiromu up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. Hiromu fires body shots and shoves Zayne away, but Zayne backflips, lands on his feet and rolls back! Zayne runs back in, DRAGON RANA! Cover, TWO! Zayne is frustrated but the fans fire up! Zayne brings Hiromu up, throws boxing elbows, but Hiromu avoids the leg sweep! Zayne runs in but Hiromu dumps him to the apron, and SUPERKICKS!
Hiromu builds speed as fans fire up, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Fans fire up more while both men are down! The ref checks, both men are okay to continue, so the fans rally up and the ring count begins. Hiromu stirs at 7 of 20, pushes himself up at 10, and drags Zayne up at 13 to put in at 15! Fans rally and Hiromu builds speed, but Zayne spins Hiromu, only for Hiromu to spin and leap! Zayne holds off D and brings Hiromu up for a FALLING BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zayne is beside himself and the fans rally back up. Zayne drags Hiromu for the cobra clutch, pump handle, TACO- NO! Hiromu slips out! Hiromu dodges the back elbow to wheelbarrow COMPLETE SHOT!
Fans fire up again while both men are down. Zayne and Hiromu stir, and Hiromu grits his teeth and roars as he fires himself back up! Hiromu stands, runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again! Hiromu shakes his head and gets back to his feet. Hiromu hauls Zayne up, suplexes, but Zayne fights free to wrench. Hiromu SUPERKICKS! And then VICTORY ROYAL! Hiromu roars and fans fire up more as he gets Zayne up in a dragon sleeper. Zayne powers free to scoop! BAJA BLAST!! But Zayne is unable to follow up! Fans are thunderous as Hiromu drags himself to a corner.
Zayne kips up! Zayne fires up, BACK ELBOW! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into the pop-up KNEE! Zayne hurries to get Hiromu wrapped up, TACO DR- RANA!! Into D!!! Hiromu squeezes tight, Zayne is fading! Zayne powers up with a second wind, and he deadlifts! Hiromu slips free and spins around, HIROMU-CHAN STUNNER! Back into D!!! Zayne is caught, he taps! Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Zayne earns 0)
There is still life inside Hiromu! But has he won himself more time to pull off the threepeat? Or will Zayne eat up his last two opponents with fervor?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: El Desperado VS DOUKI!
Suzuki-Gun VS Suzuki-Gun is tonight’s main event! And once again, a top spot is on the line! Will the Rogue Luchador continue his comeback? Or will Japones Del Mal show everyone just how powerful he’s become?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two stare down. Desperado takes a few moments to stretch out his neck before he steps to Douki. Desperado and Douki talk, and Douki throws the first forearm! Desperado gives it back, but Douki gives another. Desperado gives another, and it’s a forearm brawl! Fans rally up as they go faster and faster, but Desperado then CHOPS! Douki staggers back and fans fire up. Douki comes back to CHOP back! Fans applaud, and Desperado ROCKS Douki with a forearm! Desperado eggs Douki on so Douki throws another forearm! Fans rally again as they go back and forth.
Desperado gets the edge, eggs Douki in, so Douki HELL STABS! Desperado mule kicks, uppercuts, but Douki dodges the clothesline to run and LARIAT! Douki gets Desperado up, turns him, NECKBREAKER! Desperado bails out but Douki is in pursuit! Douki brings Desperado up to POST him! Fans rally up and Douki grabs at Desperado. Desperado pushes Douki away but Douki stomps him down. Douki drags Desperado up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally up. Douki brings Desperado up, elbows him in the neck, and Desperado grits his teeth as he goes to ropes. Douki brings Desperado around to elbow him again!
Fans applaud as Douki brings Desperado up again for a cravat. Desperado endures the neck wrench, reaches out for ropes, but Douki keeps him away. Douki snapmares, clamps on a chinlock and digs his knee into Desperado, but Desperado endures. Fans rally, Douki pulls back more, but Desperado reaches out. Douki drags him away from ropes and shifts to a seated cobra twist! Desperado endures more, pushes but Douki makes it a cover, TWO! Douki hurries to headscissor squeeze! Desperado endures and fans rally up, but Douki pushes up to put on the pressure! Desperado kicks around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
Red Shoes counts, Douki lets go at 4. Desperado gets to the corner, Douki is on him but Desperado CHOPS. Douki taunts Desperado, Desperado CHOPS, but Douki SLAPS Desperado! Fans fire up and Douki SLAPS Desperado more. Douki eggs Desperado on, so Desperado gets up. Douki SLAPS him again! Desperado talks some trash back, then he ROCKS Douki with forearm after forearm! Douki rakes eyes! Red Shoes reprimands and fans fire up. Desperado holds ropes to block the whip but Douki knees low. Douki whips but Desperado reverses to rake Douki’s eyes! They’re even, but Desperado whips and Douki reverses to a NECKBREAKER!
Fans rally as Desperado bails. Douki goes out after him, brings him around, and scoops. Desperado fights that, CLUBS Douki, then brings Douki around to scoop. Douki slips out, kicks low and DDTs Desperado to the floor! Fans fire up and Douki wants Desperado to get up. Fans rally, Douki builds speed but Desperado slides in! Douki stops his dive but Desperado dropkicks the legs out! Douki falls to the floor, and now Desperado builds speed! Desperado DIVES! Somersault top and down goes Douki! Desperado takes a seat in an open chair by the fans before he flops back down. Fans rally up and the ring count begins.
Desperado gets up at 4 of 20, walks over to Douki at 9 and scoops him to SLAM him down on the floor! Desperado gets in at 13, Douki is still down past 15! Fans rally up, Douki hears 18, springs up and in at 19.9! Desperado walks back over and he stands on Douki’s head. Red Shoes reprimands so Desperado scrapes Douki as he steps away. Desperado brings Douki up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado keeps cool and works on his bad arm while fans rally up. Desperado drags Douki up but Douki throws body shots and forearms! Desperado knees low, whips Douki to a corner, then runs in, but he blocks the boot!
Desperado puts the leg on the ropes, KICKS it, then gets the other leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Douki falls and clutches his leg while the fans fire back up. Desperado gets the leg, steps through and has the BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Douki endures as Desperado pulls on the leg. Douki CHOPS and CHOPS, but Desperado DECKS him! Desperado taunts Douki while putting more pressure on the hold! Douki endures, crawls back and fans rally up. Desperado dares Douki to keep trying, and Douki reaches out, only for Desperado to lean back and put on more pressure! Douki endures as Desperado digs his boot in!
Douki reaches, Desperado sits up, and Douki gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets off to stomp the leg! Desperado drags Douki back up, taunts his pain, then kicks the bad leg. Douki fights the shinbreaker, throws elbows, and fights free. Desperado keeps Douki from running but Douki breaks free to kick, kick, but Desperado ducks the enziguri! Desperado keeps the bad leg, rolls, STRETCH MUFFLER! Douki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Desperado lets off in frustration. Desperado scuffs Douki, and he eggs Douki on. Douki grabs at Desperado but Desperado kick him away.
Fans rally up and Douki stands to throw a forearm! Desperado eggs him on, Douki throws more forearms, but Desperado gut wrenches! Douki slips out but his leg jams! Douki backs away to a corner, Desperado runs in, but into boots! Douki goes up and missile dropkicks! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Desperado clutches his bad shoulder. Fans rally, Douki gets his bad leg moving, and he runs in to clothesline! Douki snapmares and basement dropkicks from behind! Douki hurries to get Desperado up, BIG DDT! Cover, TWO! Desperado is stinging but fans rally as Douki gets up.
Douki drags Desperado up, scoops and swings, but Desperado slips out to waistlock! Douki elbows free, runs, but Desperado goes the other way, SPEAR into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Douki was ready, but Desperado crawls backwards to the ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go and fans rally up again. Douki gets to the apron, he watches Desperado get up, slingshot for DAY- NO! Desperado turns that into a suplex! Desperado gets Douki up, gut wrenches, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Douki survives, and Desperado is again clutching his bad shoulder. Fans rally up and Desperado grabs Douki’s legs.
Douki kicks at Desperado, but Desperado drops knees on the bad leg! Desperado goes for the leg but Douki kicks him away! Desperado stomps Douki back down, and fans rally up as Douki gets fired up! Douki throws a forearm, Desperado throws one back. Douki fires up and throws more forearms! Desperado ROCKS Douki with one! Desperado eggs Douki on, Douki fires even more forearms! Desperado DECKS Douki! Douki gets back up with more fire and fans fire up with him as he throws more shots! Desperado ROCKS Desperado, then DECKS him, then gets him up to DECK him again!
Desperado roars, tucks Douki in, but Douki sunset flips! TWO, ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Desperado is caught, fans rally up, and Desperado fights towards ropes, but Douki rolls him away! ITALIAN STRETCH!! Desperado is fading! Fans fire up, Red Shoes checks on Desperado and Douki pulls tighter on the hold! But Desperado gets a second wind and gets back up! Desperado drags himself and Douki back, but he’s fading again! But he reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go in frustration but fans fire up! Desperado bails out and Douki fires up! Fans rally, Douki builds speed, and DIVES for a TORNADO DDT! TO THE CONCRETE!!!
Desperado writhes and clutches his head and Red Shoes checks on him. Somehow, Desperado is able to continue and fans fire up again. Douki gets up, hobbles over, and he brings Desperado up and in. Fans fire up as Douki aims from the apron and roars! Douki slingshots, DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!!! Desperado survives, but Douki gets ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Desperado endures and fans are thunderous! Desperado is fading again! Red Shoes checks on him, and Douki pulls even tighter! Desperado gets a third wind! He fights up again, moves around, but Douki rolls him away! ITALIAN- NO! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! STRETCH MUFFLER!! And NUMERO DOS PLUS!!
Douki endures and fans are thunderous! Douki gets an arm free, reaches out, but Desperado rolls Douki away! NUMBER DOS PLUS!!! EXTRA DEEP! Douki quits, Desperado wins!!
Winner: El Desperado, by submission (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)
Somehow, someway, the Rogue Luchador survives to turn things around and he takes the victory! Does Douki still have a chance? Or did his luck just run out?
As for Desperado, he gets the mic to say, “I don’t do this kind of thing, but let me ask this cone. With a show of hands, who thought Douki could beat me? I won’t be mad.” Quite a few, actually. “Okay. Oi, you brat. Everyone, I’m going to bring up a PPV, go and buy it if you want. Why do you think Taichi and I chose you to partner with me against Honma and Kasai? HUH?! What? You think you can still play underdog because you lost? I never chose you thinking you’re an underdog. Look around! I’m ticked off that they thought you could beat me! It’s your own attitude that’s holding you back! Don’t underestimate yourself, punk!” Fans applaud that sort of backhanded encouragement.
Desperado tells Douki to get outta here now, he’s closing this out in style. “I’m not sure how many Super Juniors mains this was, but Id di lose one to Lind-chan. I’m so hyped up, I don’t even have time to be tired. For the past two weeks, my life has only been pro-wrestling. For a pro-wrestler, it doesn’t get any better. The man closing this show will be the man closing this tour. I will absolutely win. Got that?” Mic drop and another promise from the Rogue Luchador. Is his comeback all but certain? Or will he run into a spoiler in the last two rounds?
Here are the new standings in A Block!
Ace Austin: 5-2, 10 points
Taiji Ishimori: 5-2, 10 points
SHO: 4-3, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 4-3, 8 points
Alex Zayne: 4-3, 8 points
YOH: 3-4, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-4, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-4, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-5, 4 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 2-5, 4 points
Here are the new standings for B Block!
El Desperado: 5-2, 10 points
El Phantasmo: 5-2, 10 points
Robbie Eagles: 4-3, 8 points
El Lindaman: 4-3, 8 points
Wheeler Yuta: 4-3, 8 points
TJP: 3-4, 6 points
Douki: 3-4, 6 points
Bushi: 3-4, 6 points
Master Wato: 2-5, 4 points
Titan: 2-5, 4 points
My Thoughts:
Another great event for NJPW and BOSJ, with a few more surprises. Titan finally gets another win, though I didn’t think Bushi was going to rush back up to the top. Same with Akira getting his win on Kanemaru, Yuta beating Wato, and even Ishimori beating Connors. But great stuff with Taguchi getting a win over Yoh and Sho cheating Austin to get his win. Again, pretty sure these flip next round, Sho loses and Yoh wins, and then it all comes down to their showdown in the ninth.
Awesome stuff out of the other four matches, TJP VS ELP, Eagles VS Lindaman, Hiromu VS Zayne and Desperado VS Douki. It still feels like it is anyone’s game for the finals, but there was great story in Desperado VS Douki given they’re teammates in Suzuki-Gun, and with Douki’s story in his career. Desperado and the others want Douki to step out of their shadows and stand shoulder to shoulder with them, but they’re doing it in a tough love way like they did with Taka Michinoku’s return to in-ring action. There probably is going to come a day where Douki gets not just a win, but a huge win that leads him to a title, and that’s going to be really cool.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA Xplosion Results & Match Ratings: 4.12.2024
Okay now, I’m just happy Kevin Knight gets a little time to shine. with New Jersey’s own Steve Maclin!
Xplosion has been a waste of time since the new regime took over completely, and I can’t really see anything special about this episode. Still only promoting 1 match, prolly have an old match, an ICYMI and Gia’s interview.
It looks like the Around the Ring interview will be with Rosemary. So maybe that will be interesting, and I was recently talking about what’s been up with Kevin Knight since the Referendum match; so its nice to see him around. Knight shouldn’t win, but as long as he looks good, we might finally get a match worth sitting through old footage and a useless Top 5.
Ratings:
Steve Maclin vs Kevin Knight: Maclin wins via KIA – ** 1/2
Results:
TNA+Throwback Moment: Team 3D vs Motor City Machine Guns, Genesis 2007
Now I’ve said many times that I’m tired of all the clips and vault matches, but I’m also a MCMG fanboy…and this was prime TNA, so I’m at least amused. Plus to validate the match, we’ve got MCMG versus The System coming up on iMPACT!, so its just a nice old match to get the blood pumping.
Don West, You’ve Got to be Kidding Me! Trending Topics of the week:
5. New Full Blooded Italians.
4. Hammerstone vs Alexander, Last Man Standing
3. Myron Reed returns to The Rascalz
2. Nic Nemeth beating Alex Shelley
1. Jonathan Gresham officially signs with TNA
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, this Top 5 is legitimately a waste of air. Its just dumb dirt sheet highlights mostly from 2 weeks ago because their filming schedule makes the topics old and uninteresting.
Gia’s Around the Ring interview is with Rosemary. She stays in gimmick, not quite as over the top as the one Alicia Atout interview from a few years ago, but Gia is leading “the demon” on why they picked Courtney. They talk about Gia visiting the Undead Realm and that they still don’t know where Taya is. She also reveals a Bunny top of her cane, and very obviously hints to Allie. So I wonder if this is her trying to speak it into existence or if it’s actually a hint. Did something finally make a point for foreshadowing in storylines?
TNA+Throwback Moment: MCMG vs Beer Money, 2 out 3 Falls, 8.12.2010 iMPACT!
Steve Maclin vs Kevin Knight
So basic opening, but when Maclin tries a Hip Toss, Knight also attempts to counter it and it looks really ugly and car crashy. Nothing dangerous, just a fall down “didn’t get all of it” kind of spot. If that’s the only misstep, at least it was at the beginning.
Maclin tries to slow things down, but a huge Twisting Crossbody off the rope keeps things going for Knight. Another miscue where Knight tries to dodge a Chop in the corner, but is hella slow and eats the chop to the eyes. I mean in a way the ugly execution makes the match feel more like a dirty brawl from the 80s, but with how choreographed everything is nowadays, its just odd. Maclin whips Knight to the ropes, Knight jumps over the rope to the outside, revels in his landing, turns around and eats a SCUD Missile from Maclin!
Fully in control, Maclin is working over Knight until Knight catches him with a desperation strike and then rides the momentum into a few nice High spots. There is a locomotion Cradle spot which is also a little wonky to put it nicely, Knight tries to jump on Maclin for a Jumping DDT, but Maclin shrugs it off and heads to the corner. Knight charges, Maclin throws him over his shoulder but Knight catches himself and lands on the ropes, Maclin just shoves him forward to crotch him on the top buckle, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs into KIA, and Maclin wins.
Overall Score: 4/10
Given this the old Bret Hart special. The main event was tolerable if not sloppy, the throwbacks having the Machine Guns made the fanboy side of me giddy, but I still hate all the old footage stuff. The main reason for the higher score than the last few weeks is as I already said, decent main event and my hope the convenient Bunny on the cane is foreshadowing and not just acknowledging. Depending on availability, Su Yung could always return to TNA with an “Undead Bunny”. Hell the possibility of a Suzie and Allie tag team is comedic gold.
But we’ll see if that goes anywhere. Its also sad when a 4 is a pretty big upgrade to the last month or so of these shows. Xplosion really is a waste of damn time when I have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find crumbs of entertainment.
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Will it be a victorious homecoming for Sami Zayn?
Tonight on Raw, Sami Zayn returns home to Montreal as NEW Intercontinental Champion, but will he lose that title already to Chad Gable?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sheamus VS Ivar; Sheamus wins.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: #DIY VS The New Day VS The Creed Brothers; DIY wins and will challenge The Awesome Truth for the titles.
- Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri; Candice & Indi win.
- Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Andrade El Idolo; Andrade wins.
- Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Chelsea & Piper win.
- Jey Uso VS Finn Balor; Jey wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn VS Chad Gable; Sami wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rhea Ripley is here!
Montreal fires up for Mami as she makes her way out to the ring, but her arm’s in a sling! She holds up the Women’s World Championship with her good arm before going to the ring, clearly not in a good mood. Adam Pearce is waiting in the ring, and Rhea gets a mic. The fans cheer “MAMI! MAMI!” but Rhea says, “So… Obviously, you guys know what’s going on right now, yeah? After the attack last week from Liv Morgan… I’ve now been told that I’m stuck on the bench for quite a few months.” Fans are upset but Rhea says she’s also been informed, told, whatever, she’s pissed! Y’know why? Because she has to vacate the one thing that means the most to her, her world title!
The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but there’s no getting around this. Rhea takes a long look at the belt and the fans call BS. Rhea says it sure is BS. This title right here, this means the most to her in her entire life! And that’s why this is so painful. Rhea sets the belt down on the mat, and gives it one last look. Rhea pulls at her hair in frustration, but the fans chant, “Thank You, Mami!” Rhea says, “Revenge tour? This is all because your stupid little revenge tour, Liv! Are you kidding me?” Rhea could’ve actually had respect for Liv, if she’d done this face to face! Instead, she blindsides Rhea like the coward Rhea knows Liv is!
And Rhea knows why Liv did it! It’s because Rhea would’ve dropped Liv right where she stood! So this is a warning to whoever wins her Women’s World Championship. When Rhea comes back, she’s coming back for BLOOD! And not just because of injury, but because when she finds Liv back there, they’ll have to lock her up in Montreal jail! But speaking of, here comes Liv! Pearce already goes to the ropes and security is there to keep Liv back. Liv is laughing, Rhea storms out after her! Security stays between them both, Liv dares Rhea to try something with one arm! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but Pearce says nope!
Pearce ushers Liv away, Liv laughing all the way. Rhea is frustrated, so she HEADBUTTS a guard! The fans cheer, but when and where will Rhea’s revenge tour come looking for Liv?
Rhea returns backstage.
Judgment Day is there to see her off with a group hug. Damian Priest says they know when she comes back, she’ll make Liv regret ever messing with her, and even more badass than she is right now! Cuz she is Rhea Bloody Ripley, and they love her. She thanks them, and tells them to keep Judgment Day on top. Rhea heads out, will the boys be able to keep things together without Mami?
Sheamus VS Ivar!
After months away with his own injury, the Celtic Warrior is back! And that means Monday Night Raw is now Fight Night, fellas! He’s never felt better, but will the Viking Raider make him feel awful already?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally and welcome Sheamus back. Sheamus smiles and ties up with Ivar. They go around, break, then tie up again. Sheamus headlocks, Ivar powers up and out, but Sheamus RAMS him! Ivar rebounds, RAMS Sheamus, but Sheamus steadies himself. The fans chant “Let’s Go, Sheamus!” and the forearms start flying! Sheamus gets the edge, whips, but Ivar reverses. Sheamus ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Ivar! The fans fire up while Ivar goes to the apron! Sheamus storms up and grabs the arms, but Ivar HOTSHOTS Sheamus away! Ivar goes up, but Sheamus ROCKS him first!
Sheamus fires haymakers, then climbs up after Ivar to fire more! The fans fire up as Sheamus fireman’s carries Ivar, into the SUPER WHITE NOISE! Sheamus fires up and the fans are with him as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Ivar has Sheamus in a chinlock. The fans rally, Sheamus fights up, and Sheamus throws body shots. But Ivar UPPERCUTS back! Ivar runs, but Sheamus scoops to POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Ivar goes back to the apron. Sheamus storms up, brings Ivar up, and hooks him in the ropes! The fans fire up as we get BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! And Sheamus goes all the way to TEN! Ivar slumps down, flops into the ring, and Sheamus hauls him up. Fireman’s carry, but Ivar elbows free! Ivar BOOTS Sheamus, then HEEL KICKS! Sheamus falls, Ivar goes up! VIKING SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Sheamus survives and Ivar pulls at his hair in frustration! Sheamus goes to a corner, but he eggs Ivar on! Ivar storms up on Sheamus to rain down fists! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Ivar lets off. Sheamus still eggs Ivar on! Ivar and Sheamus throw hands and Sheamus gets the edge! Ivar shoves, cartwheels, and knees low! Ivar runs, springboards, but into a KNEE! Ivar staggers around, Sheamus brings the kneepad down, for the KNEE CAP! Ivar falls, the fans are thunderous as Sheamus beats his chest. Ivar stands up, into the BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
The Celtic Warrior is back, as is his classic theme song! He feels better than ever, looks better than ever, is he going to make one more run at the top of the mountain?
Triple H is here!
Montreal fires up as The Game walks out to the ring! He joins Adam Pearce in the ring, and there’s a podium with a cover on it. HHH gets a mic to say, “You guys are on fire tonight, I gotta tell you that.” The fans cheer again, and HHH continues by saying it is hard to believe that only eight days ago, we were in the midst of the biggest WrestleMania of ALL time. “WrestleMania 40, kingdoms fell, nightmares began, and a whole knew era started.” The fans cheer that, too! Pearce says the new era certainly started for the Tag Division. It has never been bigger, better, or deeper. WWE walked in with one set of champs, and walked out with two.
That is why Raw and SmackDown deserve titles they can be proud of going into the new era. So what does the boss say? Should we bring the champs out? Then please welcome The Awesome Truth! Fans fire up as Miz & R-Truth make their way, carrying the red tag team titles. Miz & Truth get mics, and the fans chant “You Deserve It!” Miz pats Truth on the shoulder cuz he really does. The fans cheer as Miz raises Truth’s hand, and Truth lets Miz hold on to the belt so he can do the splits! He’s still got it, too! HHH then says he wants to be the first to say, what’s up? Also, congratulations. HHH shakes their hands as he says they won probably the biggest tag match in history.
And Truth, HHH has to say from a certain perspective, seeing Truth have that Mania moment, to quote The Miz, it was awesome. But the thing is, this is a new era. So if they are going to represent this brand and those titles, then they need to do it in a way that represents an all new era. So going forward, they will now be the WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! And as such, they will be carrying THESE! Brand new belts that look like miniature World Heavyweight Championships! Truth is losing his mind! Now, now, he has seen a rabbit come out of a hat, and birds come out of a hat. Even a lady got cut in half and walked away from it. But he’s never seen a trick like that!
What? Truth says he knows good magicians, and HHH just made titles appear outta thin oxygen! That boy good! Right? The fans cheer, but only Truth is the one confused here. HHH asks Miz to explain. HHH is not a magician. That’s what a magician wants you to think. But Truth doesn’t really trust magicians. Not after Lil’ Jimmy. Everyone used to be able to see Lil’ Jimmy. So what else is HHH hiding? Miz says this is what they wanted. This is one of the most important times in WWE history! This is their chance to elevate the Tag Division! Their chance to take these new belts to new heights! That is why Pearce and HHH-
HHH!? WHERE?! Truth, that’s this guy! Man, Houdini’s got Miz fooled, too? He’s one crafty little genie. But Truth sees right through you, Tommaso Ciampa! Miz sighs and says he’ll try one more thing. Because we are in Montreal! Fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” and Miz is pretty sure they’re ready for Sami Zayn. But Miz tells Truth in French, that they’re getting new belts. OMG really!? “OUI! OUI! OUI!” So they can take ’em? Oui! OUI! As in yes, but anyway, HHH speaks up. Can he just go? He takes the old belts, then hands over the new belts. HHH wishes Pearce luck on handling it from here.
HHH leaves, Awesome Truth hold up the awesome new belts, and Pearce asks why Truth made the boss leave. Who? HHH. He just left. That wasn’t HHH! Pearce says while we still have brain cells that function, the only thing left is to figure out some new challengers! Time for a Triple Threat #1 Contenders Tag Match! And that’s right now!
WWE World Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: #DIY VS The New Day VS The Creed Brothers!
Speaking of Ciampa, the REAL Ciampa and Johnny Gargano are still in that title hunt, but so are Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, and so are Julius & Brutus! Which team defies the odds to head for an awesome showdown with Miz & Truth?
Raw returns and the Creeds make their entrance, followed by The New Day. There’s a QR code that flashes on screen… Then the teams sort out and one man starts for each. Brutus steps to Woods and Gargano, and Montreal rallies with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Woods says “O~ CANADA~!” The three approach, feel out, then Brutus DECKS Gargano! Woods CLUBS Brutus, has him in a corner and rains down fists! Brutus shoves Woods away before five but Gargano runs up to add on! Gargano gets five, Brutus shoves him away then ROCKS Woods! Brutus ROCKS Gargano, scoops Woods, but Woods rolls him up!
Gargano rolls Woods! Brutus rolls Gargano! Then deadlifts to BOMB him into Woods! Brutus breaks through their double clothesline to DOUBLE LARIAT back! Tag to Julius, the Creeds get one each, and they suplex! Kofi and Ciampa save their tag partners, then they all DROPKICK the Creeds! The fans fire up as DIY and New Day brawl! DIY get the edge, they whip, but New Day dodge to BLAST the Creeds! DIY then TOSS New Day out, and they BLAST the Creeds! DOUBLE PLANCHAS, but the Creeds catch DIY! But then New Day both FLY out! Down goes everyone, Awesome Truth applaud New Day, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and there’s a collision in the ring! The fans fire up as Ciampa, Julius and Kofi all slowly sit up. Kofi CHOPS Ciampa, Julius ROCKS Kofi! Ciampa ROCKS Julius, Kofi ROCKS Ciampa! Ciampa CHOPS Julius, Kofi mule kicks Ciampa, Julius ROCKS Kofi! Ciampa ROCKS Julius, BOOTS Kofi, then brawls with Julius! The fans rally up as the forearms go faster and faster! Ciampa CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! But theN Julius JUMP KNEES! Kofi returns, TROUBLE IN- NO, Julius blocks the kick to an ANKLE LOCK! Ciampa KNEES Julius down! Brutus CLOBBERS Ciampa, Woods MISSILE DROPKICKS Brutus!
Woods turns around, SLINGSHOT SPEAR from Gargano! Kofi JUMP KNEES Gargano! Julius clinches Kofi for an EXPLODER! Julius kips up to STANDING MOONSAULT, onto knees! Gargano SUPERKICKS Julius, Kofi rolls Gargano! Gargano slips out to BUZZSAW! Gargano goes up and out to the apron, he and Ciampa meet to ENZIGIRI KNEE COMBO in the corner! Then Gargano CANNONBALLS onto everyone else! Ciampa hauls Kofi up for PROJECT CIAMPA!! Cover, TWO!!! Kofi survives and even Miz & Truth are surprised. The fans cheer for “TRIPLE H!” to keep Truth’s illusion going. Ciampa tells Kofi “SUCK IT!”
Ciampa gets Kofi up, Kofi wrenches out to dodge and hot tag Woods! Woods GAMANGIRS then TORNADO DDTS! Gargano shoves Woods to a corner, but Woods BOOTS! HONOR ROLL! Brutus gets in but Woods BELL CLAPS! Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges, slides under, ROLLING ELBOW! Woods calls to Kofi, tags him in, but Ciampa BOOTS Woods! Kofi uses Woods to POMMEL HORSE KICK! New Day POSTS Ciampa, then WHEELBARROW FAMOUSER!! Cover, Julius drags Kofi right up! OVERHEAD SUPLEX! But Woods is back up top! Woods leaps, into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Gargano runs up, Julius blocks a kick! OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
Julius kips up but into Ciampa’s waistlock! Julius switches, to GERMAN SUPLEX! The straps come down, Brutus tags in, and the Creeds get a team each! Brutus SPLASHES DIY to then O’Conner Roll! Gargano runs up, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Julius DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS New Day!! Quadruple cover, TWO!!! All four other men kick out, Julius tags back in! Brutus goes up, Julius Electric Chair Lifts Ciampa! “This is Awesome!” and then Kofi SHOVES Brutus off the corner, into Woods’ SUPERKICK! Kofi goes up, Julius fights Ciampa off. Julius goes up but Woods sneaks a tag! SUPERPLEX for Julius, but LIMIT BREAKER from Woods!
MEET IN THE MIDDLE by DIY!! Cover, DIY WINS!!
Winners: DIY, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the World Tag Team Champions)
Awesome Truth loved every minute of that match, but now they’ve got to face their friends in #RegenerationX. Will Miz & Truth be able to hold on to their newly minted titles? Or will Ciampa & Gargano prove when it comes to becoming World Tag Team Champions, you gotta do it yourself?
Drew McIntyre watches the highlight reel of last week’s main event.
And he’s smiling? Maybe even chuckling? Jackie Redmond says that after watching it back, she was not expecting this reaction. McIntyre laughs, as he BOOTS the TV screen in! Jackie understands now as McIntyre storms off. CM Punk got the better of McIntyre last time, but will it be no laughing matter when the Scottish Terminator gets his hands on him?
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri!
The first time around, the Poison Pixie bullied Maxxine the Alpha Queen into such a state that winning was easy. But then The Diamond Pitbull helped Maxxine get even with Candice, though it was Indi Wrestling that took the hit. Who finds the way to win this tense tiebreaker?
The teams sort out and Indi starts against Ivy. They tie up, Ivy waistlocks then headlocks, but Indi rolls to a cover. ONE, Ivy holds on, and they go around. Ivy facelocks, floats around to then flip Indi to a cover, ONE! Ivy’s right back on the headlock, but Indi fights up. Indi powers out, Ivy sunset flips, TWO! Indi scrambles up but Ivy DROPKICKS her! Ivy kicks, Indi blocks but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Tag to Maxxine and she climbs up, to CROSSBODY! Maxxine eggs Indi on, kicks low and facelocks, then talks trash on Candice. FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Maxxine dares Candice to make a move.
The ref reprimands, Candice stands down, but Indi short arm LARIATS! Indi then tags Candice, Candice CLOBBERS Maxxine and hammers away! The fans boo but Candice SMACKS Maxxine off the mat. Candice soaks up the heat, then digs her boots into Maxxine. The ref counts, Candice lets off, and then Candice smiles as she drags Maxxine up. Candice whips Maxxine into the corner, taunts Ivy, then runs up to SLAP Maxxine! Candice fires off hands, the ref counts, and Candice lets off. Tag to Indi, she keeps Maxxine from Ivy, but Maxxine BOOTS her away! Candice tags back in, runs up and drags Maxxine back again.
Maxxine hops up, ENZIGIRI misses as Candice ducks! Candice swipes at Ivy, but Ivy dodges! Maxxine knees low and DDTS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Maxxine and Candice crawl, their partners reach out, but then Indi rushes in! The ref stops Indi, but that means he misses seeing the hot tag! The fans boo as Indi gets sneaky like Candice as she BOOTS Maxxine down! Indi puts Candice on top for the cover! The ref sees that, counts, Candice & Indi win!
Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by pinfall
What in the world is going on here? Is Candice’s toxicity poisoning Indi’s mind? Or are these Indi’s true colors? Either way, are Candice & Indi going to find the way to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?
WWE takes a look at Damian Priest’s rise to the top.
2019, Orlando, Florida, the Performance Center. What did Priest want out of life? One thing: his name to live forever. From Punisher to homeless to NXT to main roster, Priest has proven if you bust your ass and never give up, anything is possible, even your dreams. The first Puerto Rican world champion in literal decades, he desired championships, and he knew championships would come. Legacy and infamy wait for no man, you have go grab them for yourself. He became Senor Money in the Bank, bided his time, suffered losses, and struck when the moment was right! HE had the biggest moment at the biggest WrestleMania ever, ALL RISE for the NEW World Heavyweight Champion!
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
The others sulk, but Priest tells them to snap out of it. They’re The Judgment Day, right? Right. And they still run Raw, right? Dom is gonna teach Andrade a lesson about messing with their group! And JD McDonagh, you have his back so they can get this done! The Irish Ace is fired up, he heads out with Dirty Dom, but Finn stays behind to talk with Priest. Finn feels their focus should be getting the tag titles back, but now Finn’s in this match with Jey? What’s up with that? Priest says Finn’s focus needs to be on what’s happening tonight. Priest needs The Prince to teach Jey Uso the meaning of the word “loss.” And then at Backlash, Priest teaches Jey the meaning of the word “pain!”
Is Finn good with that? Finn smiles and nods. Of course he’s good with that! They fist bump and Finn goes to warm up. So far, the group looks solid, will Mami have nothing to worry about?
Raw shares an interview from before the show.
Jackie Redmond was ringside as Chad Gable got some training in with the Creed Brothers to prepare for his title match with Sami Zayn. Jackie says it looks like Gable is ready. A huge opportunity tonight, the biggest match perhaps of his entire career. How much would winning the title mean to him? Gable says it is everything. Validation, vindication for all the training, his 10+ years here in the WWE, and proving it to himself. His mood is high, it’ll be a good night. But then Jackie would be remised if she didn’t ask about the crowd factoring in. They’ll be in support of Sami, how has Gable prepared for that?
Gable says when he was on the Olympic team in 2012, he was a Minnesotan in Iowa. That means not one person in Iowa wanted him to win, but he did. So he’ll do the same time. Sami’s one of the best WWE has, but Gable training Sami helped Gable find the weakness. Tonight, Gable exposes those weaknesses. Gable goes back to grappling with the Creeds, will Gable be razor sharp for his golden opportunity?
Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Andrade El Idolo!
The Prodigal Son thought he was getting The Idol of Lucha to join Judgment Day, or at least was united with him against Rey Mysterio. Neither of those things turned out to be true, and now Andrade has found himself in Judgment Day’s crosshairs. Will El Idolo make Raw tranquilo? Or will he pay for pulling one over on Dirty Dom?
Raw returns as Dom makes his entrance and Montreal boos. The bell rings, Dom and Andrade circle, and Dom wants a handshake? Andrade refuses so Dom CHOPS! Andrade rushes Dom but Dom runs away to the corner. Dom then gets a cheap shot, a headlock, but Andrade powers up and out. Dom pulls on Andrade’s hair to get him back in the headlock. Andrade powers out more thoroughly this time, and he runs Dom over! The fans cheer, Andrade storms up and he CHOPS Dom to a corner. Andrade whips corner to corner, Dom reverses, but Andrade goes up and out then ROCKS Dom! Andrade goes up the corner, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Andrade brings Dom up and snap suplexes! Uno Amigo and the fans cheer! Dos Amigos and the fans cheer more! Andrade gives Latino Heat, but Dom suplexes! Dom has Uno Amigo, then Dos Amigos! Fans boo this time, but then Andrade hits his THIRD AMIGO! The fans cheer as Andrade puts Dom in the drop zone. Andrade climbs again, but JD gets on the apron! The ref stops JD but that lets Dom trip Andrade! The fans boo but Dom drags Andrade off the corner to stomp him! Dom then soaks up the heat and flexes, Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Andrade fights up while in a chinlock. Andrade throws body shots, then ROCKS Dom! And ROCKS him, and ROCKS him! Dom shoves, kicks, but Andrade blocks to DRAGON SCREW! And DRAGON SCREW again! Dom swings a lariat but Andrade dodges to CLOBBER Dom! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up and Dom is in the corner. Fans chant “SI! SI! SI!” as Andrade goes corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO! Dom survives but Andrade puts him in the drop zone. Andrade climbs, SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Dom moves! Dom goes to the apron, drags Andrade up, but Andrade fights the suplex!
Andrade throws body shots, CHOPS, and Dom flops back! Andrade goes out to the apron but Dom KICKS the ropes! That jams Andrade up, Dom reels him in! APRON DESTROYER!! Andrade flops to the floor, JD coaches Dom to hurry! Dom gets Andrade back in, covers, TWO!! Andrade survives and the fans fire up! Dom is frustrated, as is JD, but Dom wants Andrade to rise. Andrade stands, Dom DROPKICKS him onto ropes! Fans boo but Dom talks trash before he dials it up. But Andrade gets up, boot feint to ELBOW! JD gets up but Andrade DECKS him! Then the underooks, for THE MESSAGE! Cover, Andrade wins!
Winner: Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall
But JD attacks now! No celebrating for El Idolo, the fans boo as JD and Dom get Andrade to his feet. The mugging continues, but here comes Ricochet! Ricochet also has beef with Judgment Day and he sends Dom & JD running! Will the King of Flight help The Idol put Judgment Day in their place once and for all?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Cathy Kelley is with Main Event Jey and knows that he’s preparing for Finn Balor, but she was hoping for any comments on Tama Tonga joining The Bloodline to attack Jimmy Uso last Friday. Yeah, messing with The Bloodline, you go down a deep, dark and dangerous road. They adding members Jey didn’t even know about. As far as Jimmy goes… Well, Jey told him to come with Jey. But hey, Jey’s gotta focus on Finn. Finn about to catch a YEETDOWN here on Monday Night Raw. YEET! Jey is ready for The Prince, but will he make it through to face The Punisher?
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!
The Hot Mess and “Lil Miss P” wanted a match and got a match on Friday, but it didn’t go their way when it turned out they were facing Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill. Management is getting an earful over and over, but will the complaints stop if Chelsea & Piper win? Or will KC Squared only add to Chelsea’s bad mood?
The teams sort out and Piper starts against Kayden. They tie up, Piper shoves Kayden down, then dares Katana to try. Katana tags in, runs up and dodges, then KC Squared pinball Piper around. They both run, but into DOUBLE LARIATS! Piper fires up, then she drags Katana up. Piper clamps on a COBRA CLUTCH and she thrashes Katana around! Chelsea tags in, RIPCORD FOREARM, then short arm LARIAT! Chelsea covers, TWO! Chelsea says this is easy work, but she runs into a BOOT! Katana then drop toeholds Chelsea into buckles! Tag to Kayden, and they meet at the corner, MULE KICK METEORA COMBO! Kayden covers, TWO!
Kayden drags Chelsea up, but Chelsea SLAPS her! Then she panics and reaches for Piper! Kayden reels her in, hammerlock and clinch, to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then Kayden FLATLINERS! Kayden fireman’s carries Chelsea, Katana goes up and leaps over to go after Piper! But Piper catches her! FALL AWAY SLAM! Kayden hits a SWINGING LEG DROP SLAM! Cover, but Piper SPLASHES Kayden! Chelsea covers Kayden, she and Piper win!
Winners: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven, by pinfall
Chelsea celebrates like she did something, btu we know it was all Piper. But a win is a win, will this team find their way back to the tag titles? Will Chelsea never stop bugging management until they do?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan.
Cathy Kelley is with Liv to ask about Rhea Ripley vacating her title. Is this the conclusion of the revenge tour? Liv can’t even lie, she is confused by the reactions. They’re all mad at her, but for what? She isn’t the villain here. Where was the sympathy for Liv when Rhea literally ripped Liv’s shoulder out of its socket? Oh, there wasn’t any. So eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, arm for an arm. This is karma at its finest, Rhea got what she deserved. But the best part is that this isn’t the end of the revenge tour. This is just the beginning, because the end will be Liv crowned as the NEW Women’s World Champion. #WatchMe. Then when and where will this revenge tour go on the road to a new champion?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Montreal fires up for the American Nightmare, aka the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion! They sing along, “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody gets his pyro. Cody high-fives the front row as he makes his way down the ramp, then he steps into the ring for “WHOA~ OH~!” and more pyro. Cody gets the mic while the fans chant his name, and he revels in the cheers a moment. They sing “CODY~ CODY CODY CODY~!” and he smiles. Cody then asks, “De quoi voulez-vous parler?” The fans cheer his French, and Cody says he has to thank Adam Pearce allowing Cody to still hang out on Raw even though now he’s a SmackDown superstar.
But don’t worry, Cody ain’t going nowhere. We cannot reflect on WrestleMania 40 forever, especially with a pending challenge. The first Premium Live event of the new “season,” Backlash, is going to Lyon, France, where Cody faces for this title either the fastest rising star, LA Knight, or The Phenomenal AJ Styles. But we can certainly reflect just a little. There’s a man he could talk about for hours but will keep it brief. There was a man who said he’d be Cody’s Shield… The fans sing “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for The Visionary, and Cody says that man certainly kept his word. That man is watching at home, so thank you, Seth Freakin’ Rollins.
The fans cheer and chant, “Thank You, Seth!” Cody continues by saying another “friend” that did reflecting was The Rock. The fans boo and chant “ROCKY SUCKS! ROCKY SUCKS!” Cody says it was news to him that Rock did a ten week training program, that he flew in the best talent of different skillsets and the greatest conditioning team money could by. Rock doesn’t have one more match left in him, he’s got many more. And in typical manic Rock fashion, Rock said that he’d make Cody bleed again. Cody says Rock’s probably right. Maybe Cody will bleed. But no amount of training and preparation, nothing Rock does can stop the fact that if Cody’s gonna bleed, Rock bleeds with him.
The fans cheer and Cody says when we talk Rock, we gotta talk Bloodline. The fans boo again, but Cody says he’s confused. The introduction of Tama Tonga “by order of The Tribal Chief,” yet Roman Reigns was nowhere to be found? More questions than answers, so one more bit of reflection. Cody wants to bring out a former member of the Bloodline, a man who is a friend of Cody’s, and a man whose energy you can feel from your head to your yeet. Well, thanks for laughing at the dad joke, but here is Main Event Jey Uso! Jey makes his way out and Montreal bounces with him! Even Pat gets on the desk to join in!
Jey hugs it out with Cody, then the bouncing continues. Cody tells Jey that he is the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, Monday Night Raw is about to be his, and no one has earned it or deserves it more than Main Event Jey! “YEET!” Cody says Jey helped him #FinishTheStory, and Cody knows when one member of Judgment Day is present, the others aren’t far behind. Cody would love to have Jey’s back like Jey had his. The fans like the sound of that, and the two hug it out. Jey appreciates that, Uce, for sure. YEET! But hey, Jey’s gotta do this on his own, gotta just be him, The YEET Master! Mr. YEETDOWN!
Oh, how about this for a name? The NEW World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey UUUUSO~! So then he doesn’t need Cody out here? Cody gets that. Good luck, friend. They hug it out one more time, the fans cheer, and Cody moves on. But oh, one other thing. Cody looks over and says, “Until we yeet again.” Jey responds with “YEET!” Will Jey be able to handle things when it’s just him? Or will The Prince be bringing backup to stack the deck against him?
Backstage interview with Nia Jax.
Cathy Kelley is now with the Irresistible Force and hopes for her initial reactions to Rhea Ripley giving up the title. Nia says there are two types of people in this world: those who care about Rhea and those who want to see her get her revenge. Nia’s neither. She doesn’t give a damn about Rhea, and last time she saw Rhea, Nia had her. Now, Nia looks at the Women’s World Championship and wonders, who is gonna stop her from taking it? Liv Morgan? Last time they met, Nia had Liv, too. Becky Lynch? Nia had her, too.
In two weeks, there is the Draft. Nia might face someone she’s never seen before, and to them she says there are two types of people in this world: Those who fear Nia Jax, and those who learn to fear Nia Jax. No one on this planet is taking that title from her, because that is hers! Nia storms off, is she going to make everyone fear her then, now and forever?
Jey Uso VS Finn Balor!
Raw returns and The Prince makes his entrance. FROM BEHIND! He CLOBBERS Jey, stomps away, and the fans boo! The ref reprimands, Finn HAMMERs away on Jey, then lets off to throw off the jacket. The bell rings, Finn BOOTS Jey and fires off body shots in the corner! Finn RAMS into Jey, whips him to ropes, then CLOBBERS him again! Finn flexes, the fans boo, but Finn stalks Jey to ropes. Finn CHOKES Jey, the ref counts, but Finn lets off at 4. Finn brings Jey up, but Jey ROCKS him first! And again! And again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Finn reverses but Jey sunset flips! Finn rolls through to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Finn drags Jey up to ELBOW him in the head, then he clamps on a chinlock. Priest watches as Finn squeezes the air out of Jey. The fans rally, Jey fights up and he throws body shots. But Finn knees low! Finn ROCKS Jey, RAMS into him, then CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” while Jey sputters. Finn CHOPS Jey again, taunts the fans, “This your boy? This the guy you all like?” Finn RAMS into Jey again and again, then CHOPS again! Finn whips corner to corner, Jey reveres, then runs up, but Finn puts him on the apron! Jey ROCKS Finn first, goes up, but Finn anchors Jey! Jey throws hands, but Finn YANKS Jey down!
The fans boo as Finn fires off hands in the corner. The ref counts, Finn lets off at 4, but runs up to SHOTGUN Jey outta the ring! Jey flounders on the floor while Finn mocks the bounce, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn RAMS into Jey at the corner again and again, then CHOPS! Finn whips corner to corner, runs up to CHOP, and then he whips the other way. Finn runs in again but into BOOTS! Jey storms up, headlocks, but Finn powers up. Jey switches sides, Finn headlocks, but Jey powers out. Finn ducks ‘n’ dodges, blocks the kick but the DRAGON WHIP hits! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as jey and Finn rise. Jey counter punches again, and again, and again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops ‘n’ locks and puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! Finn staggers into a mule kick!
Jey fireman’s carries for a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Finn flounders to a corner, Priest is upset so he moves on from the clubhouse. Jey says “UCE! OH!” and runs in, but Finn dodges! Hip attack hits buckles, Finn runs up, but into another fireman’s carry! Finn CLAWS eyes, then hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jey goes to ropes but Finn stomps away! Finn stomps and stomps and stomps, but the ref counts. Finn lets off, but comes back to SLINGBLADE Jey down! Finn aims from the corner while fans boo, but Jey SUPERKICKS first! Jey goes up top and the fans fire up, for the USO- NO, Jey has to roll through as Finn moves!
Finn SHOTGUNS Jey down! Finn hurries up top, COUP- NO, Jey dodges the double stomps! And SPEARS! Jey hurries back up top, USO SPLASH! Cover, Jey wins!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
Montreal bounces for Jey as he bounces back to win this one. But then Priest storms out here and stares down his challenger. They get face to face, the fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Priest holds up the world title. Jey looks at the belt, but then JD & Dom ATTACK! Priest is upset, he didn’t want that, but Finn says this is what Judgment Day does, right? They all start mugging Jey, the fans boo and chant for Cody, but Dom kicks Jey out of the ring. Dom then leaps off the apron, but Jey SUPERKICKS him! JD chases Jey down, but Jey sends JD into Finn! Jey goes up into the crowd and the fans cheer. Priest stares Jey down from afar, will Jey YEET that title right off Priest?
The cameras follow Jey backstage tot he pavilion where he high-fives fans and makes his way through to the back exit. The fans all “YEET! YEET!” as he says deuces, uces! Jey goes right outside, and he finds Sami Zayn looking up at the marquee. What’s he doing out here? Sami says over 25 years ago, the first show he ever saw in his life was right here. And now Sami is back here as the champion! Tonight, he walks in the same way he did those 25 years ago: through the front door! The fans cheer and Jey wishes Sami good luck. Sami tells the world if they wanna see the best wrestling city in the world, just follow him.
Sami now walks through the pavilion and he throws stuff around in excitement! The fans are fired up with him, they all high-five and get pictures, and he goes down the same bleachers Jey just came from. Sami is ready to give Montreal the champion they deserve, and even all of Canada by extension! Will Sami create a moment everyone will remember for the rest of their lives? Or will Chad Gable SHOOOOSH them all with a major upset?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn VS Chad Gable!
Raw returns and Gable is at gorilla. Bronson Reed steps to him and wants to let him know that whoever wins tonight, whether it’s Gable or Sami, they won’t be champion for long. Because then the winner will have to answer to Big Bronson Reed! The theme song says it for Gable, “SHOOOOSH~!” Gable makes his entrance, not sweating what comes after, only what’s happening right now. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins this massive main event in Montreal!
The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Sami and Gable take a moment to soak it all in, then Sami fires up again. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Sami wrenches to wristlock. Gable rolls, spins, wrenches, headlocks, drop toeholds, then headlocks. Sami fights up, powers out, then drops down to hurdle. Sami arm-drags Gable, Gable arm-drags back! Sami slips around, arm-drags again, and Gable bails out. The fans cheer as Sami builds speed, but Gable gets in! Sami dodges, then he dumps Gable out! Gable stumbles from the apron, Sami builds speed, but he fakes Gable out to Arabian Press!
The fans cheer this chess game, but Gable storms in to get in Sami’s face. The fans again sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Gable fires hands on Sami in a corner, but Sami fires back! Sami headlocks, Gable powers out and he runs Sami over! Cover, TWO! Gable stalks Sami, waistlocks, but Sami fights the lift. Sami throws elbows, then knuckle locks, CHOPS, then goes up and up, but Gable trips him up! Sami gets caught up on the ropes, gets loose and goes to the floor, but Gable goes up! SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit and Sami’s wife is worried. Gable puts Sami in the ring, he climbs back up, and DIVING HEADBUTTS! Direct hit again and Gable covers, TWO! Gable is frustrated that Sami survives, and Sami hobbles his way to a corner.
Gable is on Sami and the bad legs! Gable puts one in the ropes, then DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS the other! Gable drags Sami to then step over and drop toehold! And then he YANKS the leg! Gable steps through, leans on the toehold, but the fans rally as Sami endures. Sami keeps his shoulders up, kicks Gable away, and Gable lets go. Gable hurries to whip Sami to ropes and CLOBBER him! But Sami’s right up to LARIAT Gable! The fans fire up as Sami goes to a corner. Gable runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up, and FLYING ELBOWS! Sami hobbles again, but he goes to a corner. Gable runs in, into a clinch!
But Gable turns exploder into victory roll, TWO! Gable gets Sami’s leg for an ANKLE LOCK! The fans rally as Sami endures, and he rolls! Gable gets sent out of the ring, and Sami takes aim! But Gable hurries back up to grab the bad leg and drag Sami down! ANKLE LOCK on the apron! Sami kicks free and stands on the apron, to ARABIAN PRESS SAULT! Direct hit and the fans are thunderous! The ref checks Sami given his leg, but Sami says he’s good, and Raw goes back to break.
Raw returns once again and Gable has Sami up top! Sami resists, but Gable throws body shots. Gable brings Sami up for a SUPER OLYMPIC SLAM!! Both men are down and the fans are going nuts! Gable stirs, as does Sami, and Gable finds Sami first. Gable waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEXES, but holds on! GERMAN SUPLEX again! Montreal is becoming Suplex City, but Sami throws elbows! Sami switches, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Sami holds on, GERMAN SUPLEXES again, and still brings Gable up. Gable throws elbows now, switches back, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Sami switches, to GERMAN SUPLEX!
Gable throws more elbows, switches again, but Sami throws elbows to switch! They switch and switch and switch, then Sami GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Gable flops over from his head and shoulders, but both men are down on the mat! The ref checks, Gable is conscious so the match continues. The fans rally up as both men rise, and Sami fires a haymaker! Gable fires one, Sami fires back, they keep going! Gable ROLLING KICKS! Sami flops and ends up in a corner. Gable runs up but Sami clinches! CORNER EXPLODER! The fans fire up with Sami, he runs corner to corner, but Gable rolls to pick the leg! ANKLE LOCK!!
The fans boo Gable and rally for Sami as he endures! Gable leans on the leg, he says this is his moment that Sami took from him! Sami still fights up, rolls and throws Gable away again! But Gable’s right up tot he top rope! MISSILE- POWERBOMB!! Sami’s antiair works, and now he gets Gable’s legs, to step through and tie up! The fans go wild for the SHARPSHOOTER!! But Sami’s own leg gives up! Sami couldn’t hold the hold, but now he clutches his ankle area. Gable’s game plan is working out better than expected! Sami hobbles to a corner, Gable goes to the other. Sami grits his teeth, runs corner to corner, but Gable shoots around! CORNER GERMAN!!
Gable has Sami in the drop zone, goes up top, MOONSAULT into BOOTS! But Gable blocks to have the ANKLE LOCK!! Gable has Sami caught, but Sami endures and reaches out! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Gable drags Sami away!! Gable leans on that Ankle Lock, but Sami rolls to a victory roll, TWO!! Both men stand, Gable runs in, into a CORNER EXPLODER! Sami hurries to the far corner, the fans are thunderous as he powers through the pain, HELLUVA KICK!! Sami crawls to the cover, SAMI WINS!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Montreal rejoices as Sami has une victoire incroyable! Sami sets the belt down so that he can look to Gable. Gable is emotional but Sami wants to tell him he’s got nothing to be ashamed about. Sami offers Gable a hand, and Gable takes it. The two stand, Sami raises Gable’s hand, but then Gable raises Sami’s hand. The fans cheer the sportsmanship, but Gable still has to go back to the drawing board. What will it take for Gable to finally have his first singles title in WWE?
Sami celebrates with his family at ringside, but then GABLE GERMAN SUPLEXES SAMI TO THE FLOOR!! Gable has snapped!! He POSTS Sami, shoves him around, and then TOSSES him over the desk! The fans boo as Gable drags Sami back into the ring, then storms his way up. Gable POSTS Sami again, then has the ANKLE LOCK in the ropes!! The fans boo but Gable wants Sami’s family to watch him suffer!! Sami flails, referees rush out, but Gable lets go when he feels like it! Gable is affreux, méprisable and horriblé, but is he serving Sami up on a silver platter for the Colossal Aussie?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw, but with a real shame about Rhea Ripley. Proof that doing things live, no stunt doubles, adrenaline running high has its moments where things backfire, as many believe the injury happened during last week’s episode with Liv’s attack. It does work towards story, though, so that Rhea can have heat with Liv, and a new world champion to be crowned next week in some big kind of match. Good promos from Liv and Nia, those two are definitely the top choices for new champion. And then after The Draft happens, possibilities are endless for who the new champion faces for Backlash, if they want to have this title on that event so quickly after all this.
Good stuff out of Judgment Day even as they have to say see-ya-later to Mami. Priest is of course stepping up as leader since he’s the World Heavyweight Champion, but nothing really went their way tonight. Andrade beat Dom and then of course Ricochet shows up to back him up against Dom & JD, there’s a tag match there. Jey beats Finn and then escapes the beating, we might even get a Six Man Tag to hype everything up. Great video package to look back at Priest’s career, and then Priest being reluctant in Judgment Day beating Jey down, is something gonna give where Priest retains the world title, but then gets kicked out of the group even after all this time?
Great promo from Cody to hype up a lot of stuff all in one go. He got us fired up about Styles VS Knight this Friday, the Undisputed WWE Championship match at Backlash, he kept the hype going for his far future feud with The Rock, he thanked Rollins and Jey while also plugging this new form of Bloodline that’s happening. Cody also had a great moment with Jey before Jey’s match with Priest. Jey also had a really good promo before that to relate his feelings about new Bloodline, it would be awesome if somehow the Usos reunited for the sake of saving the family from this new age of tyranny, but that probably happens closer to Survivor Series so it can be done in WarGames.
Really good stuff for the tag divisions, men’s and women’s. I figured after splitting the Undisputed titles that the show-branded titles were going away. And while the modern World Tag Team Championships look great, they really are just smaller, rounder World Heavyweight Championship belts. I was hoping for truly original designs here, but you can bet right now that Friday, the new WWE Tag Team Championships are gonna be akin to the Universal title. But great promo bit from Awesome Truth with HHH and Pearce to show off these new belts, and then give us an awesome tag team triple threat. DIY winning makes sense on many levels, such as Truth mistaking them for DX and the friendship with them, to DIY being HHHBK Guys.
Really good story stuff in the Women’s Tag Division, though the matches could’ve each been a bit better. But we got the point of each story: Indi is starting to turn Heel like Candice has, because she’d rather win than look like a dummy; and Piper does all the real work in her team, as always, but she and Chelsea are also getting their way back up. I’m still betting on Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill as the next WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but they’ll get quite the fight out of all these Heel teams on top of Kabuki Warriors.
Great return match for Sheamus. If we’re talking title feuds for him, I’d really love if Sheamus got back in on the Intercontinental Championship scene. That’s still the missing piece to his ultimate WWE accomplishments list, and if he’s built up strongly through the next couple months, he could get that title at Clash at the Castle in June or some other point over the Summer. That is, unless Gunther comes back for Bash in Berlin. Well again, the Draft is coming, we still have to hope and pray Sheamus is on the brand that ends up with the Intercontinental Championship.
Speaking of, awesome main event from Sami and Gable, and Sami of course retained, but I had a feeling Gable was gonna snap. Gable was shouting during the match that Sami stole his moment, this was secretly personal for Gable the whole time, and this is was the last straw. Bronson Reed also wants next, so the walls are already closing in on Sami. Sami could put on a great series of matches through the Summer to build to a rematch with Gunther at Bash in Berlin and that moment in and of itself would be amazing.
My Score: 8.7/10
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