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Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/12/23)

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY!

Published

12 months ago

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BOSJ 30

The tradition returns again!

NJPW starts the THIRTIETH Best of the Super Juniors tournament! Will Hiromu Takahashi prove he’s still the best? Or will a new top guy emerge?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Clark Connors VS Kevin Knight; Connors wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Dan Moloney; Moloney wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS DOUKI; Douki wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira; Wato wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS SHO; Lio wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS TJP; Titán wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Mike Bailey; Bailey wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

This year’s tournament will be even bigger!

While two blocks and ten participants each is the norm, what’s different for this special 30th anniversary is that there will be semifinals! After the ninth round, the TOP TWO in each block will face off, and those will determine the block finalists that battle for the trophy! Who will fight hard and make the cut for this milestone tournament?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Clark Connors w/ Gedo VS Kevin Knight!

The Wild Rhino is now Bullet Club, but he’s still hunting gold. As for The Jet, he is now one half of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, but he still wants to be the best. Who makes their team proud with an opening round win?

The second Knight is in the ring, he fires off on Connors! Fans fire up, the bell rings and Knight just fires off more shots! Fans rally, Knight bumps Connors off buckles and stomps a mudhole! The ref counts, Knight digs his boot in but lets off at 4. Knight finally puts the belt aside to whip Connors to ropes. Connors holds ropes, bails out, but Knight PLANCHAS right out onto him! Fans fire up more and Knight finally takes off the tracksuit jacket. Knight throws it at Connors, then he CLUBS Connors. Knight UPPERCUTS, then follows Connors around the way to ROCK him, and SMACK him off the apron!

Fans rally behind Knight as he keeps after Connors. Knight throws more hands, CLUBS Connors some more, then UPPERCUTS again! The ring count starts, Knight tells Gedo to back off, and he brings Connors around. Connors knees low and he POSTS Knight! The ring count is 10 of 20 but Connors takes his time returning. Connors refreshes the count at 14, then he brings Knight up to POST him at high speed! Fans boo but Connors shouts, “WHAT?!” The count restarts, Connors CLUBS Knight and puts him in the ring at 12. Fans cheer the bit of sportsmanship, but then Connors pushes Knight right out of the ring, to POST him again!

Fans boo but Connors tells them off. Connors looms over Knight, brings him up, pushes him back into the ring, and fans cheer again as this returns to the ring. Gedo taunts Knight, Connors brings him up, and Connors whips Knight hard into a corner! Fans rally for Knight while Connors seethes and paces around. Connors drags Knight up, but Knight throws body shots. Knight chops but Connors CHOPS! Knight sits down in the corner, and Connor stands on Knight’s face! The ref counts, Connor lets off, and he drags Knight back up. Connors whips Knight hard into another corner! Fans fire up and rally while Gedo taunts Knight more.

Connors toys with Knight, then CLUBS him down! Connors sits Knight up to ROCK him with a left. The ref reprimands about the closed fist, but Connors snap suplexes! Connors clamps onto Knight with a chinlock and digs his knee into Knight’s back. Fans rally, Knight endures and fights up. Knight powers up but Connors snapmares and CLUBS him again! And back to the chinlock! Connors fishhooks and the ref reprimands, so Connors lets Knight go. Connors wraps Knight up in a chinlock but fans rally. Knight fights up, throws body shots, but Connors CLUBS him down! Knight roars and rises to fire off forearms!

Fans fire up but Connors UPPERCUTS! Connors whips, Knight reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Knight kips up and fans fire up again! Knight stomps and UPPERCUTS, stomp and UPPERCUT, then stomps a mudhole into Connors! The fans rally, the ref counts, but Knight lets off at 4. Knight drags Connors up, whips him corner to corner, and runs in to SPLASH! Knight puts Connors up top, and he says it’s time! JUMPING SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up and Knight somersaults into the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but the fans are behind Knight!

Knight wants Connors to stand, then runs in, SATELLITE- NO, Connors denies the DDT! Knight avoids the spear, to SKY HIGH SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Connors survives again and Knight is surprised. Gedo is worried but the fans rally again. Knight goes to a corner, he jumps up fast, but Connors SHORYUKENS! Connors goes up after Knight, brings him up, but Knight fights with body shots. Knight shoves Connors away, leaps, but into a POWERSLAM! Gedo says “Show me the No Chaser!” Connors nods and he brings Knight up. Connors powers up but Knight wrenches out! Connors blocks the whip to whip Knight!

Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this and the fans fire back up. Knight says it’s done! Knight aims, runs in, but into the SPEAR!! Connors drags Knight up, reels him in, puts one out, and BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Connors wins!

Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)

#100Proof just gave Knight a stiff shot and a bitter defeat. But Gedo wants there to be a second shot by sending in a chair! Connors stomps Knight down, grabs the chair, and fans boo as he aims at his former friend. Connors still SMACKS Knight down! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER, and ANOTHER, and ANOTHER! Shot after shot, until Connors has had his fill. Gedo demands the ref raise Connors’ hand in victory and the ref obliges. If this is the “Only Killers” Era of Bullet Club, will anyone survive standing against them?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori!

The Funky Weapon has been through quite a few of these BOSJ tournaments, but he’s only won one, and that was back in 2012. Will he finally return to the top? Or will Bone Soldier make sure #ItsReborn?

As he enters the ring, Taguchi offers a handshake. Taiji says no thanks, and Taguchi says okay then. The bell rings, and Taguchi DROPKICKS! And DROPKICKS! He’s still the Master of the Dropkick! Taguchi whips, then DROPKICKS again! Taiji falls out of the ring, Taguchi triangle jumps to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Taguchi stomps Taiji’s legs, grabs one, and SMASHES the knee off the floor! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Taiji. Taguchi brings Taiji up, throws body shots and then kicks the bad leg. Taiji tumbles, but Taguchi baseball slide dropkicks! Fans cheer and the ring count starts.

Taguchi brings Taiji up and in at 4 of 20, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Taguchi steps through to a single leg cover, TWO! OH MY- NO, Taiji gets the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds onto the ankle lock until the ref counts 4. Taguchi stomps Taiji, drags him up, and reels him into a SHIN BREAKER! Taiji hobbles, and Taguchi dropkicks the leg out! Then he gets the leg, but Taiji victory rolls! TWO and Taguchi sits back onto the cover, TWO! But Taguchi has the leg! OH MY GAH ANKLE! Taiji endures, reaches out, rolls, but Taguchi holds on! Taguchi keeps on that ankle lock!

Fans cheer, Taiji crawls, and Taiji drags Taguchi into the BONE LOCK! Taguchi endures, crawls around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away! But Taguchi uses that to get OH MY GAH ANKLE! Taiji endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drops an elbow on the leg! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji claws at the mat, it’s not a tap out. Taguchi drags Taiji back into chicken wings! But Taiji pops free, facelocks, only for Taguchi to slip free. Taguchi shoots in, Taiji avoids him and tilt-o-whirls to the MYSTICA! FUJIWARA! Chicken wing, BONE LOCK!! Taguchi still endures, Taiji rolls him away and PULLS! Taguchi TAPS, Taiji wins!!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)

A fast and furious three minutes as Taguchi turned up the seriousness, but it all fell apart! Taiji takes the win, will he also take the block?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Dan Moloney!

The Black Mask of Los Ingobernables de Japon takes on The United Empire’s newest recruit! Will Bushi give #DaDrilla a tranquilo “welcome” to NJPW? Or will Dan show us why he’s the #Superbeast?

The bell rings and fans rally for Bushi. Bushi and Moloney tie up, Moloney powers Bushi to ropes, but he lets off quick. Bushi avoids the cheap shot and fans applaud. Moloney and Bushi reset, tie up, and Moloney puts Bushi on the ropes. Bushi turns things around, Moloney turns it around, but then Bushi turns it back around. Bushi rolls back and lounges to taunt Moloney. Moloney runs in, Bushi dodges and kicks low. Bushi ROCKS Moloney, whips him to ropes, then ducks, hurdles, and DROPKICKS Moloney’s dropkick! Fans fire up as Moloney bails out. Bushi builds speed but Moloney DROPKICKS back! Cover, TWO!

Moloney rips Bushi’s shirt off! Fans boo but Moloney has prevented Bushi from using his favorite strategy! Moloney then KICKS Bushi in the back, and he smirks as fans rally up. Moloney drags Bushi up, CHOPS him, and Bushi is stinging already. Fans fire up, Moloney throws up the crown, and he drags Bushi up. Bushi CHOPS, but Moloney eggs him on. Bushi CHOPS and CHOPS, but Moloney CHOPS Bushi off his feet! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Moloney stomps Bushi’s hands. And then his feet! And then his torso! Fans continue to rally but Moloney mocks them and throws the crown up again.

Moloney drags Bushi up, CHOPS him to a corner, and he CLUBS Bushi on the neck. Moloney throws body shots, whips Bushi corner to corner, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Bushi RANAS Moloney and fans fire up. Both men are down but stirring, and Bushi is up first. Bushi brings Moloney around but Moloney ROCKS him! Bushi ROCKS Moloney, and then gets the edge with those forearms. Bushi reels Moloney in for a BIG back suplex! Both men are back down and fans fire up again. Moloney goes to a corner, Bushi runs in, but Moloney dodges. Moloney comes back in but Bushi SWING KICKS him!

Bushi goes up top while Moloney staggers away. Bushi MISSILE DROPKICKS! And Bushirooni! Fans fire up and Bushi watches Moloney go to the corner. Bushi runs in, elbows Moloney, then brings him out. Moloney swings but into a spin and facelock. Moloney fights and wrenches, but Bushi avoids the chop to dropkick a leg out! Bushi drags Moloney up, has a leg, but Moloney fights free. Moloney CLUBS Bushi then leans on the ropes. Bushi runs in, blocks Moloney’s boot, and puts it in the ropes to DROPKICK the leg! Bushi then has Moloney in the ropes for a DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Fans fire up and Bushi goes to the apron.

Bushi drags Moloney to the ropes again but the ref reprimands. Moloney fights free and ENZIGURIS Bushi down! Fans rally up and Moloney build speed. Moloney WRECKS Bushi with a dropkick! Moloney hurries to put Bushi in, covers, TWO! Moloney scowls but the fans rally up. Moloney slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Moloney drags Bushi up, reels him in, Canadian racks, but Bushi slips free. Bushi ducks the haymaker, Moloney blocks a kick and ducks the enziguri but not the REWIND HEEL! Fans fire up with Bushi and he aims from the corner. Moloney stands, and he blocks the Code Breaker, into a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

Bushi survives and fans fire up but Moloney pounds the mat. Moloney stalks Bushi, runs the ropes, and GORE!! Moloney Canadian Racks, DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, Moloney wins!!

Winner: Dan Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)

The United Empire’s newest soldier scores big! Will nothing stop the Empire from taking over the entire tournament?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS DOUKI!

The Timesplitter is the other half of the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, but the Intergalactic Jet Setters aren’t stopping there! Will Kushida prove he is still the Ace of Junior Heavyweight wrestling? Or will Japones Del Mal get a big win for Just5Guys?

The bell rings and the fans duel, “KU-SHI-DA!” “DO-U-KI!” The two feel out a grapple, then Douki avoids the drop toeholds. They go again, Kushida rolls but Douki avoids the takedown. They feel out another grapple, Kushida gets a leg and drags Douki down to float and push to a lateral press. Douki gets away before a count and fans cheer as the two stand off. Kushida and Douki circle again, Kushida jumps on for body scissors and the armmlock, but Douki has the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go quickly and the two reset again. They tie up, Kushida waistlocks but Douki pries the hold to wrench the arm.

Kushida slips through, wrenches back and wristlocks. Kushida hammerlocks, spins Douki and arm-drags. Kushida floats, Douki tries to headscissor hold but Kushida slips out to hammerlock. Fans applaud the technical exchange and Kushida floats into a headlock. Douki fights up, Kushida wrenches and steps over to spin Douki and take him down. Kushida traps the arm to JAM it! Kushida then moves around, ties up the arms in a modified straitjacket, and then twists! Douki has his shoulders down, ONE as Douki manages to push up. But Kushida ties up the legs! Another cover, TWO! Kushida drops back to tweak the arms!

Douki flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Even Kushida applauds as he lets off. Douki shakes out his arms and the two reset. They circle, feel out a grapple, Kushida throws Douki down with an STO. Douki reaches up with his legs but Kushida pushes those away. Kushida flips Douki over, but Douki kips up and arm-drags! Douki wheelbarrows but Kushida turns that around with a pump handle and SLAM, into an ARMBAR! Douki flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Kushida holds on a little longer. Kushida gives Douki kicks as he gets up, and then he dropkicks Douki into the ropes!

Fans boo Kushida’s aggression and start to rally behind Douki harder. Kushida tells Douki the fans are cheering so he should earn it. Kushida then BUZZSAWS Douki in the arm! The ref checks on Douki but Kushida gets the bad arm. Kushida drags Douki up, wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Douki ROCKS Kushida with forearms, but Kushida KICKS the bad arm! Kushida wrenches again but Douki rakes eyes! The ref reprimands and counts, Douki lets off, then whips. Kushida reverses to JAM the arm and KICK it! Douki writhes but Kushida drags him up to trip him. Kushida then has the legs, and he turns Douki over for a SEATED SURFBOARD!

Douki endures, even as Kushida pulls him way back! Fans rally, Douki rocks the boat, and he tips it over to put the SURFBOARD onto Kushida! Kushida has one arm free as Douki can’t hold on , but Douki grabs it again. Kushida powers through to turn things back around! Douki endures again, and Kushida stands up as he pulls on the arms. Kushida steps over to add more pressure, but Douki fights up to his feet. Douki tries to power things around but Kushida pulls the arms! Fans rally, Douki moves around and turns Kushida around, but Kushida turns it back around! Douki keeps fighting, turns things around again, but Kushida just turns it back!

But Douki flips to throw Kushida away! Kushida RAMS Douki, Douki RAMS Kushida, repeat! Then Kushida drops, Douki rolls and Douki runs Kushida over! Douki runs to RANA, cover, TWO! Kushida has the unset but Douki rolls through to stack! TWO and Kushida has Douki back in the sunset, TWO! Douki has the prawn hold, TWO!!! Kushida escapes in time! Kushida drop toeholds, La Magistrols, TWO!! Kushida tilt-o-whirls to get the arm, wring and step through, La Magistrol into an O’Conner Bridge! TWO and Douki has the Bridge!! TWO!! Kushida has it back, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous as Kushida points out there was tight tugging.

Kushida shoots in, Douki dodges and shoves. Kushida runs Douki over, things keep moving, and Douki follows. Kushida dodges to CROSSBODY! Kushida ducks the lariat to PELE! Fans fire up as Kushida aims, PENALTY KICK to the bad arm! Kushida says it’s time, and he runs in, but Douki blocks the Hoverboard! They waistlock and switch back and forth, and Douki arm-drags! Then he rolls Kushida around, SEATBELT!! DOUKI WINS?!?!

Winner: Douki, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)

Douki survives with just one arm! Kushida asks commentary, but no, that was Douki’s win. Will Japones Del Mal prove there is no weak link in Just5Guys?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira!

The Way of the Grandmaster and the Nova Fireball may be opposites, but they also have things in common. They’ve both been IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and both have yet to be THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Who looks to change all that with a big first win here tonight?

The two start shoving but the ref keeps them back. The bell rings and the two rush in! Wato runs Akira over, covers, ONE! Wato headlocks, fans chant “A! KI-RA!” as Akira powers out. Things speed up, Akira hurdles but Wato shoves him to pop him up. Akira wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Wato comes back into a sweep and cover, ONE! Wato sweeps and covers, ONE! Dropkicks cancel out and both men kip up. Fans fire up and the shoving returns. Akira slaps so Wato STOs! Wato knuckle lock covers, TWO and Akira kips up to DROPKICK Wato out! Akira builds speed, Wato returns to hurdle and run.

Wato RANAS Akira out, then he builds speed, but Akira avoids the dropkick! Akira DIVES and direct hit into Wato and the Young Lions! Fans fire up and Akira talks some trash. Akira drags Wato, RAMS him into the apron, and then Tiger Feint Kicks from the apron! Fans rally, Akira drags Wato back up, and Akira puts Wato in the ring. Cover, TWO! Akira drags Wato up, wrenches and hammerlocks, then tucks the other arm, to roll and GROUND OCTOPUS! Wato endures, fans rally up, and Wato reaches out. Akira pulls on Wato’s arm but Wato gets the ROPEBREAK with a leg. The ref counts, Akira lets off quickly.

Fans rally, Akira talks some trash and he pushes Wato around. Akira CLUBS Wato, talks more trash, then ROCKS him in the back. Wato writhes, and Akira talks more trash. Akira drags Wato up, Wato throws body shots and forearms! Akira DOUBLE CHOPS back! Wato goes to a corner and Akira digs his knee in! The ref counts, Akira lets off, and Akira comes back to stand Wato up. Akira whips Wato corner to corner, runs in, but into BOOTS! Wato runs in to BULLDOG! Fans fire up with Wato, he gets around Akira to ZIGZAG! Fans rally as both men are down! Wato goes to the apron and he aims at Akira.

Akira rises, Wato springboards, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up more as Wato brings Akira back up. Akira resists the German Suplex and throws elbows. Wato still reels Akira in, Akira tries to victory roll but Wato sits on it! ONE, and Wato holds on to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Akira lands on his feet! Akira runs in, Wato whips him but Akira reverses to then clothesline in the corner! And SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Akira roars but so does Wato! Akira runs, but Wato follows to ELBOW! Wato runs, Akira dodges and rolls, and turns bomb into SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and fans fire up again!

Akira is surprised but he refocuses. Akira drags Wato up, reels him in and tucks the arm, but Wato fights Speedfire! Akira throws knees, SUPER- NO, Wato blocks the kick! Akira ducks the roundhouse to SUPERKICK after all! Akira runs and builds speed, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and Akira can’t believe it! Akira aims from a corner and he pounds the mat. “A! KI-RA!” runs back in, but Wato ducks the fireball! Roll-up, tuck and- Victory roll! STOMP 182 from Akira!! Akira hauls Wato up but Wato wrenches out to hook and RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, Wato wins!!

Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)

Water beats fire, and Wato heats up! Will he wash away the competition to take the block?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS SHO!

The Bad Child essentially faces the man he replaced in both Chaos and as Yoh’s tag team partner. Will Lio prove he’s still the Man of the Hour? Or will the Murder Machine kill Lio’s momentum before it builds?

Sho makes his entrance alone, is the House of Torture going to play fair for once? Wait, EVIL attacks Lio during his entrance! So much for that. Fans boo as Evil stomps away on Lio and smacks him with his own jacket! Sho keeps the ref from doing anything about this and Evil CHOKES Lio! Evil pushes Lio in, Sho apologizes and says they can still have the match. Lio flounders up, he nods and wants this, sot he bell rings. Fans rally for Lio, Sho runs and LARIATS Lio down! Sho drags Lio up, brings him around and up, for the POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Lio is still in this and Sho is upset. Fans rally but Sho stalks Lio.

Sho drags Lio up, brings him back in, tucks the arms and STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Lio survives again! Sho is furious but the ref says his count was fair. Sho says fine, he’ll end this. Sho aims his bow, drags Lio back up and reels him back in, tucks the arms again, SHOCK- NO, Lio fights it! Lio powers up to back drop Sho away! Fans fire up but Evil is back! Evil has a chair, the ref stops him, but Sho gets his “murder tool!” Fans boo as Sho takes aim, but Lio dodges the wrench attack! And dodges it again! Lio baits Sho in, then gets the ref out of the way, so that Sho crashes into Evil and the chair!

Fans cheer and Lio builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Evil! Lio finally takes his mask off and runs from Sho. They go around the way, into the ring, and Lio HANDSPRING KICKS Sho down! Lio keeps moving to DIVE! Direct hit on Sho into the Young Lions! Fans fire up with Lio and he drags Sho up. Lio puts Sho into the ring, climbs up the corner, but Evil returns to anchor Lio! Lio kicks Evil away, ROCKS Sho, then goes up again. Lio leaps but Sho avoids the Final Hour! Lio rolls through, comes back, redirects, but Sho sends the ref in! The ref and Lio crash! Fans boo as Sho takes aim, runs in, and SPEARS!

Fans boo but now Evil slithers in! Sho gets his wrench, fans tell Evil to go away, but Evil drags Lio up. Sho runs in but Lio BOOTS him away! And then LOW BLOWS Evil! Fans cheer as Lio gets the wrench, to CLOBBER Evil! And he CLOBBERS Sho! Lio throws the wrench away, goes up top and takes aim, FINAL HOUR!! Lio wakes the ref for the cover, Lio wins!!

Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)

Justice is served as Lio pulls off the win against half of the House of Torture! Will the BOSJ’s 30th anniversary be Lio’s time?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles!

Speaking of Mr. Direct Drive, he faces another former Chaos member. The Sniper of the Skies is now with TMDK, but will he really not kneel? Or will Yoh find a way to shoot down Eagles?

The bell rings and Eagles gets the fans to join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” But then Yoh rolls Robbie up! TWO, and fans boo. Eagles says that’s sneaky but Yoh mocks the Sniper. Eagles wants everyone to calm down and the two circle. They tie up, Eagles wrenches and wristlocks, but Yoh rolls, kips and wrenches back. Yoh wristlocks but Eagles goes to ropes. Eagles flips through to wrench and hammerlock. Yoh reaches back, slips through and fireman’s carry takeovers. Fans rally, Eagles fights up but Yoh wrenches and YANKS the arm. Yoh CLUBS the arm, hammerlocks, but Eagles reaches back.

Eagles headlocks, spins, hammerlocks, wrenches and top wristlocks. Fans applaud that fast string of holds, but Yoh powers Eagles to the ropes. The ref calls the break and Yoh lets off. But then Yoh goes to whip, only for Eagles to block. Eagles grins and keeps holding the ropes. Yoh kicks low and he whips Eagles, but Eagles goes up and around and arm-drags Yoh away! Eagles keeps moving, he hurdles then RANAS and Yoh ends up in a corner. Eagles runs in, Yoh dodges to whip, and things speed up. Yoh drop toeholds, runs but Eagles avoids the basement dropkick. Eagles turns Yoh over but Yoh avoids the knee drop!

Fans fire up as the two stand off, but Eagles aims his finger guns. The two reset and circle again. They rush in, Yoh kicks low, and he kicks Eagles at the ropes. Yoh wrenches and whips, Eagles turns arm-drag into takedown and he rolls to basement dropkick Yoh! Fans cheer and Eagles drags Yoh to a cover. TWO, but Eagles keeps cool. Eagles gets Yoh’s legs, ties them up in a deathlock, and then he rolls Yoh into a stretch! Yoh endures, fans rally up, but Eagles pulls on the legs. Yoh throws forearms but Eagles turns him back over to hold onto one leg. Eagles starts up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” to SMASH the knee with each “OI OI OI!”

“ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! “ROBBIE!” SMASH! “ROBBIE!” SMASH! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! Fans cheer as Eagles finishes the combo and lets Yoh go. Eagles then goes to the apron, tells Yoh to get up, and springboards in. Yoh avoids the dropkick but Eagles BOOTS him! Yoh rewinds, 52 FAKEOUT! Yoh runs to basement dropkick! Fans rally up while both men are down. Yoh goes to a corner, and he runs to rally with forearms! Yoh whips, Eagles reverses but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!

Fans fire up, Eagles tumbles out of the ring, and Yoh takes aim. Yoh PLANCHAS and takes Eagles down! Fans fire up more, air guitars and gives it to Hiroshi Tanahashi at commentary. Fans rally up more as Yoh catches his breath. Yoh watches Eagles rise, the ring count is 10 of 20 but Yoh puts Eagles in at 14. Yoh brings Eagles up to scoop, SLAM, and then TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps his focus as the fans rally up again. Yoh drags Eagles up, suplexes, but Eagles knees free! Eagles swings, Yoh dodges, and Yoh suplexes! Eagles slips free, ROLLING CHOP BLOCK! BLINDSIDER LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down again!

Yoh goes to a corner and Eagles watches. Eagles runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Eagles rolls back, BASEMENT 619! Yoh sits down, Eagles METEORAS! Eagles drags Yoh to a high stack cover, TWO! Yoh is still in this but Eagles puts him in the drop zone. Eagles goes up the corner, fans rally, and Eagles 450 but has to roll through! Yoh BOOTS Eagles, runs in, but into a knee! Yoh blocks the roundhouse to ROLLING FOREARM! Yoh full nelsons, Eagles switches and spins Yoh around, clinch to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO, but into the RON MILLER SPECIAL! Or as he calls it now, the EAGLE LOCK! But Yoh scrambles forward to the ROPEBREAK!

Eagles lets go in frustration and fans rally up. Eagles gets Yoh’s leg and drags him from ropes, but Yoh kicks at him with the other leg. Eagles KICKS the bad leg! Fans rally, Eagles drags Yoh around again and steps through, but Yoh kicks Eagles away! Eagles comes back, Yoh goes Matrix! Eagles blocks a kick, whips, but Yoh ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cradle cover, TWO!! Eagles escapes and fans fire up some more! Both men slowly rise, and Yoh throws a forearm! Eagles gives it back, so Yoh throws another! Eagles SLAPS Yoh, so Yoh SLAPS Eagles! They both stand, and Eagles SLAPS!

Yoh smirks, SLAPS back, but Eagles forearms! Yoh forearms, they go back and forth and fans fire up! Yoh gets the edge, UPPERCUTS, then runs but into a KICK to the bad leg! But Yoh ducks the roundhouse! Yoh scoops and USHIGOROSHIS! Eagles’ headband flies off from the impact! Yoh crawls to ropes, Eagles goes to a corner. Fans fire up, Yoh roars and tunes up the band! SUPER- NO, Eagles blocks, fires off strikes, but Yoh turns backpack into Electric Chair, only for Eagles to let Yoh down! ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! ENZIGURI! Fans fire up with Eagles as he SHIRANUIS! Cover, TWO!

Eagles hurries up the corner, 450 LEG SPLASH! Eagles steps through, but Yoh drags him into the STARGAZER! But then Eagles pushes it back into an O’CONNER! TWO!! Step through, but cradle counter! TWO!!! Eagles escapes but Yoh runs in, only for Eagles to dropkick the bad leg!! Eagles aims from the apron, springboards back in, MISSILE DROPKICK to the legs! Eagles fires up and LEG LARIATS Yoh down! Cover, Eagles wins!!

Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)

The Sniper’s got a chipped tooth, but he can count it a badge of honor for having such a killer match! Will the BOSJ belong to TMDK?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS TJP!

El Inmortal is back in NJPW and ready to rise to the top! But in his way is Public Enemy Number One! Will Titan stay tranquilo? Or will he be conquered by The United Empire?

The bell rings and fans rally for Titan. Titan feeds off that but TJP shrugs it off. They circle, feel things out, and TJP waistlocks. Titan switches, TJP spins around to knuckle lock, but Titan bridges him back. TJP rolls and slips through to then wrangle Titan down with a top wristlock. Fans applaud, and Titan moves around. Titan gets up, rolls, kips up and cartwheels to handspring and wrench back. TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, drops, and twisting headscissors, but Titan handsprings through! TJP ducks the Penalty Kick and rolls Titan up, but Titan rolls through. TJP kicks and whips, Titan reverses to TORNADO-

NO, TJP denies the DDT! TJP runs in but into a sweep and cover, ONE! TJP sweeps and covers, ONE! Both men handspring up and fans fire up as the two stare down! The two circle, fans rally for “T J P!” and he ties up with Titan. TJP puts Titan in the corner, UPPERCUTS, then whips corner to corner. Titan reverses but TJP does a gentleman’s headstand in the corner. TJP then headscissors Titan away! Things keep moving, TJP goes Spider-Man in the ropes, then drops as Titan runs in. Titan tumbles out and fans rally as TJP aims. TJP PLANCHAS but Titan dodges! Titan returns to DIVE! Direct hit and fans fire up!

Fans now rally for “TITAN! TITAN!” as he puts TJP in the ring. Cover, ONE!! TJP is hanging tough but Titan keeps on him. Titan whips TJP to ropes, but TJP Spider-Mans and goes to the apron. Titan is wary but he still runs in. TJP slips under, rolls Titan up, steps over and has the arm, to then YANK the other! Titan writhes and clutches the elbow but TJP is on him. TJP SLAMS the bad arm, then sits Titan up. TJP is after the mask for a moment, steps over sot he ref can’t see, and then goes after the mask again! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but TJP stops at 4. TJP stomps Titan down, then drags Titan up.

TJP bumps Titan off buckles, stomps him down, and scrubs Titan’s face with his laces. The fans rally up, TJP runs side to side, and he BOOT WASHES Titan! Fans fire up while Titan drapes out of the ring. The fans want that again, so TJP obliges! He sits Titan in the corner, scrapes his laces off Titan’s face, then goes side to side, for a BIG BOOT WASH! Titan falls all the way out of the ring and fans fire up! TJP soaks up the cheers and he brings Titan up. TJP puts Titan in, covers, TWO! TJP stands Titan up but Titan SOBATS! Titan ROCKS TJP with forearm after forearm! TJP rakes the eyes!

The ref reprimands but TJP scoops Titan for a BACKBREAKER! TJP goes to the apron as fans rally, and TJP slingshots, only for Titan to dodge! Titan GAMANGIRIS TJP, but TJP SUPERKICKS back! TJP runs, but Titan springboards to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Titan goes back to the apron! Titan springboards, TJP intercepts, but Titan uses that to body scissor throw TJP out of the ring! Titan gets back up, fires up, and he QUEBRADAS! Direct hit and the Young Lions are part of the landing! Fans fire up with Titan as he rises back up. Titan puts TJP in, covers, TWO! TJP is still in this but Titan keeps his focus.

Titan drags TJP up, fires off a flurry of strikes, and then powers up, only for TJP to duck and SOBAT! TJP runs, but Titan gets him at the ropes! TJP just hangs Titan out to dry! TJP goes to the corner, climbs up, and GUILLOTINE MAMBA SPLASHES!! TJP puts Titan right back in, takes aim again, and springboards to FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and TJP can’t believe it! TJP pushes Titan into a drop zone, goes back up top, but Titan GAMANGIRIS! Titan powers up, but TJP blocks the punch to ROCK Titan! TJP throws Titan down by his mask, but Titan kips up to PELE!

TJP falls to the apron and fans fire up. Titan climbs up now, takes aim, and APRON DIVING STOMPS!!! TJP sputters while he’s in the ring and Titan fires up outside the ring! Titan hurries back to the corner and aims again! But TJP catches the stomp into an STF! And from there into THE PINOY STRETCH!! Titan endures, reaches out, crawls his way forward, ROPEBREAK!! TJP lets go in frustration and he drags Titan up. TJP fireman’s carries but Titan slips free. TJP elbows, whips, but Titan reverses. Titan goes Matrix to CALF KICK! Titan roars, fans fire up with him, and he reels TJP in.

Titan gut wrenches to a Canadian Rack, and from there he gets a Gory Especial, only for TJP to sunset flip! TWO!! TJP stalks Titan, drags him up and whips, but Titan reverses to use the ropes, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! But Titan holds onto a leg, ties TJP up, and he has the DEATHLOCK! Bridge back, MUTA LOCK!! TJP endures, but TAPS! TITAN WINS!

Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)

TJP is usually the technical master, but he is the one falling to a submission hold! Will Titan use this victory to launch himself to the top?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

The Rogue Luchador and the Heel Master used to be tag team partners, as well as allies under Suzuki-Gun. But with that faction’s splitting, Desperado followed Minoru Suzuki into Team Strong Style while Kanemaru followed Taichi into Just5Guys. Who proves they were the stronger teammate all along?

Kanemaru welcomes his old friend into the ring by holding the ropes open. Desperado accepts the favor, but then Kanemaru attacks! Desperado should’ve known better! The bell rings as Kanemaru throws Desperado right out, then SMACKS him off the apron! And again! And again! Red Shoes reprimands but the fans rally up. Kanemaru stomps Desperado, CLUBS him on the neck, but Desperado CHOPS! Kanemaru rakes the eyes! Kanemaru then tells fans to move, so they do, and Kanemaru whips Desperado! Desperado reverses to avoid the chairs, and he reels Kanemaru into a FLAPJACK onto the apron!

Fans rally up, the ring count starts, and Desperado steadies himself. Desperado drags Kanemaru up, SMACKS him off the apron at 11 of 20, then pushes him in at 13. Fans cheer and Desperado stalks Kanemaru. Desperado stomps Kanemaru, CLUBS him on the neck, then headlocks. Kanemaru powers up but can’t power out as Desperado holds tight! Kanemaru rolls Desperado to a cover, ONE! Kanemaru tries again, ONE! Desperado grinds the headlock, but Kanemaru fights up. Kanemaru throws body shots, pries the hold open, but Desperado clamps it back on. Kanemaru keeps fighting, and he throws body shots.

Kanemaru powers out, but Desperado runs him over! Things speed up, but Desperado drops to roll Kanemaru to the headlock. Fans applaud while Kanemaru endures. Kanemaru fights up but Desperado hits the takeover. Kanemaru pulls at the mask but Desperado grinds the headlock. Desperado then shifts to a cravat, but Kanemaru breaks free. But Desperado headlocks right back! Kanemaru throws body shots, hooks the mask, and he powers out to get his own headlock! Desperado powers out but Kanemaru runs him over! Things speed up, but now Kanemaru hops over and gets a leg to SMASH the knee!

Fans applaud the exchange while Kanemaru catches his breath. Desperado clutches his knee but he’s still in this. Kanemaru storms up to stomp Desperado’s leg. Kanemaru stands Desperado up and grabs that leg but Desperado fights free. Desperado runs, but Kanemaru drops and trips Desperado, into the KNEE SMASH! Fans fire up as Kanemaru says he’s smarter than Desperado. Kanemaru stalks Desperado to a corner, stomps the bad leg, then drags Desperado up to whip. Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg out! Desperado flounders to the apron but Kanemaru storms over to him. Kanemaru drags Desperado back in by the bad leg.

Kanemaru drops an elbow on the leg and pulls on the toehold. Desperado endures, flails, drags Kanemaru along and gets the ROPEBREAK! But Kanemaru drags him back to put on the FIGURE FOUR! Desperado endures again, flails around again, and he claws at the hold. Kanemaru puts on the pressure as fans rally up. Desperado still pries at the hold but Kanemaru just puts on more pressure. Desperado drags Kanemaru along again, to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Kanemaru claims he needs help. Desperado endures as Kanemaru plays dumb, but Kanemaru lets go when Red Shoes starts to count.

Desperado bails out of the ring but Kanemaru pursues. Kanemaru gets the bad leg, to SMASH it on the floor! Desperado flounders away and Red Shoes checks him. Desperado doesn’t want this ending the match, and he crawls around the way. Kanemaru pursues, but he refreshes the ring count first. Kanemaru then drags Desperado back up and puts him back in. Fans applaud the sportsmanship and Kanemaru takes his time returning to the ring. Desperado dropkicks his legs as he does! Desperado then reels Kanemaru in, but Kanemaru fights free. Kanemaru kicks Desperado’s leg, but Desperado hits a BIG back suplex!

Fans rally up while both men are down. Desperado hobbles up, stomps to get his bad leg working, and he then drops knees on Kanemaru’s knees! Desperado goes for both legs but Kanemaru kicks him away. Desperado comes back but Kanemaru BOOTS him! Kanemaru runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Desperado slips free of that to trip and roll Kanemaru into the STRETCH MUFFLER CALF SLICER COMBO!! Kanemaru endures and reaches out, but Kanemaru then shifts around to have the STRETCH MUFFLER SOLO! Kanemaru flails but Desperado gets an arm, NUMERO DOS! Kanemaru crawls with his one free arm, but Desperado tries to get that arm, too!

Kanemaru reaches, stretches as far as he can, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado thrashes around but lets off as Red Shoes counts. Now things might be a bit more even. Fans rally up, Desperado gets his bad leg working and he runs in at Kanemaru. Desperado blocks one boot but not the other, and then Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg! Kanemaru dropkicks it from behind now! Desperado writhes, and Kanemaru hobbles over to bring him up. SHIN BREAKER! Step through, FIGURE FOUR!! Desperado shouts in pain as he endures, and the fans fire up as he reaches out! Kanemaru thrashes to add pressure!

Desperado fights, pushes back, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go and Desperado bails out again. Kanemaru goes out after him again, and Kanemaru brings Desperado around to POST him! Desperado is down, Kanemaru goes into the ring, and the ring count begins. The count reaches 10 of 20 while Desperado is still down. Desperado sits up at 15, stands at 16, but his bad leg is holding him back! The count is 19, Desperado launches in at 19.9!! Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg out! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Kanemaru gets the legs again, but Desperado kicks him away! Table top to a roll-up, TWO, into STRETCH MUFFLER!

But Kanemaru rolls Desperado!! TWO!! Kanemaru grabs the leg but Desperado fights him off with a gut wrench! They go around like that, Kanemaru brings the leg up but LOCO MONO hits! Kanemaru comes back, swings, misses, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL!! Cover, TWO!!! Kanemaru survives and Desperado can’t believe it! Fans rally, Desperado slaps his leg and roars! Desperado drags Kanemaru up, underhooks, PINCH- NO, Kanemaru trips him! FIGURE FOUR!!! Desperado flails, crawls, reaches out, but Kanemaru keeps on the pressure! Desperado pries the hold open but Kanemaru SLAPS it back down! DESPERADO TAPS, KANEMARU WINS!!

Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)

The Rogue Luchador could not stop the onslaught on his knee, the Heel Master is the victor! Will the BOSJ soon belong to Just5Guys?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Mike Bailey!

Naturally, the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and defending four-time BOSJ Tournament winner closes out opening night! But will the Ticking Timebomb continue that incredible streak? Or will Speedball be Hiromu’s speedbump on the road to another trophy?

Hiromu brings back his picture diary, and for Speedball, it says “Long time no see, it’s been six years.” Speedball appreciates that Hiromu remembers. The bell rings and fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” Mike applauds for Hiromu, and then fans chant for “BAILEY! BAILEY!” Mike thanks Hiromu for that, and then offers a handshake. Hiromu accepts, and fans applaud the show of respect. They even hug! But then Hiromu reels Mike in! Mike slips out, shoves, but Hiromu RAMS Mike! Mike rebounds to run Hiromu over! Things speed up, Mike handsprings then hurdles, but Hiromu leaps over. Mike kips up to KICK Hiromu down!

Fans fire up and rally for “BAILEY! BAILEY!” but Hiromu runs in. Mike dodges to fire off kicks from all sides again and again and again and again! After about a dozen, Mike ENZIGURIS Hiromu down! Fans fire up while Hiromu bails out. Mike builds speed, but Hiromu avoids the dropkick. Mike lands on his feet, to CHOP Hiromu! Mike CHOPS in return! Mike ROCKS Hiromu but Hiromu ROCKS Mike! They brawl outside, go back and forth, and Hiromu ROCKS Mike! Mike staggers away, says hi to a fan and their Daryl plush, then runs back to DROPKICK Hiromu down! Fans fire up as Mike stands up again.

Mike feels that energy and he brings Hiromu up. Mike puts Hiromu in, fans rally up, and Mike climbs a corner. Mike leaps but Hiromu ducks under! Hiromu comes in to clothesline, snapmare, and basement dropkick! Mike bails out but Hiromu goes to the apron, for the JOHN WOO! Fans fire up and Hiromu puts up V for victory. Hiromu then brings Mike up, brings him over, but ignores Red Shoes to go into the crowd, and he RAMS Mike into railing! Fans cheer as Hiromu opens the way to the bleachers. Mike crawls up the steps and Hiromu has him. They go to the upper level, and Hiromu snap suplexes Mike to the floor!

Fans fire up and Hiromu encourages them to get louder a la Sanada. Hiromu gets a lot of space, he aims at Mike, and he runs in, for the JOHN WOO!! Fans fire up more and Hiromu looms over Mike. Hiromu drags Mike up, the ring count starts, and Hiromu brings Mike back to ringside. Hiromu puts Mike in at 10 of 20 and fans cheer. Hiromu fires everyone up, covers Mike, TWO! Hiromu drags Mike up but Mike CHOPS! Hiromu eggs Mike on, so Mike CHOPS! But Hiromu CHOPS Mike off his feet! Hiromu drags Mike up to suplex, but Mike slips out and waistlocks. Mike ducks the elbow but Hiromu catches the haymaker!

Hiromu spins Mike to a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Hiromu drags Mike up to a fireman’s carry. Mike slips out, swings, but Hiromu whips. Mike handsprings, Hiromu dodges, but then Mike dodges Hiromu to SHOTGUN BOOT! Fans fire up again and Mike feeds off the energy. Mike goes to a corner, he aims, and then runs in to SOBAT! And AX KICK! And ROUNDHOUSE! Fans fire up as Mike’s martial arts take Hiromu down, and then he SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but Mike says he’ll finish this. Mike powers up as Hiromu rises and the fans rally back up.

Mike aims, but Hiromu blocks the buzzsaw! Mike wrenches out, whips, but Hiromu reverses. Mike handsprings, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans rally back up while both men are down. Hiromu stands, brings Mike up, but Mike fights the fireman’s carry to whip. Hiromu BOOTS, runs, but Mike dodges, only to run into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Hiromu then drags Mike up, fireman’s carry, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Mike flounders but Hiromu says he’s just getting going! Fireman’s carry, pop-up, and Mike SPIKE-RANAS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu sunset flips, TWO and Mike PENALTY KICKS Hiromu! STANDING MOONSAULT KNEE DROP!

Fans fire up with Mike, he watches Hiromu rise, and then aims again. BUZZSAW!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and Mike is shocked! The fans are thunderous and Mike grits his teeth. Hiromu goes to a corner, Mike goes to the opposite. Fans rally, Mike focuses his power, and he runs, spins, but Hiromu blocks! Hiromu shoves Mike, then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes Mike into the corner! Mike has a rough landing and both men are down. Fans rally up as the two stir. Now Hiromu goes to the opposite corner and fires himself up. Fans continue to rally, and Mike rises up again!

Mike turns around slowly, he and Hiromu stare down, and they both rush in! They RAM shoulders, then fire off heavy forearms! Fans rally as the shots go back and forth, and then Mike KICKS Hiromu! Hiromu ROLLING ELBOWS! Hiromu spins again, into a BOOT! Mike spins, Hiromu ducks the roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Fans fire up, Hiromu runs in but Mike dodges. Hiromu elbows, and LARIATS! Hiromu fireman’s carries, and TOSSES Mike to the apron! Hiromu then runs to SUNSET FLIP, but Mike stops the bomb! Mike slingshots in, runs back and BOOTS Hiromu down!

Mike keeps moving, triangle jump MOONSAULT!! Direct hit and fans are thunderous again as both men are down on the outside! Mike catches his breath, but the ring count starts. Mike looms over Hiromu at 10 of 20, goes into the ring and lets Hiromu figure it out. Hiromu’s on the apron at 18, so Red Shoes stops the count. Mike runs in, Hiromu blocks the boot! But Mike breaks free to sweep the legs! Mike then goes out to the apron, has Hiromu’s leg, and backflips, but Hiromu avoids the knee drop! Mike’s knees hit apron! Hiromu grins and runs, to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB to the floor!!

Fans are thunderous again as Mike looks around in a daze. Red Shoes checks him, but Mike says he’s okay. Hiromu growls and rises, and the fans rally back up. Hiromu drags Mike up, puts him in, and fireman’s carries, for the DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu snarls, he’s still got more to give. Hiromu waits on Mike to stand, then he runs, HIROMU-CHAN- NO, Mike dodges, only to run into HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Fireman’s carry, but Mike sunset flips! TWO!! Hiromu prawn holds, TWO! Both men hurry to their feet, Hiromu runs in, but into a COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO!!

Mike fires up but he has to flounder to the corner. Fans fire up as Mike slaps some sense into himself. Mike aims, runs in, but Hiromu dodges! Mike BOOTS Hiromu, SUPERKICKS, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu superkicks but Mike uses a heel kick to deflect it! And then Mike SUPERKICKS! Hiromu staggers to a corner, Mike ROLLING ROUNDHOUSES!! Mike goes up the corner, for the ULTIMATE WEAPON KNEE DROP!! Cover, MIKE WINS?!?!

Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)

Even Speedball is shocked! He just pinned the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and the defending BOSJ winner! Is time running out on the Ticking Timebomb?

As for Mike, he shows respect by helping Hiromu sit up and offering another handshake. Hiromu nods and shakes Mike’s hand. Hiromu says he’s ready for them going another round, when and where will that be? Mike then gets the mic to say, “Friends, mes amis, tomodachi. <That was really awesome.> Incroyable. Incredible!” Fans applaud his trilingual ability. Mike says in English, “I have done it. I have defeated the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, the FOUR-TIME Best of the Super Juniors winner.” Fans cheer that because it’s true! Mike says momentum is on his side. He is razor sharp, laser focused, and sure to win the 30th BOSJ!

Mike says that for everyone around the world, “Gracias, thank you, merci, arigato gozaimasu!!” Fans cheer Mike’s confidence and respect, but will we see the Speedball change up the landscape in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Division?

 

Here are the current A Block standings.

Mike Bailey: 1-0, 2 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-0, 2 points
Lio Rush: 1-0, 2 points
Titán: 1-0, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 0-1, 0 points
TJP: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points

 

Here are the current B Block standings.

Clark Connors: 1-0, 2 points
Dan Moloney: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-0, 2 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
BUSHI: 0-1, 0 points
Kevin Knight: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

An awesome opener to what is always a great tournament in NJPW. A real big card with all 10 matches happening, and none of the matches disappointed. Some real good surprise results, like Douki beating Kushida, Moloney beating Bushi, and I think biggest of all, Hiromu not opening this tournament with a win. Mike Bailey is obviously a great talent, so this is a great start for his run. And even if he doesn’t ultimately win the tournament, he has that golden ticket in his back pocket as NJPW honors the tradition of “if you beat the champion in non-title action, you get a title match down the line.”

Other great stuff was Taguchi bringing out his serious side, even though he lost, Lio Rush overcoming the cheating of the House of Torture, and just everything with Desperado and Kanemaru knowing each other so well. With there being semifinals this year so that we get a rematch of the top two in each block, it is of course anyone’s game. With many teams and rivalries split up between the blocks, like Yoh and Sho as rivals but then three United Empire members in here, we could get some pretty wild combinations for the semifinals and finals.

My Score: 8.9/10


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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

13 hours ago

on

April 25, 2024

By

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

Ratings:

  • Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
  • #1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
  • ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
  • Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
  • Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out. 

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff. 

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage. 

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official. 

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

 

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.


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Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/25/24)

Champions need challengers!

Published

18 hours ago

on

April 25, 2024

By

The Queen is coming for her crown!

Athena & Billie Starkz are the top champions in the ROH Women’s Division, but Queen Aminata’s coming after them! Who will she target first?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Zay wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order; Top Flight wins.
  • Anna Jay VS Allysin Kay; Anna wins.
  • Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Will Austin; Johnny wins.
  • Six Man Tag: The Mogul Embassy VS MANDERS & BEEFTANK; The Embassy wins.
  • Yuka Sakazaki VS Leila Grey; Yuka wins.
  • ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners; The Kingdom wins and denies The Outrunners a title match.
  • Taya Valkyrie w/ Johnny TV VS Laynie Luck; Taya wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, GPA & Ren Jones; Archer & The Righteous win.
  • Abadon VS Nova; Abadon wins.
  • Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos; Mortos wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

Brother Zay and the Commander of the Skies are coming down from the high of competing against Rob Van Dam on April 20th, but they’re both ready to get back up. Will Kassidy earn his shot (shot shot) at a championship? Or will the AAA Cruiserweight Champion be aiming for ROH gold?

The Code of Honor is upheld, but Zay has his fingers crossed! Zay trips Komander at the bell, says he’s too smart, then he steps on Komander’s dropdown to say “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” and “SUCK IT!” Komander keeps cool, he and Zay tie up, and Komander headlocks. Zay pulls on the mask, powers up and out to hurdle, but then Komander steps on him! Komander mocks “SHOTS! SHOTS!” Zay runs up, Komander avoids the boot to then wrench, wrench and mule kick a leg! Kmoander steps over, rolls through, then rolls again, to a HALF CRAB! Zay endures, fights around, ROPEBREAK! Komander lets go and Zay stands back up.

The fans rally, Komander runs in but is put on the apron. Zay runs in but into a slingshot BOOT! Zay comes back but Komander goes up and headscissors Zay into buckles. Komander comes back to springboard, wheelbarrow, but Zay HOTSHOTS Komander and then throws him down! The fans boo but Zay says they don’t teach that at school. Just follow Zay and he’ll get your right. Zay then smothers Komander with his towel! The ref reprimands, Zay lets off and Komander sputters to a corner. Zay bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS him, then stomps Komander down. Zay says “SHOTS! SHOTS!” as he gives stomp after stomp.

The ref counts, Zay lets off at 4 and dusts his shoes off. Zay goes back to scuff Komander, taunt him, but the fans rally up for Komander. Zay scuffs Komander more, eggs him on, but Komander fights up to fire hands! Zay ducks a roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Zay leans on ropes, Komander runs in but Zay puts him on the apron. Komander gets up but Zay triangle jump STUNNERS! Komander flops to the floor, Zay scowls and goes out after him. The fans rally, Zay backs Abrahantes off, and the fans boo. Zay goes back for Komander, SMACKS him off barriers, then grabs the chair.

The fans boo, Zay says watch this, it’s about to be an 8K. Zay runs and uses the chair to LAUNCH, into barriers! Komander avoids disaster, puts Zay in the ring, and he hurries to a corner. The fans fire up as Komander springboards, but Zay moves! Komander rolls through, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up while Zay bails out. Komander builds speed and WRECKS Zay with a dropkick! Then ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Zay! The fans fire up, Komander drags Zay up and in, then he springboards again, for a SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zay stays in this as fans chant “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay goes to the apron, Komander storms up and stands him up. Zay shoves Komander away, goes up the corner, but Komander runs up! Zay anticipates and GAMANGIRIS! Zay goes up to SUPSER SUSNET FLIP, but Komander flips through!! The fans fire up and Zay is shocked! Zay still BOOTS Komander, fires forearms, but Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP, UPPERCUT and power up! Zay turns Komander around but gets a SHOTEI! Komander then jumps up top POISON-RANA! The fans fire up again and Komander runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans remind us, “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay says Komander’s done wasting his time. Zay whips, Komander reverses but Zay reverses back to scoop, only for Komander to tilt-o-whirl sunset flip! TWO, but Komander tries a side roll sunset, TWO! Zay escapes, Komander dodges his haymaker and waistlocks. Zay switches, Komander switches back, but Zay grabs the ref! LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo as Zay gets away with that one! Abrahantes protests but the ref can’t call what he didn’t see! Zay blows a kiss, before the INVERTED TWIST OF FATE! Cover, Zay wins!

Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall

Brother Zay didn’t break rules but he did find a loophole to DELETE Komander’s momentum. Will Zay soon have a WONDERFUL ascension to the top of ROH?

 

ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.

It was backstage at AEW Dynasty this past Sunday that the Bang Bang Gang unified the AEW and ROH World Trios Championships! Jay White says, “Today, our destiny, fulfilling our destiny by building our Dynasty! Y’see, I’m full! I’m full of that feeling when I get to say, I told you so! When I came to AEW, joined forces with The Gunns, I said the Gunns were money! Brought them in along with Juice Robinson, to Bullet Club GOLD. I said I would bring you gold, and boys, we’re running out of space. Because we’ve got gold a plenty, haven’t we, boys? Cuz I’m the mother effin’ Catalyst of Professional Wrestling! I told you so!”

Austin says their backpacks are heavier on the ride home, but that extra weight just reminds him that the Bang Bang Gang runs this Trios ish! Colten says they like to have fun before and after, but during? They don’t take no ish! There’s this saying around here, “Restore the Feeling.” That’s something for the young guys to get on TV, but guess who are never mentioned? The Gunns! Is it because they’ve been in too many main events? Is it because they’ve been tag team world champions? And now they’re AEW & ROH Trios Champions! The Gunns are the best damn team in the world! White is the best singles man in the world!

And tonight, they are the BEST trio in the world!! And if you’re not down with that, they’ve got two words for ya: GUNS UP!! The Bang Bang Gang is firing on all cylinders, but will they be able to shoot down those who take aim at them?

 

Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!

Speaking of the trios championships, Action Andretti, and the brothers Martin get their shot at the Bang Bang Gang this Saturday! Will Top Flight pick up speed going into that Collision? Or will Evil Uno, John Silver & Alex Reynolds prove they are worthy contenders?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Darius Martin starts against Johnny Hungy. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. The fans rally for “JOHNNY HUNGY!” as the two tie up. Darius wrenches, wristlocks, but Silver spins and fireman’s carries for the takeover. Silver has the cording hold but Darius fights up. Silver wrenches but Darius spins, slips around, waistlocks, spins Silver and cravats for the neck wrench. Silver endures, powers up and out, but Darius rolls over the dropdown. Darius sweeps a leg to cover, ONE! Darius turns Silver’s sweep into a cradle, TWO!

Silver gets up but Darius arm-drags him back down. The fans cheer, Darius wrenches Silver and tags Action. Action runs to LEAP FROG ATTACK the arm! Action wrenches Silver, tags Dante, and Dante goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Dante clamps onto the arm, digs a knuckle into Silver’s ribs, or was it a tickle attack? Tag to Darius and Dante snapmares Silver. Darius runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Silver stays in this but Darius stays on him. Tag to Dante, Top Flight reel Silver in but the rest of Dark Order save him from the double suplex! So Action jumps in and Top Flight TRIPLE SUPERKICKS!

The fans fire up while Uno and Reynolds spill back out. Action and Darius aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA but Uno and Reynolds DECK them outta the air! Dante brings Silver up but Silver fights the half nelson to then whip Dante into the ropes! Silver then runs up, Uno & Reynolds join in, TRIPLE DROPKICK! Silver then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Dante into a bridging cover, TWO! Silver tags Reynolds and he short arm LARIATS Dante! Cover, TWO! Reynolds brings Dante up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Uno. Uno CHOPS Dante, then snapmares him to stomp him down! The fans rally for Uno as he tautns Action.

Uno goes back for Dante but Dante throws body shots. Uno CLUBS Dante, bumps him off buckles, and tags Reynolds. Silver holds Dante in whiel Reynolds whips Uno for the SPLASH! Uno goes again, but Dante dodges, goes up and over Reynolds, hot tag to Action! The Sight to See rallies on the Dark Order! ELBOW for Uno! BOOT for Silver! ELBOW for Reynolds! Uno kicks low, whips, but Action handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Action kips up, and he runs in at Reynolds in a corner. UPPERCUT! Uno runs in but the SPLASH is sent into Reynolds! Uno staggers away, Action DECKS Reynolds!

Action aims, slingshot and SPLIT LEG but he has to bail out as Reynolds moves! Action just uses that to roll and PELE Uno! SPANISH FLY on Reynolds! Cover, Silver breaks it! Darius tosses Silver out but Silver ROCKS Darius! Darius drops down but Dante runs in and uses Darius as a step, POETRY IN MOTION! Silver falls, Reynolds dodges Darius to RAM Dante! Dante comes back, Darius helps him get up and over, then Dante helps in the TORNADO DDT! Darius sets Reynolds up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Uno shoves Dante onto it! Uno then CHOPS Darius down and goes to his corner.

Reynolds crawls over, hot tag to Uno! Uno fires forearms on all of Top Flight! Uno winds up, but Dante JUMP KNEES! Darius mule kicks! Action KICKS, Darius BUZZSAWS! But then Silver & Reynolds drag the Martins out! Uno dodges Action, tells him to STOP, then ROCKS him! The rest of Dark Order get in, Reynolds spins Action before the TRIPLE ROLLING ELBOWS!! Action wobbles, Uno reels him in, and Silver gives Reynolds the BOOST to take out the Martins! PILEDRIVER for Action! Cover, TWO!! Action survives and shocks the Dark Order! Uno cools off, tags Silver in, and Silver tags Reynolds.

The Dark Order surrounds Action and the fans rally up. They stand Action up, hoist him up, and Silver builds speed, but the Martins trip Silver! Darius drags Silver out, Action gets away and Dante baits Uno. Uno runs in, Dante goes up and over to JUMP KNEE Reynolds! GAMANGIRI for Uno, then Action SUPERKICKS! Dante DIVES to take out Silver, Darius steps in to COMPLETE SHOT Uno! Action and Darius have Reynolds for the double pump handle, DOUBLE LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Cover, Top Flight wins!

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

Action, Dante & Darius are flying high and heading for Collision, will they take those unified World Trios Championships away from the Bang Bang Gang in the blink of an eye?

 

Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.

Lexy Nair is with the ROH Women’s World and Women’s Television Champions, and says “Ladies and gentlemen, we are calling an Emergency MEM, a Minion Empowerment Meeting.” The Fallen Goddess asks the Minions why they’re here, and Minion #400,237.75 knows why. This is because of Red Velvet and Queen Aminata. They decided to stick their noses in Athena’s moment. The main event of Battle of the Belts, live on TNT, the first time the Overlord has been on live TV in over a YEAR. And Aminata put her hands on Athena, put Athena on her head, and proved that she is nothing more than “a hot piece of porcelain hussy garbage.”

Billie says not to forget about Red Velvet. Velvet acted all high ‘n’ mighty, but she just forgot Billie hasn’t beat her yet. Lexy says then it seems there is some unfinished business. The champs bring Lexy in for an uncomfortable double side hug, and Athena says “Bestie” is right. There is unfinished business. And since MIT is a nonprofit, they’ll give a “scholarship to the biggest ass-whooping Queen Aminata and Red Velvet have ever seen. Got it?” Athena tells Queenie and “Blue Velvet” to either step up or step out. Challenge issued to the Queen and the Chef, but are the Overlord and her sidekick about to get cooked?

 

Mark Sterling speaks.

“Some people get into professional wrestling because they need to. You haven’t needed anything in your entire life. You have an unlimited amount of resources at your fingertips. Money, culture, knowledge. You wanted to excel at this business, so you got the best training, the best workouts, the best diets, the best gear, the best moves. If it’s not the best, it’s simply not you. But the wisest man doesn’t think he’s the best until he’s surrounded by the best. And now, we all are. You are Ariya Daivari. And you are a Premier Athlete. We are the Premier Athletes.”

The Premier Athletes are here in person.

Sterling talks to his stable and tells them the beginning of phase two was a success. They wanted to assert dominance over ROH, and he would say message sent. However, they were not aware that the message would be sent to ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, to Dalton Castle, and half of the ROH men’s locker room. It took SIX men to stand face to face to these three. They’ve got Ariya back and more pissed off than ever. They’ve got National Champion, Josh Woods. And they’ve got Tony Nese in peak, physical performance. Now, they all know The Infantry wasn’t personal. They were just in the line of fire.

The Infantry is just on a long list of people who do not deserve the opportunities. Opportunities that belong to these three physical specimens! Because these are The Premier Athletes. When and where will Sterling’s stable finally break through to that next level?

 

Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

Lexy is now with Maria Kanellis’ baby boys and says they haven’t had the best luck as of late. What’s next? Karter isn’t sure. They keep getting opportunities, but they keep failing. Karter recently had a match against Christopher Daniels, and he lost! Griff says Karter thinks that’s bad, but Griff lost his shot at the ROH World Championship. Griff has faced Mark Briscoe twice in his career, and he’s 0-2. Karter’s match wasn’t even for a title! Griff had so much more on the line! Maria then walks in and sees her boys are disappointed. Well, Mama is disappointed, too. They both could’ve done much better in their matches.

But every loss is an opportunity. Griff was in the ring with THIRTEEN TIME ROH World Tag Team Champion, Mark Briscoe! Karter was up against Christopher Daniels, a legend! Maria’s been in the ring with both of those men, and they have so much experience. That is what Griff & Karter gain every time they’re out there. Every single loss is an opportunity. And everyone around here is always jealous of the abs and the looks, and it’s great that they are. But eventually, they’ll be jealous of what these two do in the ring. And eventually, these two will get back her championships, the ROH World Tag Team Championships.

Maria leads the way, but does anyone wanna tell her that that would mean her baby boys going up against her husband, Mike Bennett?

 

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners!

Speaking of Mike Bennett, he and Matt Taven are still champions after the big assist from Wardlow at Supercard of Honor. But will the Kingdom need their War Machine again real soon? Or will they be able to handle Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum in 10 minutes or less?

The fans rally up for the Outrunners already while the Code of Honor is upheld Mega Powers style. The teams then sort out, and though Taven is confused, Bennett steps up and starts against Truth. The fans chant “TAVEN SUCKS!” but Taven just eggs the Melvins on. Truth and Bennett tie up, then Truth wrenches to wristlock. Tag to Turbo, he takes the handoff, and he nods as he wrenches and wristlocks. Bennett knees low, flexes on Turbo, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Bennett wristlocks, says this is old school wrestling, but Turbo powers up! The fans fire up as Turbo rolls, handsprings, and kips up! Turbo then BOPS Bennett on the head!

The fans cheer, Turbo tags Truth, and Truth wrenches to wristlock. Truth grinds the arm, whips, but Bennett reverses. Taven trips Truth up while Bennett’s all up in the ref’s face! The fans boo and Turbo protests but Bennett dropkicks Truth down! Bennett mocks the old school posing then takes a bow. Tag to Taven, he CHOPS Truth in the corner. Taven CHOPS again, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Taven lets off to taunt Turbo, and Bennett gets a cheap shot on Truth! Bennett drags Truth up by his hair, the ref sees that and reprimands, but Taven ROCKS Truth. Taven whips, but Turbo trips Truth to actually save him from the crossbody!

Taven tumbles up and out of the ring, Truth gets up to tag Turbo! Truth then runs and Turbo holds ropes up, BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Bennett runs up, is sent out, and The Kingdom regroups. The fans fire up for Turbo as he fires up, then PLANCHAS! Down goes The Kingdom and Turbo is all revved up! Turbo gets in the ring, shakes the ropes, then tags in Truth. The Outrunners coordinate, to spin and pose! The fans fire up but The Kingdom CLOBBER The Outrunners from behind! The fans boo but Bennett flexes. Bennett brings Truth up, CHOPS, and now fans chant “BENNETT SUCKS!”

Bennett CHOPS Truth, puts him in the corner, and tags Taven. Bennett feeds Truth to a BOOT, adds the BOSTON BAYONET, then Taven LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Truth is tougher than that, but Taven argues with the ref. The ref defends his count, so Taven brings Truth over to ropes. Taven CHOKES Truth but the fans boo. The ref counts, Taven lets off at 4, and Taven soaks up the heat. Truth sputters but Taven tags Bennett. The Kingdom mugs Truth, then Bennett keeps Truth from Turbo with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a chinlock and stretch. The fans rally as Truth endures.

Truth is red in the face but he fights to his feet. But Taven BLASTS Turbo! Bennett throws Truth by his hair! Turbo storms in but the ref has to stop him. Turbo is upset but Bennett stands on Truth’s face! Bennett clamps onto Truth with a chinlock and grinds him down with a knee in the back. The fans fire up, we pass five minutes as Truth fights up, but Taven runs at Turbo again! Turbo ROCKS Taven first this time! Truth then hits a BIG back suplex on Bennett! The fans fire up, Turbo is feeling it, and Truth crawls over! Truth staggers ot his feet, hot tag to Turbo! Turbo rallies on The Kingdom with big haymakers!

The fans fire up as Turbo scoops and SLAMS Taven! Then he scoops and SLAMS Bennett! Scoop and SLAM for Taven! Scoop and SLAM for Bennett! The fans fire up and Turbo drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then he winds up, flexes, and JUPM ELBOW DROPS! Taven runs up but Turbo kicks! Turbo reels Taven in, flexes again, and hits a BIG suplex! Turbo points to Truth, Truth tags in, and Truth goes up! FLYING FOREARM on Bennett! The Outrunners hurry to get Bennett up, but Taven ENZIGIRIS Truth to stop Boot Camp, er Vice City, or whatever they were calling it! Bennett shoves Turbo into Truth then rolls Truth up, with tights! The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Outrunners a title opportunity)

Taven grabs the belts to celebrate and Bennett says that was too easy. But then the ref suspects shenanigans! Did Bennett pull tights? Bennett defends his innocence, as does Taven, and the ref drops the issue. Will The Kingdom do anything and everything they have to in order to stay champions?

 

Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.

The Chef and The Queen are backstage, and Velvet tells Athena, “There you go again. Stirring up the pot. Oh my gosh, we ruined your moment~! I’m done with you. Billie? You wanna hang with the big girls? You wanna get in big girl business? Then bring it on. Yes, I haven’t forgotten I beat you, twice. And I’ll do it again, and this time, I’m a beat you like your mama never did. You know why? Cuz I don’t roll with minions. I roll with royalty.” Aninata says that’s right. And Athena, oh, they feel so sorry for “ruining” the moment. Actually, Aminata would do it again and again and again. And wanna know why? Because Queen Aminata does not respect Athena as a champion!

Athena has ZERO honor! And no one knows better about honor than The Queen. And Velvet says, “Y’know what, Queen? I’m looking for a fight. Are you looking for a fight?” Aminata is definitely ready for a fight. Velvet says it is time to cook, eat, leave no crumbs, and take out the trash! This dynamic duo is ready to tear down the Forever Champion and her little buddy, will they take the gold right off Athena & Billie?

 

Backstage interview with The Infantry.

Lexy is now with Trish Adora, Carlie Bravo & Captain Shawn Dean, and we’ve seen them get on a roll. How are they continuing the momentum? Carlie is so glad she asked. Have no fear, you know The Infantry is here. Dean says yes, they are here. And there’s been nothing but targets on their backs. They said they’re the most popular team, and people have been after them. Carlie does realize now that they had those OG Ops, then those really big Ops, and last week, there’s Ops they didn’t even know about. But let’s not forget those really old Ops, the- Oh wait, The Outrunners walk in. Turbo & Truth are feeling good. They may not have targets on their backs, but they’ve got some guns!

Wait, wait, wait. Are they wearing brightly colored camo?! Okay, first they take the Infantry’s move, now they’re copying the swag? What’s next? Trying to take Adora and their homes? What the what, son? Dean has Carlie calm down. He’s always got great ideas. He does? Yes, because next week, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, they take this to where it all began! Finally, Infantry take The Outrunners to where they belong, and that’s Boot Camp! Hold on, The Outrunners have been using camo since The Cow Palace. Dean has to hold Carlie back on that one! Turbo has a better idea! Outrunners VS Infantry, Daily’s Place, where it all began!!

WHAT!? Didn’t they just- Fine, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Oh yeah? The Outrunners will do Infantry one better and THEY will accept! Let’s roll out! Copy that! WHAT!? Stop copying them, Outrunners!! But will Dean & Carlie finally get through the delusional duo and make them find their own schtick?

 

Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.

Lexy is with Mr. & Mrs. TV Ready and notes the season finale of Johnny Loves Taya just dropped. How are they feeling? Amazing~! Everyone loves their show, they worked so hard on it for months. Ten episodes, the grand finale, it couldn’t have gone any better. And think about it: awards season! The acceptance speeches, the red carpets, the fashion moments. But in sneaks Aaron Solo. That sounds fun! Though they would’ve won more awards if they had this face on the show. Maybe next season? Johnny says maybe Aaron would’ve been on the show, if he supported it once. He didn’t tweet about it once! All their real friends did.

Uh, Aaron is the Retweet King! Especially those first three episodes. Aaron and Johnny argue but Taya has them calm down. Taya runs the socials for the show, and she can confirm, Aaron did retweet. Oh, well, thanks, bro. Yeah, man! Remember QTV? The handshake? They do the handshake, right down the rocket ship taking off. Aaron says see? They’re bros. Before Johnny Loved Taya, Johnny Loved Solo. Uh… No. Aaron is a loser! TV Ready people do not hang with losers. Remember how his name used to be S O L O W? They took the W away cuz he keeps getting L’s! He’s 0 and THIS CENTURY! Get a win already!

Aaron says fine, if that’s what they want, he will win. And he’ll prove to both of you that Aaron is TV Ready! Aaron heads out, and Taya says it’ scute that he’s so confident. Not that it’ll work out. And they got the last word. Aaron then says “Bye” from offscreen, so Johnny says, “Adios.” Aaron has bet on himself, but will he win out?

 

Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos!

All Heart, The Whole Fox’n Show and the evolved Black Taurus are among the fastest, toughest and hungriest competitors around, and they’re all looking for that golden opportunity. Will Blake be rolling into NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament? Or will another big name prove they’re a big deal?

The Code of Honor is upheld between Fox and Blake, but not Mortos. The bell rings, Mortos stares down Fox and Blake. Fox runs in to RAM Mortos but bounces off! Blake RAMS Mortos but also bounces off! They both run up, but he runs them over! Fox & Blake both kip up, but Mortos choke grips them both. Mortos shoves Blake away, but Fox flips through the choke slam! Blake & Fox DOUBLE SUPERKICK Mortos down! Mortos bails out, Blake and Fox coordinate, and Fox runs. But then Blake sweeps the legs! Fox ends up on ropes, Blake runs to BASEMENT 619! The fans boo but All Heart also has some brains.

Blake aims from the apron, springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fox flounders to a corner, Blake runs in, but Fox puts him on the apron. Blake RAMS into Fox, slingshots, but Fox goes out to then slingshot SENTONS! The fans fire up, Fox suplexes for ANARCHY! Blake bails, Mortos LARIATS Fox down! The fans fire up as Mortos roars, and Mortos drags Fox up. Mortos suplexes, Fox slips free to waistlock but Mortos switches. Mortos shoves, follows, then rolls off Fox’s back! Mortos SOBATS, KNEES, ELBOWS and snapmares, to then NECK TWIST! Then SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fox survives that onslaught but Mortos roars again. Mortos drags Fox up, wrenches and grabs a leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Fox writhes, Mortos gets legs and steps through, and Mortos ties Fox up for a NAVARRO DEATH ROLL! Fox endures the leg lock, but Blake DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Mortos! The fans fire up and Blake smirks as he runs in at Mortos. Mortos BOOTS Blake, SLING-DOGS, then CRUCIFIX DRIVERS! Blake wobbles, Mortos whips to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Blake survives but Mortos snarls. Mortos drags Blake up, UPPERCUTS him down, and Blake flounders to a corner.

The fans cheer as Mortos drags Blake back up. Mortos reels Blake in to back suplex, but Blake lands out! Blake dodges in the corner, then whips to ropes. Mortos reverses but Blake handsprings, wheelbarrows, SPLASH 182! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Mortos and Blake stir while Fox returns. The fans rally, Fox and Mortos stand first and Fox throws a haymaker! Blake adds a haymaker, he and Fox pinball Mortos around! They put him in a corner, throw more hands, then Fox goes up to rain down fists! Mortos shoves Fox away so Blake rains down fists. Mortos shoves him away, Fox returns to A-LIST LARIAT!

Mortos slumps down, Blake adds a LOW CROSSBODY! Fox skins the cat to DROPKICK Mortos, and then Fox goes to the apron. The fans fire up as Fox goes up, but Blake ROCKS him first! Blake goes up, brings Fox up, but Mortos adds on! The fans are going nuts already for the SPANISH FLY BOMB!! Cover on Blake, TWO! Cover on Fox, TWO!! Mortos snarls but he drags Fox back up. Mortos trophy lifts Fox, but Fox slips free to BOOT! Mortos tumbles out to the apron, and Blake SPEARS him down! Blake hurries to build speed so he can DIVE! Mortos stays up!? So Fox FLIES! Down goes Mortos and the fans fire up!

Fox puts Mortos in but Blake aims first! Springboard 450 SPLASH! Fox adds the SWANTON BOMB! But then Blake TOSSES Fox to cover Mortos, only for Fox to break it! Fox has had it with Blake being so sneaky, and TOSSES him out! Blake is on the apron, he ROCKS Fox, but Fox stops the slingshot! Fox has Blake in ropes, step-up DRAPING DDT! Roll through, but Mortos reels Fox in! Scoop and MORTOS DRIVER!! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

Blake and Fox couldn’t say on the same page, and that allowed the minotaur of lucha to take the win! Will nothing stop The Beast Mortos from stampeding his way to a championship opportunity?

My Thoughts:

A good episode of ROH here at an hour and 38 minutes, but that made for quite a bit of filler. I did like the Six Meaty Men Slapping Meat Tag match of Mogul Embassy VS 1 Called Manders, BEEF and Calvin Tankman, but of course The Embassy won. Good return matches for Johnny and Taya, but I liked their promo with Aaron Solo better. It was a good use of continuity bringing up the failed QTV to pivot into a new story for Johnny TV now that Dalton Castle is moving on. Good promos from Mark Sterling, but a bit redundant again to have him hype up Ariya Daivari, then for him to talk directly to Ariya and the others.

Another confusing thing was the promo from The Infantry and Outrunners. Well, the promo wasn’t confusing, the timing was. Perhaps it was a victim of poor pacing as we’ve seen all over AEW & ROH. But I do appreciate we’re finally seeing these two teams have it out for ROH at Daily’s Place “next week,” aka prerecorded sometime this week. Outrunners had a good match with The Kingdom but of course The Kingdom won. But we’re getting an interesting detail where Maria wants her new boys, Griff & Karter, to go for those ROH World Tag Team Championships while her old boys, Bennett & Taven, still have them. Some sort of Kingdom Civil War angle in the works here?

Really good stuff with Zay winning by going to new lows, and really good Six Man Tag to give Top Flight momentum going into their title match with Bang Bang Gang. Really good promo from Bang Bang Gang and of course White & The Gunns are going to retain. And at least they did just what I was hoping by having a promo from Bullet Club Gold on ROH so that it counts as them being on this show. Just needs to keep happening, maybe with some in-person appearances. Not even matches, just BCG watching other trios fighting it out because they’re scouting, aka foreshadowing, new opponents.

Great main event Triple Threat but also a fast one, Mortos with the big win over Fox and Blake. While there’s something brewing for the ROH World Championship with Mark Briscoe being around Dalton Castle and The Premier Athletes, maybe Mortos can find himself in the world title scene for the next ROH PPV. And then great promos from Athena & Billie as well as Velvet & Aminata. We’re definitely getting a tag team match that will end up earning Velvet a shot at the Women’s TV title and Aminata a shot at the Women’s World title, and those will be awesome matches.

And if either of the champs is losing, I’m actually thinking it’s more Athena losing to Aminata than Billie losing to Velvet. I’ve said it before, Aminata’s proven herself worthy, and if she wasn’t gonna be inaugural Women’s TV Champ, might as well make her the woman that dethrones the undefeated Athena.

My Score: 8.5/10


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