Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/19/23)
Round 7, FIGHT!
Anyone feeling lucky?
We’ve reached the Best of the Super Juniors homestretch, and Master Wato is red hot after a main event win! Will he keep that heat going through this round?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors; Wato wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS DOUKI; Douki wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS Lio Rush; Lio wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS BUSHI; Yoh wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Mike Bailey; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Dan Moloney; Desperado wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS TJP; Hiromu wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings.
Mike Bailey: 5-1, 10 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-2, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 4-2, 8 points
Titán: 4-2, 8 points
Lio Rush: 4-2, 8 points
TJP: 4-2, 8 points
DOUKI: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
SHO: 2-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-6, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current B Block standings.
Master Wato: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie Eagles: 4-2, 8 points
YOH: 4-2, 8 points
El Desperado: 4-2, 8 points
Clark Connors: 3-3, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-3, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-3, 6 points
Dan Moloney: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
BUSHI: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors!
The Way of the Grandmaster won big in last night’s main event, but now he’s leading off. Will Wato be able to hit harder than 100 Proof? Or will things start with No Chaser?
The bell rings and Connors rushes in! Wato SOBATS him, knees low then fires off kicks to the legs. Wato fires up and the fans are with him. Wato whips, Connors reverses but Wato holds ropes. Wato BOOTS Connors, runs in, but Connors TOSSES him away! Connors drags Wato up, CHOPS him back down, and fans rally up. Connors taunts Wato, CHOPS him to a corner, and CHOPS him again! And again! Connors storms around, then he UPPERCUTS Wato. Connors brings him up but Wato throws forearms! Connors UPPERCUTS again! Connors whips Wato hard into a corner! Wato bounces off buckles, Gedo cheers and the fans applaud.
Connors drags Wato up to suplex high and hard! Gedo cheers again and the fans rally for Wato. Connors stomps Wato, mocks the fans cheering for “WATO~!” then drops a BIG elbow! Connors sits Wato up into a chinlock! Wato endures the knee in his back, and Connors talks trash on the fans. Fans rally up, Wato fights up, and Wato throws elbows. Connors CLUBS Wato on the back! Wato KICKS Connors in the chest! And again! And again! Connors swings, Wato dodges and Wato ELBOWS! Wato runs to BOOT! Wato then whips, Connors reverses but Wato ducks ‘n’ dodges, to RANA Connors to a corner!
Fans fire up, Wato runs corner to corner, but Connors puts him on the apron. Wato GAMANGIRIS, fans rally up, and Wato springboards to FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Wato fires back up and the fans are with him! Wato brings Connors up, wrenches, reels him in, but Connors fireman’s carries! Wato fights free to waistlock but Connors elbows free of that. Connors runs, but Wato jumps to RANA again! Connors bails out, fans rally up and Wato aims to PLANCHA! But Connors catches him! And POSTS him! Wato falls and Connors snarls. Connors brings Wato up, to whip and POST him again!
A ring count starts as Connors storms over. Connors looms over Wato at 6 of 20, drags him back up, and puts him in at 10. Fans applaud, and Connors drags Wato back up to whip and POWERSLAM! Gedo fires up and the fans do applaud the show of strength. Connors aims from the corner as Wato rises, and Connors runs in to SPEAR! But Connors isn’t done there! He drags Wato up, but Gedo says pour on the pain! Connors says sure, and he runs to SPEAR Wato again! Gedo is loving this, and Connors says he wants one more! Connors waits for Wato to rise, and Wato goes to a corner.
Wato staggers around, Connors runs in, but Wato drop toeholds him to the ropes! Connors staggers back, into TUTENKAKU! Bridging cover, Wato wins!
Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
There was no chaser here, Wato gave Connors a straight shot of his own! Wato’s still heading towards the top, but is 100 Proof all but done?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS DOUKI!
Two men out of the running are competing for pride! The Funky Weapon has been trying to fight seriously, will it work out now that the pressure’s off? Or will Japones Del Mal make Taguchi feel even worse?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. They slowly circle, tie up, enter a deadlock, but Taguchi arm-drags! Fans cheer and the two reset. They circle, tie up and Taguchi arm-drags again! Douki rushes in, Taguchi trips him, and things speed up. Douki hurdles, Taguchi leaps over, keeps moving, springboard FLYING ARM-DRAG! And then a DROPKICK! Douki bails out, Taguchi slingshots, but Douki avoids the plancha! Douki builds speed to slide, but Taguchi gets under! Taguchi pops Douki up but Douki rebounds to DDT Taguchi to the floor! Fans rally, Douki brings Taguchi up and puts him in.
Fans applaud and Douki brings Taguchi up for another DDT! Cover, TWO! Douki clamps onto Taguchi with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Taguchi’s back. Taguchi endures, kicks forward, but Douki pulls back on the hold! Taguchi scrambles and still gets the ROPEBREAK! Douki lets off, he brings Taguchi up, but Taguchi throws body shots. Taguchi throws more shots but Douki rakes the eyes! Douki turns Taguchi, but Taguchi turns it to a roll-up, TWO! Douki dodges and rams Taguchi, but Taguchi cartwheels to HIP ATTACK! Fans fire up as Douki flops out! Taguchi triangle jump PLANCHAS!
Fans fire up and Taguchi stands. Fans rally, the ring count climbs, but Taguchi puts Douki in at 9 of 20. Taguchi springboards to MISSILE HIP! Cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE! Douki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds on until the ref counts. Taguchi brings Douki up, has the leg, and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Taguchi then goes to the corner, “ORYA~!” But Douki ducks the bum! And he drags Taguchi into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Taguchi endures, moves around, and reaches out for a ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go as the ref counts 4, and he goes to the apron. Taguchi rises, Douki slingshots, but Taguchi catches Douki! OH MY GAH ANKLE!
Douki flails around and fans fire up! Douki crawls, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Chicken wings and DODON- NO, Douki victory rolls! But Taguchi rolls through that, OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Douki scrambles, but Taguchi brings him back, only for Douki to drag Taguchi into the ITALIAN STRETCH!! Taguchi moves around but he falls over! Douki pulls harder on the hold but Taguchi fights over to the ropes. Douki rolls Taguchi away! ITALIAN STRETCH!! Taguchi keeps fighting! He pushes through, turns Douki over, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Now Douki endures!
Douki crawls, but Taguchi drops an elbow on the knee! Douki flails, claws around, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Chicken wings, DODON- NO, Douki pops free! Gory Especial, DOTON NO JUTSU! Cover, TWO!! But Douki floats, wheelbarrows, full nelson, SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!! Bridging cover, DOUKI WINS!!
Winner: Douki, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)
Serious Taguchi fails to win again! He’s 0-7, will he ever get points this tournament? Douki may not be going for the finals, either, but is this a sign he’s finally reaching that next level?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Jet is holding onto hope at 3-3, but that bubble could burst. Will the Sniper take out another contender? Or will Knight fly higher than Eagles?
The bell rings and the two circle. Knight uses a very Kushida style low advance, but Eagles keeps his distance. Knight stands, he and Eagles tie up, then Knight gets around to a waistlock. Eagles wrenches free to a wristlock but Knight forces right through to a wrench and snapmare. Knight headlocks but Eagles slips out to hammerlock. Eagles has Knight on the mat, traps the hammerlock then grabs the other arm, to have it clap along! Eagles then shifts to facelock and grind Knight down. Knight fights up, Eagles wrenches to wristlock, but Knight rolls, handsprings and wrenches to snapmare. Knight drops a knee on the arm!
Fans applaud the exchange while Knight keeps on the arm. Eagles rolls, gets to his feet and to ropes. Knight goes to whip but Eagles holds onto the ropes. Knight wrenches, whips, but Eagles reverses to go up and around, but Knight blocks the arm-drag to snapmare and ghost pin! TWO, Knight now sunset flips! TWO, and Knight goes back to the ghost, TWO!! Eagles narrowly escapes, but then Knight scoops, spins and SLAMS! Fans fire up and Knight flexes. But Eagles drags Knight right down to a kneebar, then the EAGLE LOCK! Knight scrambles and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer while Eagles lets go.
Knight gets up, Eagles rushes in, but Knight sends him out! Knight then PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up! Knight lets out a “WOO!” and the fans echo it. Knight drags Eagles up, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud as Knight stomps Eagles. Knight brings Eagles up to CLUB him on the back, and then he UPPERCUTS! Eagles staggers, Knight whips but Eagles reverses. Knight goes to the ropes but Eagles CHOP BLOCKS him! Knight gets stuck, Eagles goes to the apron, and Eagles DROPKICKS the legs! Fans fire up while Knight falls into the ring. Eagles hurries back in, for a spinning toehold! Eagles pushes Knight down, covers, ONE!
Eagles keeps on Knight with a STUMP PULLER! Knight endures as he’s being folded up, and Eagles twists a foot! Knight fights through to a roll-up, TWO! HEEL HOOK! Knight scrambles around, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Eagles lets off with some kicks. The ref reprimands but Eagles apologizes. Eagles brings Knight up but Knight throws body shots. Knight throws forearms, and UPPERCUTS, but Eagles sweeps the legs! Fans rally and Eagles talks trash. Knight sits up, into a KICK! And another KICK! And another KICK! Eagles runs, but Knight blocks the kick! Eagles SOBATS, whips, but Knight reverses to DROPKICK!
Fans fire up but that was a little double-edged with the bad leg. Knight still goes to a corner, dares Eagles to get up, and he runs in to LARIAT! And ELBOW! Eagles goes to a corner, Knight hops his way to the SPLASH! Knight whips, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Again a little double-edged, but Knight covers, TWO! Knight scoops Eagles again but Eagles slips off to waistlock. Knight switches, Eagles blocks the superkick, and Eagles hooks Knight up, TURBO- NO, Knight handsprings through the throw! And rebounds to SLIDING SHOULDER! Fans fire up with Knight and he manages the JUMPING SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
Fans cheer as Eagles is still in this. Knight pounds the mat, watches Eagles rise, and he runs in, but Eagles dumps him over! Knight sunset flips but Eagles rolls through to a stack! TWO and back to the sunset, TWO! Eagles goes after the legs, Knight kicks him away! Eagles comes back but Knight gets around to ripcord and SKY- NO, Eagles wheelbarrows, victory rolls, and hooks up the legs! Knight drags Eagles down into a cradle! TWO!! Eagles escapes, shoots in, rolls Knight but Knight comes back to roll Eagles! SCHOOLBOY BRIDGE, TWO!! Eagles kicks, Knight ducks and SUPERKICKS!
Eagles is in a corner, Knight fires up and runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Fans fire up and Knight goes to a corner. Eagles runs in, but Knight puts him on the apron. Eagles ROCKS Knight first, springboards, but Knight gets under! Knight comes back, ROCKS Eagles, ROUNDHOUSES, then roars! Knight puts Eagles up top, says it’s time, and he jumps for the- NO, Eagles lands on his feet from the Steiner! EAGLE LOCK!! Knight endures, reaches out, but Eagles drags him back! Fans rally as Knight keeps fighting, but Eagles drags him back again! Eagles throws knees into the knee, drops down, EAGLE LOCK!!! Knight taps, Eagles wins!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
Eagles flies over the Jet, and he keeps pace with the man who just beat him in Wato! Will the Sniper still have a shot at the semifinals?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS SHO!
El Inmortal is still alive in the block, unlike the Murder Machine. Sho cheated Taiji Ishimori just last round, will he cheat Titan here? Or will things still be tranquilo in the BOSJ?
Evil accompanies Sho out to ringside like yesterday, but as Sho wants to put one out with him, Evil leaves him hanging! And then he sits at the timekeeper’s area instead of standing in the corner! Is Evil still upset that Sho tried to put the blame on him? Sho looks worried, but then he attacks Titan on the ramp! Sho pulls at the mask! The ref reprimands, Sho lets off, and he drags Titan up to bring him around the way. Sho CLUBS Titan, and then asks Evil to help him mug Titan. Evil refuses! Sho frowns and he puts Titan in the ring. The bell rings, Sho kicks Titan around. Sho throws forearms, then runs, but Titan DROPKICKS him!
Fans fire up, Titan finally gets his jacket off, and Titan builds speed! Sho moves so Titan rolls and flips out of the ring! Sho rushes back in, but Titan dodges to RA- NO! Sho blocks to APRON POWERBOMB! Titan flops to the floor and Sho talks some trash. Sho brings Titan up, SMACKS him off the apron, and Titan staggers around the way. Sho stalks Titan, puts him back in the ring, and Evil walks around. Sho stomps Titan, drags him up and puts him on the top rope. Sho climbs and pulls at the mask! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Sho shoves the ref away! Sho has the mask halfway up!
The ref counts, Sho stops at 4, and Titan gets his mask back down. Sho CLUBS Titan into a Tree of Woe, then stomps away! Sho digs his boot in, the ref counts and Sho dumps Titan down. Sho drags Titan up, throws him out, and he distracts the ref. But Evil just stands there! Sho can’t believe it! Why’d Evil even come out here, then? Sho goes out after Titan, puts him back in, and Sho slides in. Sho drags Titan up, but Titan throws a forearm! And a SOBAT! And another forearm! Sho rakes Titan’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Sho whips. Titan holds ropes, BOOTS back, and fans fire up! But Sho ELBOWS Titan!
Sho whips, Titan reverses and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Titan runs, but Sho dumps him to the apron! Sho runs, but Titan slingshots and body scissors Sho out of the ring! Titan fires up, springboards, TOP ROPE QUEBRADA! Evil doesn’t even try to make the save! Fans fire up as Titan roars, and he stomps Sho around. Titan puts Sho in, covers, TWO! Sho is hanging in there but Titan kicks him in the leg. And the other leg! And then a strike fest, and SOBAT! Fans fire up, Titan runs, but Sho shoves the ref in the way! Sho then runs to SPEAR Titan down!
Sho hurries to the corner, he grabs the wrench, and fans boo. Sho aims at Titan as he stands up, but Titan goes Matrix! CALF KICK! Down goes Sho! Cover, the ref is back, TWO!! But Titan has the leg to step over, tie Sho up, and JAVE MORTAL!! Sho endures the Muta Lock, Titan thrashes him around, and NOW Evil gets on the apron! Evil distracts while Sho taps! Fans boo, Titan would’ve won! Titan rushes over but Evil shoves the ref away so he can throw Titan by his mask! But Titan kips up to PELE! Fans fire up and Titan goes to a corner. Sho runs in, Titan KICKS and KICKS and CALF KICKS!
Fans fire up and Titan goes to the corner! Titan skins the cat to the top, aims and DIVING- NO, Sho gets clear! Sho JUMP KNEES, runs, but Titan gets him for a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives but fans rally behind Titan. Titan roars, he grabs Sho’s leg, but Sho grabs the ref! Sho kicks Titan away and Evil SMACKS Titan with a chair!! Sho rolls Titan up, TWO!!! Titan survives and fans fire up! Sho aims his bow, drags Titan up and tucks him in, SHOCK ARROW!! Cover, Sho wins!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titán earns 0)
Evil comes through for Sho in the end, what a “good” friend. And then he and Sho stomp away on Titan! They pull his mask off, too!! Insult to injury and the fans boo! A Young Lion gives his shirt to Titan, but then Evil & Sho mug him, while putting Titan’s mask on the Young Lion! Titan covers the Young Lion, but the House put one out on them both. What a twisted happy ending this is. Sho may not be going to the semifinals, but will the House of Torture only get worse?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Francesco Akira!
The Heel Master is out of the running, and the Nova Fireball is on the bubble. Will Kanemaru put out the fire right here? Or will Akira survive another round?
Changing things up, Akira has the Great-O-Khan with him now to help literally wave the United Empire’s banner. Kanemaru takes a swig, and then he kicks Akira low! Kanemaru CLUBS Akira, has him in a corner, the bell rings, and Kanemaru whips corner to corner. Akira BOOTS Kanemaru but Kanemaru elbows Akira. Kanemaru runs, Akira dodges him, and then Akira comes back to RANA! Kanemaru bails out, fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” and Akira builds speed. But Kanemaru slides in to dropkick the legs out! Kanemaru stalks Akira to a corner, brings him up and throws him out. Kanemaru then chases Akira, to get his leg and SHIN BREAKER!
Kanemaru then SWINGS the leg into the post! Akira writhes and clutches his leg while Kanemaru slides into the ring. Akira hobbles up and hops into the ring, but Kanemaru is after the leg. Kanemaru SMASHES the knee on the mat! Kanemaru grabs the leg again, drags Akira from ropes, and then YANKS the leg! Fans rally, Kanemaru steps through and has the CROSS HEEL DEATHLOCK! Akira endures, but he keeps his shoulders up. Akira grabs at Kanemaru but Kanemaru pulls on the legs! Akira reaches out, claws his way over, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and the ref counts, and Kanemaru lets off slowly.
Akira crawls but Kanemaru stomps the legs. Kanemaru drags Akira up to get the leg again, SHIN- NO, sunset flip! TWO, and Kanemaru kicks the bad leg again. Kanemaru whips Akira corner to corner but Akira falls before making it there! Kanemaru runs in again but Akira avoids the dropkick! Akira wheelbarrows, victory rolls, and STOMP 182! Fans fire up while both men are down. Akira and Kanemaru go to corners and fans rally up. Akira runs in but into a BOOT! Kanemaru tilt-o-whirls but Akira throws him away! Akira rolls but Kanemaru throws him off! The leg jams, Kanemaru kicks it out, and Kanemaru steps through.
But Akira kicks Kanemaru away! Kanemaru rebounds and Akira trips him! Akira Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Fans cheer and Kanemaru stomps the leg out. Kanemaru brings Akira up, SHIN- NO, Akira sunset flips again! But Kanemaru sits on the cover, TWO!! Akira escapes, hobbles up, and SUPERKICKS! Akira runs, but Kanemaru victory rolls him! TWO, Kanemaru steps through, but Akira drags him to a cradle! AKIRA WINS!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Akira defeats a man who’s been wrestling as long as Akira’s been alive! His leg may be hurting, but will Akira be able to fight his way to the top?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS Lio Rush!
It seems almost unimaginable that the Ace of the Junior Heavyweight Division is 1-5 in the BOSJ, but he is, so he’s out of the running. Can he at least save face by bringing down The Bad Child? Or can not even the Timesplitter avoid the Final Hour?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two approach. Lio offers a handshake, Kushida accepts, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two go around, Kushida tries his drop toehold but Lio stays back. Lio tells Kushida to stand up so Kushida obliges and they feel things out. They start to knuckle lock but Lio rolls. Kushida baits Lio in by sitting down and reclining back, but he also has a leg guard ready. Lio copies Kushida, they go feet to feet and feel out a knuckle lock. They fight for control, Kushida grabs one arm with both hands to wristlock! Lio rolls but Kushida rolls with him to hold on!
Lio spins, breaks free, and speeds up! Kushida follows but Lio redirects! Kushida still keeps up, and Lio backs away to a corner. Kushida rushes in but Lio slips under! Lio then mocks Kushida by copying the leg bait. Fans cheer while Kushida tells him to stop. Lio scoots around, he and Kushida knuckle lock, and then Lio lifts Kushida up with his legs! They rock back, Lio jumps up, but Kushida blocks the monkey flip and jackknifes! ONE and Kushida gets moving. Lio avoids the Penalty Kick to the arm, goes Matrix to avoid the clothesline, but Kushida blocks the kick. Kushida flips Lio but Lio lands on his feet!
Lio bobs ‘n’ weaves as Kushida swings on him! Lio then whips, but Kushida reverses. Lio springboards to FLYING RANA! Kushida comes back, Lio dodges to mule kick and ENZIGURI! Cover, ONE!! Fans rally up and Lio follows Kushida to the apron. Lio brings Kushida up but Kushida KICKS him in the arm! Kushida goes for that arm, he has the double wristlock, but Lio steps through the ropes. Lio turns things around to have the armlock on Kushida! The ref counts, Kushida throws body shots, but Lio goes back to the apron. Lio gets around Kushida, sunset flips but Kushida holds off the bomb! APRON ARMBAR!
The ref counts, Kushida lets go at 4, and fans rally up. Kushida hits the arm with a FLYING KNEE! The fans fire up and Kushida brings Lio around. Kushida puts Lio in, drags him around, goes after the arm and steps through to hammerlock it. Kushida goes for the other arm, steps over, but Lio moves around to fight the pressure. Kushida traps the arm to SNAP LOCK it! Lio flounders to ropes, Kushida is after him again. Kushida wrenches, snapmares and drops a knee on the arm! Kushida chicken wings Lio on the mat, to move into CATTLE MUTILATION! Lio rolls to get out of the hold but ends up in a cover, TWO!
Fans cheer and Lio goes to ropes. Kushida SLIDE KICKS! Lio flounders to a corner, Kushida wrenches the arm and CHOPS! Kushida whips, hip tosses and cartwheels to basement dropkick! Lio bails out, fans fire up, and Kushida goes to the apron. Lio avoids the knee this time, and he mule kicks from the apron! Lio jumps in, builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit, but Kushida caught Lio into a KIMURA! Lio fights up, whips free, but Kushida comes back! DOUBLE LARIATS and both men are down on the floor! Fans rally up and the ring count starts! Lio sits up at 4, Kushida follows, and both men stand at 10.
Lio throws hands, goes for the ring, but Kushida yanks him back. Kushida slides in at 13, Lio hurries in, but Kushida PENALTY KICKS the arm! Fans fire up and Kushida says its time! But Lio avoids the Hoverboard! Kushida avoids the superman punch, and he PELES! But Lio blocks the fastball! Kushida avoids the heel kick, DOUBLE LARIATS, DOUBLE BOOTS, and then DOUBLE SHOTEIS take both men down! Fans fire up again and Kushida rises. Lio goes to ropes, swings, but Kushida dodges to KICK and KICK and KICK! Kushida whips, Lio reverses but Kushida handsprings! Lio dodges to run, RUSH- ARMBAR!!
Kushida has Lio but Lio moves around to stack! TWO, and Lio mule kicks! Kushida avoids the heel kick to KICK the bad arm! But then Lio spins to HEEL KICK after all! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Lio goes to a corner, climbs up top, and FINAL- ARMBREAKER!! It was double-edged for Kushida, it ended up more a shoulder tackle from Lio now! Lio hurries back up, and he hits the FINAL HOUR!! Cover, LIO WINS!
Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
Kushida tried a last ditch counter but it may have cost him more than just this loss! Will the Bad Child keep this momentum going into the final rounds?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS BUSHI!
Direct Drive is on a roll and having a lot of fun while he’s at it. Will he continue to #StunTheWorld? Or will the Black Mask look to spoil that fun?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and the two approach. Bushi kicks low, CLUBS and whips, but Yoh reverses. Yoh drops, bypasses then drop toeholds. Yoh runs to basemen dropkick! Bushi bails out, Yoh builds speed, but then he rolls back to copy Bushi’s little lounging move. Bushi rushes in but Yoh kicks him first. Yoh stomps Bushi, then stomps a leg. Yoh brings Bushi up to ROCK him to a corner. Yoh stomps a mudhole in, then wrenches and whips corner to corner. Yoh runs in but into a BOOT! Bushi dropkicks a leg out! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Bushi stands first.
Bushi stomps Yoh, drags him up, and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bushi drags Yoh into a chinlock, digs his knee into Yoh’s back, and pulls back into a headscissor. Yoh kicks around as he endures the squeeze, then kicks his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! Bushi smothers Yoh but lets off as the ref counts 4. Yoh sputters but Bushi stomps him down. Bushi drags Yoh up, but Yoh throws forearms. Bushi ROCKS Yoh back, then ROCKS him again! Bushi whips, Yoh CLOBBERS him in return! Bushi bails out but Yoh goes to the apron. Yoh CANNONBALLS and down goes Bushi!
Fans fire up and Yoh taunts Robbie Eagles now that he’s on commentary. Eagles tells him to focus on Bushi. Yoh drags Bushi up, puts him in at 10 of 20, then drags him up again. Fans rally as Yoh SLAMS Bushi into a drop zone, and then TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps his focus and fans rally up. Yoh drags Bushi up, suplexes, but Bushi slips free! Bushi goes to ropes, Yoh runs in but Bushi dumps him to the apron. Bushi knocks Yoh off the apron, runs, but Yoh slides in to DROPKICK! Yoh then suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Both men are down and the fans rally back up.
Yoh goes to ropes, shakes his head, and he roars! Yoh tunes up the band, but Bushi blocks the superkick to fire off forearms! Bushi runs, but into an elbow! Yoh runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down again and fans rally back up again. Yoh drags himself up with the ropes, Bushi storms up and blocks a kick. Bushi puts the leg in the ropes to DROPKICK the leg, then he DRAPING BACKSTABBERS! Fans fire up with Bushi and he brings Yoh up. FISHERMAN- NO, Yoh fights it by sprawling! Yoh throws body shots, knees low, and runs, but Bushi ENZIGURIS! Bushi brings Yoh up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO!
Yoh is still in this but Bushi calls his shot! Fans fire up and Bushi climbs the corner. Yoh rises, Bushi leaps, M- NO, Yoh gets around to waistlock! O’Conner, but Bushi slips out and backslides! Yoh rolls off, Bushi ducks a kick! Yoh blocks a kick, ducks the enziguri, but not the HEEL KICK! Bushi runs, but into Yoh’s SUPERKICK! Both men are down and fans fire up! Yoh goes to a corner, he goes up the corner, and he mocks Bushi! MX!?! Yoh hits Bushi’s own move and fans are thunderous! Yoh gets Bushi up to underhook, DIRECT DRIVE! Cover, Yoh wins!!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)
Just when it looked like Yoh wasn’t going to do something wild, he surprises Bushi with his own finisher! Yoh snatches the mask cover as perhaps a trophy, but will Yoh soon have the trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Mike Bailey!
The Bone Soldier got cheated by Sho, but he said there was no hard feelings. Meanwhile, Mike Bailey is the top of the block at 5-1! Will Speedball build even more momentum? Or will round seven be Too Sweet?
The bell rings and fans rally up. The two slowly circle, but Taiji rushes in to BOOT Mike down! BONELOCK, but Mike rolls free quickly! Taiji bails out to avoid the roundhouse! Fans applaud the stare down, but then Mike rushes out after Taiji. Taiji leads Mike on a cat ‘n’ mouse, and he stomps Mike as he slides in! Taiji wrenches but Mike rolls, handsprings, wrenches back and arm-drags! Taiji comes back but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Mike aims. Mike fires lightning kicks but Taiji bails out! Mike slingshots to the apron, MOONSAULTS but Taiji dodges! Only for Mike continue the lightning kicks! But Taiji ducks the enziguri!
Taiji drags Mike up, wrenches, hammerlocks and POSTS him! Mike writhes, and Taiji tells fans to make room. Taiji whips Mike to BOWL him through chairs! A strike for Taiji and the ref checks on Mike. Taiji then unties the blue buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special comes into play, but the fans rally for Mike. Mike hobbles up, gets in the ring at 4 of 20, but Taiji CLUBS him down. Taiji wrenches, hammerlocks, and RAMS Mike into the bare buckles! Mike shouts in pain while he writhes, and Taiji stalks him. Taiji drags Mike up, wrenches and whips, to WRING the arm! Taiji grabs the arm for a keylock then steps over!
Mike endures and fans rally up. Taiji pulls on the arm but Mike claws his way forward, to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji lets off at 4, and Mike drags himself up. Taiji whips but Mike blocks by holding ropes! Taiji keeps trying, Mike holds on, so Taiji CLUBS him! Taiji whips, Mike handsprings, but Taiji dropkicks the arms out! Taiji grins and he stalks Mike. Taiji taunts Mike, fans rally up, and Taiji brings Mike up. Mike throws forearms, but Taiji ELBOWS Mike in the shoulder! Taiji runs, but into a KICK! Fans fire up and Mike grits his teeth as he gets back up. Taiji rises, Mike SOBATS! AX KICKS! And BUZZSAWS!
Fans fire up with Mike and he SHOOTING STARS! But the bad arm keeps him from making the cover! Fans rally for Mike, he shakes that arm out, and he aims, but Taiji ducks the kick to spin Mike! And POSTS him! Taiji drags Mike out, hammerlocks and scoops, for the SHOULDER BUSTER! Fans rally, Taiji aims from the corner, and Mike slowly rises up. Taiji runs in, tilt-o-whirl, but Mike blocks to roll Taiji with a body scissors cradle! TWO!! Taiji escapes, but Mike ROCKS him! Taiji CLUBS the bad arm! Mike ROCKS Taiji again! Taiji CLUBS the bad arm again! Mike ROCKS Taiji, Taiji fires off on the arm!
Mike CHOPS! Taiji staggers, Mike CHOPS again! But Taiji whips Mike! Mike stops from hitting bare buckles, then he elbows Taiji away! Taiji rushes back in, but into BOOTS! Mike goes up, ULTIMA- NO, Taiji moves! Mike rolls through, comes back, but Taiji ducks the spin kick! But the lightning kicks return! And the ENZIGURI hits! Fans fire up and Taiji flops to the outside. Fans rally up, Mike goes to the corner, but Taiji rolls into the ring! Taiji gets Mike’s arm to wrench, wrap, and runs to the corner! Mike stops the posting, ROCKS Taiji then GAMANGIRIS! Taiji flops back out, and Mike goes up the corner, to TORNILLO!!
Fans are thunderous again and Mike gets Taiji back up. Mike puts Taiji in at 5 of 20, goes back up the corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up again but Taiji comes back! Mike BOOTS, HEEL KICKS, then hoists Taiji up top! Mike ties Taiji up, brings him out, but Taiji sunset flips! Mike stays up, to then MOONSAULT KNEE DROP!! Mike then hurries back up top, ULTIMA WEAPON FLOPS as Taiji moves! BONELOCK!! But Mike rolls it to a cover, TWO!! Mike ROUNDHOUSES! And THRUST KICKS! And then TATSUMAKI, into the buckles!! Taiji SLAMS the arm against buckles, then drags Mike back with a dragon sleeper!
Taiji hoists Mike up, 1916!! Cover, TWO!?!? Mike survives, Taiji wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! And the BONELOCK!!!! Mike taps, Taiji wins!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Bailey earns 0)
The Bone Soldier is back up and is now the top of the block! Will this win be just what Taiji needed to make sure #ItsReborn?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Dan Moloney!
The Rogue Luchador beat the Wild Rhino and even survived the attack afterward. Meanwhile, #DaDrilla’s got nothing left to lose since he’s out of the running. Will Moloney conquer Desperado for the United Empire? Or will Strong Style prevail?
The bell rings and the two rush right in to RAM shoulders! Dan eggs Desperado on so Desperado runs. They RAM shoulders again, and then again! Dan says this is too easy, so Desperado dares him to go then. Dan runs, and he runs Desperado over! Fans cheer the show of strength and Dan throws up the crown. Dan drags Desperado up, whips him to ropes, but Desperado avoids the dropkick! Desperado wants a leg but Dan scrambles to the ropes. Desperado lets off, brings Dan up, but Dan suplexes Desperado! GOURD BUSTER, and then Dan gets back in. Desperado swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally while Desperado bails out. Dan goes out after him, brings him up, and CHOPS Desperado! Desperado staggers away, Dan follows, and he says he’s the man now! And he CHOPS Desperado again! Desperado eggs Dan on so Dan CHOPS him again! Desperado stands to CHOP! Dan CHOPS! Eagles likes this! Dan tells him to shut up and he follows Desperado. Dan stomps Desperado down, digs his boot into Desperado, and Red Shoes reprimands. Dan apologizes, but then he POSTS Desperado! Red Shoes checks Desperado but Dan leaves him behind. The fans rally up and a ring count starts.
Desperado gets in at 3 of 20 but Dan’s right on him, with a CHOP! Desperado goes to a corner, Dan stomps Desperado down. Dan stomps him more, then stands on him! Red Shoes counts, Dan lets off and apologizes. Dan stomps and kicks Desperado around, but Desperado CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Dan CHOPS back and Desperado staggers away. Dan reels Desperado in, but Desperado fights the suplex with body shots! So Dan CHOPS again! Desperado CHOPS again! Dan CHOPS again! Desperado sputters and drops to a knee, and Dan eggs him on. Fans rally, Desperado swings, but Dan dodges!
Dan gets around, waistlocks, ripcords, and CHOPS! Desperado staggers, Dan reels him back in, but Desperado suplexes first! Fans fire up while both men are down again. Desperado snarls at Dan and stalks him to a corner. Desperado whips corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines! And then a big lift, Dan fights back with punches, but Desperado still hits the BIG back suplex! Fans fire up and Desperado SPLASHES a leg! Desperado then puts on the STRETCH MUFFLER! Dan scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Red Shoes counts. Desperado lets off, and stomps the leg! Fans rally while Dan adjusts his kneepad.
Desperado drags Dan up, gut wrenches, but Dan fights off Guitarra! But Desperado kicks the bad leg! Desperado drags Dan up, GUITARRA- NO, Dan slips free, shoves and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Dan stands, hobbles over, and he brings Desperado up. Desperado blocks the suplex, but so does Dan. They fight for control, Dan’s leg bothers him, so Desperado kicks it out! Desperado drags Dan up, and suplexes, but Dan fights it! Dan fisherman’s, but Desperado fights that! Dan blocks the cradle counter, to FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Desperado hangs tough and fans rally up.
Dan pounds the mat, slashes his throat and throws up the crown. Dan drags Desperado up, but Desperado wrenches out to EL ES CULERO! TWO!! Dan ROCKS Desperado, but Desperado CHOPS! And ROCKS him, and- ENZIGURI from Dan! Dan hurries to bring Desperado up and ripcords, but Desperado SPINEBUSTERS! Fans fire up as Desperado roars! Gut wrench, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Dan survives but Desperado fires up again! Fans are with him, and Desperado drags Dan up. Desperado underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Dan fights it! Dan back drops, Desperado sunset flips, but Dan stays up to DOUBLE STOMP and then SENTON!
Fans fire up while both men are down again. Dan shakes out the bad leg, goes to a corner, and he runs in at Desperado, to GORE!! Cover, TWO!!! Desperado survives and Dan is shocked! Dan says he’s gonna finish this, and he drags Desperado back up. Dan reels Desperado in, throws up the crown, but Desperado sunset flips to the STRETCH MUFFLER! Fans fire up as Dan endures! Dan scrambles around, reaches out, but Desperado drags him back! NUMERO DOS!! Dan taps, Desperado wins!!
Winner: El Desperado, by submission (gains 2 points; Moloney earns 0)
Da Drilla might’ve gotten a little cocky and he got caught! And with this, The Rogue Luchador is 5-2, staying alongside the top of the block! Will Strong Style take Desperado to the semifinals?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS TJP!
The Ticking Timebomb overcame the Timesplitter but only by count-out. Meanwhile, Public Enemy Number One tapped out Taguchi in a seriously technical battle. Will the United Empire conquer even the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion? Or will Hiromu stay strong as the defending BOSJ winner?
Hiromu’s picture diary entry for TJP is TJP with a bloody face, the shot from after he lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Hiromu then sees Great-O-Khan on commentary, is a bit intimidated, but still gives the book to Milano Collection AT. The bell rings and fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” as he stares TJP down. They slowly circle, there are “T J P!” chants going, and TJP points them out in appreciation. The chants start dueling, but Hiromu’s are stronger. The two tie up, go to ropes, and TJP turns things around. TJP has a Nakamura lean on Hiromu, but he lets off.
Hiromu swings but TJP dodges! TJP swings but Hiromu dodges! The fans cheer as the two stand off. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Hiromu tries to get in deeper but TJP keeps him back. TJP then spins to wrench and wrangle Hiromu to a top wristlock. Fans applaud, Hiromu gets up, and Hiromu wrenches, loops it around TJP and wrenches again. Hiromu has the wristlock, but TJP rolls, spins and slips around to drag Hiromu into the twisting headscissors! Fans applaud while Hiromu kicks around. Hiromu reaches up to headscissor back, but TJP moves and headstands. Fans applaud, and then TJP pops free.
TJP has Hiromu’s legs trapped, but Hiromu clinches to drag TJP into a body scissor. TJP hooks the leg, turns Hiromu over, and the two bridge up to headstand! Hiromu slaps, TJP slaps, and fans fire up for this upside-down slap fight! TJP brings things back to right-side-up, but Hiromu avoids the kick to trip TJP! Cover, ONE, and the fans applaud as the two stand off again. Hiromu and TJP reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Hiromu kicks low, CLUBS TJP, then whips. TJP goes Spider-Man, but Hiromu stays back to avoid the trap. Fans rally up as Hiromu sits down and dares TJP to come back.
TJP sits down on the apron and dares Hiromu to come on out. Hiromu lies down to lounge, and fans applaud the bravado. TJP also lounges, but then both men spring to their feet! Hiromu rushes in but TJP blocks the forearm! Hiromu blocks the gamangiri! TJP sidesteps the shoulder to get Hiromu in the ropes! ROPE OCTOPUS! Red Shoes counts, TJP lets go at 4, and Hiromu flops to the floor. Fans rally and TJP fetches Hiromu into the ring. TJP scrapes Hiromu’s face, KNEES him in the back, and then traps an arm for the SNAP ARMBAR! Hiromu writhes and TJP smirks. Cover, ONE, but TJP keeps cool.
TJP drags Hiromu up, CHOPS him to a corner, and whips corner to corner. Hiromu comes back to DROPKICK TJP in the shoulder! TJP has the tape on it, so Hiromu has his target! Hiromu brings TJP around but TJP drags him into a cradle! TWO! TJP kicks low, and he shakes out the arm. TJP uses ropes to pull the arm, and then TJP goes to suplex. The bad arm makes that difficult, so TJP shifts to a HALF HATCH! TJP drags Hiromu back up, another HALF HATCH! And then another HALF HATCH! A variation on Three Amigos and TJP covers, TWO! Fans rally up again while TJP backs off.
TJP swings his arm to get it working, and he brings Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! TJP knees low! TJP runs, but Hiromu follows and RANAS! Fans fire up, TJP flounders to a corner, and Hiromu runs corner to corner, to clothesline! Snapmare and basement dropkick! But TJP bails out! Fans fire up and Hiromu goes to the apron, to JOHN WOO! TJP tumbles and fans fire up with Hiromu! Hiromu catches his breath while Red Shoes checks TJP. TJP is okay to continue so Hiromu brings TJP up. Hiromu puts TJP in, hurries after, and has TJP for a suplex. TJP slips out, swings, but Hiromu spins him around for FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally while both men are down. Hiromu drags TJP up, fireman’s carries, but TJP fights free! TJP avoids the backhand to HEADBUTT! Hiromu staggers, comes back, but into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu tries gain, but TJP BOOTS and JUMP SOBATS! Fans fire up while both men are down! TJP shakes out the bad arm, fans rally up as he stands, and TJP brings Hiromu up to whip. Hiromu reverses but TJP springboards to FLYING FOREARM! But because that was the bad arm, it slows TJP down. TJP goes to one corner, Hiromu goes to the other. TJP runs in to back elbow! TJP sits Hiromu down and fans fire up!
TJP gives Hiromu scrapes of the laces! TJP then goes side to side, to BOOT WASH! Fans fire up, and TJP drags Hiromu to center. TJP climbs up and fans rally. MAMBA- NO, he has to bail out as Hiromu move! Hiromu fireman’s carries, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Both men are down and fans fire back up. Hiromu goes to a corner, he runs in and SHOTGUNS TJP! But TJP comes right back to SHOTGUN Hiromu! TJP keeps moving, and he BUSAIKU KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and TJP is beside himself! Fans rally up, TJP stands and he brings Hiromu up. But Hiromu throws a forearm!
TJP wobbles but stays up. Hiromu ROCKS him with another forearm, and then another! TJP swings, Hiromu blocks and spins to TRIANGLE D!! TJP flails around, reaches out, and fans rally, ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go but he staggers back up. Hiromu drags TJP up, fireman’s carries, but TJP slips free and shoves Hiromu away. TJP goes to a corner, Hiromu runs in but only gets buckles! TORNADO- NO, Hiromu throws TJP off! Hiromu runs in, TJP gets around, but Hiromu drops! TJP blocks the victory roll and covers, TWO!! Hiromu escapes, runs in again, but TJP BOOTS him! TJP runs, but into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!
Fans fire up while both men are down! Hiromu and TJP stir, and Hiromu stands first. Hiromu follows TJP out to the apron, brings him up, and fireman’s carries! TJP fights free, but Hiromu ROCKS him! TJP ROCKS Hiromu, Hiromu ROCKS TJP! TJP ROCKS Hiromu again, but hurts himself since that’s his bad arm! Hiromu fires off a flurry of forearms, then he brings TJP up! Red Shoes says don’t do this, and the fans are worried, too! But TJP fights the suplex! Hiromu keeps trying, but TJP slips out to SUPERKICK! Hiromu is stuck on the top rope, TJP goes up the corner, and TJP MAMBA GUILLOTINES!
Fans fire up and TJP watches Hiromu writhe. Hiromu sits up, into NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO!!! TJP shouting out his tag partner doesn’t finish this! But TJP puts Hiromu in a drop zone and goes up the corner. MAMBA- TRIANGLE D!!! TJP is caught, he reaches out, then stacks Hiromu to float over, PINOY STRETCH!! Hiromu endures, reaches out, drags TJP with him, but he starts fading! The fans rally up harder, and Hiromu gets a second wind to get the ROPEBREAK!! TJP lets go in frustration and the fans fire up. TJP drags Hiromu up, fireman’s carries, but Hiromu fights it!
Hiromu tries to get away, TJP has the wrist still, so Hiromu BOOTS TJP down! Hiromu drags TJP up, but TJP reels Hiromu in, STRAITJACKET DDT!! TJP runs, but Hiromu avoids the knee! Mule kick, front kick, but TJP ducks the superkick! Hiromu avoids the sobat to SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, TJP dodges the lariat, but he runs into a fireman’s carry! Hiromu throws TJP to the dragon sleeper, TJP spins around, but Hiromu uses that to suplex! But TJP throws knees! Hiromu stays up with TJP, shifts back tot he fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up again!
Hiromu roars as we pass 20 minutes out of 30! TJP rises, Hiromu runs, but TJP ducks the lariat to dragon sleeper! Hiromu drops but TJP has the ARMBAR! Hiromu stacks TJP, deadlifts and POWERBOMBS! Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu then fireman’s carries, for TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
The United Empire could not conquer this ungovernable! TJP is on the bubble in the block, will he keep it from bursting next round?
As for Hiromu, after his hand is raised and he’s handed his title and an icepack, he gets the mic. Fans chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” and Hiromu says, “I’m tired. So tired. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t stand! Ugh, I hurt all over! It’s impossible! I’m sorry! I can’t do it anymore! I can’t! I can’t! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! BUT I’M FINE!” Fans cheer but which is it?! Hiromu then lies back down and asks, “Do you mind if I talk from down here? It’s understandable, right? Seven matches in eight days! Anyone would die!” Fans applaud that. Hiromu sits up to say that TJP, “I have to say… You’re too damned handsome!”
Fans laugh and applaud, apparently in agreement. Hiromu continues to tell TJP, “You look a little tool cool for this, don’t you?” A fan shouts, “Hiromu-chan’s cool, too!” Hiromu thanks them for that. “Thank you to the one fan who thinks Hiromu-chan looks handsome, too!” Hiromu sits up now and says the hashtags are #BOSJ30 and #TJPISSUPERHANDSOMEANDCOOL! Make sure to spell that right. Hiromu is sure they all remember what he said at the press conference. If not, remember: He doesn’t want just four in a row, he wants TEN IN A ROW! Fans cheer, but then Hiromu points out not all of them are cheering for him.
Does that mean they don’t want to see Hiromu even get four in a row? More fans cheer but Hiromu wants to take a survey. “Who wants to see me win Best of the Super Juniors four in a row? Clap.” The fans clap! Well in that case, Hiromu doesn’t wanna win four in a row. “It’s just a little too much for me, isn’t it? Who wants me not to win? Yell your favorite food right now!” What? Not everyone says something, and Hiromu goes, “That’s what I thought! Sounds good, except for that one guy who really likes sweet potatoes. Sorry to disappoint, but I will win four in a row!” Fans like the sound of that!
Hiromu says not only will he win four in a row, “and we’ll have more…” The fans echo “MORE!” MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE…! FUN TOGETHER~! The Ticking Timebomb has his goal in mind, will he accomplish it just to spite the haters?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 5-2, 10 points
Mike Bailey: 5-2, 10 points
Lio Rush: 5-2, 10 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 5-2, 10 points
Titán: 4-3, 8 points
TJP: 4-3, 8 points
DOUKI: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SHO: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA: 1-6, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-7, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Master Wato: 5-2, 10 points
Robbie Eagles: 5-2, 10 points
YOH: 5-2, 10 points
El Desperado: 5-2, 10 points
Francesco Akira: 4-3, 8 points
Kevin Knight: 3-4, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-4, 6 points
Dan Moloney: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
BUSHI: 1-6, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great round for the BOSJ here, these blocks are getting really interesting. As I have written there, four men are out of the running in A Block but only three are out in B Block. Taguchi VS Douki was a match of men already out of the running but that was still a great match because that is what Taguchi has been doing this whole tournament: He brings a great match out of his opponent, and then puts them over. Great stuff for Douki, he can be a strong part of the Junior Heavyweight Division on behalf of Just5Guys. J5G helped Sanada finally reach world title level, Taichi got the KOPW title, why can’t Douki and Kanemaru take over the Junior Heavyweight Division in the summer?
I also like that on the flipside, there are four men at 5-2 in both blocks. Taiji, Bailey, Lio, Hiromu, Wato, Eagles, Yoh and Desperado, that’s a top eight right there that could easily do a traditional tournament. Any two from A Block, and any two from B Block, will make for awesome semifinals, I can’t wait. Also, Hiromu got a great win off TJP in tonight’s main event and he had me laughing out loud for real with his closing promo. Hiromu is comedic genius, he is a wrestling genius, and who knows, he really could get his fourth in a row, fifth overall. At the same time, he could still fall just short since four is bad luck in Japan. Either way, this is really exciting for NJPW.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
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!
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.
.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
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:
Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
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.
.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
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.
Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
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.
Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
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.
.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
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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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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