Connect with us

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/21/23)

Round 8, FIGHT!

Published

on

BOSJ 30

Bubbles are gonna pop!

As Best of the Super Juniors enters the homestretch, more and more entrants are going to drop out! Who survives another round and who falls down?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current 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 current 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]

 

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

When it comes to the block, Japones Del Mal is out, but El Inmofrtal is still alive! Will Titan be great in round eight? Or will Douki be his spoiler?

Fans rally and duel already, “TITAN! TITAN!” “DOUKI! DOUKI!” The bell rings and Douki knocks Titan down! Douki stomps Titan at the ropes, digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Douki lets off, drags Titan up, and whips him to a corner. Titan goes up and over and handsprings away. Fans fire up as Titan gets around Douki, ripcords and knuckle locks to CHOP! Titan goes up and up and tightrope walks to FLYING RANA! Fans fire up as Douki bails out, and Titan DIVES! Direct hit and the fans are fired up for “TITAN! TITAN!” Titan puts Douki back in, covers, ONE! Titan drags Douki and stomps the leg,

Titan hooks the legs up, turns Douki over, TRAILER HITCH! But Douki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fans rally up as Titan lets Douki go. Douki stands, Tttan fires off kicks to the legs, then palm strikes, kicks and a SOBAT! Titan runs, into an ENZIGURI! Douki whips Titan, Titan reverses and TORNADO- NO! Douki denies the DDT and gets the ITALIAN STRETCH #32! But Titan scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Douki lets go at 4. Fans rally, Douki drags Titan up and scoops, SAHARAWI! Cover, TWO! Titan escapes and fans rally up but Douki keeps cool. Douki goes to the apron and watches Titan rise.

Fans rally up, Douki slingshots, DAY- NO, Titan denies that DDT to then suplex Douki and hang him out to dry! Titan swings but Douki blocks! Douki throws Titan down by the mask, but Titan kips up to PELE! Fans fire up and Titan builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit again and fans are thunderous for “TITAN! TITAN!” Titan roars and he drags Douki up. Titan puts Douki in, goes to a corner and climbs up. Fans rally, Titan DIVING- NO, Douki avoids the stomps, pops Titan up but Titan RANAS, only for Douki to sunset flip that! TWO and Douki gets the wrists, ITALIAN STRETCH! Titan scrambles around again but Douki pulls tight!

Fans rally as Titan endures and moves back. Titan reaches but Douki drags him away from ropes! Titan falls over, but then gets back up. Douki rolls Titan away, ITALIAN- NO, Titan pushes through for a jackknife, TWO! Titan swings, Douki spins him and drags Titan down, around, and DRAGON’S LAIR, but Titan slips free. Douki ghost pins, TWO!! Titan escapes, but then Douki drags him into the ITALIAN STRETCH!! Fans fire up, Titan scoots around, but Douki drags him down! Douki pulls and Titan is fading! Fans rally as hard as they can and Titan gets a second wind! Titan powers up, but Douki YANKS him back down!!

The ref checks with Titan as he kicks around, but Titan is fading again! Titan gets a third wind, and the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Douki lets go in frustration. Douki huffs and puffs and goes to the apron. Titan rises, Douki slingshots, DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and fans are thunderous again! Douki roars, his fans come through for him and he wheelbarrows Titan. Full nelson, but Titan victory rolls! Douki rolls it through to his own cover, TWO! Titan rolls it back, TWO! Titan hooks a leg, rolls, JAVE INMORTAL!! Douki flails, but he taps! Titan wins!

Winner: Titán, by submission (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)

El Inmortal survives, and he is now at 10 points! Will he make it to the semifinals after all? As for Douki, he’s running out of chances, can he outdo his personal best in the final round?

 

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

The Heel Master is also out, but the Wild Rhino is holding onto a hope! Will the whiskey loving Kanemaru handle 100 Proof? Or will Connors drink him under the table with No Chaser?

The bell rings and Connors rushes in! Kanemaru gets around him to roll him up, TWO! Kanemaru cradles, TWO! Kanemaru kicks low, runs, but Connors runs him over! Fans fire up while Connors looms over Kanemaru. Connors then throws Connors out, goes out after him, and stomps him right in front of commentary. Connors CLUBS Kanemaru, mocks the fans cheering Kanemaru on, and then he SMACKS Kanemaru off the apron. Connors CLUBS Kanemaru, whips him and POSTS him! The ring count starts as Connors glares at Shingo Takagi on commentary. The count reaches 10 of 20 and Connors slides in.

Connors lets things climb, Kanemaru rises at 14. Kanemaru slides in at 16 and fans cheer, but Connors drags Kanemaru up for a snap suplex! Gedo likes what he sees as Kanemaru writhes. Connors kicks Kanemaru to a corner, stomps him, and fans rally up. Kanemaru throws elbows and body shots but Connors CLUBS him back down! Fans boo as Connors talks more trash, and he goes back to Kanemaru for a CHOP! Connors whips corner to corner hard, then runs in, but into a boot! Kanemaru runs in, but into an elbow! Connors runs, but Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up while both men are down.

Kanemaru gets a leg, and he SMASHES it on the mat! Kanemaru then whips Connors to ropes. Connors reverses, but Kanemaru tilt-o-whirls. Connors denies that, knees low, and runs, but into another low dropkick! Kanemaru grabs that leg, SHIN BREAKER! Takedown and FIGURE FOUR! Fans fire up and Kanemaru thrashes around! Connors endures, reaches out, and crawls to the ROPEBREAK! They go to the apron, and Kanemaru rolls it to the floor! Kanemaru keeps on the Figure Four! Gedo protests, the ring count starts, and Kanemaru keeps holding as we hit 10 of 20! Gedo complains, Connors endures, but the count keeps going!

Kanemaru lets go at 15 of 20 and jumps in at 16! Connors hobbles up, scrambles in at 19! Kanemaru covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! Connors is still in this but Kanemaru is still on him! Kanemaru scoops for BRITISH FALL! Connors is in the drop zone, Kanemaru goes up, MOONSAULT, but Kanemaru has to land on his feet as Connors moves! Connors storms up, avoids the low dropkick, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES Kanemaru away! Fans fire up while Connors snarls. Gedo says to finish this, and Connors whips. Kanemaru holds ropes to stop himself and avoid the powerslam!

Connors runs in, Kanemaru dodges, and Kanemaru rolls Connors for the “Samson Clutch!” TWO, and Kanemaru keeps the legs for the FIGURE- NO, Connors drags Kanemaru into a cradle, but then deadlifts for a suplex! Kanemaru slips free, gets a bit caught up in Connors’ tights, and runs, for Connors to POWERSLAM! Connors goes to a corner and fans rally up. Kanemaru rises, Connors runs in, SPEAR!! And then Connors takes a swig, NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!

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

Kanemaru gave Connors shot after shot but 100 Proof stands tall! But will his 4-4 hold out as the rest take their shots?

 

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

In the real shocker of the tournament, the Timesplitter has been out of the running for some time now. As for the Murder Machine, he’s also out of the running. But he only got as far as he did thanks to cheating! Will Sho keep on cheating for the points? Or will he be trumped by the Ace of the Junior Heavyweight Division?

Evil accompanies Sho upfront again, what influence will he have on the match? But as Kushida makes his entrance, Sho gets the mic. “Yosh, yosh, yosh yosh yosh. <Alright alright alright.> I was looking forward to wrestling Kushida fairly in this match. But… Whatever happens, whoever wins, whoever loses, we’re both out of this tournament. So in that case, there’s really no point in us wrestling, right? Nobody wants to see it, right?” Fans are torn on that. Sho is pretty sure Korakuen deserves better, but fans chant, “We Want It! We Want It!” Sho says, “Well, if Kushida has the guts, then how about we go 1v1, fair and square?”

Fans like the sound of that, so Sho says, “Very well. Korakuen, I will wrestle honestly.” A fan shouts, “Thanks!” Sho says this one time, in Korakuen, against “Kushida-sensei,” for the people, he will wrestle fairly. Thank you very much! Sho has Evil be his legit corner man and he puts in his mouthguard. He takes a drink of water and has the ref check him. All’s good, he and Evil hug for luck, and fans fire up. The bell rings, fans rally for “KU-SHI-DA!” but Kushida bails out. Fans boo, Kushida is taking his time with this one. Sho says it’s all okay! Please come back. Kushida steps in and circles with Sho.

Fans rally up, the two feel things out, and they fight for control in the clinch. Sho gets on Kushida’s back but Kushida tries to throw him off. Sho keeps on with body scissors but Kushida moves around. Sho is on the mat but with a leg guard. Kushida gets over the guard to top mount but Sho moves around. Sho avoids the facelock, has the legs, and fans applaud this technical exchange. Sho shoots around to a rear mount but Kushida moves around. Kushida ties up legs but Sho is after an arm. Sho goes for a cover but Kushida shifts and rolls free. Fans applaud this opening back and forth and the two reset.

Sho and Kushida circle, Sho avoids the drop toehold and the takedown. Sho jumps on for a guillotine but Kushida powers out. Kushida waistlocks, lifts, and GERMAN SUPLEXES, to a bridge! ONE as Sho goes after an arm! Kushida shifts around, he wants the arm! Sho clasps hands but Kushida kicks at him. Kushida tries to power the hands apart but Sho moves around, and deadlifts Kushida up! Kushida shifts to sunset but Sho sits down! Sho has the top mount but Kushida bucks him to grapevine a leg! Kushida drags Sho down, HEEL HOOK! Sho scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go and fans cheer.

Sho goes to the apron, complaining about his leg. The ref has Kushida back off and cornerman Evil checks Sho. Wait, he’s slipping Sho the metal panel! Sho is putting that panel in his kick pad! So much for fair! Evil is hiding this by using cold spray on Sho’s back. Sho” hobbles” before he slides into the ring. Sho runs in but Kushida kicks low! And KICKS the arm! And again! And again! But Sho avoids the Penalty Kick to KICK Kushida with the loaded boot! Kushida tries to say something’s up but he can barely breathe! Then Sho PENALTY KICKS the arm! Kushida writhes from another loaded shot!

Sho waits on Kushida as he writhes, and wait! Kevin Knight appears! Kushida’s tag partner is bringing up the cheating but Sho hurries to give the metal panel back to Evil! Sho grabs Kushida’s arm and wants the double wristlock! Sho is stealing the HOVERBOARD! Fans rally for “KU-SHI-DA!” as hard as they can! Kushida fights, reaches out, but Sho rolls him! Kushida rolls through to have the HOVERBOARD! But he can really only hold it with one arm! Wait, Evil throws Knight into the ring! The ref argues with Knight but Evil slides in to attack Kushida! Fans boo as Evil RAMS Kushida into the ref and Knight!

Fans boo and tell Evil to go away but Evil clotheslines Knight down! The House of Torture stomps away on Kushida, then they put one out. Evil gives Sho the “torture tool!” Sho takes hold of the wrench, Evil brings Kushida up, but Knight returns! Knight stops Sho and DECKS him! Knight fires off on Evil, and on Sho! But Evil kicks Knight low! The House double whip Knight, but he leaps the double clothesline to DOUBLE DROPKICK them out! Fans fire up as Knight gets Evil out! Knight puts Evil in the HOVERBOARD! Kushida scrambles up, Sho runs in, but into a BOOT! Somersault and HOVERBOARD!! The ref wakes up, and Sho taps! Kushida wins!!

Winner: Kushida, by submission (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)

Justice is served! The Intergalactic Jet Setters make sure Sho pays for his crimes, and then they put one out! Will Kushida be able to finish strong in this tournament?

 

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

The Way of the Grandmaster is running strong at 5-2, and has certainly left The Black Mask in the dust. Will Wato lap Bushi as the leader of the pack? Or will Bushi make round eight tranquilo?

The bell rings and fans rally and duel, “WATO! WATO!” “BUSHI! BUSHI!” They tie up, Bushi powers Wato to ropes, and the ref counts. Wato turns it around, Bushi turns it back, and repeat. Bushi keeps Wato on the ropes, then CHOPS! Wato CHOPS back, but Bushi CHOPS again! They go CHOP for CHOP, again and again, then Bushi rakes the eyes. Bushi whips, Wato reverses and dropkicks Bushi down! Bushi bails out, Wato builds speed, but Bushi moves. Wato slides out, chases Bushi and Bushi gets back in the ring. Wato gets on the apron and Bushi DECKS him! Bushi builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit!

Fans fire up and Bushi fires up, too! Bushi drags Wato up, puts him in the ring, and stomps Wato around. Bushi drags Wato up and bumps him off buckles. Bushi DOUBLE CHOPS, and DOUBLE CHOPS, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Bushi snapmares, covers, TWO! Fans rally up and Bushi sits Wato up to KICK him in the back! Bushi gives Wato some toying kicks, and then drags Wato up. Wato throws forearms in return but Bushi knees low. Bushi whips, Wato holds ropes to stop, and then Wato BOOTS Bushi, and BULLDOGS! Fans fire up again and Wato goes to ropes. Bushi stands, Wato runs in to ELBOW! And BOOT!

Wato whips and CALF KICKS Bushi down! Bushi bails out and fans rally as Wato builds speed. Wato FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Bushi! Fans fire up more and Wato walks off the impact. Wato goes back to Bushi, drags him up, and puts him in the ring. Wato aims from the apron, springboards, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for “WATO! WATO!” and he fires up. Wato drags Bushi up, waistlocks, but Bushi throws elbows. Bushi blocks the haymaker to spin and DDT Wato down! Fans rally and Bushi stomps Wato. Bushi drags Wato up, but Wato fights the fisherman! Wato throws body shots and kicks!

Wato runs, but ducks the enziguri! Body scissors and roll, VENDAVAL! Bushi endures, fans rally, and Bushi teeter-totters the hold around. Wato pulls on the hold but Bushi reaches out with a foot. Fans rally and duel, and Bushi gets the ROPEBREAK! Wato lets off quickly and he brings Bushi up. Wato half nelsons but Bushi slips free of the suplex to BACKSTABBER! Fans fire up while both men are down. Bushi crawls over to Wato, sits him up, and throws a forearm. Wato throws a forearm, Bushi throws it back, and they stand. The forearms keep going, the fans rally up, and Bushi gets the edge with a flurry!

Bushi runs, but Wato UPPERCUTS! Wato runs, but Bushi DROPKICKS! Bushi then brings Wato around, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! Wato is still in this and the fans rally, but Bushi goes to a corner. Bushi watches Wato rise, and CODE BREAKER! Fans fire up with Bushi and he goes up another corner! Wato rises again, Bushi leaps, but Wato DROPKICKS! Wato hurries to SCREW HIGH KICK! And then waistlock, TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, Wato wins!!

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

The Way of the Grandmaster defeats Bushi, and crosses off both Kevin Knight and Clark Connors at the same time! Will Wato be all but guaranteed a semifinal spot?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Mike Bailey!

The Funky Weapon has been serious this entire tournament, yet he’s also been winless this entire tournament! Will he be unable to stop Speedball this close to the end? Or will his greatest win be Bailey’s hardest loss?

The bell rings and fans rally up for “TA-GU-CHI!” Taguchi and Mike circle, and the “BAILEY! BAILEY!” chants come in. Mike encourages those chants, but then Taguchi rushes in! Mike sees him coming has him stop, and Taguchi apologizes. Taguchi kneels and offers a handshake, and Mike accepts it. Fans applaud and the two circle. They tie up, Taguchi powers Mike to ropes and the ref calls break. Taguchi shows chop, but then he stops to offer another handshake. Mike accepts it again, and then Taguchi drags him to a cradle! TWO!! Mike and Taguchi speed things up. Mike hurdles, drops and KICKS Taguchi down!

Taguchi gets right back up! But Mike dodges him and fires off the lightning kicks! ENZIGURI! Taguchi goes to the corner and fans rally up. Mike runs in to CHOP! Mike wrenches, whips corner to corner, and then runs in to BOOT! Fans fire up and Mike SLAMS Taguchi down! Fans rally as Mike goes up and up and DOUBLE KNEE FLOP as Taguchi moves! Taguchi gets OH MY GAH ANKLE! Mike gets to the ROPEBREAK and Taguchi lets go. Mike bails out, Taguchi goes after Mike and stomps the leg. Then Taguchi SMASHES the knee on the floormats! Taguchi drags Mike around, to OH MY GAH ANKLE!

Mike endures but he’s on the outside. The ref reprimands, Taguchi lets off, and Taguchi checks his nose from that boot earlier. Taguchi says it’s fine, and he puts Mike in the ring. Taguchi drags Mike up, wrenches and reels him in, SHIN BREAKER! Mike writhes, stands, but Taguchi dropkicks the legs out! Taguchi then ties Mike’s legs up and adds a seated cobra twist! Mike endures and moves around. Mike gets his legs free and gets the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go and Mike goes to a corner. Taguchi stomp the legs but lets off as the ref counts. Taguchi stands on a foot but Mike kicks with the other. Taguchi stomps toes!

Taguchi whips, Mike reverses, but Taguchi ducks the kick! Mike ducks the lariat and goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Mike aims at Taguchi, to SOBAT! AX KICK! And ROUNDHOUSE! Fans fire up again, and Mike SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Taguchi is still in this and the fans rally back up. Mike aims, but Taguchi ducks the buzzsaw! And then ducks the other buzzsaw! Mike feints Taguchi on the third, waits for Taguchi to sit back up, then BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and fans fire up again. Taguchi goes to a corner but Mike goes to the opposite.

Mike powers up, runs and spins, but Taguchi SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACKS! Fans fire up again while Mike checks his teeth. He has a mouthguard so that probably helps. Taguchi brings Mike up but Mike throws a forearm. Taguchi throws one back! Mike throws another forearm! Taguchi throws another! Mike KICKS! And KICKS! And KICK, but Taguchi blocks it! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taguchi keeps Mike from ropes but Mike rolls! Taguchi is thrown out, and then Mike builds speed! Taguchi slides in, Mike stops himself but that jams up the leg! Taguchi slides, Mike goes up to TOP ROPE QUEBRADA! Direct hit!

Fans are thunderous for “BAILEY! BAILEY!” while Taguchi flounders. Mike hobbles after Taguchi, waits for him to stand, and then Taguchi turns around, into a KICK! And another KICK! And another, but Taguchi blocks it! Taguchi has OH MY GAH ANKLE! But Mike rolls and sends Taguchi at the post! Taguchi stops himself, but then he smacks the post with his hands! Taguchi pretends he collided with steel to trick Mike! Mike aims, but Taguchi ducks! Mike kicks post!! Fans are thunderous for Taguchi’s wily ways and he puts Mike in. Taguchi goes up, to DIVING KNEE DROP the bad leg! OH MY GAH AKNLE!!

Mike endures, Taguchi leans on the hold, and fans rally as hard as they can! Mike moves around, ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he CLUBS Mike! Taguchi chicken wings, DODON- NO, Mike arm-drags free! Taguchi comes back, into a RANA! Cover, TWO!! Taguchi sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! MOONSAULT KNEE DROP onto knees! Taguchi saves himself but it was rather double-edged! Fans are thunderous again as Taguchi goes to the corner! “ORYA~!” BUM-A-YE! Cover, but Mike turns it into a ghost pin! TWO!! Taguchi escapes, goes for a schoolboy, but Mike spins and sits down to cover! TWO!!!

Taguchi escapes again and he ENZIGURIS! Mike staggers around, Taguchi runs, but into a BOOT! Taguchi blocks the roundhouse! But Mike gets Taguchi with the CRANE KICK! And the THRUST KICK! Taguchi goes to a corner, fans fire up and Mike powers up. TATSUMAKI SENPUKKU! Then he pushes Taguchi down and goes up! ULTIMA- NO, Taguchi moves! More damage to the knees, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!!! Mike crawls, Taguchi drags him back, LA MAGISTROL, but Mike blocks it! TWO and Taguchi finishes Magistrol, TWO!! Mike has it, MIKE WINS!

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

That was fast and furious for sure, but Taguchi could not pull out the spoiler! Can he get his first win this year in the bottom of the ninth? As for The Speedball, he’s hurting, but will he be able to solidify a spot in the semifinals?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Robbie Eagles w/ Kosei Fujita VS Dan Moloney!

The newest recruits of TMDK and The United Empire face off as The Sniper aims for the semifinals! Will Eagles fly high going into the ninth? Or will #DaDrilla bring him crashing down?

Dan attacks during Eagles’ introduction! And he hits “Ichiban Sweet Boy” Fujita, too! Fans boo as Dan throws up the crown, and Dan goes out after Eagles. The bell rings as Dan stomps Eagles, then brings him up to UPPERCUT! Eagles staggers, Dan HEADBUTTS Eagles, stomps Fujita, then stalks Eagles around the way. Eagles finally gets his jacket off but Dan CLAWS his back! Dan follows Eagles around another corner, scoops, but Eagles slips free! Eagles then hurdles over to RANA Dan to the floor! Fans rally for Eagles, Eagles puts Dan in, and fans rally up. Dan sits up into Eagles’ PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!

Eagles goes for legs but Dan brings Eagles in for a monkey flip! Dan bails to the apron, but Eagles storms up. Dan CHOPS Eagles, Eagles comes back but Dan jumps to Low 619! Dan shoulders into Eagles, drags him to the apron, but Eagles CHOPS! Dan CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Eagles kicks low, kicks the leg, but Dan CHOPS again! Eagles KICKS, Dan CHOPS! Eagles sputters, Dan eggs him on, and Eagles KICKS the leg! Eagles then blocks a chop, blocks a kick, and hooks Dan up! But Dan fights the backpack to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Fans fire up while Eagles writhes on the floor.

Fans rally for Eagles while Dan leaves him behind. Eagles sits up as the ring count starts, and he rolls his way to the ring. Fans start up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” on their own. Eagles stands at 13 and slides in at 14! Dan whips and DROPKICKS Eagles right down! Cover, TWO! Dan glares at Fujita and the fans get “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” going again. Dan flips them off for it then throws up the crown. Dan stalks Eagles to a corner, digs his boots in, and the ref counts. Dan lets off at 4, Eagles sputters, and Dan mocks Fujita before he CHOPS Eagles. Eagles flops against ropes and Dan stomps him down.

Dan stands on Eagles’ face at the ropes but the ref counts. Dan steps off at 4 and the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” starts again. Dan throws up the crown then flips everyone off to “OI OI OI!” But Eagles CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Dan snapmares, KICKS Eagles in the back, then covers, TWO! Fans rally up as Eagles goes to ropes. Dan whips but Eagles blocks, so Dan CHOPS him down! Eagles goes to a corner, Dan whips him corner to corner, but Eagles goes up and over. Dan fights the back suplex with elbows! Dan then gets around to back suplex, but Eagles lands on his feet to ROLLING CHOP BLOCK!

Eagles gets moving, to hit the BLINDSIDER! Both men are down, fans rally up again, and the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” starts yet again. Eagles feeds off that energy and he KICKS Dan! And KICKS! And KICKS! Eagles runs, but Dan blocks the Penalty Kick! Dan lifts Eagles, for a LAST- NO, Eagles slips free! Dan kicks him low and whips, but Eagles reverses, kicks and WHEEL KICKS! Fans rally up as Eagles pounds the mat. Eagles goes to the opposite corner, he runs in, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Dan sits down, Eagles comes back, but only gets buckles! Dan CHOPS again! And KICKS the leg! And CHOPS again!

Dan KICKS Eagles, CHOPS him, but Eagles blocks the kick for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Turnover into the stepover, and the EAGLE LOCK! Dan endures the Ron Miller Special as Eagles thrashes! Dan claws at mat, crawls for the ropes, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets go quickly and brings Dan around to a spinning toehold! Dan writhes, fans rally and Eagles goes up the corner. But Dan gets away from the 450! Eagles BOOTS him, runs, and Dan follows! Eagles BOOTS Dan again, fires off KICKS, but Dan shoves Eagles down! Eagles dropkicks the leg out! Eagles runs, but Dan still follows! Dan blasts through the kick to GORE!!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles sputters, but Dan also catches his breath. Dan rises, he brings Eagles up and fisherman’s, but Eagles fights the buster to a cradle! TWO! Dan SUPERKICKS! Eagles wobbles, Dan reels him in, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while both men are down again! Dan pounds the mat in frustration but vows to finish this. “ABUNAI GAIJIN DESU!” Dan drags Eagles up to the Canadian Rack, but Eagles fights free! Dan ripcords and CHOPS Eagles off his feet! Dan pounds the mat again and fans rally up. Dan brings Eagles back up, Canadian Rack, but Eagles arm-drags free!

Eagles runs in but into another SUPERKICK! But Eagles LOW 619s the legs, and METEORAS! Cover, TWO!! Dan survives but Eagles goes out. The fans rally and Eagles springboards in, MISSILE DRPOKICK to the leg! Fans fire up with Eagles and he takes aim again. But Dan blocks the Trigger to fireman’s carry! But Eagles fights free to CLUB the leg out! Eagles reloads and takes aim again. Fans rally, Dan stands, ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! PELE!! Eagles roars and he brings Dan up. Fans rally, for the ASAI- NO, Dan blocks, then pops Eagles around into DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover, Dan wins!!

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

The Sniper got taken down! He isn’t out of the running, though, but will the semifinals slip through Eagles’ fingers?

 

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

The Bad Child is another of A Block’s 10 point men, and there’s still time to get to 12. Will Lio make this the Public Enemy’s Final Hour? Or TJP dunk on Lio and take his spot?

The bell rings and fans rally for “LIO! LIO!” But then the “TJP! TJP!” chants come through as the two circle. The two feel things out, knuckle lock, and TJP drops back to break, roll and wrench. Lio tries to spin through but TJP wrenches again. Lio rolls, rolls, handsprings and wrenches TJP to a wristlock, but TJP feels out an escape. He slips around, drops down and twisting headscissors, but Lio handsprings through! Lio spins back but TJP narrowly avoids the heel kick! Fans cheer the standoff and the two reset. They circle, feel things out, and then Lio runs the ropes. Lio redirects, but so does TJP.

TJP Spider-Mans in the ropes, Lio runs in and TJP slides under, but Lio clings to the ropes now! TJP realizes where Lio went, drags him off but Lio slips under and rolls TJP up! TJP rolls through, blocks Lio’s spin to throw him down, but Lio avoids the stomp! Lio also avoids the buzzsaw, and the heel kick! But TJP DROPKICKS and that hits the mark! Fans fire up as Lio goes to a corner. TJP stomps Lio, wraps an arm around the ropes and pulls, but lets off as the ref counts. TJP goes after Lio’s arm but Lio whips him away. TJP comes back, turns dropdown into trapped hammerlock, and the SNAP ARMBAR!

Fans rally while Lio writhes and bails out of the ring. TJP goes out after Lio, brings him up, and he RAMS Lio into the apron! The ref wants this to get in the ring so TJP puts Lio in. Cover, ONE, but TJP steps on Lio’s face! Lio crawls to a corner, TJP is on him, but Lio kicks first. TJP snapmares, pushes Lio down, then drops knees on the bad shoulder! And then JAMS a knee into Lio’s back! TJP drags Lio up but Lio deadweights. TJP wrenches, hooks Lio up, and has the COBRA TWIST! Lio endures, fans rally up, and Lio fights free with elbows! Lio ROCKS TJP with a haymaker, then ROCKS him with a forearm!

Lio whips, TJP reverses but Lio goes up and around to whip again. Lio rolls TJP, and hits the SPIN KICK! TJP goes to the apron, Lio runs in and HANDSPRING KICKS! TJP falls, Lio builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and fans fire up! Lio roars as he gets back up. Lio puts TJP in the ring, shakes out the bad arm, and he hauls TJP up. RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Lio pounds the mat and the fans rally up. Lio climbs, FINAL- NO, Lio has to bail out! TJP ROLLING SOBATS Lio away! TJP then runs in to back body block! Lio sits down, and fans rally up as TJP scrapes laces off Lio’s face!

TJP hypes the fans up more, but Lio throws him into the corner! And now Lio scrapes his laces off TJP’s face! Fans fire up all the same and Lio goes side to side, but TJP BOOTS him! TJP makes Lio sit down in that corner, for more scrapes of the laces! TJP runs, but Lio dodges! Lio comes back but TJP dodges! DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES stagger both men! They then DOUBLE BOOT! Both fall down and fans fire up again! Lio crawls, TJP sits up, and TJP brings Lio around. TJP ROCKS Lio with a forearm, but Lio ROCKS TJP back! TJP ROCKS Lio with another forearm, but Lio ROCKS TJP again!

TJP gets the edge, but then Lio fires off a strike fest! TJP goes to a corner, Lio runs in, but TJP dodges! TORNADO DDT! Lio is down and TJP goes up a corner fast! Fans fire up but Lio trips TJP up! Lio ROCKS TJP with a haymaker, then a GAMANGIRI! TJP wobbles, Lio climbs up, and fans rally as Lio brings TJP into a clinch. TJP fights with elbows, then shoves Lio away! Lio is in the drop zone, TJP lines up the shot, MAMBA SPLASH onto knees! Lio runs, but TJP DROPKICKS Rush Hour down! TJP goes back up, Lio stands, MAMBA ATTACK! And then TJP goes to a corner, but takes aim instead of climbing!

NOVA- NO, Lio ducks the shoutout to Akira! Lio runs in but TJP dodges the tackle! TJP keeps moving and he BUSAIKU KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Lio survives and fans fire up again! TJP is frustrated, but he puts Lio back in a drop zone. Fans rally as TJP climbs up the corner. TJP aims again, MAMBA- NO, Lio dodges! Lio runs in, but TJP sends him into buckles! Dragon sleeper, but Lio drops to the SAMSON, TWO!! Lio runs, TJP follows, but Lio dodges and redirects, RUSH- NO, TJP stays back out of Lio’s range! ARMBAR! Lio scrambles, TJP shifts to get a leg! Stepover, into PINOY STRETCH!!

Lio endures, reaches out, and fans duel as TJP pulls on the hold! Lio crawls with one arm and one leg, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up and TJP lets go in frustration. TJP and Lio rise, Lio leaning against the ropes. TJP brings Lio around, wrenches to arm to an ELBOW BREAKER, and then brings Lio up again. Lio throws body shots, but TJP wrenches to another ELBOW BREAKER! TJP drags Lio up and Lio HEADBUTTS! But TJP fireman’s carries! But Lio slips out, FINAL CUT! Lio uses a move from TJP’s playbook, and then runs to SPEAR! Shoutout to the All Mighty!

TJP is down, Lio hurries up top! Fans rally, Lio aims, FINAL HOUR onto boots! TJP saves himself, and then SUPERKICKS Lio down! TJP roars, the fans are thunderous, and TJP runs to- NO, Lio avoids the double knees! Lio then fakes the spin kick, to then hit on delay! Lio runs, springboards, RUSH HOUR! Lio hurries up top again, for the FINAL HOUR!! Cover, Lio wins!!

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

Another fast and furious battle on the night, and that was truly TJP’s Final Hour in this block! Lio keeps rolling strong, will he truly be the Man of the Hour in the semifinals?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Kevin Knight!

Direct Drive has been revving his engine and getting hot at the right time, and because of Wato’s win earlier, The Jet’s flight is done. But can Kevin still ground Yoh? Or will Yoh continue to #StunTheWorld?

The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. Knight tries a Kushida style drop toehold but Yoh stays back. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Yoh powers his way to a waistlock. Knight pries free to wrench and wristlock, but Yoh rolls, kips and wrenches to then headlock. Knight powers out, but Yoh holds ropes to avoid the speed-up. Knight runs in, but Yoh dodges him and eggs him on. Knight runs in, things speed up now as Yoh bypasses and drop toeholds. Knight avoids the basement dropkick but Yoh avoids the splash! Yoh runs again, Knight dodges the dropkick to scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up as Knight SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally and Knight looms over Yoh. Knight drags Yoh up, UPPERCUTS him, and he says, “Tsuyoi! <I’m strong!>” Then Knight UPPERCUTS again! Knight puts Yoh up top but Yoh CLUBS him away. Knight comes back, springs right up, but Yoh slips under! Yoh drags Knight down but Knight ROCKS Yoh! Knight whips, Yoh reverses and dropkicks the legs out! Fans rally while both men are down. Yoh then dropkicks the leg while Knight is down! Yoh grabs that leg, SMASHES it on the mat, then SMASHES the other leg! Knight writhes, Yoh covers, ONE! Fans rally and Yoh keeps his cool.

Yoh stomps Knight to a corner, stomps away on the legs, but lets off as the ref counts. Knight throws body shots and a CHOP! Knight ROCKS Yoh but Yoh kicks the leg out! Yoh trips Knight, steps over for a toehold, and then spinning toeholds the other leg! Yoh eggs Knight on but Knight swings on him. Yoh avoids the shots and he pulls on the leg! Knight endures, Yoh steps through again, but Knight drags him to a cradle! TWO!! Yoh escapes, he knees low, then he whips Knight to a corner. Yoh runs in but Knight dodges! Knight comes back, but into a BOOT! Knight tries again but Yoh kicks the legs out!

Yoh goes up, but Knight roars to JUMPING STEINER! Fans fire up while both men are down! Knight roars again, and he sees Yoh in the other corner. Knight runs corner to corner, and STINGER SPLASHES! Yoh staggers about, Knight whips but Yoh reverses. Knight holds ropes, Yoh runs in but Knight dumps him out! Knight then PLANCHAS, but Yoh dodges! Yoh kicks Knight, and whips him at the stands! But Knight box jumps right up! Fans fire up for that agility, and then Knight CANNONBALLS onto Yoh! Fans are thunderous for Knight and he hobbles his way back to Yoh. Knight puts Yoh in the ring and climbs the corner.

Fans rally, Yoh rises, and Knight CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Knight is a little frustrated, but he refocuses as the fans rally up. Knight aims from the corner, Yoh stands, and Yoh blocks the boot! Yoh dropkicks the left leg out! Knight crawls to ropes, Yoh grabs the right leg to DRAGON SCREW! Yoh suplexes to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Knight survives but Yoh fires back up. Yoh drags Knight up, underhooks, but Knight fights the lift! Knight wrenches out, swings, but into a spin! Yoh suplexes, Knight fights it, but the legs jam! Yoh dropkicks the legs out! Yoh runs, but Knight DROPKICKS!!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Knight rolls his way to a corner and he waits on Yoh. Yoh stirs and Knight pounds the mat. Fans rally up, Yoh stands, and Knight runs in, SPIKE- NO, Yoh throws Knight away, but then Knight blocks the superkick! Knight spins Yoh to SUPERKICK first! Knight ripcords Yoh, to SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO!!! Yoh survives and Knight is shocked! Fans fire up and Knight roars as he goes back to a corner. Yoh rises again and Knight runs back in, but Yoh SUPERKICKS! Knight wobbles on his feet, Yoh fires himself back up, and Yoh tunes up the band!

Knight staggers up, into another SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives but Yoh roars again. Fans rally, Yoh brings Knight up and underhooks, DIRECT DRIVE!! Cover, Yoh wins!!

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

Knight falls, but Yoh shows him the respect he earned. As for Yoh, Knight tells him to go win this thing. Will Direct Drive be unstoppable going into the semifinals?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Taiji Ishimori!

Rivals meet again at a very crucial point in the tournament! Both men are 5-2, but this is about more than just getting to 12 points! Will the Ticking Timebomb blow up the Bone Soldier’s chances? Or will Taiji guarantee #ItsReborn?

Hiromu’s picture dairy for Taiji is he’s a “Muscle Chihuahua.” Has he used that joke before? Hiromu considers handing the diary to Takagi, but still goes with Milano Collection AT. Takagi does get this on video via his camera phone, though. The bell rings and fans rally for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Hiromu and Taiji circle, feel things out, and then back away. They circle and then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Taiji puts Hiromu in the corner but Hiromu turns it around. Red Shoes calls the break, Hiromu lets off slowly, but Taiji avoids the chop! Taiji RAMS Hiromu, whips him corner to corner, but Hiromu slides out!

Taiji slides out in pursuit of Hiromu, but then Hiromu slides back in. Taiji keeps pursuing Hiromu but Hiromu comes back to SUNSET, only for Taiji flip free! Hiromu pops Taiji up, trips him up, then goes up the apron to JOHN WOO! Direct hit and fans fire up as the Young Lions keep Taiji from falling on the front row! Hiromu brings Taiji up, looks to the ring, but throws him into the railing at the stands! Fans fire up as Hiromu opens the gate and he brings Taiji up the bleachers! The fans cheer Hiromu on as they go to the second segment, and Hiromu suplexes. Taiji blocks, to suplex Hiromu to the floor!

Fans rally and Taiji roars as he gets space. And a lot of space. Taiji runs back at Hiromu, to JOHN WOO in return! Hiromu tumbles to the wall and Taiji leaves him behind. Fans rally for “ISHI-MORI!” as he returns to ringside. Taiji waits on Red Shoes to start the count, and then Taiji unties the blue buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special is in play as Hiromu starts crawling his way back. The count is 10 of 20 before Hiromu is even down the bleachers. Hiromu reaches ground level at 15 of 20, makes it through the gate, and then hurries to the ring to slide in at 19! Taiji smirks and he storms up to Hiromu.

Taiji drags Hiromu up, wrenches, and CLUBS the arm. Taiji then hammerlocks the arm, to RAM it into bare buckles! Fans rally, Red Shoes reprimands, but Taiji grins as he brings Hiromu up. Taiji wrenches and whips to YANK and WRING the arm! Hiromu writhes but Taiji grabs the arm again. Taiji has Hiromu in a cobra clutch and leans on the hold. Hiromu endures, fights up, but Taiji ripcords to RAM the shoulder! Taiji brings Hiromu to a knee for a keylock! Hiromu endures as Taiji stands over him, and he claws his way forward. Taiji pulls on the arm, Hiromu still fights, and the fans rally. Hiromu gets the ROPEBREAK!

Taiji lets go in annoyance but Hiromu sits up to CHOP him! And CHOP! And CHOP! Taiji BOOTS Hiromu, whips him, but Hiromu reverses. Hiromu avoids the boot to run and RANA! Fans fire up for “HI-RO-MU!” while both men are down! Taiji crawls to a corner but Hiromu brings him up. Hiromu whips corner to corner but Taiji reverses! Hiromu reverses back, and Taiji is sent into the bare buckles! Hiromu then clotheslines him into them, snapmares and basement dropkicks! Hiromu keeps going, suplex for FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Taiji hangs tough and the fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” again.

Hiromu shakes out his arms, he drags Taiji up, and he fireman’s carries. Taiji fights free and shoves Hiromu to a corner. Hiromu comes back, Taiji scoops him and aims for the corner, but Hiromu slips off! Taiji avoids hitting buckles, he elbows Hiromu back, and then whips Hiromu into the bare buckles! Taiji runs in, blocks the boots, and puts Hiromu in the ropes. ENZIGURI, and SLIDING GERMAN! Fans fire up and Taiji goes back to the ring. Taiji climbs, but Hiromu avoids the 450! Hiromu elbows Taiji but Taiji blocks the lariat! Taiji ducks the superkick but Hiromu blocks the knee!

Hiromu fireman’s carries, Taiji fights free but Hiromu switches. GERMAN SUPLEX, but Taiji lands on his feet! DOUBLE LARIATS collide but both men stay up! Hiromu SUPERKICKS, Taiji JUMP KNEES! Taiji hops on but Hiromu shrugs him off! Taiji comes back to LA MYSTIC- NO, Hiromu blocks, pops Taiji around, but Taiji pops back up! POISON-RANA!! Hiromu staggers to ropes, and Taiji roars! Taiji runs, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Hiromu grits his teeth as he fights to sit up, but Taiji clutches a shoulder as he rolls away. Fans rally more while both men catch their breath.

Hiromu sits up again, and Taiji crawls over to him. They go forehead to forehead as they stand, and then Hiromu ROLLING ELBOWS! Taiji staggers, and HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Fans fire up and Hiromu says that’s not all! Hiromu runs, but Taiji catches him! Hiromu and Taiji now fight for control in the clinch, and Hiromu pushes Taiji. DOUBLE LARIATS collide point-blank! Red Shoes checks both men while the fans rally back up. Red Shoes calls it, Taiji is DONE!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by referee stoppage (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)

Taiji got knocked for a loop at some point in this match, and the medic comes in to check him. Hiromu survives what was becoming another classic war, will he get back to the semifinals after all? As for Taiji, between his arm and his head, will be able to come back for the last round?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Francesco Akira!

Round eight closes with another crucial battle! The Rogue Luchador stands at 5-2 while the Nova Fireball is on the bubble at 4-3. Will Strong Style see Desperado through to the next round? Or will Akira conquer him in the name of the United Empire?

Akira gets in Desperado’s face, shoves him, but Red Shoes has the two stay back. The bell rings and fans rally for “A! KI-RA! A! KI-RA!” Desperado applauds Akira for having the fans, and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Desperado uses his height as leverage. They end up on the ropes, Akira tells Desperado to back off and Red Shoes counts, but Desperado lets off cleanly. Fans applaud and the two reset. Desperado talks a bit of smack, he and Akira tie up again, and Akira powers Desperado back to the ropes! Red Shoes calls the break, Akira lets off slowly, but he pats Desperado hard on the shoulders.

Akira eggs Desperado on, they tie up again and Desperado headlocks for the takeover. Akira kicks, reaches up but Desperado avoids the headscissors. Desperado traps an arm, uses that to turn Akira over, and then he shifts into a CROSSFACE! Akira scrambles but Desperado turns him around to a chinlock, and then a double chicken wing. Akira fights, Desperado wrenches him and headlocks, but Akira powers out. Desperado runs Akira over! Fans rally, things speed up, and Akira hurdles! Desperado waistlocks, Akira elbows free, and things speed up again. Akira ducks ‘n’ dodges and CALF KICKS Desperado down!

Fans fire up and Akira brings Desperado outside. Akira brings Desperado up and POSTS him! Akira storms back over, talks trash as he digs his knee into Desperado’s head, but he steps off as Red Shoes tells him to get this in the ring. Akira stands Desperado up to CHOP him! And then CLUB him! They’re at commentary, Great-O-Khan is there and apparently talks smack of his own. Desperado kicks the desk but then Akira DECKS him! Akira fist bumps with Khan and then borrows his chair. Akira makes Desperado take a seat, and CHOPS him! Akira goes to the far side and fans rally up. Akira runs in, to SHOTGUN Desperado out of the chair!

Fans fire up with “A! KI-RA! A! KI-RA!” Also, a Young Lion gets Khan his chair back. Akira drags Desperado up, puts him in the ring, and covers, ONE! Another cover, ONE! Another cover, ONE!! Akira grows annoyed with Desperado, but he drags Desperado up. Akira digs his foot into Desperado’s face, taunts him and dares him to talk trash now. Akira gives “Despy” toying kicks, egging him on the whole time. Desperado frowns but Akira kicks him back down. Akira throws down forearms and says “Show me something!” Desperado stands up and Akira throws forearms! Desperado doesn’t budge!

Akira keeps throwing shots, then he DOUBLE CHOPS! Akira runs, but Desperado ROCKS him in return! Akira falls right out of the ring, and Desperado builds speed. Desperado DIVES! Direct hit and Young Lions keep them from hitting bleachers! Fans rally for “DE-SU-PE!” as he stands tall. Desperado has fans move aside, and he fetches Akira. Desperado brings Akira around, to BOWL him into chairs! STRIKE right to the back! Fans cheer with Desperado and he fetches Akira. Desperado brings Akira around to CLUB him on the neck, and then tells him this is what he gets for acting tough. Desperado looks deep under the ring for something…

Desperado brings chairs out, brings them to Akira, and then scoops him to SLAM him on the floor! Desperado then places a chair on top of a leg, and CON-CHAIR-TOS it!! Akira writhes and Red Shoes reprimands, but Desperado says this is what happens when you play around. Desperado leaves Akira behind and the ring count starts. Akira crawls around at 5 of 20, hobbles up but falls at 10. Akira manages to hop back up, and he slides in at 12! Desperado looms over Akira, drags him up, but Akira throws a forearm! And another! Desperado doesn’t budge, and he kicks the bad leg. Then he knees Akira low!

Desperado has Akira in the corner, and wraps the bad leg around ropes! Red Shoes reprimands, Desperado lets go, and he kicks the ropes to jam the leg! Akira winces as he clutches the knee, and Desperado brings him out. Desperado snapmares, steps on the bad leg, then digs his heel in. Desperado stomps the bad leg, then has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Akira scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Desperado applauds, but then Desperado stomps the leg! Desperado dares Akira to talk trash, then drags him out to HIP DROP the knee! Desperado ties up the legs in a deathlock!

Akira sits up to CHOP! Desperado eggs him on and Akira CHOPS, and then DOUBLE CHOPS! Desperado “falls” back and that puts on the pressure! Akira flails and endures, and he reaches out for ropes. Desperado lounges while he keeps the hold on tight! Akira crawls forward, reaches out again, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado thrashes the hold, lets off, but “Oops!” Knee drop on the knee! Fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” and Desperado mockingly echoes it. Desperado brings Akira up, Akira throws a forearm but Desperado kicks the bad leg. Akira goes to a corner, Desperado runs in, but Akira elbows him away!

Desperado comes back, but Akira catches him to a TARANTULA! Desperado isn’t really bothered, though, and he easily gets free to have a KNEEBAR on Akira! Red Shoes counts, Desperado lets go and Akira falls to the mat. Desperado grins and he drags Akira up. Desperado has the leg, for a SHIN- NO, Akira fights with elbows! Desperado waistlocks, Akira victory rolls to STOMP 182! Fans fire up while both men are down! Akira and Desperado go to opposite corners, and Akira manages to run in to clothesline! Akira keeps moving, and he UPPERCUTS! Akira brings Desperado around and shouts, “Korakuen! IKU ZO!!”

Fans fire up and Akira runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS Desperado out! Fans fire up more and Akira builds speed! Akira slides but Desperado gets under, to then shove Akira into Young Lions and the front row! Fans fire up as Akira falls over, and Desperado stalks him. Desperado drags Akira back up, points to another segment of the stands, and he CLUBS Akira. Fans in the upper deck move, and Desperado brings Akira over. Desperado whips Akira at the upper deck, but Akira stops himself, only to jam his leg! Desperado whips again but Akira reverses and Desperado hits the deck! Akira then runs in, but Desperado pops him up!

Akira lands safe on the upper deck and he mule kicks Desperado away! And then QUEBRADAS! Direct hit but maybe a little double-edged given the damage to Akira’s legs. Fans rally, Akira gets in the ring, and he pounds the mat. “A! KI-RA!” builds speed, and DIVES! Direct hit and Desperado ends up sitting in the front row! Khan fans Akira off with the United Empire towel, and Akira drags Desperado back into the ring. Cover, TWO!! Desperado is still in this but the fans rally for Akira. Akira brings Desperado up, talking trash in Italian, and Desperado asks in Japanese, “What’re you saying?”

Akira tries to chicken wing, but Desperado reaches for ropes. They struggle, Akira brings Desperado back, but Desperado mule kicks the bad leg! Desperado storms up but into an ELBOW! And a CHOP! Akira brings Desperado around but Desperado ROCKS Akira! Desperado runs in, into a SNAP GERMAN! Fans fire up with Akira and he runs, SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Desperado survives but the fans still rally for “A! KI-RA!” Akira drags Desperado up, brings him in again, but Desperado blocks Speedfire! Desperado powers out, swings, but into another SNAP GERMAN! Akira roars and runs, into a SPINEBUSTER!

High stack, TWO! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Desperado thrashes Akira around, but Akira crawls and reaches out! Fans rally as hard as they can, and Akira gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado still thrashes the leg, but lets off as Red Shoes counts. TJP appears ringside and he coaches Akira on. Akira’s the only United Empire man still alive in the tournament, TJP wants him to keep going! Desperado stands up first, though, and he brings Akira in. Fans rally, Desperado goes to gut wrench, but Akira fights it! Desperado stomps the bad leg! Akira growls and stands up, but Desperado gets that leg. SHIN- NO, Akira KICKS free! Akira then ENZIGURIS Desperado!

Desperado wobbles, Akira fires up and brings him in, SPEED- NO, Desperado slips out to gut wrench! GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Akira survives and fans are thunderous! Desperado roars and fans fire up with him! Desperado brings Akira back up, underhooks, but Akira fights the Pinche! Akira wrenches to SPEEDFIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Desperado survives but Akira steps over! PINOY STRETCH!!! Shoutout to TJP and fans fire up again! Desperado crawls, Akira pulls back on the hold, and TJP cheers Akira on! Desperado claws around, drags Akira along with him, and gets the ROPEBREAK!!

Fans are thunderous again though Akira is frustrated. The fans rally and duel, “A! KI-RA!” “DE! SU-PE!” Akira rises, watches Desperado at the ropes, and then brings him back! Akira waistlocks, but Desperado fights the lift! Desperado reaches for the ropes but Akira chicken wings! But Desperado kicks away on the legs! But Akira ROCKS Desperado! Chicken wings, to the FIRE PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Akira can’t believe it but Desperado survives! The fans are thunderous again and Akira goes to a corner. Akira aims as Desperado rises, and he pounds the mat. Akira runs in, NOVA- NO, Desperado ducks!

STRETCH MUFFLER!!! And a lift even!! NUMERO DOS, right into NUMERO DOS PLUS!!! Akira endures, even as Desperado thrashes him all around! Akira fights to get an arm free, but Desperado claws at him! NUMERO DOS PLUS AGAIN!!! Akira is caught, TJP thinks about the towel, but Akira is refusing to give in! Desperado THRASHES all of Akira’s limbs, and he LIFTS Akira again! Akira is turning red, but then Desperado drops him? And SMASHES the bad leg! Desperado GROUND DRAGON SCREWS, into the STRETCH MUFFLER!!! Akira endures all over again, and Desperado leans all his weight into getting NUMERO DOS!!

TJP is conflicted, but the fans are rallying as hard as they can for Akira! Red Shoes checks again, Akira refuses, but then TJP shouts that that’s enough! Desperado lets Akira go, and he argues with TJP. TJP throws the towel, only for Desperado to catch it! Desperado says TJP can’t give up for Akira, Akira has to give up for Akira. Akira crawls over, grabs the towel, and throws it away! Akira isn’t giving up, and he rises up, to throw a forearm! But there wasn’t a lot behind that. Akira wants to keep going, but his forearms are just nothing. Desperado ROCKS Akira with one back! Akira still refuses to give up!

Akira throws more shots, and Desperado eggs him on. Desperado ROCKS Akira again, kicks the bad leg, but Akira SUPERKICKS! Roll up, TWO!!! Akira SUPERKICKS again! But LOCO MONO knocks him down! Desperado drags Akira around, STRETCH MUFFLER!!! NUMERO DOS PLUS ULTRA!!!! Akira finally quits, Desperado wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)

At just past 25 minutes, the Nova Fireball was finally extinguished! TJP hurries to his tag partner’s side, hoping his friend wasn’t just completely removed from the BOSJ right here. If Akira can compete in the ninth round, will he be able to get those final two points?

As for Desperado, he doesn’t even mind The United Empire’s still present as he gets the mic. “The first time I mentioned you, it was two years ago, you were a champion in another company. And you were doing some pretty cool stuff. And when I was champion, I was seeing a lot of guys do cool stuff with you, like Chris Brooks. But that was two years ago. And this is Best of the Super Juniors, and only you and I remember talking about any of that. So you were thinking about this for the last two years. Now that you’ve had your shot, what do you think about it? Fans applaud, they certainly thought it was worth the wait.

Desperado is really surprised that Akira didn’t give up to a move Desperado’s used thousands of times to submit people. Desperado knows Akira was thinking he’d rather die than give up, but he didn’t. Akira’s friends wanted him to give up but he didn’t. In this match, Akira was pretty damn cool. Desperado also says that this BOSJ has been something, and Desperado is in a must-win situation in the end. Things are changing, the positions are changing, but what Desperado is driven by and what his goals are will never change. He will be the strongest. Desperado leaves it at that, but will he truly become the Best of the Super Juniors?

 

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Mike Bailey: 6-2, 12 points
Lio Rush: 6-2, 12 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 6-2, 12 points
Titán: 5-3, 10 points
Taiji Ishimori: 5-3, 10 points [INJURED]
TJP: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
DOUKI: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SHO: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA: 2-6, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-8, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

 

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

YOH: 6-2, 12 points
Master Wato: 6-2, 12 points
El Desperado: 6-2, 12 points
Robbie Eagles: 5-3, 10 points
Francesco Akira: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Clark Connors: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Kevin Knight: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Dan Moloney: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-6, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
BUSHI: 1-6, 2 points [ELIMINATED]


My Thoughts:

An awesome round here as BOSJ is almost at the end. Almost every match was important to the standings, but all matches were worth watching. Sho keeps cheating, but I appreciate how clever he and Evil are being in pretending to be honest, only to turn things back around and be underhanded again. But Kushida coming out with the win in the end was also great, he really needed that. A damn shame about Taiji getting legitimately hurt, now he really is out of the running. This changes things so that A Block has only four left when they could’ve had five, but it keeps them even with B Block.

Moloney bringing Eagles down was a touch of a surprise, and Eagles is the one in the worst spot of B Block’s final four. For one, he needs to beat Desperado. Then, he needs Yoh and Wato to lose. Yoh is against Kanemaru and Wato is against Knight, and either Kanemaru or Knight could get a spoiler in the end. But the way things are going, I feel like Yoh is the shoe-in. Wato needs to win and Eagles to beat Desperado since Desperado beat Wato. If Desperado wins, he’s the one joining Yoh in the semifinals.

Also I keep forgetting that it is actually a crisscross semifinals. A Block’s 1st place VS B Block’s 2nd Place, and then B Block’s 1st Place VS A Block’s 2nd. In A Block, Titan at 5-3 needs to win and for Mike Bailey to lose to get in. But he’s against LIJ teammate and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Hiromu, so I’m not sure that’s likely. As such, if Hiromu wins, he’s in no matter what, since he’ll have a better score than the loser of Mike VS Lio, while the winner of Mike VS Lio is of course in. This is big stuff befitting of the 30th anniversary, can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.9/10


Powered by RedCircle


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

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/18/24)

Talk about a Big Time Raw!

Published

on

Will The Man be the Last Woman Standing?

Becky Lynch and Nia Jax want to finally put this to an end, so tonight on Raw, it will be a Big Time Last Woman Standing match! Will the Irresistible Force force the WrestleMania 40 match to change?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers; DIY wins and advances to WrestleMania.
  • Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Candice & Indi win.
  • Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher; The Awesome Truth wins and advances to WrestleMania.
  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy; The New Day wins and advances to WrestleMania.
  • Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax; Becky wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

North Carolina State University fires up and bounces along with Main Event Jey, and Pat McAfee plays a dangerous game standing on the armchairs! From Bret VS Owen to Matt VS Jeff, we’re about to get Jey VS Jimmy in the third-ever Brother VS Brother WrestleMania grudge match! Jey gets the mic as fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey welcomes us to Monday Night Raw, and wants us to check this out. He knows his brothers are somewhere in the building. He knows The Bloodline’s in the building. He knows how the Bloodline rolls! SO Big Brother Jimmy, where you at?! Where you at, Uce!?

Jey waits for someone to show up somewhere, and the crowd spots them first! Fans boo as Jimmy & Solo make their way from the back of the stands. Jimmy gets a mic and goes to the apron while Solo paces around the outside. Fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” again as Jey puts the sunglasses aside. The Usos stare each other down, the fans now chant “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey wants to say something, hesitates, but then says these two would always get to it but they always knew how to shake right back to this. But now it’s different. Regardless of what happened, the bad blood between them, Jey misses his brother. He does.

Jey knows Jimmy will say what he wants, but Jey doesn’t talk to him no more, doesn’t ride with him no more, doesn’t even see him no more! Jimmy can just come back. Jimmy says he never left! He protected Jey! Jey’s so dumb, he can’t see it! Jimmy is protecting Jey! It was Jey’s idea to leave The Bloodline, but Jimmy helped because he is Jey’s brother. So yeah, Jey leaves, and what happens? Lil’ Bro becomes the BIGGEST star on the Raw roster! Lil’ Bro becomes the top merch seller! Lil’ Bro goes off to become a tag team champion without Jimmy, but with CODY RHODES!? Who left who, Uce?

Jey forgot Jimmy! Everything Jey did that was big was cuz of Big Bro Jimmy! Everything! So listen loud and clear. The biggest moment in Jey’s career, the BIGGEST moment, is because of Jimmy! Jimmy stares Jey down, but Jey says no. Jey’s biggest moment in his career is going to be his dream match at WrestleMania 40: Jey VS Jimmy, and Jey knocks the yeet out Jimmy’s ass! Jey DECKS Jimmy, DECKS Solo off the apron, but then Jimmy SUPERKICKS Jey down! The fans boo but now Solo storms in and looms over Jey. Solo drags Jey up so Jimmy can look him in the face and tell him that Jey needs to get it right! JIMMY made Jey!

But here comes Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up as Cody DECKS Jimmy, then gets in to springboard and CODY CUTTER Solo!! The American Nightmare said he was gonna be a Bloodline Hunter, and he made sure they didn’t take out Jey! Cody tells The Bloodline it is only a matter of time before they lose it all at WrestleMania! Will Jey prove that younger or older doesn’t matter when he is the BETTER brother?

 

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He’s telling Nick Aldis to stop being a hypocrite, telling Pearce to keep his roster in check when this is happening. But then Paul Heyman walks over and Pearce says he’ll call Aldis back. Pearce then asks Heyman what was all that, and Heyman says he owes Pearce an apology. He is sorry. That was not authorized by The Final Boss nor The Tribal Chief, and certainly not by Heyman. Jimmy & Solo went into business for themselves so Heyman apologizes. But listen, Pearce knows that there have been flight delays all day. Even private jets like theirs. Heyman is barely even dressed for TV, let alone has his make-up!

Pearce says those two were ready. Yeah, well, they got in on a different flight. But Roman Reigns is a chief of his word. Those two are already gone, out of the arena, and Pearce has Roman’s word. Call his bluff, put out a search party. Pearce knows Heyman is here on official business, which Heyman will handle, and then be gone. That is it. But when Heyman does his official business… everyone will be caught off guard. “And Mr. Pearce, sir, that’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler.” The Wise Man heads out and calls Roman, but just what is Heyman teasing?

 

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: #DIY VS The Creed Brothers!

Unlike SmackDown’s mini-tournament, Raw and Adam Pearce say it’s win and you’re in! Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano want one more shot at Judgment Day, but so do Julius & Brutus! Will the Sicilian Psycho & Johnny Wrestling prove that when it comes to Mania Moments, you gotta do it yourself? Or will the Creeds be bringing golden tickets to the Diamond Mine?

Raw returns as The Creeds make their entrance. The teams fist bump to show respect, then the teams sort out. Julius starts against Ciampa, they circle and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Ciampa goes for a waistlock but Julius facelocks. Julius wrangles Ciampa to the mat, flips him over, ONE, and Ciampa keeps moving. They trade facelocks, gator roll, and Julius gets another lateral press. ONE, but Julius gator rolls Ciampa around. Ciampa fights up, puts Julius on ropes, and the ref counts. Ciampa lets off, then CHOPS! Julius shoots in for the takedown! Julius has a leg, Ciampa fights but Julius turns him for the ANKLE LOCK!

Ciampa scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Julius lets off cleanly. Ciampa bails out, shakes it off, and he gets back in. They go again, Julius hits a fireman’s carry takeover! Tag to Brutus, and Julius feeds Ciampa to another fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus cording holds but Ciampa endures. Ciampa fights up, but Brutus facelocks. The fans rally as Brutus switches and rolls Ciampa. Ciampa fights up, headlocks, then ROCKS Brutus! Brutus DECKS Ciampa, then whips him to ropes. Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges, tag to Gargano! Ciampa slides, CHOPS, Gargano LARIATS and Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Wrench and LARIAT!

Julius runs in, Gargano kicks and Ciampa gives him the boost for SLICED BREAD! The Creeds bail out, but DIY DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down go the Creeds, and DIY applaud and pat themselves on the back. The fans fire up and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Ciampa has Julius in a chinlock. The fans rally, Julius fights up to throw body shots, but Ciampa hits a back suplex! Julius lands out of it, but Ciampa elbows him away. Ciampa drop toeholds Julius, gets legs, but Julius BOOTS Ciampa away! Hot tags to Gargano and Brutus! Brutus rallies on DIY, TOSSES Gargano, then blocks Ciampa’s kick to get under and POWERBOMB him! Brutus sees DIY regroup, then he runs in to SPLASH them both! O’Conner on Ciampa, but Gargano runs up! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Brutus has a DOUBLE BRIDGE, TWO!! Tag to Julius and he gut wrench SLAMS Brutus on Ciampa!

Brutus helps Julius flip up and over to SPLASH onto Ciampa! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Julius drags Ciampa up. Ciampa throat chops! A bit dirty but Ciampa wants that win! Ciampa storms up on Julius, but Julius basement stalling suplexes!! The fans are thunderous, Gargano runs in, but Brutus intercepts! Brutus suplexes Gargano now, stalls, and then the Creeds SLAM and kip up! Then they both STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ciampa stays in this for DIY but the Creeds keep cool. Julius stomps Ciampa, tags Brutus, and they KNEE Ciampa around! Then they DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! Ciampa sputters but Brutus tags Julius in.

Julius drags Ciampa up, tags Brutus back in, and Brutus climbs. Julius Electric Chair Lifts, but Gargano makes the save! Gargano ROCKS Julius, Brutus ROCKS Gargano! Ciampa BOOTS Brutus, Gargano swings on Julius but is sent into Ciampa! Ciampa pushes Gargano back so he can ELBOW Julius! DIY set up again but Brutus stops the Sliced Bread! Julius DECKS Ciampa, KNEE into the WIDOWMAKER! Julius scrapes Gargano out, Brutus POUNCES Ciampa over the desk! Pat fires up with Brutus and so do the fans! The Creeds say they run this now, and then Brutus drags Ciampa up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Julius has Ciampa in a chinlock. Ciampa fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Ciampa ELBOWS Brutus down, BOOTS Julius, then runs up, only for Julius to catch him and toss him back! But then Ciampa catches Julius for a REVERSE DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down and crawling! Hot tag to Gargano! Gargano slingshots to KICK Julius, then he CLOBBERS Brutus! ENZIGIRI for Julius, then he runs to DOUBLE KNEE Brutus! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Gargano while Julius ends up in another corner. Gargano runs in but is put on the apron!

Gargano GAMANGIRIS Julius, SUPERKICKS Brutus, then SLINGSHOT SPEARS Julius! Cover, TWO! Julius survives but Gargano puts him in a corner. Gargano CHOPS, then hoists Julius up top. Tag to Ciampa, Ciampa CHOPS Julius while Gargano DIVES onto Brutus! Ciampa CHOPS Julius again, goes up top, and fireman’s carries! Ciampa then tucks Julius in for the SUPER AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives again and shocks Ciampa! The fans are just as stunned, but Ciampa and Julius sit up. Ciampa stands, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Julius sits back up as Ciampa puts some stank on the CHOP!

Julius brings the straps down! Julius fires a forearm, Ciampa hits back, and the fans fire up as the shots keep going! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, meaner and meaner! The fans fire up as this just turns into a brawl of haymakers and SLAPS! Ciampa then gets around, ripcord and HAYMAKER! ROLLING- TACKLE from Julius! And then the ANKLE LOCK!! Ciampa reaches out, moves around, but Gargano runs up! Julius kicks him, then gets him up with one arm to POWERBOMB! Then it’s back to the ANKLE LOCK on Ciampa! Brutus gets in to get Gargano for an ANKLE LOCK of his own!

The fans are thunderous as DIY endures! Ciampa and Gargano fight, turn things over, SICILIAN CROSSFACE and GargaNO Escape!! The fans are thunderous as The Creeds power up and lift both DIY! They fireman’s carry, then TOSS DIY into each other!! The fans are thunderous as Julius goes up to MOONSAULT onto Ciampa! Brutus MOONSAULTS, too! Cover, TWO?!?! Ciampa survives and the fans are loving this! Julius tags back in, Brutus climbs up! “This is Awesome!” as Julius Electric Chair Lifts Ciampa! But Ciampa VICTORY ROLLS to get under the Brutus Ball!! Cover, Brutus tips it! Gargano TOSSES Brutus then SUPERKICKS Julius!! Ciampa has the cover, DIY WINS!!

Winners: DIY, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

Julius can’t believe it! He kicked out at 3.1, but a loss is a loss! And for the first time ever, DIY is going to Mania! Will Philadelphia soon be historic for a DIY championship victory?

 

Judgment Day meets backstage.

Rhea Ripley is with Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, but also Andrade. Dom says he’s always liked Andrade’s style, but things have changed since the last time he was in the WWE. The Judgment Day runs Raw now. Rhea says yeah, and they don’t extend invitations to just anyone. Judgment Day is very exclusive. JD says very exclusive. But if Andrade continues to impress them, they’ll see about making things happen. And Finn says he just heard that Andrade has a match next week, so the Judgment Day will be watching him. Sounds good. See you next week. But then in steps Damian Priest.

The Punisher says hello to El Idolo, and El Idolo says hello to Senor Dinero. Andrade heads out, will he quite literally win his way into the club? But as for Priest, Finn asks him what he was up to. Priest was getting a closer look at that DIY VS Creeds match. DIY won, but whatever, they can handle those guys. But JD, they thought he could handle Ricochet last week, and run the gauntlet, and then go to WrestleMania to bring even more gold back to Judgment Day. JD says he did he belonged in there. But also, he battered Ricochet, who got lucky at the end there. Right, Finn? Finn hesitates, and Rhea says Priest is right on this one.

Ricochet made a fool out of JD! A fool? Yes. A fool? Yes. That’s why tonight, Dom will make it right. Right, Dom? Yeah, Mami. Let’s go talk to Pearce to make it official. Dom & JD head out, and the others are confident Dom’s got this. But does he, though? Or will the One and Only have two wins over Judgment Day in as many weeks?

 

Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!

The Poison Pixie certainly lived up to that name last week when she bullied Maxxine Dupri as part of beating her and Ivy Nile last week. Will Candice’s toxic tongue strike again? Or will the party not be stopped by her harsh vibes?

The teams sort out and Candice starts against Kayden. Candice rushes up, Kayden gets around and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kayden springboards to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Kayden stalks Candice, Candice ELBOWS her away then tags Indi. Kayden dodges Candice to SUPERKICK, but Indi BOOTS Kayden! Cover, TWO! Indi drags Kayden up, tags Candice back in, and they mug Kayden. Candice CLUBS away on Kayden, fires off furious fists, then covers. TWO, and Candice grows frustrated already. The fans rally, Candice steps up but Kayden avoids the senton! Tags to Katana and Indi! Katana blasts past Indi, comes back and BULLDOGS!

Katana keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS Indi to a corner! The fans fire up as Katana stomps away on Indi! Indi shoves Katana, Katana runs corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Katana shoves Indi down, runs up, but into a back suplex! Katana lands out, but her leg jams! The ref and Kayden check, then the ref keeps Indi back. Indi says okay, and she stays by Candice. But Candice tags in to WRECK Kayden! And she SLAMS Katana’s leg into the post!! HALF CRAB and DEEP! Katana taps, Candice & Indi win!

Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by submission

Candice smiles and celebrates with Indi, but Indi doesn’t want to. Candice says a win is a win, but just what is going on in her toxic mind?

 

Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring.

NC State fires up again as The American Nightmare walks down the ramp, and this time the fans can sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro then gets the mic. “In less than three weeks time, I will stand opposed for the second year in a row, in the main event, with the lights on brightest, I will challenge for the WWE Undisputed Championship, against the greatest champion in all of sports, The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. And this Friday on SmackDown, Roman and I are going to have a little conversation, if you will. But there are… complications. Factors, elements, combustible elements, namely… The Rock.”

Fans boo but Cody says The Rock took to Instagram on Friday, and followed it up with “extremely entertaining” concert. Too bad The Rock didn’t wanna be here tonight. Something Cody took from the Instagram post: The Rock referred to himself as “Our Favorite Heel.” A bit of an inside term, but we’re not dumb, we know that means he’s the “bad guy.” Cody has known Heels. Bobby Heenan, Arn Anderson, Michael Hayes, “Superstar” Billy Graham, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair! Fans “WOO~” and Cody says he doesn’t think The Rock is a Heel. He’s just an assh*le. The fans go nuts hearing that!

Cody doesn’t want Rock getting upset, he doesn’t want the “seven bucks team” to get upset, he doesn’t want anyone getting emotional. Cody knows how Rock feels about emotions, he poked fun at Cody tearing up at discussing “finishing the story” with good friend, Michael Cole. There’s no crying in pro-wrestling, Jimmy Dugan, we get it. But hasn’t The Rock been crying behind the scenes this whole time? Once that hashtag came out, once fans chanted something else, The Rock cried to his buddies on the TKO board and said “Hey, this is gonna be some good PR for The Rock! I need to save WWE!” God knows, look at this house. They sure needed “saving,” huh?

The fans cheer but Cody says Rock wanted great PR. Until it wasn’t. TKO said OMG yes, put on the Gucci shirt, get those muscles looking big. It’s because they are Yes People, they are enablers, they won’t dare tell The Rock like it is, so Cody’s going to. Cody tells The Rock, “You’re a lot of things. You’re a lot of wonderful things. You are the Braham Bull, you are The Great One.” Cody still has shoes with The Rock’s logo on it! The Rock is the only guy Cody honestly feels is a Mount Rushmore wrestler. But he is also a terrible salesman, a carny succubus, and for those who don’t get what that means, The Rock is “a whiny b*tch!”

Fans lose their minds again but Cody says The Rock has been convinced otherwise. But don’t think that for two seconds this locker room needs The Rock more than The Rock needs it! That’s a rule of wrestling, nobody is bigger than the business! And sure, Cody brought up his mom, so it is fair game for The Rock to use that. But Cody knows The Rock’s mom. Here’s what Cody will tell us about The Rock’s mom. She is a wonderful lady, salt of the earth, she helped Cody chop Kevin in a dark match. Cody has nothing but respect for The Rock’s mom, something The Rock should’ve echoed back towards Cody’s mom.

But see, The Rock was talking about whipping Cody, handing a bloody weight belt to Cody’s mom, and normally someone as powerful as The Rock, Mama Rhodes would tremble. But The Rock doesn’t know Cody’s mom. Cody was more scared than she was, because she ain’t scared of nothing. This is the same woman who once jumped out of her chair at a Willie Nelson concert and beat up an undercover cop! She ain’t afraid of The Rock! Cody has been asked, April 6th, biggest tag match of all time, Rock & Roman VS Cody & Seth. Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, a man The Rock should respect because that man has carried The Rock’s company!

How will Cody get past that match? How will April 7th look? Will it be a fair fight? Cody can tell us honestly… He doesn’t know. Cody does not know if it will be Bloodline Rules or not. Hell, he might not #FinishTheStory. “But Dwayne… What do you know? How can you be so sure of your own self, right?” The Rock hasn’t been in the ring in real action in years! April 6th, the bell is gonna ring, and what happens then? Is The Rock gonna bring The Great One, the hero we all had growing up? Is he bringing that #BigDwayneEnergy? Or is it gonna be LDS, Little D*ck Syndrome?! The fans chant “L D S! L D S!”

Cody says The Rock has referred to himself as The Final Boss. Kudos for that nickname, maybe he really is that. Maybe Cody is too naive to see it. But at WrestleMania, Cody doesn’t think The Rock will be The Final Boss. At WrestleMania, he’s just Roman’s side chick. But then ladies and gentlemen, his name is Paul Heyman, and he serves as The Wise Man to Your Tribal Chief, the reigning! Defending! Undisputed! WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman… Reigns! And as Special Counsel to the Bloodline, Heyman is here to say to Cody that the ideals that Cody and Heyman share are far greater than the interests on which they conflict.

By example, don’t you hate it when someone comes out to demand an apology? Not that Cody’s done that, but Heyman is still going to do that. Heyman came out here with some “friends” of his, and he apologized. For a Wise Man, that was pretty freakin’ stupid. One: because it didn’t work. Two: because it was just dumb. And for that, Cody, to you and the fans, Heyman humbly apologizes. Cody says whoa, whoa, whoa. He didn’t ask for an apology, and he certainly knows Heyman wants permission to be in the ring. Heyman is a Hall of Famer starting this year, if he wants into the ring, be Cody’s guest.

Heyman thanks Cody for that but he’s fine on the apron. He carries with him a message from The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Talk about Heels… You may think of Heyman anything negative you want, and that might be understanding the obvious. Heyman is not trustworthy, but Roman is a chief of his word. Heyman assures that this Friday on SmackDown, Roman will be face to face with Cody. American Nightmare, Tribal Chief, challenger and champion. And when they are face to face, there will not be a single other member of The Bloodline in sight. Except for Heyman, but he is no physical threat.

Heyman holds the title belt, the beads, whispers things in Roman’s ear, such as his love and respect. But Cody has Roman’s word that if he shows up on SmackDown, Roman will show up alone. Cody says Roman shows up alone, no Bloodline outside of Heyman, it’s a deal. They good? Heyman has some jet lag, he forgot one little point. And don’t boo him, he’s talking to Cody! Cody says yes they’re booing, and he’s about to go full Homelander and rip Heyman’s throat out if he doesn’t get to the point. Fans like the reference. Heyman composes himself and says if Roman Reigns shows up alone this Friday on SmackDown, then Cody must show up to SmackDown alone, too.

Cody steps closer to Heyman and Heyman is a bit nervous. Cody tells Heyman, “Deal!” They shake hands, and Heyman smiles. The Wise Man negotiated a purely one-on-one meeting between his Tribal Chief and American Nightmare, but can we trust Heyman was telling the truth about Roman telling the truth?

 

Nia Jax speaks.

“You know what I’ve realized? Becky Lynch has never beaten me. And after tonight, she never will. Because after I break her face again, I will be taking her spot at WrestleMania. I will finish business with Rhea Ripley, and not only will I walk out the Last Woman Standing, but I will become Women’s World Champion.” The Irresistible Force is ready for the Big Time, but will she A-Nia-late her?

 

Cody Rhodes returns backstage.

And Jey says there he go! But real quick, Cody can’t be going to SmackDown alone. Cody says he gave them his word. But The Bloodline isn’t gonna play fair! They’re all gonna be there! If Cody needs Jey, Jeys’ got him. Cody hears that, but he knows what he’s dealing with. They shake hands and Jey heads out. Will Cody be able to have that fair, one-on-one meeting? Or does Jey have a point about The Bloodline?

 

Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!

It seems Pearce agreed to the idea that Dirty Dom should try and clean up The Irish Ace’s mess. Will Dom be able to get revenge on Ricochet? Or will Ricochet be the One and Only person holding their head high tonight?

Raw returns and Dom has made his entrance. The bell rings, Dom and Ricochet circle, and they tie up. Ricochet waistlocks, Dom fights the lift and grabs ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet lets off, but Dom ELBOWS him away! Dom fires hands, soaks up the heat, then storms up, but into haymakers! Ricochet CHOPS, kicks then flexes on Dom. Ricochet whips, Dom reverses, but Ricochet goes up and over. Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges to then handspring back elbow! The fans fire up while Dom bails out! JD is there to coach Dom up, but Ricochet runs in! JD gets Dom to safety, but Ricochet handsprings to hero land!

The fans fire up, Ricochet then goes to ropes to TORNILLO PLANCHA! Direct hit on Dom and Ricochet tells JD to back off. Ricochet puts Dom in, Dom distracts the ref, but JD grabs Ricochet’s leg! Ricochet kicks JD away, but then Dom WRECKS Ricochet with a dropkick! Dom soaks up the heat and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Dom has Ricochet up top. Dom climbs but Ricochet throws body shots! The fans rally behind Ricochet as he sends Dom staggering. Ricochet hops down as Dom comes running back, and Ricochet GAMANGIRIS him away! Ricochet then springboards, but Dom trips him up! Ricochet flops to the mat, then Dom kicks and FACEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is still in this and JD argues the count. Dom looms over Ricochet, scuffs him around, then mockingly cheers him on. Fans boo but Dom brings Ricochet up. Dom gives some Latino Heat, then suplexes! Uno Amigo, but fans boo.

Dom gets Ricochet up but Ricochet suplexes Dom instead! And then fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE KICK! Cover, TWO! Dom is still in this and JD coaches him but the fans rally for Ricochet. Ricochet stands, storms up on Dom, but Dom shoots around to roll him up! With tights! TWO, Ricochet blocks a kick and KICKS Dom down! Ricochet hurries up top, the fans fire up, but Ricochet has to bail out of the 450 as Dom moves! Dom runs in again, but into a SUPERKICK! JD gets on the apron, so Ricochet triangle jump DROPKICKS! But then Dom DROPKICKS Ricochet onto ropes! Dom dials it up but Ricochet ducks!

Dom spins around, into the RECOIL!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

But then JD runs in! Ricochet dodges, goes up and around, BOOTS JD away, then BOOTS him again! Ricochet even flips up and out of the ring at the same time! Ricochet gets the better of Judgment Day again, just how disappointed is Mami going to be in her Latino Heat this time?

 

Sami Zayn is backstage.

He finds Chad Gable and wants to talk with him. Last week’s match, that was an honor. Sami hasn’t been pushed like that in a long time, it could’ve gone either way. Gable says yeah, it was great. Thanks. Is Gable alright? Yeah, he’s fine. Kinda feels like not… Gable says he’s fine, so leave it at that. C’mon, man, how many years have they known each other? Sami knows when something’s bothering Gable, so he should just say it. Gable says look, last week, the WrestleMania opportunity, the whole thing, it just meant more to him. Sami says he’s been hearing Gable say that for weeks, and it is really unfair.

Does Gable really think he’s the only one this title opportunity matters to? Sami has a family, too! Sami’s kid cries when Papa loses a match, too. Sami has people he’s let down and is trying to make proud. After all the years put into this, Gable can’t tell Sami what matters more because he doesn’t know Sami like that. Gable has Sami calm down, and says he knows all that. But it isn’t all about that. Then what is all this? Gable says Sami can’t beat Gunther. Gable then leaves, and Sami is at a loss for words. Is this bitter side of Gable only going to get worse as we go down this Road to WrestleMania?

 

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

Raw returns with the GM by a table, and he welcomes us to a contract signing to make official the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship for WrestleMania! The fans cheer, and Pearce introduces first, the challenger, Sami Zayn! The Great Liberator makes his entrance and the fans sing along with his song. Sami still looks troubled by what Gable said just moments ago, but he still high-fives fans and gets in the ring. Then Pearce introduces the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, Der Ring General, GUNTHER! The fans boo as Gunther walks in, having reached Day 647!

Gunther smiles as Sami watches him make his way down the ramp and into the ring. Pearce says we know how this works, but Gunther says before we proceed, let us call this what it is: the most important contract signing for the most important match in the history of this championship. And why, why, why is the challenger dressed no better than any of the bums in the audience? Fans boo but Sami just shrugs that off. Sami gets a mic to say that Gunther keeps sitting there all smug, and it’s really starting to piss Sami off. Gunther thinks this is just another day at the office, that he’ll steamroll through Sami like any other contender.

But with all respect to Gunther, he really has. He has beaten everyone that has come his way, and has done it on his own. Gunther doesn’t believe Sami can do it. A lot of people didn’t believe Sami at many points in his career. They didn’t believe he’d even make it to WWE, let alone win championships and main event a WrestleMania. And if you ask The Usos, they didn’t believe Sami would be one of the guys to end the longest tag title reign in WWE history, but he did! And one year later, he will make history again by ending the longest Intercontinental title reign in WWE history! Sami signs his part and pushes the contract over to Gunther.

The fans cheer Sami on but Gunther waits it out. Gunther tells Sami, what Sami should do is listen to his new friend, Gable. Gable doesn’t believe Sami can win. The people here cheer Sami, they probably even love Sami. But even they don’t believe Sami can win. And y’know, when Gunther looks Sami in the eyes, and if Sami was honest with himself, even Sami doesn’t believe he can win. So what Sami is doing right now is standing on Gunther’s doorstep and begging him to get the beating of a lifetime on the Grandest Stage of Them All! So whatever Sami has to do, from training to believing, just keep doing that. Because at WrestleMania, Sami’s dreams will meet reality.

Gunther grins and signs his part, and it is now official! Gunther then stands, title on his shoulder, and takes his leave. The fans boo, but then Sami tells Gunther to wait. Gunther steps back inside to hear Sami as Sami turns around. Gunther looks in Sami’s eyes and believes Sami doesn’t believe? Sami stands to get in Gunther’s face and dares him to look again. Get a good long look, because these are the eyes of the man who will take you down at Mania! The fans fire up, and now Sami leaves first. Gunther still just grins, but will Sami use a Helluva Kick to wipe that smile off his face?

We follow Sami as he storms backstage, right past DIY and The Awesome Truth. Truth asks what’s up with Sami, but The Miz says that is the mindset of WrestleMania right there. That’s what they need. DIY wishes Awesome Truth luck. Awesome Truth knows DIY is into the ladder match, and they are gonna have their own qualifier. Miz & Truth just need to beat… Indus Sher. Jinder Mahal tells Veer & Sanga to warm up for the match. They head out, and Truth says he feels sorry for whoever has to face those guys. Miz stares at Truth, and he has DIY hold off. Miz will explain. The Awesome Truth heads to gorilla, their match is next!

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The Awesome Truth VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal!

Miz wants a remix of the theme song but Truth says to just follow his lead. NC State knows what’s up, but will the Awesome Truth finally reach the top of the tag division 13 years after they first teamed? We’ll see, after the break!

Raw returns as Indus Sher makes their entrance, the Modern Day Maharaja by their side. The teams sort out and Truth starts against Sanga. The fans echo “WHAT’S UP?!” but Sanga roars! Truth is scared now so he tags Miz. Truth fires Miz up, Miz runs up and dodges Sanga to fire off haymakers! Miz kicks, whips, but Sanga blocks! Sanga whips and CLOBBERS Miz! Jinder nods as Sanga then scoops Miz and brings him over. Veer tags in, Sanga SLAMS Miz, then Veer ELBOW DROPS! Indus Sher say “NAMASTE!” but the fans say “WHAT’S UP!?” with Truth. Veer HIP DROPS Miz, then looms over him.

Veer eggs Miz on, drags him up with shoulder claws, and then steps over Miz for the neck wrench! Miz endures as Veer still digs a claw into his shoulder. The fans rally for Miz, Miz fights up and throws body shots! Miz reaches out but Veer knees low! Veer SHOVES Miz to the corner, runs in, but Miz BOOTS! Miz ELBOWS Sanga, but Veer catches him! Veer puts Miz back int he corner, but Miz ducks the boot to tag Truth! Truth dodges Veer and starts up the shoulder tackles! Truth gets around Veer to SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans fire up as Truth shouts out Cena with “You Can’t See Me!” Truth runs to Five Knuckle Shuffle!

Jinder is not happy now as Truth fireman’s carries! But Veer slips free! Truth drop toeholds to the STF!! The fans fire up but Sanga stomps Truth! Miz fires off kicks on Sanga, then body shots! Truth joins in, they mug and whip Sanga, to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Sanga staggers around, Veer runs up, but into a full nelson! Truth and Miz combine for a SKULL CRUSHING LIE DETECTOR!! But Sanga whips Miz away! Miz WRECKS Jinder with it, but Sanga runs up! Sanga knocks Miz down, Miz anchors Sanga, Sanga ELBOWS Truth, Truth falls onto Veer for the cover! Awesome Truth wins!!

Winners: The Awesome Truth, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

The fans fire up, and Truth doesn’t even realize what happened! Miz celebrates with Truth and Truth puts it together! They’re now one of the six in the ladder match! Will this combination of teamwork and luck be just what they need to take those titles from Judgment Day?

 

Sami confronts Gable now.

Sami tells Gable to tell him why. Why what? Why does Gable think Sami can’t beat Gunther? Well you just saw why! With Gunther, it isn’t just physical, it is mental. Sami made his career out of being the underdog that crawls his way out of any hole he’s in, right? Just like last week! Sami found the window of opportunity to get out of a bad situation any time he can. Gunther’s on a different level! You gonna sit and wait for that window to appear? It doesn’t happen with Gunther! He’s a different beast, a different animal. If Sami doesn’t change his mentality, then he can’t beat Gunther. Gable leaves Sami with a lot to think again. Is there a way Sami can change enough to defeat Der Ring General?

 

CM Punk speaks.

“Do I plan at being in WrestleMania? WrestleMania is in Philadelphia, what’re the first four letters in Philadelphia? Phil. You can’t have WrestleMania Philadelphia without Phil. Whether I’m invited or uninvited, Punk will be there.” And next week in Chicago, Punk returns to Raw! Will the Second City Saint find a way to be part of the biggest WrestleMania ever?

 

Drew McIntyre is here!

The Scottish Terminator, or as his new shirt says, “The Savior of WrestleMania,” makes his way to the ring, NC State a bit torn about seeing him. But then Seth Rollins is here, too!? McIntyre is upset but the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way out. Rollins swaggers right past McIntyre in his green storm pattern suit, and steps into the ring first. McIntyre frowns as he follows Rollins in, and sits in a corner. The fans continue to sing, which Rollins revels in for a moment. Rollins has the mic to then say, “RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA~! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~!

“And Drew, hah, sorry, I didn’t even see you there. I was too busy, uh, y’know, soaking up the spotlight, right?” McIntyre has a mic to say, “Alright, here we go.” Here goes what, Drew? McIntyre says no, no, get it all out of your system, he knows Rollins has more! McIntyre can stay in the back while Rollins enjoys the spotlight, because after WrestleMania, that spotlight’s all McIntyre’s. Hey, hey, c’mon. Rollins is here with an honest cause. Rollins doesn’t like McIntyre, he thinks he’s stupid, a hypocrite, has said a lot of dumb things lately, but Rollins is here to admit that one thing McIntyre said is absolutely right and he wants to say it to McIntyre’s face, right here in Raleigh, in front of the fine people.

Now, they always say the first step to recovery is the hardest, so bare with Rollins. He has been working on this all week, but… “My name is Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and I’m a spotlight junkie.” The fans chant “Spotlight Junkie!” and also sing, but McIntyre says everything is just a joke to Rollins, isn’t it? Look at Rollins! He’s a parody of himself at this point. But honestly, McIntyre doesn’t care. He tried reasoning, he gave the answers, and now he only cares about their match and the world title. And you wanna know the real punchline, funny man? “What?” McIntyre says they say that because they’re happy McIntyre sidelined Punk, thanks for remembering!

But the punchline is when McIntyre beats Rollins for that title. The fans chant for “C M PUNK!” but McIntyre says don’t be ridiculous. Punk’s waiting until next week to return because he’d never show up in a place like Raleigh. The fans boo but McIntyre says see, they’re booing Punk! Punk is only getting off his couch to be at his local arena. Rollins tells McIntyre to shut up already. Oh, seems McIntyre got Rollins’ attention. Rollins takes off the sunglasses to say yeah, McIntyre has his attention. Because this isn’t a joke! When Rollins says he is a junkie, it isn’t a joke! He’s been doing this for 20 YEARS! Just like McIntyre!

And every time Rollins comes out of the curtain, that’s his fix. And it gets better and better every single time. Rollins comes out here, lays it all on the line, and it just gets better and better! When he hears the fans sing the song so loud, Rollins can barely speak, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” That’s Rollins’ fix! That is the spotlight he craves, and y’know what? Rollins wants the spotlight as bright as it can possibly be. So yeah, McIntyre’s been busy online entertaining people with memes, so he hasn’t been listening to Rollins. So Rollins will get this through McIntyre’s thick skull: Night One, Rollins takes the biggest star in Hollywood and his side chick, and makes them his b*tches!

Then on Night Two, the biggest spotlight possible will be shined down on McIntyre and Rollins and the World Heavyweight Championship! McIntyre says all hail the savior, Seth Rollins! This is what McIntyre wanted! The passion and desire, not the stupid laughing and dancing. Rollins had McIntyre all the way to the finish. Rollins has done this 20 years, just like McIntyre. They’ve given their lives to this industry, and that is what the title is about! The wrestlers’ title, the workhorse championship! Rollins had McIntyre with him until he mentioned the bigger spotlight and how Rollins pins one of the biggest stars in the world.

Why can’t it just be about Rollins’ hard work to make that title, and all of McIntyre’s hard work to get this chance? Why can’t that be the reason they’re getting the biggest spotlight!? Rollins has had his priorities all backwards, McIntyre has been giving him all the answers. McIntyre said he is over the BS, and all he cares about is Rollins making it to the ring on Night Two. And if Rollins can’t walk, then McIntyre will wheel him down. If not, McIntyre will carry Rollins down. At Mania, McIntyre doesn’t get the moment he deserves. He gets the moment he has bloody EARNED. The fans do cheer that!

Rollins smirks and says, “Ah, Drew. There it is. That’s right, you wanna call me a spotlight junkie, but you want the spotlight just as bad as I do, don’t you? You’re an addict, just like I am. And you’ve been begging for spotlight for the past four years, because you won the WrestleMania main event. You did, back in 2020, in an empty warehouse. And all we’ve been hearing from Drew McIntyre for the past four years was how that wasn’t good enough. You’ve been whining and complaining and bitching and moaning that you deserve better, that you deserve more. The problem is, Drew, when everybody came back around, and the lights got bright again, what happened? You fumbled the ball.

“And that’s the difference between you and me. When the lights are the brightest, I shine, baby. I shine bright. And at WrestleMania 40, the lights are gonna be as bright as they have ever been. And you are gonna find out you are not as good as you think you are.” Rollins drops the mic, but this time McIntyre smirks. The verbal battle continues, but who will put their money where their mouth is once this one finally happens?

 

Becky Lynch speaks.

“I’m a wanted woman, and I don’t even have the title. Yet. But we’re less than three weeks away from WrestleMania, so why would I risk it all? Because I don’t know anything else. All I know is taking risks. All I know is fighting. And all I know is tonight, I’m gonna be the Last Woman Standing.” Becky is fired up to finally do what she hasn’t done in the most extreme way possible. Will she be the immovable object to Nia’s irresistible force?

 

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy!

Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods have been W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~, but they’ve never been a part of a title match as big as this Six Pack Ladder challenge! Will they look to be part of history once again? Or will Akira Tozawa & Otis say “A THANK YEW~!” for this golden opportunity?

Raw returns as the Academy makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Woods starts against the tree trunk, Otis. The fans rally for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Otis and Woods tie up, but Woods kicks low then headlocks. Otis powers up and out then runs Woods over! Otis storms up on Woods, GUT RAMS him back down, then brings him back up. Otis GUT RAMS Woods again, then runs to CLOBBER Woods! Otis swivels his hips, the fans echo “Oh~ yeah!” Otis tags Tozawa and the Academy mugs Woods. Tozawa brings Woods around but Woods CHOPS! Woods tags Kofi, he and Kofi double whip Tozawa but Tozawa holds ropes!

Tozawa fires hands, dodges Woods then BOOTS Woods down! Kofi kicks low, whips Tozawa to a corner, but Tozawa BOOTS Kofi away! Tozawa goes up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as Tozawa sees New Day regroup outside. Tozawa runs to DIVE! Direct hit on both New Day, and Otis joins in for “A THANK YEW~!” The Academy stands tall as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Tozawa fights a chinlock. Tozawa reaches for Otis but Woods back suplexes. Tozawa lands out to then DROPKICK Woods down! The fans rally as Woods and Tozawa crawl, hot tags to Otis and Kofi! Otis CLOBBERS Kofi, CLOBBERS him again, then whips him to ropes. WRECKER ELBOW! Woods runs in, Otis dodges, to LARIAT! Otis sees Kofi leap off the corner, and catches him for a WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Otis rips the shirt off, winds up the hips, and then starts up the CATERPILLAR! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Otis hurries to step on him! Tag to Tozawa, and Otis goes up!

Otis VADER BOMBS but FLOPS as Kofi moves! Tozawa hurries up top while Kofi SUPERKICKS Otis! Kofi turns around into the CROSSBODY from Tozawa! Cover, TWO! Tozawa SUPERKICKS Kofi but Woods tags in! Woods GAMANGIRIS Tozawa, then steps in to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Tozawa toughs it out but Woods grits his teeth as he goes to the corner. Woods climbs, but Tozawa rises! Tozawa throws body shots, Woods CLUBS Tozawa! Tozawa throws more hands and climbs up! The fans rally as they brawl up top! Tozawa brings Woods up but Woods fights the lift! Woods throws body shots in return!

Woods shifts position to get under Tozawa for a fireman’s carry! But then Tozawa pops up to SUPER STEINER!! Tozawa rips off his shirt, climbs back up top, SUPER SENTON!! Cover, Kofi breaks it! The fans fire up but Otis drags Kofi out! Otis whips Kofi at steps, Kofi goes up and jumps off the steps to TORNADO DDT to the floor! Kofi hurries back up to the apron but Tozawa SCREW HIGH KICKS him down! Tozawa dodges Woods, pop-up, but Woods blocks the rana to then SPINNING POWERBOMB! Woods sees the WrestleMania sign, hurries up the corner, and he tightrope walks! LIMIT BREAK ELBOW!! Cover, New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (advance to WrestleMania)

The New Day are the ones saying A THANK YEW~ as they put their names down for the Six Pack Ladder Match! Will they once again climb to the top of the WWE Tag Team Division and bring home those championships?

 

Liv Morgan confronts Becky Lynch.

Becky asks if she’ll have to watch out for Liv as well. Well, you should always #WatchMe, but no, not tonight. Nia is all Becky’s. Liv just wants Becky to kick Nia’s ass. Liv leaves, will Becky kick ass and then some?

 

Cody walks with his dog, Pharaoh, backstage.

Rollins finds him and brings up Friday. One on one? One on one. Rollins nods and says he loves Pharaoh’s bandanna. The Visionary trusts the American Nightmare can handle himself, but will we be able to trust The Tribal Chief?

 

Last Woman Standing: Becky Lynch VS Nia Jax!

From the origins of “The Man” in WWE to the aftermath of Elimination Chamber: Perth, these two have battled, but never as brutally as this! They’re able to go anywhere and do anything, but who will be the Last Woman Standing this close to WrestleMania 40?

The bell rings and the two rush in! Becky DROPKICKS Nia and Nia goes to a corner. Becky runs in but Nia puts Becky on the apron. Becky ROCKS Nia, goes up a corner, then leaps to MISSILE DROPKCIK! Nia stumbles and tumbles out of the ring, so Becky WRECKS her with another dropkick! Becky then goes to the apron for a FLYING FOREARM! Nia stays up, Becky tries again, but Nia dodges! Fireman’s carry and Nia POSTS Becky, to then SAMOAN DROP her into barriers! The ref counts as Becky is down, but she stands at 4 of 10. Nia CLOBBERS Becky and wants the count! The count climbs but Nia is impatient.

Nia clears off the desk, Becky stands at 5 of 10, and she leans against barriers. Becky comes back with body shots and haymakers, but Nia ROCKS her with a forearm! Becky staggers away as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Becky is bringing out a table! The fans fire up as Becky sets that up ringside. There’s been a lot of chaos during the break according to commentary, from chairs to kendo sticks to even a copy of Becky’s book, The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl! But Nia storms over to stop Becky and SMACK her off the desk! Nia puts Becky in the ring, takes that table for her own and sets it up. The table doesn’t cooperate and fans boo, but Nia goes for chairs instead. She slides those in the ring, Becky manages to stand at 7 of 10, and she grabs at those chairs. Nia ditches the table, it just doesn’t wanna work.

Nia storms in but Becky JAMS her with a chair, SMACKS her with it, then clinches! Nia fights the slam, fireman’s carries Becky, and FULL METAL SAMOAN DROPS!! Becky writhes from hitting chairs but Nia looms over her. Nia soaks up the heat as she counts along. Becky flounders to ropes and drags herself up at 7! Nia sits a chair up, fans want a table, but Nia scoops Becky. Becky slips around to a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Becky into buckles again and again until Becky lets go. But then Becky BULLDOGS Nia off the chair! Nia is down for the count now, and Becky leans against ropes to stay up herself.

Nia stirs at 5, stands at 8, but Becky is up top! Becky leaps, into a CHAIR SHOT! Nia SMACKS Becky again and again and again! The fans boo but Nia finally stops. Nia puts that chair aside and goes out to get some kendo sticks! Nia puts those in, but Becky grabs one! Nia snatches it from her to SMACK! And SMACK! And SMACK! Becky sputters and staggers, Nia clinches and scoops! Nia SLAMS Becky onto chairs! Then Nia runs to drop the leg, brother! Nia wants the count and the count begins! Becky sputters as we reach 5 of 10. Becky grabs that kendo stick but Nia SMACKS Becky with a chair! And again!

Nia kicks Becky around, then uses the chair to take a seat on Becky’s body!! The fans boo as the count begins, but Becky SMACKS Nia with the kendo stick! And again and again and again, even in the butt! Nia stands up, into more shots! Becky stands and she fires away until Nia scurries out of the ring! Becky pursues but Nia CLOBBERS her! Nia pulls the steel steps apart now, and takes that top half to RAM Becky down! Becky flounders, Nia hauls her up and puts her in the ring. Becky’s on the apron and Nia takes aim! Nia runs up, APRN LEG DROP only gets apron! Becky avoids disaster, then has Nia by the steps! DDT onto the steel!

Nia is down again and the count begins. Nia stirs at 5 of 10, sits up at 6, but Becky SMACKS her off steps! Nia falls over again and the count resets. Becky hurries to go looking for things while Nia rises again. Becky has a new table! The fans fire up as Becky gets that in the ring. Nia stands at 7, staggers after Becky, and Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns once again and Nia mugs Becky against barriers! Nia puts Becky on a table, and surprise! There’s a ladder set up now! Nia climbs the ladder?! She also demands Pat support the ladder. But Becky gets off the table so now Nia has no reason to be up there. Nia storms after Becky, but gets a FIRE EXTINGUISHER BLAST!! The fans fire up as Becky cools Nia off, then JAMS her with the canister! Becky puts Nia in the ring, and there’s a table waiting in a corner! Becky lines up the shot, and runs in, but Nia SAMOAN DROPS Becky through the table!!! Both women are down in the wreckage and the count begins!

Nia flounders away from the wreckage but she still needs to stand. Nia is up at 5, and she isn’t satisfied with this! She drags Becky all the way to another corner and puts her in the drop zone! Nia climbs up, for the A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia shouts for the count, the count begins, and Nia storms around as she points to the Mania sign. Becky is still down at 5 of 10, only starts stirring at 7, and she slumps out of the ring to stand up! Nia is furious, goes out after Becky, and kicks things aside to keep after her. Nia asks if Becky’s vision is blurry. Nia fireman’s carries Becky up the steel steps and along the apron, aiming for that other table!

The fans freak out but Becky fights with elbows! Becky CLUBS away on Nia and the fans are thunderous! Becky then clinches, for a MANHANDLE SLAM through the table!!! Both women are down int he wreckage again, and the count begins! Becky sits up at 4 while fans are still losing their minds! We pass 5 of 10, then 7! Nia sits up at 8 and stands at 9! But then she slumps back over! The count starts again, Nia flounders around and stands at 5. Becky goes up the ladder! Becky sees Nia approaching the desk, and then SUPER MAN’S LEG DROP through the desk!!! The fans lose their minds again while both men are down in more wreckage!

The count is 5 of 10! Becky flounders and crawls, drags herself up at 9, but Nia is still down! BECKY WINS!!

Winner: Becky Lynch

The Man conquers truly one of the most intense challenges in her career! But then here comes one of the most intense champions! The fans fire up as Rhea Ripley makes her way out, Women’s World Championship in hand. She goes right to the ring and looks at Becky. Rhea “congratulates” Becky for winning, but then Becky gets in Rhea’s face! The fans fire up, and now there are no obstacles in the way of Mami VS The Man! Who will be the champion after WrestleMania 40?


My Thoughts:

A great Raw right here, though the in-ring action kinda dipped down until that awesome Last Woman Standing main event. This is one of the times I wish they’d done picture in picture so we as the TV audience could see even more action. Great win for Becky, of course, but I also like that Becky had a moment with Liv just before, and of course she had a moment with Rhea to close out the night. Great promos with Sami and Gable that also blended into the contract signing from tonight. And I suppose Gable has a point that Sami, the comeback kid, can’t do that when Gunther has an arsenal of moves that would be “finishers” given all the different ways Gunther has won over the years.

And speaking of that contract signing segment, I really liked the segue they did in following Sami so that he’d cross paths with Awesome Truth at gorilla and we’d get their segment going into their match. WWE has been doing some really creative stuff in this newest era where Vince is truly out and apparently even Kevin Dunn has moved on. Awesome Truth had a really fun but also really quick tag match with Indus Sher, and then New Day VS Alpha Academy was solid stuff, but DIY VS Creeds was such an awesome match. For a moment, I thought Creeds were gonna take this one but DIY still found a way, and I like that DIY is in. Honestly, I’m liking that the HHH favorites are getting in, because we also have New Catch Republic on the other side that can still win into the match.

Judgment Day had good stuff tonight, too. Good group promo with Andrade to tease El Idolo possibly joining, but who knows if he does. Depends on how things go for Priest. He was watching the qualifiers, he’s not worried, but maybe he should be. Granted, he still has the MITB briefcase, he could go from losing the tag titles to taking the world title, who knows how the Judgment Day’s story is going to go as we move past Mania. Dom VS Ricochet was a really good match, and Ricochet winning was the right move to keep this feud going. I think there’s going to be Ricochet VS McDonagh next week as a rematch from the gauntlet, that’ll be great stuff, too.

Candice’s Heel turn slow burn continues as she takes advantage of the “hurt” leg. Indi also does a good job of being very conflicted about this. There’s a WWE YouTube exclusive where Ivy Nile confronts Candice so that’ll be a match, and then maybe when Candice again goes too far, Indi steps in and we get a match of Candice VS Indi at some point. Good little update promo from CM Punk, he’ll have a great homecoming moment in Chicago, but also probably McIntyre coming after him. McIntyre had a great promo segment with Rollins, and with all these continued moments where the other person gets the mic drop moment, it feels like McIntyre has to win the title.

And of course, great stuff with the Bloodline story even on Raw. Jey and Jimmy have great promos in their confrontation, and of course it turns into a brawl. Good segue from that to Heyman being here, and Heyman confronting Cody during Cody’s great promo segment. Cody really went off on The Rock, that was some wild stuff. But the supposed promise of “one on one and no one else aside from Heyman” might be kept, and we get a strong promo segment on SmackDown in a foreshadowing of the fair-and-square 1v1 match. Or it is a trap and that’s more a foreshadowing of Bloodline Rules where they can do whatever they want. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

My Score: 8.9/10


Powered by RedCircle


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

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/18/24)

The semifinals are here!

Published

on

We’re just one step away from the Cup!

Cold Skull faces The Fierce Warrior, and Gene Blast faces The King of Darkness, and when the smoke clears, we will have our New Japan Cup finalists!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Boltin Oleg & Shoma Kato VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Mikey Nicholls; ZSJ & Mikey win.
  • Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Tomohiro Ishii & Togi Makabe VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
  • Tanga Loa & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Loa & Taguchi win.
  • Six Man Tag: YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano & Hiroyoshi Tenzan VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
  • 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & YOH VS The House of Torture; Shota, ELP, Leo & Yoh win.
  • Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; LIJ wins.
  • 2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL; Tsuji wins and advances to the finals.
  • 2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The Gene Blast overcame the tricks Ren Narita tried, but that’s because the House of Torture was saving all the good stuff so they could slay the Rampaging Dragon. Will the deck be even more stacked to make sure Everything is Evil’s? Or will Yota be one step away from LIJ VS LIJ at Sakura Genesis?

Well, Dick is making his way out here, but where is Evil? Oh, there he is. No tricks just yet it seems. But then Yota DIVES onto Evil! The fans fire up but Dick attacks Yota! Dick whips, Yota stops himself, and then scoops Dick for a BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Yota wants the bell. The ref says yes, ring the bell, and this is on the record! Yota stomps and CLUBS Evil, then whips, but Evil reverses! Yota hits railing, and then Evil whips him into more railing! Evil CHOKES Yota against the railing, Yota fights back, but the ref gets knocked aside! Evil puts Yota in so he and Dick can stomp away!

The fans boo but here comes the rest of the House already! Narita, Yujiro, Kanemaru and Jack all stomp away on Yota, but here come Bushi & Hiromu! It’s a replay of yesterday as LIJ fights off the House, but the numbers are still against them! The ref rushes in to tell everyone to stop! Evil shoves the ref out of the ring, Yota fires off on him, but Evil CLAWS Yota’s eyes! The House CHOKES LIJ, but the ref says stop! The bell rings, but what is the decision!? NO CONTEST!?

No Contest

What does this mean!? Someone has to advance, right? The finals aren’t until the 20th, how can there be a no contest? The House started this, where’re the consequences?! Yota gets up but Evil TOSSES him back out! LIJ regroups and Yota asks for a mic. Yota tells Evil that he’s sick and tired of this! They ARE gonna finish this match! The fans like the sound of that! All the refs come out, including Red Shoes, to discuss how this will be handled. For starters, they tell all the extras to get outta here! LIJ is cool with that, and Hiromu tells the House to come along. Evil says fine, and Jack, Kanemaru, Narita, Yujiro and even Dick reluctantly exit.

The announcement is officially made, and the bell rings! Yota and Evil rush in, Evil kicks low but Yota CLUBS away on Evil! Evil CLAWS the eyes! Evil kicks, runs, RAMS, but Yota rebounds to run Evil over! Then run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Yota fires up and the fans are with him! Evil bails out but the fans rally for Yota. Evil wants Yota to stay back, then he slides in, only to slide right out! Yota runs out after Evil, but Evil kicks him! Evil RAMS Yota into the timekeeper! Abe-san and his table go flying! Evil gets the mic to tell Yota that this is what he gets! The fans boo but Evil tells them off, too! Evil stomps Yota then soaks up the heat.

Evil unties the blue buckle pad himself, then waits in the ring. The ref checks Yota and the fans rally up again. The Young Lions help Abe-san while Yota drags himself up. Yota slides in, the fans cheer, but Evil pulls on Yota’s hair! Evil wrenches the hair, then wrenches it again! And again! Evil CLUBS the hair! The ref reprimands but Evil just dusts off his hands. Evil covers, but the ref refuses to count! Evil is furious but he’s the one up to no good! The ref still says no, so Evil stands on Yota’s head. The fans rally up, Yota rises, and he grins as he winds up to ROCK Evil with a forearm! And ROCK him with another!

Yota ROCKS Evil again, but Evil whips him into the bare buckles! Yota falls and the ref reprimands about the missing buckle pad. Evil stomps Yota, covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Evil is annoyed. Evil scuffs Yota, taunts him, and drags him up. Evil CHOPS, Yota drops to his knees, but Evil stands him back up. Evil CHOPS again and Yota grits his teeth as he drops to his knees! Evil stands Yota up again, to fake the chop to CLAW the eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil lets off, and then Evil stands on Yota in a corner. The ref counts, Evil lets go of the ropes but that’s not the problem! Evil steps away, drags Yota up but claims he’s dead weight.

The ref checks, Evil stands Yota up and wrenches an arm. Evil whips Yota into a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Evil runs in again, blocks the boot, but Yota brings Evil in for the STOMP! The fans fire up while Yota rests on the mat. The fans rally up and Yota rises again. Evil’s in the corner, runs out, but into the BACKBREAKER! COMPLETE SHOT! STOMP! The fans fire up again as Yota stands back up. Yota runs, to CURB STOMP!! Yota roars and the fans fire up again! Evil flounders while Yota aims. Yota runs in, but the ref is used as a shield! Evil kicks Yota low, then uses the ref in MAGIC KILLER!

All three men are down while the fans rally up again. Evil stands, he brings Yota up, and the ref also rises. Evil whips Yota into the bare buckles, then clotheslines him in! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, but Evil lets off?! Evil wants to torture Yota but it’s hard to say if Yota is still even in this. Yota opens his eyes, rises up, but Evil fireman’s carries! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives, the fans fire up, but Evil is furious! Evil slashes his throat and vows to end this now! Evil drags Yota up, spins him around, but Yota fights the STO with elbows! Evil kicks low, whips again, but Yota stops from hitting buckles!

Evil runs in, Yota dodges and Evil hits the buckles! SUPERKICK!! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! We’re only ten minutes into this new match but this is on top of the madness from earlier. Evil drags Yota up, but Yota ROCKS Evil! Evil fights Yota’s fireman’s carry and CLUBS him, but both men wobble. Evil LARIATS, but Yota stays up! The fans fire up but Evil swings to LARIAT again! Yota drops to a knee, but he grins through the pain! Evil says alright, and he throws off his elbow pad. Evil runs to LARIAT! Yota grits his teeth to stay up! V-TRIGGER! Yota brings Evil in, suplexes, ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO!!

Evil is still in this but the fans rally behind Yota again. Yota rises, drags Evil up, and then goes to the corner. Yota goes up and up and Evil moves the ref into the way! The ref takes the FLYING CURB STOMP!!! And now the House returns! The fans boo as Kanemaru, Dick, Yujiro, Narita & Jack all stomp away on Yota again! The fans tell them to go home, again, but these guys don’t care! They just put one out on Yota. They whip Yota to a corner, then DIck runs in to ELBOW! Kanemaru ELBOWS! Yujiro BOOTS! Jack SPLASHES! Narita ELBOWS! Then they snapmare and set Yota up! Dick climbs for the DICK CHOP!!

The fans boo but the House applauds their own dirtiness. But here come Bushi & Hiromu again! But they just get mugged again! They set Hiromu up for the DICK CHOP, while Bushi gets a JACK CHOP! The House then slithers away before a replacement ref rushes out here. Evil drags Yota up, winds up and runs, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Yota survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil is at a loss for words, but he slashes his throat! He vows to end it for real, and he reels Yota in. EVERYTHING IS- Yota flips through!? And HEADBUTTS!! The fans fire up as Yota reels Evil in for a fireman’s carry! 70 CROSS!! Cover, TWO!!

Evil survives the swinging spinebuster and the House cheers! Yota drags himself to a corner, drags himself up with the ropes, and roars as he takes aim! Evil rises, but Yujiro distracts! Dick runs in, but gets a V-TRIGGER! The ref sees Dick, but misses the LOW BLOW! Then Evil RAMS Yota into the ref! That’s the second ref this match! Narita gets his push-up bar! The others set Yota up, but here comes SHINGO TAKAGI! The Rampaging Dragon has seen enough, and he’s still pissed from yesterday as it is! He dodges Narita to PUMPING BOMBER! Kanemaru & Yujiro kick Takagi, double whip, but he DOUBLE PUMPING BOMBERS!!

Jack gets in, but he gets ELBOW, JAB and YUKON LARIAT! Evil runs up but Takagi SWATS Evil’s lariat to JAB! Then feed to Hiromu’s SUPERKICK! Hiromu & Takagi set Evil up for Bushi’s BLACK MIST!! Evil can’t see, the PUMPING BOMBER turns him inside-out!! The fans are thunderous as LIJ helps Yota up! Red Shoes hurries out here, and Yota aims at Evil! GENE BLASTER!!! Cover, Yota wins!!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

The House of Torture ran out of tricks, and now there is light at the end of the tournament! Will Yota do LIJ proud and bring home the Cup?

 

2024 New Japan Cup Semifinals: SANADA VS Hirooki Goto!

One down, one to go. Yota Tsuji has made it through, now we see who joins him in the finals! Will the Cold Skull or Fierce Warrior be the one that steps closer to former glory?

The bell rings and the fans duel between “GO-TO-O!” and “SA-NA-DA!” Red Shoes measures the levels, and it seems to slightly favor Goto. Goto and Sanada circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto gets some leverage to put Sanada against ropes, but he lets off slowly. Goto pats Sanada on the shoulders and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle again, and tie up again. It’s another deadlock, but again Goto finds a way to put Sanada on ropes. Sanada turns things around, lets off slowly, and also pats Goto on the shoulders. The fans applaud and the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, then move to a clinch.

They fight for control, Sanada starts pushing Goto towards a corner but Goto slips away. They feel things out, knuckle lock again, then break. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Goto waistlocks, but Sanada wrenches to wristlock. Goto rolls, wrenches, wristlocks, but Sanada spins, wrenches, only for Goto to roll! Goto gets a leg to trip Sanada up, and he has a toehold. Sanada fights back with a chinlock but Goto pulls on the leg. Sanada uses his free leg to hook Goto into an ARMBAR, but Goto clasps hands! Goto moves around, pops free, then headlocks. Sanada fights up, Goto grinds the headlock, but Sanada throws body shots.

Sanada powers up and out, but Goto runs him over! The fans rally as things speed up, and Goto counters hip toss with hip toss! Goto runs and he clotheslines Sanada up and out! The fans fire up and Goto slides out after Sanada. Goto stomps Sanada, drags him up, then CLUBS him on the neck! Sanada staggers, Goto CHOPS him, then kicks him, then CLUBS him! Goto whips but Sanada stops himself from hitting railing! Goto runs in but Sanada drop toeholds him into the railing! Goto goes down in a heap, but Sanada opens the gate. Sanada brings Goto through, then to the crowd! PILEDRIVER to the bare floor!

The fans are stunned but Red Shoes reprimands. Sanada leaves Goto behind and slides into the ring. The fans rally for Goto as the ring count begins. Goto crawls at 5 of 20, finds his way to ringside at 10, but still hobbles and crawls. He stands at 17 to slide in! The fans cheer, but Sanada stomps Goto. Sanada drags Goto up, CLUBS him on the neck, then brings him back up to CLUB him again. Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sanada eggs Goto on so Goto CHOPS again! Goto whips, Sanada reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps cool and sits Goto up into a chinlock. Goto endures and the fans rally again.

Goto kicks forward, reaches out, but Sanada cranks on the hold! Goto keeps fighting, and has the ROPEBREAK! Sanada lets go cleanly, but then he stomps Goto while he’s down. Sanada then stands Goto up to CLUB him on the neck. Goto CHOPS in return! And CHOPS, and CHOPS, and has Sanada in a corner! Goto CHOPS again, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, but Sanada BOOTS first! Sanada runs, Goto follows, and Goto LARIATS Sanada down! The fans fire up and Goto rises, clutching his neck. Goto stands Sanada up to fire off forearms, then he whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA!

Sanada wobbles, into the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Goto grits his teeth. Goto drags Sanada up, fireman’s carries, but Sanada fights free! Sanada waistlocks, Goto throws elbows, then runs. Sanada hurdles, hurdles, and DROPKICKS! Goto tumbles out of the ring, Sanada PLANCHAS him down! The fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder and Sanada appreciates it. Sanada then goes back for Goto, brings him up and puts him in the ring. Sanada fireman’s carries but Goto throws elbows! Sanada turns around into Goto’s fireman’s carry, but then slips out into the dragon sleeper!

But Goto arm-drags free! Sanada kicks low, runs, but Goto follows! Sanada dodges this time, runs again, but Goto still follows! Sanada sidesteps this time, but Goto holds ropes to avoid the hurdle! Goto runs in, but Sanada fireman’s carries! T K O! Cover, TWO! Goto is still in this and the fans rally up! Sanada goes up the corner, ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to land out as Goto moves! Sanada runs in, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! They cheer on “GO-TO-O!” but the “SA-NA-DA!” chants are still there. Red Shoes checks them both, and both men slowly rise.

The two crawl towards each other, and Goto fires a forearm! Sanada shakes his head, eggs Goto on, so Goto throws another! Goto eggs Sanada on, so Sanada fires a forearm! Goto fires a forearm back, and the two stand. Sanada UPPERCUTS! Goto comes back to forearm! Sanada UPPERCUTS again, and Goto drops back to a knee! The fans rally, Goto stands again, and he forearms! UPPERCUT, forearm, repeat! Goto growls, fires a flurry of forearms, and he ROCKS Sanada! Sanada drops to his hand and knees but Goto powers up! Goto KICKS but Sanada blocks! Goto fires more forearms, then waistlocks, but Sandaa fights free!

Sanada runs, but Goto fireman’s carries! And he throws Sanada into the dragon sleeper! But Sanada turns around and suplexes, for MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Sanada roars as he rises up, and he aims from a corner. Sanada wants Goto to get up, and Goto sits up, into the SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then dragon sleepers, for the SKULL END!! Goto endures, flails, reaches out, but he’s caught in the body scissors! Goto fights around but he’s fading! The fans rally, Goto’s hand drops! Sanada lets him go to then climb! ROUNDING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Goto survives but Sanada storms around. Sanada drags Goto up, reels him in and clinches, but Goto slips free to shove Sanada away! Sanada forearms, ROLLING- HEADBUTT from Goto! The fans fire up and duel, and Goto drags Sanada up. But Sanada breaks free! Goto HEADBUTTS again! Sanada falls back down and Goto steadies himself. Goto roars, the fans are with him, and Goto sits Sanada up. Goto runs to PENALTY KICK! Shoutout to Shibata and the fans fire up more! Sanada grits his teeth as he sits back up but Goto takes aim! BUZZSAW! And then he hauls Sanada up to dragon sleeper! G T- BACKSLIDE COUNTER! TWO!!!

Sanada and Goto hurry up, Sanada dodges to O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO?!!? Goto escapes and shocks everyone! Sanada resets, runs in, SHINING WIZARD!! The fans are thunderous as Sanada roars and drags Goto back up! Clinch and DEAD- NO, Goto slips around to ripcord and fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Sanada survives but Goto is all fired up! The fans are thunderous as Goto dragon sleepers for G T R!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Don’t call it a comeback, Goto’s been here for years! Sanada’s hopes of being IWGP World Heavyweight Champion again have been delayed, how long must he wait for another chance?

As for Goto, he’s going back to the New Japan Cup Finals for the first time since 2016, and his seventh overall! But before he can get the mic to speak, Yota makes his way back out here. Yota steps into the ring and he gets the mic first. Yota tells Goto, “In order to open the door to a new era, we must do this.” The fans applaud that, and Yota continues by asking Goto, “Are you ready?!” Yota drops the mic at Goto’s feet, and Goto stands up to speak. “I also have something I want to show you. As a three-time New Japan Cup Champion, I will show you my strength.” The fans like the sound of that!

The Fierce Warrior stares down with Gene Blast, a true generational showdown on the horizon! Will Goto return not juts to former glory, but finally ascend to top of NJPW? Or will Yota make it LIJ VS LIJ for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?


My Thoughts:

A great semifinal round for this tournament, with quite a surprising main event. Sanada VS Goto was great stuff, and while I felt Sanada wasn’t winning the Cup, I didn’t think he’d be out this round. Yota VS Evil was rather creatively put together, too. I did not think the House would get so involved that at first it was a No Contest but then they restart under a ringside ban. Takagi making sure Yota won was good stuff, too, maybe we can get Takagi VS Evil for the NEVER Openweight Championship if they’re not gonna circle back to more Shota Umino VS House of Torture stuff.

Goto VS Yota is going to be great stuff, and Goto is clearly a top utility guy. He’s had so many New Japan Cup finals appearances, certainly among the most ever, but I don’t think he gets a fourth Cup win against Yota, one of the “new era Musketeers” that NJPW clearly loves. Yota VS Naito is definitely the title match for Sakura Genesis.

My Score: 8.9/10


Powered by RedCircle


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

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com