Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Report: AXS TV New Beginnings in Osaka Part 1!

Published

7 years ago

March 16, 2018

This review of NJPW: New Beginnings in Sapporo Part 1 will be as broadcasted by AXS TV.
Therefore, all images are courtesy of AXS TV.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Hiromu Takahashi; Ospreay wins and retains the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship.
NEVER Openweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS EVIL; Goto wins and retains the NEVER Openweight Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

AXS and NJPW take a look at the build to tonight’s two amazing championship matches.

Chaos, one of the top factions in NJPW, and the rising Los Ingobernables de Japon have been locked in intense rivalries as of late. While Hirooki Goto took the NEVER Openweight Championship back from Minoru Suzuki in a Hair VS Hair match, EVIL wants back at the title that he only held for 10 days. At the same time, EVIL and Sanada successfully held onto the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships against Goto’s team, so this match will settle their back and forth over gold.

Meanwhile, Hiromu Takahashi was in an insane Fatal 4 for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship, but not even he, Kushida and Marty Scurll were enough to ground the Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay. Ospreay himself finally got a win over long-time rival in The Villain, and defends his belt for the first time against Hiromu. Can the Ticking Timebomb blow Ospreay away and grab the gold now that things are 1v1?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Hiromu Takahashi!

Eccentric though he may be, LIJ’s Hiromu is as talented as they come. Can Chaos’ Ospreay retain his title now that The Villain and the Time Splitter are not factors in the match?

Hiromu bows to the title he wants so badly, and we begin.

They go right at each other, Ospreay kicks Hiromu’s opening move away, and it’s a brawl with fast forearms. Ospreay kicks then runs but Hiromu follows and headscissors Ospreay. Ospreay stays on his feet, throws a dropkick but Hiromu dodges, then Hiromu hits that headscissors again to throw Opsreay out. Hiromu taunts Ospreay then builds speed, only to fake Ospreay out. He jumps into sitting down cross-legged, and dares Ospreay to return. Ospreay smirks before he rolls in, then swings a kick. Hiromu dodges that and the flip, but Ospreay keeps going to headscissor Hiromu all the way out in return. Ospreay builds speed but Hiromu gets clear, which is fine because Ospreay handsprings and lands. He sees Hiromu coming and boots him back out, then builds speed to handspring and FLY out, only for Hiromu to get clear again. Hiromu gives Ospreay a German Suplex to the floor!

Hiromu winks at the camera before dragging Ospreay up. He chops Ospreay, and then whips him from the barriers, but Ospreay reverses to send Hiromu into barriers instead! Ospreay is still recovering, but he gets distance to then run at Hiromu, only for Hiromu to throw him overhead into the barriers!

Ospreay screams in pain while Red Shoes comes over to check on him. Hiromu stands up and walks off his own pain before returning to grind a foot into Ospreay’s face. The 20 count begins, Hiromu brings Ospreay up to throw into more barriers. The count reaches 10, then even 14, but Hiromu gets Ospreay in by 16. He keeps on Ospreay with a knee grinding into Ospreay’s chin. Ospreay gets away to a corner, but Hiromu chops him. Hiromu brings Ospreay out to chop again, then covers, TWO. Ospreay grits his teeth, but Hiromu brings him up and whips, only to reel Ospreay in for a forearm, a shove to the ropes, and a kick to the ropes to jack his jaw.

Hiromu keeps going with another shove, then runs to dropkick Ospreay in the back. Cover, TWO, but Hiromu brushes it off. He stands up and stomps on Ospreay’s bad shoulders and neck. He toys with Ospreay, but Ospreay hits back. Hiromu chops Ospreay, then drops him with a side slam back suplex, cover, TWO. Hiromu keeps on Ospreay with a headscissors hold. Ospreay starts working his way out with a roll, then lifts Hiromu up Electric Chair style, only for Hiromu to slip out and club him in the back. Ospreay screams in pain again, and Hiromu whips him corner to corner. Hiromu clotheslines in the corner and rolls Ospreay as he keeps moving, but Ospreay ducks under to handspring for the enziguri!

Both men are down but the fans applaud. Hiromu stirs while Ospreay slowly fires himself up. He brings Hiromu up for knees and a jawbreaker, then a stiff kick that puts Hiromu in a corner. Ospreay runs in and hits a European Uppercut, then sweeps the legs to sit Hiromu down. Hiromu gets out of the way as Ospreay returns, but Ospreay stops Hiromu with an enziguri. Ospreay gets moving again and hits the elevated 619, but Hiromu runs back to slingshot over! He wants the sunset flip powerbomb but Ospreay desperately holds onto the second rope! Ospreay fights Hiromu off, but Hiromu gets under the shooting star press from the apron! Hiromu lunges but Ospreay rolls over him, to hit the bicycle boot.

Deja vu from earlier as Ospreay runs at Hiromu near the barriers, but this time Ospreay lands on the other side of the barriers to punch Hiromu back. After seeing the railing is sturdy, Ospreay uses them to springboard for a flying forearm! This time Ospreay winks at the camera, in return for the wink Hiromu gave. Opsreay drags Hiromu up into the ring, then takes aim from the apron. He springboards again, for a flying clothesline, cover, TWO. The Aerial Assassin is back in control while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns to find Ospreay bringing Hiromu up and back into the dragon sleeper. He lifts but Hiromu knees out. Hiromu kicks then runs, but into Ospreay’s backflip kick, followed by an enziguri! Fans fire up for Ospreay while Hiromu gets to a corner. Ospreay runs in, Hiromu throws him overhead again, but Ospreay stops from going into the buckles, to then jump and corkscrew senton onto Hiromu!

Cover, TWO, but Ospreay keeps his cool. He fires himself up while Hiromu stirs. Ospreay makes sure the cameras are watching closely as he gets up and aims at Hiromu. Hiromu swings a kick but Ospreay dodges, and Ospreay gets the dragon sleeper suplex. But Hiromu slips out to get the waistlock, but Ospreay elbows him away. Ospreay runs but Hiromu follows, Ospreay dodges and keeps going to run into Hiromu’s powerbomb! Hiromu doesn’t stop there, he suplexes Ospreay up, but Ospreay counters with a stunner! Ospreay runs, handsprings, but into a high German Suplex! Both men are down, but stirring. Ospreay manages to get to a corner. Hiromu gets up and runs at him, but Ospreay boots him back while also getting to the apron. Ospreay bumps and kicks Hiromu, but Hiromu runs–running Red Shoes over in the process–to clothesline Ospreay on the apron!

Hiromu sees what happened to the ref but brushes it off to build speed and hit that Sunset Flip Powerbomb! Hiromu catches his breath after that, and Red Shoes recovers to start a count. Ospreay stirs and Hiromu stands up. Hiromu gets in at 10, but Ospreay takes a little longer. Hiromu stops the count by pushing Red Shoes aside, to then climb up top. He sees Ospreay is back on his feet, then leaps for a super senton onto the champ! Hiromu hurries to get Ospreay back into the ring, then lifts in the fireman’s carry for the Dynamite Plunger powerslam!

Cover, TWO! Hiromu can’t believe Ospreay survived. He drags Ospreay up again for another try, but Ospreay slips out of the swing. Ospreay blocks Hiromu’s punch, and hits the hook kick, but runs into a big lariat! Both men are down again but the fans are loving this. They stir, Ospreay getting to a corner once again. Hiromu stands up and runs in to hit a clothesline, then hoists Ospreay up to the top rope. He chops Ospreay before climbing up. Hiromu jumps and spins but Ospreay blocks the wheelbarrow and drags him up, to German Suplex Hiromu into buckles! Both men crash land but Ospreay fires himself up again. He gets to a corner and takes aim at Hiromu, to run out and hit the Essex Destroyer flipping DDT! That’s not all, as Ospreay climbs up. The fans make noise, and he stands up, to hit the inverted 450!

Cover, TWO! Now Ospreay has a turn being surprised. The fans make noise while he stands up, and hits the Robison Special spinning kick! Ospreay calls for it, then runs, but Hiromu counters the springboard with a jumping neckbreaker! Both men are down again, and now a count begins while they’re stirring. The count reaches 7, but Hiromu and Ospreay stand. They turn to each other, stumbling into a brawl of forearms. Ospreay and Hiromu hit back and forth, then Hiromu stands up to hit Ospreay again. Ospreay stands and rocks Hiromu with his response. Hiromu hits back, so Ospreay hits harder! Ospreay keeps hitting Hiromu, a strike fest and EuroUpper, but Hiromu chops Ospreay overhand!

Ospreay ends up in a corner and Hiromu chops him until he sits down. Hiromu drags Ospreay up for more, but then Ospreay suddenly springs up and puts Hiromu on the ropes upside-down, for Cheeky Nandos! Then after that, SUPER Reverse-Rana spikes Hiromu down! Cover, ONE!? Ospreay can’t believe Hiromu is still up. He rocks Hiromu with a roundhouse, then another strike fest, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS and SUPERKICKS and SU- No, back heel kick from Ospreay! Ospreay says it’s time, and brings Hiromu up for a fireman’s carry. He prepares to steal the Time Bomb itself, but gets a Canadian Destroyer counter instead! Hiromu crawls to the cover, TWO!! And Hiromu can’t believe it.

Hiromu drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay resists to drive elbows into Hiromu’s head. Hiromu powers through, Ospreay slips out, Hiromu back elbows but Ospreay hook kicks again. Ospreay hits a Dragon Suplex, then swears to finish it, only to springboard into another German Suplex! Hiromu is ready to blow, but he runs into a standing Spanish Fly outta nowhere! Ospreay drags Hiromu up again, to hang him up on the top rope and get to a corner. He climbs up and aims at Hiromu, and uses the BURNING Star Press to knock Hiromu off! Ospreay’s still not done, as he brings Hiromu up again, dragon sleeper lift to inverted DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay grits his teeth while Hiromu stirs, and takes off that elbow pad. He aims at Hiromu, back hand elbow shot, then springboards to finally hit the OSCUTTER!

Cover, Ospreay finally wins!

Winner: Will Ospreay

The Aerial Assassin successfully retains after his first defense, despite the toughness of Hiromu. Who will be next to step up to Chaos’ two-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion?

Hiromu Takahashi speaks backstage.

The Time Bomb vows not to give up. Only he can fulfill his own dream. “Ospreay, for now, you’re the best.” When will Hiromu come back around and prove he’s the best?

Will Ospreay holds his press conference.

“That is what Junior Heavyweight wrestling is all about. Two guys being defined straight away for their size but not for their ability. Now we’ve just put the world on notice.” Ospreay and Takahashi fought for the richest prize in their division! But he’s not done yet, he has something else on his mind. He wants something else, so stay tuned to find out what that is. What more could the best Junior in NJPW want?

NEVER Openweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS EVIL!

Another Chaos with gold takes on an LIJ challenger as The Fierce Warrior meets the King of Darkness in 1v1 competition. Can Goto stay atop the NEVER Openweight Division or will EVIL reign as Darkness Falls?

Red Shoes brings the title over to EVIL, but his gaze seems to be more focused on the man who owns it. Either way, the bell rings and we begin.

The two stare menacingly at each other before circling. They tie up, EVIL gets the headlock and grinds Goto to the mat. Goto pries his way out but EVIL puts the hold back on. Goto powers out and reels EVIL into a headlock of his own. EVIL works his way out, but Goto brings him back in. He tries to power out but Goto holds on tighter to bring him to the mat now. EVIL tries again and succeeds, and the two collide, but neither man falls. Goto dares EVIL to try that again. EVIL runs and they collide, Goto staggers back but returns to shoulder EVIL. EVIL staggers back to swing a clothesline, Goto evades and comes back to finally shoulder EVIL down!

Goto stomps EVIL, drags him up and snapmares him down to kick him hard. Goto stomps EVIL to ropes, then brings him up for an elbow to the back. He brings EVIL up and whips, to back elbow and elbow drop, cover, TWO. Goto keeps on EVIL with a chinlock, then drives an elbow into EVIL’s forehead. EVIL gets to a corner but Goto stomps him again. EVIL shoves Goto away but Goto stomps him again. He chops EVIL overhand, then gives elbow after elbow. Goto whips EVIL but EVIL fires out with a lariat!

EVIL lets Goto slump to the outside then pursues. He shouts for people to move aside as he brings Goto up, and whips him at barriers. EVIL keeps going, bringing out a chair from under the ring. He opens the gate and brings Goto with him, then puts the chair around Goto’s head! EVIL takes aim, and runs to throw Goto right into the post!

“Everything is EVIL”, according to EVIL himself. He has control while Goto is down and we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns and EVIL waits for Goto in the ring. Red Shoes checks on Goto, but the champion is okay to continue. Goto stirs but EVIL grabs Goto to put him in the ring. EVIL covers, ONE, and EVIL argues with Red Shoes. He puts Goto in a chinlock, but Goto reaches and crawls for ropes. EVIL grinds him down, but Goto still gets the ropebreak. EVIL frees him, to stomp him, then whip, into a sidewalk slam! Cover, TWO, but EVIL keeps his cool. He taunts Goto, daring him to take a shot. Goto chops and chops but EVIL chops back, back senton on top, TWO!

EVIL stalks the gasping Goto, then whips him into a corner. He runs in but into Goto’s boot, then more boots. Goto comes out to kick but EVIL elbows the knee. EVIL runs but Goto follows, to run him over with a lariat! Both men are down, but Goto is first to stand up. He drags EVIL up for elbow shots, then a roundhouse. Goto whips EVIL corner to corner and hits the running heel kick, to saido suplex! Cover, TWO, but Goto keeps his cool. Goto drags EVIL back up, fireman’s carry, but EVIL slips out. Goto elbows out of the waistlock but EVIL reels him back in, only to take another elbow. EVIL blocks Goto’s kick, hands it off to Red Shoes, and mule kicks Goto down.

EVIL nods as he gets up while Goto gets to a corner. He runs in for the clothesline, then the bulldog! Cover, TWO! EVIL starts to grow frustrated, but he drags Goto up again. Goto fights off the fireman’s but EVIL still lifts. Goto’s flailing causes them to go to ropes, where Goto gets to the apron. He puts EVIL in a sleeper! Red Shoes tells him to break, but EVIL uses that to hotshot the arms, then lariat Goto down on the apron. Goto goes down to the floor, and EVIL comes out to take out more chairs. EVIL plots something and Red Shoes knows it, but EVIL shoves the referee down to stop him from interfering. EVIL drags Goto up, fireman’s carry, but Goto fights out! Another mule kick stops Goto, and EVIL lifts him again, but Goto slips right out to snap suplex EVIL onto the chairs!

The fans applaud while EVIL writhes in pain. Goto stomps and clubs EVIL before putting him back in the ring. Goto stomps more, then drags EVIL up for elbows and forearms. He whips corner to corner, and hits the corner clothesline. Goto stomps EVIL but EVIL is out cold while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns once more, and Goto drags EVIL up, only for EVIL to flop down as dead weight. Goto stomps EVIL, that wakes him up, then kicks EVIL to drop him again. He drags EVIL up again to hoist him onto the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Goto gives furious forearms, then tries a fireman’s carry but EVIL resists! EVIL elbows back, but Goto gives more forearms, so EVIL rakes the eye. The fans make noise as EVIL notices the big Buddhist bead necklace. He shoves Goto off, and Goto falls on Red Shoes. EVIL climbs down, and prepares those beads as a weapon. Goto gets up and runs in, but EVIL boots him away, to then clobber Goto with his own necklace!

No referee means it’s not a disqualification, and EVIL looks to take advantage as he chokes Goto with the necklace. EVIL pulls back and then stomps Goto into the mat like a slingshot. Red Shoes recovers but EVIL keeps going, so Red Shoes reprimands the challenger, only to be shoved away again. Goto starts fighting back with back elbows, but EVIL clobbers him again. EVIL runs, but into the fireman’s carry and USHIGOROSHI! The fans cheer while Goto tastes his own blood in his mouth. Goto prepares himself, waiting for EVIL to rise, for the hard left kick! He drags EVIL up, suplex but EVIL knees out. Goto tries again but EVIL suplex counters! Both men are down from exhaustion, but are both okay to continue.

They each get to a corner, and run out to collide. Neither man falls, so EVIL keeps going. His clothesline doesn’t down Goto, but neither does Goto’s clothesline to EVIL. EVIL does stagger, but he comes back to clothesline again, only for Goto to stay up. Goto goes again, and the clothesline is solid, to sit EVIL down. Goto drags EVIL up by his hair, and runs again, but EVIL fells Goto this time! EVIL keeps going, fireman’s carry, DARKNESS FALLS!

Cover, TWO! EVIL grows frustrated with Goto as he stands up and calls for the end. He drags Goto up, but Goto blocks the STO. Goto swings but ends up in a German Suplex! EVIL stands and lariats Goto down again, cover, TWO! Both men are down again, but EVIL stands up. He drags Goto up but Goto resists the Half ‘n’ Half. Goto reaches, ropebreak but not for long. He fights the Half ‘n’ Half but EVIL rocks him with a spinning forearm, so he rocks EVIL back with a headbutt! Goto brings EVIL back up, suplex hangs EVIL up on the top rope to then hit a high, draping, reverse GTR! Cover, TWO!

The fans love this, and Goto keeps himself fired up. He drags EVIL up once more, and brings him into the dragon sleeper, only for EVIL to slip around and fireman’s carry. Goto slips out, another dragon sleeper but EVIL turns that into his own, to then swing Goto around again. EVIL wants STO but Goto spins that back around for THE GTR!

Cover, Goto wins!

Winner: Hirooki Goto

With his beads and his belt, the Fierce Warrior of Chaos stands tall over the King of Darkness, also successful in his first defense. Given that Goto defeated the Minoru Suzuki to become champion, does anyone else have hopes of taking the title from Goto?

Hirooki Goto holds his press conference.

“I enjoyed my trip to the ‘Darkness World’.” But the NEVER Openweight Championship “lights the way for me.” Goto understands now, and is having a lot of fun. He hopes this belt takes him to “new and exciting places.” What’s important for EVIL right now is to realize he needs to change. “Okay! Who’s next? Anyone can step up.” Goto being the Openweight Champion is willing to give an open challenge of sorts. Will anyone be brave enough to take on the Fierce Warrior?

My Thoughts:

A really great start to the Osaka event. I didn’t expect two full championship matches but that made things all the better. Hiromu VS Ospreay was great, but it was lacking Daryl. Daryl would’ve made it perfect. But that aside, great to see Ospreay retain, and as we know in real time, Ospreay’s next goal is to see how he stacks up to the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada, aka his leader in Chaos. With this, Ospreay could find himself on a parallel route to Finn Balor/Fergal Devitt, as I remember there being an IWGP WHC VS Jr. HC between Rainmaker and Demon. Hiromu himself still has plenty to do even if he isn’t champion, given his great in-ring talent and magnetically enigmatic personality, he’ll surely be a two-time Jr. Heavyweight Champion down the line.

Goto-EVIL was great, and Red Shoes letting things get hardcore without disqualifying it is definitely different from most other promotions. Anywhere else, the referee would immediately call for the bell, but Red Shoes seems very dedicated to ending title matches with a true winner. Red Shoes seems to be as much of a fan of the action as we actual fans are, and we actual fans are thankful to him. Goto wins, but just like Hiromu, EVIL still has plenty of time and talent to do all sorts of things before getting a singles title, which will happen one day.

My Score: 8.5/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)

SmackDown in the UK!

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Steven Mitchell

London calling to the champion crowns!

SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”

The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.

Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.

Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”

Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!

But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!

Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.

The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.

“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!

Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”

On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!

The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!

Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!

Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!

Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!

Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!

The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)

Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?

Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.

Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.

KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!

SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!

The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!

Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!

The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!

Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall

The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?

WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!

Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!

The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!

Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title

The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!

Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?

Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.

Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!

Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.

Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?

Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.

Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?

Naomi speaks.

“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?

“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?

Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.

Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.

B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?

The darkness approaches.

“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?

Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!

The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?

WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?

Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?

The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!

Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!

Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!

Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission

Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.

But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?

Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!

The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?

SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!

The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!

Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!

SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!

The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!

The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?

Fire, thunder, smoke…

The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!

Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!

#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.

Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025

Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2025

Andrew Balaz

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.

Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.

Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.

.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025

Ratings:

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4

Results:

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge

Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.

Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.

Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.

.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025

Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr

Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.

Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!

Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.

Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich

I expect very little from this match.

Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.

Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.

Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.

Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin

Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.

Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.

Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.

Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.

Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.

Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater

Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.

Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.

Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.

Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.

There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.