Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (3/20/18)
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Rusev w/ Aiden English; Nakamura wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Tye Dillinger; Corbin wins.
- Charlotte Flair VS Natalya; Natalya wins.
- Jimmy Uso w/ Jey VS Harper w/ Rowan; Harper wins.
- Naomi & Becky Lynch VS The Riott Squad; Naomi & Becky win.
PLAY BY PLAY
SmackDown flashbacks to the night Daniel Bryan retired.
He wrestled for 16 years, and was grateful to the WWE. “It is with a heavy heart and the utmost sadness” that he had to officially announce his retirement. But now, Bryan is medically cleared for competition! And an outpouring of love, support and excitement came from everyone, ranging from superstars to celebrities to fans.
February 8, 2016 vs. March 20, 2018#Grateful #DanielBryanReturns #SDLive @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/wlkFnuJITt
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Daniel Bryan is here!
Dallas greets the SmackDown General Manager with an incredible ovation of “YES! YES!” and even “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” Bryan hears their chants, and thanks them all. But he moves things from joy to sadness, as Shane McMahon was attacked. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn aren’t here yet, so for now, Bryan will talk about something else. Two years ago, Bryan’s forced retirement was one of the toughest days of his life. But Bryan focused on gratefulness. He admits he was depressed, that he was angry, that he was being kept from doing what he loves, but he stayed focus on being grateful. He has much to be grateful for. From his family, to friends, to “the best fans in the world”, but especially his “beautiful wife”.
Through all his struggles, Brie was there supporting him. She let him know it was okay to fight for a dream. Brie encouraged him to see specialists, and Bryan did. Each new review encouraged them to see another, and another. Fans chant, “Thank You, Brie!” Every specialist that cleared Bryan encouraged him to keep going. Bryan fought his way back, even when he wanted to quit. Brie kept him in the fight for his dreams, because if you fight for your dreams, you dreams will fight for you! “Every hard thing seems impossible until it becomes real.” Bryan got the WWE to review his case, and they sent him all over the country to meet the best of the best. And every specialist said one thing: “You are cleared.” Fans chant “YES! YES!” once again in hearing this great news.
Those three magic words… You. Are. CLEARED.#DanielBryanReturns #SDLive @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/WoAP5fUF4u
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
“There was a time when being cleared to compete in a WWE ring seemed impossible. But now it is real.” Bryan has many thanks, such as to the WWE and the doctors. They looked at him as a person and not a wrestler. They gave Bryan that second look and cleared him. Bryan thanks the WWE Universe, in Dallas or at home, for the support through all of this. Every week, all the “YES!” Chants, or “Daniel Bryan!” or “You Deserve It!”, Bryan thanks them for that. And lastly, Bryan thanks Brie, because she’s supported him more than anyone else can imagine.
Now to the fun stuff. Bryan doesn’t know when or where it’ll be that he returns to the ring– Fans want Wrestlemania!
Hmmmm….. #WrestleMania #DanielBryanReturns @WWEDanielBryan #SDLive pic.twitter.com/s60HXEN5Uj
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Is that a good idea? “YES! YES!” Bryan vows that even if it isn’t Wrestlemania, he will return to the WWE ring for competition! It’s only a matter of time, where and who against will it be?
Daniel Bryan talks with Charles Robinson backstage.
Robinson congratulates Daniel Bryan, but reports that Kevin & Sami aren’t here yet. When they arrive, let Bryan know. Dolph Ziggler comes over to congratulate Bryan, and to say he can’t wait to beat him. Bryan says Ziggler can try. Is the Show-Off a potential return opponent for the Goat?
"Let me by the first to say, I can't wait to beat you." – @HEELZiggler
"Well, you can certainly try." – @WWEDanielBryan#SDLive #DanielBryanReturns pic.twitter.com/tLvkTEr1Ds
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Rusev w/ Aiden English!
An ARTIST has arrived…
…and #WWEChampion @AJStylesOrg has a front row seat! #SDLive @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/TiL3YziCBQ
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
The King of Strong Style beat the Bulgarian Brute back at Fastlane, but Rusev is back for more! Can Nakamura maintain momentum this close to his WWE Championship match with AJ Styles? Speaking of Styles, he’s ringside on commentary to keep an eye on things.
Some #WrestleMania scouting from #WWEChampion @AJStylesOrg?#SDLive @ShinsukeN @RusevBUL pic.twitter.com/gMgOMCsNZQ
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
The bell rings and the two circle. Rusev gets the arm wrench and wristlock while fans duel back and forth. Nakamura uses the ropes to flip and reverse the hold, but Rusev turns that around into a headlock takeover. Nakamura headscissors back, but Rusev pops out. They circle again, feeling each other out, but Nakamura gets a quick kick in on Rusev. Nakamura laughs, then dodges to say “C’MON!”
COME ON!!!!!#SDLive @ShinsukeN @RusevBUL pic.twitter.com/BYfq7xUu5A
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 21, 2018
Rusev runs in but into the knee. Nakamura kicks, Rusev kicks, then Nakamura forearms and Rusev forearms. Nakamura fires off but Rusev put shim in a corner. Rusev kicks the inner thighs, whips and then knocks Nakamura over with the heel kick. Cover, TWO, but Rusev keeps his cool while we go picture in picture.
Rusev stalks Nakamura, dragging him up to stomp his ribs. Rusev reels Nakamura into a clothesline, then drives an elbow into Nakamura’s shoulders. He backs up to kick Nakamura stiff in the back, then cover, TWO. Rusev keeps his cool but Nakamura fires back, only to run into Rusev’s back elbow. Rusev wags a finger “No no no” before wrapping Nakamura in a chinlock. Nakamura endures the squeeze on the mat, and slowly works his way up. Rusev squeezes and stretches Nakamura, but Nakamura responds with a jawbreaker! Nakamura runs but into Rusev’s boot, then Rusev stomps Nakamura’s head. Rusev drops an elbow, then another elbow, then another, and covers, TWO. Rusev glares at Nakamura, then drags him up to the ropes to choke him. He backs off at the ref’s count, then brings Nakamura up for a back suplex. Cover, TWO, so back to the chinlock it is.
Nakamura endures more squeeze while we go single picture again. He fights out with elbows, but Rusev responds with a knee. Rusev whips, but Nakamura dodges, to hit the dynamic dropkick! The fans rally while Styles looks on intently. Nakamura strike fests and kicks Rusev in the chest. Rusev blocks one but gets the other, and gets to a corner. Nakamura gives an elevated Good Vibrations, then sets Rusev up top for the Top Shelf knee! Nakamura fires up and aims at Rusev, but Rusev drop toeholds! Accolade barely escaped, but that roundhouse! Cover, TWO! English is furious in Rusev’s place, but Rusev himself keeps his cool. Rusev stomps the mat and prepares himself. He thrusts in but Nakamura swings, swings, but brings Rusev into a takedown! Cover, TWO, and Rusev tries his own, TWO. Nakamura gets another cover, Nakamura wins! Even Styles grins there.
.@ShinsukeN is on a ROLL as he gets the victory over @RusevBUL… but is @AJStylesOrg happy about it? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/OkIVbvBQLe
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
But English attacks! Team Rusev Day stomp and stomp Nakamura, like they did to Styles last week. Styles watches, like Nakamura did last week, then slowly prepares to help. However, Nakamura fights Rusev Day off by himself! Seems Nakamura didn’t need Styles to help him out. Will the Rockstar be in better shape then the Phenomenal One come Wrestlemania?
NOPE! @ShinsukeN didn't need any help from @AJStylesOrg as The #KingOfStrongStyle quells a post-match attack from @RusevBUL & @WWEDramaKing! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/T334TyX03y
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 21, 2018
SmackDown looks at Championship VS Streak.
The Queen of Flair is the SmackDown Women’s Champion, but the Empress has a streak as long as it is dominant. “No one is ready for Asuka!” Charlotte herself is preparing backstage when Natalya comes along. Natty knows Charlotte is scared. What is she babbling about? The clock is ticking, it is only a matter of time the Queen bows down. No, Charlotte is excited because this will be her biggest challenge yet. Natty is better than both of them! She should be the one facing Charlotte! Asuka is only undefeated because she hasn’t faced Natty. Well if Natty wants to prove that, they’ll have a match tonight. Fine by the Queen of Harts. Will Natty put her money where her mouth is? Or will Charlotte get some easy momentum headed towards Wrestlemania?
.@NatByNature won't get @MsCharlotteWWE at #WrestleMania, but she will get #TheQueen TONIGHT on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/0gz9xPJoYS
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
AJ Styles find Nakamura backstage.
Nakamura assures Styles he didn’t need his help. Styles saw that. Okay but one more thing. Styles knows, Nakamura says he’ll beat Styles at Wrestlemania. Styles needs to be more confident. But yes, Nakamura will win, with a #Knee2Face.
“You should have more confidence. But yes, I will beat you at #WrestleMania, KNEE to FACE!” – @ShinsukeN
The pressure is on @AJStylesOrg… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/uAnyjmN6iE
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Baron Corbin VS Tye Dillinger!
It's @WWEDillinger vs. @BaronCorbinWWE RIGHT NOW on #SDLive, LIVE on @USA_Network! pic.twitter.com/kCukH9AWUj
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 21, 2018
The Lone Wolf and Perfect 10 have both declared for the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, but who will gain momentum towards it here 1v1?
The bell rings, Tye gets a waistlock but Corbin backs him to a corner. Tye gets a headlock and holds on even as Corbin tries to power out. Corbin lifts but Tye holds on. Tye tries to snapmare but Corbin won’t go down, so Tye gives forearms. He whips but evades Corbin’s kick to chop, Corbin clobbers Tye down! Corbin drags Tye up and rock him with a right forearm, and Tye staggers to ropes. Corbin throws Tye into a buckle, then backs off to run back in. Tye evades, Corbin slides out and in but into Tye’s boot!
Tye clotheslines Corbin out, and then goes to the apron to jump. Corbin catches him by the throat, lifts but Tye slips out. Tye mule kicks Corbin then puts him back in the ring. Tye hops up, flies, but the crossbody turns into End of- No, Tye manages to counter by going limp and slipping out. Corbin throws Tye all the way out of the ring, then goes out to rock him with a right. Corbin reels Tye in, NOW End of Days! Cover, Corbin wins! Can the Lone Wolf finally take advantage of opportunities by becoming a two-time Battle Royal winner?
It's the #EndOfDays for @WWEDillinger as @BaronCorbinWWE brings the DARKNESS and the THUNDER on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/5yIPiPbF2A
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Charlotte Flair VS Natalya!
BOW DOWN, @WWEUniverse. ? ? ?#SDLive @MsCharlotteWWE pic.twitter.com/zrVUKa6F0k
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
SmackDown’s Queen of Flair and Queen of Harts do battle once again to see if catty Natty really can beat the Women’s Champion.
The bell rings and Charlotte lets out a “WOO~” before tying up with Natty. Natty gets the wristlock but Charlotte arm-drags her, and meow, those claws come out. They tie up again as fans rally, and Natty gets the wristlock again, but Charlotte spins around and puts the lock back on Natty. Natty shows her agility to reverse and then get he takedown. She rolls over Charlotte but Charlotte reverses to a headlock. Natty goes back to the wristlock, then rolls up, TWO. Natty tells the fans to shut up, they just “WOO~!” at her. Charlotte lunges in and get a waistlock slam, cover, TWO. Charlotte gets another takedown, cover, TWO, and Natty kicks low. Natty clubs Charlotte, then whips her to a corner, but Charlotte goes up and over to roll Natty back with a bridge, TWO!
Things are still technical and scrappy as Charlotte pushes Natty for another cover, TWO. Charlotte drives in an elbow, then goes to a neck wrench before shifting to a headscissors hold. She throws Natty around in that hold three times before covering, TWO. Natty kicks low again, then tells the fans to shut up. She whips Charlotte but Charlotte goes up and over to shoulder in and dive for a roll, TWO. Stiff neckbreaker to big boot, and Natty bails out of the ring. Charlotte styles and profiles while we go to break.
Yes. Queen. #SDLive @MsCharlotteWWE @NatByNature pic.twitter.com/BzCxTm9iky
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 21, 2018
SmackDown returns to Natty now in control with an abdominal stretch. The fans rally and Charlotte works her way out, but Natty turns that to a backslide. Charlotte slides off and boots Natty down again. She runs at Natty in a corner but Natty elbows back. Natty tries to boot back but Charlotte takes that leg and puts it on the ropes. Charlotte springboards to drop a knee on it, but Natty evades and Charlotte’s knee goes into the mat. Natty throws Charlotte against the buckles, then embraces the heat. She stomps a mudhole into Charlotte, then tells the ref to shut up about the count. Natty drags Charlotte up and out for a snapmare, then runs over her, but Charlotte kip-up to lariat! Both women are down from exhaustion, but Charlotte drags herself up to her feet.
The fans rally, and both women approach each other. Charlotte gives out those Flair chops! She whips Natty to the corner, then chops again! Charlotte’s exploder suplex throws Natty at the ropes, and she walks over, but Natty yanks her into the buckles! Natty spins, but into another boot! Charlotte goes for the legs but Natty scrambles away, then evades in a corner. Natty runs in but is caught into backbreaker and buckle shot! Natty gasps while Charlotte brings herself up to her feet. Charlotte climbs up, but Natty springs up to trip her up! Natty carries Charlotte, for a spinning powerbomb!
A THUNDEROUS #Powerbomb by @NatByNature, but a resilient @MsCharlotteWWE POWERS OUT! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/VEoIzeoH4X
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Cover, TWO! Both women are down again, barely moving. Natty finally gets up, and she goes for the legs, for the Sharpshooter! Charlotte endures, reaches and crawls for ropes, to get the ropebreak. Natty kicks her to the apron, then guillotine catapults her into the ropes.
Natty staggers up, as does Charlotte, Natty discus lariats Charlotte down! Cover, TWO! Natty brings Charlotte up, Charlotte cradle counters, TWO. Charlotte gets the takedown, but Natty shoves Charlotte out. Natty comes out running but Charlotte runs her over with a SPEAR! Charlotte brings Natty up and in, and finally into the Figure Four! Natty endures, slapping Charlotte. Natty rolls things but Charlotte keeps it going, and then Charlotte brings Natty tot he apron for a hanging Figure Four! The referee has them break it up, but Charlotte isn’t done yet. She climbs up, but Natty intercepts again. They brawl while Natty climbs up, and Natty grabs Charlotte, for a SUPERPLEX! Natty can’t move for the cover, out comes CARMELLA!!
Is #MsMITB @CarmellaWWE CASHING IN?!?!?!??!?!??!?!#SDLive @MsCharlotteWWE pic.twitter.com/2KfO5r6YYi
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Ms. Money in the Bank brings her own ref, and the briefcase! But Charlotte revives! She boots Carmella down! Natty rolls Charlotte, Natty wins!! No cash in for Carmella, but no win for the SmackDown Women’s Champion, either! Was this a conspiracy or just perfect timing for Natty? And all that aside, can Charlotte refocus to be ready for Asuka?
An unsuccessful cash-in for @CarmellaWWE…
A VICTORY for @NatByNature…
An upsetting loss for @MsCharlotteWWE… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/NvYEuUnhZM
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Jimmy Uso w/ Jey VS Harper w/ Rowan!
After the utter devastation The Bludgeon Brothers brought upon The New Day and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, obviously the Usos would want some semblance of revenge. Can Jimmy do it when it’s just him and just Harper? Or will the story be the same for the stoic behemoths of the Blue Brand?
Before the match, the Usos speak. “Check this out.” At Fastlane, Usos VS New Day, battling it out to be the champions. “One of the hottest rivalries renewed.” Another instant classic to determine who goes on to Wrestlemania. Until the Bludgeon Brothers got involved. Harper & Rowan weren’t just after titles, but they were out to give out beatings. Jey is all banged up, but it’s okay because the Usos still have the belts. The Usos don’t know how to back down, they only know how to survive. They only know is how to go hard and be “the best damn tag team the WWE has ever seen!”
"All we know how to do is be the BEST tag team the @WWE has EVER SEEN!" @WWEUsos are HOLDING DOWN the #SDLive Tag Team Division! pic.twitter.com/yVHamBQjwS
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Three weeks away, they’re not standing down. Nine years in the game, and you think you can take just take away what they’ve worked so hard to get? It doesn’t matter if the Usos are 100%, 90%, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20. It doesn’t matter, you get in the ring, it’s #LockDown! Welcome to the Uso Penitentiary! Harper & Rowan appear while we go picture in picture.
Scared? #SDLive #BludgeonBrothers @ERICKROWAN @LukeHarperWWE pic.twitter.com/GNFa6NpzRP
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
The Bludgeon Brothers take their time entering the ring. Harper hops up onto the apron and stares Jimmy down. The two circle, but Jimmy slips out of the ring. Harper follows, with Rowan behind him, and they stalk Jimmy regroups with Jey to lead them around. Jimmy reenters the ring, to hit Harper as he hops up. Jimmy runs, but Harper knocks him back, to then get in the ring and throw Jimmy out. Harper leaves the ring again to rock Jimmy with a stiff chop and uppercut. He rips Jimmy’s shirt off before giving him another uppercut, then another. Jimmy gets to a corner but Harper is upon him, a palm grinding into Jimmy’s jaw. Harper chops Jimmy, then chops him again, but Jimmy hits back with an uppercut and chop of his own.
Jimmy backs Harper down, then whips but Harper reverses to hit a corner uppercut. Harper throws Jimmy down, then stalks him to a corner. Fans rally, but Harper chops Jimmy again. Harper runs in for a side splash, but fans keep rallying for the Usos. Harper runs but Jimmy ducks and Harper tumbles down and out. Jey stays clear while Jimmy comes out, but Harper shoves him back. Harper runs but a drop toehold sends him face first into the LED, breaking a panel! Jimmy builds speed but Rowan is on the apron to stop him.
… and just like that, Jimmy @WWEUsos is stopped in his tracks. #SDLive @ERICKROWAN @LukeHarperWWE pic.twitter.com/yJK03ulRAb
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 21, 2018
Harper returns, but Jimmy kicks Rowan and dragon whips Harper. Rowan is incensed, but Jey SUPERKICKS Harper, Jimmy SUPERKICKS, cover, TWO!? Jimmy is shocked but he doesn’t lose focus. He runs but into Harper’s SUPERKICK. Harper lifts Jimmy but Jimmy slips out, and boots Harper away. Jimmy climbs up, Harper sweeps his legs, and then climbs up to smack Jimmy’s face off the top of the post. Harper backs away to take aim from the corner, big spinning lariat! Harper covers, Harper wins for the Bludgeon Brothers. With great dominance and durability even 1v1, who can hope to defeat Harper & Rowan as a team?
A real life NIGHTMARE come true as The #BludgeonBrothers' @LukeHarperWWE puts away Jimmy @WWEUsos. #SDLive @ERICKROWAN pic.twitter.com/wSiJIhuKAB
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Sunil Singh introduces Jinder Mahal.
With a #USTitle opportunity at #WrestleMania, @JinderMahal is in a GOOD MOOD on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/1i7kDwy4Vn
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 21, 2018
Or in other words, the “next United States Champion” and Modern Day Maharaja. The WWE announced a United States Championship Triple Threat with Mahal, former champion Bobby Roode, and current Champion, Randy Orton. The fans boo and jeer, but Mahal says they’re just hypocrites. Mahal has sacrificed everything for a moment on the Grandest Stage. He reminds us that “a man of my wealth” could be vacationing anywhere in the world. And a “man of my looks and physique” could be the biggest star in Bollywood. Yet, Mahal chose to restore the WWE Championship to prestige and make SmackDown the show. People should worship him! Americans claim to want change, yet all they care about is the status quo with men like Randy Orton and… Bobby Roode appears!
Take your time, @REALBobbyRoode…
We can watch this ALL DAY! #GLORIOUS #SDLive pic.twitter.com/FdwvfRFPMP
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 21, 2018
The GLORIOUS Roode says the only hypocrite here is Mahal. As for no respect, “respect is a two way street.” And Mahal doesn’t deserve any respect. What Mahal deserves come Wrestlemania is Roode beating him and winning back the United States title. And when Roode does, “it’s going to be absolutely–” Randy Orton appears!
Yes, the Grand slam Champion! Mahal, shut up. He doesn’t understand why no one respects him, or why when people think of the greatest champions, he’s not included. It’s actually rather obvious, really: without the help of his stooges, Mahal sucks. The fans agree, they chant “You Suck! You Suck!” at Mahal. Mahal takes off his coat, but throws Sunil Singh at Orton! Mahal runs away, Orton gives Sunil the draping DDT! Orton prepares those voices, but Roode takes Sunil for the GLORIOUS DDT! He tries one for Orton, Orton tries to reverse to the RKO but Roode pushes away. Mahal slinks near the ring but they’re both ready for him. The fans chant “RKO! RKO!” but this will wait for Wrestlemania. Who will be THE United States Champion after these three meet on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Who will strike first? #SDLive #WrestleMania @REALBobbyRoode @JinderMahal @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/qmL3Hn1UOU
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Naomi & Becky Lynch VS The Riott Squad w/ Ruby Riott!
The Glow and the Fire look to get back on track after a few defeats as of late. Meanwhile, Ruby’s #KentuckyStrong and #LivStrong compatriots want to look strong going into the Women’s Wrestlemania Battle Royal. Who will get the edge here tonight?
The bell rings and Sarah Logan starts against Naomi. They tie up and Sarah picks Naomi up to bring her to the Squad’s corner. She tags in Liv Morgan and they double whip Naomi, only for Naomi to slide under and kick them both. Liv ducks a kick and a kick and a kick, but not that knee. Naomi covers, TWO, so Naomi tags in Becky. They double whip and double hip toss Liv down. Becky mule kicks and European Uppercuts Liv to then go after her at the ropes. Liv kicks back then whips but Becky reverses. Liv yanks Becky into buckles and tags in Sarah, Ruby looking on with a grin as Becky’s head is bumped off Sarah’s boot. The Squad mudhole stomp Becky, then Sarah runs to hit Becky with a stiff sliding knee. Cover, TWO, but Sarah stays on her with a half straitjacket.
The fans rally for Becky, even as Sarah thrashes her around. Becky fights up to her feet and arm-drags out, but Sarah intercepts her tag to slam Becky down. Sarah brings Becky up but Becky throws Sarah out over the top rope. Becky crawls but Ruby helps Sarah get back in, and Sarah runs to knock Naomi off the apron. Sarah drags Becky back, then single leg deadlift, but Becky reverses into the Disarm-her!
#DisArmHer SHE DOES as The #RiottSquad's @sarahloganwwe taps to @BeckyLynchWWE! The #IrishLassKicker is catching ? on the Road to #WrestleMania! #SDLive @NaomiWWE pic.twitter.com/zgqlPqtQOG
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Liv comes in, Rear View from Naomi! Sarah taps, Becky & Naomi win! The Fire and the Glow light up, can one of them carve their names in history at Wrestlemania?
Daniel Bryan learns of Kevin & Sami arriving.
He has his assistant tell them to meet him in the ring. What will happen on the other side of the break?
Daniel Bryan returns to the ring.
The SmackDown GM waited all night for this. They’re here, so he asks Kevin & Sami come to the ring to join him. Sami & Kevin do come out, and are excited from knowing the news of the day.
.@SamiZayn CAN'T contain his excitement for @WWEDanielBryan's in-ring return! #SDLive #DanielBryanReturns @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/gXQsTZ9J7D
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 21, 2018
They weren’t sure about coming, since Shane McMahon wasn’t. Then they got the news! Daniel Bryan is cleared for competition! Kevin & Sami raced here, but got pulled over by Walker Texas Ranger for speeding. They talked their way out of it, because “everyone’s dumber in Texas.” But they’re here now to share the moment and it feels great. Sami & Kevin wouldn’t miss this for the world. He supported them day one. He understood them when no one else did. When the rest of SmackDown’s roster hated them, he stood up for them. When Shane had a grudge against them, he was fair. And now, Bryan gets to return to in-ring competition! Good things happen to good people.
Raw VS SmackDown, A-Show VS B-Show? The show that has Kevin, Sami and Bryan is the DREAM Show! In fact, that sounds like a dream team. The fans say “NO! NO!” and Bryan appreciates the idea, but that’s not what this meeting is for. It’s about the assault they committed on Shane last week after Shane said he would take an indefinite leave of absence and step down from being Commissioner.
Sami & Kevin can’t help but laugh. They think that was funny? Kevin admits they got carried away, and Sami admits that looks extreme, but we all know Shane deserves it, right? Bryan says they can’t act like this is something small. That attack was a big deal. They understand what they did, right? Bryan knows they’re the very best of this generation, and when Shane said Bryan lived vicariously through them, he was right. They’ve known each other for 15 years. But they assaulted their boss.
And the one thing Bryan really can’t understand is, they’d won. Shane admitted to everything, and gave them a 1v1 match at Wrestlemania! Imagine back to ten years ago, if they were told this was going to happen. Not only did Shane do that, but also, he was leaving! Bryan was in their corner to run this show, yet they still went and did that. Shane was right, and Bryan doesn’t want to do this but… Bryan was fired twice, and came back better. Sami & Kevin can learn and grow, so as much as Bryan hates having to do this, but… “You’re Fired.”
"I hate that I have to do this, but @SamiZayn… @FightOwensFight… YOU'RE FIRED."
A SHOCKING announcement from #SDLive General Manager @WWEDanielBryan. pic.twitter.com/TVmrsLF73k
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
The fans chant “YES! YES!” as Kevin & Sami get what they deserve. Bryan says they won’t be gone forever, just for now. He’s sorry, but he has to. He offers a handshake good-bye, which Sami accepts. Bryan offers it to Kevin, Kevin accepts it. They go to leave, but Kevin attacks!! Kevin roars as Sami rains down rights and lefts! Deja vu to last week, #Kami goes after Bryan, but Bryan fights back! He pushes Kevin to a corner and unloads kicks! Then Sami comes in for a sleeper, but Bryan slips around for a German Suplex! Dropkick fro Kevin! Dropkick for Sami!
Try to ATTACK @WWEDanielBryan? NOT SO FAST, @FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn! #SDLive #DanielBryanReturns pic.twitter.com/oLVbbEjtF3
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Another for Kevin! Another for Sami! Bryan is back! And fans chant “YES! YES!” as Kevin takes the YES Kicks!
The YES! Kicks are BACK!!!!#SDLive #YesYesYes #DanielBryanReturns @WWEDanielBryan @FightOwensFight @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/cJT8vYC64A
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
Sami returns to clobber Bryan, and fans boo. Referees try to stop this but Sami keeps going. He drags Bryan up, SUPERKICK from Kevin. Kevin holds Bryan up, and shouts for Sami to “DO IT!” Sami runs in, HELLUVA KICK! Bryan goes down, the fans say “You Suck! You Suck!” Kevin and Sami look down at Bryan as he tries to stand, and Kevin punches him down again. They bring Bryan out of the ring and to the floor, and Sami feeds Bryan to the APRON POWERBOMB!! Bryan goes down in a heap, and the fans boo and jeer while Kevin roars in rage. Kevin & Sami finally leave while a stretcher comes out. The fans remind them “You’re Still Fired!” but will there be consequences beyond that for them? And what will this mean for Bryan’s in-ring return after taking all that damage?
Is @WWEDanielBryan's in-ring return in jeopardy after a VICIOUS attack from @FightOwensFight & @SamiZayn? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/fvtf06Lmid
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2018
My Thoughts:
This was quite the episode of SmackDown. Things were a bit copy & paste of last week with some edits, but it was all in good taste of the stories building. Nakamura taking on Rusev, winning, then actually fighting them off, all without Styles, was a great flip from last week when he bailed Styles out. There should be a Styles-Nakamura VS Rusev Day tag match before we get to ‘Mania, it’s completely logical. Corbin VS Dillinger was a bit filler, but still great to see Dillinger back on TV. Clearly WWE wants us to anticipate a possible repeat win for Corbin, which will likely mean he doesn’t repeat. Would be great if Dillinger wins, battle royals are perfect for giving someone a big boost in the card.
The Women’s Division did pretty good tonight. Charlotte VS Natty was incredible, but their matches always are. Carmella pulling off a cash-in swerve not-swerve was incredible. I’d like to think Carmella was being in it for herself and Natty took advantage as opposed to a plan between the two. Carmella still has chances, but this could foreshadow how she tries it again at ‘Mania. As for the tag match, that was a bit weaker, but good for Becky to get the win. Maybe Becky can use the Women’s Battle Royal to boost her back up to the top. The Tag Team and US Championship segments were also good, helping set up some great stuff for ‘Mania, and especially next week’s tag team of Orton-Roode VS Mahal-Singh. Given how Orton pointed out Mahal sucks when he’s without the Singhs, I’d hope they win to prove it.
Great to hear the news reported again on air, and Bryan was genuinely emotional sharing the reality of it all. There was so much speculation in the hours leading up to tonight, and Ziggler gave a nice tease. However, it’s clear the first thing for Bryan in-ring has to do with Kevin & Sami. I did not expect Bryan to “fire” them, and I really didn’t expect them to attack like that. They did almost as much as they did to Shane, but obviously they couldn’t go that hard on someone who just got cleared. This does kinda make you wonder just how long he really was cleared, or why he was finally cleared. But chances are, Bryan & Shane VS Kevin & Sami is where this is heading. After that, the sky’s the limit for Bryan because of how red hot over he still is with fans.
My Score: 8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Parting is such sweet sorrow…

There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.
NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
- 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
- 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!
The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.
Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.
Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!
Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!
Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!
Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.
Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.
And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?
10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!
Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?
The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.
Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!
Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.
Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!
Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.
Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!
Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!
Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”
The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!
Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!
Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!
The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!
LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!
Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!
Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.
Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!
Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!
Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!
Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out
It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!
Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?
My Thoughts:
A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.
And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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 WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/20/25)
This is more than just a gamble!

Will this be a historic finale to WrestleMania?
John Cena has said he is retiring after 2025, but he wants to take the Undisputed WWE Championship with him! Will his 17th be everyone’s last reign? Or can Cody Rhodes save the future?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Iyo Sky VS Bianca Belair VS Rhea Ripley; Iyo wins and retains the title.
- Sin City Street Fight: Damian Priest VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way: Bron Breakker VS Penta VS Finn Balor VS Dominik Mysterio; Dom wins and becomes the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.
- Open Challenge: Randy Orton VS Joe Hendry; Orton wins.
- AJ Styles VS Logan Paul; Logan wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch; Lyra & Becky win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS John Cena; Cena wins and becomes the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WrestleMania Night 2 Countdown Show!
Once again, join Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, Wade Barrett, Big E and more in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action set for the big finale!
Ava Max sings the United States of America National Anthem.
Stephanie McMahon is in the ring!
The Billion Dollar Queen of WWE is here and says, “The last time WrestleMania was in Las Vegas was WrestleMania 9 at Caesar’s Palace, and I was 16 years old. Here we are today, at Allegiant Stadium for WrestleMania 41, and my middle daughter is 16 years old. WWE has always been a part of my life, which includes all of you. You are a part of my family because WWE IS family. And I am so incredibly proud to say, welcome home. And welcome to NIGHT TWO of WrestleMania!” The pyro goes off and the fans cheer! Will Mania hit the jackpot all over again with this finale?
WWE Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Iyo Sky VS Bianca Belair VS Rhea Ripley!
The Evil Genius won this title off of The Eradicator, but perhaps only because The EST, who had won the Elimination Chamber match, ended up a bit of a distraction. After weeks of these three all getting after each other verbally and physically, it finally comes down to the three of them having it out once and for all. Who opens Night 2 with a victory that defies the odds?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins the title, and the respect that comes with it!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the three stare down. Bianca and Rhea talk trash on each other again, and Iyo steps up, not wanting to be ignored again. Iyo stops the double pie faces! And she SHOTEIS Rhea! Bianca shove Iyo at Rhea, Rhea ROCKS Iyo! Bianca ROCKS Rhea! Iyo RAN- NO, Bianca brings Iyo up, throws her at Rhea, but Iyo RANAS Rhea! Iyo ducks ‘n’ dodges Bianca, Bianca avoids the handspring, but the SHOTGUN hits! But then Rhea DROPKICKS Iyo! Iyo bails out, Bianca is in a corner, and Rhea stares down her rival. They tie up, Rhea waistlocks, and Rhea SLAMS Bianca down.
Bianca fights up, switches, and SLAMS Rhea! Rhea fights up, fights the lift, and elbows free! Bianca runs up to DROPKICK Rhea to a corner! Bianca kips up, the fans are torn, but Bianca says kiss this. Bianca RAMS into Rhea, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count along, but Iyo returns! Bianca backflips, Iyo runs into Rhea! Bianca RAMS them both! Bianca climbs up and starts again! The fans count and Bianca goes all the way to TEN, then keeps going! But Iyo gets free and grabs the braid! Bianca uses that to whip Iyo to the corner. Rhea shoves Bianca, Iyo dodges! Bianca BOOTS Rhea, Iyo goes up, DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER!
Iyo double high stacks, TWO! DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Iyo runs at Bianca, only to be put on the apron. Bianca SMACKS Iyo off the buckles! But Rhea BOOTS Bianca out! Rhea goes to the apron, runs and CANNONBALLS Bianca down! The fans fire up but then Iyo goes up! ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Rhea! The fans fire up with Iyo and she puts Rhea in. Iyo wheelbarrows, victory rolls, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Rhea stays in this but Iyo runs, only to dodge Bianca! Bianca LARIATS Rhea up and out, talks more trash, but Iyo sunset flips Bianca! TWO! Bianca gets up to CLOBBER Iyo!
The fans are torn and Bianca is annoyed. Bianca runs, but she handsprings over Iyo’s drop down. Bianca again says kiss this, then she wrenches Iyo to snap suplex! Roll through, snap suplex! Roll through again, and stalling suplex! Bianca hits her own Three Amigas and then swaggers. Bianca runs, handsprings, but Rhea trips her up! Rhea drags Bianca out to CLUB away! Iyo goes to the apron, and she leaps, FLYING RAN- NO! Bianca stops Iyo, and SWINGS her into the barriers! Then swings her at Rhea! Rhea catches Iyo, the two decide to THROW Iyo into the barriers! Rhea then kicks Bianca, puts her in the ring, and gets around to kick low.
Rhea reels Bianca in, suplexes, but Bianca slips free. Bianca waistlocks, Rhea ELBOWS free, but Iyo leaps in! Rhea dodges, comes back and kicks low. Rhea gets Iyo up, Canadian Rack, RAZOR’S EDGE onto Bianca! A shoutout to both Priest and Hall, then a cover on Iyo, TWO! Rhea is annoyed but she hauls Iyo up. Iyo fights the lift, victory rolls, but Rhea trips her up! Rhea has the legs, ties them up, and has Iyo in the PRISM TRAP! But Bianca grabs Rhea! Torture rack and KISS OF- NO, Rhea lands out to arm-drag! They both run Bianca dodges the boot, but then they both return! DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS take both women down!
The fans are thunderous as all three women are on the mat, and they all go to corners. “This is Awesome!” as Iyo rises first. SHINKANSEN for Rhea! SHINKANSEN for Bianca! Another for Rhea! Iyo drags Rhea to the drop zone, then goes up, up, and OVER THE- NO, Rhea goes up to stop Iyo! Bianca runs up to CLUB Rhea! Bianca has Rhea, Rhea has Iyo, DOUBLE SUPER BACK SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous again as all three women are down! Bianca finds Rhea and drags her up. Rhea breaks free to ROCK Bianca, but Bianca ROCKS her back! Bianca slips around, shoves, but Rhea ducks ‘n’ dodges. Bianca hurdles, but then Rhea BOOTS her!
Iyo springboards to MISSILE DROPKCIK Rhea! Kip up and a handspring, the fans are going nuts for the Evil Genius! But Bianca POUNCES Iyo!! The fans boo but all three women are down again. Bianca crawls to the apron, climbs a corner, and goes up to 450 SPLASH on Iyo! Cover, but Rhea BOOTS Bianca away! Rhea pump handles, RIPTIDE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Bianca survives, proving she’s the toughEST, and that absolutely shocks Rhea! Rhea pleads with the ref, but no, the count was two. Rhea storms over to Iyo, drags her up and pump handles her now! RIP- DDT!! Iyo turns things around just in time! And then SHIN- EDDY GORDO KICK!
Iyo flops against the ropes, Rhea goes up the corner, and Rhea drags Iyo up the corner! Rhea pump handles again, for a SUPER RIP- ARM-DRAG!! Iyo roars and goes up! The fans fire up for the OVER THE MOONSAULT into BOOTS! And then the torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!!! Cover, RHEA BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric while all three women are down again! Bianca is freaking out, and she storms up on Rhea. Rhea sits up, Bianca SLAPS her, and then talks trash! Bianca shouts she works harder and deserves this more than Rhea! But Rhea SLAPS Bianca! Bianca DECKS Rhea! Bianca storms up, but Rhea BOOTS her!
Rhea gives the trash talk back, then DUMPS Bianca out! Rhea ROCKS Bianca, SMACKS her off the apron, then goes up the corner. The fans fire up and Rhea drags Bianca up the corner! Bianca fights back with body shots, but Rhea CLUBS Bianca! They brawl with big shots, then Rhea HEADBUTTS Bianca! Bianca falls to the floor, but Iyo SHORYUKENS! Iyo goes up to get Rhea, SUPER POISON- NO!! Rhea blocks with just one hand on the ropes! Rhea SWINGS Iyo into the post!! But Bianca torture racks Rhea!! KISS OF- RHEA LANDS OUT! The brawl is on again with big haymakers! And a HEADBUTT! And a RIP- NO, Bianca slips free!
Bianca WHIPLASHES with the braid!!! Then KISS OF DEATH!!! Cover, OVER THE MOONSAULT!!! Iyo covers Bianca, IYO WINS!!!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)
The Evil Genius snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, and maybe now the others will respect her! Who will be next to put Iyo to the test as a champion?
Sin City Street Fight: Damian Priest VS Drew McIntyre!
The Archer of Infamy has had enough of the Scottish Terminator blaming him for all his shortcomings since last WrestleMania. Now, they throw the rulebook out the window and fight like there’s no tomorrow. Will Priest send McIntyre South of Heaven? Or will McIntyre be guilty as sin in Sin City?
Fittingly, Drew McIntyre comes out as “Doomslayer,” from Doom: The Dark Ages. But just as fittingly, Priest has THE Kerry King of Slayer here to play his theme song live. Priest puts his new jacket aside, and Drew attacks! The bell rings, the fans fire up, and Drew fires off on Priest at the ropes. Priest shoves Drew, then dodges to LARIAT Drew up and out! Drew stagger sup, Priest FLYING ELBOWS off the apron! Priest then ROCKS Drew with a right! Drew staggers away, Priest SMACKS him off barriers, and Drew staggers away again. Priest SUPERKICKS Drew, then RAMS him into barriers! But Drew ROCKS Priest!
Drew reels Priest in and suplexes him to the LED ramp! The fans rally up while Drew leaves Priest behind. Drew pulls the steel steps apart, brings the base steps into the ring, then goes back for the other piece. But Priest CHUCKS it into Drew’s head! The fans fire up as Drew falls! Priest drags Drew up, and whips him hard into barriers! Drew falls behind the Hydration Station, but Priest brings out a TABLE! Vegas cheers as Priest puts that table in the ring. Drew returns to ROCK Priest! Drew SMACKS Priest off steel steps! And then off the English desk! Drew then POSTS Priest, goes back for more steel steps, and pulls those apart.
Drew has the smaller piece and he RAMS Priest! And RAMS him again! And then SLAMS it down on Priest’s back! Drew drops the steps, the fans fire up, and the ref checks on Priest. Priest sits up but Drew brings the steps back over, to SMASH Priest again! Drew borrows a fan’s phone? That’s his brother! Drew uses the phone to take a selfie and post it! Just like last year! Drew runs up to KICK Priest down, then pushes Priest in the ring. Drew goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a chair! Drew JAMS Priest in the ear! Drew then brings out TWO TABLES! Drew sets one up at ringside, then sets the other one up next to it.
Drew smiles as he pats the tables. Drew goes to the apron, but Priest ROCKS him! Drew wobbles, Priest ROCKS him again! Priest winds up, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS first! Drew runs and he LARIATS Priest up and out the other side! Drew thinks about it now, and he builds speed! Drew FLIES and down goes Priest! The fans fire up and Drew stands tall. Drew drags Priest back up, puts him back in the ring, then storms in. Drew soaks up the cheers and the jeers, then he goes to a corner. Priest flounders, Drew has the countdown! “THREE! TWO!” CHAIR TO THE FACE!! But Drew rebounds and CLAYMORES anyway!! Cover, TWO?!?
Priest survives, but it’s just as surprising that Drew didn’t fall from that chairshot. Drew grabs that very chair Priest threw, and he takes aim. Drew SMACKS Priest on the back! And SMACKS him again! Drew then puts the chair around Priest’s head! The ref says don’t do this, but that’s all the ref can do as Drew takes aim! Drew runs up, but Priest grabs Drew first! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives because Priest couldn’t do the sit-out! Priest crawls back and stands back up. Priest grabs another chair, takes aim, and he SMACKS Drew on the back! Drew writhes, but Priest sits him up, just to SMACK him down again!
Drew writhes and Priest paces. The fans rally, Priest takes aim again, and he SMACKS Drew down! Drew writhes while Priest goes to a corner. Priest rips away the padding on the crossbars, and then wedges the chair in. But Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Drew grabs that table Priest brought out, and now Drew stands it up. Drew drags Priest up, puts him on the top rope, and then CHOPS! Drew climbs up, fireman’s carries, and then tucks, but Priest slips free! Priest CLUBS Drew, and now he looks to the table! Crucifix lift, RAZOR’S EDGE through the table!! Cover, TWO!?! Drew survives and Priest is shocked!
Priest drags himself up, goes to the base steps, and he brings those around. Priest brings down the straps and the fans fire up. Priest waits on Drew as Drew hobbles around. Priest clamps on with the grip, but Drew CLAWS Priest’s eyes! Drew goes up the steps, reels Priest in, FULL METAL FUTURE SHOCK!!! Cover, TWO!??! Priest survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as both men writhe and crawl. Drew seethes, and he watches Priest rise up. Priest glares at Drew, but Drew SLAPS Priest! Priest SLAPS back, and now the haymakers start flying! It is fast ‘n’ furious and the fans are loving it!
Drew CHOPS! CHOPS! And CHOPS! Priest CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Drew HEADBUTTS, Priest LARIATS! Drew is down and the fans fire up! Priest drags Drew up by his hair, but Drew pushes Priest away. Priest comes back, knuckle locks, and he goes up the corner. The fans fire up as Priest goes Old School, but Drew SHOVES HIM OFF! PRIEST FALLS THROUGH THE TABLES ON THE OUTSIDE!!! The fans are losing their minds over that crash landing, and Drew manages to smile. Drew hobbles his way over while Priest flounders in the wreckage. Drew drags Priest up and into the ring, and pushes him against the chair Priest put in the corner!
Drew hobbles corner to corner, runs back in, FULL METAL CLAYMORE!!!! Cover, DREW WINS!!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Doom McIntyre just slayed the Archer of Infamy! Drew tells the ref to stop caring about Priest, and he makes the ref raise his hand in victory! Will Drew finally get over this grudge and go back for gold?
WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way: Bron Breakker VS Penta VS Finn Balor VS Dominik Mysterio!
The Badass Booty Nephew has been a dominate champion, and he’s had the dogs barking all over the world. But with this title comes a target, and now he’s in the biggest title defense he’s had yet! Will Bron make the most of the Steiner Math he worked out the other day? Will that 129.2% be trumped by #CeroMiedo? Or will this title soon belong to the Judgment Day?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster at WrestleMania!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Bron runs up! Dom dodges, but then Penta storms up. Bron DECKS Penta, stomps him, but Finn & Dom go after Bron! The fans boo as the Judgment Day boys mug Bron, then TOSS him out. Finn & Dom soak up the heat, but Penta GAMANGIRIS Finn! Penta goes up to CROSSBODY Dom! Penta then baits Finn in and RANAS him out! Dom runs up but Penta TOSSES him! Penta then builds speed and FLIES! Down goes both Finn & Dom and the fans fire up! But Bron LEAPS in from outta nowhere! Down goes Penta! The fans bark for Bron as he stands tall. Bron puts Penta in the ring, then builds speed, but Penta SUPERKICKS!
Penta shouts, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs, springboards, but into a POWERSLAM! Bron catches Finn, military presses him, and BREAKKER SLAMS him! Dom is back, but Bron SPEARS Dom! Cover, Finn breaks it! Finn does it more for his own chances, but now he regrets it as Bron storms up. Bron RAMS Finn into the corner again and again. Penta runs up, Bron ELBOWS him back, and then Bron RAMS Penta into the corner again and again. Finn runs up to SLINGBLADE! Penta SLING-DOGS Finn! Penta GAMANGIRIS Dom, sits him down, and then Penta drop toeholds Finn into Dom! Penta goes up, headstand and DROPKICK!
The fans fire up as Penta covers Finn, TWO! Penta traps one arm, grabs the other, and he makes Finn SACRIFICE! Penta pump handles Finn, lifts, but Bron waistlocks Penta! GERMAN SUPLEX HALF NELSON SUPLEX COMBO!! Bron kips up and Vegas barks even louder! Bron aims from a corner, runs in, but Penta dodges! Bron POSTS himself! Dom rushes in to THROW Penta down by his mask! Slingshot SENTON! Dom stomps a mudhole into Bron! Dom runs side to side and DROPKICKS Bron out! The fans are torn for Dom as he hits a suplex! Uno Amigo! Dom drags Penta up, DOS AMIGO! Then some Latino Heat, but Penta blocks!
Finn CLUBS Penta, he and Dom work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Carlito cheers his guys on as Finn & Dom mug Bron. They reel Bron in, but Bron fights the double suplex to DOUBLE SUPLEX them! Bron kips up, brings down the straps, and he catches Finn to OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Then an OVERHEAD for Dom! Bron LARIATS Finn in the corner, then he hoists Finn up top. Bron LARIATS Dom back down, then he goes up after Finn, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives and the fans fire up! Bron seethes as he rises up, and “This is Awesome!” as Bron goes back to a corner. Bron takes aim again, but Finn KICKS him first!
Penta SUPERKICKS Bron! Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Finn LARIATS Bron out of the ring! And now Dom aims at Finn! The fans wanna see it, and Dom DROPKICKS Finn onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Finn blocks the 619! Dom apologizes, but Finn KICKS the leg out, and stomps a mudhole into Dom! Penta hooks Finn up, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, BRON BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as now Bron and Penta stare down. They rise up and fire shots back and forth! The fans rally, and Penta CHOPS! Bron JUMP KNEES! Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta roars, runs, but has to dodge Bron! Carlito DUMPS Bron out!
The fans boo but Dom rolls Penta up, TWO!! Penta escapes, SUPERKICKS, then mule kicks! Penta runs, and hits a DESTROYER!! Cover, CARILTO DRAGS PENTA OUT! The fans boo but Carlito SMACKS Penta off the desk! Carlito clears the desk, tells Pat and Maggle and Wade to back off, then he drags Penta up. but Bron is on the other desk!? Bron jumps off the Spanish desk to SPEAR Carlito through the English desk!! The fans go nuts as Bron and Carlito are down in the wreckage! Penta leaves that mess behind and Bron manages to get in the ring. Bron powers up again, and he runs at Penta, SPEAR!!! But Dom slides in!
Dom DROPKICKS Bron onto ropes! Dom redials, 619 connects!! Dom goes up the corner, but Finn trips Dom up! The Prince aims at Bron while the fans boo, and Finn SLINGBLADES! Then he takes aim, SHOTGUN! Bron is down in the drop zone! Finn climbs and takes aim, COUP DE GRACE!!! Cover, but Dom FROG SPLASHES onto it all!! Cover on Finn, DOM WINS!!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Lie, cheat and steal, Dom learned a lot from Uncle Eddie! And now just like Uncle Eddie, he checks off the Intercontinental Championship! But what does this mean for Judgment Day?
Open Challenge: Randy Orton VS ???
The Viper wanted to settle scores with The Prizefighter, but Kevin Owens needed major neck surgery, and now we don’t even know if Kevin will ever return to the ring. In the meantime, Orton still wants a match for his 20th, so he put it out there that anyone can step to him. Orton grabs a mic and he tells the fans, “Tonight marks my 20th WrestleMania! Ladies and gents, I said that I would be here at WrestleMania 41 ready to go. The only question now is, who is gonna come through that curtain? I’ll tell you one thing, whoever it is, they’re gonna get their WrestleMania Moment, and it’s gonna be courtesy of the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment: R K O!”
Orton throws down the mic, paces inside the ring, and who answers the call? “Say his name and he appears… I believe in Joe Hendry!” That’s right! The TNA World Heavyweight Champion is making his WrestleMania debut, and everyone sings along with his song like they did with Voices! Orton isn’t quite sure what to make of this, but the fans are loving it! The bell rings, the fans chant “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” as Orton and Hendry step up. Then R K- NO, Hendry rolls Orton up! TWO, and then Hendry… TURNS! Hendry smiles and Orton is again unsure what to do with that. The two reset and circle again.
Orton kicks Hendry low, then runs, but Hendry blows past him to CLOBBER Orton! The fans fire up and Hendry brings Orton up. But Orton kicks low! Orton takes a swing, Hendry dodges and hits a NECKBREAKER! Then Hendry gets the fans to join in on We Will Rock You! Hendry grabs Orton by the neck, but Orton sees he’s taller. Orton pokes Hendry in the eye! And then LARIAT! LARIAT! Dodge and SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Orton brings Hendry up again. Orton puts Hendry in the ropes, drags him out, and DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up and Orton smirks, because Orton hears those voices in his head!
Orton watches Hendry rise up, but Hendry powers out of the RKO! Hendry scoops Orton to FALL AWAY SLAM! Hendry kips up, the fans fire up, and Hendry… TURNS! The fans cheer that big smile, RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, Orton wins!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
The Viper strikes, the Viper wins, and that’s a great way to cap off 20 years! But Orton does show Hendry respect by helping him stand back up. The fans cheer, Orton tells Hendry that all these people believe in him, and Hendry thanks Orton. Orton raises Hendry’s hand in respect, the fans cheer more, and then Orton RKOS!! Thanks for coming, Hendry! And then Orton… TURNS! Orton does his pose and the fans cheer. Will Orton only hit a new level of excellence on the other side of 20 years?
AJ Styles VS Logan Paul!
The Phenomenal One is just the newest of a long list of people that don’t like The Maverick. It isn’t Logan’s ability in the ring, it’s the fact Logan Paul is brash, obnoxious, and just downright arrogant, and that’s being nice. But will Styles use his own talent and ability to finally humble Logan? Or will Logan go from annoying to insufferable in the blink of an eye?
Logan of course vlogs his entrance with a selfie video, soaking up all the heat as he goes. Then things go multiscreen just so we can see Logan from all angles. One Logan Paul is bad enough, but imagine nine of him… Finally, Styles makes his entrance, and he knows he only needs to be the one and only. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally for Styles, he and Logan tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Styles powers Logan back, put shim in a corner, but the ref counts. Logan turns things around, the ref counts more, and Logan lets off to talk trash. Logan shoves Styles, eggs Styles on, but Styles just laughs that off.
The fans rally as Styles and Logan circle. They tie up, Styles slips around and headlocks. Logan fires body shots, then powers his way to a headlock. Styles endures, lifts, and puts Logan on ropes. Styles powers out, hurdles, then drops down. Logan stops himself, Styles runs up, but Logan puts him on the apron. Styles RAMS Logan, slides in and whips, but Logan reverses, only for Styles to run him over! Styles talks smack, runs, but now Logan hurdles. Styles DROPKICKS Logan down! Styles covers, ONE, but Styles goes to the outside. Styles drags Logan out, slaps him around, but Logan kicks Styles away.
Styles bumps into the desk, Logan PLANCHAS, but Styles catches him in the apron skirt! Styles goes all Fit Finlay on Logan Paul! Styles then CHOPS Logan, the fans “WOO~!” and Styles throws up the Too Sweet. The fans cheer, and Styles goes back to SLIDING KNEE Logan from the apron! Logan falls down, Styles steps inside, and the ring count climbs. The fans cheer Styles while he waits on Logan. Logan crawls around on the floor, Styles goes out the side, but Logan RAMS Styles into barriers! Logan brings Styles around to UPPERCUT! Logan whips Styles, Styles reverses and Logan hits barriers hard! The fans fire up while Styles stands tall.
Styles stalks Logan, drags him up, and SMACKS him off the apron. The fans rally behind Styles while he pushes Logan into the ring. Styles goes to the apron, but Logan avoids the shoulder to KICK Styles, POST him, and then whip him into the other POST! Styles falls to the floor and Logan slaps some sense into himself. Logan wants the count to get going but we’re only at 3 of 10. Styles rises at 5, but Logan PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time and Logan fires up! The fans boo even harder, but Logan stalks Styles around the way. Logan SMACKS Styles off the Spanish desk, mockingly says, “AJ Who!?” And he SMACKS Styles off the apron.
Logan refreshes the ring count, then goes to his Hydration Station. Logan grabs his camera and taunts Styles. Logan lets the drone fly, and Logan uses the apron skirt to CHOKE Styles! We have a birds eye view as Logan HOTSHOTS Styles, and then goes up the corner! Logan watches his drone, then hits the #PAULFROMGRACE! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives that splash and the fans cheer. Logan reels Styles in, whips him to a corner, then whips corner to corner hard! Styles falls back, Logan paces, and the fans boo. Logan reels Styles in, hoists him up, OVER BOMB! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Styles survives but Logan just smiles.
Logan brings out the Hogan “I can’t hear you,” and fans boo more. Logan whips Styles, BOOTS him down, and then hits the pose. LOGAN LEG DROP, BROTHER! Cover, ONE!! Styles survives and Logan is annoyed. Logan winds up, he JABS, JABS, and JABS! But Styles RAMS Logan into the corner! Styles fires haymakers and the fans fire up! Styles stops as the ref counts, then runs up. Logan ELBOWS Styles, QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally, Logan drags Styles up, and Logan fires body shots and UPPERCUTS! Logan UPPERCUTS again and again until Styles falls! The fans boo while Logan flexes. Logan then goes back to the corner and climbs up.
Logan soaks up more heat, then goes back for Styles. Logan drags Styles up, whips him to a corner, but Styles stops short! Styles is getting fired up as Logan doesn’t even realize it! Logan turns around, into a LARIAT! LARIAT! PHENOMENAL BLITZ! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! SLIDING FOREARM! Styles runs and LARIATS in the corner! Styles suplexes, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Logan is tougher than that, and he sits up smirking though a bit dazed. Styles reels Logan back in, but Logan slips free of the Clash! Logan kicks low, back suplex, but Styles lands out! Logan runs up, but Styles BOOTS him!
Styles goes out, springboards in, but Logan catches Styles to a fireman’s carry! Logan roars, ROLLING SENTONS, then LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives, even as Logan gets impressive air. The fans rally up, Logan brings Styles to a corner and puts him up top. Logan climbs up, talks trash, but Styles fires elbows! Logan staggers back, but he returns to CLUB Styles! Styles ELBOWS Logan again, rolls off Logan’s back, and lifts him up! Logan grabs ropes, and he kicks while upside-down! Styles KICKS Logan while he’s upside-down! Logan flips to the apron, and he SMACKS Styles off buckles! Styles staggers away and Logan takes aim!
Logan slingshots, BUCKSHOT! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives because Logan isn’t about that #CowboySh*t. Even so, Logan fires hands on Styles in the corner! Logan winds up, runs up, ONE LUCKY- NO, Styles ducks the punch, slips under Logan and torture racks! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Logan survives, even as Styles busts out a classic. The fans still rally for Styles and he goes to a corner. Styles steps outside, takes aim, and he springboards to 450 SPLASH onto knees!! Logan drags Styles up, reels him in, and he calls for Styles’ move?! STYLES CLASH!!! But Styles rolls through the cover to have Logan up! STYLES CLASH!!!
Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! But wait! Logan’s friend, Jeff, sneaks over the barriers! And he’s got the brass knuckles! The fans boo but WAIT! KARRION KROSS IS HERE! Kross has Jeff’s arm, and he snatches the knuckles away. Styles drags Jeff and THROWS him! Kross nods to Styles, and holds up the knuckle dusters… Kross promises he isn’t gonna do anything, he just wants Styles to use the knuckles to take out Logan. Logan puts them on, to DECK Kross! Styles then goes back to the apron, he ROCKS Logan with a forearm, and then springboards! Logan ducks the forearm, to hit ONE LUCKY RIGHT!!
Logan lifts Styles for the PAUL-VERIZER!!! Cover, LOGAN WINS!!!
Winner: Logan Paul, by pinfall
Styles did things the right way, but he also took his eye off the ball. Logan picks up the fumble and runs it all the way back to the house to win it all. Will WWE soon belong to Logan Paul?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Lyra Valkyria & ???
This was meant to be the Judgment Day’s leading ladies against The Morrigan & The Role Model. However, someone, or a couple someones, took Bayley out of action with a backstage attack. Bayley doesn’t know who, Liv & Raquel swear it wasn’t them, but the bottom line is that Lyra needs back-up. Who stepped up to have their WrestleMania Moment? IT’S THE MAN, BECKY LYNCH!! Does that mean it’s time to kick some major lass here in Las Vegas?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if teaming with one Horsewoman is as good as another!
The teams sort out and the fans fire up as Becky steps to Liv. They circle, but then Liv tags out to Raquel. Big Mami Cool says Becks is gonna regret coming back. Becky ROCKS Raquel, chases after Liv, but Raquel grabs Becky’s hair! Raquel scoops, Becky slips free, and she has a SLEEPER! Raquel fights up with Becky as a backpack. Lyra tags in before Raquel THROWS Becky down! Becky ROCKS Raquel, Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, and then Becky SOBATS! Lyra RAMS Raquel, runs, but handsprings through the hip toss to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up and Lyra runs, springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up for Lyra, “WOO~! WOO~!”
Lyra builds speed and WRECKS Raquel with a dropkick! Lyra then drags Raquel up, puts her back in the ring, and she climbs a corner. Liv runs up, Lyra BOOTS her, but Becky protesting only distracts the ref so Liv can get back up. Liv SHOVES Lyra down for Raquel to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO! Lyra survives, Becky coaches her up, but Raquel drags Lyra away. Raquel runs up to ELBOW Lyra, tags Liv, and Liv stomps away on Lyra! Tag back to Raquel, and Raquel drags Lyra up to fire ELBOWS! The ref reprimands and counts, but Raquel brings Lyra up. Tag to Liv, Raquel RAMS Lyra back in and Liv stomps Lyra some more.
Liv shrieks at the ref for counting, then snap suplexes Lyra! Una Amiga a la Dom, then Dos Amigas! Liv drags Lyra up for THREE AMIGAS! Liv gives some heat, then DECKS Becky! ENZIGIRI for Lyra! Cover, TWO! Becky storms in but the ref stops her, and that lets Liv & Raquel mug Lyra! Tag to Raquel, she drags Lyra up and suplexes to then SLINGSHOT JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Raquel drags Lyra up, tags Liv, and they mug Lyra more. Liv drags Lyra up to snap suplex again, then tags Raquel. Raquel SLAMS Lyra down, then grabs at legs, but Lyra kicks her away. Lyra crawls, Raquel grabs legs again! But Lyra avoids th eelbow drop!
Lyra crawls, Liv rushes in to drag Lyra back! Lyra ENZIGIRIS free! The fans fire up as Lyra crawls, but Liv YANKS Becky down! The fans boo but now Liv regrets that. Becky chases Liv, they go inside, and Raquel BOOTS Becky! Raquel TOSSES Becky, then goes back for Lyra. Raquel reels Lyra in for a scoop and SWINGING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tag to Liv and The Judgment Day drags Lyra up. They double whip, but Lyra KICKS Liv! Lyra then BOOTS Raquel from the corner, ELBOWS Liv, and dodges Raquel! Raquel POSTS herself, hot tag to Becky! Liv is scared and the fans are fired up! Becky LARIATS again and again, then dodges to FLYING FOREARM!
The fans fire up but Raquel returns! Becky dodges her to then ENZIGIRI! Raquel goes to a corner, Becky runs to forearm! Becky runs and forearms Liv! Then back to Raquel, but she puts Becky on the apron! Becky DECKS Raquel, goes up, and MOLLY-GO-ROUND! Then she catches Liv, BECKSPLODER! The fans are all fired up and Becky builds speed to WRECK Liv on the outside! Becky then aims to FLYING FOREARM! Becky puts Liv back in the ring, kicks her low, reels her in, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX, into the ARMBAR! Liv rolls to stack, TWO! Becky turns Liv over, DISARM HER!!! Liv flails, kicks, but Raquel is in!
Raquel BOOTS Becky down, then she BOOTS Lyra! Raquel runs up but Becky DUMPS her out! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, LYRA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Lyra drags Liv up. Lyra whips, Liv grabs ropes and KICKS in return! Liv runs now, but Lyra dodges Oblivion to DIVE onto Raquel! TORNADO DDT to the floor! Liv WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, the lasses win!!
Winners: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Talk about a turn of fortunes! Bayley went down, Becky stepped up, and with Becky’s help, Lyra is now a DOUBLE CHAMPION! But now Lyra & Becky are going to visit NXT this Tuesday to defend these belts against Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin! Will it be quite the homecoming for The Morrigan & The Man?
Stone Cold Steve Austin is here!
Vegas goes nuts as the glass shatters, and The Texas Rattlesnake rides out on a four-wheeler! He goes down the ramp, goes around the ring a couple times, but then rams into the barrier! Whoops! Maybe Austin had a couple Steveweisers before coming out. Austin grabs a mic to say, “If you’re havin’ a great time at WrestleMania, gimme a ‘Hell Yeah!'” “HELL YEAH!” Austin says, “Some o’ ya heard me, some o’ ya didn’t. If you’re having a great time at WrestleMania, gimme a ‘Hell Yeah!'” “HELL YEAH!!” Austin says he is out here to announce tonight’s attendance. It is officially 63,226! And Austin’s been in a lot of buildings just like this, and it just feels like way more than 63,226!
The fans cheer, and Austin demands a recount! Sometimes when you want a job done right, you gotta do it yourself. Everyone sit down and stay still so he can count. Austin actually starts counting! And every time, we get “WHAT?” Wait, are we gonna get 63,000 what’s?! Austin says nah, enough of that BS. 63,226 tonight, so the weekend total is 124,693 “solid ass cats!” Austin hopes everyone makes it home safely, and hopes everyone comes back for next year’s WrestleMania. “And that’s the bottom line, cuz Stone Cold said so!” The pyro goes off, and now Austin gets to have some Steveweisers! The fans cheer the beer bath, and Austin reloads for even more!
Austin goes back out to apologize to the fans behind the spot in the barriers he hit, then he chooses to walk back up the ramp. When and where will we see Stone Cold again?
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS John Cena!
It’s the moment of truth. The Rock wanted The American Nightmare to “sell his soul” so he could be living the easy life as The Final Boss’s Champion. Cody rejected the offer in the most direct way possible, only for the sixteen-time world champion to show his true colors. And now, seven weeks later, after both verbal battles and physical confrontations, these two will finally put it to the test: Will Cody Rhodes do the “right thing?” Or will he do what it takes to win? The Last Time is Now, but will it also be Cena’s SEVENTEENTH time as world champion?
For Cena’s entrance, his tron is boiled down to just black and white, and his name up in lights. His final WrestleMania, and Cena won’t give the fans the satisfaction of a flashy, over the top spectacle of an entrance. As for Cody’s entrance, there’s a lot of smoke, and then there are Motocross dirt bike riders going across the stage! Then, as they stop and stand in line, and as the smoke clears, Cody Rhodes is there, a brand new skull helmet on his head. It opens up like Ironman’s helmet! The fans sing along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off and Cody continues down the ramp, looking out at the sea of people here in Las Vegas.
Cody stands on the corner for the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro, then he gets a hug and kiss from wife, daughter, and mother. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and time to learn the difference between the first and the last!
The fans are already thunderous with their dueling, “LET’S GO, CENA!” “CENA SUCKS!” The bell rings, the fans fire up more, and the two circle. Cena and Cody take a moment to hear all of that energy from the WWE Universe. The two then tie up, go around, and Cody headlocks. Cena endures as Cody grinds the hold, then he powers up and out. Cody runs Cena over! Cena bails out, the fans are torn, and Cody asks if this is supposed to be #BigMatchJohn. Cena cools off while the fans continue to duel. Cena steps back into the ring, Cody eggs him on, and the two reset. Cena seems just annoyed by the fans at this point.
Cody and Cena tie up. Cody headlocks, then shifts, and hammerlocks. Cena goes to the ropes, the ref counts the break, and Cody lets go. Cena steps outside in a huff, and he wants Cody to back off. Cody backs up, Cena steps back in, and the fans just get fired up again. Cody and Cena tie up. Cody waistlocks, Cena ELBOWS free, then he headlocks. Cena hits a headlock takeover, as if to show he can wrestle. Cody headscissors, and he holds Cena down with the squeeze. Cena powers free, but Cody DROPKICKS him! Cena bails out again and is just frustrated now. Cody builds speed and DIVES! No more escaping the action for Cena!
Cody puts Cena in, storms up, but Cena DECKS Cody! Cena then headlocks, but Cody powers him to a corner. The ref reprimands and counts, but Cena sucker punches Cody! The fans are torn as Cena stomps away on Cody! Cena bumps Cody off buckles, then whips him to ropes. Cena BOOTS Cody down, a rare thing for Cena even when he was in his prime. Cena does a mocking bow, then he DECKS Cody again! Cena stomps Cody, drags him up and reels him in, but the fans seem to be fighting about something of their own. Cody pops free to fire hands! Cena stomps Cody’s foot! Cena then KNEES Cody in the head!
Cena seethes while Cody crawls to a corner. Cena stalks Cody, drags him up, and Cena whips corner to corner. Cody hits buckles hard, then falls to the mat. Cody crawls under the bottom rope, but Cena grabs the legs! ROPE GUILLOTINE! Cena talks trash on Cody while he tumbles to the floor, then Cena goes out after Cody. Cena puts Cody in the ring, stalks him again, and runs up to BOOT Cody down! Cena then takes aim, runs up, and LARIATS! And then he LARIATS again! Cover, ONE!! Cody shows he’s tougher than that, but Cena clamps on a chinlock. Cody endures as Cena squeezes tight.
The fans rally as Cody fights the hold, but Cena leans on him. Cody fights up, stands, and he fires body shots! Cena lets go, and Cody ROCKS him with haymakers! Cody backs Cena down, has him on the ropes then whips, only for Cena to reverse, scoop, and SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Cena goes to a corner, hops up, and waits on Cody to stand. Cena leaps to AX HANDLE! Cena brings out more classic pro-wrestling moves, and he bumps Cody off buckles! Cena hops up again, to AX HANDLE again! Cena climbs up again, Cody stands back up, and Cena AX- NO, Cody kicks low! Cody ROCKS Cena with more rights!
Cena pokes Cody in the eyes! And then Cena CLUBS and HAMMERS away on Cody! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this, even as Cena resorts to some new lows. But Cena grins as he literally kicks Cody’s butt! Cena hears the fans duel even harder as he stands Cody up. Cena whips, Cody reverses, then Cody runs up, but into a BOOT! Cena goes up, to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Cody survives as Cena turns it up a notch. Cena taunts the fans, taunts Cody, and then runs to get the SHOULDER TACKLES going! Now Cena brings out his classic move, but then he stops with just one. Cena dares Cody to get up, and then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again!
Cena grins as he’s basically toying with Cody now. Cody staggers up, Cena reels Cody in, and hits the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans know what’s next in the “five moves of doom,” and Cena knows we know. Cena shakes out his hand, holds it up, and says- EYE POKE from Cody! Cena staggers, runs up on Cody anyway, but Cody goes up and over to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are torn as Cody powers up! DISASTER KICK! Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally and duel, and Cody runs to springboard and CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Cena survives but Cody stays focused. Cody waits on Cena, to JAB! JAB! JAB!
Cody flips, flops, flies, but Cena drop toeholds! Cody fights off the STF, but Cena fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?! Cody survives, and Cena is actually amused! Cena decides to get back on track, and he tells the fans that “You Can’t See Me!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then fireman’s carry, but Cody sunset flips! TWO! Cody is up, he counter punches Cena! Cody whips, Cena reverses, but Cody goes up and out, then ROCKS Cena! Cody goes up, up, but Cena hits the ropes! That trips Cody up onto his crossroads! Cena climbs, and he fireman’s carries Cody for a SUPER A A!!! Cover, TWO?!?!
Cody survives the Avalanche Attitude Adjustment, aka the Triple A, and Cena is honestly surprised. Cena decides to pull out all the stops and he climbs up the corner. Cody rises, Cena aims, SUPER FAM- POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Cody’s counter did not finish this, but he and Cena both rise up. Cody looms over Cena, then he runs to go up the corner! SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Cena survives and now Cody is rather surprised! Cody huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises up. The fans are torn as Cody shouts for Cena to get up. Cena rises, Cody dragon sleepers! But Cena wrenches free, fireman’s carry, A A!!! And then the S T F U!!
Cody endures, crawls, drags Cena with him, reaches out, but Cena drags Cody back! S T F U!! Cody endures again, crawls again, drags Cena along again, and reaches out again, only for Cena to drag him back again! And even further! But Cody turns over and BOOTS Cena, into the ref!! Cena fireman’s carries, Cody slips free to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!!! But no ref to count this cover! Cody would’ve won twice over! Maybe even three times over! Cody realizes what happened, and he goes to check the ref while Cena crawls away. Cena rips a buckle pad away! The fans can’t believe he’s going this far! Cena goes back for Cody, but Cody ROCKS Cena!
Cody ROCKS Cena again and again, backing Cena down, But then Cena sends Cody into the bare steel! And then back in again! Fireman’s carry, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Cody survives and no one can believe this! Cena is beside himself, not sure what Cody is made of! WAIT! Is that Travis Scott?! Time to FE!N with the (honorary) Hardcore Champion! Cena grins as The Rock’s other guy makes his way out here! Scott is taking his time but Cena is happy to see him. Cena helps Scott to the apron, raises his hand in victory already, and then says one minute. Cena goes to fetch Cody, and Scott wants to take a shot!
The fans boo, but Cody elbows free! Cody chases Scott off, then he catches Cena! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, but Scott YANKS the ref out!! Cody is furious because the fix is in! Cody says he still owes Scott a receipt, and Scott says bet! Scott storms into the ring, talks some smack, and Cody dares Scott to take a shot. Scott tries, but Cody blocks it! CROSS RHODES for Travis Scott!! Cody pushes Scott out of the ring, but he’s a lot of deadweight. But wait! Cena has Cody’s belt! Cena winds up, BELT- NO, Cody blocks it! Cody says not today! They tug-o-war over the belt, Cody takes the belt away, and now Cena wants mercy!?
Cena wants Cody to remember: Is he going to do what’s right? Or is he going to do what it takes? Cody does hesitate, unsure which is which, and Cena LOW BLOWS him!! The fans are going nuts but Cena picks the belt back up. Cody rises to his feet, only to take the BELT SHOT!! Just like Elimination Chamber! Cena shouts to the ref, drags Cody to a cover, and the ref is in! The count begins, and CENA WINS!!!
Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (NEW Undisputed WWE Champion)
And there is history made! Cena did everything he had to, and even needed help from The Rock, but Cena now stands alone as THE historic 17-time WWE Champion! Scott celebrates with Cena, holding their belts high overhead. The pyro goes off as the number 17 is big and bright on the tron. The GOAT is truly THE GOAT, and Cody is living a nightmare. Will The Final Boss be pleased with what his champions did here tonight? Will Cena hold onto this title until he retires at the end of this year? Or can someone, anyone, prevent further tragedy on this twisted farewell tour?
My Thoughts:
Another great night for WrestleMania 41, especially when it had to follow that first great night. Opening with the Women’s World Championship is a good parallel to the World Heavyweight Championship opening yesterday, and that Triple Threat was awesome. All three women are obviously incredible, but they looked even more incredible than that in the match. I’m a little surprised Iyo won instead of Bianca, but that was a great sequence to give Iyo the win. Perhaps Bianca and Rhea split off to have their own feud on the road to Backlash, and who knows who Iyo faces in the meantime, but this is good stuff.
Priest VS McIntyre was an awesome Street Fight, though I’m surprised they didn’t go into the crowd. Maybe that’s for the better, we got that last night with Punk and Rollins in the Triple Threat. But as I figured, Drew wins because he kinda needs it most. Not sure where he goes from here, given where the championships have all ended up, but maybe Face-Heel dynamics won’t matter to Drew. And speaking of championships, great Fatal 4 Intercontinental Championship match. Of course Dom and Finn end up going after each other, but it is a touch surprising Dom turned on Finn. Granted, Finn was throwing that passive aggressive shade, so this is more like Dom standing up to Finn. Great sequence to finish and Dom winning is awesome stuff for him. I would think Dom VS Finn is an obvious feud going towards Backlash and another title match.
Joe Hendry being Randy Orton’s opponent was oddly not on the radar given all the speculation of Aleister Black, Rusev, and a few other possibilities, but it’s great for Hendry to make a WrestleMania debut. I did not think the match would be so quick, but when this is an obvious substitute for the planned Orton VS Kevin match, it does make some sense. Great win for Orton in that way, and of course he RKO’d Hendry a second time just for fun. Backlash being in St. Louis, it should be a given that Orton headlines that, maybe even for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
AJ Styles VS Logan Paul was good, but could’ve been better. Given both guys are so athletic, I’m surprised we didn’t try to make this more about who can fly higher, but it seemed to be more about combining the tech with the high spots. Well, that and testing if Styles can still bust out that aggression. Kross showing up to tempt Styles and Styles resisting was a fine beat, but a bit disappointing that that had to cost Styles for Logan to win. I fear that with Jey Uso as a new Face champion, Logan as the obvious Heel will challenge him for the next stretch.
Great women’s tag title match, and it makes a lot of sense for Becky to be the new tag partner. As I said yesterday, there’s great story for how NXT is going to go, with Lyra being friend to both Tatum and Becky and Tatum can be jealous of Becky. As for Liv & Raquel, they might want a rematch, they might have to deal with Bayley thinking it was them in the attack, who knows. This can also add to the Judgment Day story where Dom is now the only champion in the group, and he has to do his best to lead the group through encouraging Liv & Raquel.
That Stone Cold Steve Austin moment was fun, but then really awkward when he hit the barrier. I can kinda tell he maybe underestimated that turn in front of the desk. He was having fun, saying hey to commentary, and that essentially distracted him and caused the crash. Hopefully the fans there were okay. Seems rather silly they did that much just so Austin could announce the numbers for tonight and then give a “total” that isn’t accurate. Because duh, I would think the majority of the 61,461 or whatever it was came back for night two. So at best, they added another 2,000 people from last night.
And of course, the main event. As a match goes, it was purposefully not good, because of Cena’s line from weeks ago, how he’s going to “ruin wrestling.” I did like that Cena kinda tried to wrestle to stick it to the haters, but then he just resorted to a very Hulk Hogan “big muscular brawler” style. Travis Scott showing up is fitting, but a little disappointing The Rock didn’t make an appearance of any kind. But maybe that’s because fans wanted/expected that, and Cena’s also been about denying fans what they want… But ironically, plenty of fans wanted him to win 17 just for the intrigue, and here we are. Cody’s moment of hesitation costs him, Cena is champion again, and tomorrow night’s Raw is going to be a lot of fun.
My Score: 9.3/10
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