Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Report! (4/27/18)
From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, WWE brings us a massive Network special! Seven championship matches, from both Raw and SmackDown, and even 205 Live! A Casket Match between the Undertaker and Rusev! John Cena VS Triple H! And as the main event, the first ever FIFTY Man Royal Rumble match!
All images courtesy of the WWE Network streaming service
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- John Cena VS Triple H; Cena wins.
- WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Cedric Alexander VS Kalisto; Alexander wins and retains the Cruiserweight Championship.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: The Bar VS WOKEN Matt Hardy VS Bray Wyatt; Hardy & Wyatt win and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
- WWE United States Championship: Jeff Hardy VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh; Hardy wins and retains the United States Championship.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bludgeon Brothers VS The Usos; The Bludgeon Brothers win and retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way Ladder Match: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor VS The Miz VS Samoa Joe; Rollins wins and retains the Intercontinental Championship.
- WWE Championship: AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Double Count Out, Styles retains the WWE Championship.
- Casket Match: The Undertaker VS Rusev w/ Aiden English; Undertaker wins.
- WWE Universal Championship Steel Cage Match: Brock Lesnar VS Roman Reigns; Lesnar wins and retains the Universal Championship.
- 50-Man Royal Rumble match: Braun Strowman wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Byron Saxton, Jerry “The King” Lawler & Booker T are your Kickoff Show panel!
They give us the rundown on the match card order, and are most excited to see the fans’ faces as they watch this massive first-time event. King looks forward to seeing the Undertaker back in a Casket Match, and Booker looks forward to seeing if Nakamura can grab that WWE Championship from AJ Styles. Speaking of Styles, he’ll be in the Social Media Lounge later on, so get ready to #AskAJ your questions.
The Miz speaks.
“Samoa Joe, Finn Balor and Seth Rollins are terrible people.” They’re going to make his baby girl cry if Miz loses. But luckily, Miz is a winner and will cement his legacy as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. And that’s AWESOME.
Backstage interview with Jinder Mahal
The Modern Day Maharaja wants his United States Championship back. But he hasn’t won a match since being traded to Raw. It’s only two losses! Losers like Mike Rome just want to belittle former champions like Mahal. He still complains that he was not ready for defending his title against Jeff Hardy. However, Mahal is ready now, and is confident he’ll take the title back. Can Mahal reclaim the US Championship against the Charismatic Enigma in Saudi Arabia?
The Bar speaks.
“Well, well, well…” Sheamus & Cesaro know Hardy & Wyatt think they’re WONDERFUL~, but they’re just insane. Whether Woken or Broken, they’ll just be chokin’ on some Brogues! The screw-loose duo will be two titles short of being champions. Cesaro & Sheamus don’t just set the bar, they ARE The Bar, but will they be champions again?
Good ol’ JR joins the panel!
JR is honored to be part of history, especially this amazing atmosphere that’s “doing a lot of good in a lot of ways.” The Saudi Arabia WWE Universe is just as excited to see him.
AJ Styles is in the Social Medial Lounge.
The WWE Champion is set for a rematch from the Dream (Re)Match at Wrestlemania. He beat Shinsuke Nakamura fair and square on the Grandest Stage of Them All, but Nakamura ruined the moment with a low blow. Nakamura has since then tormented Styles with more low blows and several #Knees2Face. Styles now answers the fans’ questions under the tag, #AskAJ.
“What is your strategy against the new attitude” of Nakamura? Styles hasn’t changed plans, because this Nakamura is easier to prepare for. Nakamura takes cheap shots, and has shown his true colors, so Styles knows what to expect. “What was it like to be teamed up with Gallows & Anderson again?” The Club reunion put a smile on Styles’ face. Teaming in Japan was special, teaming on SmackDown will be just as special. “What went through your mind when Nakamura hit you with the low blow at Wrestlemania”, especially with all the respect between them? Styles did respect Nakamura, who he thought was a great person. That was a major shock, and it broke many hearts, to see that happen. But now Styles looks for payback to make it all right. The Phenomenal One now prepares for that major rematch, can he win all over again?
Paul Heyman surprises the panel!
The Advocate of the Beast agrees with King: “Roman Reigns doesn’t have a shot, does he?” Not against Brock Lesnar in a cage. And he won’t just lose, Roman will take a beating from Lesnar because Lesnar won’t let Roman take the Universal Championship. Lesnar will not let himself be embarrassed in front of such a massive, global audience. Lesnar is here because he truly wants to be in a cage with Roman, the man who kicked out of five F5’s, and finish Roman off. This will be the “declarative” moment of Brock Lesnar’s career. Roman won’t kick out, he’ll just take a beating and a defeat. Lesnar will then go after the UFC championship even as the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion”. Has Heyman given yet another “spoiler”?
Superstars speak on the 50-Man Royal Rumble.
Braun Strowman loves competition, and this match offers more of that than any match before it. Superstars, legends both past and future, Strowman wants to go first just make sure everyone will #GetTheseHands. The New Day want to know who, who who who, will be the winner? There can be only one, and that one has to be… Kofi Kingston! He is Mr. Royal Rumble, Mr. 24/7, and Mr. Trickster. This year’s trick will be winning, and that means we all win! Becaaaause~, New! Day Rocks!
The National Anthems of Saudi Arabia, and the United States of America, open the show.
The countdown begins.
Whatever language you speak, everyone knows history is being made. Saudi Arabia is the stage upon the truly largest Royal Rumble match itself is being held. It is also the stage for SEVEN championship matches that could change the landscape of WWE all over again. It may also be the place where Rusev Day Rests… In… Peace. And it could be where one man leaves the other for dead inside a steel cage. “Tonight, the eyes of the universe” all look to Arabia, and the Greatest Royal Rumble Ever.
John Cena VS Triple H!
Two of the best, most decorated champions in WWE History. They’ve had amazing matches in the past as both men have chased the world championship record set by The Nature Boy. This isn’t for anything more than pride, who will take that glory on this historic stage?
The bell rings and fans are already fired up as these two future Hall of Famers circle. They tie up, Cena pushes HHH back but HHH shoves Cena to a corner. Cena gets right up while HHH grins. Fans duel, “Let’s Go Cena!” “Cena Sucks!” Seems that chant follows Cena around the world. He and HHH tie up again, HHH pushes Cena back but this time, Cena shoves HHH down. Cena gives the “You Can’t See Me” while HHH gets back up. HHH shrugs it off while the fans are thunderous for this match. Cena calls for a test of strength, and HHH accepts. They tie up again and go shoulder to shoulder with the knuckle lock. Neither man backs down but HHH does have Cena falling to his knees.
HHH looms over Cena, but he can’t get Cena all the way down. Cena powers up and the fans rally behind him. Cena turns the tables but HHH kicks low. HHH whips Cena and runs him over with a shoulder. HHH even mocks the “You Can’t See Me” to Cena. He whips but Cena reverses and runs HHH over now! HHH flounders to a corner but Cena whips him corner to corner. HHH evades and then rocks Cena with a right hand. He drags Cena up and into a corner for a buckle bump, then rocks him with another right. The fans are a mix as HHH again mocks the “You Can’t See Me”, but Cena rolls him up! ONE and HHH clobbers Cena. Cover, TWO, but HHH keeps his cool.
HHH stalks Cena to a corner, and throws more right hands. He whips Cena corner to corner while fans duel, Cena hits buckles hard and hits the mat. HHH looms over Cena again, then whips Cena corner to corner even harder. HHH takes his time going back to Cena, then gives him more right hands. He whips corner to corner but Cena blocks! Cena fires off right hands and whips but HHH reverses, HHH gets Cena in the sleeper hold! Cena fades but the fans rally for him. He fights his way back up and pries his way out, then blocks HHH kick to get running. Cena hits the shoulder tackles, then goes for the spin-out, but HHH reverses with a headlock takeover to then deck Cena with a right!
HHH stalks Cena to the ropes and gives a right hand. Cena hits back and they go back and forth. Cena gets the edge, whips HHH but HHH comes back with the knee smash. Cover, TWO! That was a close one. Cena rolls to ropes but HHH is upon him again. HHH wants but Cena denies, Cena lifts but HHH grabs ropes. HHH slips off but Cena gets the Sit-Out Powerbomb! And now Cena gives HIS “You Can’t See Me!” But HHH is ready, he hits a saido suplex! And then HHH says “You Can’t See Me!” “Suck It!” Five Knuckle Shuffle, cover, TWO! HHH keeps his cool and goes for the Pedigree, but Cena whips out and throws HHH all the way out!
Cena rolls out to fetch HHH, and bumps him off the barriers. Cena also bounces HHH off a post, then puts him back in the ring. He climbs up to the top, and hits a flying– No, HHH counters the leg drop into a powerbomb! Cover, TWO! HHH grows frustrated, and both men are down. The fans rally again as they stir. HHH and Cena stand while the fans duel. HHH starts another brawl, but Cena’s haymakers hit heavy. The Game still hits back, but he gets caught with a drop toehold and the STF!
Cena has HHH trapped, but HHH powers his way around towards ropes. Cena shouts for HHH to tap as he wrenches back. HHH keeps going so Cena lets him go to drag him back. HHH shoves Cena way, Cena runs back in, but into HHH’s spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Cena rolls to a corner while HHH catches his breath. HHH walks over to throw more punches, then climbs up to hammer away. He gets only 4 before Cena powers him away for another Spin-Out, then the Five Knuckle Shuffle! Fireman’s carry, Cena gives HHH the AA!
Cover, TWO!? Somehow HHH kicks out at the very last second! HHH can’t believe it, but the fans are loving it. Cena stands up and he’s ready. HHH staggers up, Cena lifts him again, but HHH slips out! Pedigree!
Cover, TWO!! Cena survives HHH’s best move, too! Both men are down but the fans are still rallying. Both Cena and HHH stir, but HHH is up first. He wants another, but Cena lifts, sunset flip counter! TWO, back to the STF! HHH is again trapped, but he again wills himself towards ropes. Cena’s grip loosens, HHH slips around to a crossface! HHH wrenches back but Cena powers his way up to the fireman’s carry! And another AA! Then a catapult into corner, for a THIRD AA!! Cover, Cena wins!
Winner: Cena, by pinfall
“Big Match John” does it again! He took on one of the best and wins out, because he himself is one of the very best. History was made, but history also still waits. Will Cena one day become the record-breaking 17 time world champion?
Cena speaks to Saudi Arabia.
“What an honor and a privilege it is” to be part of this event. Regardless of what’s going on in his life, he wasn’t going to miss this for anything. Cena genuinely thanks Saudi Arabia for its hospitality that extends far beyond today. And he thanks the fans for allowing him to be part of it.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Cedric Alexander VS Kalisto!
The former champion in the Lucha Dragon won a Gauntlet Match on 205 Live. Now he challenges the Soul of the Cruiserweight Division for the title Alexander won at Wrestlemania. Will the #AgeOfAlexander survive in Saudi Arabia?
The bell rings and the two circle. Kalisto starts up a “Lucha! Lucha!” chant, then ties up with Alexander. Alexander grabs Kalisto’s arm to wrench it, but Kalisto rolls and flips to reverse it. Alexander does the same, but Kalisto cartwheels to reverse it again. Another reversal back for Alexander, but Kalisto uses the ropes to arm-drag him away. Alexander handsprings back to headscissor, but Kalisto lands on his feet. The fans applaud the even match. Things speed up, Kalisto handstands and headscissors, Alexander lands on his back. “Lucha! Lucha!” starts up again before Kalisto runs at Alexander. Alexander side-steps and Kalisto tumbles to the apron. Alexander runs but Kalisto dumps him out of the ring! Kalisto takes aim to slingshot and springboard!
Down goes Alexander! Kalisto and the fans chant “Lucha! Lucha!” as he puts Alexander back in the ring. Kalisto takes aim again as he climbs up top, but Alexander ducks under Kalisto. Alexander puts Kalisto back on the apron, and hits Kalisto with a Listo kick! Then he FLIES!
Down goes Kalisto now! Alexander gets Kalisto back in the ring, but that shoulder bothers him. Cover, TWO, so Alexander keeps on Kalisto with a bearhug. Kalisto endures while the fans build to a rally. Kalisto stands up and fights out of the hold. He runs, but into Alexander’s dropkick! Cover, TWO! Alexander grows frustrated, but he goes back to the bearhug. He squeezes Kalisto again while fans rally once more. Kalisto works his way back up, but Alexander just slams him back down! Kalisto endures again, but makes his way up a third time, only for Alexander to slam him all over again. Alexander adds more pressure through his full weight.
Fans rally for Kalisto, and Kalisto tries one more time. He arm-drags out of the slam, then goes to boot. Alexander blocks that and sends Kalisto to the apron, but Kalisto hits Alexander witht he Listo kick. Kalisto springboards for the crossbody! Kalisto mule kicks and hits the Spike-Rana, then runs for the tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO! Alexander is dazed but both he and Kalisto are stirring. Kalisto drags Alexander up but Alexander keeps pushing him away. Alexander rams Kalisto into buckles, then runs in, but into a back elbow. Kalisto hops up, and jumps but Alexander gets under to then hit a sudden Michinoku Driver! Cover, TWO!
Alexander keeps his focus, and glares at the resilient Kalisto. Alexander takes off the elbow pads and dares Kalisto to get up. He then runs in but Kalisto evades. Alexander knocks Kalisto away but Kalisto kicks the slingshot down! Kalisto climbs up but Alexander fights with him. They brawl but Kalisto climbs. Kalisto goes for the Super Steiner, but Alexander blocks! Alexander brings Kalisto back up, but Kalisto fires off punches, and hits the springboard SUPER Spanish Fly!
The landing takes a lot out of Kalisto, but he covers, TWO!! And just barely. Both men slowly stir. Alexander pushes and chops Kalisto, but Kalisto kicks back. They go back and forth, Kalisto gets a strike fest of palm strikes, but Alexander uses a European Uppercut! Alexander runs but Kalisto goes Matrix to dodge, but Alexander also dodges, to rock Kalisto with a back elbow. Alexander lifts Kalisto, but Kalisto counters with a huricanrana that sends Alexander into buckles. Kalisto comes back for Salida Del– LUMBAR CHECK!
Cover, Alexander wins!
Winner: Alexander, by pinfall; still Cruiserweight Champion
Alexander wins his first title defense and continues his reign. However, this will not be the end of challengers who want that title. Who will step up to challenge him in the coming days of the #AgeOfAlexander?
Raw Tag Team Championships: The Bar VS WOKEN Matt Hardy VS Bray Wyatt!
This WONDERFUL match came about because 1) Braun Strowman and 10-year old Nicholas won the titles at Wrestlemania but had to vacate them, because Nicholas is again only 10 years old, and 2) the #DeletersOfWorlds won a Tag Team Eliminator to earn a title shot. Can the Celtic Gladiator & Swiss Cyborg win back the titles, or will they be… DELETED!?
Hardy and Cesaro start for their teams with the bell. Fans chant “DELETE! DELETE!” as they tie up. Cesaro pushes Hardy but Hardy puts Cesaro in a corner. Hardy honors the break, then tells Cesaro that Hardy will “DELETE!” him. But Cesaro counters with “The Bar!” “DELETE!” “The Bar!” “DELETE!” “The Bar!” Cesaro kicks but Hardy blocks, Cesaro pushes but Hardy runs him over. Hardy drags Cesaro up and tags in Bray, for a unique combination of headbutt and neckbreaker! Bray keeps on Cesaro with an uppercut, but Cesaro boots back. Cesaro tags Sheamus and they stomp a mudhole into Bray. Sheamus whips Bray but Bray reverses, only for Sheamus to kick him back. But then Sheamus runs into the turn-around clothesline!
Bray tags Hardy back in, they double whip Sheamus to double elbow, then leg drop and back senton. Cesaro runs in but gets hands. That was WONDERFUL~! Hardy clotheslines Sheamus in a corner then hits a neckbreaker, cover, ONE. “DELETE! DELETE!” then a kick, but Sheamus denies the twist. Hardy elbows back but Cesaro gets the cheap shot hotshot! Sheamus runs Hardy over, then shoves Hardy outside so Cesaro can get another cheap shot. Bray protests, but The Bar gets away with it. Sheamus goes out to give a clubbing clothesline, then puts Hardy back in the ring. He grounds Hardy with a facelock, but Bray rallies the fans. Hardy reaches, but Sheamus tags Cesaro. The Bar goes Super Saiyan kicks! Cover, TWO, but Cesaro keeps Hardy from his Woken corner.
Cesaro wraps Hardy up in an armlock, but fans rally for the Woken Wisdom. Hardy stands up and fights back, but Cesaro tags in Sheamus. The Bar keeps Hardy isolated as they hit the Bar lariat. Sheamus drops a knee, cover, TWO, so back to a chinlock. Fans rally again, and Hardy fights out with a jawbreaker. Sheamus tags Cesaro, Cesaro whips Hardy and hits a running EuroUpper. He gut wrenches Hardy, covers, TWO. Cesaro chokes Hardy against the ropes, then Sheamus gets in a cheap shot, cover, TWO. The Bar grows a bit frustrated, but they know they’re in control. They embrace the heat before Cesaro gives Bray a cheap shot. Hardy rolls Cesaro up, TWO, and Cesaro tags in Sheamus.
EuroUppers and then the backbreakker elbow drop! Sheamus covers, TWO! He trash talks but Hardy fights back with body shots. Sheamus gives some of his own, but still gets the Side Effect! Hardy and Sheamus are down but crawling for their corners. Hot tags to Cesaro and Bray! The Eater of Worlds rallies on Cesaro, then even Sheamus. He runs corner to corner for a big corner splash, then again for the body check! Bray covers, TWO! Bray laughs as he drags Cesaro up. He prepares but Sheamus goes after him. Sheamus hits Hardy, too, and Cesaro covers, TWO. Cesaro tags Sheamus and they hit the A-Swiss-ted White Noise!
Cover, Hardy breaks it just in time! Cesaro goes after him but Hardy reverses into the Twist of Fate! Sheamus throws Hardy out, then takes aim at Bray. Sheamus calls for it, hammering his chest. But Bray spider-walks and that stops Sheamus. Hardy distracts, then Bray dodges the Brogue, to then hit Sister Abigail!
But that isn’t all, he goes to the corner for a Woken Spider-Walk. Hardy tags in, and together with Bray, gives Sheamus the floating Twist of Fate!
Cover, Hardy & Wyatt win!
Winners: Hardy & Wyatt, Hardy pinning; NEW Raw Tag Team Champions
The Expedition of Gold is a success! This yin-yang of madness grab gold together, rendering The Bar OBSOLETE on Raw! Will they continue to DELETE the tag teams of the Red Brand?
WWE United States Championship: Jeff Hardy VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!
The Modern Day Maharaja won the United States Championship in a Wrestlemania Fatal 4 Way. But then he lost the title his very first day on Raw! And to complicate things, the Charismatic Enigma was then sent to SmackDown! Which superstar and which brand will have this historic title once this is all over?
The bell rings and we begin. Hardy rallies the fans but Mahal kicks him low. Mahal clubs away but Hardy jawbreakers back. Hardy runs and dropkicks Mahal out of the ring, then drops Mahal with a swinging dropkick. Hardy slips out of the ring, and walks the barriers, to jump at Mahal! He wipes Mahal out but it was a bit double-edged. He drags Mahal up and into the ring, but Sunil grabs at Hardy’s legs. Hardy kicks Sunil away but Mahal pounces on Hardy. Mahal gives Hardy a clubbing crossface punch, then drops springboard knees on Hardy again and again. Sunil praises Mahal, but he’s the only one. Mahal stomps Hardy, then whips him corner to corner. Hardy hits buckles hard, but Mahal drags him back up for a neckbreaker. Mahal drops another knee then covers, TWO.
Mahal clubs Hardy more before putting him in a half nelson. Fans rally for Hardy and Hardy fights out, but Mahal throws him down. Mahal drags Hardy up into a chinlock, then an armlock, but fans chant for Hardy. Hardy stands up and fights back, but Mahal denies the Twist, double clotheslines take both men out! Mahal rolls to ropes while Hardy stirs. The two stand, Hardy blocks punches to give punches. He kicks but Mahal dodges, fireman’s carry for a gutbuster– No, Hardy blocks to hit his leg-splitting leg drop! Hardy dropkicks then covers, TWO. Hardy keeps his cool while Mahal rolls away. Fans rally while Hardy stands up again. He kicks but Mahal again denies the twist. Hardy boots and drives Mahal down, then climbs up, but misses most of the Whisper in the Wind. Cover, TWO!
The two stir, and Hardy ax handles Mahal down. Hardy whips but Mahal reverses, yet Hardy kicks Mahal away. Hardy then hits the swinging dropkick in the corner, and drags Mahal into position. He takes off the shirt, but Sunil distracts on the apron. Sunil gets knocked off the apron for it, but Mahal grabs Hardy from behind! Mahal wants his finish, but Hardy victory roll counters, only for Mahal to sit on the counter! TWO! Hardy kicks Mahal, Twist of Fate stunner! Then he climbs up, for the Swanton Bomb!
Cover, Hardy wins!
Winner: Hardy, by pinfall; still WWE United States Champion
Not only does Hardy win, but so does SmackDown! They both still have the US Championship. Mahal will have to turn elsewhere for gold now. Hardy has the title, but who on SmackDown will step up to challenge him next?
WWE takes a moment to thank and honor the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the event.
It is the dawning of a new age for this nation, and a large part of that is thanks to the crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, who is allowing his people to make decisions for themselves to be the best they can be for themselves, the country and the world. With that, the people of Arabia have both integrated much of the modern world while maintaining their heritage. This event with WWE proves the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is willing to open themselves up to the rest of the world, here’s to more progress being made in the future.
Backstage interview with Chris Jericho.
Y2J returns to be part of the 50-Man Royal Rumble match, is tonight going to be another historic night with Jericho winning his first Rumble ever? Jericho’s first, the biggest one yet, Jericho loves being back in WWE. All these amazing competitors, from Hall of Famers to living legends and even that “stupid idiot” Kevin Owens. Jericho would love revenge on Kevin most of all. But with a field of 50 of the greatest ever, Jericho could make this moment his, Tom. No, this is Mike. Stop playing around, Tom, Jericho knows who you are. But since you’ve gone and done this, “YOU JUST MADE THE LIST!!” Jericho also puts the cameraman and the sound guy and whoever else is around, they’re on the list. Will Jericho put all 49 other superstars in the #GRR match on his List?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bludgeon Brothers VS The Usos!
The Uso Penitentiary used to have the tag team division on #Lockdown, but Harper & Rowan have shown there are weak points. Can Jimmy & Jey get things back under control against the chaotic and destructive duo?
Jey and Rowan start with the bell, and Jey throws hands! Rowan pushes Jey but Jey runs, only to run into a dropkick! Jey rolls to ropes but Rowan is on him with a knee drop. Tag to Harper, and Rowan holds Jey for Harper to mug him. Harper keeps on Jey in the corner, then tags Rowan back in. Rowan stomps Jey then drops another knee, grinding Jey into the mat. Rowan drags Jey up, for a pumphandle backbreaker, then a big splash! Cover, TWO, but Rowan keeps on Jey by hooking the nose and squeezing the head. Jey endures the vice of fists, and the fans rally for the Usos. Jey hits back but Rowan shoves him to then clobber him with a shoulder.
Rowan clubs Jey in the chest, then runs in but Jey evades! Harper tags in as Rowan hits the post, but Jey dodges him, too! Harper tumbles out of the ring, Jey crawls for his corner. Jimmy rallies the fans, hot tag to Jimmy! Jimmy aims at Harper and FLIES!
He keeps going, and FLIES on Rowan! Harper returns, Jimmy kicks him away. Jimmy kicks Rowan away, too, then climbs up top. Jimmy leaps at Harper for the crossbody, ONE! He dodges the discus and hits the dragon whip, Harper ends up in a corner. Jimmy rallies the fans, then runs in, hitting the hip attack! Jimmy runs but Harper catches him with a back elbow. Harper lifts Jimmy but Jimmy slips out to tag in Jey! The Usos evade Harper, then give him double boots. Harper is dazed, the Usos give him more double boots! Jimmy tags back in, double SUPERKICKS for Harper! Rowan returns, he gets double SUPERKICKS that send him out of the ring! Jey goes to a corner and climbs up, Uso Splash!
Cover, TWO! Harper shakes his head, he’s not losing to that. Jimmy tags in and climbs up on one corner while Jey takes another. But Rowan returns to pull Jey down and wreck him with a spinning heel kick! Harper shoves Jimmy down, and Rowan comes around to run him over! Rowan feeds Jimmy to Harper, then tags in. Harper slaps Rowan to fire him up, then whips Rowan into Jimmy for the corner splash. They work together, full nelson powerbomb!
Cover, Bludgeon Brothers win!
Winners: The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper & Rowan), Rowan pinning; still SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
The Uso Penitentiary could not contain the cruelty, and Harper & Rowan still reign. Can any team hope to ever stop the tag team Armageddon these two bring?
WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way Ladder Match: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor VS The Miz VS Samoa Joe!
The Architect hit the Grand Slam back at Wrestlemania when he won the one title he had yet to hold. It also denied The A-Lister a historic record, but he vows to again make the title AWESOME. Meanwhile, the Extraordinary Man and Samoan Destroyer both want to add the IC title to their collection. Two superstars from each brand, which brand will hold this title by the end?
The bell rings, and all four men stare each other down while glancing up at the belt. They close in and then pair off into brawls. Rollins fires off on Joe while Finn goes after Miz, but then Joe and Miz turn things around on them. Miz whips but Finn reverses, Finn rolls through to hit Miz with a dropkick. Finn chops Joe then whips but Joe reverses. Joe runs in and hits the back elbow and Pele! Joe stomps Finn, then goes back to Rollins, but Rollins boots Joe away. Rollins also boots Miz away, then hops up, to hit a two-for-one Blockbuster!
Joe and Miz roll out while Rollins stalks Finn. Rollins swings Finn out but Finn elbows the knee away. Finn ducks to get around Rollins, but Rollins knees the slam away. Finn chops but Rollins Peles, sending him out of the ring. Rollins builds speed to DIVE on Finn!
They end up against the Arabian announce desk! But Rollins keeps moving, and DIVES on Miz! Then Rollins searches under the ring, and finds a ladder. Joe grabs the ladder and then so does Miz. Miz and Rollins work together to shove the ladder into Joe and Joe into the apron’s edge! And again as Finn returns in the ring. Finn sees them all grouped together, and decides to FLY!
Finn takes out Rollins and Miz, then goes after Joe, but Joe uses the ladder as a battering ram! Joe takes the ladder and puts it in the ring. Miz pursues at a crawl and grabs the ladder, but Joe shoves him away with it. Joe stands the ladder up, all alone, but then Rollins comes in and attacks. Rollins chops and forearms Joe, then runs, but into a drop toehold that drops him on the ladder. Finn returns, Joe goes after him first with a chop. Joe drags Finn up for a headbutt, then drags him up again to put him in a corner. Joe rams his knee into Finn, then brings Finn over. Finn trips up Joe, who lands on the ladder, then Finn double stomps Joe into it! Joe rolls out of the ring while Finn and the fans fire up.
Finn stands the ladder up now, and begins a climb. Miz returns to yank Finn down, for a boot! Now Miz climbs, but Rollins returns. Rollins yanks Miz off, Miz goes for the Finale, but Rollins shoves him into the ladder face first. The ladder falls over, then Rollins clotheslines Miz out of the ring. Rollins takes the ladder and stands it back up. He climbs now, but Finn returns to yank him off. Finn climbs, but Rollins yanks him down. Rollins climbs, but Finn climbs from the other end. Finn punches at Rollins, Rollins punches back, but Miz and Joe return to tip the ladder over! Both Raw superstars go down, but now the SmackDown superstars are alone. Miz pleads, saying they should work together. Joe shakes his hand, but reels him into a headbutt.
Joe stands the ladder up in a corner, but it falls over. No big deal, Joe just scoop slams Finn onto it! Then he pushes Finn away to stand the ladder up again. Joe drags Rollins over and throws Rollins into the ladder. Joe takes the ladder again, and rams Miz back out of the ring. He stands the ladder back up in another corner, then goes back to Finn. Joe brings Finn up, then throws him, but Finn slides to a stop to Slingblade Joe in return. Finn dropkicks Joe into the ladder, and the ladder falls on Joe!
Finn positions things, then climbs up. He takes aim, but Rollins climbs up. Finn resists the superplex while Joe gets himself and the ladder clear. Miz returns to add on in the corner, but Joe uses the ladder to scrape Miz off. Joe joins Rollins and Finn, for the Tower of Doom!
Down go Rollins and Finn, and Joe smirks as he rests in the corner. Fans are loving this as Joe gets back on track. He brings a new ladder out and puts it in the ring. Miz clobbers Joe from behind, then gives him a Skull-Crushing Finale to the ladder!
Joe rolls out of the ring, and Miz finds himself alone. Miz stands that ladder up, and climbs towards history. But Rollins returns to scramble up and stop him! Rollins punches Miz then reaches, but Miz hits him back. Miz bounces Rollins’ face off the ladder then tosses him down, but Finn returns! Finn stops Miz now, and now they brawl. They go back and forth, punching while pawing for the title. Finn fires off enough to knock Miz down, but Miz yanks Finn off, A-Lister combination! Rollins climbs up but Miz tips the ladder over again. Miz kicks Rollins low and hits the low DDT!
Fans rally while Miz picks the ladder up. He rams Rollins’ ribs with it, then Finn in the face! Miz then gets Finn again, and Rollins a second time. Rollins flies off to the announce desk while Miz goes at Finn. Finn kicks Miz back and Miz falls onto the ladder. Finn climbs up again, COUP DE GRACE with the ladder!
Miz is crushed and rolls out of the ring. Finn is alone, he stands up the ladder. Joe returns and yanks Finn off. They brawl, Joe roaring elbows but Finn Peles! Fans are all fired up as Finn climbs up again. But Joe yanks him down once more, for the Coquina Clutch! But Finn slips through to double stomp! Finn wills himself up the ladder, fans rallying behind him. But Joe is back up, and gets Finn on his shoulders. Finn punches Joe in the head, and slips off the back, but runs into Joe’s yurinagi! Joe teeters but makes his way to the ladder. He begins to climb, but Finn revives to tip it over! Now Joe gets a hotshot! Finn stands the ladder up while Joe rolls away. Finn climbs, but Rollins returns with a springboard!
Rollins cuts the line and grabs the belt before Finn, to take it down! Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins; still WWE Intercontinental Champion
And Finn cannot believe it! He was inches away, yet Rollins literally jumps into the gap. Rollins snags that belt away from Finn and maintains his first reign as IC Champion. With resolve and cunning like that, will anyone take that belt away from The Architect?
WWE welcomes the stand-outs of their Saudi Arabia tryouts.
Please welcome four prospects that impreessed the most: Nassar, Hussein, Monsoour and Jedda’s own, Fisal. These four went through a week of what it’s like to train at the Performance Center. It was never expected to have WWE in Arabia, so to have four future Saudi superstars is a dream come true. Years ago, they were all just kids with a dream. But today, they live that dream! They all hope to represent their country as the first superstars from the Kingdom of Arabia. But wait, the Daivari BROTHERS appear!?
Yes, both Ariya and his older brother, Shawn Daivari, are here in Arabia, but proudly waving the flag of Iran. Shawn returns from being away, but now he and his brother are together to ruin Arabia’s moment. Ariya takes the mic while fans boo and jeer this disrespect. Shawn tells the fans to silence themselves while Ariya insults the four superstar prospects. They’re “pathetic, nothing” wannabes! The Daivari Brothers come from the strongest nation of all, Iran! Shawn speaks in Farsi to insult them all over again.
But when Monsoour stands up to the Daivaris, the fans fire up. Ariya shoves Monsoour, but Monsoour shoves him back! Then Fisal hits Shawn with a swift roundhouse! Shawn staggers to his feet, Nassar picks him up and carries him around. Arabia cheers their countrymen on as Nassar slams Shawn down! That’s not all, because Hussein then brings Shawn up for the big ejection. Arabia’s prospects run off Iran’s superstars and soak in the applause. Which of these four, or maybe all four, will become future WWE superstars?
WWE Championship: AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
The Phenomenal One and the King of Strong Style had their Dream (Re)Match at Wrestlemania. The champion retained, but the challenge changed, in terms of attitude. Nakamura has since disrespected and tormented Styles at every turn. Will Styles get revenge? Or will Nakamura take that title from him?
The bell rings and they circle. Both men are way of the other. Styles gets the waistlock but Nakamura reverses to an arm wrench. Nakamura yanks on Styles’ arm again and again, then wrenches the wrist. Styles rolls to reverse the hold onto Nakamura. Nakamura rolls and kicks Styles away to then exit the ring. Nakamura takes a moment to refocus, then reenters the ring. He and Styles circle again, tie up, Styles puts on the headlock. Nakamura tries but fails to power out of the hold. He puts Styles against the ropes, the referee calls for the break. Nakamura flicks Styles’ hair on the break, so Styles goes right after Nakamura again. They end up in a corner then out again, the referee calls for another break. Nakamura rests on the abs like he always does, then dares Styles to “C’mon!”
Styles runs into the knee and Nakamura clubs away. Nakamura runs and things speed up, Styles dropkicks Nakamura down! Styles drags Nakamura up and puts him in a corner. He chops Nakamura, then snapmares to kick him in the back. Cover, TWO, but Styles keeps his focus. He brings Nakamura up and whips him into a corner. Nakamura boots him away, then ducks the clothesline. They end up at the ropes again, but Nakamura kicks out the knee! Styles collapses but Nakamura is on him with spiteful stomps. Nakamura then slips to the outside with Styles across the apron, for a running knee! Nakamura keeps going, falling knee drop! He puts Styles back in the ring, covers, TWO. He tries again, ONE.
Nakamura drags Styles up and puts him in a corner for knees, then the Good Vibrations. He drags Styles and snapmares for the knee drop, cover, TWO. Nakamura keeps on Styles with a chinlock. Styles endures while fans rally. Styles stands up and fights back, but Nakamura knees him low. Nakamura throws with the inverted exploder, but Styles lands on his feet! Styles lifts Nakamura for the wheelbarrow facebuster! Both men are down while the fans rally again. Styles stirs and clobbers Nakamura with clotheslines. He snapmares then hits the sliding forearm! Nakamura gets to a corner while Styles kip-up. Styles hits a corner clothesline, but Nakamura slips off the fireman’s carry. Nakamura goes for a sleeper but Styles lifts him and this time gets the Ushigoroshi!
Cover, TWO! Both men are down again, but the fans keep cheering. Styles brings Nakamura up but Nakamura gets away from the Clash and to the ropes. Styles clubs Nakamura, then whips, but Nakamura counters with a knee. Nakamura swings one kick but hits the second! They’re both down again while fans rally again. Nakamura rams knees into Styles’ shoulders, then drags Styles up for a gord buster. Nakamura takes aim from a corner, firing himself up. Styles crawls then staggers up, but counters the Kinshasa to a schoolboy, TWO! Nakamura rushes Styles at the ropes, but runs into the Calf Crusher!
Styles has Nakamura in the middle of the ring! Nakamura endures, biting his fingers to focus on something else. He drags himself to ropes while fans rally. Styles rolls him around, but Nakamura still gets the break. Styles lets go, but he grows frustrated with Nakamura. He grabs that leg again but Nakamura enziguris with the other! Styles staggers, Nakamura stands up and runs in, but into Styles’ boots. Styles springboards but Nakamura catches him to set him up top, for the Top Shelf Knee! Cover, TWO.
Nakamura works to get feeling in that bad leg while the fans declare “This is Awesome!” Nakamura hoists Styles up to the top, then rocks Styles with a roundhouse. He climbs up to join Styles, but Styles resists. Styles slips out and under, to trip up Nakamura. Nakamura hits buckles and clutches his face from the impact .Both men are down but the fans rally again. They both stir and stand up. Nakamura throws a forearm, Styles fires back. It’s a brawl as they go back and forth. The fans are on Styles’ side as he and Nakamura keep going.
Styles gets the edge, Nakamura falls to a knee as he clutches his face again. But then he fires back with a strike fest! Styles ducks the kicks to give his Phenomenal Blitz, but Nakamura ducks the back hand to bring Styles into a cross armbreaker! Styles clasps his hands as Nakamura pulls. Nakamura breaks those hands apart and extends, but Styles rolls it to a cover! TWO! PELE! Nakamura staggers around before falling. Styles and Nakamura are both down again but stirring. Nakamura gets to a corner while Styles stands. Styles runs in but is put on the apron. He hits Nakamura with one forearm, then prepares the Phenomenal. Styles springboards but Nakamura ducks under, that forearm almost hits the ref! And in this distraction, Nakamura gives the low blow uppercut!
Cover, ROPEBREAK! Nakamura is furious that he hasn’t finished Styles through his cheating. He stands up and decides to use a real finisher. Nakamura fires up as he takes aim. Nakamura runs, but into a leaping forearm from Styles! Styles can’t cover, so Nakamura makes an escape to the outside. Styles crawls his way out and runs at Nakamura, and spears him over the Arabian announce desk! He won’t let up, even as the ring count reaches 7. He throws Nakamura into the barriers, the count reaches ten!
Double Count Out draw; Styles retains the WWE Championship
But the result means nothing to Styles, he keeps going after Nakamura with right hands. Styles backs off, but then runs back in, for a big tackle! It bends Nakamura backwards as they both fall into the timekeeper’s area!
The champion stands up and SMACKS Nakamura with a chair. Styles drags Nakamura up and into the ring, he wants to finish this. But Nakamura bails out of the ring to avoid the forearm. That doesn’t change anything for Styles, he takes Nakamura out with a slingshot forearm!
The Phenomenal One still has his title, but is this enough to finish his feud with the Con Artist?
Casket Match: The Undertaker VS Rusev w/ Aiden English!
The Deadman still lives. His return happened at Wrestlemania, and may be thanks in part to the goadings of John Cena. Now, Taker looks to continue his comeback by bringing back a match he invented! Will the Bulgarian Lion be buried in Saudi Arabia?
Aiden English helps with Rusev’s entrance, saying that this will be Taker’s final day, “locked in the casket and buried away~”, then they will celebrate on… RUSEV DAY~!
Fans are already excited for this match as they chant for Undertaker. The bell rings, and Taker glances over at the casket as it opens. Rusev bails out of the ring, but English helps him keep focus. Taker waits while fans duel between “Undertaker!” and “Rusev Day!” Rusev returns and circles with Taker, only to slip back out. But Taker pursues! Taker throws hands on Rusev then puts him in the ring. Rusev stomps Taker as he returns, then gives body shots in a corner. Rusev stomps Taker more, then roars, but Taker grabs Rusev to put him in the corner. Taker gives Rusev his body shots and haymakers. Taker wrenches Rusev’s arm then yanks on it. He rams shoulder into shoulder, then wrenches Rusev’s arm again. Taker climbs up, and fans know what’s coming: Old School!
Rusev goes down from the clubbing forearm, but Taker picks him up and throws him at the casket. Rusev freaks out from even being in contact with it! He and English regroup and English calms Rusev down. Rusev drags Taker out of the ring and throws haymakers. Taker staggers and Rusev rams him into barriers. Rusev whips but Taker reverses and sends Rusev into barriers. Taker drags Rusev up and brings him around to the announce desk to bounce Rusev’s face off the cover. They go back to the ring, and Taker positions Rusev on the apron. Taker climbs up onto the apron, and drops the guillotine leg drop!
Rusev is dazed as Taker rolls him into the ring. Taker calls for the lid, and starts rolling Rusev over. Rusev is inside, but English won’t allow the lid to shut! Taker chases English away, but Rusev escapes the casket in this time. Taker goes back into the ring, but Rusev catches him with a roundhouse! Rusev stomps Taker, then throws in forearms. Fans duel while English cheers Rusev on. Rusev keeps throwing punches, but Taker throws some back. They go back and forth with heavy haymakers. Rusev gets an edge, but Taker hits back harder! Taker drags Rusev up again, for a headbutt. Rusev staggers but Taker whips him. Rusev reverses and hits Taker with the leaping heel kick! Taker goes down and Rusev catches his breath.
Rusev keeps going, dropping elbow after elbow. He roars while fans jeer. Rusev shouts “MACHKA!” as he stomps Taker once more. Rusev puts Taker in the Accolade! English reminds Rusev, go for the casket. Rusev leaves Taker down on the mat while he calls for the lid. But Taker sits up!
Taker stands up and Rusev feels the dread come over him. Taker grabs Rusev, but Rusev slips out of the choke slam. They brawl again, back and forth. Rusev gets the edge again, then whips, but Taker counters with the CHOKE SLAM! Taker then drags Rusev over, the casket’s lid still open, and tosses him in. But then English goes after Taker! Only to get a CHOKE SLAM! Taker won’t leave it at that, he brings English up, for the Tombstone!
Taker puts English in the casket with Rusev, and closes the lid! The Undertaker wins!
Winner: The Undertaker
The Phenom rains on Rusev Day’s parade, and is back in rare form. Is this only the beginning of a new chapter for the Deadman?
WWE Universal Championship Steel Cage Match: Brock Lesnar VS Roman Reigns!
The Beast continues to dominate anyone and everyone put before him in the ring. However, The Big Dog has proven to be the most difficult to put away. It took FIVE F5’s to do it at Wrestlemania, in just the second 1v1 match Roman has had against the “reigning, defending, undisputed” champion. Will the third time be the charm? Or is The Beast too at-home inside of a steel cage?
The cage door is closed and the bell rings. Roman and Lesnar circle inside the steel, staring down. Roman rushes Lesnar, but Lesnar gets him with a German Suplex! Suplex City already begins as Lesnar throws Roman again. Lesnar stalks Roman, and already gets his third German Suplex. The fans chant “Suplex City!” while Lesnar stalks Roman again. He grabs Roman and throws him for a fourth German. Roman is gasping and coughing, his body sore all over again. Lesnar drags him up, fireman’s carry, and throws Roman for the first F5 of this match!
But Lesnar doesn’t cover, he both remembers Roman’s resiliency, and wants to punish Roman for being so resilient. He looms over Roman, grinning and laughing. The fans rally but Lesnar picks Roman up again. Another fireman’s carry, but Roman slips out to SUPERMAN Punch! And another! Then a third! Lesnar is reeling while Roman is aiming. Roman howls, then runs in, but the Spear is caught! Roman grabs the cage to prevent a second F5, then kicks Lesnar away so he can climb! Lesnar hurries up and after Roman, not letting him win by escape. Roman punches Lesnar but still gets brought back in. They’re both on the top rope, Lesnar elbows Roman and Roman falls to the mat.
Lesnar positions himself, he climbs up the cage! It’s not easy for him, but Roman makes it worse by catching up to him. Roman grabs the legs and pulls Lesnar back in. Roman clubs away, then gives Lesnar a powerbomb! Lesnar crawls away while Roman regains his breath. Heyman grows worried for his Beast, but Samoa Joe is watching backstage. Joe has told Roman that whether or not The Big Dog is a champion, Joe wants to destroy what’s left of him at Backlash. Roman walks over to Lesnar and throws him into the cage. Then he does it again! Roman drags Lesnar up a third time for a third throw into the walls. He then backs off and SPEARS Lesnar! But he knows that won’t be enough, he shouts for Lesnar to stand up again. He SPEARS Lesnar again!
Lesnar is down but Roman knows this won’t finish it. He builds up lots of speed, for a THIRD Spear! Both men are down, but Roman covers, TWO! Roman can’t believe it, but Lesnar survives. Roman calls for the door to open, he wants out. Lesnar crawls after Roman, but it’s Heyman who stops Roman’s escape by swinging the door on him! Lesnar lifts Roman, for the second F5! Cover, TWO! Lesnar is shocked, he thought he and his Advocate had finished this. Speaking of, Heyman throws a chair into the cage! There’s no disqaulifications, so anything goes. Lesnar grabs the chair, and takes off the gloves. Lesnar goes over to Roman but Roman SPEARS him again! Cover, TWO!!
But Roman sees the chair now. Heyman’s help is about to bite him in the ass, because Roman is grinning as he SMACKS Lesnar! And SMACK, and SMACK, and SMACK! Roman watches Lesnar writhe, then reloads the fist, for a fourth SUPERMAN PUNCH! Lesnar still moves, so Roman lets out another howl. He runs in, and SPEARS Lesnar, through the cage!!
Both men hit the floor, but who hit the ground first?! The decision is announced: “And still WWE Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar!”
Winner: Brock Lesnar, by escape; still WWE Universal Champion
It was a photo finish, but somehow the Beast gets away with the title. However, a crash landing like that, neither man is in much shape to acknowledge the finish. There is controversy, as well, as the escape rule is about whose feet touch first, and with the help of instant replay, it is clear one of Roman’s feet touch something other than cage chain-link first. Will Lesnar continue to survive Roman’s challenges? Will Roman ever get that title from Lesnar?
50-Man Royal Rumble match!
This is the first time in this match type’s illustrious history that the over-the-top-rope gauntlet style battle royal has been THIS massive! Fifty men, all sent out one at a time, until there is only one left in the ring. How long will it last? Who will last the longest? And who will be the winner of the Greatest Royal Rumble trophy and championship?
As always, two men start this match 1v1. The man who draw unlucky Number One is… Daniel Bryan! The leader of the #YesMovement starts off this historic match!
And he goes up against… Dolph Ziggler! The Show-Off also walks the toughest path with Bryan, as these two must both get through all 49 other entrants, which includes the other.
The bell rings and history begins! Bryan and Ziggler circle, both very skilled in technical mat wrestling. They both try to get control of the other while going for an early elimination, but neither man can get the other out. Ziggler puts Bryan in a corner and throws hands, then throws Bryan at the other end. Bryan holds on and fights back. Bryan runs but into Ziggler’s dropkick! Ziggler pounces, but Bryan still holds onto ropes. Bryan tries to bring Ziggler out with him, but Ziggler slips away as the countdown begins. Ziggler and Bryan are joined by Number 3: Sin Cara!
SmackDown’s lone luchador runs into the ring, ducks Ziggler and Bryan to hit a double quebrada! Sin Cara rolls and powerbombs Ziggler! He kicks Bryan’s legs then whips, but Bryan reverses. Cara dodges and springboards for a crossbody. He dropkicks Bryan into a corner but Bryan puts him on the apron. Cara kicks back and climbs up, for a swanton bomb! He drags Bryan up but Bryan clutches the ropes. ZIggler goes to superkick but misses, Cara uses strength to bend Ziggler in a torture rack. Cara lets Ziggler down, but Ziggler elbows him back. Cara bukcs off the Zig-Zag but runs into a SUPERKICK! Ziggler clotheslines Cara out, and ELIMINATES him!
But then Bryan goes after Ziggler from behind! The countdown returns and Number Four: Curt Axel! The Son of Mr. Perfect is here, making a start away from The Miz. Bryan and Ziggler brawl but Axel comes in to club away. He bumps Bryan off buckles then stomps a mudhole in him. Axel goes after Ziggler, Ziggler fights back, but Axel reverses the whip. Ziggler boots but Axel turns him around to crossface punch away on him! Axel runs side to side for a clothesline that brings Ziggler down. The countdown brings us Number Five: MARK HENRY! The WWE Hall of Famer and World’s Strongest Man gives one last match of historic proportions!
Henry heads down while Bryan fights off Axel. Axel has Bryan hanging upside down in a tree of woe, then goes after Henry. Henry lifts Axel up with ease, and puts him on the apron. Axel keeps fighting, but a headbutt sends him down, Henry ELIMINATES Axel. But then Ziggler and Bryan work together on Henry! Henry’s too big and strong, though, he fights them off. Number Six appears, it’s Mike Kanellis! “The Lover and a Fighter”, he’s back from helping wife Maria with their new baby girl. However, Henry is ready for him, and with one clothesline, he ELIMINATES Kanellis!
But Bryan gets right on Henry with a sleeper hold! Henry backs Bryan into a corner and rams in a shoulder. Henry whips Bryan corner to corner, but Ziggler goes after Henry. Now we get Number Seven, Hiroki Sumi! A sumo star from Japan makes a surprise appearance, and he stares Henry down. Sumi prepares himself per the ways of Sumo, but Henry isn’t having it. They push each other, but Henry gets Sumi to ropes. Henry dumps and ELIMINATES Sumi, but Bryan and Ziggler again work together, they ELIMINATE Henry! Now it’s just Numbers One and Two as the countdown begins again. Ziggler narrowly avoids elimination while we get Number Eight: The Ascension’s Viktor!
And he blazes down to the ring to chop away on Ziggler. He whips Ziggler and hits a leaping back elbow, then bumps Bryan before throwing Ziggler. Ziggler again avoids the floor while Bryan dodges Viktor. Viktor boots Bryan away, then hits a flying knee! Viktor goes after Ziggler with a back elbow in a corner, then scoops Bryan. He brings Bryan to the ropes, but Bryan stays on the apron and grabs Viktor’s arm for a shoulder breaker. Bryan drags Viktor up and over, and ELIMINATES Viktor! Ziggler and Bryan brawl again while we get Number Nine: The New Day’s Kofi Kingston! The living highlight reel of Rumble moments hits the ring and hits both Ziggler and Bryan with clotheslines!
Kofi is all fired up, he gives Ziggler the Boom Drop! Then Kofi rushes Bryan but Bryan dodges. Kofi stays in and goes to throw Bryan out. Bryan holds on again, then kicks Kofi in the chest. Bryan kicks him and Ziggler while the countdown brings Number Ten: Tony Nese! The Premier Athlete may have lost the Cruiserweight Gauntlet on 205 Live but he’s looking to make an even bigger splash in a Rumble debut. Nese runs in and catches Kofi with an elbow. He goes Matrix to mule kick, knee lift and sweep the legs. Nese is all fired up, and goes to throw Kofi out, but can’t. Bryan knocks Nese down with EuroUppers, and Kofi goes after Ziggler, while we get Number 11: The Revival’s Dash Wilder! One of the #TopGuys in tag team wrestling goes after Nese but then Bryan goes after him!
Neither man goes out, so Bryan gives Kofi a stiff EuroUpper. Dash throws Nese down but Bryan on him. Dash forearms Bryan and whips to rock him with a big back elbow. He puts Bryan in a corner and throws more hands. Kofi tries to get Ziggler out but can’t, and Nese is upon him instead. Another countdown, and we get Number 12: Hornswoggle?! The leprechaun is back and the fans go wild! He helps ELIMINATE Dash! Then he gets in the ring, and says hi to Kofi. Only to kick Kofi in the shin! And fireman’s carry Kofi for an Irish Drop! Hornswoggle climbs up high, but Ziggler SUPERKICKS him down!
Nese sees the little leprechaun, but Hornswoggle hits him back. Ziggler goes after him, but Hornswoggle bites Ziggler’s hands! Nese runs in and ELIMINATES Hornswoggle with the Premier Kneese! The four men continue brawling while we get Number 13: Primo Colon! The second generation Shining Star goes after Nese, but Nese reverses his whip. Primo slips on the springboard, then has a suplex tug-o-war with Nese. Bryan hits Kofi with a tornado DDT! Primo picks up Nese and throws him over, but Nese stays in. Ziggler brawls with Bryan again, but Bryan lifts him while we get Number 14: The New Day’s Xavier Woods!
Woods plays his trombone all the way down to the ring, then helps Kofi against Nese. The New Day hopes to win one way or another, but Primo goes after each of them. Primo puts Xavier on the apron, then throws Kofi up and over, but Kofi stays on Xavier’s back! Primo punches Kofi, he and Xavier both teeter! They hold on and hit Primo back. Fans applaud this combined effort from the New Day as they climb up top. The others gather, and Kofi uses Woods’ back as a springboard to FLY!
Kofi bowls over Bryan, Primo AND Ziggler. But Nese is up, clapping along? Nese shows off his dance moves, and the 76New Day picks him up to celebrate. Oh, and ELIMINATE him! Nese protests but now we get Number 15: the inspirational Bo Dallas! He throws Kofi but Kofi holds on. Bo clobbers Woods and drops a knee, then puts him in a corner to club away. Woods holds on but Kofi saves him. Bryan joins in and tries to suplex Kofi. Kofi tries to suplex him back, but it’s Bryan who suplexes Kofi over. Fans applaud and we get Number 16: KURT ANGLE!
The Olympic Gold Medalist makes his Rumble return, and is ready for Bo with a German Suplex! He throws Primo, he throws Ziggler, and then throws Bo out for the ELIMINATION! Angle ELIMINATES Primo, but Ziggler SUPERKICKS Angle! Ziggler mocks the straps down, but runs right into Angle’s belly2belly, Angle ELIMINATES Ziggler! The New Day go after Angle together now, but he fights them off. Bryan goes after Kofi while Angle keeps on Woods. Woods hits back, and Kofi tries to throw Bryan out, while we get Number 17: The Revival’s Scott Dawson! The other #TopGuy runs out and goes after Woods with haymakers and stomps. Dawson tries to throw Woods out, but Angle goes after him, too.
The New Day both work on Bryan, but Bryan holds on for dear life. They bring him back in to work over while we get Number 18: GOLDUST! The Bizarre One makes some history of his own by being in his 13th Rumble match. He gets Woods with a spinning powerslam, then throws him over. Woods holds on even as Goldust stomps away. Bryan pushes Kofi away and Goldust hits him one, Bryan hits a flying knee! But Goldust is on Bryan! He throws Bryan to the apron and throws haymakers. Bryan holds one and slides under while we get Number 19: The Ascension’s Konnor. Konnor goes after Kofi, but Woods saves Kofi. Konnor gose after Woods, but Kofi saves Woods.
Angle goes after Dawson while The New Day work together on Konnor. Goldust keeps on Bryan while Woods also goes after Angle. Angle blocks the takedown while we get Number 20: Elias! The Drifter is going international with an appearance in Jedda. He asks them, “Who Wants to Walk With Elias?!” Fans seem pretty eager to, because Saudi Arabia knows WWE really means “Walk With Elias!” Elias wants them to silence phones, hold applause and shut mouths while he plays. “Greatest Royal Rumble~!” And then he dumps out Konnor, Woods AND Kofi, TRIPLE ELIMINATION!!
Elias then goes after Bryan while we get Number 21: Luke Gallows! The Club’s Director of Chaos heads to the ring and goes after Dawson. Bryan and Angle brawl while Elias goes after Goldust. Angle throws Bryan with a German but Bryan lands on his knees, to hit the YES Kicks! Angle blocks the buzzsaw into the Ankle Lock! But Bryan slips out and shoves Angle away. Bryan misses in the corner and is thrown with the Angle Slam! Straps down, but Elias throws out and ELIMINATES Angle! But Gallows gets Elias and everyone else with a YAKUZA Kick while we get Number 22: Rhyno! The ManBeast of ECW and inaugural SmackDown Tag Team Champion goes right after Dawson while Goldust goes after Elias.
Gallows stomps and grinds Bryan in a corner. Gallow sits Bryan on the top rope but can’t finish him before we get Number 23: Drew Gulak! Another Cruiserweight contender, the Philly Fury goes right at Bryan! As the self-proclaimed best submission specialist in the WWE, he goes after another man known for his submissions. However, Dawson goes after Gulak, and the two scrap and chop with each other. Rhyno goes after Bryan while Gallows clubs Goldust. The countdown brings Number 24: Tucker Knight! NXT is represented now as one half of Heavy Machinery hits the ring. He brawls with Dawson, endless haymakers and stomps sit Dawson down. Tucker clubs Elias, then suplexes Gulak! But Gulak reverses into a sleeper! Tucker throws Gulak over the top rope and ELIMINATES him!
Gallows uppercuts Tucker while we get Number 25: Bobby Roode! Mr. Halfway Point is GLORIOUS as the former United States Champion makes his Rumble debut. Roode hits Elias then clotheslines Tucker and gives Dawson a SPINEBUSTER. Elias goes after Roode but still gets the GLORIOUS Blockbuster. Goldust hits Roode with the uppercut, but then Roode puts him on the apron. With a dropkick, Roode ELIMINATES Goldust. Roode gives Dawson an atomic drop, then another, then catapults him at the corner. Dawson tumbles all the way out and is ELIMINATED!
The countdown brings Number 26: Fandango of the Fashion Police! He throws hands on Tucker, then chops. Roode and Elias go against each other while Rhyno helps Gallows against Fandango. Bryan and Elias work on Roode but Tucker goes after Elias! Elias survives while we get Number 27: Chad Gable! Gable wants to make a big impact as a singles wrestler, he chop blocks Elias and arm-drags Fandango. Tucker goes after Rhyno but Gable goes after Tucker! Gable has Tucker on his shoulders for an electric chair drop! Bryan fights off Roode to go after Gable with kicks and a suplex. We get Number 28: REY MYSTERIO!
The King of Lucha Libre and a former Rumble winner goes right after Gallows with kicks. Roode comes over, but that only helps Rey in the headscissors that ELIMINATES Gallows! Then Rey slingshots and sets Roode up for… No, no 619 as Fandango intercepts. Fandango lifts then tosses Rey to Gable, but Rey gives Gable a tornado DDT! The fans love Rey as he gives Tucker and Rhyno some shots. Elias goes after Rey while we get Number 29: Mojo Rawley! He runs to the ring, ready to use his Killer Instinct, and he quickly ELIMINATES Fandango with a clothesline. Mojo then goes after Gable with stomps and headbutts. Bryan brawls with Elias while Mojo and Rey work on Gable. Bryan hoists Elias up but Elias holds on. Elias saves himself while we get Number 30: Tyler Breeze!
Breeze gets in and goes after Mojo, but Mojo throws him out. Mojo swings on Breeze but Breeze leaps into the arms of Fandango! Fandango sets Breeze back on the apron, but Mojo just shoves him off and ELIMINATES him. All that teamwork for nothing. Tucker gives Gable a heavy Thesz Press, but then Bryan kicks away on him. Bryan passes 43 minutes as he and Gable suplex battle. Gable suplexes Bryan over! He and Bryan brawl more as Number 31 comes out: it’s The New Day’s Big E! He is the last chance for The New Day to become Greatest Royal Rumble champion, and he heads down as everyone brawls. Big E offers Tucker some pancakes! Tucker doesn’t want pancakes, he wants #SteaksAndWeights. Tucker rushes Big E, but ends up in the abdominal stretch.
Big E can’t hold Tucker, he’s too big, so he gives Tucker the Big Ending! Then he throws him out and ELIMINATES Tucker. Here’s some pancakes for the road. Big E goes after Roode while we get Number 32: Karl Anderson! The Club’s Machine Gun and Bryan brawl right away, Anderson gets the jump kick. Anderson avoids Roode’s spinebuster to give a spinebuster! Then Anderson rocks Big E, only for Big E to run him over. Big E throws Anderson but Anderson holds on. Bryan goes after Mojo while Rey drop toeholds Roode. 619 while we get Number 33: Apollo Crews! Titus Worldwide’s top star goes after Gable and hits him with an enziguri. Then the standing moonsault before he throws Gable out and ELIMINATES him.
Gable has a rough landing while Bryan goes after Apollo now. Apollo lifts Bryan but Bryan fights back. Elias has Rey on the ropes while Big E goes after Mojo. Bryan chops Apollo while we get Number 34: Roderick Strong! Another NXT star appears to #ShockTheSystem. Strong gives everyone chops, then reverses Elias’ whip to give him a dropkick. He gives familiar foe, Bobby Roode, a half-nelson backbreaker, then gives one to Anderson. Rey runs over, wheelbarrow, into the backbreaker! Strong even lifts Big E, for a fireman carry gutbuster! Rhyno goes after Strong but Strong throws him over, and ELIMINATES him with a knee strike! Strong goes after Rey but has to fight off Bryan while we get Number 35: Randy Orton!
The Viper has won two Rumbles before, can he make his third THE Greatest Rumble? He hits the ring and clobbers Mojo, then Apollo, then powerslams Anderson. Orton gets a back elbow from Apollo, and Apollo hops up to jump, but into an RKO! Anderson runs in but is thrown out for the ELIMINATION! Mojo runs but Orton throws him out for another ELIMINATION! Orton picks up the unconscious Apollo and throws him out for a third ELIMINATION. Fans fire up while Orton stomps on Rey. Orton remembers when Rey eliminated him way back in 2006, this is payback overdue. But now we get Number 36: Heath Slater! The One Man Band is doing this for his kids! Slater rallies with heel kicks and forearms, then goes after Elias.
Slater throws Elias to the apron but Elias holds on. Elias kicks Slater away and he returns into the rnig. Orton goes after Rey again while Bryan whips Roode. Roode kicks Bryan and Strong chops Big E while we get Number 37: Babatunde! Another NXT superstar, this massive Polish-Polynesian football pro clubs and tackles everyone that moves. Babatunde picks Roode up and clubs him in the chest, but Bryan doesn’t back down. Babatunde makes Bryan pay for that while we get Number 38: Baron Corbin! The Lone Wolf is an Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner, and he drags Elias out from under the ropes to throw him into steps! Corbin clubs Orton then rocks Strong and Roode. He boots Bryan and gives Rey the DEEP SIX!
Corbin clotheslines Roode but Strong boots and enziguris him back. Strong whips but Corbin slides out and in, to clobber Strong out of the sky! Roode wants his DDT but Corbin shoves him out for the ELIMINATION! Corbin then throws Strong out and ELIMINATES him! He goes after Babatunde while we get Number 39: Titus O’Neil! The Gator runs in but trips?! That historic crash and burn doesn’t stop him, he gets right up and into the ring. Titus clubs away on Bryan, then boots Slater and Big E and even Elias. Titus lifts Rey high over his head, but Rey fights back. Rey clubs Titus and Bryan adds kicks. Babatunde and Corbin brawl while Big E works on Slater. Bryan throws Orton but Orton survives, we get Number 40: Dan Matha!
Another big man from NXT, another former football player enters. He stomps Rey but Titus goes after him. Rey and Bryan work on Ortno, as does Slater. Matha puts Rey right into a corner, then whips him into buckles. Slater pushes Bryan but Bryan holds on while we get Number 41: BRAUN STROWMAN! The Monster Among Men is about to have everyone #GetTheseHands! Strowman stands in the ring and stares Babatunde down. To then throw him out and ELIMINATE him! Strowman grabs Matha and ELIMINATES him, too! Then Strowman rocks Bryan with an uppercut, and boots Elias right down. Big E lifts Strowman but Strowman fights out. Strowman throws and ELIMINATES Big E!
Slater boots Strowman but his crossbody is caught. Strowman throws Slater at Babatunder and Matha, they topple over and Slater is ELIMINATED. Strowman roars but everyone goes after him while we get Number 42: Tye Dillinger! The Perfect Ten appears at the perfect time if they want to get rid of Strowman. He helps out but that’s not enough, Strowman explodes out! Then he ELIMINATES Titus! Strowman grabs Tye, and ELIMINATES him with a toss. Strowman rocks Corbin, then scoops Rey. Orton lurks, dropkick! Rey dropkicks the legs out, then runs, for a 619! Then RKO! But Rey springboards and hits Orton with a seated senton! Only for Corbin to throw Rey out.
But Rey stays on the apron, and shoulders Corbin to then swing kick him. Rey slingshots but Corbin counters with a right hand, and ELIMINATES Rey! Corbin talks trash, but Corbin clotheslines and ELIMINATES him. But Elias ELIMINATES Orton! Only for Strowman to run him over and CHOKE SLAM him! Strowman stands tall while we get Number 43: Curt Hawkins! Hawkins wants to end his losing streak, but this is not where and who to do it. He chooses to NOT get in the ring, but Strowman slips out under the ropes and chases him down! Strowman drags Hawkins back to the ring, Hawkins begging for mercy the entire time.
They enter the ring, Strowman runs Bryan over just because, then boots Elias, too. Strowman enters the ring, returns to Hawkins, and ELIMINATES him. Strowman runs at Elias but Elias dodges, sending the monster into the post. Elias drags Strowman up and throws him back into the post. He stomps away on Strowman while we get Number 44: Bobby Lashley! Dominance personifed, Lashley makes his return to the Rumble. He dodges Elias and runs him over. Lashley scoops and slams Elias, whips him to the corner, then fires up. Elias dodges but not for long, and Lashley whips him again. Lashley runs in for a BIG shoulder tackle. Lashley calls for the suplex but Elias counters with a knee strike. Elias runs but Lashley jumps over him to then dump him down.
Lashley throws Elias out and ELIMINATES him. Now he and Strowman stand in the ring. They brawl with haymakers, Strowman corner splashes but Lashley returns it. Lashley runs but Bryan returns to fire off dropkicks to both big men! Bryan goes back and forth, back and forth, while we get Number 45: The Great Khali! The Punjabi Nightmare makes his own Rumble return while Lashley and Bryan struggle in one corner and Strowman rests in the other. Khali goes after Lashley and clubs him with one hand. He clubs Bryan, then Strowman. Khali grabs Bryan, but Strowman clubs Khali back. Strowman and Lashley work together and ELIMINATE Khali! Then they turn back to each other! Strowman whips Lashley but double clotheslines take each other out!
All three men remaining are down while we get Number 46: Kevin Owens! The Prizefighter has his job back thanks to Stephanie McMahon, and he’s going to take advantage of this situation. Cannonball for Strowman, one for Lashley, then back to Strowman. He goes after Bryan but Bryan kicks him and throws him to the apron. Bryan clubs away on Keivn but Kevin hotshots Bryan away. Bryan has now lasted the longest of any Rumble participant ever, but that doesn’t really matter when he’s hit with a Pop-Up Powerbomb! Kevin stomps on Strowman to keep him down, then picks Bryan up while we get Number 47: Shane McMahon!
Shane O’Mac and Kevin still have hard feelings towards each other, Kevin would love to ruin Shane’s Rumble debut. But Shane fires off fast and furious strikes, then a big running elbow. Shane throws fast hands, then gives Lashley some stomps. Kevin goes after Shane again with right hands, then throws Shane to ropes. Shane holds on and boots Kevin bakc, then baits Kevin into the DDT! Fans applaud for Shane dancing around, but then Shane and Bryan lock eyes. Former coworkers as commissioner and general manager, but that won’t stop them from working together now. They both give Kevin some YES Kicks! Or perhaps, YE$ kicks. Kevin takes kick after kick after kick, then Bryan works to throw him out. We get Number 48: Shelton Benjamin!
The Gold Standard is also back to being a singles competitor, he’d love to grab up the Greatest Royal Rumble Championship. He goes right after Shane with a takedown and fast hands! Then he runs Bryan right over with that shoulder. Shane hits back, but Benjamin hits the Dragon Whip. Benjamin gives Lashley the step-up knee, then tries for Strowman, but Strowman throws him down. The Monster Among Men stands up, so Kevin convinces everyone to go after Strowman together. They do, but Strowman shoves them away in turn while we get Number 49: Big Cass!
The Human Skyscraper has returned to bully Bryan, this is a sampling of what we’ll see at Backlash. Bryan is ready for Cass, and Cass slides in right as Strowman explodes out again. Even with others in his way, Cass manages to club Bryan down. He throws hands on Bryan while Lashley goes after Kevin. Strowman stands but Cass boots him. Benjamin adds the knee, then Lashley adds a shoulder! Shane climbs up from the opposite side, steadies himself, and hits Strowman with Coast2Coast!!
The Monster is down but falls out the bottom. Everyone else breaks off to pairs again, Cass making sure he has Bryan. Kevin interferes so Cass gives him a corner splash. Cass lifts Lashley and throws him with a Fall Away Slam. Benjamin dodges Cass while we get Number 50: Chris Jericho! And Kevin is afraid… Y2J has been meaning to get revenge on this “stupid idiot”, so now we’ll finally see it. Kevin is furious, shouting for jericho to go back to Japan. Jericho runs in and unloads right hands! He runs Kevin over, then Lionsaults! He triangle dropkicks Cass but Cass survives. Benjamin avoids elimination from Jericho, but not that Code Breaker! Then Jericho ELIMINATES Benjamin.
Kevin goes for the Pop-Up but Jericho slips out. He takes Kevin down, for the Walls of Jericho! This isn’t for eliminations but for payback. Kevin taps out but that doesn’t matter in Rumbles. Cass stands and boots Jericho! Lashley grabs Cass and lifts him up for the suplex. He drops Cass down with a brainbuster, but then Kevin SUPERKICKS him. Bryan back suplexes Kevin, then unloads more YES Kicks. Bryan wants Shane to get up to help. Kevin gets dropkicks from Bryan over and over, then Shane hits another– No, Strowman stops Shane to throw him to the announce desk!!
Needless to say, this ELIMINATES Shane. Strowman roars while Shane is barely moving in the wreckage. Bryan goes after Cass but Lashley goes after Bryan. Strowman finally returns to the ring, and he catches Lashley to ELIMINATE him! Jericho runs in, but Strowman throws and ELIMINATES him. Kevin tries, but Strowman ELIMINATES him! Bryan goes after Strowman, but Strowman powers him off. Bryan punches, but it does nothing to the Monster Among Men. Strowman lifts Bryan, but Bryan slips out and works on Strowman! Strowman saves himself, but a roundhouse rocks him!
Cass boots Bryan! He drags Bryan up and throws him out, and ELIMINATES Bryan! The historic streak ends, Cass talks trash about Bryan taking out trash. But Cass should remember who is still in there with him.
The final two men are the two biggest men. They brawl with big haymakers, but Cass’ clotheslines don’t send Strowman out. Cass gets a running start, but Strowman blocks to then hang Cass up on the top rope. Strowman tortures Cass’ crotch, then barrels him off! Strowman wins!!
Winner: Braun Strowman, as Number 41
The Greatest Royal Rumble, the longest Royal Rumble, the BIGGEST Royal Rumble, is won by the massive Monster Among Men!
Vince McMahon helps present the trophy to the winner.
Not only does Strowman get to pose with the truly titanic trophy made for this occasion, but he also receives the Greatest Royal Rumble title! The Monster Among Men is the inaugural champion of this amazing and historic event.
It is a massive celebration for both Saudi Arabia, the superstars of the WWE, and even members of the WWE Universe around the world.
My Thoughts:
This was actually a damn good event. I’m not going to go into politics or social issues, I’m keeping it strictly business. Almost every match on this card was really good, and I really enjoyed them. The one that wasn’t as good was Hardy VS Mahal, but only because of that obvious Whisper in the Wind botch. But I had figured Hardy would retain, and that was why Raw kept the Intercontinental Championship. I was surprised it was Rollins, and certainly in the way he won it. I’d never seen anyone snipe their opponent so suddenly in a Ladder Match the way Rollins did Finn. Rollins still has Miz at Backlash, but after that, I’d imagine it’ll be Rollins VS Finn for the title the rest of the way.
Almost every match went the way I expected, too. To my surprise, all the other champions retained, including Lesnar! That cage spot was great, but I really thought that was how Roman was going to win. Instead, it’s Lesnar who wins by the skin of his teeth, to continue his reign and climb up the list of longest reigns ever. I really hope they don’t try to make Lesnar into the New Era Bruno, because first and foremost, Lesnar is not as entertaining anymore. Aside from the cage usage, this Universal Championship match felt exactly like the Wrestlemania match. But oh well, such is life, Lesnar will probably keep that belt until he’s at least past CM Punk’s record reign. That 50-Man Rumble was really incredible, too. There was so much going on because it had the most entrants ever, and all hail Strowman, he is the greatest.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/18/25)
Round 5, all together!
Oh~, we’re halfway there~!
Best of the Super Juniors enters round 5, and time to see who stays alive! But will Hiromu Takahashi get tired facing Clark Connors and Wheel-san?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS Titan; Knight wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Robbie X; Robbie wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS MAO; Yoh wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Dragon Dia; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira; Wato wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS SHO; Desperado wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Clark Connors; Hiromu wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 3-1, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-1, 6 points
Clark Connors: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie X: 2-2, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-2, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-2, 4 points
Master Wato: 2-2, 4 points
KUSHIDA: 2-2, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-3, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-3, 2 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
Nick Wayne: 3-1, 6 points
Titan: 3-1, 6 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-1, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-2, 4 points
MAO: 2-2, 4 points
SHO: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-2, 4 points
YOH: 1-3, 2 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-3, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 1-3, 2 points
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Nick Wayne!
Last round, The Funky Weapon quite truly won by the seat of his pants against Yoh, but The Prodigy finally hit a stumbling block going up against Kevin Knight. But will Nick brush himself off and get back to winning? Or will Taguchi continue to pull off some strangely shocking victories?
The bell rings and the fans rally. Nick and Taguchi circle, tie up, and Taguchi waistlocks. Nick works on the escape, standing switches, but Taguchi wrenches free. Nick rolls, wrenches in return, but Taguchi rolls and wrenches again. Taguchi hammerlocks, headlocks, and grinds, but Nick powers up and out. Taguchi runs Nick over, then swivels the hips! The fans cheer and Taguchi runs, but Nick drops down, hurdles over, and UPPERCUTS Taguchi down! Nick handsprings, and he swivels those hips! The fans cheer, Nick covers, TWO! Nick stays cool, stands Taguchi up, and ROCKS him! The ref reprimands about closed fists, and Nick apologizes.
Nick stands Taguchi up to CHOP! Taguchi fires body shots, but Nick snapmares and leg drops! Cover, TWO! Taguchi is tougher than that but Nick stays cool. Nick brings Taguchi up, but Taguchi fires body shots! Nick kicks low, runs, but Taguchi somersaults and HIP ATTACKS! The fans cheer and Nick bails out, only for Taguchi to run and HIP ATTACK Nick off the apron! The fans rally, Taguchi triangle jumps and CROSSBODIES! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up! Taguchi fist bumps a young fan before he puts Nick in the ring. Taguchi runs, runs, and HIP ATTACKS but misses as Nick moves!
Taguchi tumbles out, Nick builds speed, and Nick FLIES! Direct hit on Taguchi and the fans fire up! Nick clutches his banged up shoulder but he puts Taguchi in the ring. Nick fires the fans up, climbs a corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans cheer while Nick grows frustrated. Nick paces while Taguchi slowly rises. Nick waistlocks, then shifts up to the half nelson. Taguchi fights the full nelson, booty bumps Nick away, then fakes the run! HIP ATTACK into the atomic drop! Nick handsprings, but into an atomic drop! The fans cheer and Taguchi runs, HIP ATTACK!
The fans cheer and Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style! “ORYA~!” KETSUYE! Cover, TWO!! But Taguchi has OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Nick endures, reaches out, but Taguchi pushes on the foot! Nick still fights forward, only for Taguchi to drag him back! Nick reaches up to headscissor Taguchi away! Then he SUPERKICKS! Nick goes up, up, and WAYNE’S- FLAPJACK! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Nick endures again, but Taguchi drags him from the ropes! Nick rolls, but Taguchi holds on! The fans rally as Nick still endures, still crawls forward, and still has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Taguchi slowly lets up.
But then Taguchi YANKS Nick back! Nick uses that to ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Taguchi flounders, but Nick takes aim again. Nick winds up to ROUND- NO, Taguchi ducks then ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi chicken wings, DODON- NO, Nick victory rolls it! TWO! ROUNDHOUSE! And then into WAYNE’S WORLD!! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)
Nick with the rebound and he scores! The Prodigy is back on top, will he keep making history with every win? Will Taguchi still make the finals after falling down?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The American Ninja got lost on the Way to the Grandmaster, but the Heel Master put out the Crown of Fire. Can Mack scratch and claw and even backflip his way back up the block? Or will Kanemaru be toasting another win?
No real surprise that Kanemaru attacks Mack during his entrance! He BOOTS Mack off the apron, the fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Kanemaru stomps away! Kanemaru then SMACKS Mack off a fan’s chair! And another chair! And then he JAMS Mack up with a chair! Kanemaru CLUBS Mack, stomps him, then brings him up to BOWL into chairs! Not quite a strike but Mack still writhes. Kanemaru drags Mack up and brings him back to ringside. Kanemaru POSTS Mack, the fans boo more, and the ref again reprimands. But Kanemaru CLUBS Mack, and more fans move aside. But Kanemaru POSTS Mack again!
Kanemaru stalks Mack, sends him into the ring, and the ref finally calls for the bell! Kanemaru stomps and snapmares Mack, then goes after the mask! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru stops at 4, and then he bullies the ref! The ref reprimands so Kanemaru goes back to stomp Mack! Kanemaru stomps away, then he digs his boot into Mack’s head! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru stops at 4, and he kicks at Mack. The fans rally, Kanemaru CLUBS Mack, and Mack crawls. Kanemaru stomps Mack, runs, but Mack HADOUKEN PUNCHES! Kanemaru goes to the apron and Mack builds speed! But Kanemaru rushes in and shoves the ref into Mack!
The fans boo as ref and Mack both fall! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Mack down, then he grabs his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a big swig, stands Mack up, and he wants the mask! Mack tries to fight it but Kanemaru YANKS the mask off!! But surprise! Mack had a second mask on underneath! Kanemaru aims at Shiro Mack, but Mack ducks the Whiskey Mist! Roll up and TWO! Kanemaru cradles, TWO! Mack has the stack again, TWO! Kanemaru pokes Mack in the eye! Victory roll, but Mack sits on it!! Cover, MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is beside himself, but he should’ve realized that Mack’s mask covers his eyes! Mack snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, will he continue to rise? Will the Heel Master just have to try even harder to cheat his way to the top?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS Titan!
The Jet brought Nick Wayne down to earth to stay alive, and now he’s facing another top contender in El Inmortal. Will Knight continue his ascent? Or will Titan ground Knight’s flight plans?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Titan trips Knight, then runs. Knight drops down, hurdles over, but Titan leaps! Knight wrenches and whips Titan, but Titan goes up and over and handsprings away! The fans fire up and Titan runs in, but Knight hurdles the lariat! Knight DROPKICKS Titan out of the ring, then kips up! Knight builds speed, but Titan moves! Knight slides out, goes to the corner, and PLANCHAS, but Titan dodges! Titan builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and they almost hit the timekeeper’s table! The fans fire up, Titan puts Knight back in, and he springboards to DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!
Knight stays in this but Titan stays on the leg! TRAILER HITCH! Knight scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go but the fans rally up. Titan KICKS Knight’s leg, stomps Knight down, then brings him up. Knight fires a forearm, then fires another! Knight eggs Titan on, so Titan SOBATS! The fans rally, Titan whips, but Knight goes up and over to then run and- NO, Titan goes Matrix to dodge, and then he CALF KICKS! Knight rebounds to LARIAT! Titan kips up to PELE! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Knight and Titan rise. They go to corners, Knight runs in, but Titan BOOTS him! Titan skins the cat, but Knight leaps up!
Knight brings Titan up but Titan HEADBUTTS him away! But Knight returns to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up and Knight somersaults, UFO onto knees! Titan hurries to stand Knight up, and he RIPCORD SLAMS him down! Titan goes back to the apron, springboards, LANCER!! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives those double stomps and the fans fire back up! Titan fires up, too, and he reels Knight in. Knight fights the lift, wrenches out, and CHOPS! The fans cheer, Knight whips, but Titan reverses to TORNADO D- NO, Knight stops the DDT to SKY- NO, Titan arm-drags and then SUPERKICK! The fans rally as Titan fires up again!
Titan runs corner to corner and back again, but Knight stops the Frame Out to SKY2HIGH!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and the fans fire up again! Knight powers up, takes aim, and Titan rises. SATELLITE DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives again and the fans stay fired up! Knight whips, DROPKICKS, and almost lands on Titan after! Knight hurries to the corner, climbs up, and MOTHERSHIP UFO SPLASH!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!
Winners: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)
Knight didn’t even have time to say how tsuyoi he is, but he proved it with this win! The Jet’s course correction is working out, but will he still reach his target destination? Will El Inmortal be able to revive as we move into the latter half?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Robbie X!
The Japanese Young Punk had to clock out against the Time Splitter, and Mr. X couldn’t handle a shot of 100 Proof. But redemption is just a three-count away, will this Ichiban Sweet Boy be sweeter than Too Sweet? Or will it be all aboard the X Express?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle slowly. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Fujita powers Robbie to ropes. Robbie turns things around, Fujita turns things around, but then Robbie turns it back around. The ref counts, Robbie lets off to CHOP, then he eggs Fujita on. Fujita fires a forearm, Robbie fires back, and repeat! The fans rally as the forearms keep going, and Robbie gets the edge. Robbie CHOPS, eggs Fujita on, but Fujita CHOPS! Fujita runs, Robbie drops down, then hurdles into a dropkick! Fujita says he’s smarter than Robbie, and he CHOPS him. And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Robbie sputters but Fujita whips.
Robbie reverses, Fujita reverses again, and Fujita runs in, only for Robbie to put him on the apron. Robbie then runs to HANDSPRING KICK Fujita down! The fans rally while Robbie goes out and BOOTS Fujita down! Robbie tells fans to move so they move, and Robbie whips Fujita to BOWL him into chairs! STRIKE! The fans cheer while the ref checks Fujita. Robbie storms over to drag Fujita from the chairs, then SMACKS him back down! Robbie brings Fujita up to POST him! Fujita falls in a heap but the fans rally up. Robbie SMACKS Fujita off the apron, then he goes deep into the crowd, to run back and DRIVE-BY DROPKICK!
The fans cheer that shot while Robbie brings Fujita back up. Robbie puts Fujita in the ring, covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out but Robbie sits him up. Robbie KNEES Fujita in the back, then rips at the shoulder tape! The ref reprimands but Robbie SPLASHES the bad arm! Then rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Fujita is still in this and Robbie grows frustrated, but the fans rally up. Robbie stomps Fujita’s bad arm, then brings him up. Fujita CHOPS but Robbie blocks! And Robbie BITES that hand, to then STOMP that hand! Robbie runs, but Fujita LEG LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans rally back up.
Robbie crawls to the far corner, Fujita runs in and CHOPS! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in again, but is put on the apron. Fujita avoids a shot to DECK Robbie! The fans fire up as Fujita aims, and he springboards in for a MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Fujita keeps moving, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Robbie toughs it out but Fujita stays focused. Fujita drags Robbie up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Robbie knees free! Fujita ROCKS Robbie first, then runs up. Robbie puts Fujita in the corner, blocks a kick and puts the leg in the ropes. Robbie KICKS the leg, then SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE!
The fans fire up and Robbie snapmares Fujita. Robbie runs and SHOOTING STARS onto knees! Fujita cradle covers, TWO! Robbie survives and the fans rally up again. Robbie coughs and sputters as he crawls to the ropes. Fujita runs up but Robbie BOOTS him! RObbie goes to the apron but Fujita GAMANGIRIS! Fujita suplexes Robbie back in and holds him, for the SLAM! But that’s Uno Amigo as Fujita brings RObbie up. Robbie fights the suplex to wrench, but FUjita wrenches to drop toehold! But Robbie cradle counters! TWO!! Fujita hurries up, but Robbie SUPERKICKS! But Fujita comes back, blocks the next kick, and he CHOPS!
Robbie PELES but misses! Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Robbie survives but Fujita roars, and the fans fire up with Fujita! Fujita torture racks Robbie, but Robbie fights with elbows! Fujita still throws Robbie but Robbie lands out! Robbie waistlocks, Fujita switches and O’Conner Rolls, CHAOS THEORY! But Robbie lands out! Robbie avoids Fujita’s kick, to handspring and LETHAL INJECTION X! Robbie goes up, X EXPRESS!! Cover, Robbie wins!
Winner: Robbie X, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
Robbie’s got that dog in him, and he manages to get back on a winning track! Will he still make this the X Block before the end? Or can Fujita rise again as The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS MAO!
It was a rather cheeky loss to Taguchi for Direct Drive, and though the Idol Warrior put on a wild main event with The Rogue Luchador, he also fell. Who stands back up with head held high here at the halfway point?
Yoh shows off the dancing pecs, but Mao shows he can do that, too. The bell rings and the fans duel already. Mao and Yoh slowly circle, then approach. Mao puts his hands up, but then into his pockets! A very Orange Cassidy move. Yoh decides to not do that, but then Mao kicks low and headlocks! The fans rally, Yoh powers up and out, but Mao runs Yoh over! The fans cheer, Mao runs but then rolls over the dropdown. Mao manages a NO HANDS ARM-DRAG, and a NO HANDS RANA! Then a DROPKICK, and a kip up! The fans cheer this Freshly Squeezed tribute. Mao stomps Yoh in the corner, digs his boot in, but the ref counts.
Mao steps off at 4, and then manages to facelock. Mao puts Yoh on the ropes, but the ref calls for the break. The ref then counts, so Mao takes his hands out of his pockets! Yoh falls on his face! The fans applaud and Mao brings Yoh up. Yoh ROCKS Mao, but Mao puffs up to be Tsukakui! Yoh fires another forearm, but Mao is Tsukakui! Yoh fires another, but Mao is still Tsukakui! The fans cheer but Yoh is in disbelief! Mao kicks low, whips, but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS! The fans cheer while both men are down. Yoh kips up, the fans cheer more, and Yoh goes to Mao. Yoh brings Mao up, scoops and SLAMS, then he puts his hands in his pockets!
The fans cheer and Yoh soaks it up. Wait, did Mao put his hands back in his pockets? Yoh drops an ELBOW with hands in pockets! Kneeling cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO, and Yoh SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! The hands are out of the pockets but the fans still cheer. Yoh goes back for Mao and stands him up. Yoh reels Mao in, but Mao fights the suplex! The fans rally, Mao powers up, but Yoh suplexes! Mao cradle counters, TWO! Mao says “Look!” HAYMAKER! UPPERCUT! Then feint and DDT! The fans cheer and Mao brings Yoh back up. Mao scoops for the MICHI- NO, Yoh slips free! Yoh waistlocks, Mao switches, but Yoh switches!
Yoh wants the nelson but Mao fights it off. Yoh waistlocks but Mao fights the German Suplex. Mao throws elbows but Yoh ducks them to be face to face with Mao! Mao and Yoh seem mesmerized by each other, and Mao takes Yoh’s face in his hands. The fans, perhaps mostly the ladies, fire up as Mao and Yoh close their eyes. But then Mao slips under and waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Mao says he outsmarted Yoh, and now he powers up. Yoh rises, Mao runs in, OSAKA- NO, Yoh ducks the uppercut to wrench and DDT! Cover, ONE as Mao goes Matrix! DOUBLE CHOP, cover, ONE as Yoh goes Matrix! They go chest to chest, then Mao kicks low.
Mao whips Yoh to a corner, runs in, but Yoh dodges to then TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up with Yoh and he tunes up! SUPER- NO, Mao goes Matrix, then UPPERCUTS! Mao runs, but Yoh JUMP KNEES! Yoh runs, but the ref is a shield! Mao runs but Yoh turns the ref around on Mao! Mao dosidos with the ref, then slips around Yoh to hop up. Yoh slips out but Mao then leap frogs the ref, to come back and LEAP FROG CUTTER! The fans fire up and Mao calls his shot! Mao aims from the corner while Yoh is down. Yoh slowly rises, the fans rally, and Mao runs up, SAMURAI- NO, Yoh dodges the kick to SUPERKICK!
Yoh suplexes but Mao fights it! The fans rally as Yoh still hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Mao survives and the fans fire up! Yoh rises, roars, and he runs in, but Mao hits a SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up as Mao shouts out The Ace, then goes up, up, and HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives as Mao isn’t quite The Ace, but Mao calls for another big move! Mao runs, but Yoh ENZIGIRIS! Then POISON-RANAS! Mao sits back, Yoh runs up, ZOMATO!! Cover, TWO?!? Mao survives but Yoh just fires up! The fans rally with Yoh and he full nelsons! DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, YOH WINS!!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mao earns 0)
So many great references to other great wrestlers, but it is Yoh who makes it count! Will Yoh keep things fresh as he keeps fighting for the top spot? Will Mao be able to recover from falling down the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Dragon Dia!
The Time Splitter took that win from Fujita after a technical masterclass while the Infinite Carat Diamond had quite the fireworks show with Hiromu. Who will keep up their momentum as we roll through the halfway point?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, Dia avoids Kushida’s leg trap, then things speed up. Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides to then tilt-o-whirl arm-drag! And DROPKICK! Kushida bails out, Dia builds speed, but Kushida uses a Young Lion as a shield! Dia stops and Kushida goes around the way. Dia storms out and pursues, but Kushida slips into the ring. Dia avoids the kick, then trips Kushida up to slingshot and CORKSCREW SPLASH! The fans cheer and Dia goes back to Kushida. Dia CLUBS Kushida, has him in a corner and stomps. Dia whips corner to corner but Kushida reverses.
Kushida runs up, blocks Dia’s boot, and has the ANKLE LOCK! Dia hobbles and hops to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Kushida lets go at 4, but Kushida runs to DROPKICK Dia to the floor! The fans cheer while Kushida goes out after Dia. The ring count starts already but Kushida stomps Dia. Kushida steps through and has the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Dia endures, Kushida pushes the count past 10 of 20! Then to 15! Kushida lets go at 16, rolls in, but Dia hobbles up! Dia rolls in at 19.5! Kushida drags Dia up, TOSSES him back out, and Dia hobbles on his bad leg. Kushida then goes out to fetch Dia and hits a SHIN BREAKER!
Dia hobbles and falls but the fans still rally. Kushida refreshes the count, brings Dia up, and then puts Dia in the ring. Kushida holds onto Dia’s arm to then drag him to the corner. Dia goes outside, but Kushida YANKS him into the POST! Dia clutches his arm and the fans rally again. The ring count starts again but Kushida puts Dia back through the corner, to YANK him into the POST again! Kushida leaves Dia behind at 10 of 20 but the fans rally up. Dia rises at 14, stands at 17, and rolls in at 19! Kushida is annoyed but he drags Dia back up. Kushida snapmares Dia and scrapes his sole off Dia’s face! Then Kushida handsprings and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Dia toughs it out. Kushida drags Dia up, CHOPS, then whips. Kushida catches Dia into the SLEEPER! Dia endures but Kushida wrangles him to the mat for a chinlock. Dia still endures and the fans rally up. Kushida headstands to put on the pressure, then drops back to crank the hold! Kushida pulls back on the hold, it’s almost a Bulldog Choke! Dia fights up and the fans rally again. Dia fires body shots, breaks free, but Kushida KICKS him in the back! Dia drops to his knees and crawls to the ropes. Kushida goes up the corner and leaps, but Dia dodges the knee! Dia BOOTS from the corner, then RANAS!
The fans rally while both men are down. Dia and Kushida stand, but Dia SOBATS, LEG SWEEPS, and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Kushida is tougher than that but Dia CLUBS him down. The fans rally more as Dia brings Kushida up. Dia whips, Kushida reverses, but Dia grabs ropes. Kushida runs up, Dia dodges and Kushida tumbles out! Dia builds speed and he FLIES! Direct hit on Kushida at the ramp! The fans fire up while Dia and Kushida are both down. Dia clutches the bad arm but he still stands up. The fans rally and duel, Dia fires himself up, and Dia brings Kushida around to send into the ring.
Dia aims from the apron as Kushida rises. Dia springboards, Kushida gets under, but Dia returns. Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the SHOTEI finds him! Cover, TWO! Dia stays in this but Kushida watches him closely. Dia rises, Kushida runs up, and Kushida goes for the arm! Dia slips free to CHPO, CHOP and CHOP! Then he intercepts the fastball with an ENZIGIRI! But Kushida KICKS the leg! And KICKS! Dia jumps the third to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans fire up and Dia lines up a shot. SOBAT and Kushida falls over! Dia covers, TWO! The fans rally, Dia watches Kushida rise, and he runs to roll, REPTILI-
NO, Kushida stops the Reptilian to fireman’s carry! Kushida aims for a corner but Dia lands safe on the apron! Dia GAMANGIRIS, then goes up the corner! Kushida comes back to HANDSPRING KICK! Dia sits back on the top rope, and Kushida climbs up after him! The fans rally as Dia fires CHOPS! Kushida grabs Dia’s bad arm for the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! But Dia slips out underneath! GAMANGIRI again! Dia climbs back up and he goes tot he very top! ASTRO SCISSORS! Dia runs up, REPTILIAN, DOUBLE CORK!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up! Dia calls his shot and he goes to the corner!
Dia climbs, takes aim, and Kushida rises. D D D- NO, Kushida stops the 4D, then ripcords to ROLLING ELBOW! Dia wobbles, but he roars! Kushida winds up, but Dia blocks the Shotei! Dia SOBATS again, then roars before he- NO, Kushida ducks the enzigiri to PENALTY KICK the bad arm! Kushida runs, tilt-o-whirls, and HOVERBOARD TAKEDOWN!! Dia endures, fights around, reaches out, but Kushida rolls him away! HOVERBOARD!! Dia TAPS, Kushida wins!
Winner: Kushida, by submission (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
Dia’s a skater boy but he wasn’t ready for the Hoverboard! Will this diamond ever get some NJPW gold? As for Kushida, he’s building up momentum, are we gonna see some serious ish?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Sniper of the Skies got cheated by Sho and the House of Torture, but the Bone Soldier simply failed to bring down Titan. Both men have reloaded, but who will hit the bull’s eye and score?
The bell rings and we already get “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” Taiji paces around the outside in annoyance, but then comes back to circle with Eagles. They feel things out, Taiji waistlocks, then wrenches to a wristlock. Eagles rolls, wrenches and wristlocks back, but Taiji rolls to trip Eagles. Taiji has the leg for a toehold, and he fights off Eagles’ chinlock. Eagles uses his free leg to hook Taiji, but Taiji clasps hands to fight the armbar. Eagles pushes Taiji down, rolls and wants the leg, but Taiji has the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer as Eagles lets go, and the two reset. They tie up, Taiji wrenches the knuckle lock into a double knuckle lock cover. TWO as Eagles gets an arm up! Taiji pushes that arm down, TWO as Eagles gets the other arm up! Taiji pushes that down, TWO as Eagles bridges! Taiji jumps up but Eagles uses that to get up and RANA into the leg lock! Taiji scrambles to have the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer the technical exchange while Eagles lets go. Eagles tells Taiji it was that close, and the two reset. They approach but Taiji kicks low! Taiji whips but Eagles blocks by holding ropes! Taiji kicks Eagles low again! Taiji whips, Eagles reverses and tornado arm-drags!
The fans fire up as things speed up, and Eagles hurdles to then RANA! Taiji tumbles, Eagles eggs him on, then WHEEL KICKS him down! Taiji bails out, the fans fire up, and Eagles builds speed. Taiji moves so Eagles springboards and backflips. Eagles then goes to the side, PLANCHA, but Taiji moves back! Taiji kicks low, whips, but Eagles stops from hitting the post! Eagles SOBATS Taiji, then cravats and uses the post for an ASAI- NO, Taiji stops Eagles from going over, and LAWN DARTS him into the post! Eagles clutches his shoulder and the ref checks on him, but that lets Taiji remove the blue corner buckle pad!
The fans rally for Eagles as he hobbles up. Eagles has a Young Lion help pop the arm back into place! Eagles storms in but Taiji wrangles him by that bad arm! Taiji stands on the joint, the fans rally for Eagles, and Eagles fights around. Taiji drags Eagles up, wrenches, and hammerlocks to then RAM the arm into the bare buckles! The ref reprimands Taiji using the Bullet Club Special but Taiji just clamps onto Eagles’ bad arm! Taiji drags Eagles up, just to SAYANAGI him down, and he has the arm again! Eagles endures as Taiji grinds the shoulder. The fans rally, Eagles fights around, and Eagles kicks away from below!
Taiji grinds the arm, but Eagles fights to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji lets go, and Eagles clutches that arm. Eagles says he’s fine to continue, then goes to ropes. Taiji reels Eagles in and scoops, but Eagles escapes the lawn dart! Taiji narrowly avoids hitting the bare buckles, and he ELBOWS Eagles! Taiji runs, Eagles slips around, CHOP BLOCK and then BLINDSLIDE LARIAT! The fans rally as Eagles rises, and he KICKS Taiji! And KICKS! And KICKS! Eagles runs, but Taiji blocks the leg lariat! Taiji CLUBS the leg, whips, but Eagles reverses. Taiji handsprings, but into an ENZIGIRI! Both men are down and the fans rally up.
Taiji writhes, Eagles goes to the opposite corner, and Eagles runs in! DOUBLE KNEES! Taiji stays up so Eagles BASEMENT 619s! Taiji sits down, and Eagles METEORAS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Taiji stays in this but Eagles stays on him with a SPINNING TOEHOLD! Eagles then goes up the corner, but that bad arm slows him down. Eagles still aims, WARP 4- NO, Taiji moves! Taiji runs up, Eagles KNEES low, then KICKS high! Taiji goes to the corner, and Eagles runs up, but Taiji dodges. Taiji comes back, blocks boots, and he puts Eagles in ropes! ENZIGIRI, and then Taiji runs side to side. But Eagles slips out to springboard and SNIPER DROPKICK!
The fans fire up and Eagles has the legs! But Taiji rolls Eagles, TWO! BONE LOCK! Eagles rolls to a cradle, TWO!! Taiji runs up, Eagles dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! SUPERKICKS! ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up as Eagles cravats, ASAI- NO, Taiji slips free to JUMP KNEE! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Taiji and Eagles stir as the fans rally, and they sit up. Taiji fires a forearm, but Eagles gives it back! The forearms go back and forth, then they stand up. Taiji fires forearms but Eagles KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS again! Eagles winds up, Taiji ducks the roundhouse to LARIAT! Eagles says I’ll Be Back, but Taiji LARIATS again! Cover, TWO!
Eagles survives and Taiji grows frustrated, but the fans rally back up. Taiji snarls and hobbles over. Taiji stands Eagles up, runs him in, and POSTS the bad shoulder! Taiji brings Eagles around to hammerlock and scoop, SHOULDER BUSTER!! Eagles writhes and the fans rally, but Taiji takes aim. Taiji tilt-o-whirls, but Eagles turns La Mystica into a BACKSLIDE! TWO, and Eagles steals BONE LOCK!! Taiji endures his own hold, but then Eagles shifts around, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taiji endures as Eagles thrashes around! Taiji fights his way around, but Eagles drags him back! Eagles KICKS away on the leg!
Eagles steps through, but Taiji manages a cradle! TWO!! Eagles escapes, roll up with bridge, TWO! Taiji escapes, goes for the leg, but Eagles sits down! TWO and Taiji sunset flips! TWO and Eagles prawn holds! TWO and Eagles rolls through! Taiji dodges a kick, but Eagles blocks a kick to fire strike! TURBO- LA MYSTICA!?! And BONE LOCK!!! Eagles fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away! BLOODY CROSS!!! Cover, Taiji wins!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)
It was a shootout at the end, but Taiji is number one with a bullet! Will Taiji continue to win #ByGrace? Will Eagles still be able to fly after being shot down like that?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira!
A battle of water and fire will surely make for a steamy showdown. But where the Way of the Grandmaster overcame Ninja Mack, the Crown of Fire is seething over Kanemaru cheating him. Will Akira burn Wato up? Or will his fire be put out again?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Wato and Akira circle, feel things out, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Akira digs in his heels to put Wato on the ropes. The ref counts, Akira lets off slowly, promising a clean break. But then Akira shoves Wato and eggs him on. Wato shoves back, but Akira slips around to waistlock. Akira SLAMS Wato down, floats to a facelock, btu Wato switches. Wato facelocks, Akira slips free but Wato has a lateral press. Akira moves around but Wato facelocks then chinlocks. Akira fights up, Wato waistlocks, but Akira slips away. The fans applaud this opening exchange as the two reset.
The two go again, and Wato waistlocks then headlocks. Akira fights up, powers up and out, but Wato RUNS Akira over! Akira is right up but Wato RUNS him over again! Akira is up to BOOT Wato! Akira runs, Wato dodges and Wato RUNS Akira over again! The fans cheer and Wato rolls Akira into VENDEVAL, but Akira makes it a cradle! TWO, Wato wants Vendeval again but Akira has the ROPEBREAK! Wato lets go, but then stomps Akira! Akira stands up to CHOP! Wato CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Akira is in the corner and Wato ROCKS him. Wato whips corner to corner, runs in, but Akira puts Wato on the apron.
Akira swings, Wato blocks and ROCKS him! Wato springboards but Akira dodges. Wato comes back into a CALF KICK! The fans fire up while Wato bails out. Akira hurries to the ropes to PLANCHA! Down goes Wato and the fans fire up! They cheer “A! KI-RA!” as he stands Wato up. Akira CHOPS Wato, then brings him around the way. Akira turns Wato and says hey to the fans. Take pictures! Akira has Wato in the headscissors squeeze! Crowns up! The ref reprimands, Akira lets go, and then Akira brings Wato into the ring. Akira covers, TWO! Wato toughs it out but Akira stays cool. The fans rally as Akira clamps on with a chinlock.
Akira traps an arm as he grinds Wato down, then pushes him down so he can omoplata the arm! The fans rally as Akira grabs Wato’s other arm, and uses it as a RECLINER! A very Zack Sabre Jr. kind of move as Wato endures! Akira sits up, but Wato fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Akira lets go and the fans rally up again. Akira kicks at Wato mockingly, talks some trash, then CHOPS! Wato snarls as he falls back to the corner, and then he CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! And again! Akira CHOPS again and Wato goes back to the corner. Akira runs corner to corner but Wato dodges the splash! Wato reels Akira in, but Akira fights the back suplex!
Akira runs, Wato CALF KICKS him down! The fans rally while both men are down. Wato grits his teeth as he rises up, and he brings Akira around. Akira fires a forearm, Wato kicks low, and Wato whips. Akira reverses but Wato RANAS! Akira tumbles out, Wato builds speed, and Wato FLIES! Down goes Akira and the fans fire up! Wato rises, but then hobbles and drops to a knee. Wato catches his breath and rises again to go back for Akira. The ring count starts but Wato pushes Akira in at 5 of 20. The fans rally as Wato aims from the apron. Wato springboards, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO!
Akira is still in this as the fans rally up. Wato kicks at Akira, drags her up, but Akira fires a forearm! Wato fires back! Akira staggers to the ropes, but he returns to fire another forearm! Wato KICKS Akira! Akira grits his teeth and fires another forearm! Wato KICKS again! Akira gets mad now, and he fires a string of forearms! Akira eggs Wato on, and Wato ROCKS him! Wato reels Akira in, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Wato brings Akira up. Wato wrenches and reels Akira in, but Akira waistlocks. Wato switches, but Akira victory rolls, STOMP 182! Both men are down but Akira crawls to the cover, TWO!
Akira hurries to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives but Akira just fires up more! “IKU ZO!” The fans are with Akira and he brings Wato up. Akira reels Wato in, SPEED- NO, Wato slips free, RECIE- NO, Akira fights that to TIGER- NO, Wato fights the suplex! Akira blocks a kick to SUPERKICK, then SUPERKICK again!! Akira whips, Wato reverses, and RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!!! It ended up part backbreaker but Akira still survives! The fans rally up harder as both men rise! Wato roars and the fans are with him! Wato waistlocks but Akira fights the German Suplex! Akira reaches out but Wato keeps him from the ropes!
The fans rally as Akira and Wato struggle against each other. Akira fights his way forward and has the ROPEBREAK! But then Wato KICKS the arm! Wato reels Akira back in, TSU- NO, Akira fires elbows to get free! Wato SOBATS, but Akira ducks the roundhouse! POISON-RANA!! Wato roars as he rises! But Akira LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives but the fans rally with “A! KI-RA!” Akira drags Wato up, chicken wings an arm, but Wato fights the other! Wato fires elbows, but Akira uses that to spin him into SPEEDFIRE!! Akira then goes to the corner and the fans rally again, “A! KI-RA!”
Wato rises, into the NOVA FIRE- NO, Wato ducks it! Wato reels Akira in, TSUTEN- NO, Akira fights it to a sunset flip! TWO!!! Wato escapes that chaotic exchange, but Akira runs in! Wato dodges, pops him up, but Akira fights the spinebuster! ROUNDHOUSE! Wato wobbles, drops to his knees, and Akira runs up! FIRE- NO, Wato rolls it back, reels Akira in, but Akira fights free! Only to end up in RECIENTEMENTE 2ND!!! Cover, WATO WINS!!
Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was certainly a hot match between water and fire, but Wato puts Akira down! Will the Way of the Grandmaster lead to the top of the block? Can Akira reignite as we enter the second half?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS SHO!
The Rogue Luchador won big in last night’s main event, but the Murder Machine just keeps stacking the deck. Will Sho cheat his way to a golden ticket? Or will he fail to dupe THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
Sho grabs the mic and says he has mixed feelings. Hachioji Arena is okay, but he’s of course looking forward to wrestling the champion. However… And then we hear a big commotion just backstage! Did Sho already have the fix in at gorilla? The fans boo already and Sho says it seems Desperado may have to forfeit! But even if Despy makes it out here, Sho will “take out the trash!” Sho waits as Despy’s music hits, and Despy is dragging Yujiro out here! The fans cheer as Despy turns the tables on the House of Torture! Sho freaks out as Despy throws the Tokyo Pimp aside! Sho runs up but Despy JAMS him up with the pimp cane, then DECKS him!
The fans fire up while Sho panics and scrambles away. Despy says Sho has to be an idiot to think that would work! Despy pushes Sho into the ring, Red Shoes calls for the bell, and the fans fire up! Despy stomps Sho around, then digs his boots in! Red Shoes counts as they’re in the ropes. Despy lets go but then drags Sho up by his hair. Despy KNEES Sho low, drags him back up, and SHIN- NO, Sho CLAWS Despy’s eyes! So Despy CLAWS Sho’s eyes! Despy whips, Sho reverses, and Yujiro trips Despy up! Yujiro drags Despy out while Sho is in Red Shoes’ face! Yujiro POSTS Despy, then grabs the chair! Yujiro SMACKS Despy on the back!
The fans boo as Tokyo Pimp does his part after all! Yujiro drags Despy up, Sho undoes a buckle pad, Red Shoes just cannot stop the House’s hijinks! Sho drags Despy up, wrenches and whips, and Despy hits bare buckles! Despy writhes, Sho covers, but Red Shoes puts the buckle pad aside first. Sho is upset that Red Shoes isn’t falling for the antics! Sho drags Despy up, RAMS him into the buckles, then RAMS him in again and again! Red Shoes reprimands and the fans boo but Sho digs his boots in. Red Shoes counts, Sho steps off, and then Sho wants the loose buckle pad! Red Shoes stops Sho but that lets Yujiro drag Despy up!
Yujiro JAMS Despy up with the pimp cane! The fans boo but Yujiro drags Despy up. Yujiro puts Despy in, Sho grins but Red Shoes shakes his head. Sho looms over Despy, stands on him, but Despy shoves him. Despy slaps at Sho’s leg but Sho stomps him down! Sho drags Despy up, whips him in, and Despy stops from hitting buckles! Despy dodges Sho, Sho stops from hitting buckles, and Sho whips Despy in, only for Despy to reverse! Sho hits buckles, and Despy SPEARS! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally as Despy rises, and he wants the legs! Sho scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, but Despy GUILLOTINE CATAPULTS him!
The fans fire up as Sho sputters outside. Despy DIVES onto Sho & Yujiro! The fans fire up for Despy as he lands right on his feet! Despy then goes back for Sho and stands him up. Despy puts Sho in and drags him up. Despy hits a BIG back suplex, and the fans cheer. Despy drags Sho to a drop zone then climbs! The fans rally and Despy aims, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Sho survives and even gets a body shot in there as he kicks out. Despy shrugs that off and drags Sho up. Despy tells Sho to look at the one Sho fan here tonight. Then Despy KICKS Sho in the side! Despy drags Sho back up, gut wrench, but Sho fights it!
Sho bends Despy’s fingers, Despy breaks free, but then Sho CLAWS Despy’s face! Then he shoves Despy at Red Shoes! SPEAR!! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Sho and Despy sputter and rise. Sho grabs Despy, whips him and Despy hits bare buckles again! Sho runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Despy survives and Sho grows frustrated. Sho stands and he brings Despy up. Sho reels Despy in, but Despy fights the lift! The fans rally, Sho KNEES Despy down, then grins. Sho brings Despy up again, lifts and POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans cheer but Sho is frustrated!
The fans rally while both men are down. Sho rises and he storms over to Despy. Sho brings Despy around, but Despy CLUBS at Sho’s legs. Despy fires body shots and chops, but Sho DECKS Despy! The fans still rally for Despy but Sho kicks at him. Sho stomps away on Despy again and again, then hits one big stomp! Sho digs his boot into Despy’s neck and laughs. Sho drags Despy up, brings him around, and tucks the arms! SHOCK- NO, Despy flips through to HEADBUTT! The fans fire up as Despy stays standing but Sho slumps down! Despy roars, and he brings Sho up and in! Underhooks and PINCH- NO, Sho fights free!
Sho shoves Despy at Red Shoes! Despy stops short, but Sho RAMS Despy into Red Shoes! And then Yujiro LARIATS Despy down! The fans boo as Yujiro stomps away on Despy, then has the legs. DIVING HEADBUTT LOW BLOW! Despy sputters and coughs while Sho calls to Red Shoes. Sho tells Red Shoes to do his job. But wait, Despy unmasks and throws it at Sho!? Sho has to hide the evidence, even though it makes no sense! Red Shoes sees Despy has no mask but Sho sits on the mask to hide it! Red Shoes asks where the mask went then! Sho claims it is outside somewhere, but Red Shoes knows better than that.
The mask is poking out of Sho’s shirt! Red Shoes argues with Sho and Sho is caught! Red Shoes checks with Abe-san, Abe-san says it was Sho! Sho says screw it, shoves Red Shoes aside, and he goes to put the mask back on Despy! LOCO MONO!!! Despy puts his mask back on for himself and the fans cheer. Despy then drags Sho up and underhooks, PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, Despy wins!!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Yujiro storms into the ring, but Despy KICKS the ropes to jam him up! Despy outsmarts The House by thinking outside the box, will nothing stop him from once again being The Best of the Super Juniors? Will Sho and the House have to dig deep and really come up with some new schemes?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Clark Connors!
The Ticking Timebomb is struggling right now with his 1-3 start, but he’s still just a step behind #WarDogRacing. Will Hiromu finally make things more, more, MORE fun for everyone? Or will he self-destruct against 100 Proof?
Hiromu gets quite the big introduction as an all Hachioji alumni, from kindergarten through grade school, middle school and high school, and even lives down the road. But then Connors CLOBBERS him, because Connors has had enough of Hiromu’s backstory! The bell rings and Connors stomps away on Hiromu! Connors flips Hiromu off and says F Hiromu’s hometown! But the fans rally up for Hiromu even stronger now! Connors says F HACHIOJI! The fans boo but then Connors CHOPS Hiromu! And CHOPS him to the corner! Connors whips corner to corner, Hiromu reverses, and Hiromu LARIATS, snapmares, and basement DROPKICKS!
Hiromu shouts, “Hachioji saeko! <Hachioji is the best!>” Then he starts a chant for Hachioji! “HACHI-OJI! HACHI-OJI!” Hiromu drags Connors up, but Connors CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS, runs, but into the JEEP FLIPPER! Hiromu almost falls onto the cameraman! Connors talks more trash on Hachioji, then goes out to fetch Hiromu. Connors tells fans to move, then he whips Hiromu to BOWL him into chairs! STRIKE! But Connors wants to speed up, and he tells more fans to move! Then he BOWLS Hiromu into more chairs! STRIKE! There are fans who bark with the War Dog but Red Shoes reprimands.
Connors stands Hiromu up to SMACK him off a chair, then he flips Red Shoes off! Connors has even more fans clear out! Connors whips again, but Hiromu reverses! Connors hits chairs and Hiromu bowls a STRIKE! Hiromu fires up with the fans, but then Connors CHUCKS a chair at Hiromu! Hiromu falls and Connors snarls. Red Shoes reprimands but Connors stomps Hiromu, and JAMS him up with a chair! Connors sees a fan’s bag, and he snatches one of the Daryl dolls! That’s specifically Nyao-chan, and Connors says it’s his now. And look! Wheel-san is already waiting in the corner! Connors POWERBOMBS Nyao-chan on the floor!
Connors hoists up Wheel-san, and he CHUCKS it at Hiromu! Hiromu falls back down and Red Shoes reprimands. Connors lifts Wheel-san again, aims for Nyao-chan, but Hiromu TACKLES Connors! The fans cheer but Connors throws hands! And then he POSTS Hiromu! Connors grabs Wheel-san, and SLAMS it onto Nyao-chan! The fans boo but Connors soaks up that heat. Connors stalks Hiromu while Red Shoes returns Nyao-chan to the fan. Connors JAMS Hiromu up with Wheel-san! Hiromu flounders away, but Connors goes up an aisle through the crowd. Connors lines up his shot, and he BOWLS Wheel-san right into Hiromu’s bowling pin!
Connors winds up, and he flips off Hachioji! Connors puts Hiromu in, covers, but Red Shoes refuses because of all the shenanigans. Connors admits that’s fair. Connors looms over Hiromu, waits on him to rise, and the fans rally. Hiromu chops, and chops, and CHOPS! Connors KNEES low, then whips to UPPERCUT Hiromu down! Cover, TWO! Hiromu is still in this but Connors keeps Hiromu down with body scissors! Hiromu endures the squeeze, but Connors adds a chinlock to things. Hiromu fights his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Connors lets go, slaps Hiromu around, then looms over him.
Hiromu rises up, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Connors THROWS Hiromu down by his hair! The fans boo but Connors drags Hiromu into a chinlock. Hiromu endures again, even with a knee in his back. Connors bends Hiromu, but Hiromu fights up to his feet. Hiromu fires body shots, but Connors hits a takeover! Connors grinds Hiromu down but Hiromu keeps his shoulder up. Connors mocks the fans but Hiromu fires body shots. Connors CHOPS, Hiromu staggers, and Connors whips. Hiromu reverses then blows past Connors to RANA! The fans fire up while Connors tumbles! Hiromu rises and the fans rally again.
Connors is on the ropes and Hiromu whips. Connors reverses but Hiromu ROCKS him, puts him on ropes, and KICKS the ropes to jam Connors up! Hiromu runs to SHOTGUN Connors! Connors bails out, Hiromu fires up and the fans are with him. Hiromu goes to the apron for the JOHN WOO DROPKICK! Connors tumbles away but Hiromu still has to catch his breath. Hiromu rises, staggers over, and he fires Hachioji again. Hiromu puts Connors on the apron, goes inside the ring, but then Connors HOTSHOTS Hiromu away! Connors grabs Wheel-san and hurries back in! Red Shoes reprimands, and then literally puts his foot down!
Connors is annoyed, and he shoves Red Shoes aside! But then Red Shoes sits on Wheel-san! Connors asks what Red Shoes thinks he’s doing, but Hiromu rolls Connors up! TWO, but Hiromu hurries to cradle! TWO, and Connors KNEES low! Connors reels Hiromu in, aims for Wheel-san, but Hiromu fights No Chaser! Hiromu snap suplexes Connors and narrowly misses Wheel-san! Connors still writhes and Hiromu grabs Wheel-san. Red Shoes reprimands, so Hiromu brings Wheel-san to the outside. Hiromu kisses Wheel-san and lets him chill on the outside. Hiromu says he doesn’t need Wheel-san to win!
Hiromu returns to Connors in the ring, puts him up top, and then CHOPS! Hiromu climbs up, brings Connors in, but Connors fights the suplex! Connors HEADBUTTS Hiromu, then slips underneath! Connors brings Hiromu off the corner for a SITOUT POWERBOMB!! The fans rally while both men are down, but Connors goes to a corner. Connors climbs up, then MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up! Connors grows frustrated, and he goes to another corner. Connors takes aim as Hiromu rises, and runs in for a- Fireman’s carry! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! The fans fire up with Hiromu!
Hiromu fireman’s carries again, swings, but Connors sunset flips! Hiromu rolls through, but runs into a POWERSLAM! Connors reloads, SPEAR into TRIANGLE D!! The fans fire up as Connors is caught, but he endures to deadlift and BUCKLE BOMB! Then SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives again and the fans fire up! Connors is beside himself but we hit 15 minutes, the halfway mark! Connors rises, Hiromu stirs, and Connors vows to end this. Connors stands Hiromu up, reels him in, but Hiromu shoves free. Connors comes back to SPEAR again!! Hiromu flounders, Connors backs off and reloads!
The fans rally as hard as they can as Hiromu rises. Connors runs back in, but into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs up and SUPERKICKS again! And then- SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! The fans rally for Hiromu as hard as they can but Connors brings him up first. But Connors’ back won’t let him hit the No Chaser! Connors changes course to hit a BIG back suplex, but Hiromu lands out! Hiromu wrenches and suplexes, but Connors fights that! Connors runs, but into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Connors is right up, but into a SUPERKICK! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!!
Connors survives but Hiromu drags himself up with ropes. Hiromu fires up and the fans rally even more! Hiromu drags Connors up, fireman’s carries, but Connors fires elbows! Connors grabs ropes, but Hiromu pries him free! Swing and TIMEBOMB 1.0!!! But Connors flounders under the ropes! Hiromu was so close and yet so far from ending this! Connors and Hiromu rise again, and Hiromu drags Connors up. But Connors UPPERCUTS! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Connors flops against ropes, and Hiromu runs! SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB onto Wheel-san!! Well, Hiromu doesn’t need it, but he’ll use it anyway!
The fans are thunderous as Hiromu puts Connors back in, fireman’s carries, and swings for TIMEBOMB 1.0!!!! But Hiromu says that’s not enough! Dragon sleeper and TIMEBOMB 2.0!!!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
This was certainly a fast ‘n’ furious battle, but the hometown hero prevails! Will Connors buff out the dents with a much needed pitstop?
As for said hometown hero, Hiromu grabs the mic to say, “Clark- Oh, he’s gone. I guess he already took off. Darn it. Clark… No, I can’t join the War Dogs. It crossed my mind, but I’ve decided against it. Hachioji, I’M HOME~!” The fans cheer, and Hiromu says that was too tough! He can’t take this anymore. He’s exhausted already! His everything hurts! But… Those high-fives during his entrance gave him a spark so he’s thankful for that. “Hold on… I hear some big cheers. Perhaps some of my old classmates are here…? Raise your hand if you’re a classmate of mine from grade, middle or high school.” Wait, only four? Well, Hiromu thanks those four!
The fans applaud, and Hiromu says he is grateful to those four. He’ll be sure to invite more next year. But he’ll be serious here. He was 1-3 going into this round. A fan says, “Then win the rest!” Hiromu says yes, he knows, thank you. But that said, he saw socials being like, “Hiromu, are you quitting? Please don’t leave!” Things like that. “Will you follow Naito?” More things like that. He was planning on making this announcement after winning the Super Juniors on June 1st, but… He got permission from the office to go ahead and say it here in his hometown. The fans are curious, and Hiromu says that he hoped he could say this after winning.
“On June 1st, 2025, Hiromu Takahashi will leave NJPW.” What?! “PSYCHE!! Give me a break! Why would I quit just because I lost three matches?! I lost those three matches just because I was outclassed!” The fans applaud and Hiromu says don’t forget, he’s an optimist! He’s been through a lot in his 15 year career and don’t quite a lot! He’s still here now! When he joined NJPW, he had two peers. They were stronger before their debuts, he couldn’t beat either of them! One was Bad Luck Fale! The other… Hiromu forgets that guy’s name. But those were the only two!
Hiromu went on excursion, experienced a whole lot, came back, broke his neck, went through even more struggles! He’s lost and struggled again and again and again! The fans cheer that, and Hiromu says that he is still super positive! Can El Desperado hear Hiromu? On opening night, Despy said the two were destined forever rivals! That’s a given! The fans cheer that! Hiromu tells Despy that if it’s not them in the finals, then it won’t be any fun! The fans also like the sound of that. Hiromu says of course one has to be prepared and aware. It is important to talk about protecting NJPW, leading NJPW, caring for NJPW…!
BUT! Just saying it isn’t enough in this world! Hiromu says as long as he is here, NJPW IS the best! The fans cheer that! Hiromu says let’s work together and play our part. The other wrestlers, the staff, let’s all do our best! The fans cheer more, and Hiromu says he may have said too much already. He’s won three of these tournaments in a row, but he won’t be one who relies on past glory. Even today’s victory is already in the past! Being the strongest, strongest, strongest, STRONGEST is important, and he’ll enjoy the BOSJ more than anyone! The fans cheer and Hiromu says that’s right! Moto! Moto! Moto! MOTO! MOTO!
Oh, hey, Takagi-san. Hiromu admits their eyes met just now. Hiromu says he wants to keep working with Takagi and Yota, and the fans cheer. MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!! MOTO!! MOTO!!! MOTO!!! FUN TOGETHER WITH EVERYONE~!! The fans cheer and Hiromu finally drops the mic. But will the Ticking Timebomb still come out on top of the block? How much more effort will it take to once again be the Best of the Super Juniors?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-2, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie X: 3-2, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-2, 6 points
Master Wato: 3-2, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-3, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Nick Wayne: 4-1, 8 points
Titan: 3-2, 6 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-2, 6 points
El Desperado: 3-2, 6 points
SHO: 2-3, 4 points
Taiji Ishimori: 2-3, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-3, 4 points
YOH: 2-3, 4 points
MAO: 2-3, 4 points
Kevin Knight: 2-3, 4 points
My Thoughts:
Another great round for NJPW BOSJ, but I am thankful they’re pulling back for the next couple of shows. A Block has now split between the 3-2 and the 2-3 groups. That makes it really interesting to pick out a finalist. I do appreciate them letting Kushida turn things around from his surprising 0-2 start. Nick Wayne still leading B Block is some good stuff, too, I continue to look forward to how far he goes. I like that the House of Torture members both lost because of mask shenanigans. And an awesome main event for Hiromu to win in his hometown. Hiromu stays afloat in the ranks, and he had a great swerve in the promo. He could definitely have one of the biggest comebacks in BOSJ to go from 1-3 to the finals, and go for a historic fifth trophy.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/17/25)
Round 4, all together!
Whose luck is about to change?
The Best of the Super Juniors enters round 4, and you know what that means! Could one of our undefeated entries finally lose?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Ninja Mack; Wato wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS YOH; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Clark Connors VS Robbie X; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Titan VS Taiji Ishimori; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Kosei Fujita; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS Nick Wayne; Knight wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Dragon Dia; Dia wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Mao; Desperado wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 3-0, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 2-1, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-1, 4 points
Robbie X: 2-1, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-2, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-2, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-2, 2 points
Master Wato: 1-2, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-2, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-2, 2 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
Nick Wayne: 3-0, 6 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-1, 4 points
Titan: 2-1, 4 points
MAO: 2-1, 4 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 2-1, 4 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-2, 2 points
El Desperado: 1-2, 2 points
SHO: 1-2, 2 points
YOH: 1-2, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 0-3, 0 points
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Ninja Mack!
The Way of the Grandmaster lost to the Japanese Young Punk, but the American Ninja got sent back by the Time Splitter. Who will only continue to spiral while the other rises to 2-2?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Mack offers a handshake, Wato takes it, and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Wato’s slight height advantage helps, and he pushes Mack to a corner. Mack turns things around, the ref calls the break, and Mack lets go slowly, but with a big Ninja “OSU!” Wato is wary, but the fans rally with “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack and Wato tie up again, and Wato puts Mack in the corner this time. The ref counts, Wato lets off slowly, and he gives his own “Osu!” Mack applauds that, and the fans cheer for “WATO! WATO!” Mack is surprised, but he and Wato reset.
The two tie up yet again, and Wato waistlocks. Wato goes for a half nelson, Mack fights it, so Wato spins him to a cravat. Wato snapmares Mack, clamps on with a chinlock, but Mack fights up. Wato hits a takeover, Mack headscissors, Wato kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. The two tie up again, Wato waistlocks again, and he SLAMS Mack down! Mack fights around, scoots forward, but Wato keeps him from the ropes. Mack drops to slip out the back! Mack waistlocks now, and he THROWS Wato up and out! Wato hops down to the floor, Mack handsprings, but wait, where’d Wato go? Wato pulls a ninja disappearing act!
Mack looks for Wato, checks under the ring, but doesn’t find him. Wait, Wato returns, wearing a Ninja Mack style mask! He is now NINJA WATO! The fans fire up and Mack sees this on the tron! The ninjas turn to see each other with their own eyes! The fans rally as Wato and Mack circle the outside, then step into the ring. Mack asks, “Naze? (Why?)” Mack and Wato take fighting stances and circle. Wato blocks Mack’s attacks and HADOUKEN DOUBLE PUNCHES! Mack tumbles out, Wato builds speed, and Wato FLIES! Down goes Mack and the fans cheer the tope conjilo! Wato goes back for Mack, puts him in, and then aims from the apron.
The fans rally but Mack SUPERKICKS first! Wato falls back, Mack builds speed, and he handsprings for the NINJA SPECIAL PLUS!! He goes up the ramp, but Wato avoids the kick! Wato fires hands but Mack blocks to HADOUKEN! Then he runs up, but Wato dodges! Mack dodges a boot, Wato dodges a knee, and Wato runs for the ring! Mack shouts “GET OVER HERE!” Mack runs up, Wato puts him on the apron, and Wato blocks the kick! Wato THROWS Mack, but Mack FLIPS through! The fans fire up and Wato thinks it’s for him. But then Mack SUPERKICKS Wato down! The fans fire up again as Mack brings Wato around.
Mack DOUBLE CHOPS Wato, the fans rally up, and Mack takes Wato’s mask! Wato pretends he has to hide his face, and fans boo, they liked Ninja Wato. Mack lets English commentary hold onto that mask for him, and then he puts Wato in the ring. Mack then brings Wato up to KICK, KICK, and KICK! Mack powers up and- NO, Wato blocks that kick, spins Wato, but then Mack kicks low! Mack reels Wato in, lifts, but Wato sunset flips through! TWO, the fans fire up, and Mack SUPERKICKS! Wato goes to a corner, Mack runs, but Wato BOOTS him! Mack ducks the roundhouse, ducks the heel kick, but Wato dodges the leg sweep!
Mack dodges the spin kick, to then hit a SHURIKEN SPIN KICK! Cover, TWO! Wato stays in this and the fans rally! Mack covers again, TWO! Mack is frustrated but the fans still rally. Mack puts Wato in the drop zone, CHOPS him, then goes up the corner! The fans rally as Mack aims, NINJA BOMB onto knees!! Wato then catches Mack into VENDEVAL!! Mack flails, reaches out, moves around, breaks fere, but Wato uses a rolling cradle! VENDEVAL!! Mack TAPS, Wato wins!!
Winner: Master Wato, by submission (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
Just as waves break on the shore, Wato breaks even with this win! But can Wato continue to turn the tide and rise to the top? Will Ninja Mack still have a chance though he is 1-3?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS YOH!
The Funky Weapon outsmarted Sho and the House of Torture while Direct Drive grounded The Jet. But will Taguchi play it serious with Yoh? Or are things about to get stranger and stranger?
The bell rings and Taguchi runs up to HIP ATTACK! And then HIP ATTACK in the corner! Taguchi whips, Yoh reverses, but Taguchi BOOTS him! Taguchi goes up to headscissors for DEADLY BUTT SHADE! Yoh wobbles and falls back, and Taguchi shouts out Tomoaki Honma! Taguchi runs, wiggles, and KOKESHI! The fans fire up and Yoh spasms! Yoh flounders away and even Taguchi isn’t sure what to make of that. Taguchi sees Yoh is on the ropes, and he runs to 619, but Yoh dodges! Taguchi gets caught up in the ropes! The ref checks Taguchi while he flops to the mat. Yoh checks Taguchi’s pulse and says the doc should check him.
The ref starts a standing count and the fans rally up. Taguchi is still down at 4 of 10, slowly turns over, and the fans rally harder as we pass 7! Taguchi is still down at 8, but he rises at 9! Then Yoh kicks him and whips him to the corner. Yoh ELBOWS Taguchi, turns him and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Taguchi is still feeling the pain down low. Yoh hammers out Taguchi’s back, perhaps like a massage, before he STOMPS it! Yoh stands Taguchi up but Taguchi fires body shots! Taguchi runs, HIP ATTACK into an atomic drop! Yoh runs, but into a HIP ATTACK! The fans rally and Taguchi has Yoh on ropes again.
Taguchi runs, HIP ATTACKS, then runs back in for a HIP ATTACK! Then a slide and APRON HIP ATTACK! The fans cheer, Taguchi covers, TWO! The fans rally and Taguchi drags Yoh up. Taguchi suplexes for Uno Amigo! Then he suplexes again, Dos Amigos! Yoh fights the third, but Taguchi fights Yoh’s suplex! GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up and Taguchi rolls to the corner! Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style! “ORYA~!” KETSUYE! Then Taguchi hauls Yoh up, chicken wings, DODON- NO, Yoh victory rolls it! TWO, and Taguchi rolls it back! TWO and Yoh has it again, TWO! Both men stand, things speed up, and Yoh sunsets, but Taguchi stays up!
Taguchi PANTSES himself, but Yoh fights that off! But Taguchi still HIP DROPS, only for Yoh to dodge! Taguchi is down but Yoh gets the legs, and he puts Taguchi in a PARADISE LOCK!! The fans fire up but this isn’t quite the view anyone wants… Taguchi is stuck with his cheeks hanging out, and Yoh fires up! Yoh tunes up, the fans rally, and Yoh SUPERKICKS Taguchi out of Paradise! Yoh drags Taguchi up, underhooks, but Taguchi fights Direct Drive! The rope helps censor Taguchi running, but Yoh bypasses and bypasses! Yoh uses Taguchi’s trick, but Taguchi reverses to bypass Yoh again and again!
Taguchi then dodges, fakes Yoh out, and BARE HIP ATTACKS! But Yoh says I’LL BE BACK, only for Taguchi to dodge the kick and ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi pulls his pants up, chicken wings the arms, DODON BUSTER!! And then BARE BUTT COVER!! Taguchi wins!!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
That indeed was very strange, but it was oddly exciting, too! Taguchi scores big on the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, but will he keep going until he has the trophy in hand? Will Yoh be able to stay fresh despite dropping to 1-3?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Crown of Fire burns bright after the huge main event win over Hiromu Takahashi last night. However, you can never count the Heel Master out, even if he is 1-2. Will Kanemaru be able to cheat his way to redemption? Or will he not be able to handle this Fireball?
But as Akira gets his introductions, Kanemaru attacks! The fans boo but Kanemaru knocks Akira off the corner, goes out and kicks him! And then POSTS him! The ref reprimands, the fans rally for Akira, but Kanemaru drags him up. Kanemaru puts Akira in, the bell rings, and Kanemaru is on Akira in the corner. Kanemaru whips corner to corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Akira runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! Kanemaru tumbles, the fans fire up, and Akira aims. PLANCHA but on a Young Lion! Kanemaru uses that guy as a shield, then he BOOTS Akira down! Kanemaru SMASHES Akira’s knee of the floor!
The fans rally for Akira but Kanemaru brings him up. Kanemaru puts Akira in the ring, drags him up, and whips him to ropes. Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Akira writhes, Kanemaru grabs the leg and steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Akira scrambles and drags Kanemaru along, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru holds on. The ref pries the hold apart and Akira crawls to a corner. The fans rally and Kanemaru stalks Akira. Kanemaru grabs the leg and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Akira clutches the leg and the fans rally more, but Kanemaru kicks Akira around. Kanemaru stomps Akira, but Akira fires a forearm!
Kanemaru CLAWS Akira’s face, then stalks him to the ropes. Kanemaru kicks the leg again and again, then whips. Akira hobbles back and KICKS! Kanemaru kicks, runs, but into a CALF KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Akira finally takes his shirt off, and he drags Kanemaru up. Kanemaru kicks low, whips, but Akira reverses. Akira then dodges, wheelbarrows, victory rolls, and STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru stays in this, but Akira STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru is still in this, but Akira fires up! The fans fire up with him, and he stands Kanemaru up. SPEED- NO, Kanemaru slips free!
Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out, then he reels Akira in, SHIN BREAKER! Kanemaru steps through, but Akira cradle counters! TWO, and Akira SUPERKICKS! Kanemaru wobbles, Akira reels him in, SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru survives but Akira stays focused. The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” Kanemaru sits up, into the NOVA FIRE- NO, Kanemaru ducks! Akira stops from running into the ref, only for Kanemaru to SHOVE him into the ref! The fans boo but Kanemaru BOOTS Akira down! Kanemaru goes for his whiskey, takes a big swig, and then brings Akira up. But Akira smothers Kanemaru! Akira takes the bottle from him, too!
The ref sees this, and he takes the bottle from Akira! Akira defends his innocence, but he gets WHISKEY MIST! Cradle, KANEMARU WINS!!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
Akira may be the Crown of Fire, but he’s not ready for that kind of burn! The Heel Master suckered everyone in,
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Robbie Eagles w/ Hartley Jackson VS SHO!
The Sniper of the Skies missed his target facing The Prodigy, Nick Wayne, and the Murder Machine is falling apart after being outsmarted by Taguchi. Can Sho stack the deck higher than Eagles can fly? Or will Eagles be ready for any trick Sho throws at him?
Wait, as soon as Sho is done with his entrance, he hurries to hide by the entryway! Eagles makes his entrance, but luckily HARTLEY is there to catch Sho! Sho is shocked, perhaps forgetting about Eagles’ back-up! Eagles throws Sho into the ring, the fans cheer, and Sho asks for mercy! The bell rings, and Eagles hits a TORNADO ARM-DRAG! Then he runs, hurdles, and RANAS! Sho tumbles, Eagles WHEEL KICKS him! Eagles kips up, the fans fire up, and Eagles throws the shirt away. Eagles gets the fans to join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!”
But then Sho grabs the mic to shout down the cheering! The fans boo, Sho rings the bell again and claims this is done! Eagles chases Sho, they go back into the ring, then Sho goes for the apron again! Eagles catches Sho, drags him up, but Sho HOTSHOTS the arm! Sho hurries back in and TOSSES Eagles out. Sho hurries after Eagles, wrenches and bends fingers, then he hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Sho wrenches Eagles, brings him to a corner, and laces the arm through so he can SLAMS the arm against the POST! The fans boo and Eagles clutches his arm, and then Sho has the ref check Hartley. This lets Sho SLAM Eagles’ arm off the timekeeper’s table!
Sho puts Eagles in the ring, covers, TWO! Sho clamps on with a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Eagles fights up, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts the break but Sho pulls the arm around ropes! The ref counts more and Sho lets go at 4. The fans boo but Sho grins. Sho kicks at Eagles and taunts him. Eagles frowns, CHOPS, and the fans fire up! Eagles ROCKS Sho, but Sho YANKS Eagles’ arm! Sho drags Eagles up, wrenches and then he makes Eagles kneel. Sho kicks, KICKS, and SUPER- NO, Eagles blocks the superkick! But Sho CLAWS Eagles’ eyes! Sho whips, Eagles reverses, and Eagles DROPKICKS Sho down! Eagles runs to LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Sho stays in this but the fans rally for Eagles. Eagles steps through on the legs, but Sho bends Eagles’ fingers! The ref reprimands, Sho swings, but Eagles hooks a leg for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Eagles has the leg and rolls Sho to hook him up again. Sho fights the backpack by pulling on Eagles’ bandana! The ref reprimands, Eagles breaks free, and Eagles SOBATS! Eagles cravats, ASAI- NO, Sho pops Eagles into an ARMBAR! Sho pulls, but Eagles stacks him, TWO! ARMBAR!! Sho pushes on the arm but Eagles fights around! The fans rally, but Sho wrangles Eagles back to the ARMBAR!! Eagles endures, reaches out, but fights around again!
Eagles rises, Sho wrangles him, but Eagles uses that to roll and tie up the legs! RON MILLER SPECIAL! Sho scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets go, but then drops KNEES on the knee! Eagles goes up, out, and up again! The fans rally for WARP 4- NO, Sho puts his knees up, only for Eagles to catch them! The fans cheer and Eagles wags his finger. Eagles drags Sho around, KICKS away on the leg, then steps through! But Sho YANKS Eagles into the ref! The fans boo, and here comes Yujiro Takahashi! Tokyo Pimp CLOBBERS Hartley with his cane! Then he JAMS Eagles up! Yujiro & Sho whip Eagles to the corner, then Yujiro runs in and BOOTS him!
The fans boo but Sho runs in and LARIATS Eagles! Sho then snapmares Eagles, stands him up, but Hartley storms in! Hartley takes Yujiro’s cane away! Yujiro is scared, but then Sho goes after Hartley! Sho’s punches do nothing to big bad Hartley’s back! But then Yujiro LOW BLOWS Hartley! The fans boo, but Yujiro CLOBBERS Hartley with the cane again! Hartley falls out of the ring, and Yujiro aims at Eagles! Yujiro runs up, but Eagles dodges, ROCKS Sho, then ELBOWS Yujiro! Eagles CHOPS Sho, CHOPS Yujiro, repeat! The fans rally, Eagles BOOTS Sho, then ROUNDHOUSES Yujiro! SUPERKICK! PELE!
The fans fire up with Eagles while Yujiro falls! But Sho LOW- NO!! Eagles stops the low blow! Eagles KICKS Sho’s leg, but Sho is hiding his wrench! TORTURE TOOL TO THE LEG!! And then TO THE HEAD!! The fans boo but Sho calls for the ref. Yujiro shoves the ref in and Sho drags Eagles up. Sho tucks the arms, for the SHOCK ARROW!!! Cover, SHO WINS!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)
The Murder Machine still needed help, but he doesn’t care because winning is all that matters! Will the House of Torture continue to do everything they have to in order to win the tournament? Or will justice be served in the end?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Clark Connors VS Robbie X!
Bullet Club meets Bullet Club, but at least they’re both War Dogs. But will 100 Proof be the solution to X? Or will even War Dogs Racing hop aboard the X Express?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Connors and Robbie step up, and they get the fans barking. The two then circle, tie up, but then they fire hands! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth, then Connors fires knees! Connors whips Robbie to a corner, LARIATS, but Robbie eggs him on with trash talk and a pie face! Connors kicks and CLUBS Robbie, but Robbie fires forearms! Connors KNEES low, whips corner to corner again, and Robbie flips before he hits buckles! The fans fire up and Connors brings Robbie around. Connors bumps Robbie off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans bark and Connors goes to TEN!
Connors shouts, “Where my dogs at?” The fans cheer, and Connors brings Robbie up. Connors CHOPS Robbie, whips corner to corner, but Robbie reverses to SOBAT! Robbie whips, Connors reverses, but Robbie handsprings, only for Connors to go the other way! JEEP FLIPPER! Robbie tumbles out of the ring and Connors says that’s a homerun! The fans cheer and Connors goes out to fetch Robbie. Connors CHOPS Robbie, Robbie sputters, but Connors CHOPS him again! Robbie falls over, but he flips Connors off! Connors says okay, and he POSTS Robbie! Robbie falls in a heap, Connors fires up, and the fans cheer.
Connors says it is time, and he brings out WHEEL-SAN! The fans fire up and Connors JAMS Robbie up with the tire! The ref reprimands, but Connors prepares to discus throw Wheel-san! Robbie ducks, and the tire flies into a Young Lion! Robbie then SUPERKICKS Connors down! The fans fire up and Robbie grabs Wheel-san for his own! Connors stands, Robbie says, “I EFFIN’ LOVE THIS SPORT!” and he CLOBBERS Connors with the tire! The fans fire up again and Robbie puts Connors in. Robbie rains down forearms, then he lets off to storm around. Connors crawls to ropes, but Robbie BITES Connors’ hand! The ref reprimands and Robbie stops.
Connors clutches his finger, Robbie drags him up, and Robbie whips corner to corner. Connors hits buckles hard, Robbie drags him to a cover, ONE!! The fans cheer as Connors shows that grit, but Robbie KNEES Connors in the back! Robbie traps an arm and clamps onto the other, and he throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Robbie whips then ELBOWS Connors down! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but Robbie stays on him. Robbie drags Connors up but Connors UPPERCUTS! Robbie falls back, Connors huffs ‘n’ puffs, and Connors storms up, and blocks a kick! And the other! Connors YANKS Robbie up, but Robbie holds the ropes!
Connors pulls Robbie free, swings him up, then SITOUT POWERBOMBS! The fans fire up and Connors goes to a corner. Connors snarls and takes aim as Robbie rises. Connors runs in, but Robbie hurdles the spear! Connors hits buckles, Robbie LARIATS Connors in the corner! And then he puts Connors’ leg in the ropes to KICK it! Robbie spins for the DREAMCAST! Snapmare and STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Connors survives but Robbie vows to end this! Handspring and- NO, Connors dodges the cutter to SPEAR!! The fans fire up and Connors covers, TWO!! Robbie survives and Connors shakes his head.
Robbie sputters and coughs but Connors drags him up. Connors whips, Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Connors survives and Robbie is shocked! But Robbie steps on Connors, goes up the corner, and X EX- NO, Connors moves! Robbie rolls through, but the SNAP POWERSLAM finds him! Connors reels Robbie in, NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Now that was a dogfight! Both men brought the fight, but it sees X is less than 100 Proof! But Connors and Robbie are dogs for real, so water under the bridge. Which of these dogs makes it to the top of the block and beyond?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Titan VS Taiji Ishimori!
El Inmortal and the Bone Soldier Reborn are still alive, having defeated Mao and El Desperado respectively. But with the block still so competitive, whose prayers will be answered with a victory?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Taiji and Titan feel things out, knuckle lock, then clinch. Taiji waistlocks, Titan wrenches but Taiji wrenches back. Titan headlocks, Taiji pops out the back and headlocks in return. Taiji sits Titan down but Titan rolls to the side. Taiji wrenches an arm, wristlocks, but Titan rolls, kips up, and bridges. Titan then handsprings and arm-drags free! Taiji comes back, Titan sweeps and covers, ONE! Taiji sweeps and covers, ONE! Titan kips up and the fans fire up! Taiji applauds, offers a handshake, but Titan is wary. Taiji kneels to show he means it. Titan runs up, Taiji dodges, and then Taiji kicks low.
Taiji whips, Titan reverses, but Taiji fights the Tornado DDT! Taiji kicks, runs, but Titan follows to then RANA! The fans fire up and Titan builds speed, but Taiji ducks the slide! Titan turns around, Taiji pops him up to the apron, but Titan mule kicks! Only for Taiji to YANK him down! The fans rally, Taiji drags Titan up, and Taiji POSTS Titan! Titan falls back and Taiji grins while he lets the ref check. Titan is alright, but Taiji unties the blue buckle pad! Taiji waits as Titan rises and the fans rally up. Titan rolls in, CHOPS, but Taiji eggs him on. Titan CHOPS again, so Taiji CHOPS! Taiji wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS!
Titan drops to his knees as he clutches the elbow. Taiji stands Titan up, wrenches the arm again, and he stands on the shoulder. Taiji then hooks the other arm, traps it, and pulls on Titan’s left arm, for the SACRIFICE! Titan clutches his elbow and the fans rally up. Taiji looms over Titan, clamps on with a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK, but Titan has the ROPEBREAK! Taiji holds on until the ref counts 4. Taiji pulls on the arm again, then stomps it! Titan writhes and goes to the apron but Taiji stays close. The ref checks with Titan but Titan says he can still go. Taiji wrangles Titan into a STRAIGHT ARMBAR! Titan kicks over to the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer and Taiji lets go. Titan scrambles away but Titan is back on him. Taiji wrenches the arm, and then POSTS Titan! Taiji brings Titan around, hammerlocks and scoops for the SHOULDER BUSTER! The fans rally, Taiji watches from the corner, and then he runs in, LA MYSTI- NO, Titan slips free, shoves and trips Taiji, then goes to the apron. Titan ducks a shot to GAMANGIRI! And then springboard MISSILE DROPKICK! Taiji tumbles out, Titan builds speed, and Titan FLIES! Down goes Taiji and the fans fire up! Titan rises and roars, and the fans fire up more. Titan hurries to drag Taiji into the ring, and he goes to the apron.
The fans rally and Titan springboards, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives but the fans continue to rally. Titan loosens his mask just a bit and the fans rally up. Titan stomps Taiji, brings him around, but Taiji CLAWS Titan’s eyes! Taiji whips, Titan reverses, then Titan goes Matrix to dodge! CALF KICK! Titan whips, Taiji handsprings, NEUTRALIZER! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Taiji rises, he stands Titan up, but then Titan blocks the whip. Titan reverses, and TORNADO- NO, Taiji blocks the DDT and puts Titan in the ropes! ENZIGIRI and SLIDING GERMAN!
The fans rally while Taiji goes to the corner. Taiji climbs, 450- NO, Titan moves! Taiji rolls through, comes back, but into a strike fest from Titan! WHEEL KICK! Titan hurries to whip Taiji into the bare buckles! Taiji suffers his own trickery and the fans fire up! Titan runs corner to corner, FRAME OUT LARIAT! Taiji falls, Titan goes up, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and the fans fire up! Titan is surprised, but he rallies the fans again. Titan roars, drags Taiji around, then steps through the legs, but Taiji drags him down into a cradle! TWO!! Titan stands, Taiji JUMP KNEES him down!
The fans rally as Taiji roars! Taiji drags Titan up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER U- NO, Titan grabs the leg, steps through, TRAILER HITCH, into LLAVE- NO, Taiji turns over! Taiji slips free, floats over, and has the BONE LOCK!! Titan endures, fights around, but Taiji rolls him from the ropes! Titan endures but that’s his bad arm caught in the hold! He still fights, still reaches out, but Taiji rolls him again! Taiji hauls Titan up, BLOODY- NO!! Titan blocks again! Titan steps through, ties up Taiji’s leg in a figure four, but then hooks Taiji’s head and arm! Titan has Taiji in some kind of pretzel, and TWISTS!! Taiji TAPS, Titan wins!!!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Who knows what to call that unique hold, but it was certainly effective! Will El Inmortal use that hold to become the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Taiji still be redeemed #ByGrace as the tournament rolls on?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Kosei Fujita!
The Time Splitter finally got on the board last round while the Japanese Young Punk has not been stopped once in this tournament! But will Fujita’s fortunes change against one of the most decorated Junior Heavyweights ever? Or will he show that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
In an interesting move, Fujita has changed up his ring gear to be barefoot in shorts. Kushida decides he will make it a fair fight, and he also takes off his boots! These two are going old school and the fans applaud. The bell rings and the fans rally. The two circle, feel things out, and then clinch. Kushida facelocks and holds on as Fujita moves around. Fujita puts Kushida on the ropes, the ref counts the break, and both men let off slowly. The fans cheer as the two reset and go again. They clinch, Kushida puts Fujita in a corner, but Fujita fights around to waistlock. Kushida drops down but Fujita floats to get a leg.
Kushida facelocks, drags Fujita around to a lateral press, Fujita gets free fast but Kushida drags Fujita back down. Kushida body scissors but Fujita stays on his feet. Kushida goes for a Triangle but Fujita fights that off by clasping hands. Kushida uses his legs to push Fujita down, and then he goes for an arm! Fujita rolls, Kushida still clamps onto an arm, but Fujita gets his legs in there. The fans applaud this technical exchange as Kushida stands. Kushida pushes past the leg guard to have a top mount, then he goes for the arm! Fujita clasps hands again, rolls Kushida, and slips out the back! Fujita has a chinlock but Kushida fights around.
Fujita is a backpack and almost has a full Sleeper, but Kushida pushes up. Kushida slips free of the body scissors, still wants an arm, but settles for a leg. Fujita shifts position fast and goes for Kushida’s arm. Fujita then floats to a facelock, but Kushida fights up. Fujita throws Kushida down with the facelock, then front mounts. Kushida endures, keeps his shoulders up, and kicks his way around. The fans cheer again as Kushida stands back up. Kushida then ties up the legs but Fujita fights against it. Kushida pushes on Fujita’s arm, but Fujita uses his on leg as leverage. Kushida pulls on that leg, then stands over Fujita again.
They knuckle lock but Kushida cartwheels to have the lateral press. Fujita keeps a shoulder up, but Kushida moves around. The two stand and the fans cheer again. Fujita and Kushida circle, feel things out, and Kushida goes for a leg. Fujita blocks, they clinch, and they go around. Fujita goes for a leg then the waistlock. Kushida grabs Fujita’s leg, drops down, but Fujita hooks legs to fight the toehold. Fujita also has a chinlock, but Kushida rolls. Fujita stands and backs away from Kushida’s leg guard. Kushida scoots forward, stands up, but Fujita avoids the takedown. Kushida rolls around, shoots in, but Fujita still stays back.
Kushida jumps to body scissor, but Fujita blocks the double wristlock! Fujita pushes Kushida down, turns him over, but Kushida fights free of the Crab! The two back off again and the fans cheer. Kushida and Fujita circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida hooks an arm, goes for the sweep, but Fujita fights that off. Kushida goes for the leg directly but Fujita blocks. Kushida rolls, facelocks, but Fujita fights up. Fujita rolls, Kushida rolls with him, then Kushida floats all over! Kushida pushes Fujita to a cover, ONE, and Fujita avoids a kick! Fujita goes for legs, Kushida avoids that, but then Fujita avoids th esame.
The two tie up, and Kushida drops down, but Fujita blocks the armbar takeover! Kushida body scissors but Fujita deadlifts and ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Kushida clasps hands now, then fights around. Kushida rolls and slips free to then have an ANKLE LOCK! But Fujita grabs Kushida’s leg to have an ANKLE LOCK! Fujita then hops on for a SLEEPER! Kushida slips free to have the IRON OCTOPUS, but Fujita backs up into the corner! The fans cheer as the two separate and circle again. Kushida and Fujita knuckle lock, clinch, and Kushida has the facelock. Kushida pushes Fujita down, top mounts, but Fujita keeps his shoulders up.
Fujita guards as Kushida starts throwing palm strikes! The ref checks but Fujita is still in this. Kushida goes for the arm but Fujita clasps hands! The fans rally and duel as the two fight for control, and Kushida shifts sides! Fujita clasps hands as tight as he can, then high stacks! Kushida lets Fujita go, but Fujita trips him up! Fujita ties the legs up in the DEATHLOCK! Kushida endures, reaches out, but Fujita grabs the arms! Fujita’s own arm holds him back so he focuses on just one arm of Kushida’s. Kushida drags Fujita along as he swims to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Fujita lets go in frustration.
We pass 10 minutes as Fujita shakes out the arm. Fujita brings Kushida up, wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! And ELBOW BREAKER! And ELBOW BREAKER! But Kushida KICKS Fujita’s bad arm! Kushida runs, but Fujita pops him up into the GERMAN SUPLEX! DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Fujita wants to beat Kushida at his own game, but Kushida clasps hands behind his back. Both men stand, Fujita fireman’s carries, but Kushida fights free! Kushida then KICKS Fujita’s leg! Fujita CHOPS! The fans fire up as Kushida winds up, but Fujita bypasses the Fastball with a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Kushida RAMS Fujita into buckles!
Fujita holds on, pulls on the facelock, and has those body scissors in tight! Kushida endures, the fans rally, and Kushida powers up! Kushida is free and goes for Fujita’s arm! Fujita resists, so Kushida switches and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Fujita springs right onto Kushida’s arm! Kushida again fights against the double wristlock, rolls around, but Fujita powers it back on! DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! The fans rally as Kushida endures and Fujita puts on more pressure! Kushida fights out from under Fujita, but he’s so far from the ropes! The fans rally even harder as Kushida reaches out! Kushida rolls, rolls, and rolls, to have the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK!!
Fujita flails, fights around, but Kushida just rolls him into an ARM- NO, Fujita fights the standard armbar, but Kushida finds another angle! HOVERBOARD!! Kushida bends fingers and wrist, then HOVERBOARD!! Fujita endures and fights to his feet?! Fujita hobbles, but Kushida gator rolls him! But Fujita goes for Kushida’s arm! Both men are fighting for control, and Kushida takes Fujita BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
With blood in his mouth, Kushida smiles as he stands tall! Fujita tried beating Kushida at Kushida’s game and lost, but Kushida shows him respect. When and where will these two run it back? Will either of them be holding the trophy, or even the title, when that happens?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS Nick Wayne!
The Jet has been moving fast but he just hasn’t been able to score any points. Meanwhile, The Prodigy is living up to that nickname as the youngest entrant to ever start 3-0! Can Nick keep up the pace? Or will Knight finally start to rise?
The bell rings and the fans rally up already. Knight and Nick circle, tie up, and go around. Knight puts Nick in a corner, Nick turns things around, and the ref counts the break. They go out of the corner and Knight wrenches an arm. Knight wristlocks, but Nick spins and wrenches in return. Nick hammerlocks, but Knight wrenches again. Nick wrenches back, Knight rolls, handsprings, and wrenches again for a headlock takeover. Nick headscissors, Knight kips free, but Nick sweeps the legs! Cover, ONE, and Knight ducks a buzzsaw! Nick keeps his eyes on Knight while the fans cheer. Knight slides out to take a breather.
Nick holds the ropes open and invites Knight back in. Knight steps up, accepts the invitation, and the fans applaud. Knight and Nick reset, and Knight offers a handshake. Nick accepts, the fans applaud again, and then Knight kicks low! Knight headlocks, Nick powers up and out, but Knight runs him over! Knight flexes, but Nick kips up! Nick also flexes, the fans cheer, and then Nick dodges Knight. Nick hurdles, bypasses, and UPPERCUTS! Nick handsprings, the fans cheer, and Nick goes back to Knight. Nick drags Knight around, drops a leg, then covers! TWO, and the fans applaud. Nick stays cool as he brings Knight up.
Nick cravats, ASAI- NO, Knight dumps Nick off and TOSSES Nick out! Then Knight slides, but Nick dodge! Knight goes to the corner to PLANCHA! The fans fire up with Knight, and he asks if Nick is alright. Knight drags Nick up, puts him in the ring, and the fans rally. Knight goes up and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Nick stays in this and the fans cheer but Knight stays cool. Knight tells the “Young Boy” to get up, and then he CHOPS Nick to a corner. The fans cheer, but then Nick turns things around to CHPO, CHOP, and CHOP! Knight knees low, snapmares and runs, SLIDING SHOULDER! Knight flexes and fans cheer, then he covers, TWO!
Nick is still in this but Knight nods. Knight brings Nick up, clamps on, and he pulls Nick into the COBRA TWIST! Nick endures, Knight pulls on him, ‘and says “Ore wa meccha, meccha, MECCHA TSUYOI~!” The fans cheer but Nick powers up to HIP TOSS! Knight handsprings through, blocks a kick, and he ROCKS Nick! Knight wrenches and whips, Nick grabs ropes and Knight’s dropkick crashes! Nick runs to PENALTY KICK! Then Nick cravats, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this and the fans rally up. Nick stalks behind Knight and half nelsons. Knight fights the full nelson, elbows free, then runs, and he LEAPS over the lariat!
Nick avoids the Pele and DRAGON SUPLEXES after all! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans fire up while both men are down! Nick rises and he hurries to the corner. The fans rally as Nick climbs from the outside. DIVING- NO, Knight avoids the stomps and Nick rolls through. Nick comes back, but into a scoop and SLAM! The fans fire up, and Knight then UFO SPLASHES, but onto knees! Nick whips, Knight reverses, Nick handsprings but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Nick rolls away to ropes and then to the outside. The fans rally, Knight aims, and Knight springboards to SUPER FLYING LARIAT!
The fans fire up while both men are down on the ramp! The ref checks and Nick is still in this, as is Knight. The ring count starts and both men are still down at 5 of 20. Knight slowly rises, and he stands at 10. Knight fires up and the fans are with him! We’re at 13 as Knight stands Nick up, and he puts Nick in at 15. Knight aims again, springboards again, but Nick avoids the lariat! Knight runs back in, blocks a boot, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Nick goes up, but Knight goes to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up and Knight somersaults, UFO FLOP! Nick Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! SATELLITE- NO, Nick makes it a cradle, TWO!!
Knight and Nick stand in the facelock, and Nick suplexes! Knight slips free to SUPERKICK! Knight whips, Nick reverses, but Knight goes up and over! Nick somersaults, hops on, SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and the fans fire up! Nick and Knight slowly rise, and Nick vows to end this! “IKU ZO!” The fans fire up, and Nick hooks a leg! PRODIGY- NO, Knight fights that, wrenches out and leaps, but Nick THROWS him away! SUPERKICK! Knight wobbles, but he roars! Nick ROUNDHOUSES him! Nick hurries as the fans rally, and he goes up the corner! WAYNE- NO, Knight jumps up to REVERSE UPPER ROOM!!
Knight somersaults into the SATELLITE DDT!! The fans are thunderous as Knight hurries up top! MOTHERSHIP UFO SPLASH!! Cover, Knight wins!!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Nick earns 0)
The first win for Knight is the first loss for Nick! Knight does show respect by offering a handshake, and Nick takes it. This match doesn’t flip the dynamic of the block, but could The Jet be correcting course towards the top? Or will the Prodigy prove he also excels at rebounding from defeat?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Dragon Dia!
The Ticking Timebomb got blown up in the main event last round, and the Infinite Carat Diamond is shining after getting through Clark Connors. Will Dia be unbreakable now? Or will Hiromu find a way to blow up Dia’s run?
The bell rings, the fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” and he smiles. Dia shrugs that off as he circles with Hiromu. They tie up, Hiromu powers Dia to ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break. Hiromu lets off cleanly, but then takes a swing! Dia dodges then whips, Hiromu reverses, then Hiromu drops down and hurdles over. Dia leaps over, comes back, but Hiromu ELBOWS him! Hiromu whips, LARIATS in the corner, then snapmares. Dia dodges, dodges, slides under, and tilt-o-whirls to arm-drag, and then DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Hiromu bails out. Dia goes out, but Hiromu trips him up a bit! Hiromu kicks low, fireman’s carries, and APRON DEATH VALLEYS!
Hiromu puts Dia in, covers, TWO! Hiromu follows Dia out, puts him right back in, and drags him right up! Dia fights free, bails out, and Hiromu is annoyed. Hiromu waits while Red Shoes checks Dia. Dia is okay to continue, so Hiromu goes out to fetch him. Hiromu CHOPS Dia, shakes out his hand and nods while he paces. Hiromu drags Dia up, brings him around the way, then CHOPS again! And CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS Dia again, and Dia falls over! Hiromu stalks Dia, looms over him, and drags him back up. Hiromu reels Dia in to snap suplex to the floor! The fans rally while Dia writhes, and a ring count starts.
Hiromu takes his time, and he brings Dia up at 7 of 20. Hiromu puts Dia in at 8, the fans applaud, and Hiromu stalks Dia. Hiromu whisp Dia to a corner, LARIATS and snapmares again, then basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Dia is tougher than that, but Hiromu clamps on with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Dia endures, Hiromu pulls on the hold, but Dia crawls. Dia reaches out, but Hiromu sits way back! Dia still fights to the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go and the fans rally again. Hiromu taunts Dia, brings him up, but Dia CHOPS! Hiromu eggs Dia on, so Dia CHOPS again! Hiromu CHOPS and Dia staggers back!
Dia storms up to CHOP, but Hiromu CHOPS, repeat! The fans rally as the CHOPS keep going! Dia runs, but Hiromu drop toeholds and has the leg trapped! Dia endures but Hiromu pushes on his modified Calf Killer! Dia crawls forward again and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets go. Hiromu drags Dia up again, and CHOPS! Dia staggers but he comes back to CHOP! Hiromu CHOPS again, and Dia is stinging! Dia grits his teeth as he comes back to CHOP, but then Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Dia falls, the fans applaud, and Hiromu smirks as he stands Dia up.
Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Dia slips free! Dia BOOTS from the corner and then RANAS! Hiromu tumbles out of the ring and the fans rally up. Hiromu makes it to the apron but Dia 619s him down! Then Dia ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit again and the fans fire up! Dia slowly rises, fires himself back up, and the fans are with him. Dia drags Hiromu up and puts him in the ring. The fans rally again as Dia goes up the corner. Hiromu stands, Dia leaps, but Hiromu dodges! Hiromu then scoops and BACKBREAKERS! But Hiromu holds on, to suplex and FALCON ARROW! Both men are down while the fans rally back up.
Hiromu stands and he shakes out his arms. Hiromu brings Dia to the corner for a fireman’s carry, then he climbs! Dia fights free and GAMANGIRIS! Dia then roars as he rises back up, for the ASTRO SCISSORS! Then Dia goes up the other corner, for D D- NO, Hiromu stops the 4D! And he fireman’s carries for a throw into the dragon sleeper! Dia spins around, fights the suplex, and then runs to REPTI- NO, Hiromu POEWRBOMBS Dia down! And then deadlifts him up into the fireman’s carry! But Dia slips into the crucifix, DOUBLE CORK!! Ghost pin, TWO!! The fans fire up as Dia gets moving, but runs into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!
Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Hiromu rises first, wobbles and hobbles, but he makes it back to Dia. But Dia ENZIGIRIS! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into an ENZIGIRI! Dia then aims, HEEL KICK!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up! Dia hurries up the corner and he roars for Hiromu to rise! Hiromu stands, Dia leaps, D D D D T!! It hits!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hiromu survives the 4D and Dia is raging! But Dia runs, rolls, REPTI- NO, Hiromu tucks him in! DUDEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Dia survives being busted and the fans fire up even more! Hiromu grits his teeth as he rises again!
Hiromu roars, the fans fire up with him, and he drags Dia into the fireman’s carry. Swing and TIME- NO, Dia slips to a victory roll! TWO, and Hiromu wheelbarrows for the GERMAN! But Dia lands out, gets around, and POISON-RANAS!! Dia runs, rolls, REPTILIAN BOMB!! High stack, DIA WINS!!!!
Winner: Dragon Dia, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)
Hiromu tried but he could not crack this Infinite Carat Diamond! Is the most decorated BOSJ winner of all time no longer the best in the Junior Heavyweight Division? As for Dia, this massive win keeps him at the front of the block! Will he prove himself worthy of the trophy this year?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Mao!
The Rogue Luchador has lost twice in a row, but that really only proved him right that anyone can win any given match. The Idol Warrior is coming off a loss of his own, can he rebound with a massive main event win? Or will Desperado prove he’s still the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans duel already. Despy and Mao both smile, and Despy gets the crowd even louder! Mao and Despy circle, tie up, and Despy waistlocks. Mao pries free to wrench and wristlock. Despy rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Mao spins and slips through. Mao facelocks, but feints the suplex just to wrench again. The fans applaud, and Mao keeps on the hammerlock. Despy rolls Mao up, STRETCH MUFFLER! Mao flails, brings Despy down, and floats to the JUST FACELOCK, only for Despy to pop out the back! Despy goes for the leg again but Mao rolls and handsprings free! The fans applaud while both men reset.
Despy and Mao circle, tie up, and Despy headlocks. Mao endures the grind, powers up and out, but Despy RAMS him! Mao puffs up, #Tsukakui! The fans cheer but Despy runs to RUN Mao over! Mao kips up, Tsukakui! The fans cheer and Mao runs. Mao RAMS Despy, Despy RAMS Mao, and Mao puffs up to be Tsukakui! The fans cheer, Despy mockingly applauds, and then he CHOPS! Tsukakui! CHOP! Tsukakui! CHOP! TSUKAKUI! Despy asks Red Shoes what’s up with that. Mao and Despy go chest to chest to see who is most Tsukakui! The fans cheer while the two go outside! Red Shoes says no, fight in the ring.
The fans boo, they want things outside the ring. Mao says hold on, this is the main event, they really should do this in the ring. The fans applaud as both men return to the ring, to then go back outside! The fans cheer, the two run up, and they RAM! And RAM! And then RAM again! Despy bounces off, Mao is truly Tsukakui! Mao then brings Despy around to whip, but Despy reverses. Mao handstands on the apron and hops over Despy, to then BOOT him! Mao goes to the apron, lines up the shot, and runs to CANNONBALL! The fans fire up and Mao stands tall, TSUKAKUI! Red Shoes insists they get this in the ring, so Mao stands Despy up.
Mao ROCKS Despy with a right, and the ring count starts. Mao throws more hands, but Despy BODY BLOWS! Mao staggers to the ramp, Despy ROCKS Mao, but we’re past 10 of 20! They keep brawling, Despy scoops, but Mao slips free! We’re at 15 but Despy YANKS Mao back! But then Mao YANKS Despy back! They argue, they brawl, Red Shoes keeps the count going! Despy SUPERKICKS Mao, but Mao THROWS railing at him! WE’RE AT 19!! Mao LEAPS and CUTTERS on the railing!! Red Shoes is at a loss for words, so he calls off the count! He won’t let the main event end on a draw! The fans cheer, and Red Shoes ushers the two along.
Mao marches, but Despy clings to Mao’s pants! Mao CLUBS Despy, Despy lets go, and both men lunge into the ring! The fans applaud as Red Shoes says this is why you fight in the ring. Mao and Despy storm up, go forehead to forehead, then fire forearm for forearm! They talk trash on who is the bigger jerk, then throw more forearms! Mao gets the fans to chant for DDT Pro! But then Despy gets the fans to chant for NJPW! The fans duel, the forearms keep flying, but then Mao pulls the “Look!” and RIGHT HAND! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Mao goes with the fans, and he vows to finish this!
Mao drags Despy up, MICHINO- NO, Despy slips free, rolls Mao, and has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Mao scrambles, picks a leg, and has the ANKLE LOCK! Then he floats to the JUST FACELOCK! But Despy pops out the back again, to have a SLEEPER! The fans rally but Mao is already fading. Mao grabs his own leg for leverage, but also flips Despy up! Despy grabs that finger, but it’s a trap! Mao drags Despy down and has the JUST FACELOCK!! Despy endures, crawls forward, and reaches out! The fans rally and Despy keeps fighting forward! Mao grabs that free arm, uses it to roll Despy, but Despy uses that to get a cradle! TWO, and Mao sunset flips! Cover, TWO!
Despy has the cover, TWO, and Mao has a ghost pin! TWO, and Mao tucks Despy into a GEDO CLUTCH into JAPANESE LEG ROLL! TWO?!?! Despy escapes, Mao kicks and whips! Despy reverses, but Mao SHOTGUNS! Mao whips, Despy reverses, for a SPINEBUSTER! But Mao rises right up! Despy also stands, roars, but Mao talks about rib pain. Red Shoes checks, but then is used as a shield! Mao runs, but Despy returns the favor, the CUTTER hits Red Shoes!! Mao is stunned, the fans boo, and Despy says shame on Mao. But it was Despy’s fault! They argue over who is at fault, and Mao starts a “Mao Jinai! <Not Mao!>”
Despy says no no no! “Despy Jinai!” Red Shoes stirs, the Young Lions help him exit the ring, and now Mao and Despy aren’t sure what to do. Mao apologizes either way, and the Young Lions carry Red Shoes away. Mao says now we can go wild! Mao goes looking under the ring, and he brings out plastic tubs! The DDT Pro style gets to shine here in NJPW! Despy helps bring the tubs into the ring, but he also kinda hordes them in his corner. Mao says bet, and he SMASHES a tub on Despy’s head! Despy grins as he shakes off the pieces. His turn! SMASH on Mao’s head! Mao smiles and nods, and he grabs another tub.
The fans rally as Despy and Mao set these tubs up in a nice rectangle, and Mao dares Despy to go up. Despy obliges, and both men climb. The fans cheer as the CHOPS begin! They go back and forth, but then Marty Asami shows up to be the new ref! He scolds them for doing this but the fans boo. The fans want DDT Pro madness, and Mao cravats Despy! Despy fights and tries to throw Mao! They brawl, and Mao says they should up the ante. Despy agrees and they go up to the top rope! The fans rally, and the two figure if they get in trouble, they get in trouble together! “SE~ NO~!” SUPER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP DOWN THROUGH THE TUBS!!
The fans are thunderous but Marty reprimands them. The Young Lions clean up the mess while Mao and Despy crawl around. Mao rises and the fans fire up! Mao then runs up and BOOTS Despy against rope! Despy eggs Mao on, so Mao runs again. Mao BOOTS Despy again, but Despy just nods! Mao goes again, but Despy SPEARS him! Then Mao gut wrenches, GUITARRA DEL- NO, Mao slips free! Despy ELBOWS Mao, suplexes, and BRAINBUSTERS!! The fans fire up again as Despy underhooks! PINCH- NO, Mao slips free to MICHINOKU DRIVER 2!! Cover, TWO?!? Despy survives but Mao goes to the corner!
Mao aims as Despy rises and the fans rally! SAMURAI SUPERKICK!! Despy drops to his knees, but he flips Mao off! Mao grabs those fingers and bends them! Despy rises to HEADBUTT! And HEADBUTT! Mao HEADBUTTS back! Mao HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Despy drops to his knees again, but then ruses up to HEADBUTT! Mao REAR HEADBUTTS! Mao runs, OSAKA REN- Despy says, “Look!!” LOCO MONO!! Mao falls for his own trick! The fans fire up and Despy nods. Despy laughs, but Mao stands! Mao SLAPS Despy! Despy wobbles, the fans rally, and Despy SLAPS Mao! Mao smiles and nods, then SLAPS back!
The fans duel as Despy staggers, and he comes back to SLAP! Mao grits his teeth, SLAPS again, but Despy SLAPS! The SLAPS keep going! Mao winds up and ROCKS Despy with that right hand! Despy grits his teeth, and he comes back to ROCK Mao! Mao grits his teeth, manages to smile, and he throws another right hand! But Mao shakes his hand from how hard he hit Despy! Despy then ROCKS Mao again! Mao powers up and DECKS Despy! That straight right was stiff, but Despy manages to stand! Despy says okay, and LOCO MONO!! Mao falls and the fans fire up! Despy drags Mao back up, underhooks, and PINCHE- NO, Mao flips through to cradle! TWO!!
Despy escapes, DOUBLE LARIATS collide, they go again, only for Mao to dodge! DREAMCAST- SAIDO! But Mao is up to OSAKA RENKAI UPPER!! Cover, ONE?!!? The fans are thunderous as Despy hits a LOCO ELBOW!! Cover, ONE as Mao goes Matrix!! The fans are thunderous and Despy is in disbelief! Mao drags Despy around by his hair, Despy flips him off, so Mao PUNTS him in the face! The fans fire up as Mao aims again! Despy sputters but he still rises up. Despy staggers around, turns to face Mao, and Mao SAMURAI- SPEAR!! The fans fire up again as Despy has the arms! FACEBUSTER!! Then he rolls through to bring Mao up again!
PINCHE LOCO!!! The fans are thunderous as Despy crawls to the cover, TWO?!?! Despy is shocked and the fans are electric! Despy stands while Mao sputters, and Despy vows to end this! Underhooks and JAY DRILLER!!! Then he drags Mao back up, for a PINCH- NO, Mao fights the lift! Mao uses whatever he has left in the tank to lift Despy! But Despy fights Mao back down! Mao flails with one free arm! Despy hooks it again but they fight for control! Despy powers up to lock it in! PINCHE LOCO!!!! Cover, DESPY WINS!!!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mao earns 0)
These two kindred spirits battled in the longest match of the tournament so far, and perhaps in the wildest match we’ll get all tournament long! And in the end, THE Junior Heavyweight Champion prevails! Will the star of DDT still manage to shine in the latter half of this tournament?
As for Desperado, after catching his breath and standing back up, he’s given the belt and has his hand raised. Then he hurries to get the mic as Mao exits the ring. The fans chant for Mao, and Despy says, “Uh-oh. You just won over some NJPW fans.” The fans applaud, and Despy says, “That was thrilling! Thank you, Mao.” Mao takes a bow then makes his exit to the back. Despy says, “Superstars like that don’t come around so easily. DDT, thank you.” The fans applaud, and Despy says while there are more league matches ahead, he was really looking forward to this one.
Despy also knows the other NJPW wrestlers will continue to go hard at Mao. “I’m worried about whether they can do it. Heads up, I was almost sucked in. That was insane. But that’s what makes him being here worthwhile.” The fans applaud that. Despy continues by saying, “I love Super Juniors more than anything. I’m doing what I can to make this everyone’s favorite series. All the guys are. To borrow a phrase from Hikaru Sato, the juniors will not bow down to the heavyweights.” The fans applaud that, too! Despy says, “People keep yapping about a changing of the guard, age, careers, all that nonsense.
“You think because I have the belt, I’m going to be rushed into the argument? Just get outta my way. Make it happen or don’t. That’s that! New generation? Current generation? Now they’re talking about a super and hyper generation? I’m not really sure, but whatever. Just make it happen. If you don’t win, that’s on you. Laters.” Despy drops the mic having upped the ante, will he prove he’s still THE Best of the Super Juniors?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 3-1, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-1, 6 points
Clark Connors: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie X: 2-2, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-2, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-2, 4 points
Master Wato: 2-2, 4 points
KUSHIDA: 2-2, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-3, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-3, 2 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Nick Wayne: 3-1, 6 points
Titan: 3-1, 6 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-1, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-2, 4 points
MAO: 2-2, 4 points
SHO: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-2, 4 points
YOH: 1-3, 2 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-3, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 1-3, 2 points
My Thoughts:
Another great round for NJPW, some great surprises to go with it. Wato VS Mack was really fun with the mask gag, and it’s been a minute since Taguchi won with butt antics quite like that. I do wonder if Kushida VS Fujita finish was a botch, though. Fujita kinda sorta kicked out but the cradle stayed put, and the ref tried to say something, but his initial count was what counted. Even so, Kushida winning felt like the right choice anyway, he should stay afloat a bit longer to really up the stakes in A Block. Plus, it works that both guys leading the blocks take their first losses here, as Nick loses to Kevin. With Kevin and Nick both being AEW, maybe this sets up an ROH World TV Championship story when this tournament is over.
And of course, awesome stuff in the last two matches, as usual. Dia getting the win over Hiromu is great stuff for Dia, especially as a Dragon Gate guy. Despy VS Mao going extreme with the DDT Pro plastic tubs was fun, and it was still a great match besides. Despy getting a win works, he needed to get back up after giving out those golden tickets to Taiji and Nick. Despy’s promo was good, just like his previous, and I do appreciate he is kinda daring everyone/anyone/someone to actually prove they’re the next big thing. That kinda adds more to every match he has left in this round robin, especially when facing guys of the younger NJPW classes.
My Score: 9/10
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