Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Report: Sakura Genesis 2018!
AXS TV and NJPW go all out to bring you a THREE EPISODE MARATHON to cover the entirety of Sakura Genesis! The biggest event of Spring features a star-studded line up, such as Will Ospreay VS Marty Scurll, The Golden Lovers VS Cody & Hangman Page, and Okada VS Zack Sabre Jr for THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship!
This review of Sakura Genesis 2018 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Therefore, all images are courtesy of AXS TV.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 PM EST, Part 1 – Six Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun’s Minoru Suzuki & Killer Elite Squad VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Suzuki- Gun wins.
- Part 1 – IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Marty Scurll; Ospreay wins and retains the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship.
- 9 PM EST, Part 2 – IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: Suzuki-Gun VS Roppongi 3K VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Suzuki-Gun wins and retains the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
- Part 2 – The Golden Lovers VS Bullet Club’s Cody & Hangman Page; Cody & Hangman win.
- 10 PM EST, Part 3 – IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada w/ Gedo VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Taka Michinoku; Okada wins and retains the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the stage for Part 1!
The Aerial Assassin is a two-time champion, and has already reestablished himself by turning away Hiromu Takahashi, and even the legendary Jushin Thunder Liger. However, The Villain, Ospreay’s archnemesis, Marty Scurll, has come back for more. Ospreay finally overcame Scurll in a Fatal 4 Way that also involved Hiromu and Kushida at Wrestle Kingdom 12. But both Ospreay and Scurll know that when it’s 1v1, Scurll has Ospreay’s number. Can Ospreay finally “break the curse” and retain the title?
Six Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun’s Minoru Suzuki & Killer Elite Squad VS Los Ingobernables de Japon!
We jump into this match already in progress, as the Man with the Worst Personality in the World and his heavy hitters take on the Tranquilo One himself, and his IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
Sanada jumps over Lance Archer, then again, then dropkicks him down. Sanada keeps on Archer with a slingshot plancha! Suzuki coaches his men back up while the fans rally for Sanada. Sanada springboards and flies, but Davey Boy Smith Jr. catches him into a Northern Lights! Bridging cover, TWO, and Davey is frustrated. He drags Sanada up, prepares a powerbomb, but Sanada fights his way out. Sanada whips but Davey reverses, but Sanada tumbles to the apron, then springboards back in for the missile dropkick! Down goes Davey and fans applaud. Sanada and Davey crawl for their corners, and hot tags to Archer and EVIL.
EVIL sees Archer coming and dodges him to then give him a bulldog. EVIL adds on a big back senton, then fires up the fans as he runs in at Archer. Archer goes to boot but EVIL blocks that, only for Archer to duck his discus and run in for the side splash. Archer puts EVIL up top, then carries him out in reverse cruficix position, but Naito dropkicks his legs out. Suzuki rushes in and goes right at Naito! They go to the outside and Naito is whipped into the barriers. EVIL kicks Archer’s leg, then runs, but into a scrapbuster! Archer goes to tag but Naito gets back at Suzuki by putting him into barriers.
Sanada comes in to go after Archer, but Archer puts him in a corner. Archer runs in but misses, Sanada runs and hits the elbow, then EVIL hits the clothesline. Naito wants back in but Suzuki drags him back out. They brawl outside, and Suzuki goes after the leg with the Achilles lock. Meanwhile, EVIL hoists Archer up with Sanada, but Davey stops them from hitting Magic Killer by throwing Sanada with a German Suplex! EVIL kicks Davey, then runs, but into the lift. Archer returns to add the splash! Archer covers, Sanada breaks it! Naito breaks free of Suzuki but Suzuki still pursues. Davey brings Sanada up in the powerbomb, and Archer adds on, for the KILLER BOMB!!
But Sanada isn’t legal, it’s EVIL. They go after him while Naito fights to get back in the ring. EVIL fights KES off, handing Davey’s boot to Archer to then mule kick Davey. Archer grabs EVIL, EVIL breaks free but Archer spins him around, they give EVIL the Killer Bomb! Cover, Suzuki-Gun wins!
Winners: Suzuki-Gun (Suzuki & KES), Archer pinning
A big win for Suzuki-Gun over LIJ, but a bigger win for KES over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. Archer & Davey even raise the belts as if those already belong to them. Will this win give rise to new #1 contenders? And will those contenders prove to LIJ that #EverybodyDies?
Naito speaks.
“Hey you, the self-proclaimed ‘King of Pro Wrestling’.” Yes, he means Suzuki. Suzuki refers to the IWGP Intercontinental championship as his “treasure”. But it doesn’t look that way to Naito. To Naito, “the belt even seems like it wants to get away from you,” Suzuki. The belt shined brighter “when I used to throw it around.” The wannabe King of Pro-Wrestling just wants to be close to Naito. Naito understands, but why doesn’t Suzuki just express his feelings? “King! King! Please ascend to the ring, and let us hear your thoughts.”
Suzuki decides to take Naito up on that, and returns to the ring while Naito lounges on the mat. Suzuki picks up the mic to respond. “Oi, you little punk.” Who the hell does Naito think he’s talking to? This is THE Minoru Suzuki. The undisputed king of pro wrestling. “Sprawled out like that, the look suits you.” Naito relaxes even more, but Suzuki thinks “a liar and a con-man like you should be groveling on the ground.” Naito doesn’t sweat Suzuki’s threats. Suzuki tells all the “assholes gathered here at Ryogoku”, and especially Tetsuya Naito, that he and Suzuki-Gun are NUMBER ONE.
Suzuki goes to leave, kicking a Young Lion just because he can, but Naito picks the mic back up. “King! King!” Suzuki seems to be feeling rather irritable. At times like these, remember this phrase. You know the one. “Tranquilo! Chill out.” Now Suzuki is pissed! He throws chairs and a table at the ring, and at Young Lions. He then storms out, title in hand, but Naito is Tranquilo as ever. Will his disrespect of the “king” cost him some limbs?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Marty Scurll!
Familiar foes from across the pond have both come to the Land of the Rising Sun. The Aerial Assassin has never defeated the Villain 1v1, especially when a title is on the line. Can Ospreay finally break that curse? Or will his second reign end already?
Scurll takes a moment to carefully bestow his umbrella to one of the Young Lions, then Red Shoes makes sure neither man has anything hidden on them. The bell rings and we begin. Ospreay and Scurll circle, fans dueling between them. They tie up, Scurll gets around to the waistlock but Ospreay gets the switch. Scurll rolls and spins to reverse and trip Ospreay, but Ospreay kicks out. The fans applaud the early stand-off while the two circle again. They tie up, Scurll has a facelock but Ospraedy slips out to a hammerlock takedown. Scurll stands, rolls and spins, then gets Ospreay in the wristlock. Ospreay uses the ropes to flip, then snapmares Scurll, but Scurll gets the wristlock back.
Scurll knows he’s in Ospreay’s head, but Ospreay reverses the hold. Scurll spins, brings Ospreay to the mat and double wristlock covers, but Ospreay bridges up. Ospreay catches Scurll’s body and pushes up and onto Scurll’s shoulders. Ospreay sunset flips but Scurll rolls through to grab the leg. Scurll goes for the ankle lock but Ospreay turns over to break free and bring Scurll to the mat with a headlock takeover. Scurll headscissors, but Ospreay pops out, and roles reverse, but Scurll pops out. It’s another stand-off and the fans love it. Ospreay and Scurll circle again, keeping an eye on the other. They tie up again, Scurll gets the headlock. Ospreay powers out but Scurll runs him over. Scurll flaps his wings and fans echo “Woop Woop!”, but then Scurll gestures “up yours!”
Scurll runs, but Ospreay lies flat, which Scurll knew he would. Scurll grabs him in a chicken wing roll that ends up in the chicken wing hold! Ospreay arm-drags out, then runs, springboards but misses. He keeps moving, handspring arm-drag then whip, but Scurll headscissors. Ospreay cartwheels through, then swings a kick, tries a moonsault, swings another kick, but Scurll evades them all to make it to a corner. Fans applaud, but Ospreay just glares a hole through Scurll. Scurll wants a time out? There’s no time-outs in wrestling. In that case, Scurll fires himself up and has the fans rallying while he circles with Ospreay.
They tie up, Scurll kicks low then clubs hard on Ospreay’s back. He chops Ospreay, then kicks him. Scurll mocks the fans, then whips Ospreay but Ospreay dodges to headscissors and dropkick Scurll down. Scurll ends up outside the ring, and fans fire up again. Ospreay builds speed, but Scurll sees through the feint, and trips Ospreay up during the handspring. He grabs the fingers, but Ospreay shoves him away. Scurll returns but Ospreay kicks him down, to then handspring for the Sasuke Special! Down goes Scurll, but that move took a bit out of Ospreay, too.
They both slowly stir, and Ospreay stands up first. Scurll scurries away but Ospreay catches up and chops him. Scurll still wants that time out but Ospreay kicks him in the leg. Ospreay puts Scurll in the ring, but Scurll grabs his nose. Scurll tweaks the nose, then turns Ospreay around for a draping neckbreaker! Ospreay tumbles down and out, then Scurll builds speed, to SUPERKICK from the apron! Fans “Woop Woop!” while Scurll flaps, and we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns and Scurll chops Ospreay against the barriers. Scurll clubs Ospreay, then throws him into barriers. Red Shoes says to bring this back into the ring. Scurll obeys, but then goes after Ospreay on the apron. They both enter the ring now, and stalks Ospreay. Scurll wrenches Ospreay’s neck, then brings him backwards for a neck-cracker. He stomps Ospreay, then brings him up for a scoop slam against the ropes. Ospreay is hurting from neck to legs now as he gets back on the apron. Scurll walks over, then drags Ospreay up and through the ropes. Scurll has Ospreay elevated, and hits the draping DDT. Cover, TWO, but Scurll keeps on Ospreay with a palm strike to the neck.
Scurll drags Ospreay up into the torture rack, bending his back with every jump. Ospreay endures, but Scurll tosses him at a corner for inverted snake eyes, then a DDT! Cover, TWO, and Scurll argues with Red Shoes. He keeps his cool, and stalks Ospreay to the ropes. Scurll stands Ospreay up in powerbomb position, but it’s just for a neck-jamming jump. He brings up the wincing Ospreay for powerbomb lift, but it’s for the Gory Special! Scurll bends Ospreay but Ospreay slips out and rocks Scurll with a forearm. Ospreay throws antoher forearm but Scurll pushes him to a corner. Scurll runs into Ospreay’s boot and Ospreay goes to the apron. Ospreay slingshots but Scurll catches him, into a rope slingshot guillotine!
Scurll grins while Red Shoes checks on Ospreay. Ospreay clutches his neck while Scurll walks over. Scurll stomps Ospreay, then grinds him into buckle pads. Scurll snapmares Ospreay into a chinklock and neckwrench. Ospreay tries to pry his way out, so Scurll takes those arms and makes a straitjacket stretch. Fans rally and Ospreay fights his way up, but Scurll bends him back again. Ospreay rolls through and reverses the straitjacket onto Scurll! Scurll backs Ospreay to a corner, then arm-drags out, but Ospreay uses that momentum to handspring. Scurll lets Ospreay roll off his back, but misses the clothesline, and Ospreay handsprings for the enziguri! Both men are down, and fans applaud.
Scurll gets to a corner while Ospreay drags himself up by ropes. Fans duel, “Ospreay!” “Woop Woop!” Ospreay runs in at Scurll in the corner, hits the running European Uppercut, then sweeps the legs. He runs again, but Scurll dodges. Scurll runs but into another enziguri. Ospreay runs, and hits the elevated 619! Scurll staggers but stays standing, Ospreay brings him down with a springboard clothesline! Ospreay adds the standing shining star, covers, TWO. Fans duel more as both men crawl. Ospreay stands in a corner, then climbs up, but Scurll stops him with a grip on the nose.
Scurll climbs up but Ospreay slips down and tucks Scurll in. Scurll sticks his feet out but Ospreay pushes them up, Cheeky Nandos SUPERKICK to German Suplex! Ospreay fires up, and takes aim at Scurll, but runs into the EuroUpper. Scurll runs, but Ospreay sets him back on the corner. Scurll avoids Cheek Nandos this time, and hits a tornado DDT to roll through, but Ospreay counters his suplex with a stunner! Both men are down again as fans rally. Fans duel again while Ospreay stands up. Ospreay walks over to Scurll and throws strikes. He calls for the cutter, but Scurll grabs his fingers! Scurll hushes the crowd, but Ospreay breaks free.
Ospreay runs to ropes, but fakes Scurll out! Scurll’s dropkick hits nothing, Ospreay jackknife covers, TWO as Scurll bridges. They spin around, and Scurll wants a backslide, but Ospreay resists. Scurll goes for the chicken wing, but Ospreay elbows his wawy out. Scurll still has Ospreay, for the pumphandle into brainbuster! Cover, TWO, and Scurll is shocked. Fans duel again while Scurll catches his breath. Scurll walks over and brings Ospreay up, for shoves and slaps. Ospreay ducks, Scurll denies the full nelson, but Ospreay hits the wrap-around heel kick. Ospreay runs, but into the roaring elbow. Scurll runs and clotheslines Ospreay upside-down! Cover, TWO, and Scurll is in disbelief while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Scurll and Ospreay brawl on their knees. Scurll clubs Ospreay’s neck and bounces him off the mat. He brings Ospreay up, turns him around, but Ospreay resists to backslide! TWO, and Ospreay sends Scurll to the apron. Scurll holds on and “skins the cat”, but into piledriver position! Scurll still pulls Ospreay to the outside with him, and gives Ospreay a Tombstone to the ground! Ospreay clutches his neck while Scurll checks his own knees. Red Shoes checks on Ospreay, but Ospreay wants to continue. The ring count begins, and reaches 14 before Scurll stands and puts Ospreay in. Cover, TWO, and Scurll is again shocked. Scurll keeps on Ospreay, with a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Scurll grows frustrated with Ospreay’s endurance.
Scurll kicks Ospreay’s shoulder, then clubs his neck. Ospreay is in pain but he also fires up. Ospreay hits back, rocking Scurll. Scurll gives a forearm, Ospreay gives one back. They go back and forth, hitting harder and harder, faster and faster! Scurll gets an edge but Ospreay boots him. Ospreay runs, but he falls for the feint! Scurll kicks out a leg, then runs, but into Ospreay’s flip-kick and enziguri! Ospreay runs, Scurll follows, but Ospreay catches him into a sit-out powerbomb! But Ospreay can’t cover, from the pain in his own body. Ospreay instead gets himself to a corner while Scurll sits up. Ospreay hits the Robinson Special! He isn’t done, he calls for the cutter. He runs, springboards, but Scurll dumps him down! Scurll rests in the ring while Ospreay is down on the ground.
Ospreay reaches the apron while fans rally. Scurll runs onto the apron, but Ospreay counters him with a boot! Ospreay drags Scurll up, and wants to suplex, but Scurll resists. Scurll enziguris Ospreay, and takes a moment to catch his breath. He stands up, lifts Ospreay, but Ospreay slips out and shoves Scurll away. Scurll runs back in, but Ospreay catches him into a SPANISH FLY!!
But Ospreay’s head hits the apron! The double edged Spanish Fly takes them both out. Red Shoes checks on them both, but especially Ospreay. Ospreay is bleeding from a sizable gash, but he doesn’t want anyone stopping this match. The 20 count reaches 11 before either man even stands up. It hits 15 as Ospreay gets in, but Scurll slumps back down! He springs up at 18, but Ospreay is ready with a corkscrew shooting star! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay roars with fury and rage as he stands up. He drags Scurll up, suplex onto the top rope, and rocks Scurll with a kick. Ospreay then goes to a corner, climbs up high, and goes for the Burning Star! But Scurll avoids it! Ospreay hits nothing, and Scurll takes aim from the corner, SUPERKICK to the back of the head! Cover, TWO!! We go to break while Scurll shakes his head.
NJPW on AXS returns, and Scurll sits up the bleeding and dazed Ospreay. Scurll glares at his rival, and gives him a slap. Scurll aims, kicks, but Ospreay blocks it! Ospreay roundhouses in return, but Scurll suplexes him into the chicken wing crossface! Ospreay rolls to a cover, TWO, to Scurll’s, TWO. Scurll swings but Ospreay dodges, and hits the OSCUTTER!!
But Ospreay can’t cover! Both men are down while Red Shoes checks on Ospreay. Between the neck and the blood, Ospreay is in a bad way. Fans rally, but Ospreay is still moving slow. Scurll gets at him first, and brings him up for a piledriver! Cover, TWO!? Scurll undoes his hair in frustration, and looms over Ospreay. Ospreay reaches up, but Scurll grabs that hand and the fingres, to SNAP them. Then the other hand SNAP, then mule kick. STOMP STOMP STOMP to the head!! Scurll will not stop, but neither does Red Shoes, out of respect for Ospreay’s wishes. Scurll brings Ospreay up, for the chicken wing, but Ospreay barely has the energy to even resist.
Ospreay reaches, but Scurll goes after that bad hand! Ospreay doesn’t tap, he just uses his legs for the ropebreak. Fans applaud his heart, and Scurll has no choice but to let go. Fans rally again, and Scurll racks his brain for ideas. He drags Ospreay up again but Ospreay holds the ropes. Scurll gets Ospreay to let go, and then gives him a neckbreaker driver! But he won’t stop there. Scurll picks Ospreay up, wants another Tombstone, but Ospreay fights out to stunner again! Ospreay runs in, Scurll alley-oops, but Ospreay lands on the corner to then jump for another Oscutter! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Ospreay, by pinfall; still IWGP Jr. Heavweight Champion
Somehow, someway, the Aerial Assassin retains! Medics quickly attend to that head wound and neck, as well as Scurll’s own body. Ospreay finally did break the curse, the Villain no longer holds power over him. With this, will Ospreay truly become the best Junior in NJPW?
Ospreay speaks.
“Before I go see the doctor, I just want to quickly something” to Kushida. The Time Splitter is ringside on commentary, so he hears Ospreay. Ospreay beat Hiromu and Scurll 1v1, but he needs to prove his wins aren’t flukes. Ospreay wants Kushida one more time for the championship. “Yes or no?” Kushida thinks, and says yes! Ospreay’s championship offer has been accepted, will the Aerial Assassin be able to sweep his rivals 3-0? Or will Kushida take back the title?
Backstage interviews.
Scurll is pissed by the idea that a Junior has to “upgrade” to the Heavyweights. Ospreay is the Jr. Champ, talking about gaining weight and moving up. Scurll is proud to be part of the Junior Heavyweight Division, the best division in the world. This match tonight proved that.
Ospreay himself says that he is literally giving his blood, his body and his passion to make the Jr. Heavyweight Championship prominent. That is why he challenged Kushida, who has four victories over him. Ospreay won once, but wants to prove he can do it again. The Aerial Assassin vows to prove he’s the best Junior in NJPW. And the doubters will see the lengths he goes to, to establish his title as THE title.
Kushida is sure he’s “the only guy suited for this battle.” He had to accept, seeing the look in Ospreay’s eyes. It is an honor for the champion to call him out, so he thanks Ospreay for that. But he apologizes for bringing this up, but he lost to the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada. That’s why Kushida can’t let Ospreay be champion forever. The Time Splitter and Aerial Assassin will meet for a sixth time! Can Ospreay repeat his victory? Or will Kushida turn the tide back towards him?
NJPW and AXS set the stage for Part 2!
It’s all about tag team action this time. The Golden Lovers reunited after The American Nightmare made it clear to the Cleaner that he wants to be the one true Bullet Club leader. Honor Rising saw Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi best the Allied Forces of Cody & Marty Scurll, then outlasted The Young Bucks in an extreme showdown at Strong Style Evolved. Cody refuses to admit defeat, or admit that Bullet Club is anything but “fine”. He turns to The Problem Solver, Adam Page, for another tag team show down with Omega & Ibushi.
But first, Suzuki-Gun’s IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemura, defend those titles in a triple threat tag against previous champions, Sho & Yo, as well as LIJ’s Hiromu & Bushi. It is a complete rematch from NJPW’s 46th Anniversary show, will it also be a repeat performance for the Rogue Luchador and Heel Master?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: Suzuki-Gun VS Roppongi 3K VS Los Ingobernables de Japon!
El Desperado & Kanemaru found a way to cheat all their opponents out of the titles at the 46th Anniversary Show, but now they’re all back to do it again. Will the shining RPG3K take those titles back? Or will LIJ grab their first junior tag titles?
The fight starts even before the bell as RPG3K rush LIJ, then dropkick Suzuki-Gun down. Sho & Yo run to DOUBLE FLY!
RPG3K return and take down LIJ again. They have control of the ring, then Sho fetches Desperado. He feeds him to Yo and the bell rings to finally start this match. Yo stomps away on Desperado, then Sho adds on. Desperado begs for some mercy, but no such luck. RPG3K double whip but Desperado reverses. He chops Sho but Yo comes back, and Sho helps Yo headscissor Desperado down. Sho runs Desperado over, then RPG3K double dropkick Kanemaru back out. Yo brings Desperado up, and RPG3K double suplex him down. Cover, Hiromu breaks it up, so Sho goes after him. Desperado rolls away, and Rocky Romero hops up to trash talk Hiromu. Hiromu breaks free of Sho & Yo to chase Rocky! Rocky gets away into the crowd, but Desperado goes after RPG3K again.
RPG3K club him down then whip again, but Bushi tags in. RPG3K double elbow Desperado down, but Bushi boots Sho. Yo covers but Desperado isn’t legal. Bushi uses his shirt to choke Yo, that isn’t legal either! Hiromu throws Desperado while Yo grabs ropes. The referee counts but Bushi holds on until 4. Bushi tags in Hiromu, and Hiromu goes after Yo with a stiff chop. Hiromu chops Yo into the LIJ corner, then tags in Bushi. Bushi gives chops of his own, then stalks Yo to another corner for more chops. Bushi snapmares and kicks Yo, then tags Hiromu back in. They keep the others out while chopping Yo. Hiromu whips Yo corner to corner, hits a corner clothesline, then rolls Yo out for the basement dropkick. Cover, TWO, but Hiromu stomps on Yo.
Tag to Bushi, and LIJ double whip Yo for a double hip toss into Tu Lo Sabes. Cover, TWO, but Bushi drags Yo into an STF. Desperado wipes out Hiromu, then enters the ring to kick Bushi. Bushi swings but misses, and Desperado puts Bushi in the Suzuki-Gun corner. Kanemaru tags in via Bushi, then Desperado throws Bushi out. Suzuki-Gun goes after Yo together with corner to corner whip. Kanemaru hits a back elbow, Desperado hits a clothesline. Desperado drops Yo with a back suplex, then Kanemaru adds a basement dropkick. Cover, TWO, but Kanemaru keeps on Yo with a camel clutch. Kanemaru drops it to boot Bushi down, then stomps Yo down. Kanemaru scoop slams Yo and we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Kanemaru toys with Yo. He brings Yo up, suplexes him down, cover, ONE. Kanemaru knocks Hiromu off the apron, then whips Yo, but Yo reverses into an enziguri! Kanemaru stomps Yo down, and brings him up in a half-surfboard, but Yo dropkicks him away. Yo tags to Sho, and Sho rallies on Kanemaru. Sho whips Kanemaru but Kanemaru reverses. Things speed up again, Sho dropkicks Kanemaru down. Sho sees Desperado coming, and gets him with a spinebuster! Sho takes aim from a corner, and runs at Kanemaru for a big corner clothesline. He gets a waistlock but Kanemaru fights with elbows. Kanemaru grinds Sho’s eyes, then runs, and fakes out the dropkick into a Boston Crab.
Bushi comes in, Kanemaru lets Sho go. Kanemaru ducks the enziguri but is hit with the heel kick. Hiromu uses Kanemaru to tag back in, and whips Sho, but Sho reverses, so Hiromu uses that for his dropkick on Kanemaru. Sho runs Hiromu over, but Bushi kicks Sho. Bushi puts Sho in a corner and whips him corner to corner, but Sho puts him on the apron. Sho sweeps the legs and runs side to side, to blast Bushi with a basement dropkick. Hiromu rushes Sho but Sho spears him down! Sho crawls to his corner and tags in Yo. Yo dropkicks Hiromu, and again, but Bushi comes back. LIJ whip Yo but Yo reverses and sends them into each other. Yo dragon screws Bushi, then whips Hiromu, but Hiromu reverses to a back elbow.
Yo staggers, but rewinds on the rebound to run Hiromu over with forearms. Fans rally for RPG3K as Yo brings Hiromu up. Yo suplexes but Hiromu slips out, to kick Yo and whip him. Sho tags in while Yo reverses, and RPG3K give Hiromu a drop toehold to dropkick. RPG3K bring Hiromu up and suplex him onto Sho’s shoulder. Yo runs, and they combine for the slam and cutter. Kanemaru slips in and breaks the cover. Kanemaru kicks Yo, but Yo dumps Kanemaru out. Yo slingshots for the plancha and takes Kanemaru out. Sho deadlifts Hiromu and gives him the German Suplex. Sho holds on but has to let go as Bushi runs in. Bushi gets caught but fights back, yet Sho still gives him a German Suplex.
Sho fires up as he grabs Hiromu again. Hiromu fights and gets free, but Sho rocks him back. Sho runs, but into Hiromu’s SUPERKICK. Bushi adds the enziguri, then returns to his corner. Rocky rallies for Sho, but Bushi grabs him and puts him in the ring. Hiromu stomps away on Rocky! Sho shields his manager, so he just takes stomps for him. Hiromu drags Sho up and gives him a forearm. Hiromu runs, but into double knees from Sho & Yo! Yo takes out Bushi, then Sho feeds Hiromu to Yo’s back elbow. Hiromu staggers into Sho’s backstabber, which feeds Yo’s dropkick.
RPG3K fire up, and fans follow, but Kanemaru and Desperado rush in! Yo SUPERKICKS the beer out of Kanemaru’s mouth while Sho standing switches with Desperado. Hiromu SUPERKICKS Yo, then latches on to Sho. Bushi flies in, for a Sunset DOUBLE GERMAN!
Fans love it as LIJ stand tall. Hiromu pops Kanemaru up into a powerbomb, and Bushi keeps Yo out. Bushi runs, and DIVES into Yo! Then Hiromu brings Sho up, fireman’s carry, for the Time Bomb slam!
Cover, TWO!? Hiromu is shocked, but also smiling. He brings Sho up again, and rams Sho into a corner with a Death Valley Driver. Hiromu fires up and brings Sho up one more time. He swings Sho for an even strong Time Bomb slam! Cover, but Kanemaru yanks the referee out of the ring and right into barriers. Desperado clobbers Bushi with a belt, then drags Sho up as Kanemaru puts the ref back in the ring. Desperado double underhooks, and swings out for Pinche Loco!
Cover, Suzuki-Gun wins!
Winners: Suzuki-Gun (Desperado & Kanemaru), Desperado pinning; still IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions
More low down dirty tactics help Desperado & Kanemaru win. What will it take for these teams, or any team, to dethrone this devious duo?
The Golden Lovers VS Bullet Club’s Cody & Hangman Page!
Bullet Club is (not) fine, but you wouldn’t know it looking at these two teams. What started with a single Cross Rhodes to the Cleaner has escalated into a Bullet Club Civil War and a fight for leadership. Will Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi keep on a roll? Or will #TeamCody finally get on the board?
Fans already chant for “Golden Lovers!” before the bell, which annoys Cody. Cody sees Kenny and Ibushi throw their shirts to the crowd, so wants to do the same. However, instead of throwing his shirt to a fan, he just throws it to Hangman. The teams sort themselves out, and Omega dares Cody to start. Cody takes Omega up on that challenge, and the bell rings. Fans rally for Omega as he circles with Cody. They tie up and push each other around, then break. They circle again, but Cody sucker punches at Ibushi. Ibushi avoids it, but Cody has to avoid Kenny now. Cody goes all the way out into the crowd, which the fans boo and jeer.
Omega waits for Cody, and Hangman helps Cody return to ringside. Cody slips into the ring, but then tags out to Hangman. Omega is disappointed, but Hangman gets his attention with some trash talk. They approach each other, but Hangman kicks low, then clubs Omega in the back. Hangman throws a haymaker, Omega gives it back, so Hangman puts on a headlock. Omega powers out but Hangman runs him over. Hangman runs, Omega keeps pace, but Hangman chops him. Hangman whips and Cody gets a cheap shot in. Omega swings on Cody, then dumps Hangman out onto him! Omega slingshots and takes them both out! He puts Hangman back in the ring, then fires the fans up. Omega climbs up top, then flies for a crossbody.
Tag to Ibushi, and Cody rushes in, only to get chops and haymakers. The Golden Lovers grab an arm each, and Cody knows what that’s for. Cody resists, and Hangman comes in to clobber Ibushi and Omega. Hangman chops Ibushi, then whips him, but Ibushi reverses. Things speed up as both Golden Lovers leap over Hangman. Ibushi gets a roundhouse in, then Omega adds the leap frog bulldog. Hangman rolls out of the ring, and Cody is on the other end. Omega fires the fans up, and he and Ibushi take their places. They call for it, and run corner to corner, but Cody and Hangman see the Cross Slash coming and intercept! They drag the Golden Lovers down, to then back suplex, but Ibushi slips out of his to huricanrana Hangman down!
Meanwhile, Cody grabs himself a chair and waits for Omega. Omega runs over, and Cody throws the chair into his face! Hangman runs Ibushi over on his end, and then regroups with Cody while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns, and Cody stomps away on Ibushi. He swiftly kicks Ibushi in the face, then grinds a knee into his chest. Cody brings Ibushi up for a right hand, then stomps in a corner. Cody tags Hangman, and Hangman grinds his boot into Ibushi’s face. Ibushi crawls for his corner but Hangman blocks his path. Hangman haymakers Ibushi, then grinds a forearm into Ibushi’s face at the ropes. He uses the ropes to hotshot Ibushi and tweak the arm. Cover, but Red Shoes already sees it’s a ropebreak. Hangman tags in to Cody, and Cody drops the ax handle. Cody stomps Ibushi more, then goes after that arm. He even bites the fingers! Cody grimaces as he puts Ibushi in a headlock. Cody punches Ibushi out of the headlock, then tags Hangman back in. He holds Ibushi down for Hangman to stomp.
Hangman toys with Ibushi, but that only riles Ibushi up. Ibushi throws punches, Hangman throws in a knee. Hangman whips but Ibushi reverses, only for Hangman to catch him into a fireman’s carry. Ibushi fights his way out, shoves and dropkicks Hangman down. Ibushi hot tags Omega, and Omega rallies on Hangman. Cody climbs up and leaps, but Omega gets him with a body shot. Omega clobbers Hangman with a spinning double ax handle, then covers, TWO. Fans rally for Omega as he brings Hangman up to the fireman’s carry. “You Can’t Escape!” Rolling senton, but Cody intercepts Omega as he climbs. Hangman climbs up, and brings Omega down with a SUPER neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!
Hangman tags Cody, and Cody taunts fans before throwing hands. Cody punches Omega, then gives him a little kiss on the forehead before stomping in a mudhole. Omega fights back, but Cody keeps him grounded. Cody brings Omega up for an arm wrench, and a shoulder breaker. He brings Omega over and tags in Hangman, and Hangman kicks Omega in the ribs. Hangman deadlift pumphandles Omega for the Fall Away bridge. TWO, so Hangman tags back to Cody. Cody sits Omega up for stomps, then snapmares him for a kick. He puts Omega in a butterfly stretch, going after neck and shoulders. Omega reaches and flails, and gets the ropebreak.
Cody throws Omega out of the ring, then follows out to fetch a table from under the ring. Hangman helps, but Omega fights his way out. Omega tries to suplex but Cody blocks while going for his own suplex. Omega wins the suplex war and throws Cody down on the ground. He fires himself back up but Hangman is there, and he scoop slams Omega on the folded table! Then Ibushi comes in, only to get scoop slammed, too! Hangman looms over them both, then stands the table up. The dent Omega’s and Ibushi’s bodies made is visible as Hangman brings Omega back up. Hangman sets Omega up on the table while Cody climbs high. But it’s at this moment that The Young Bucks appear. They want to know what Cody’s thinking.
Cody argues with them, but Omega slips off the table in that time. Matt & Nick Jackson still talk with Cody, but refuse to shake his hand. Cody goes back to Omega, and puts him in the ring. He tags in, and goes after Omega with a kick. Omega hits back with haymakers and chops, then whips, but Cody reverses. Omega dodges but Hangman gets in a cheap shot now. Cody hits the dropping uppercut, then runs, but Ibushi gives a cheap shot. Omega drops Cody with a kick, that busts Cody open! Both men crawl for their corners, but Hangman just skips the tag to tag out Ibushi. Hangman powers Omega to his corner and gives chops and shoulders.
Cody stands up and runs but into boots. Omega fights out and over, tag to Ibushi! Ibushi springboards to missile dropkick Cody. He hits Hangman for good measure, then whips Cody corner to corner. Cody reverses but Ibushi gets him with a huricanrana. Ibushi kicks Cody in the chest, then catches his breath while Omega comes in. Omega carries Cody, “You Can’t Escape!” Senton, shooting star, and consecutive moonsaults! Double cover, TWO. Cody’s face is a crimson mask while Ibushi kicks Hangman back out. Fans chant for the Golden Lovers as they push Cody out of the ring. Omega and Ibushi take positions again, and this time hit Cross Slash!
Fans fire up with Omega & Ibushi while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns to Omega putting Cody in the ring. Ibushi joins them, and fires off a strike fest. Omega lifts Cody, and uses a powerbomb to feed Cody to Ibushi’s German Suplex! The Golden Lovers see Hangman come in and throw him back out, then return to Cody. Omega and Ibushi position Cody, and climb up together. They take aim together, but Hangman runs in again. Hangman gets kicks for his trouble, but he’s saved Cody. Cody gets clear of the double springboard missile dropkicks, then throws Omega out. Ibushi gets a waistlock but Cody elbows him away. Cody throws Ibushi with an X-Plex, then covers, TWO.
Fans rally for Ibushi, but Cody tags in Hangman. Hangman stalks Ibushi, and brings him up. Ibushi fights off Hangman and Cody, sending Cody out. He boots Hangman away, but Hangman catches Ibushi into a fireman’s carry. Omega returns, but Hangman sees him coming. Hangman kicks Omega and dumps Ibushi, to then use Omega for the dropsault! TWO, and Hangman grows frustrated. He drags Ibushi and signals the end. He lifts Ibushi up, but Ibushi fights back. Ibushi lifts Hangman up but Hangman slips out, and Cody comes in to give Ibushi a Hammerlock DDT! But Omega has Cody in his sights, and hits a V-Trigger! Hangman swings but misses, and Omega throws him with a snap dragon suplex! Omega fires up, and aims at Hangman, “BANG!” He runs but into the powerslam from Cody!
Ibushi kicks Cody, then standing moonsault, but onto knees! Hangman hurries to German Suplex Ibushi, with the bridge, TWO! Everyone is down from exhaustion, but Hangman gets up and tags Cody in. Cody goes over to a corner and climbs while Hangman brings Ibushi up. Omega stops Cody, but Cody pushes him away. Ibushi throws Hangman out then PELE kick to Cody! Omega sees the table, and grabs Cody. Omega brings Cody over in Electric Chair position, but Cody fights his way out of that. But then Ibushi hops up to try and German Suplex Cody! Cody holds on to Omega, and then Hangman grabs Ibushi. Cody dumps Omega and aims at Ibushi, for a springboard missile dropkick Doomsday! Cover, TWO!!
Cody glares through his own blood, then signals to Hangman. Cody hits Omega with the Beautiful Disaster, but Omega holds on. Hangman boots Omega down, to fall through the table!!
Omega is wrecked through the hard wood, and bleeds from a cut on his back. Hangman signals the end, slingshot, but Ibushi dodges Buck Shot to DOUBLE PELE! Ibushi goes after Cody, sit-out powerbomb! TWO!? Fans rally and Ibushi stands up. He drags Cody back up, holding both arms, but Cody dodges Kamigoye. Cody wants Cross Rhodes but Ibushi fights back with knees to the head. Cody grabs that leg and uses it to suplex Ibushi over, but Ibushi lands on his feet to German Suplex Cody down! Ibushi fires up, brings the knee pad down, and sits Cody up again. Hangman grabs that leg to anchor Ibushi, then Cody rolls Ibushi with tights held! Bullet Club steals the win!!
Winners: Bullet Club (Cody & Hangman), Cody pinning
The American Nightmare gets the better of Golden Lovers and finally gets a win in this Civil War. Ibushi goes for revenge, but Hangman clobbers him down. Hangman stomps away on Ibushi, then Cody drags Ibushi up while Omega can only watch. Bullet Club mugs Ibushi with haymakers, but that’s not enough for Cody. Cody brings in a chair! Omega manages to stop Cody before he strikes, then goes after Cody with that chair. He swings on Cody and Hangman but they both get away. Omega checks on his friend while Cody and Hangman retreat. The fans are on the Golden Lovers’ side, even after they lost. This Bullet Club Civil War is far from over. Which side will be left standing at the end?
Backstage interviews.
The Golden Lovers have to sit down, their bodies are aching. Omega apologizes for not being much help at the end. He can’t believe the lost like that. “Everyone was counting on us to win.” Omega apologizes, but this won’t be the end for them. They’re back in sync, and will work harder to win next time.
As for Cody, he asks the room, “Do you know what being a wrestler is?” The definition is all kinds of screwed up. Some people thing it’s “bullshit chain-wrestling”, hold to hold. That’s not it. Wrestling is everything. Wrestling is bloody, like what Cody has on his face. Cody just gave his blood for Bullet Club. He designed new logos for the Bullet Club. “Why the Hell am I the bad guy in this narrative!?” Hangman agrees. The blood and sweat coming from Cody, “that’s leadership.” Cody is the leader, Kenny is a fool. Will Hangman’s words remain true the next time these forces collide?
And finally, NJPW and AXS set the stage for Part 3!
This main event match of Sakura Genesis 2018 is all about The Rainmaker defending his title against the 2018 New Japan Cup winner! Kazuchika Okada has reigned as champion for a historic 651 days, and has defended that title 10 times. With a win here, he would tie the record set by The Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi. However, Suzuki-Gun’s Technical Wizard won the cup by going through Tetsuya Naito, Kota Ibushi, Sanada, and Tanahashi himself, all with submission based victories.
With the right to challenge a top champion, Mr. ZSJ is going right for the very top! Will Okada move towards history with an 11th successful defense? Or will the Submission Master make his own by being only the second man ever to make Okada #JustTapOut?
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada w/ Gedo VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Taka Michinoku!
As always, Taka Michinoku asks the crowd questions. “IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Kazuchika Okada VS Zack Sabre Jr. Who’s going to win?!” It’ll be the man who can get anyone anywhere with any lock. The man who used unlimited holds to defeat Naito, Ibushi, Sanada and Tanahashi, and take the New Japan Cup. The Man who will FORCE Okada to tap. When Zack catches you in a submission, #JustTapOut! He is the Submission Master, he is ZSJ, he WILL be IWGP Heavyweight Champion, he is Zack Sabre Jr! So then, Okada, “C’mon over here!” After some clean up of the Okada dollars, Red Shoes does his check while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns with a ring of the bell. Fans are already thunderous as ZSJ and Okada circle. They slowly approach, then back off. They tie up, and Okada brings ZSJ down, but ZSJ slips out and around. ZSJ goes for a number of facelocks, then rolls Okada around. ZSJ shifts to legs but Okada grabs at him, so ZSJ goes after the arm. He puts Okada on his back with a headlock, and traps an arm. Okada endures, and uses a headscissors to counters. ZSJ slips out easily and casually walks it off. Okada and ZSJ circle again while fans rally. They tie up, Okada drops to get the wristlock, but ZSJ grabs at the chin. ZSJ bends and brings Okada around but Okada gets the wristlock. ZSJ rolls and escapes, and they again circle. Okada keeps his guard up, but ZSJ still gets the headlock.
ZSJ shifts and traps on arm, then chinbars before going for the other arm. He has a modified abdominal stretch, then shifts to ghost pin, ONE but ZSJ keeps hold of Okada’s arms. ZSJ floats and rolls to another cover, TWO, and it’s a stand off. Okada and ZSJ reset and circle again while fans rally. They tie up, and push shoulder to shoulder. Okada bends ZSJ back with superior strength, but ZSJ bridges to avoid the cover. Okada sweeps the legs but ZSJ bridges again. Another sweep and another bridge, and ZSJ spins around to a wristlock. ZSJ wrenches the arm, but Okada rolls and trips ZSJ up. Okada goes after the leg with a shinlock, but ZSJ puts a facelock on Okada. Okada steps over on the toehold, but ZSJ hooks a leg around. ZSJ brings Okada around for an armbar, but Okada clasps hands.
ZSJ works to pry those hands apart, but Okada rolls him to a cover. ONE, and ZSJ lets go. They both spring up, and fans applaud this stand-off. The two circle again, tie up, and ZSJ brings Okada into a cravat. ZSJ wrenches the neck, but Okada reverses. ZSJ reverses back to the cravat, and brings Okada to his knees. Okada endures, goes to break free, but ZSJ sees it coming and manages to get the cravat back on. Okada arm-drags but ZSJ holds on, so Okada tries a scoop slam. ZSJ counters with a cravat takedown, but Okada gets back to his feet. They go against the ropes, so ZSJ has to let go. He doesn’t break clean as he digs elbows into Okada’s neck.
Okada ties ZSJ up in the ropes, and looks to chop ZSJ, but instead gives ZSJ a pat on the shoulder and head. ZSJ grabs that hand and makes Okada regret that. He goes to stomp the hammerlock but Okada gets clear. Okada drop toeholds ZSJ into a modified STF and surfboard combo!
ZSJ finds himself in a rare situation of being stuck in a submission. Okada shifts around, and goes from that hold to the Cloverleaf! ZSJ resists the turn over and grabs a leg. He gets a heel hook, and wrenches it deep. Okada endures as ZSJ twists and twists, but then rolls his way out the hold and to a waistlock. ZSJ stands up but Okada brings him back down. Okada loops himself around, and brings ZSJ into a trapped-leg calf killer! ZSJ endures the hold, and rolls back to chinbar Okada into the trapped-arm armlock. Okada rolls that around to a cover, TWO as ZSJ has to let go. ZSJ backs of but fans applaud while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns again as Okada and ZSJ catch their breaths. Okada and ZSJ circle again, getting pointers from their corner men. They tie up, forehead to forehead, and Okada gets wrist control. He brings ZSJ to his knees, but ZSJ stands up and rolls back to reverse the pressure. ZSJ brings Okada to his knees now, but Okada powers ZSJ over. Okada grabs a leg and wrenches the ankle, but ZSJ rolls and pries his way out to get a headlock. ZSJ gets the takeover but Okada counters with headscissors. ZSJ moves around and pops out to go after Okada’s ankle again. Okada endures the wrenching while fans rally. Okada works his way up and out but ZSJ catches him into a Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch. ZSJ pulls back but Okada pops out to a cover, ONE, and Okada rocks ZSJ with a running European Uppercut!
Michinoku coaches ZSJ up but Okada is upon him. Okada whips but ZSJ comes back to catch him in an abdominal stretch. Okada hip tosses out, and brings ZSJ back up in a cobra clutch. ZSJ slips around to a hammerlock. Okada reverses to the cobra clutch, but ZSJ again counters to a top wristlock. Okada reverses but ZSJ reverses again, to the abdominal stretch. ZSJ has the cobra twist variant, then adds a chinbar, then a half straitjacket. Okada falls to his knees but also to the ropebreak. ZSJ lets him go, rather annoyed by this. ZSJ walks around, then toys with Okada, kicking his arm. He brings Okada up for a EuroUpper of his own, then another.
ZSJ brings Okada out and digs knuckles into the neck. He brings Okada down for a half crab, and leans way back before stomping the back of the leg. ZSJ walks around again while Okada clutches his leg. ZSJ comes back for the toehold, then goes after the other leg with a heel hook. Okada endures, but ZSJ shifts to a standing step-over, and uses his own legs to TWIST Okada’s! ZSJ casually walks around while Okada writhes in pain. ZSJ toys with Okada again, but Okada hits back with forearms and elbows. Okada stands and hits another elbow, but ZSJ hits back with another EuroUpper. ZSJ runs, and catches Okada’s dropkick into the STF! He bends Okada sideways with it, but Okada endures.
Okada crawls for ropes but ZSJ traps an arm. Gedo shouts for Okada, and Okada keeps trying, but ZSJ traps him into an inverted triangle hold! Okada keeps reaching, and ZSJ can’t get a leg into the hold before the ropebreak. ZSJ has to let go, and Gedo rallies the fans behind Okada. Okada stirs, but ZSJ toys with him again. Okada dares ZSJ to hit him, so ZSJ does, with a EuroUpper. ZSJ gives another, but Okada stays up. They both stand up, and ZSJ gives another EuroUpper, but Okada boots him back. Okada throws forearms, then a EuroUpper of his won, but ZSJ gives a EuroUpper back. ZSJ whips but Okada reverses, only to run into ZSJ’s back elbow. ZSJ runs out but into a flapjack! Both men are down while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns again as fans rally for Okada and ZSJ. Both men slowly sit up, with their corner men leading the charge. They stand, and Okada rallies on ZSJ. Okada whips, ZSJ reverses, but Okada blows past him. ZSJ dodges Okada, but runs into a boot! He goes down while Okada catches his breath. Okada takes aim from across the way, runs in for the back elbow, then kicks and hits a DDT. ZSJ goes to the apron, but Okada is on him. Okada thrusts a shoulder out but ZSJ catches him into a draping Octopus! Red Shoes calls for the break, and ZSJ lets go at 4. ZSJ drags Okada back up, but Okada rocks him with a forearm. Okada goes to suplex, but ZSJ counters with a wristlock. ZSJ makes Okada hit himself, but then Okada hits ZSJ with his free arm!
Okada boots ZSJ off the apron and down to the floor. Then he goes out to fetch ZSJ, and brings ZSJ around to whip him into barriers, then boot him over them. Okada has people clear out, and he FLIES over the barriers to bowl ZSJ over into chairs! Fans fire up for Okada while he stands over ZSJ. He drags ZSJ up as the ring count begins. They return at 9, and Okada stalks ZSJ at the ropes. He whips ZSJ, then picks him up for a spinebuster. Okada jackknifes and rolls through, but ZSJ uses that to get his Octopus! ZSJ brings Okada to the mat for another take on the triangle hold. Okada endures as ZSJ goes after the wrist and fingers. Okada crawls but ZSJ knows to get a leg this time. ZSJ puts one leg in a stretch muffler, while maintaining the figure four facelock.
Okada reaches blindly, and manages a ropebreak. ZSJ lets go, growing annoyed. Michinoku coaches him up and ZSJ stomps the hammerlock. ZSJ digs elbows and knuckles in here and there, then sits on the hammerlock, to then TWIST it. Gedo coaches Okada up, but ZSJ stands on that arm and then Okada’s face. ZSJ drags Okada up, and gives him a EuroUpper. ZSJ runs corner to corner, but Okada gets clear. Okada hoists ZSJ up but ZSJ kicks him away. ZSJ jumps, and grabs Okada in a guillotine! Okada powers his way out, but ZSJ just climbs around to a backpack sleeper hold. ZSJ climbs around again, and back to the guillotine, and adds the hammerlock. Okada powers out, and hits the reverse neckbreaker!
Both men fall but fans fire up. Okada stands and scoop slams ZSJ, but those arms slow him down as he goes to a corner. He climbs up, jumps, but ZSJ catches the elbow into an armbar! Okada rolls it but ZSJ rolls more, but Okada manages a ropebreak before ZSJ can finish the Disarmer. ZSJ is exasperated, but he does get up first. He kicks Okada, but Gedo and the fans rally. Okada hits back, but those arms are aching. ZSJ wants Okada to hit him more, then hits back. Okada hits ZSJ, then ZSJ hits Okada. ZSJ throws EuroUpper after EuroUpper, but Okada doesn’t flinch. Okada fires off forearms, then a boot, but ZSJ blocks that and retaliates with another EuroUpper. Okada staggers but comes back out with a blasting dropkick!
Both men are down again, but fans rally once more. Okada and ZSJ stir, and both Gedo and Michinoku coach up their man. Okada runs in but into a EuroUpper. ZSJ runs, but into the fireman’s carry. ZSJ slips out and goes for the Fujiwara, but Okada rolls, only for ZSJ to gives another EuroUpper. Zack tries another EuroUpper but Okada counters to a backslide. ZSJ slides off that, then blocks the Rainmaker into a kimura. Okada fights that but then ZSJ kicks the arm, and then a Pele. Okada still dropkicks ZSJ in the back, then whips ZSJ to dropkick him down from the front. Fans fire up, and Okada hits a Tombstone! Okada calls for the finish, but ZSJ grabs an arm! ZSJ brings Okada down into the hammerlock, then the other arm for the stretch! Okada endures, resists, and rolls out, to wring out.
ZSJ ducks the Rainmaker and flips Okada with the double wristlock, for the European Clutch! TWO!! And ZSJ is stunned! Okada gets the Tombstone position, but ZSJ slips out again. ZSJ uses a double leg takedown and underhook to roll Okada for another EuroClutch, TWO!! Penalty Kick! We go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns once more to thunderous fans. Michinoku coaches up ZSJ while Gedo coaches up Okada. ZSJ goes after Okada’s arm with headbutts, then gives Okada a forearm. Okada gives a forearm back, but ZSJ kicks that bad arm. Okada sits up, and now they both kick each other in the chest. They kick and kick, then ZSJ SLAPS Okada. ZSJ brings Okada up for a smack to the head, then runs, but Okada dropkicks him down! Okada drags ZSJ up, wristlock wring out, but ZSJ counters with an armbar takedown! ZSJ wants the Article 50 cross armbreaker, but Okada resists with clasped hands. Okada reaches but ZSJ gets extension. Okada tries to redo his hands but ZSJ reels him into a triangle hold. ZSJ binds Okada, but Okada endures.
Okada stands up, and deadlifts ZSJ, but the torture on that arm bring Okada back down. Red Shoes asks Okada how he feels, but Okada endures. Fans keep rallying while Okada fades, but Okada gets a second wind! Okada deadlifts ZSJ, but ZSJ lets go, only to take a lariat! Both men go down, and fans keep cheering. Okada sits up, still holding onto ZSJ’s wrist. He brings ZSJ up, for another lariat. Gedo is feeling it as Okada brings ZSJ up. Okada wrings him out, but ZSJ ducks and waistlock to the Octopus! ZSJ bends and stretches Okada all over, and wants both arms to complete his Hypernormalisation, but Okada resists! Okada pops out, flips ZSJ around, JUMPING Tombstone! But that’s not all, Okada wrings ZSJ out for THE Rainmaker!!
Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; still IWGP Heavyweight Champion
He has done it! Okada has tied Tanahashi’s record for defenses in a single reign! Okada has won his 11th title defense match, but it took so much out of him. Gedo and Michinoku both check on their man, with ice packs and medical attention. The challenger leaves the ring, and the champion has his hand raised.
Gedo speaks.
“Oi, I have one thing to say.” Zack Sabre Jr CAN’T make the Rainmaker tap out. Wanna know why? “He’s on a whole ‘nother level!” That felt good to say. Okada has tied the record for defenses. There’s a new record in sight, but just one problem. He has no one to fight! Even though they have no chance of winning, Gedo wonders if there’s anyone who wants to stop Okada from setting a record. Is there? Fans want to see if there is, too. Fans suggest Tanahashi himself! Okada takes the mic to say he has three things to say, but then Tanahashi appears!
The Ace is here in person, and he steps into the ring. He takes the mic while fans chant “Go Ace!” Tanahashi tells Okada that he did a good job. And congratulations on tying the record for title defenses. “It’s taken me a long time, but I am finally back, face-to-face with you.” Tanahashi thanks the fans for their support. But you see, “you can search around the globe, and the next challenger…” Sorry, he messed up, let him start over. You could search around the world and not find a challenger, besides Tanahashi! The tables have turned, because this time, Tanahashi breaks Okada’s streak. The Ace lets the champ have the ring, and the match is made.
Okada speaks, “I wanna say three things.” First, Zack Sabre Jr’s holds really were on a different level. And facing ZSJ made him even stronger. Second, what’s Tanahashi been up to? He got hurt, came back, repeat, lose a title and be only runner-up in New Japan Cup. How lame. Okada won’t bother calling him Tanahashi, he’s OLD Tanahashi. Third, there’s actually a third. This win today ties Old Tanahashi’s record of consecutive defense victories, and he’s grateful for that. NOT. Because now he will beat Tanahashi to make it 12! Then 13, 14, 15, all the way to 100. Okada will be the 100-victories IWGP Champion. He knows he sounds hasty, but he vows that “as the greatest champion” of NJPW, Okada will make it rain. He defends titles, sets records, and makes it rain! The Rainmaker lets the golden streamers flow, will he truly be NJPW’s Mr. 100?
Backstage interviews.
ZSJ admits Okada is really strong. Okada is the best, for now. But ZSJ vows to win the G-1 and then beat Okada, because he is the best wrestler in the world. He swears it.
Okada speaks on Tanahashi accepting the challenge, saying “It’s fine by me.” He hasn’t had a match with Tanahashi so far in this title run, so it makes sense to have it be them. They’re both tied at 11, not that the number is important. But if the number is what motivates Tanahashi, then Okada will accept. But who was it that stopped Tanahashi? Hint: the Rainmaker. So we already know how this ends. In order to see if he’s worthy of setting the record, Okada must get through the man that preceded him. Can Okada use The Ace as a stepping stone? Or will Tanahashi become a record eight time champion?
My Thoughts:
Three hours of NJPW in a row like that, a great move for AXS. This wasn’t every match on the Sakura Genesis card but it was all the best ones. We only saw part of that Six Man Tag, but it was really good and really builds onto this story of Suzuki-Gun VS LIJ. Killer Elite Squad is making a move for those IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles that EVIL & SANADA hold, and their match-up could go either way. Naito VS Suzuki is great just on story, given the clashing personalities. Ospreay VS Scurll, aka RIP Ospreay Part 1 given that Spanish Fly apron spot, was great. Great story for Ospreay to finally win, and he’s clearly working on getting through all his rivals and all the best Juniors 1v1 to boost the status of the division.
Part 2 having two full matches is great, we get everything that the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Triple Threat had, which still had Suzuki-Gun winning. If there was another talented Jr. Tag Team around, they could go up to Fatal 4, but there isn’t one so it’ll have to be about who gets Desperado & Kanemaru all to themselves. Golden Lovers VS Cody & Hangman was great, with plenty of story behind it and happening in the match itself. Familiarity between them all helped, and I was surprised that Cody-Hangman won, but not how. Cody gets meta, saying he doesn’t know why he’s the Heel in this, yet he does the Heel things, which just proves why he’s a genius Heel.
Part 3, just the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, is all you really need. Okada and ZSJ, with Michinoku and Gedo ringside, was amazing. The corner men do their part in adding story with their coaching and reactions. Okada surprisingly keeps pace with ZSJ in submission and technical wrestling, but as I had figured with New Japan Cup, the secret to Okada winning this was using his strength and strikes. The Rainmaker’s namesake is booked so strong, but Okada still used three of them anyway to be fair. ZSJ is still a star, and will still be a the top one day. Then setting up Okada VS Tanahashi, that’s going to be incredible, too, and quite possibly establish Okada as the best ever for NJPW.
My Score: 8.5/10 (part 1), 8.5/10 (part 2), 9/10 (part 3); overall: 9/10
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DING DONG, Hello, Tiffany!
Tiffanny Stratton just won the WWE Women’s Championship but she’s already defending it against Bayley! Will the Role Model be back on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win.
- Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes; Jimmy wins, by disqualification.
- Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma; MCMG wins.
- Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim; Piper wins.
- Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley; Tiff wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rey Mysterio is here!
San Diego fires up for the hometown hero as he makes his entrance! The King of Lucha high-fives fans along the ramp, and hugs his wife and daughter, before stepping in the ring. Rey grabs himself a mic, the fans chant “619! 619!” and he smiles. Rey tells San Diego, “Bien venidos, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! This is the home of the 6! 1! 9!” The fans cheer, and Rey says no cap, it feels great to be back home in front of his people, his Raza, his city, and his familia. Rey requested to be here tonight because he couldn’t think of a better place to reminisce as he gets ready to do the impossible once again.
Rey officially declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble! The arena is shaking hearing that! Rey wants to look back: 2006, he entered the Rumble at #2, outlasted 28 other superstars, and became the Royal Rumble winner! And it didn’t end there. he went on to main event WrestleMania, and he became the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Now, Rey won’t lie, he will be realistic. The competition is heavy this year: Drew McIntyre, who fans boo. CM Punk, who fans cheer; Seth Rollins, who fans are torn on; Roman Reigns, who fans cheer; John Cena, who fans also cheer. It will be tough, but let’s remember back to when he won.
It was 2006, and Rey did it for a friend we all know very well. The fans chant for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” But wait! Kevin Owens makes his way out here! The Prizefighter, still holding onto the winged eagle title belt, showing off his new shirt: The Canadian Dream, Son of a Security System Technician. Kevin has a mic, too, and while fans boo, he tells Rey, “Lemme start off by saying I’m very sorry for coming out here and interrupting you. I mean it, okay? But I had to come out here. Because I heard you just now talking about how you were gonna win the Royal Rumble.
“And Rey, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. It’s never been a secret. There’s a lot of people in this industry that I respect quite a bit, but very few I respect as much as I respect you. In fact, I’ll even go so far as saying there’s nobody in this industry that I respect as much as I respect you.” The fans do cheer that, and Kevin says he has had an incredible career, he’s accomplished things he’s dreamed of since he was a kid. He has main evented WrestleMania with Steve Austin. He won the tag team titles with his then best friend, Sami Zayn. He won countless other tiles, and now he gets to stand here with THIS title!
The fans boo but Kevin says this is the title that as a kid, he saw all his idols win. This is the title he dreamed of winning, and now he stands here as the TRUE, RIGHTFUL WWE Champion! The fans boo again but Kevin says there is one thing left for him to accomplish so that he can truly feel his career is complete. And that is to step into the ring and have a 1v1 match with the legendary Rey Mysterio. The fans like that idea, and Kevin says face to face, man to man, he hopes Rey wins the Rumble! Kevin will root for Rey with everything he has! Rey can and will beat “all those other idiots.”
But just promise Kevin one thing. After Rey wins the Rumble, promise that Kevin is the champion he picks for WrestleMania so that Kevin can have his dream match. Rey takes a moment, and he tells Kevin that we all know Rey loves competition. But… Kevin’s not the champion. The fans cheer that! Rey means that with all due respect, but Cody Rhodes is the champion. But, but, here’s this. If Rey wins the Rumble, and if Kevin wins the title, then yes, Rey will gladly face him for the title. Kevin takes a moment, and repeats, “I’m not the champion? I AM THE CHAMPION! This is my title! I earned it! I deserve it!”
The fans boo but Kevin says Cody has Rey brainwashed, too! Does Rey have bleached blonde hair under that mask? Is it seeping into his brain? Rey wants Kevin to calm down. What’s going on? Drew McIntyre, now Kevin, he’s acting so delusional! It’s reminding him of Dominik. Oh…! Kevin swings on Rey! Rey dodges to fire hands in return! They brawl, Kevin shoves Rey but Rey dropkicks the legs! Kevin is on the ropes, but he bails out before the 619! The fans boo but Kevin is the one offended. Will Kevin be able to let this go so he can focus on Cody?
Bianca Belair meets up with Naomi backstage.
Bianca asks if Naomi finished with Nick Aldis. She did. Any updates? No! No lead on Jade’s attacker. Nothing? Wow. But that’s okay, they’ll keep pushing forward. They will handle Nia & Candice, but Bianca just wants to make sure they’re good after the mishap last week. It wasn’t on Bianca, that was Candice. Naomi knows that. Plus, they have to focus. It may not be Tiffany, but they can at least get some lick back on Candice & Nia. And they still have their gold! Bianca says that’s true. Ready to go? Naomi says maybe Bianca should wrap her up. That way, last week won’t happen again. Bianca agrees, and she hurries to wrap the braid into a bun.
Now they’re good. The StrongEST Glow heads out, will they be able to get past the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie? Or will they soon be owing some golden tickets to the Queen of the Ring and her new sidekick?
Nick Aldis talks with Rey Mysterio.
After what we saw with Kevin, and since they are in San Diego, we have to have Rey on the card. Rey VS KO happens 1v1! Rey thanks Aldis and promises to handle business. And then Cody Rhodes walks in! The American Nightmare tells Rey he saw what happened while he was going through his physical. Cody says he would’ve been out there to help, but Rey says it’s nota big deal. It is handled, Rey VS Kevin is happening. Cody just needs to heal up. Rey can handle his problems, and will leave something for Cody at the Royal Rumble. Rey fist bumps and heads out. Aldis tells Cody that Rey has a point, Cody needs to be careful.
That said, what’d the doctors have to say? Cody says he has a clean bill of health, fully cleared, and Aldis can read the report himself. Aldis says he trusts Cody, he just doesn’t know if that’s good news. There is a lot of time between now and the Rumble, and even more so to WrestleMania. But with that in mind, Aldis has an addendum to the ladder match. Cody needs to sign it, as does Kevin, because they cannot have what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event happen ever again. Cody asks if Kevin’s signed it yet. Kevin was Aldis’ next stop. Then Cody will sign it once Kevin has. Cody heads out, will Aldis be able to get what he wants out of this?
Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as Bianca & Naomi make their entrances. The teams sort out and Nia steps to Bianca, only to CLOBBER Naomi! Candice joins in to mug Bianca, but the fans boo. The ref reprimands, Candice backs off, and Nia soaks up the heat. Naomi throws Bianca down, talks more trash, then HEADBUTTS Bianca down. Nia drags Bianca up, tags Candice, but Bianca fights back. Nia CLUBS Bianca, Candice wrenches, but Bianca runs Candice over! And runs her over again! Bianca suplexes, holds Candice up, then SLAMS her down! The fans fire up as Bianca kips up, and she runs up to RAM Candice!
Bianca then climbs to rain down fists! The fans count along, Bianca goes all the way to TEN! Nia storms in, but Bianca flips up and over! Nia runs into Candice, then turns around into Bianca’s DROPKICK! Bianca runs up but Candice BOOTS her! Candice goes up, but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca military presses Candice, and she THRWOS her out onto Nia! Nia & Candice fall, the fans fire up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Bianca flexes, then waits on Nia & Candice. Bianca’s braid has unrolled so Bianca swings it to rally the fans. Bianca then goes out to fetch Candice, shoves her into the ring, but Nia anchors Bianca’s feet! Candice DROPKICKS Candice down! Cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS away on Bianca, then scuffs her. Candice stalks Bianca to a corner, KNEES her down, then steps on her to DOUBLE STOMP! Tag to Nia, and Nia stalks Bianca. Nia makes Bianca smile with fishhooks, then HIP DROPS her down! Nia swings the braid around to mock Bianca, and even intimidate the ref. Bianca gets her braid free to SMACK away on Nia!
Bianca LASHES Nia more, backing her down, then she runs. Bianca SHOTGUNS Nia, Nia rebounds, but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Nia CLOBBERS Bianca at the ropes! Nia argues with the ref, taunts Naomi, then soaks up the heat. Tag to Candice and Candice kicks Bianca around. Candice SMACKS Bianca off the apron, pushes her in, then CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Candice CLOBBERS Bianca again, then digs her knee in for a half Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Bianca endures, fights around, reaches back, and she pulls Candice’s hair! Bianca and Candice fire forearms, but Candice DECKS Bianca! Cover, TWO!
Candice is frustrated but she KNEES Bianca in the side. Candice stomps Bianca more, KNEES her down, then has her on the ropes. The ref counts but Candice bends Bianca back! Candice lets go at 4, SmackDown returns to single picture,. and Candice brings Bianca up. Bianca rolls Candice up, TWO! Candice ENZIGIRIS Bianca down! Candice hurries to a corner and goes up, to then CROSSBODY! But Bianca rolls through! The fans fire up as Bianca lifts, but Candice slips free! Candice pulls the braid! Bianca uses that to reel Candice in for an ELBOW! But Candice grabs the braid to throw Bianca down! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Bianca and Candice crawl, Candice goes to Bianca! STEP-UP- NO! Bianca avoids the senton! But Nia YANKS Naomi down from the outside! The fans boo but Nia sends Naomi into barriers! Candice stands Bianca up, but Bianca rolls her again! TWO, and Candice SUPERKICKS Bianca down! Candice hurries to the corner, tag to Nia. Nia storms up on Bianca, mockingly reaching out to Naomi, and then CLUBS Bianca! Nia whips, LARIATS, and SAMOAN DROPS! Bianca sputters and goes to the corner, but Nia runs up! Bianca BOOTS Nia first! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, dodges Nia, then RAMS into her! Candice grabs the braid!
Bianca whips Candice into the POST! Bianca climbs, but Nia ROCKS her! Nia climbs up after Bianca, fireman’s carries, but Bianca CLUBS away! Bianca is safe, she shoves Nia away, then CROSSBODIES! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Naomi returns! Bianca crawls, hot tag to Naomi! The fans fire up as Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Nia away, then slingshots for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia still has a lot left in the tank but Naomi HAMMERS away on her! Nia shoves Naomi away, runs up, but Naomi dodges! Nia POSTS herself, falls back, and Naomi goes up! SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Candice breaks it!
Naomi ENZIGIRIS Candice for it! Tag to Bianca and the tag champs go after Nia. Nia fights back, SAMOAN DROP for Naomi! The fans boo but Nia looms over Bianca. Nia runs, Candice sneaks a tag, and Bianca dodges! Bianca SPEARS Nia! Bianca runs, handsprings, but Candice DROPKICKS her down! STEP-UP SENTON! Nia rises, she adds a SENTON of her own! Candice covers, TWO!! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Candice can’t believe it, but San Diego declares, “This is Awesome!” Candice storms around, snarls, then runs up at Bianca. Bianca ALLEY-OOPS her onto buckles! Then SPINEBUSTERS her down!
Bianca runs, handsprings, and MOONSAULTS! But Nia runs up! Bianca dodges, LEG DROP hits Candice!! Nia panics, runs up on Bianca, but Bianca tosses her out! LARIAT and down goes Bianca! Naomi tags for the BUBBA BOMB! Gedo clutch, Naomi & Bianca win!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall
The tag champs find a way to survive, but now they’ll have to meet NXT’s Meta Four on January 28th! NXT goes on the road to Atlanta, Georgia, will Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson be bringing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships home as souvenirs? Or will they only feel the StrongEST Glow?
Pregame interview with Bayley.
Byron Saxton walked through an empty Pechanga Arena with The Role Model before the show, and noted how last week, Bayley won the Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match. Now, we’re in San Diego, with a sold out crowd as Bayley challenges Tiffany Stratton for the title. What does this match mean to her? Well, sold out here in her home state, that is what dreams are made of. We all dream about being in the main event and fighting for a championship. This is a huge night for her. Thinking on her career, this time last year, she won the 2024 Royal Rumble and earned a guaranteed championship opportunity.
Bayley would challenge former friend, Iyo Sky, someone she respects so much in this business. That felt like the peak of Bayley’s career, where she was going to do something different and change the world. To be honest, she isn’t sure she fulfilled her potential during that reign. Yes, she defended the title, took it all over the world, but she always felt she was just winning by the skin of her teeth. She’s a perfectionist, she loves wrestling so much. And so, that reign was certainly cut short when Tiffany helped Nia take that title from Bayley. Tonight is a big night for her.
Then how does tonight feel different from past opportunities in regaining the title? Well, we’ve seen what Tiffany has done this past year, and she just showed she’s willing to turn on her friends to get to the “Tiffy Top,” as she puts it. Part of Bayley respects her, but the other part wants to beat Tiffy that much more. Tonight, it’s personal. Byron wishes Bayley luck and they shake hands. Will this be a big first defense for Tiffy? Or will it be a big comeback for the former Grand Slam Champion?
Mia Yim talks with B-Fab backstage.
Michin just knows she would’ve had Chelsea Green if not for Piper Niven. They always gotta use numbers! B-Fab knows how they do. That US Championship should’ve been Mia’s! B-Fab tells Mia to keep her head up, because she’ll get another shot to take down sleazy- Piper Niven walks in being all Secret Service. Piper says the room is clear, no threats to the champion. Chelsea walks in, thanks “Spicy Service,” and says B-Fab and “Mimi” should stand up and properly congratulate her as the only woman to successfully defend this title. B-Fab says Chelsea please. We all know that if it wasn’t for Piper the Mall Cop, Chelsea would not be champion.
Piper steps up and tells B-Fab that if she takes another step closer, it’ll be her last. If that’s how Piper wants to play it, then how about this? B-Fab will talk with Aldis, then she and Piper can handle their problem tonight. Then after Piper, Chelsea better watch her back. Mia says that is a threat. Mia follows B-Fab, Chelsea tells Piper to neutralize B-Fab. Piper agrees. But just how will this shake out when Piper’s the one in action?
Jimmy Uso heads to gorilla.
“San Diego! The goal tonight is to make sure Carmelo stays missing. Hey, ya boi got something to prove! Hey, I’m proud of The Yeet Man. My brother got his own title match coming up, and it’s time to go get mine. But it starts tonight with Carmelo. Hey yo, Uce, between me and you, Big Jim is Him!” Jimmy heads out to the ring, will he prove he’s just as worthy of golden opportunities?
Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns as Melo makes his entrance. Melo has a mic to tell Big Jim that he wants to get this straight. Roman’s in the Rumble, Jey’s got a world title match, and what’s Jimmy got? It just seems like Jimmy is living in the shadow of his brother who is living in the shadow of Roman Reigns. But for some reason, Jimmy’s taking shots at H1M? Then here’s a serious question: How can Jimmy take shots when he’s sitting on the bench? Do Melo a favor: Lace up those shoes real tight, Unc, because you’re about to see that Melo Don’t Miss. But then Jimmy TOSSES Melo into the ring! Jimmy borrows those sunglasses, then he fires haymakers!
The fans fire up as Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ ROCKS Melo! Jimmy whips, but Melo avoids the superkick! Melo bails out, the fans boo, and Jimmy grins. Jimmy hurries after Melo but Melo HOTSHOTS Jimmy down! Melo storms in to CLOBBER Jimmy, and he stomps away at the ropes! The ref counts, teh fans boo, but Melo lets off at 4. Melo soaks up the heat, then he CHOPS Jimmy against ropes. Melo stalks Jimmy, CHOPS Jimmy in a corner, then brings him around for haymakers. Melo whips, Jimmy reverses, QUICK DRAW! Melo is in a corner, and the fans join Jimmy in chanting, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Melo dodges the hip attack!
Melo comes back, but Jimmy puts him on the apron. Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo sputters, and Jimmy goes out to join him. Jimmy suplexes Melo onto the apron! Melo writhes, Jimmy refreshes the count, and then Jimmy builds speed! Jimmy DIVES, and Melo is sent into the desk! The fans fire up for Jimmy while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo KICKS and CLUBS and stomps away on Jimmy in a corner! The ref counts, Melo lets off, and the fans boo. Melo drags Jimmy up, CLUBS him on the back, then hoists him to the top rope. The fans rally for Jimmy but Melo climbs up. Melo soaks up the heat, brings Jimmy up, but Jimmy fights the suplex! The fans fire up as Jimmy fires elbows! Melo hits back with shoulders! Jimmy and Melo go back and forth, then Jimmy fires elbow after elbow! Melo falls back, Jimmy WHISPERS IN THE WIND, but Melo dodges! Then FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and Melo grows frustrated.
The fans rally up while Melo gets his confidence back. Melo adjusts the kneepads, but he hears the fans rally for Jimmy. Melo brings Jimmy up, but Jimmy suplexes! Melo fights that to suplex, but Jimmy fights! Melo wrenches, dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS hit hard! A double cover, TWO!! Both men are still in this, but they rise slowly. The fans rally behind Jimmy, he UPPERCUTS Melo! Melo blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and the fans rally up again!
Melo thinks on what he has to do, but the fans rally up more as Jimmy rises. Melo storms up, CHOPS Jimmy, then whips. Jimmy reverses to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Jimmy is beside himself! The fans rally up for Jimmy as he climbs up, USO- FIRST 48! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives and Melo can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Melo hurries to a corner and climbs. Melo wants Jimmy to stand, and he takes aim, for- NO, Jimmy avoids the three pointer! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO?!? Melo survives again and shocks Jimmy! Melo flounders away, checking his jaw.
Jimmy goes corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Then SAMOAN- NO, Melo manages the crucifix takedown! TWO! SUPERKICK from Melo! Melo runs, Jimmy SPEARS!! Jimmy hurries to a corner, but JACOB FATU has appeared! Jimmy tells Jacob not to even try, but it’s TAMA TONGA who shoves Jimmy off the corner! The fans boo as Tama & Jacob attack!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by disqualification
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Jacob hits a HIP ATTACK on Jimmy! Jacob then drags Jimmy up, and feeds him to Tama’s VENOM DDT! Jacob adds more stomps, and Melo says thanks for the assist. But then Jacob CLOBBERS Melo! Tama puts Jimmy back in a corner, Jaco hits another HIP ATTACK! And here comes Solo Sikoa! He may not be THE Tribal Chief, but clearly Solo still has authority over the rogues. We hear from the would-be Head of the Table, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
San Diego is booing hard as Solo has the mic. Solo decides not to speak, which the fans cheer. Solo then goes out of the ring, takes off his fancy red jacket, and slings it over his shoulder. Solo leaves, and even his followers seem confused. Is Solo giving up after losing everything? Or is this just more arrogance? Jacob grabs the mic and says, “So this is what it comes to, huh? This is it? I’m tired of the disrespect! I’m tired of the hate! Oh no! You know that I’m tired of the envy! But check this out: envy me all you want, because even on a bad day, y’all still can’t touch me! I don’t give a damn if you cheer us, I don’t give a damn if you boo us.
“But one thing I will not let you do is try to act like I ain’t ever got mine! What, y’all thought I was crazy? Y’all thought I was off the hinges? HUH? Y’all thought I was losing it? The crazy thing about this situation… is that I’m just getting started!” The Samoan Werewolf is all fire dup, but here comes LA KNIGHT! The fans fire up, Jacob & Tama wait, but Knight comes in from the crowd! Knight CLOBBERS Jacob, CLOBBERS Tama, then he stomps away on Jacob! Tama runs up, but Knight tackles him! Knight throws down hands, Jacob is up, but Knight fires hands on him! Tama traps Knight’s legs, and Jacob CLOBBERS Knight!
The fans boo as Tama & Jacob beat Knight down, but BRAUN is here! The fans fire up as the Monster of All Monsters returns! Tama PLANCHAS, but Braun catches him, and TOSSES him! Then Braun stares down Jacob. The fans are going nuts seeing this, and Braun rips his shirt off! But then Tama has Jacob retreat! The Mega Star stands alongside #OneBigSOB, will they get their payback on Tama & Jacob soon enough?
Los Garza gets ready backstage.
Santos Escobar tells Angel y Berto that last week, they exposed Pretty Deadly for the pretty little liars they are. And everything they said, Angel & Berto made them choke on every word. That is what Santos expects. Lopez reminds them that just one win doesn’t make them champions yet. Agreed. Tonight, Motor City Machine Guns, men with reputations and who were former champions, Los Garza will take their momentum away. Why? Because remember: There was no red carpet rolled out for them, and no one is just handing them respect. So if they want respect, they have to take it! Take it from their hands, from their throats, from their pride!
Legado puts all hands in, and say “Familia!” La Madrina accompanies Los Garza, will they take that title opportunity for their own? Or will MCMG be on fire as they go back after DIY?
Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma!
SmackDown returns and Los Garza makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Shelley starts against Angel. They tie up, Shelley headlocks, and holds on as Angel powers up. Shelley grinds the headlock, Angel powers up and out, then he reels Shelley in. Shelley ducks the elbow, Angel drops down then hurdles over, then Angel rolls off Shelley’s back. Shelley trips, covers, ONE! Angelo knocks Shelley down, covers, ONE! Angel kneels and offers a handshake! Shelley is wary, but he accepts. Only for Angel to SLAP him! Angel CHOPS Shelley against ropes, then headlocks. Tag to Berto, Angelo holds Shelley out on the ropes, LEAP FROG ATTACK!
Angel KNEES Shelley down, Berto SOMERSAULT MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE! Angel shouts for respect, the fans are torn, but Berto CLUBS Shelley. Shelley CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Shelley tags Sabin, whips Berto, and MCMG DOUBLE BACKDROP! Angel runs up, but into double kicks! Atomic drop, dropkick, DREAM SEQUENCE! MCMG snapmare Berto, Sabin covers, ONE! Sabin clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Berto down. Berto endures, fights up, and he powers up. Angel tags in but Sabin ducks ‘n’ dodges. Sabin tilt-o-whirls, but Berto keeps it going so Angel can KNEE Sabin down!
Berto drags Sabin to the apron, and Angel TAKES OFF THE PANTS! He SMACKS Shelley, then runs to KNEE ENZIGIRI COMBO on Sabin! Los Garza is in control while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Sabin fights out of a cobra twist! But Angel blocks his kick, spins him around, Gory Especial! Tag to Berto, SLINGSHOT NECKBREAKER GORY BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives but Berto seethes. Berto goes to the far corner, runs up, but Sabin dodges! Sabin elbows Berto, Berto traps Sabin, and Angel runs in. Sabin slips away, Angel RAMS into Berto! The fans rally up, Angel grabs legs, but Sabin ENZIGIRIS free! Sabin crawls, the fans rally up, and Sabin hot tags Shelley! Shelley fires hands on Berto, then whips, but Berto reverses. Shelley CLOBBERS Berto!
Shelley BLASTS Angel for good measure! BOOT to Berto, then a tilt-o-whirl RANA! Berto ends up in a corner, Shelley runs in, but he blocks a boot! Sabin tags in, Shelley hands the foot off, DRAGON SCREW! Berto is stuck in ropes, Shelley DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS the other leg! Sabin hops up, MCMG coordinate, DROPKICK to one leg, KNEE DROP on the other! Berto falls, Sabin covers, TWO! Berto survives but Sabin brings him up. Sabin has one of the legs, tag to Shelley, and they hand off the leg to ENZIGIRI and trip! Shelley steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~!” while Berto endures!
Sabin intercepts Angel, trips him up, and he has a FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up as Los Garza endure the same hold! Lopez panics, but Berto crawls, ROPEBREAK! MCMG lets go at 4, and Angel crawls away. Shelley stomps away on Berto’s legs, then steps through again. Lopez distracts, Berto BOOTS free! Roll up, deadlift and SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Shelley survives but Berto tags Angel in. Los Garza brings Shelley up, Sabin runs in, but Berto LARIATS Sabin down! Angel fires knees into Shelley, Berto hoists Sabin up to add him on! Berto runs, FLYING CHUCK into the POWERBOMB POWERSLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO?!?
Los Garza can’t believe it, but this is why MCMG are a highly decorated tag team! “This is Awesome!” as Angel stalks Shelley to ropes. Angel KICKS Shelley in the chest! Tag to Berto, they double military press! But Sabin saves Shelley, then runs up. Angel catches Sabin to a full nelson but he BOOTS Berto away. Sabin then arm-drags free, kicks Angel, and he kicks off Berto to TORNADO DDT Angel! Los Garza bail out, Shelley opens the way! Sabin DIVES and he takes Los Garza down! Sabin sends Berto in, Shelley runs up, LARIAT in the corner! Tag to Sabin, but wait! Pretty Deadly is here, and they’re distracting the ref!
Sabin has Berto while Shelley climbs! Elton keeps the ref’s attention so that Kit can DECK Shelley! Berto rolls Sabin up and Kit shouts to the ref! Elton is arguing with the ref too much now! Berto gives up on the pin, tells the ref to pay attention to the match, and Sabin BLASTS Kit! Shelley tags in, Berto runs up, but into the BOOT ENZIGIRI COMBO! And reset, SKULL ‘N’ BONES!! Cover, MCMG wins!
Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall
Pretty Deadly tried to screw Shelley & Sabin out of this one, but they were too dramatic about it! Will nothing stop MCMG from taking those tag titles off of Gargano & Ciampa?
Aldis finds Kevin backstage.
Kevin says, “Can’t you see I’m taping my wrists, Nick?” Aldis does, but this shouldn’t take long. He needs to show Kevin the addendum to the title match contract. Kevin doesn’t like the sound of that. And wait, Cody didn’t sign it. Well, Cody isn’t going to sign it until Kevin signs it. Then guess what? Kevin’s not signing it until Cody signs it. And Kevin doesn’t even trust Aldis anyway, he needs to read this addendum first. And he isn’t doing that until after his match so stop trying to distract him! Kevin storms off, and Aldis says that went well. Will Aldis be able to find a way around this stalemate between champion and challenger?
Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim!
The Hot Mess is having her “Spicy Secret Service” fight her battles for her again, and that means a fight with one Briana Brandy. Will B-Fab be fab when she drops Piper like she drops the beat? Or will B be mad when P takes the W?
SmackDown returns as “B-Fabulous” makes her way to the ring. The bell rings and the two circle. Chelsea talks smack, B-Fab gives it back, but then B-Fab dodges Piper! HEEL KICK in the corner! B-Fab talks smack on Piper, whips, but Piper blocks! B-Fab still tries, but Piper wrenches. B-Fab wrenches and DANGEROUS HOOK KICKS! B-Fab turns Piper, then spins her for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Piper goes to a corner, B-Fab runs up, but Piper picks her up! URENAGE! Chelsea wants to make sure everyone saw that, then Piper runs. B-Fab avoids the senton! Chelsea panics, B-Fab runs up, and she floats around to a DDT! Cover, TWO!
B-Fab waits on Piper as Piper flounders to ropes. B-Fab then runs up, and she BOOTS Piper out of the ring! Chelsea is freaking out again, but Piper gets back up. B-Fab BOOTS Piper off the apron! B-Fab goes out after Piper, puts her in the ring, but then she steps to Chelsea. Chelsea backs away, talks more smack anyway, so B-Fab LARIATS Chelsea! The fans fire up, B-Fab slides in, but Piper SENTONS! Piper shoves B-Fab to ropes, pops her up, and then pops her into the PIPER DRIVER! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
Even after talking it out with Mia, the number game still gets the better of B-Fab. But then Chelsea beats down B-Fab just because she can! SO here comes Mia! The fans fire up as Chelsea runs! Mia dodges Piper to SMACK her with the kendo stick! Mia swings again, Piper blocks, and she SLAPS Mia! Piper takes aim, but Mia YAKUZA KICKS her first! Mia grabs the kendo stick, and she warns both Piper & Chelsea that payback is still coming. Mia helps B-Fab to her feet, will they be united against the #RedWhite&Green?
WWE mourns the loss of Bob Uecker.
Mr. Baseball also had his love of the WWE, being part of memorable moments in those early days, such as calling Hogan VS Andre at WrestleMania 3.
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron says we saw Tiff make history two weeks ago, but she stops him there. She didn’t make history, she made “Tiffstory.” Uh, sure… She made Tiffstory when she cashed in on Nia Jax and became the WWE Women’s Champion. But now it gets real as she defends that title against Bayley, who is extremely driven to win. What’re Tiff’s comments? Tiff heard that, and Bayley is right, she had a ton of big moments. Bayley’s had a career of big moments, really. But guess what? So has Tiff. Tiff’s been on SmackDown for less than a year, became the youngest Miss Money in the Bank, and now is the WWE Women’s Champion.
And unlike Bayley, Tiff doesn’t need to recreate moments, because Tiff IS the Moment. Sorry, Bayley, but you’ll just have to sit back and watch your little dream die, because right now… It’s Tiffy Time. Tootles. Tiff heads out, confident as ever, but will that confidence all fall apart going up against a woman that paved the way?
Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens!
The King of Lucha just wanted to enjoy his homecoming, and The Prizefighter had to interrupt it. Rey tried to explain that officially, Kevin isn’t the champion, and Kevin blew up on him! So now, in an ironic twist, Kevin is getting his dream match with Rey here in Rey’s hometown! Will Kevin make his dream of defeating Rey Mysterio come true? Or will the 619 make it all a nightmare?
The bell rings and obviously the fans rally behind Rey. Kevin is annoyed by that but Rey says he asked for this. They tie up, Kevin powers Rey to a corner, but the ref counts. Kevin lets off slowly, and then says, “This is MY show!” The fans boo more but Kevin and Rey reset. They tie up, Kevin waistlocks and SLAMS Rey down. Kevin flips Rey over, but Rey arm-drags Kevin! Kevin gets upset and the fans boo him more. Kevin and Rey go again, and the chants of “619! 619!” are loud as ever. The two tie up, Kevin kicks low! Kevin CLUBS Rey, wrenches an arm to the wristlock, but Rey uses ropes to flip through! Rey KCIKS a leg, then fires forearms!
Kevin headlocks, Rey powers up and out, then he drops down. Kevin CLOBBERS Rey! Rey tumbles out to the floor and the fans boo more, but Kevin just waits on Rey. The ref starts the ring count, and Rey stands at 3 of 10. Rey takes his time to return, and he’s back in at 6. The fans tell Kevin off in Espanol, and Kevin wants to know what that means. Rey says Kevin knows what it means. The two reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Rey avoids the leg hook to then lift Kevin, jump up, and sunset flip! ONE, but Rey dodges a lariat to waistlock. Kevin switches, Rey fires elbows, and then Rey runs. Rey ducks ‘n’ doges, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS!
The fans fire up as Kevin tumbles! Rey ROCKS Kevin at the ropes, whips him, but Kevin reverses. Rey tilt-o-whirls again, but Kevin blocks to SLAM Rey down! And then SENTON! The fans boo but Kevin huffs ‘n’ puffs. Kevin drags Rey up, whips Rey to a corner hard, and Rey staggers back. Rey falls over, the fans tell Kevin off more, but Kevin stays cool. Kevin whips Rey hard to another corner, runs up, but into a BOT! Rey ELBOWS Kevin, goes up, jumps back, and is on Kevin’s shoulders Electric Chair style. Rey throws down hands, then he RAN- NO, Kevin stops Rey from throwing him over! Kevin KNEES Rey down!
The fans boo but Kevin storms out after Rey. Kevin stands Rey up, and he ROCKS Rey in front of the fans! Kevin fires more forearms, the fans rally for Rey, but Kevin puts Rey on the apron. Rey fires forearms and a KICK in return! The fans rally for Rey as he gets up to FLYING RANA! Kevin hits barriers and the fans fire up! Rey gets in the ring, throws off his shirt, and the fans fire up as Rey builds speed! Rey SLIDES and SPLASHES! Both men are down from that hard impact, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Kevin has Rey down with a chinlock. Rey fights up and the fans rally, but Kevin throws Rey down by his mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Kevin mocks the 619 chant, and says “SUCK IT!” Kevin stalks Rey to the corner, brings him around, and whips him corner to corner. Rey hits buckles and staggers back, into a back suplex! Rey lands out, dodges Kevin, and Kevin POSTS himself! The fans fire up as Rey goes to the apron. Kevin staggers around, Rey goes up the corner, and Rey FLYING SEATED SENTONS! The fans fire up as Rey keeps moving, and he wheelbarrows to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!
Kevin stays in this but Rey stays cool. Rey runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Kevin onto ropes! The fans fire up as Rey dials it up! But Kevin SUPERKICKS! Kevin whips Rey to POP-UP, but Rey slips free! Tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and both men are down, catching their breath. Kevin goes to a corner, Rey fires shots, then Rey hoists Kevin up! Rey climbs, but Kevin fires body shots! Kevin HEADBUTTS Rey down! Kevin adjusts, and he gives some Latino Heat before he FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Rey knows that move too well, even if Kevin’s a bit bulkier than Eddie ever was.
The fans cheer for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” while Kevin stalks Rey. Kevin stands Rey up against ropes, then he fires forearm after forearm! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Kevin brings Rey to the corner. Kevin puts Rey up top, climbs up to join him, but Rey fights the suplex! Rey fires body shots, then climbs up and over, SUPER SUNSET BOMB! Kevin stagger sup, into a CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Rey can’t believe his shoutout to Amazing Red didn’t get it done, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Rey stalks Kevin, whips him, but Kevin reverses. Rey springboards but Kevin gets under the crossbody! STUNNER!! Cover, TWO?!?
The fans fire up as Rey survives and Kevin is the one stunned! Kevin drags Rey to the drop zone, and he goes up the corner. Kevin aims to SWANTON but onto knees! Rey also knows that move! Rey hurries to dial it up, 619!! Kevin flounders away, and Rey climbs a corner! Kevin stagger sup, bumps the ref, and the ref hits the ropes! That trips Rey, and Kevin whips Rey for the POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
To think Kevin steals one away from the living legend! “The Canadian Dream” then decides to show some respect, and he helps Rey to his feet. Kevin shakes Rey’s hand, but then kicks him low! And tucks Rey in! But here comes Cody!! The fans fire up as Cody and Kevin brawl! Cody gets the better of Kevin, stomps away on him, but refs and producers rush out here! San Diego wants to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Kevin bails out of the ring, winged eagle title in hand. Cody slips free to go around thew ay, and Cody TACKLES Kevin against the desk! The fans fire up as they brawl behind the desk and almost knock Wade & Joe over!
Kevin slips away again as producers pull Cody back! Security rushes out here to also stop this! Cody stands in the ring, Kevin stands on top of a road case. February 1st is still on the horizon, will Cody and Kevin be able to wait these next two weeks?
SmackDown returns and…
Cody and Aldis are in Aldis’ office. Aldis says he tried very, very hard to be patient with Cody and Kevin, but enough is enough. They are out of control! And they won’t even follow simple instructions, like signing a contract! So Aldis has no choice. Next week, Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody and Kevin must relinquish their respective championship belts so that they can be suspended above the ring at the Royal Rumble. Then they will sign the amended contract in the middle of that ring. And since Kevin doesn’t trust Aldis, and Aldis doesn’t know what Cody’s thinking anymore, Aldis made a call.
Someone else is going to moderate the contract signing. And how perfect for San Antonio than to get their favorite son. Yes, Cody, it’ll be the Showstopper, the Headliner, the Main Event, the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS! HBK is going to be on Saturday Night’s Main Event, but will he be able to maintain order between American Nightmare and Canadian Dream?
BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night’s Main Event!
As if San Diego didn’t explode seeing it earlier, San Antonio might erupt as we see Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu! Will the Monster of All Monsters be able to slay the Samoan Werewolf? Or will Jacob tear down #OneBigSOB?
Pretty Deadly regroups backstage.
Kit & Elton are confronted by DIY, and Tommaso Ciampa asks what the Hell was that out there! They practically handed the win to MCMG! Elton says admittedly, that didn’t go as planned. But Kit wants Ciampa to see the bright side. Who’s beaten MCMG? DIY! Ciampa says, “Do they think we’re scared of them? We’re not scared of anyone! This isn’t even about them!” Ciampa tells Pretty Deadly to look in the mirror. Just a couple long-haired Englishmen happy to be here, right? Ciampa hates people like that. They are a joke, and everyone is laughing at them! If Pretty Deadly wants a shot at the tag titles, “become nightmares.”
Gargano says that’s tough love. Ciampa is just saying that stuff because DIY believes in Pretty Deadly. But they do need to get their acts together. Pretty Deadly has to make life easier for DIY so DIY can make live better for Pretty Deadly. Chin up, see you next week. Gargano heads out, but Apollo Crews walks in. He pats Pretty Deadly on the shoulders, they shrug him off, but he says he was trying to tell them before. They keep letting DIY string them along, and look where it’s gotten them: Nowhere! Pretty Deadly don’t wanna hear it, Apollo wishes best of luck to them, but then Gargano comes back to attack Apollo!
Johnny Wrestling HAMMERS away on Crews, and says to keep DIY’s name out of his mouth! Gargano throws Apollo down again, then storms off. Will Apollo have to watch what he says?
A Queen is on her way back.
The FOURTEEN-TIME Women’s Champion is almost ready. Will the WWE be ready for a renewed Charlotte Flair?
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley!
We heard from both sides of this match, and oh look! Roxanne Perez is in the crowd. Bayley’s made a full lap through the WWE this week, from Raw to NXT to SmackDown. Will Bayley make this a homerun? Or will the clock keep ticking on #TiffyTime?
SmackDown returns and Tiffany makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to have some gold in the Golden State!
The bell rings, Tiff and Bayley circle, then they tie up. They go around, Bayley puts Tiff in a corner, and she lets off cleanly. The fans rally and duel, the two tie up again, and Tiff puts Bayley in the corner. The ref counts, Tiff lets off at 4, and she ties up with Bayley. Tiff hits a headlock and takeover, but Bayley headscissors. Tiff kips free, headlocks, but Bayley powers out. Bayley waistlocks, Tiff switches, but Bayley bucks the O’Conner. Tiff trips Bayley, covers, ONE! Bayley trips Tiff and covers, ONE! The two back off and the fans cheer. Bayley and Tiff tie up, Bayley snapmares, and runs to ELBOW Tiff in the back!
Bayley keeps moving, but Tiff CLOBBERS her! Tiff says it’s her time, but Bayley avoids the handspring! Tiff sticks the landing, then swaggers. Tiff even goes Matrix to dodge! But then Bayley clinches! Tiff fights the suplex, throws Bayley to a corner, then runs up, Bayley ELBOWS Tiff, goes up, leaps, and arm-drags! Bayley keeps moving, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Tiff gets free, and she SLAPS Bayley! Bayley gets mad, and she LARIATS up and out! Bayley dares Tiff to slap her now! The fans rally behind Bayley while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Tiff has Bayley in a chinlock. Bayley fights up, the fans duel again, and Bayley JAWBREAKERS free! Tiff runs up but Bayley TOSSES her through ropes! HOTSHOT! Tiff flops back, Bayley goes to the apron, and Bayley runs to DAREDEVIL DROPKICK! Tiff staggers away, Bayley pursues, and she DAREDEVIL- NO, Tiff ducks the dropkick! Tiff kicks Bayley, pushes her through the corner, then YANKS her into the post! The fans are torn but Tiff whips Bayley hard into barriers! Tiff mocks the Bayley fans, puts Bayley in the ring, then covers, TWO! Bayley toughs it out, just as a Grand Slam Champion would.
Tiff stalks Bayley, then runs up to DOUBLE STOMP the bad arm! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, she stomps Bayley and isolates the arm. Tiff YANKS the arm back! Bayley writhes, but Tiff grabs the arm to WRING it out! Tiff covers, TWO! Tiff brings Bayley up, whips, but Bayley reverses. Bayley runs up, but Tiff puts her on the apron! Tiff ROCKS Bayley, then runs up, but Bayley jumps the sweep! But then Tiff blocks the kick! Tiff throws Bayley down! The fans rally up, Tiff grabs the leg to THROW Bayley down again! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, but she watches Bayley bail out. Tiff taunts Bayley to get back in.
The fans rally, Tiff kicks Bayley to the floor, and then Tiff again dares Bayley to get in. The ref has Tiff back off, so Tiff goes out the side. Tiff runs in around the way, but Bayley CLOBBERS her first! The ring count is climbing, Bayley eggs Tiff on. Tiff staggers up, into a FLAPJACK onto the apron! Bayley pushes Tiff in to cover, TWO! Bayley stays focused, and she drags Tiff up. Tiff ROCKS Bayley! Bayley ROCKS Tiff! Tiff kicks, Bayley blocks and KNEES back! Tiff rebounds to LARIAT! Bayley’s on the ropes, but she avoids Tiff’s hip attack! Bayley BOOTS Tiff to the outside! Bayley builds speed and DIVES, into a forearm!
Tiff puts the apron skirt over Bayley, and says, “You think you deserve a title?!” Tiff leaves Bayley dangling, and then HIP ATTACKS her against the apron! Bayley flops to the floor, Tiff leaves her behind, and the ring count climbs! The count is 5 of 10, Bayley staggers up to the apron, but Tiff HIP ATTACKS her back down! Tiff then aims to PLANCHA! But Bayley catches Tiff! BAYLEY2BELLY to the floor! The fans fire up and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
The ref checks both women, and they’re both conscious, so the match continues. Bayley drags herself up with the apron skirt, but the count is reaching 5 of 10. Tiff also stands, and both women roll in at 8! Tiff and Bayley slowly catch their breath as a standing count now begins. Bayley drags herself up with the ropes, and she heads for Tiff. Tiff rises, and she swings! Bayley blocks to counter punch! And counter punch again! And again! Tiff runs up, but Bayley LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then slips under to SAIDO!
Bayley fires up and she brings Tiff around to put through ropes! Bayley runs side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives and Bayley snarls. Bayley drags Tiff up, whips her to a corner, then runs up to ROCK her with a forearm! Bayley puts Tiff sideways in the ropes, then goes up, STOCK DROP! Shoutout to The Boss! Or is it CEO? Cover, TWO! Bayley stays cool, and she brings Tiff back up. Bayley whips Tiff but Tiff reverses. Bayley goes up but Tiff catches her! ROLLING SENTON! Then TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives, but Tiff puts her in the drop zone! Tiff goes up, but Bayley ROCKS her first!
Bayley climbs up as SmackDown returns to single picture. Bayley reels Tiff in, brings her up, and SUPERPLEXES! Both women are down but the fans fire up again! Bayley crawls to a cover, TWO! Tiff stays in this, the fans rally up more, and Bayley climbs a corner. Tiff hurries to ROCK Bayley! Tiff HOTSHOTS Bayley’s bad arm! Bayley falls from the apron, tumbles into the desk, but Tiff hurries to fetch her. Tiff goes up the corner again, for a TIFFY SWANTON! Then she reels Bayley in, for a TIFFY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Tiff clamps on a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! The fans rally and duel as Bayley endures!
Bayley reaches out, rolls Tiff around to a cover, TWO!! Tiff lets go in time, and she wants the arm again! But Bayley THROWS Tiff out! Tiff staggers, but she grabs Bayley’s legs! Tiff drags Bayley out, CLUBS her, and then runs up! Cartwheel into the- NO, Bayley fights the lift! “This is Awesome!” as Bayley GOURD BUSTERS Tiff onto the desk! The fans fire up as Bayley then suplexes Tiff to the floor! It was almost a brainbuster! But now Roxie has to talk smack to Bayley. Bayley says watch and learn, kid! Bayley drags Tiff into the ring, goes up a corner, and MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives, but ends up in a CROSSFACE!!
Bayley wants to make a statement, but Tiff SLAMS the bad arm off the mat! But Bayley gets up! BAYLEY- NO, Tiff arm-drags free, then SPINEBUSTERS! High stack, TWO!! Bayley survives and Tiff is growing frustrated. San Diego continues to rally but Tiff drags Bayley to a drop zone. Tiff stomps Bayley, then brings her up for a fireman’s carry. But Bayley fights free! Bayley clinches, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff survives and Bayley is beside herself! Bayley drags Tiff up, reels her in, btu Tiff wrenches to ARM CODE BREAKER! Tiff hurries to the corner! PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Bayley trips Tiff up! And then she runs, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB!
Bayley drags Tiff from the corner to cover, TWO!! Tiff stays in this but Bayley wants more! Fireman’s carry, SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives Bayley bringing out some classics, and then Tiff sends her into buckles! Tiff KICKS Bayley in the face, then backslides! TWO, and the arms stay hooked up! Bayley stands up, spins Tiff around, hooks her up, REOSE- NO, Tiff cartwheels through! ALABAMA SLAM! Tiff goes up! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, TIFF WINS!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
Bayley gave Tiffy Time an all-time first defense, and Tiff found a way to win! No cheating, no shortcuts, just Tiffy! Will no one stop her from making even more #Tiffstory?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown that made the best of the three hours. For one, it was only natural Rey Mysterio would be here for San Diego SmackDown, and it was good stuff to have him be part of the Cody VS Kevin story this week. Good promos all around, and then an awesome match between Kevin and Rey. Kevin continues to be a genius in the details, from his “Canadian Dream” shirt to then wearing a Rey Mysterio Hall of Fame shirt for the match, and with how he made the rope trip look like a mistake so that the ref can’t reprimand him. Great win for Kevin, great brawl with Cody, and HBK returning to main roster for the contract signing is going to be awesome.
Good promo from Bianca and Naomi before, and Naomi was maybe the smallest bit of passive aggressive towards Bianca over the braid. The tag match with Nia & Candice was great, and that was a great win for Naomi & Bianca. The way this is going, Jade Cargill is going to show herself again for that NXT episode in Atlanta to say it was Naomi, which then costs Bianca & Naomi the titles, making Lash & Jakara the new champs and finally getting those titles back in NXT. Then Bianca and Jade can feud with Naomi in trying to figure out #WhyNaomiWhy, and we can have “The Big 3” even end up in a Triple Threat.
Good promo from Jimmy VS Melo, very good match, mostly on Melo, but of course Tama & Jacob had to “ruin” things. But in a great twist, Solo Sikoa just silently quits on things, so Jacob takes it upon himself to take command. Surely once Tonga Loa is back, and then should they finally bring Hikuleo in, Jacob’s Bloodline can go wild, which compels Solo to make amends with at least his brothers, Jimmy & Jey. LA Knight & Braun Strowman getting in on things is great, too, and we’re going to get an awesome match between Braun and Jacob.
Very good promo from B-Fab & Mia with Chelsea & Piper, and very good match from B-Fab VS Piper, but of course Chelsea helps Piper win that. Mia coming for the save made sense, and that’s definitely a tag match in the making. Great match from MCMG VS Los Garza, but I should’ve figured Pretty Deadly would get involved. The twist was that it didn’t affect anything, MCMG still won. DIY being disappointed in Pretty Deadly, but then Gargano attacking Apollo, that’s some good stuff going forward. DIY VS MCMG is certainly the planned title match, but maybe Apollo finds a new teammate with Baron Corbin not in WWE.
Charlotte being on her way back is great, that vignette was really well done. This is good timing given the Royal Rumble is coming, but also because the title scenes could use some freshening up. Tiff and Bayley each had great promos tonight, and they had an awesome main event match. Roxie being in the crowd was a good detail, but she didn’t really cost Bayley, outside of maybe Bayley starting to split her focus at the end. But naturally, Tiffy won because she’s only just getting her reign going. Tiff could face just about anyone for WrestleMania, but I would think the next challenger is Nia Jax. Tiff needs to prove she can beat Nia straight up, and that’ll be an awesome match.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.16.25
The Go Home for Genesis this Sunday! Let’s see what happens!
So Genesis is Sunday, followed by next week’s Live Episode of iMPACT! Let’s see exactly how we get to Genesis and not to bury the lead, the fact the WWE/TNA partnership was extended for a few years is very big news for TNA. More visibility for a nostalgic brand and the younger NXT wrestlers get more opportunities with potential sprinkles of a big name here or there (yes I only really mean AJ Styles, but that’s what we all want to see one more time).
Let’s get to the show and see if it’s a Go Home worth anything.
After her shocking appearance on @WWENXT, @mashaslamovich steps into the confessional with @WeAreRosemary…
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/YSTXfJZw6X
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2025
Ratings:
- Trent Seven vs Leon Slater: Slater wins via Swanton 450 – *
- Fir$t Cla$$ vs Maniac Marines (Eric Young & Steve Maclin): EY wins via Macho Elbow – ** 3/4
- Laredo Kid vs Jake Something: Jakes wins via Avalanche Something Bomb – **
- The Hardys vs Ohio Versus Frankenstein (Sami Callihan & PCO): Hardys win via Crouton Bomb – ***
Results:
Trent Seven vs Leon Slater
British on British violence! I just appreciate that Trent’s theme is a down tuned remix of Seven Nation Army.
A little back and forth until Slater hits a Reverse Gamengiri, Trent tries to climb back to the apron after the powder, eats a Shotgun Kick. Trent dodges the dive, and Suplexes Leon down the steps at Center Stage. I feel like Slater over sold the spot, but I suppose using your surroundings is always interesting. Leon slides in at 9.5, Trent gets a little cocky and Leon hits two Flash Cradles for near falls, as Trent is reeling from the quick pinfall attempts he eats another Shotgun Kick for a near fall. Trent sells to the corner, eats a Jumping Bootwash, Leon perches Trent, goes for possibly a Spanish Fly but Trent turns it into an Avalanche Flowsion for two!
Bop and Bang, 7 Star Lariat, Piledriver with flourish and…still a two. Birminghammer attempt but Slater flips out of it, Crucifix pinfall for two, Uppercut by Trent and Birminghammer is hit! But Slater…kicks…out? He sells a Suplex where he slides down steps like death, but eats huge signature and finishing moves and kicks out. The psychology in this match is non-existent. Trent does the Finger Break, Leon sells away, hits another Shotgun Kick and Trent powders. X Plex gets reversed into a DDT from Slater. Trent powders off the Ramp, Leon goes to the entrance way runs and jumps off the ramp, then hits the Swanton 450.
Completely stupid match with spots that make no sense. All sizzle no steak, so dumb my IQ dropped 5 points.
The Elegance Clique have a “Pre-Launch Championship Celebration”. Tom Hannifan hates it, the crowd hates it, and the Personal Concierge uncovers a cardboard cut out with a Knockouts Title around their waists…and they are size accurate. Heather is like a My Size Barbie. Ash gives a very cringey speech where she thanks everyone except Heather, the Concierge passes the mic to Heather, Spitfire interrupts of course, and at least Dani cuts the promo to start so it’s tolerable. Yeah this is painfully bad cringe, as much as I didn’t mind the Ash gimmick to start with, this is lame. The only thing saving the segment is the crowd is hot for the the Elegance Clique getting their stuff ruined. So it was lame, but the crowd was into it and Ash sold the destruction of cardboard cut outs like Spitfire just murdered her puppy.
.@PCOisNotHuman and @TheSamiCallihan take on The Hardys! If they win, they’ll secure their spot in the TNA World Tag Team Title match at #TNAGenesis!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswQRG pic.twitter.com/fO9P2F5d9d
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2025
Well the first 40 minutes of this show are making me wish for a stroke instead of watching this. So hopefully it picks up somewhere.
Fir$t Cla$$ vs Maniac Marines (Eric Young & Steve Maclin)
KC flips out of two of EY’s Back Body Drops and does his “First Class” taunt, so EY just slaps him upside the head and tags in Maclin to start beating on Navarro. I do really like KC’s work. He’s like WWE Lio Rush, but likable and talented. Maclin is beating the hell out of KC though, Lariats him out, goes for the SCUD, but AJ low bridges so Maclin crashes to the outside, KC hits the Tope con Hilo with blind tag so AJ is now legal and they start working over Maclin in the corner. Tennessee Whiskey, and there does seem to be a few First Class fans in the crowd.
Navarro is back in for the 305, quick tags though to keep Maclin eating offense. Splash into Big Boot into Assisted Splash while AJ leans on Maclin literally. KC starts picking on kids in the crowd near Judd Normand, he shoves the actor, the actor shoves him back and AJ comes over to mad dog the actor. Maclin takes advantage of the distraction and drops AJ on the way back in with an Olympic Slam, tags in EY and EY comes out hot. KC tags in, EY levels KC and they start messing around in the corner, AJ tries to break it up but eats a Busaiku Knee from Maclin and then a SCUD. EY manages to throw KC off the turnbuckle and then hit the Macho Elbow for the win.
After the match Eddie, Lish and Brian Myers stand at the entrance way to send a message but not cause any real chaos.
Josh Alexander and his two bitch boys come out to cut a promo on Santana or something. I am about as interested in this as I am in Norwegian Dog Sledding. Josh trying to say Santana is too hurt to go at Genesis when we all know this was filmed the same time like a month ago. You really can’t do doofus attempts a story when you’re promoting the first live episode in nearly a decade or something for next week. At least the match should be good because this build is lame, the jabronis are useless, “Bald Ass Head” is the big insult…sheeeesh.
Laredo Kid vs Jake Something
Well…someone has to win this match, so there’s that.
Nothing special start until Jake comes off the ropes and runs over Laredo sending him flying over the ropes onto the ramp. Jake panders to the crowd, Laredo tries to get something going but Jake steps on his foot to stop any Lucha things, and mollywops him. Jake runs him corner to corner until Laredo moves, strings a few moves together, tries to fly and then gets knocked out of the sky with a Forearm. Only a two count for Jake, but Laredo is definitely doing his best impression of a pinata so far in the match. Laredo gets a desperation Satellite DDT, misses his big attempt, but Jake misses the Spear in the corner, La Magistral gets a 2, a few bad spots from Laredo where it looks like he missed a Satellite Facebuster and sloppy Essex or Canadian Destroyer. Laredo goes to the top, Jake bear paw slap, goes up top and Avalanche Something Bomb for the win.
The Hardys vs Ohio Versus Frankenstein (Sami Callihan & PCO)
Before the Hardys intro, the 23 thing flashes a few times again. So at least they didn’t forget that.
Sami starts with Jeff and gets in a few early shots and goads Jeff with Hardys taunts, then all four get in, throw hands and we go to commercial. We come back from commercial to Matt Delete Turnbuckling Sami, and then Poetry In Motion the classic way! A few quick tags, but Sami eventually knocks down Matt, tags in PCO, Matt’s moves aren’t very effective, Jeff throws himself in too and they get their asses beat by PCO. PCO tags in Sami, Sami slaps around Matt, drags his face across the ropes, tags PCO back in and uses PCO as a battering ram into Matt’s chest. PCO keeps Matt in their corner, tags back in Sami, some simple tandem work and a short 2 count for Sami. Sami calls PCO back in and they’re formulating a tag move, they try the Double Back Drop, but Matt turns it into a Double DDT instead.
Jeff tries to fight them both off, Sami grabs Jeff, PCO goes for the Lariat, malfunction at the junction, Whisper in the Wind mostly hits PCO so Jeff Splashes Sami. Twist of Hate, Twist of Fate, Swanton Bomb from Jeff and the Hardy Boys win!
Before the obligatory contract signing on the Go Home before a PPV, Jordynne walks over to the announce table with the contract for her match with Tessa. Says she’ll leave it with them so she can’t miss it, but hey, “if she doesn’t show up at Genesis it wouldn’t be the first time”. That’s funny.
Joe starts the promo saying he has to win, but its on him to take the title from Nic. There’s an intensity, so it’s not all cornball jokes and shenanigans. That’s kinda nice to start with. Nic takes the babyface angle of “you’re not wrong but I don’t think you’re ready yet kid”. Then he plays the JBL clip from Bound for Glory. Nic tries to use the video to clear his name because Ryan got attacked too. Joe is about to poke a hole in the defense but then Hollywood Abyss Mokuba shows up. “MY BROTHER SETO” Ryan interferes, Nic tries to stop the stupidity but Ryan plows through is about to eat a Standing Ovation but Nic Superkicks Joe to save Mokuba. Nic does stand there as the crowd chants “kick your brother”, but Nic doesn’t pull the trigger but you can tell he’s contemplating.
OH! Sexy Tessy shows up, signs the contract but Jordynne was waiting for her and leaves Tessa laying with a Grace Driver and solid intensity. Okay most of the show was kinda mid but the ending was pretty solid.
Overall Score: 6.25/10
As I said at the very end, most of this show was mid…or mediocre for the older crowd. Indie Spotfest Dumbassery to kick off the show, a few segments that made me question if I was tasting pennies, a decent match with First Class, the stalled push never relevant squad match between Jake and Laredo, and at least the main event match was fun.
The video packages always feel lackluster because the only people really watching TNA currently are hardcore fans. I never really see too many people pull the whole “whoa first TNA episode in 11 years and I decided on the random Go Home instead of the first live episode since 2015”. See, this is why logic matters in booking. WWE gets to have the mentality of “it could be someone’s first time watching it” every week because they the biggest show in town. The name alone will garner random views or transient lapsed fans if they get a whiff of something. However when it comes down to TNA, people are only surprised its still alive.
Even with many questionable hours it wasn’t terrible. It did fine…plus like I just said, there’s opportunity for more random eyes thanks to the WWE merger AND a live episode next week. So the Go Home format won’t change, but hopefully the exposure gives us more congruent storylines.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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