Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Report: Wrestling Hi no Kuni 2018!

Published

7 years ago

May 25, 2018

AXS TV’s coverage of NJPW takes one step closer to THE Wrestling Dontaku event with the “Land of Fire”. Fittingly, two red hot feuds will burn up the ring with titles on the line! The IWGP Tag Team Champions defend against Killer Elite Squad, while THE Minoru Suzuki looks to teach Tetsuya Naito some respect.

This review of Wrestling Hi no Kuni 2018 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Therefore, all images are courtesy of AXS TV.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

IWGP Tag Team Championships: Los Ingobernables de Japon’s EVIL & SANADA VS Suzuki-Gun’s Killer Elite Squad; LIJ wins and retains the IWGP Tag Team Championships.
IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Minoru Suzuki VS Tetsuya Naito; Naito wins and becomes the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

AXS TV and NJPW review the build to tonight’s matches.

Two factions are the focus of two major feuds over two major titles in NJPW! The Man with the Worst Personality finds the Tranquilo Testuya Naito as little more than a nuisance. Suzuki treats the Intercontinental Championship belt far better than Naito did, will he beat Naito down to keep it from him? Meanwhile, Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. go after Sanada and the recovered EVIL for the IWGP Tag Team Championships, to finally give the world a rematch from Wrestle Kingdom. Will EVIL & Sanada stay Tranquilo? Or will KES prove that #EverybodyDies?

IWGP Tag Team Championships: Los Ingobernables de Japon’s EVIL & SANADA VS Suzuki-Gun’s Killer Elite Squad!

We come into this heavyweight tag match part way, as Archer and Davey Boy bring EVIL up and around. They go for Magic Kiler, and hit it! Cover, TWO?! The fans cheer but Davey and Archer are both shocked and furious. They drag EVIL up again, and try for the Killer Bomb, but Sanada springboards and dropkicks for the save. Sanada runs into a tilt-o-whirl, then inverted crucifix lift, but Sanada slips out to put Archer in the dragon sleeper. Archer reverses so that he has the dragon sleeper, but as Archer lifts, Sanada slips out back into his. Davey headbutts Sanada to break the hold, then whips him to a corner. Sanada stops himself from going into exposed buckles, then moonsaults into grabbing Davey in the dragon sleeper!

Sanada feeds Davey to EVIL’s mule kick, then adds a kick while EVIL runs. EVIL runs Davey over with a clothesline, cover, TWO. Sanada dropkicks Archer away, and LIJ fires up with the fans. They lift Davey, and steal Magic Killer!

Cover, but Archer drags the ref out! Archer boots Sanada, but Evil kicks Archer, only to run into the spinning side slam. Red Shoes is slowly recovering, but Archer uses this time to fetch a chair from under the ring. Archer brings it in the ring, wedges it in the bare-buckle corner, then goes to EVIL. He brings EVIL up but Sanada rushes over. Archer goes to double choke slam but they both elbow out. Archer runs but LIJ send him into the chair!

LIJ drag Davey up and they have more chairs now. EVIL puts a chair on Davey’s neck, and uses the other chair to SMACK it! Davey flounders as he gasps, but EVIL lifts him, for the Darkness Falls! Cover and Red Shoes returns to count, TWO! Sanada returns, and he slingshots to take Archer out. EVIL grabs Davey, STO! Cover, LIJ wins!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA), EVIL pinning; still IWGP Tag Team Champions

The champions retain in what was clearly a brutal contest. Their championship reign continues, what will it take to dethrone the Cold Skull and Prince of Darkness?

IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Minoru Suzuki VS Tetsuya Naito!

The Most Tranquilo Man in NJPW

The leader of Suzuki-Gun defends his title against the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon. While he was champion, Naito did all he could to disrespect the belt itself, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to be champion. Will he be able to stay Tranquilo while going up against The Man with the Worst Personality in the World?

And the Meanest Man in NJPW

Red Shoes shows Naito the belt while Naito removes his unnecessary clothing. This undressing in itself annoys Suzuki. Naito finishes, and the bell rings. Fans chant for Naito as he casually walks to test his knees. Naito and Suzuki circle, approach, but then Naito backs off. He circles with Suzuki again, and Suzuki swings test kicks. Naito fakes lunging in, and backs off with a grin. Suzuki goes after Naito with kicks, then whips, but Naito reverses. Naito throws Suzuki out, then runs, to Tranquilo! Suzuki is pissed, and gets in the ring, but Naito slips out. Suzuki builds speed, to copy Tranquilo! Naito brushes the taunting off, but doesn’t enter the ring just yet. He paces around the outside, with Suzuki watching him the entire time. Naito rolls into the ring, to then roll back out.

Naito gets on the apron and Suzuki rushes over, but Naito sweeps the legs. He drags Suzuki out and whips him right into barriers. Naito whips Suzuki to the barriers on the other side, then kicks and clubs away on him. They go back in the ring, and Naito brings Suzuki up for the snapmare and headscissors. Suzuki endures as Naito wrenches his neck. Naito squeezes, but Suzuki keeps it from being a cover. Suzuki won’t quit so Naito covers, TWO. Naito stomps and kicks Suzuki, then toys with him. Naito fakes a punch to then club, but Suzuki just gets mad. He toys with Suzuki more, but Suzuki boots him down. Suzuki dares Naito to get back up as he goes to the ropes. Naito chooses not to, so Suzuki returns the toying kicks.

Naito sits up with every kick, a smile on his face. Suzuki drags Naito up, and Naito goes after the eyes! Naito spits on Suzuki, then throws hands. Suzuki eggs Naito on, so Naito whips him corner to corner. Naito runs in but Suzuki puts him on the apron. Suzuki blocks Naito’s punch and catches it into a hanging triangle! Red Shoes counts, and Suzuki lets go at 4. Suzuki then goes to the apron, and Penalty Kicks Naito down. Fans applaud while Suzuki goes down to drag Naito up, and whip him into barriers! Naito hits hard, and tumbles over to the outside. Suzuki barges through the gate and then rips apart the hard plastic railings to SMACK Naito with it!

Then Suzuki throws a chair down on Naito! Then another! Suzuki apparently takes offense at one of the young lions, and boots said young lion into the crowd! Red Shoes tells Suzuki to bring this back to the ring. Suzuki uncovers Naito, to then wrap and wrench his arm in other railings. Red Shoes reprimands Suzuki, then argues with him! Suzuki releases Naito while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns to Suzuki prowling outside the ring. Suzuki drags Naito up and over to the ring, but Naito fights back. The 20 count passes 15, but Suzuki knees Naito low to reenter the ring. Naito reenters at 19, saving the match. Suzuki drags Naito up for a kick to the back, then scowls at the fans cheering for Naito. He kicks Naito in the chest, but fans only cheer stronger. Suzuki kicks and kicks, and kicks again. He scowls but Naito still sits up. Suzuki drags Naito up into a cravat hold, then snapmares for another kick tot he back. Cover, TWO, and fans applaud. Suzuki goes after an arm now, twisting the wrist and fingers in all directions, then down to the elbow for a mounted hammerlock. Suzuki grabs a leg to add a Half Crab into it.

Naito is bent in all directions, but doesn’t give up, so Suzuki lets him go to stomp him out. Suzuki toys with Naito, but Naito keeps grinning. Suzuki brings Naito up for a knee to the chin, but Naito keeps smiling. Naito takes another stiff knee, but sits up again. Suzuki actually welcomes that. Naito stands up and chops Suzuki, but Suzuki kicks back. Naito rakes the eyes, and spits, but Suzuki clubs him back. Suzuki knees then whips but Naito reverses and runs Suzuki over. Naito adds a dropkick, brings Suzuki up for a neckbreaker, then poses. Fans rally for “Naito! Naito!” as he brings Suzuki up. He whips Suzuki to a corner then sets the legs sideways, for a draping neckbreaker! Naito keeps going with a standing neckbreaker, then adds another dropkick to the back.

Suzuki clutches his neck and head while Naito stands. Naito digs his heel into Suzuki as he poses. Suzuki swats him away and sits up, eyes wild with anger. Suzuki stands up, and grins with Naito, to then unleash body shots. He whips Naito corner to corner and boots him, then snapmares to Penalty Kick. And another! And another! Cover, TWO, but Suzuki keeps his focus. Now Suzuki grinds his heel into Naito’s face, then stands him up. Naito suddenly hits a tornado DDT! Suzuki clutches his neck again, but both men are down. They slowly stand up, and Suzuki dares Naito to hit him. Naito does, so Suzuki gives back. Naito gives a forearm, so Suzuki winds up for one of his own. Suzuki staggers Naito with that one, but Naito comes back with a chop.

Suzuki gives another strong forearm, and Naito staggers again. Naito chops again, but Suzuki gives another sharp forearm. Suzuki wants Naito to keep hitting him, so Naito chops again. Suzuki rocks Naito with another forearm, and Naito sits down. Naito shakes the cobwebs out while Suzuki trash talks. Naito chops, Suzuki forearms. Suzuki gives more forearms, then whips, but Naito hits a leaping forearm! Naito stands up, runs in, but Suzuki blocks the kick to go after the knee. Suzuki runs but into an atomic drop, and Naito hits the kick. Suzuki sits down, and Naito hits the swinging dropkick!

Naito gets up and drags Suzuki to his feet. Suzuki knows Naito is bringing him to the top rope, so Suzuki grabs Red Shoes! Naito gives up on the lift, and Suzuki shoves Red Shoes away. Naito tries again, and climbs up to the top with Suzuki. Suzuki grabs Naito’s leg for a hanging heel hook!

Naito endures as Suzuki uses gravity to help pull that knee. Red Shoes recovers and counts, Suzuki lets go at 4, but the damage has been done. Naito clutches his knee while Red Shoes checks on him. Suzuki returns and stomps the knee. Red Shoes wants Suzuki to back up, but Suzuki argues with him again. Suzuki won’t let up, he stomps the knee even as Red Shoes checks. Suzuki stands on the bad knee, but Naito won’t give up. Fans rally for Naito, and Red Shoes backs Suzuki up. Naito rolls to ropes and Red Shoes checks on him, but Suzuki just grins as he looms over them. Suzuki kicks the bad leg, then stomps it, toying with Naito like a cat with a mouse. Naito sits up and Suzuki kicks him more.

Naito crawls but Suzuki moves Red Shoes aside to bring Naito up. Suzuki kicks and kicks, then wraps the leg into a kneebar! Naito endures, but Suzuki has it grape-vined. Suzuki even traps the far leg while twisting the heel. Naito screams in pain but Suzuki only makes it worse. Naito drags himself and Suzuki over, and gets the ropebreak! Suzuki lets go, but he comes right back. He kicks Naito’s leg, then drops elbows on it. Suzuki goes into the Figure Four! Naito endures the legendary hold, but fans rally for him. Suzuki puts as much pressure on the legs as he can, but Naito refuses to quit. Naito rolls and drags towards ropes, screaming in pain, and gets another ropebreak. Suzuki lets go again, but he has complete control as we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and Suzuki throws Naito’s bad leg onto the mat. Suzuki toys with Naito again, but Naito slowly stands. Naito goes to kick, but Suzuki blocks and lifts him, only for Naito to turn it into a DDT! Suzuki and Naito stand, Naito enziguris Suzuki to a corner. Naito hobbles over, climbs up, and turns Suzuki around for the inverted tornado DDT. Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Naito, and Naito drags Suzuki back up. Naito wrenches the arm, and tilt-o-whirls, but Suzuki slams him down and puts the Kneebar back on! Suzuki even manages a headlock in it!

Naito reaches with his one free limb, but Suzuki shifts back to just the kneebar. Naito drags them both around again, but Suzuki breaks to drag him away. Suzuki puts the kneebar back on, and now Naito is stranded. Naito sits up, but Suzuki uses a leg to sit him back down. Naito goes back towards ropes but Suzuki stands with an ankle lock to drag him away. Suzuki drops down to grape-vine, and we’re back to the kneebar. Red Shoes checks on Naito, but Naito keeps conscious. Suzuki laces his legs into a figure four, then goes after the heel hook. Fans rally for Naito as Naito sits up and shouts at Suzuki. Naito drags himself around again, but Suzuki lets go to drag him back! Suzuki returns to the kneebar all over again.

Naito won’t give up, even though Suzuki wrenches and twists his leg in all directions. Naito grabs Red Shoes to keep himself from tapping. Suzuki goes for the heel hook, but Naito uses that opening to roll and roll, to the ropebreak! Suzuki lets go again, and fans continue to rally for Naito. Naito slowly stirs, but Suzuki is waiting for him to stand. Suzuki drags Naito up and gives body shots and quick palm strikes even. Then he grabs Naito in a sleeper hold! Naito flails and reaches, but Suzuki keeps him away. Red Shoes checks, and Naito is fading. They sit down, but fans aren’t giving up on Naito. Naito turns a bit purple as Red Shoes checks on him more. Naito revives, and uses that second wind to stand. Suzuki spins him around, but Naito uses that spin to spin Suzuki into a neckbreaker!

Both men are down now, both tired and sore from this battle. Fans rally for Naito again, but Suzuki is stalking him with that sinister grin. Suzuki brings Naito up, but Naito strikes first with slapping palm strikes! Naito staggers Suzuki, but keeps slapping! Sweat flies off Suzuki with every shot, but then Suzuki kicks Naito’s leg out. Suzuki drags Naito up into the sleeper again, then goes to judo throw him. Naito lands on his feet, and lifts Suzuki into a brainbuster! Fans fire up and Naito hobbles over. He brings Suzuki up, wrench and tilt-o-whirl, Destino!

Cover, Naito wins!!

Winner: Naito, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Intercontinental Champion

Tranquilo prevails as Naito defeats Suzuki! Naito has the title back, but his body went through so much to do it. Naito’s team comes out to celebrate the night with him. LIJ now has two titles under their possession with EVIL & SANADA retaining their titles. Suzuki is helped out of the ring while we go to break.

Red Shoes raises Naito’s hand.

The new champion is clearly too exhausted and sore to celebrate properly. Suzuki himself is too sore and tired to go past ringside. Hiromu Takahashi helps Naito, and Naito has a proper moment of his hand held up high. Suzuki staggers up to his feet and shoves the young lions away. He doesn’t want their help, even if he’s falling against railings and such. Back in the ring, Naito staggers to his feet, mic in his hand.

“Buenas Noches, Kumamoto!” Naito knows “it’s been about two years and five months since New Japan had an event in Kumamoto.” It’s been a long time since fans here saw LIJ. This premium pro-wrestling experincing was enjoyable, yes? Fans cheer to confirm. Naito knows that two years ago, “something terrible happened here in Kumamoto.” Many people bear the scars. So Naito has to tell them, that it is important to not give up. But the desire and will to change and the courage to take the first step is also important. that’s why LIJ uses pro-wrestling to inspire everyone to have that courage. Fans applaud in appreciation for that.

Naito continues to say that the next time they’re in Kumamoto, they can expect “an even better version of LIJ!” In other words, “until we meet again, Tranquilo! Chill out.” Naito thanks all their fans for their support, and this is the finale of tonight’s event. Furthermore, they will do their victory chant. Please shout with them to your heart’s content! “EVIL, Bushi, Sanada, Hiromu, and Naito, we are… Los Ingobernables de Japon!” With more gold in their possession, is it only a matter of time before they are THE top faction in NJPW?

Backstage interviews.

Suzuki staggers around, and a young lion still tries to assist him. “Well, well, well…” Suzuki says this is only the beginning for him and Naito. “Don’t think you’ll get off so lightly.” He then staggers back out, knocking part of the set over on purpose.

Naito comments that today’s title match comes about a year after he and the Intercontinental Championship “broke up.” But now, they’re “back together.” Naito’s feelings haven’t changed, he still has “no use for this belt.” And the same goes for the title. But until next time, hasta luego. Is Naito only champion so that he can say he’s better than Suzuki? And will Suzuki come back to take back the belt Naito doesn’t even like?

My Thoughts:

This was another great hour of action, with really only one-and-a-half matches. I do wish we got a bit more of LIJ VS KES, but the ending is naturally the best part. EVIL & SANADA make a great duo, as do Archer & Davey Boy, but LIJ is so strong that it might take more than just 2v2 to defeat them. Hiromu & Bushi have been on the other end of this same LIJ VS Suzuki-Gun battle, but it might only be a matter of time for them to take the Jr. Tag Team Championships. Suzuki VS Naito is rightfully the meat of the show, though, and the story between them was a great part of it. Naito was rebellious as ever, but he shows he has grit and guts. Naito leading LIJ has made it one, if not the, top group, and I’m sure more great things are yet to come.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Steven Mitchell

Live from San Antonio, it’s Saturday Night!

With just a week left before The Royal Rumble, WWE has Shawn Michaels moderating the contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens! But can they keep it civil? Or will HBK have to lay down the law between them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Nia Jax; Rhea wins and retains the title.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Sheamus; Bron wins and retains the title.
Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu; Braun wins, by disqualification.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Jey Uso; Gunther wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ted DiBiase is here!

The Million Dollar Man is back, and he even has his Million Dollar Championship! Will he look to raise the stakes in San Antonio?

WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Nia Jax!

These two just did battle last night in Austin, and while Mami’s team felt the smackdown, she and the Irresistible Force are feeling raw here in San Antonio! Will Rhea be golden on this side of the Royal Rumble? Or will Nia look to grab up all the gold?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really on top!

Nia HEADBUTTS Rhea before the bell! The ref reprimands ant eh fans boo, but Nia runs up! Rhea dodges, DROPKICKS, and Nia staggers back. Rhea runs up and fires forearms in the corner, but Nia shoves her away. Rhea ducks ‘n’ dodges Nia to then tilt-o-whirl DDT! The fans fire up as Rhea shows off some agility! Nia tumbles out of the ring, Rhea goes to the apron, and Rhea CANNONBALLS! Down goes Nia and the fans fire up more! Rhea puts Nia back in the ring, then hurries to short arm LARIAT! Nia stays up so Rhea short arm LARIATS, and goes again! But Nia pop-up HEADBUTTS Rhea down!

The fans boo but Nia runs and SPLASHES Rhea in a corner! Nia hoists Rhea up top, but Rhea BOOTS her away! Nia ROCKS Rhea in return, then she climbs. The fans rally for Mami but Nia fireman’s carries! Rhea fights, but Nia still SUPER SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives, if only just so, and SNME goes to break.

SNME returns and Nia thrashes Rhea around in a chinlock. Rhea fights up, JAWBREAKERS free, and then runs, but Nia slips around. Nia back suplexes, Rhea lands out, and Rhea kicks low. Rhea KNEES Nia, winds up, LARIAT! Nia stays up, so Rhea dodges to CHOP! Rhea knuckle locks, then she springboards, but Nia stops the rana! Nia pops Rhea up, but Rhea SUNSET BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Rhea can’t believe it! Rhea pulling that off is unbelievable, too! Rhea pump handles Nia, but powers up to a SAMOAN DROP! Nia drags Rhea to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but the fans boo.

Nia adjusts and SUPER LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives but Nia is amused. Nia stands over Rhea while the fans rally up. Nia climbs up again, but Rhea CLUBS Nia! Rhea gets under Nia, and she POWERBOMBS Nia down! And then Rhea ties up the legs, for the PRISM TRAP! Nia powers up, pushes Rhea away, and the fans boo. Nia and Rhea rise up, and Rhea runs in! Nia catches her for an URENAGE! Nia snarls and storms up on Rhea to KICK her to the drop zone. Nia goes up the corner, but Rhea SHOVES her into the post! Nia goes to the apron, Rhea DECKS her! Rhea then goes up the corner?!

Rhea aims, the fans fire up, and Rhea SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Nia and Rhea fires up! San Antonio is with Rhea as she reels Nia in. Pump handle, but Nia SPLASHES her! Cover, ONE!! Nia is furious, and she SMACKS Rhea off the mat, Nia puts Rhea in the drop zone, A-NIA-LATOR!! But Nia isn’t done, she goes back up. But Rhea grabs Nia’s foot! Nia shakes free, climbs again, but Rhea gets under Nia! Electric Chair Lift, and SLAM!! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Both women stir, and Rhea drags herself to the corner. Rhea stands, but so does Nia. Nia runs up, but Rhea dodges! Nia hits the buckles, Rhea ROUNDHOUSES!

Rhea pump handles, and she powers up, RIPTIDE!! Cover, RHEA WINS!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)

That was a brutal battle, but Rhea’s brutality saw her through! Nia still plans on winning the Royal Rumble, will she still go for Tiffany Stratton? Or will she change course and want one more round with Rhea Bloody Ripley?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Sheamus!

The title matches don’t stop, because we go one more round between these two badasses! Will the dogs be barking with the Big Bad Booty Nephew? Or will The Celtic Warrior finally complete his WWE Bingo?

SNME returns and Jesse Ventura joins commentary for this make-or-break moment for Sheamus. Bron makes his entrance and the fans bark already. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we’re getting a banger!

The bell rings, the two circle, and the two tie up. Sheamus powers Bron back but then they go along the ropes. Sheamus has a headlock as they end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Bron scuffs Sheamus and laughs, but Sheamus tells Bron to get serious. They circle, tie up, and then Bron kicks! Sheamus blocks the kick, and he LARIATS Bron! Sheamus fires hands on Bron in a corner, then he brings Bron around to whip. Bron reverses, but Sheamus blocks the hip toss! Sheamus LARIATS Bron again and the fans fire up! Bron goes to a corner, Sheamus is right on him to whip. Bron reverses, but Sheamus comes back, into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX!

The fans bark while Sheamus sputters. Bron storms up on Sheamus, headlocks, but Sheamus powers up and out. Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds speed to CLOBBER Sheamus! Sheamus tumbles out of the ring but Bron goes out the side. Bron builds speed around the outside! But Sheamus scoops! Sheamus then LAWN DARTS Bron into the timekeeper’s area! The fans fire up with Sheamus, and then Sheamus fetches Bron to bring him back to the ring. Sheamus then climbs a corner, takes aim, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, ONE!! Bron is tougher than that, but Sheamus stays on him. Sheamus throws Bron tot he apron, then stands him up!

The fans fire up but Bron fights free! Bron throws a haymaker, but Sheamus DECKS Bron for it! Sheamus goes out, uses the steps to leap, INTO A SPEAR!! Both men fall in a heap and the fans go nuts! Bron grins while SNME goes to break.

SNME returns again and Bron fires off in the corner. Sheamus fires back and they go back and forth. Bron KNEES low, then he digs Sheamus into the corner. Bron ROCKS Sheamus, then fireman’s carries. GUT BUSTER DROP! Bron doesn’t let off, he hoists Sheamus up again, GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Sheamus survives but Bron has a bull’s eye on those ribs. Bron throws hands but Sheamus eggs Bron on! Bron SLAPS Sheamus, Sheamus eggs Bron on more, and they start throwing shots! The fans fire up but Bron body shots! Bron runs, into a KNEE CAPPER! Cover, TWO! Bron stays in this and Sheamus grows frustrated.

Bron goes to the apron, Sheamus storms up, and the fans fire up as Sheamus gives us BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to TEN, then past it! He gets SIXTEEN in before the ref counts 4! Sheamus hauls Bron up and up, to then crucifix lift! CELTIC CROSS!! Sheamus busting out a classic and he crawls to the cover, TWO!! Bron survives again and the fans fire up! Sheamus drags Bron up, fireman’s carries, but Bron fights free! Bron shoves Sheamus into the buckles, then gorilla presses for the SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Bron is growing frustrated. Ventura loves it, they’re going to the wire!

Bron storms up but Sheamus BOOTS Bron from the corner! Sheamus skins the cat! But Bron springs right up! SUPER STEINER! The fans fire up and Bron takes aim! Straps are down, Bron runs in, into a BROGUE!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Bron survives by a literal foot and Sheamus can’t believe it! Sheamus was so close but he’s still so far! “This is Awesome!” as Sheamus powers up in the corner. Bron rises, but the ribs hold Sheamus back! Bron RAMS Sheamus, Sheamus rebounds to KNEE CAPPER! Sheamus tries again, but Bron ducks the Brogue! SPEAR!! Cover, BRON WINS!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

The Fella falls short, only because Bron’s foot found the ropes! Will Sheamus ever get his hands on this title? Will anyone ever take this title off of Bron?

Shawn Michaels is here!

San Antonio fires up for their Heartbreak Kid, the WWE Hall of Famer, and the man who put ladder matches on the map! HBK will moderate the contract signing for the WWE Championship ladder match, after the break!

SNME returns and HBK has the mic. “I am sweating through my suit, because for the last three minutes, I’ve been dancing around because I am so happy to be back home in San Antonio!” The fans cheer that! HBK says he “has been given one job here tonight, and that is to walk out of this ring with the signatures of Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes.” Nick Aldis couldn’t get it done, so he sent in the closer! Rest assured, it is happening tonight. So as they say, without further ado, he will introduce the challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Kevin Owens! The fans boo but The Prizefighter still goes to the ring.

Kevin wears a new shirt, “Cody Sucks Eggs,” and he has the Winged Eagle on his shoulder. HBK now welcomes out THE Undisputed WWE Champion, The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! The fans cheer Cody’s entrance, “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody even climbs up a ladder to show he’s not afraid of heights. Cody gets his second round of pyro, then he goes to the ring to join HBK and KO. The fans cheer as Cody and Kevin stare down, but HBK tells them, “Gentlemen, if you would be seated please.” They don’t, so he says fine, he digs it.

HBK says for months, these two have battered and beaten each other. And as much as everyone has enjoyed watching it, HBK has an assignment. That is to walk out of this ring, with their signatures on the contract. So one way or another, it needs to happen. So again, he asks they please sign. Cody takes the pen first, and he signs his part as champion. Kevin then takes the pen, looks a the contract, but then picks up the mic. “Y’know, last night you (Cody) said something that really pissed me off. You said that 10 times outta 10, Kevin Owens takes the easy way out. Is that right? That’s a lie. That’s what you are, you’re a liar.”

Kevin could’ve taken the easy way out at Bash In Berlin because of Cody’s knee, because Kevin cared about their friendship more than Cody ever did! And you know who takes the easy way out? It’s CODY! Who between them left WWE when things got tough? Kevin stayed, Cody quit! Cody shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH, Kevin!” Cody didn’t come here to talk about the past, or so Kevin can justify his actions. Cody didn’t get all dressed up, HBK didn’t return to San Antonio, to hear Kevin talk! Cody is done worrying about Kevin Owens. Cody instead must focus on who he is defending his title against at WrestleMania.

So if Kevin would just please, SIGN, THE, CONTRACT! The fans cheer, but Kevin tells Cody, “Trust me, you’re not done worrying about Kevin Owens. Because once I sign this, you know what that means? That makes it official. That Saturday night at the Royal Rumble, I will shut everyone up who dares to say I’m not the real champion. I am the true, rightful WWE Champion! And once I win the title, everything you got when you came back, your face on every poster, on all the buses, all the fanfare, all the grand entrances, all the attention, the pyro, everything, it’s coming to ME! Because that’s what I’ve deserved for the last TEN YEARS, and I’m taking it from YOU!”

HBK waits a moment, then says, “Jesus, Kevin. You just sound jealous.” Kevin glares at HBK and asks what he just said. HBK says that Kevin sounds jealous. JEALOUS!? Kevin says that’s rich! HBK is just like Cody! When things got tough for HBK, he quit, too! You wanna know who is jealous? HBK is jealous that Kevin brought more pride to the Winged Eagle than HBK ever did! And once Kevin wins, he will give everyone a champion they can be proud of, that they can look to, and won’t lose his smile~! The only one losing at the Rumble is Cody! Kevin finally signs his part, then he SHOVES it into HBK!

The fans boo but Kevin stares Cody down again. HBK says, “Gentlemen, there’s only one thing left to do, and that is to take these championships. May I please get a referee in here? And ascend them above the ring.” A referee does step in, and Kevin gives the Winged Eagle title a last kiss before handing it over. That belt is strapped onto the hanger, then the same is done with Cody’s corporate logo belt. The hanger is then lifted into the air, and HBK says next Saturday, Lucas Oil Stadium, one man ascends the ladder, and one man walks out THE Undisputed WWE Champion. He wishes them luck, then offers a handshake.

Kevin leaves HBK hanging, so Cody takes the hand. And Kevin sucker punches Cody! HBK warns KO, but then KO kicks HBK! But Cody SUPERKICKS Kevin! HBK is furious, so he tunes up the band! The fans are thunderous for some SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Kevin tumbles out of the ring while San Antonio cheers! Will Cody make sure “The Canadian Dream” is living a nightmare after the Royal Rumble? Or will Kevin find a way to ruin Cody’s Road to WrestleMania?

Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu!

There may not be a championship on the line, but you can consider this a title match in that the winner here could very well be the ALPHA monster! Will the Monster of All Monsters still be Braun Strowman? Or will the Samoan Werewolf tear down #OneBigSOB?

SNME returns and once again, Tama & Jacob walk ‘n’ talk. The Good Bad Guy says everyone’s on that YEHYEHYEH! Jacob tells Braun that he may be a tough SOB, but keep it 100, he never been in the ring with nobody like Jacob! He’s America’s Most Wanted! You know what time it is? Get in where you fit in! Cuz tonight, Jacob beats Braun’s ass post to post, live from NBC on coast to coast! Ya know what I mean?! Jacob makes his entrance, Tama letting him go alone. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Jacob and Braun stare down, tie up, and Jacob pushes Braun back, until Braun SHOVES Jacob down! Both men run up, and Braun RUNS Jacob over!

Braun storms up on Jacob at the ropes, the ref gets in between them, and Jacob sucker punches Braun! Jacob runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Braun ELBOWS him down! Braun snarls, runs up again, and he LARIATS Jacob up and out! Jacob is right back on his feet, and he HOTSHOTS Braun away! Braun comes back, Jacob DUMPS him out, then KICKS Braun! Jacob then DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Braun! The fans fire up while SNME goes to break.

SNME returns again and Jacob HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! The fans rally for Braun but Jacob runs, only for Braun to scoop! SIDEWALK SLAM! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Braun and Jacob rise again, and Braun CHOPS! Braun fires a forearm, and another! Braun ROCKS Jacob, runs, and BOOTS Jacob down! Jacob goes to a corner while the fans fire up. Braun storms up to fire body shots, then stands Jacob up. Braun TOSSES Jacob across the way! Jacob tumbles out, sputters and coughs, and Braun goes outside! The Strowman Express is on the tracks, and he CLOBBERS Jacob into barriers!

The fans fire up again and Braun says let’s go again! Braun does another lap, to POUNCE Jacob over the announce desk! The fans fire up again and Braun takes off his shirt! Braun does another lap, and Jacob’s up in time, to SAMOAN DROP Braun onto the desk!! Jacob shoves Braun down, throws the desk hood onto him, then drags him up to send into steel steps! The ref reprimands, Jacob shoves Braun into the ring, and Jacob hauls Braun up. HEADBUTT! Braun sits in a corner, Jacob goes corner to corner! HIP ATTACK! And then HIP ATTACK again! Braun sputters now, and Jacob HIP ATTACKS again! AND AGAIN!!

Jacob shows no mercy, he hits a FIFTH HIP ATTACK!! The Samoan Werewolf goes again, A SIXTH HIP ATTACK!! Braun is barely even conscious, the ref stops Jacob, but Jacob TOSSES the ref!! Jacob runs to hit NUMBER SEVEN!! NUMBER EIGHT!! The fans boo but now the bell rings! The ref calls this one off for what Jacob did!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification

Jacob storms out around ringside, and he grabs a chair! He throws that into the ring, but then Aldis and security rush out here! Jacob CHUCKS that chair into the first guard! And then he LARIATS the next! Jacob ignores the refs and Aldis, more security arrives, and they get Jacob to back off. Braun sputters as blood pours from his nose and maybe even his mouth. Jacob’s bloodthirsty and he drags Braun from the corner! Producers get out here to try and stop this, but Jacob doesn’t care! He goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! The werewolf is too wild, but Tama Tonga gets him to stand down.

There are fans who want that “One More Time!” and Jacob hears them! BEST MOONSAULT EVER AGAIN!! The medics hurry out here, and now Jacob and Tama stand down. OR NOT! Jacob gets right back in the ring, and he goes right back up the corner! BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! With no Solo Sikoa to hold onto the leash, will no one be able to stop the Samoan Werewolf?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Jey Uso!

Der Ring General does not think “Main Event Jey Uso” is worthy of that nickname, and yet here they both are in tonight’s main event. These two already had it out during Gunther’s historic Intercontinental Championship reign, will history repeat itself? Or will Jey finally and for truly stand tall as THE World Heavyweight Champion?

SNME returns and Gunther makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins Saturday Night’s Main Event!

The bell rings, Jey puts his sunglasses aside, and Gunther BOOTS Jey down! Gunther talks smack while he stands Jey up, but Jey UPPERCUTS! And ROCKS Gunther with a right! Gunther CHOPS Jey, Jey ROCKS Gunther with more hands! Gunther CHOPS again! Jey is stinging as he falls against the ropes, but Gunther stands him up. Jey dodges the chop to fire body shots! Jey climbs up and he rains down fists! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Gunther stops Jey at 7, puts him on the corner, and CHOPS him to the floor! The fans boo while SNME goes to break.

SNME returns again and Jey fires hands! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Gunther clamps on a SLEEPER! Jey arm-drags free, but Gunther blocks a kick! Gunther LARIATS Jey down! Cover, TWO! Jey stays in this but Gunther stays on him with a NECK TWIST! Jey writhes while Gunther paces. The fans boo but Gunther stands Jey up. Gunther scoops and SLAMS Jey, then stalks him. Gunther stands Jey up to CHOP him! Jey is again stinging but he stays up. Gunther BOOTS Jey! Jey fires forearms! Gunther CHOPS! Jey fires more forearms! Gunther CHOPS again! Jey rebounds, but into an UPPERCUT! Jey UPPERCUTS back!

Jey fires hands, whips Gunther, but Gunther reverses! Jey hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! Gunther drops a KNEE on him! Gunther then STOMPS Jey’s arm! The fans boo but Gunther looms over Jey. Gunther clamps onto Jey with a chinlock and he grinds his forearm into Jey’s face! The fans rally for Jey and he fights up. Jey manages to fireman’s carry Gunther! The fans fire up but Gunther fights free! Gunther CHOPS! Jey ROCKS! Gunther UPPERCUTS! Jey UPPERCUTS! Gunther swings, Jey dodges, and Jey fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!

Jey and Gunther crawl, and Gunther makes it to a corner. Jey goes to the opposite end, and the fans rally behind Jey with “UCE! OH~!” Jey runs, into the SHOTGUN DROPKCIK! Gunther hurries to haul Jey right up, GENERAL BOMBO! High stack, TWO! Jey survives and Gunther is surprised! Gunther catches his breath, calms down, and thinks on what else he should try. The fans rally for Jey even harder while Gunther stalks him to ropes. Jey goes to the apron, but Gunther goes out after him. Gunther stomps Jey, then stands on his neck! The ref reprimands but Gunther steps off. Jey sputters, but Gunther BOOTS him again, right as SNME goes to break!

SNME returns once again, and Jey trades shots with Gunther! The fans rally behind Jey as he gets the edge, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks and- Gunther BOOTS him! Jey kicks, Gunther blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP comes around! Only for Gunther to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gunther runs, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Gunther survives and the fans can’t believe it! Jey catches his breath while Gunther goes to a corner. Gunther comes back, but Jey avoids the shotgun dropkick! Jey gets moving, and he HIP ATTACKS Gunther in the corner! Cover, TWO! Gunther is tougher than that, but the fans still rally.

Jey goes to the corner and the fans fire up! Jey climbs, but Gunther rises! Gunther CHOPS Jey, then CHOPS again! Gunther climbs up after Jey, brings him to the very top, but Jey resists the suplex! Jey fires body shots, then slips under Gunther! Jey brings Gunther out for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans still can’t believe it! Both Jey and Gunther are down, “This is Awesome!” as they slowly rise. Jey and Gunther rise up, but Gunther kicks low! Gunther reels Jey in, but Jey RANAS! Jey then runs to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!? Gunther survives and Jey is frustrated, but Jey hurries to aim again!

Gunther rises, Jey runs up, SUPERKICK! Gunther staggers back up so Jey runs in, SPEAR!! Jey hurries to the corner! Jey climbs, the fans are thunderous, USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Gunther survives yet again and Jey is beside himself! The fans rally with more “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jey aims from a corner. Jey runs up, but Gunther turns spear into POWERBOMB! And then he flips Jey over to POWERBOMB again!! DEEP stack, GUNTHER WINS!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

Gunther didn’t just win, he just survived this battle with Main Event Jey! Der Ring General seems to at least respect Jey a bit more now, but what is it going to take for Jey to truly be the main event player?

My Thoughts:

A great Saturday Night’s Main Event, and while they really made us wonder for a couple moments, they of course held the status quo. As I said going into tonight, it would be a bit odd if the moment Sheamus finally won the Intercontinental Championship was here on NBC TV. A moment like that should be saved for WrestleMania, but I’m not sure that’ll even happen now. Granted, we have three months to build, but what would the point be after all this? Rhea VS Nia was an awesome match, especially with Rhea busting out some stuff she’d never really done before. Rhea of course won because she just got this belt back, and Nia will be in the Women’s Rumble to beef it up while trying to get after Tiffany.

The contract signing segment being in the middle was a touch surprising, but I do appreciate that they understood a title match should be the main event. Good stuff from Cody, Kevin and HBK, especially Kevin’s shirt to reference Terry Funk’s classic “Dusty Sucks Eggs” shirt. Of course a fight started, and good stuff with HBK getting a Sweet Chin Music in, but this isn’t the go-home segment so don’t expect Kevin to win the ladder match just yet. Raw and SmackDown have their go-home episodes first, we’ll surely get a segment where Kevin gets even with Cody to put things back in Cody’s favor.

Great promo from Tama & Jacob as they head to gorilla, and then a great match from Jacob VS Braun. I was saying just last night that I expected a No Contest or Draw, but they instead went a much more vicious route. Jacob loses because he threw the ref aside, but he stands tall because he brutalized Braun like very few ever have. Jacob can definitely use this to do big things in the Rumble, and from there he can go for the US Championship, as I was also saying last night. Gunther VS Jey was awesome stuff, and they really got me thinking Jey was going to pull this off, but like with Sheamus, Jey’s crowning achievement is perhaps too big for just SNME. It would be pretty wild if Jey won the Men’s Rumble so that he could get one more chance at this title and win it in Vegas.

My Score: 8.9/10

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (1/25/25)

Home Sweet Homecoming!

Published

3 hours ago

January 25, 2025

Steven Mitchell

AEW returns to Daily’s Place!

AEW is back in Jacksonville, and it’s going to be BIG! Like, Katsuyori Shibata challenging for the International Championship BIG! Will The Wrestler be better than The Alpha?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Samoa Joe w/ Hook VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy; wins.
Six Man Tag: Daniel Garcia & 2Point0 VS The Undisputed Kingdom; win(s).
The Gates of Agony VS Brody King & Buddy Matthews; win.
Kazuchika Okada VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; wins.
AEW TBS Championship Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Match: Deonna Purrazzo VS Queen Aminata VS Yuka Sakazaki VS Serena Deeb; wins and will challenge Mercedes Mone for the title.
AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Katsuyori Shibata; wins and