Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (5/15/18)
SmackDown comes to London with a #Mellabration! The Princess of Staten Island vows to outdo the Royal Wedding with a party in her own honor. Will anyone crash the party? Plus, the Phenomenal One and the King of Strong Style will determine their stipulation for their Money in the Bank WWE Championship rematch!
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Tag Match: The New Day VS The Bar; The New Day wins and chooses ??? to join the Men’s MITB Ladder Match.
- Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Jake Constantino; Almas wins.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat: Becky Lynch VS Mandy Rose VS Sonya Deville; Becky wins and joins the Women’s MITB Ladder Match.
- AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins and will choose the stipulation for their WWE Championship match at MITB next week.
PLAY BY PLAY
Renee Young introduces Daniel Bryan!
Get those fingers up! @WWEDanielBryan is kicking off #SDLive from London's @TheO2 Arena! #YES pic.twitter.com/BFW2CpuaFa
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
The Goat has the O2 giving a standing ovation of “YES! YES!” as he heads to the ring. Bryan won at Wrestlemania, was impressive in the Greatest Royal Rumble match, and won at Backlash. However, Big Cass would beat him up and Rusev would shut him out of the Money in the Bank match. Fans have not stopped chanting, by the way. Bryan wants those at home to “Feel that! Fell ALL of that!” Was Bryan disappointed? Sure. Does he like losing? Does anyone like losing? “NO! NO!” When Bryan made his return, he was just happy to be back doing what he loves. “But now, it’s not enough to be back.” Bryan wants to do more than just be back, he wants to be on top! Bryan will fight and climb and scratch and claw for it all. And before it’s all over, Bryan will be WWE Champion!
"I'm going to keep BEATING you down… you're not going to go anywhere without a SEVEN-FOOT SHADOW following you around!"@BigCassWWE isn't finished with @WWEDanielBryan… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/bpxv5a7sa8
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
But Big Cass says to “Hold on.” The Human Skyscraper, who was a “Cass-Hole” of a sore loser at Backlash, says that he was just listening to Bryan run his mouth, “and I am sick of it.” Bryan may have fooled the fans into drinking the Kool-Aid, but not Cass. Bryan feeds the fans “heart-warming” crap! Cass knows the truth about Bryan. Renee brought up Rusev’s win Bryan’s “first major setback”, but Cass disagrees. Cass was his setback, was the reason Bryan lost and will be why Bryan keeps losing. Cass will make sure Bryan never achieves his dreams again. He admits he loss, but he only tapped out to then beat “the holy hell” out of Bryan. And he did! Cass beat Bryan down, and will continue to beat him down, and his 7 foot shadow will follow Bryan all over the WWE.
Sure, Bryan lasted 75 minutes in the GRR, wow~! But what happened when Cass showed up? Cass booted Bryan, eliminated him, and proved to us all that “Daniel Bryan is a loser.” Bryan should’ve let that little guy from Montreal take his place, because he at least took that beating with dignity? Cass asks if Bryan is a loser. Fans say “No! No!” but Cass says “YES!” Should Bryan have stayed retired? “YES!” Should Bryan let Brie “wear the pants” in the family? “YES!” Cass drops then mic then heads to the ring. He stands across from Bryan, but Bryan doesn’t back down. The fans support Bryan while Cass climbs inside. Cass mocks “YES!” but Bryan fires off!
"YE——-"
NOPE!#SDLive @WWEDanielBryan @BigCassWWE pic.twitter.com/Jm5Ha7M9xT
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 16, 2018
Bryan goes at the legs, then throws more right hands and kicks! Fans are fired up as Bryan pulls on the leg with the ropes. Bryan doesn’t let up, even as he has Cass on the mat! Referees appear to stop Bryan from beating Cass down. Cass stands up and hobbles, but Bryan comes around from the outside! Bryan slings Cass’ leg into the post! And then again! Bryan backs off again, but then gives Cass a chop block! He grabs that leg, for a heel hook! Cass shouts in pain and even taps out, but it doesn’t do a thing with this being a fight and not a match! The referees order Bryan to let go, but Bryan doesn’t let go until he’s satisfied. Fans cheer while Cass retreats to the back. Cass has incurred the wrath of The Goat, will he regret ever trying to bully Bryan?
The Miz is in London!
Well this is an AWWWESSOMMMEEEE surprise! @mikethemiz is joining commentary for the next match! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/HicfRP1nEN
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
The Most Must-See Superstar is already one of SmackDown’s Money in the Bank entrants, and is himself a past winner of the contract. He joins commentary to have a front row look at who will join him and The Bulgarian Lion in that match.
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Tag Match: The New Day VS The Bar!
Awwwwwww, London~! While this may be a tag team match, it will help at least one man get into the Men’s MITB Ladder Match. Xavier Woods managed to beat the Celtic Warrior with the help of Big E & Kofi Kingston, but that same help backfired against the Swiss Cyborg. Will “ya boys” The New Day or The Bar break the tie in their favor?
We are UNDERWAY as #TheNewDay's @XavierWoodsPhD & @WWEBigE take on #TheBar's @WWECesaro & @WWESheamus for an #MITB opportunity! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/yCfP5Ff6pm
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
The bell rings and Woods starts against Cesaro. Cesaro lunges but Woods ducks under to SUPERKICK Sheamus off the apron! Then he counters Cesaro to throw chops and haymakers. Cesaro reverses the whip but Woods ducks under again to rock him with a roaring elbow. Woods takes aim at Sheamus, then builds speed to FLY! Woods takes out Sheamus, then gives shade to Miz before hitting Cesaro with a slingshot jump kick! Cover, TWO, but Woods keeps on Cesaro. Cesaro suplexes but Woods slips out, then Woods ducks and runs for a wheelbarrow. Cesaro blocks it with strength, then brings Woods up and over. Sheamus tags in, Cesaro adjusts, and Sheamus adds a double ax handle to the back suplex. Cover, TWO, but The Bar is in control. Sheamus rocks Woods then tags in Cesaro, and The Bar double whip for the Bar Lariat.
Woods rolls away while The Bar brags and we go picture in picture. Cesaro pushes Woods off the apron, then distracts the ref so Sheamus can get a cheap shot. Big E protests but the referee keeps him back. Cesaro tags Sheamus, and Sheamus fetches Woods to rock him with a European Uppercut. Sheamus puts Woods in the ring, then drives a knee in for the keylock. He keeps Woods on the mat, but Woods feeds off the energy from the fans. Woods stands up, and fights back, but Sheamus shoves and catches him into the Irish Curse backbreaker! Cover, TWO, but Sheamus drags Woods back over. Cessaro tags in, and taunts the New Day as he brings Woods up. Woods fights back, but Cesaro whips him away to knock him down with a back elbow. Cover, TWO, so it’s back to the chinlock.
Woods endures while The New Day and fans rally. Woods stands up but Cesaro tags in Sheamus. Sheamus kicks Woods and The Bar whip Woods for Super Saiyan Kicks! The Bar embraces the heat while stomping Woods. Sheamus tags Cesaro, and Cesaro swaggers about. Woods rolls him up, TWO, and Cesaro puts the chinlock back on. He brings Woods back to the mat, but Woods feeds off a new rally. Woods stands up, hits a jawbreaker, but Sheamus tags in to knock Big E down. Woods ducks Sheamus, but there’s no one to tag. Sheamus rocks him with a bicycle knee, then brings him back over to tag in Cesaro. Cesaro climbs up while we go single picture, and drops the elbow into the backbreaker. Cover, TWO, so Cesaro chokes Woods against the ropes. Sheamus gets another cheap shot, Cesaro covers, TWO.
Fans rally for the New Day again, and Woods fights back. Woods backs Cesaro down, but Cesaro whips him to ropes. Woods throws Cesaro out of the ring! Big E returns, and Woods crawls over for the hot tag! Sheamus tags in, but Big E is upon him with belly2belly suplexes! Big E slams Sheamus down, then swivels the hips. He runs for the Big Splash, but into knees! Sheamus runs in but Big E throws him down, covers, TWO. Big E and the fans rally with New Day claps, but Cesaro dsitracts and Sheamus rolls up. TWO, Cesaro tags in. Big E scoops Sheamus but Cesaro saves him. The Bar double mule kick and double DDT! Cover, TWO! Cesaro puts on the Sharpshooter!
The #Sharpshooter is LOCKED IN? Is @WWEBigE going to tap? #MITB #SDLive @WWECesaro pic.twitter.com/8Uno2GZefS
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 16, 2018
Fans rally, and Woods returns, but Sheamus drags Woods out. Woods puts SHeamus into a post, then saves Big E. Both Big E and Cesaro head for corners, Cesaro runs into an elbow. Woods tags in, Tornado DDT! Cover, TWO!! Woods stands up and brings Cesaro up, but Cesaro throat chops. Cesaro runs but into the post, Woods hits the wheelbarrow facebuster. Sheamus breaks the pin, then brawls with Big E! Sheamus kicks and kicks, but Big E throws him out to then DIVE THROUGH HIM! They both go to the floor, and fans fire up as Woods climbs up. Woods hits the Springboard Elbow! New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day (Big E & Woods), Woods pinning; one member qualifies for the Men’s MITB match.
With one out of three going into this major ladder match, who will The New Day choose? Plus, with only one spot left in the match, who will be the final entrant from SmackDown?
👏 NEW 👏 DAY 👏 WINS! 👏 NEW 👏 DAY 👏 WINS! 👏
Who will they pick to represent them in the Men's #MITB #LadderMatch? #SDLive @WWEBigE @XavierWoodsPhD @TrueKofi pic.twitter.com/qffvsDcCLo
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
The Bludgeon Brothers speak.
Harper & Rowan say that “Family is for the weak”, Usos. “Friendship is an abscess waiting to be pierced,” The Club and The Bar. “Joy is a disease,” New Day. “The Cure is to Bludgeon.” Time’s up for the SmackDown Tag Team Division, who will be purged first?
SmackDown GM Paige is in her office.
Yes, she would’ve loved to go to the Royal Wedding, but she didn’t get an invite. Carmella, no, no horse-drawn carriages. Just stop. But she’ll call Carmella back. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville are here, the “power trip” didn’t work. Mandy still won, and now she’s in the Women’s MITB– No, that wasn’t a qualifying match. It should’ve been. Relax, or you won’t get one at all. So then Mandy is getting one? But not Sonya? No they’re both getting one tonight. Against who? Becky Lynch. As a handicap match? They’re winning, obviously, right? No, it’s not a handicap match, it’s a triple threat. Only ONE woman qualifies, so good luck out there.
.@RealPaigeWWE might have some BEXplaining to do… because @WWE_MandyRose & @SonyaDevilleWWE will BOTH face @BeckyLynchWWE in a #TripleThreat #MITB Qualifying Match TONIGHT on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/gCpepSyA0t
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One has a non-title rematch with Shinsuke Nakamura, winner chooses how their MITB match goes down. What will Styles choose if he wins? Styles doesn’t think it’ll be “if”, but “when” he wins. And it could be a scaffolding match, or a pole on a pole match. No wait, Bull Rope Hell in a Cell Inferno Match! Where the referee is Elvis, right? No, Renee, that’s silly. But it doesn’t matter what Styles chooses, it’ll be entertaining for everyone except the “Con Artist”. Nakamura can pretend not to know English, but Styles knows the international language of forearms to faces. It doesn’t matter where or when, Nakamura can’t win in the House that AJ Styles Built!
"I speak the international language of FOREARM to FACE… @ShinsukeN CAN'T beat me in the 🏠 that AJ STYLES BUILT!"#WWEChampion @AJStylesOrg is all confidence heading into his one-on-one match with @ShinsukeN! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/ZA3KEfRaog
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Jake Constantino!
EL IDOLO has arrived to #SDLive!!!!!! @AndradeCienWWE @Zelina_VegaWWE pic.twitter.com/obW5t2jaiJ
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
El Idolo is FINALLY on SmackDown! The former NXT Champion has Lamaneca by his side even on the main roster as he goes against local boy, Jake Constantino. Will Almas’ Tranquilo style translate to the Blue Brand as successfully as it did to NXT?
The bell rings, and he ties up with Jake. Almas gest the waistlock but Jake the standing switch, but Almas elbows his way out. Vega likes what she sees, but then Jake dropkicks Almas down. Almas gets up and CHOPS Jake down. Almas puts Jak ein a corner and stomps a mudhole into him, with both feet. El Idolo grins, then pumps himself up. He runs corner to corner, for CIEN KNEES! But that’s not all, he brings Jake up for the Hammerlock DDT!
Just. Like. THAT! The #HammerlockDDT nails the victory for #ElIdolo @AndradeCienWWE! #SDLive @Zelina_VegaWWE pic.twitter.com/0u8b0m7Bip
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
Cover, Almas wins!
Winner: Almas, by pinfall
An impressive victory in his debut, and he barely broke a sweat, too.
Too easy. #SDLive @AndradeCienWWE pic.twitter.com/bPusk4st1P
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 16, 2018
Zelina Vega speaks.
“This is SmackDown Live, huh?” She was expecting more. After all the anticipation, Almas finally arrives and they get some scrub? “Pathetic!” Just as pathetic as every superstar that thinks they can do what Almas can. “Our message is clear: We didn’t come to SmackDown Live to place nice. We came to TAKE OVER!” Will El Idolo take over SmackDown like he did NXT?
"We didn't come to play nice. We came to TAKE OVER!"
A LOUD and CLEAR message from #SDLive newcomers @AndradeCienWWE & @Zelina_VegaWWE! pic.twitter.com/VZmxewzxd0
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
Rusev has his own room, thanks to Aiden English.
The Drama King tried to get a better room, but it’s London, “Home of the Pedestrian.” The food, the Rolling Stones, they’re overrated. Rusev will get satisfaction when he wins MITB. And English has a new song just for the occasion. But as he’s tuning up, Lana enters. Lana wishes English to save his voice, for a “Ravishing” new song. Lana vows to also win the Women’s MITB, because she’s going up against Billie Kay next week. She will CRUSH Billie, and together, they will be the first ever Mrs. & Mrs. MITB! Machka in the Bank will RULE SmackDown! On what day? On… RUSEV DAAAAAAY~!
Here ye, Here ye!
It’s time for the Royal Mellabration! The fair princess of Staten Island arrives. The very same princess who defeated Charlotte Flair twice to become the SmackDown Women’s Champion. “May God ignore the Queen, and God Save Carmella!” With pomp and circumstance, Carmella makes her entrance and heads to the ring.
One small (moon)walk for man, one giant leap for CARMELLA-KIND! #SDLive #RoyalMellabration @CarmellaWWE pic.twitter.com/3T2FS230q2
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
She carefully positions her championship on the leopard print pillow before speaking. “Before I begin, I just wanted to give you all a little thrill.” She’ll give everyone the chance to show their love for her. She’s so nice, right? For the next 10 seconds or so, shower her with the praise as she deserves as the first Ms. MITB and now Women’s Champion. Ready, cheer! Nope, they boo and jeer. That doesn’t sit well with Carmella.
“You people will line up outside of a hospital” just to see a baby, but they won’t respect Carmella? No, they won’t. She is the Princess of Staten Island, and she commands them to bow down! Bow. Down!! These fans remind her of all the other women on SmackDown. None of them think she’s good enough or deserving of the title. But guess what, Not-So-Great Britain? #MellaIsMoney and #MellaIsChampion. That makes her better than them. Better than you, you, and definitely “be’er than you!” She’s better than Charlotte, than Becky Lynch, than Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey! She’s better than Trish Stratus AND Lita put together! Paige interrupts the party, and the fans love it!
Welcome home, @RealPaigeWWE! #SDLive #RoyalMellabration #ThisIsYourHouse pic.twitter.com/8WxmJuz7zE
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
London’s own Glampire walks to the ring, and Carmella assumes she’s here to teach the fans respect. No, but she is here to say it’s great to be home. Paige hears out the fans chant “This is Your House!” then gets to business. She knows Carmella thinks she’s better than everyone. That’s quite the proclamation. But Paige has a proclamatino of her own: Carmella’s opponent for Money in the Bank. Carmella insists she’s not defending at MITB, but Paige insists she is. Against… ASUKA!! The Empress of Tomorrow is in London, too! Carmella protests right in Paige’s ear, but it doesn’t change Paige’s mind. Asuka heads to the ring and stares Carmella down with that sinister grin.
Say hello to THE FUTURE and your #MITB opponent, @CarmellaWWE! #RoyalMellabration #SDLive @WWEAsuka @RealPaigeWWE pic.twitter.com/qq28cKAoj4
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
Fans know “Asuka’s gonna kill~ you~”, so Carmella snags her belt and retreats. No words necessary for this, Carmella is fearful for her reign. Will the Empress dethrone the Princess to rebuild her empire?
Backstage interview with Shinsuke Nakamura.
The Rockstar hasn’t defeated AJ Styles yet, but tonight might change that. How does he feel about hsi chances? “What does ‘chance’ mean?” Nakamura clearly continues his “No Speak English” act, and then says that “chance” is the wrong word. It is a certainty that Nakamura will win. Styles will lose, and get a #Knee2Face, and then another and another and another, and so on and so forth. When Nakamura is done, Styles’ nose smashed, cheeks broken and face utterly gone, Nakamura will dishonor Styles, and take that title for his own.
"I will dishonor @AJStylesOrg, then I will TAKE his title!" – @ShinsukeN #SDLive pic.twitter.com/9W2r3lKDnk
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 16, 2018
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat: Becky Lynch VS Mandy Rose VS Sonya Deville!
Will @BeckyLynchWWE compete in her SECOND #MITB #LadderMatch next month? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/k121f8wKVL
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
With Absolution broken up and the best friends set up against each other, will God’s Greatest Creation or the Gladiator Gal go on to join Charlotte, Ember Moon and Alexa Bliss in the ladder match? Or will the Lass Kicker beat two for the price of won and bring her #StraightFire to the match instead?
Will The #GoldenGoddess @WWE_MandyRose get closer to carrying GOLD? #MITB #SDLive pic.twitter.com/itlfPXrBB9
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
Her hair is UP, and now she's ready to SQUARE UP! #MITB #SDLive @SonyaDevilleWWE pic.twitter.com/SgYYEZU6qo
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
The bell rings, and clearly Becky is alone against Mandy & Sonya. She manages to fight them both off, then throw Mandy out. Becky puts Sonya in a corner with buckle bumps, then to another corner. Sonya reverses and toys with Becky before giving body shots. Becky dodges to jump kick Sonya back, but Mandy returns. The duo formerly known as Absolution beat Becky down, but fans are on Becky’s side. Mandy scoops and slams Becky, then Sonya rams in a knee to the ribs. Mandy turns on Sonya with a roll up, ONE! The friends aren’t so friendly while we go picture in picture. Becky rolls Sonya but Many breaks the cover. Mandy goes after Becky at the ropes, choking the former women’s champion with Sonya’s help.
Mandy & Sonya corner Becky and fire off with kicks. They mug Becky together, then double suplex. Becky rolls out, and Sonya goes out to fetch her while Mandy poses. Mandy follows, and the two throw Becky into the apron. They throw her into barriers, too, then toy with Becky as she writhes on the ground. They kick her around before putting her back in. Mandy covers, but Sonya yanks her off. Sonya shoves Mandy, Mandy shoves back, but the two realize to keep their cools. Mandy goes after Becky, but Becky boots her back. Becky boots Sonya, then jumps, but they both duck under to double shoulder tackle Becky down. Then Sonya sucker punches Mandy! We return to single picture as the Jersey Deville stands tall.
Fans rally for Becky, but Sonya is on her with body shots and kicks. Sonya backs off to then return with forearms. Sonya whips Becky but Becky kicks her back. Becky runs and rallies with lariats and a calf kick. Becky has the fans fired up as she throws Sonya with a Becksploder! Sonya gets to a corner, but Becky runs in. Sonya kicks ehr away, then drives her down with a knee, but Mandy returns to toss Sonya out. Mandy covers, TWO! Mandy keeps on Becky but Becky small packages, TWO. Becky dodges the knee and brings Mandy around, but Mandy throws her into buckles. Mandy gives Becky a butterfly facebuster! Cover, but Sonya returns to toss Mandy! Sonya covers, TWO!
Sonya scrapes Mandy out before going back to Becky for body shots. Becky hits back and these two slug it out. Sonya puts Becky in a corner, and gives more body shots. Sonya hoists Becky up to the top, then climbs up to join her. Mandy returns and joins in to electric chair Sonya. Becky adjusts, and it’s a missile dropkick doomsday!
What's that? Just a little STRAIGHT 🔥 offense from @BeckyLynchWWE… #SDLive #MITB @WWE_MandyRose @SonyaDevilleWWE pic.twitter.com/RZPs2mUqFY
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
All three women are down, but fans rally up. Becky stirs first, and crawls to a cover on Mandy. TWO, and Becky brings Mandy up while Sonya slip sout of the ring. Mandy and Becky brawl, but Mandy kicks low to try another facebuster. Becky slips out and brings Mandy down again, but Sonya kicks Becky and Mandy! Sonya hits the slinding knee, covers, TWO! Sonya can’t believe that Becky still lives. Becky drags herself up, but Sonya has her in a suplex. Becky blocks, and scoops but Sonya slips out. Mady flies in but the knee goes into Sonya! Becky grabs Mandy but Mandy reverses to roll up, TWO into the Disarm-her! Mandy reaches, but can’t, she taps! Becky wins!
Winner: Becky, by submission; qualifies for the Women’s MITB match
The Lass Kicker has turned her losing streak around with a big win tonight! She enters the second-ever Women’s MITB, can she be the second-ever Ms. MITB?
BECKY IS BANK!!!#BeckyBalboa strikes again as @BeckyLynchWWE defeats @WWE_MandyRose & @SonyaDevilleWWE to qualify for the Women's #MITB #LadderMatch! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/lkDTTTBI9Q
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
Superstars speak on MITB.
“They say that ambition makes for strange victims.” And Big Cass is one of them. The only thing big about Cass is his mouth. Samoa Joe has known and dealt with “fake tough guys” like Cass his entire life. When it comes time to take their convictions and walk them through the fire, even big men end up short. Cass has made a habit of targeting those smaller than him. But ambition has made Cass Joe’s new target. Joe wants that title opportunity, and next week, he promises to prove how small Big Cass really is. Cass is an obstacle that Joe will put to sleep.
The IIconics take a moment to adjust the camera. Word Association game. London = Loud. Lana = Loser. And Billie = Beautiful. Oh, and winner! Briefcase = Perfect Accessory. Contract = Championship. Future = IIconic.
Will the FUTURE be IICONIC at #MITB? #SDLive #TheIIconics @PeytonRoyceWWE @BillieKayWWE pic.twitter.com/t4JjZtluKw
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 16, 2018
AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
What match stipulation could #TheArtistKnownAs @ShinsukeN have in mind for #MITB? #SDLive 🤔 🤔 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ctPGjYrPva
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
From Wrestlemania to Backlash, the Phenomenal One and King of Strong Style have fought with everything they have, yet there has not been a truly satisfactory ending to this Dream Rivalry. With one more championship match coming at Money in the Bank, this non-title rematch will have major implications. Who will win here tonight in London? And what will they choose to be the stipulation that ends this rivalry once and for all?
.@TheO2 Arena just got PHENOMENAL! #SDLive #MITB @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/LZf6q7hLvY
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
SmackDown returns and this match happens for the first time on television. Styles and Nakamura tie up, Styles gets the standing switch but Nakamura the standing switch. Styles snapmares but Nakamura reverses to an arm wrench. Nakamura goes after the wrist but Styles rolls through to reverse it onto Nakamura. Fans duel while Nakamura rolls and kips up to cartwheel. Nakamura puts on the arm wrench but Styles goes to back suplex. Nakamura rolls Styles, TWO, and now Styles rolls Nakamura. TWO, and the two have a stand-off. Styles and Nakamura approach each other, but Nakamura hits low. Nakamura toys with Styles, then gives him a knee. Nakamura runs, but into Styles’ dropkick!
Styles brings Nakamura back up, and over to a corner for a buckle bump. Styles chops Nakanura, then rocks him with a right. He tries to suplex but Nakamura blocks and counters with knees. Nakamura runs but into a backbreaker! Styles goes after Nakamura but Nakamura slips out of the ring. Fans duel while Styles slingshots for a forearm!
The #PhenomenalForearm transcends language. #SDLive @AJStylesOrg @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/AzQtN2Xyjl
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
They both go down, but Styles gets up first. Styles brings Nakamura up and into the ring, but Nakamura slips back out the other side. Styles targets him from the apron, but Nakamura intercepts the knee with a kick! Nakamura then positions Styles, for the running knee lift! Fans keep dueling while Nakamura puts Styles in the ring for a cover. TWO, but Nakamura keeps his focus while we go to break.
SmackDown returns and Nakamura tees off on Styles at the ropes. The referee backs him off, but Nakamura goes back for more. Fans continue to duel while Nakamura throws hands on Styles. Styles goes to a corner, but Nakamura rams knees into him anyway. Nakamura brings Styles up for BAD Vibrations, then sits him down for Good Vibrations. Nakamura drags Styles up but Styles hits back, only to get knees. Styles resists the Inverted Exploder and elbows his way out, but misses the clothesline while Nakamura hits the Dynamic Dropkick! Cover, TWO, and Nakamura grows frustrated. He brings Styles up and around for a chinlock while fans rally again. Nakamura shifts it to a dragon sleeper, trapping one arm. Styles endures, and tries to stand up, but Nakamura keeps him down.
Nakamura wrenches back more, but Styles fights out with knees to Nakamura’s face. Styles goes after Nakamura, but Nakamura fires off his strike fest. Nakamura puts Styles up on the top rope, then climbs up, but Styles slips down and out. Nakamura shoves him away, but Styles comes back, only to run into a boot, and yet give a PELE! Both men fall to the mat, and a ten count begins. The count reaches 4 before Styles stands. Nakamura stands, and they beat the count at 7. Styles gets the Phenomenal Blitz! Then the sliding forearm! Styles fires up while Nakamura gets to a corner, and Styles hits a corner clothesline. Nakamura fights against the fireman’s carry, so Styles hits the wheelbarrow facebuster. Cover, TWO!
Both men stand again, and Nakamura powers Styles to a corner. Styles catches Nakamura into the Calf Crusher, but Nakamura. Nakamura thrusts the knee but Styles evades. Styles slips out of the fireman’s carry but Nakamura gets him with the heel kick, into the Landslide driver! Cover, TWO! Nakamura grows frustrated, but fans know “This is Awesome!” Nakamura drags Styles up and puts him back in a corner. He hoists Styles onto the top rope, then backs up, but Styles avoids the Top Shelf Knee. Styles springboards but Nakamura sweeps the legs to hit that knee! Styles tumbles down to the apron while Nakamura catches his breath. Nakamura joins Styles, and fans rally while they stand up. Nakamura has evil intentions but Styles resists.
Styles holds on for dear life, then suplexes, but Nakamura lands on his feet. They brawl on the apron, then Nakamura climbs up for a FLYING KNEE! Nakamura brings Styles in for a cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Nakamura takes aim from a corner. He waits for Styles to stand, but Styles catches him into the Clash position! Nakamura kicks him away, but he ends up in Ushigoroshi! Cover, TWO! Styles stands up while fans again chant “This is Awesome!” Styles runs, but into a boot! Nakamura stands up now, and hits a sliding KINSHASA! Cover, TWO!?
When @AJStylesOrg kicks out of the #Kinshasa… #SDLive @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/Dog8TMYl1p
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 16, 2018
Nakamura is furious, but he goes right back to a corner. He fires up again, as promised, but runs into a windmill heel kick! Styles drags Nakamura up and around, but Nakamura shovels him up and onto the apron. He knocks Nakamura, springboards, but Nakamura evades! Styles keeps himself from hitting the ref, but he sees Nakamura coming this time. Nakamura fakes a low blow?! Styles defends that it’s a fake, but Nakamura pounces! Inverted Exploder! Then, KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura WINS!
Winner: Nakamura, by pinfall; may choose the stipulation for the MITB WWE Championship match
It doesn’t matter how he did it, Nakamura defeats Styles! The Con Artist gets away with another masterpiece of a crime, and he rubs it in Styles’ face. What stipulation will he choose for their fourth Dream (Re)Match? Will Styles be able to survive the schemes of the King of Strong Style?
Bad news, @AJStylesOrg! @ShinsukeN is picking the #WWETitle match stipulation at #MITB! What will The #KingOfStrongStyle choose?!? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/mKMFATsPiA
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2018
My Thoughts:
SmackDown did much better tonight, and a touch better than Raw, even though there was some confusion as to why with a few things. Bryan being confronted by Cass, and snapping on Cass, works much better here than Vince trying to have the same with Roman and Mahal. For starters, all fans love Bryan. Second, Bryan makes a much more believable underdog meets victim (for lack of a better word). His fight with Cass will get much more momentum for him than Roman going up against Mahal and supposedly up against the administration. I like the meta behind Vega’s promo after Almas’ squash match victory. Almas as a former NXT Champion deserves a bit more than a jobber his first time out, so hopefully this leads to a string of matches with established stars to give them TV time, too.
SmackDown’s approach to the MITB qualifiers is also more unique. Tag teams compete for a singles opportunity, but perhaps this can still help towards the rumored Tag Team MITB match. New Day wins, meaning they put one man in the Men’s MITB, but the other two can still be in the Team MITB. Same goes for The Bar, since they lost. The Bludgeon Brothers call out all the other teams in their promo, and tag teams have given good MITB promos, so perhaps this is all foreshadowing that Team MITB. There are weeks left before the PPV, so perhaps Raw and SmackDown will use them to give us this match.
Thankfully the #Mellabration didn’t go on too long before someone showed up to do something. Paige gets her hometown hero moment while also giving Carmella some comeuppance. Just like Nia having to take a match, so does Carmella, and Carmella does well being a Heel champion with not wanting any part of any contender. Asuka being the challenger, she better win to finally make Carmella eat her words. Tonight’s Women’s Triple Threat was great, it had all kinds of story between Mandy and Sonya, and unlike Bayley on Raw, Becky used it to her advantage and came out the winner. If Asuka better beat Carmella, Becky BETTER win the MITB, because she really needs it to help her get back in the spotlight.
The only confusion was Nakamura VS Styles. It wasn’t for a title, yet it somehow felt better than the Backlash title match. That might be more a comment on Backlash than the story as a whole, but making this match here tonight is both good and bad. It’s good because it gets people in seats and watching at home, and the match itself was genuinely good. It’s bad because it makes little sense in story. Why not just let Paige or Shane choose a stipulation for them? Or is it simply because WWE has nothing else to fill out the weeks leading to MITB? I won’t let the confusion count against the action, but it continues to make WWE’s writers and booking look content to just coast compared to all other promotions.
My Score: 8.3/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s LIVE TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.23.25
NXTNA kicks off the post-Genesis TV with a Live show! Fraxiom defend the NXT Tag Titles on TNA television against The Rascalz!
So we’re gonna be getting Live action for iMPACT for the first time in 8 years! NXTNA should bring some interesting layers with this episode. Fraxion is facing The Rascalz. We could see some stuff with 23 pay off, we could maybe get a Cora Jade appearance and who knows what else we’ve got. Genesis could’ve been the beginning of something big, but at least we make sure Hendry Mania can run wild as the TNA World Champ!
We're kicking off the night with NEW TNA World Champion @joehendry!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/EkIqqcvwIi pic.twitter.com/jORQS6swtu
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 24, 2025
Ratings:
- Rosemary, Heather & Ash by Elegance vs Masha Slamovich & Spitfire: Ash wins via Victory Roll – ** 1/2
- JDC & Moose w/Alisha Edwards vs The Hardyz: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Fraxiom (c) vs The Rascalz: Fraxiom retain via Spanish Phoenix – *** 1/4
- TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Matt Cardona: Hendry retains via Standing Ovation – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh look, Joe Hendry comes out to kick off the Live episode. Hendry says he’ll be a fighting champion and face anyone at anytime, so Santino’s music hits and we may get a surprise very soon. Oh nevermind, it’s Matt Cardona. If this was supposed to be a big reveal I don’t think it came over well.
Rosemary, Heather & Ash by Elegance vs Masha Slamovich & Spitfire
Jody and Ash start, Ash gets in a cocky slap but then a few strikes and a T-Bone suplex lead to tagging in Dani and a few assisted Slam moves and we see a near fall. Ash retreats to her corner, tags in Heather, Heather is afraid of Dani so she blind tags Rosemary. Spitfire do some tandem stuff on Rosemary and the Demon Assassin finally slips a move from Jody, shoves Jody into her corner, Heather tries to blind tag but Rosemary grabs Heather, Ash calls a timeout to explain to Rosemary that they’re a team and tags herself in. A few shortcuts that the ref conveniently can’t see and Ash tags in Rosemary cleanly. Rosemary throws Jody around, Exploder Suplex for two, and Ash tags in, hits a Snap Suplex, tries to go after Dani and Masha but Masha pops her and Jody hits a Codebreaker to tag in Masha.
Masha comes out hot and beats the hell out of Heather and Rosemary. Masha tried Requiem on Heather, but Rosemary hits the Scorpion Deathdrop, Dani Shotgun kicks Rosemary, Satellite DDT from Ash takes out Dani, Jody takes out Ash, Heather hits a John Woo Dropkick to send Jody crashing to the outside. After the signature spam, Dani gets back on the apron, Masha tags her in and Dani is taking Ash to Suplex City. Cora Jade’s music hits in the middle of the match and she hands a folder to Masha with her picture in it, like Masha used to do. Ash takes advantage of the Cora distraction and Victory Rolls Dani for the flash win. Cora makes her intentions known and the match was fine.
Northern Useless Armoury comes out to look pathetic and Josh talks. Sinner and Saint are about as impressive as a wet fart running down your legs in the middle of summer. They are pathetic and that makes this whole heel turn look worthless. Jabroni squad says Josh can’t leave and attack him. EY hits the ring to make a save, and cut an obvious promo to make a tag match. The crowd is mostly comatose, Sinner and Saint look stupid, have done nothing, and have terrible names.
JDC & Moose w/Alisha Edwards vs The Hardyz
System attacks immediately, the bell just rings, but the Hardyz reverse the Irish Whip spot, stack em in the corner and Poetry in Motion while still wearing the belt so he does the Splash version. Matt does the Delete Corner Face Smashes to JDC and turns it into the pull out of the corner Powerbomb. Extreme Elbow from Matt, Matt goes for the Twist, but JDC shoves off, Lish paws at the ankle and Moose attacks him while the ref is trying to figure out who to look at. Moose tags himself in, beats on Matt and then a few quick tags keep Matt isolated in the corner. JDC with a nice Strong Whip and Splash, tags back in Moose and Moose goes for the Camel Clutch to try and keep the pressure on but Matt starts to fight back. Moose doesn’t lose too much momentum, takes out Jeff, rocks Matt with an Uppercut into Senton and JDC tries Down and Dirty but misses! Simultaneous tags and classic Jeff Hardy offense gets a near fall that JDC has to break up.
Jeff dispatches with JDC, Moose misses Lights Out, Twist of Fate, goes for the Swanton but JDC cuts him off, Matt Twist of Fates JDC, Moose tries to pull Jeff off but gets Headbutt down and Swanton Bomb on Moose for the win! Jeff gonna go for the X Division Title now?
Twenty Three stuff happens on the tron before a commercial break, coming back Sami hits the ring calling out 23. Steph De Lander comes out to show she’s 23 because she won the Digital Media Title in the Divorce. But Sami can meet her new boyfriend, Mance Warner!
NXT Tag Team Championships: Fraxiom (c) vs The Rascalz
Axiom with a bit of World of Sport counters to the Arm Wringer, kicks Trey in the teeth, tags in Frazer and he rips across the ropes and kick Trey again, but Trey does turn things around. ACS Rush from The Rascalz. Quick tandem offense from Fraxiom with interwoven Forearm Shivers and a near fall. Axiom locks in a Sleeper and tries to ground Trey. Trey tries to fight back up but eats a Back Elbow. Tandem offense again, Double Superkicks from Fraxiom forces Wentz to break things up a little. Trey has been isolated for a while and Axiom is just keeping a solid Armbar but Trey fights up, manages to get away and hits a Rebound Switch Suplex.
Simultaneous tag and Wentz and Frazer go back and forth. Wentz has the early advantage, Knee Lift into the Rolling Snapmare Shining Wizard then the Running Corkscrew Moonsault. Axiom breaks up the Wentz offense, Fraxiom double teams Trey and takes him out with an Avalanche Total Elimination. More tandem spots from Fraxiom which end with a Brainbuster and Superkick combo but only two! Trey manages to get Frazer out of the ring, Wentz with the Back Handspring Knee Lift but everyone is down and a little gassed. Axiom tries a German, Wentz shrugs him off, Axiom Kips Up into a Superkick, Wentz goes for the UFO Cutter but eats the Superkick. Rascalz tandem Superkicking people out of the Sky, STREET SWEEPER for two! Cheeky Nandos, but Wes Lee hits the ring to distract the ref, Tyson and Tyriek attack, Spanish Fly into Phoenix Splash finish and Fraxion retain!
Solid match that hopefully leads to more stuff. Santana comes down to cut a typical man of the people babyface promo. But the biggest pop of the night (not counting the Hardyz) is when Mustafa Ali’s music hits! Ali is back! He says he signed with TNA.
Tessa comes out to cut a promo, Tully is in the crowd and cuts a decent anti-San Antonio promo. Not as good as Charles Barkley, until she mentions fat women. She’s getting a visceral negative reaction, and it’s pretty great. She basked in the heat and decent promo.
TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Matt Cardona
Slow start, shove from Joe so Matt powders and then they go into Arm Wringer World of Sport stuff, but still mostly posturing. At least the crowd is engaged. Cardona feints the Test of Strength, kicks Hendry and shoves him into the corner with Chops, but Joe no sells and lights up Cardona until Cardona sells to a different corner to hit a sneaky Forearm. Rope Run, Leapfrog spot which ends with Hendry hitting a Knee Lift into the Stalling Suplex. Cardona side steps Hendry after the Suplex and then hits a Wrecking Ball Dropkick before using his ripped t-shirt to choke Hendry and just gets yelled at a little. Cardona Crossbody from the steps, but Hendry catches him, throws him on his shoulders and Attitude Adjustment on the apron. Joe goes for another but Matt claws the eyes and whips Hendry into the steps.
Commercial happens and as soon as we’re back, Hendry hits a Sunset Flip into Locomotion Cradle spots before Cardona hits the Diving Polish Hammer to stall Hendry. Cardona locks in a Guillotine, but Hendry powers up and Vertical Suplexes out of it! A few right hands, Lariat, Sack of Shit into the Kip Up and the turn to the camera! Standing Ovation is being called, Cardona fights it off and hits the Flashback for a near fall. Reboot connects from Cardona, he tries another and gets caught, goes for a Powerbomb but Cardona Throat Chop, Missile Dropkick, Snap DDT for a near fall! Radio Silence attempts from Cardona, Hendry ducks it, Running Boot kills the referee, and Hendry hits a Pop Up Powerbomb for what would’ve been the win, but no ref. Cardona hits the Low Blow and then wanders over to the title, very slowly, looks to use it but OH MAH GAHD MAGGLE ITS JBLS! Clothesline from Hell hits Cardona and Hendry stares down JBL. Cardona recovers enough to hit Hendry with the title as Hendry was distracted by JBL existing.
Cardona tries the title again, Standing Ovation, 1-2-3.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
The effort to make this show special was apparent. Wes Lee, Tyriek and Tyson interfering, Cora Jade costing the faces a match, Mance Warner, JBL on a Live TNA, Mustafa Ali returning and Hendry bookending the show is good stuff. Lapsed viewers or WWE fans got to see a lot of people they recognize, sure Steph De Lander’s whole explanation was moronic, Cardona was a fart in church and JDC not eating the pinfall seems silly unless it truly does lead to a Jeff Hardy X Division challenge. But the effort was all there.
There were no real production hiccups or audio problems, the crowd was receptive to the important things, Tessa got booed out of the building but steered into it and embraced the hate. Now she just needs to walk out with a Real American Beer or have Hulk and Tully escort her out for Slammiversary or BFG, and it will truly just steer so hard into the skid people might pop for the acknowledgement.
But it was a fun show, yes the Josh stuff is stupid. The Knockouts aren’t in a great spot (but the NXT help will bolster that), and JBL is still confusing…but the show was entertaining.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Honor Club hits a new landmark!
ROH on Honor Club hits Episode 100! And to make this big deal a bigger deal, QT Marshall challenges Komander for the ROH World TV Championship! Will QT bring the DOOM~?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- ROH World Television Championship: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS QT Marshall; Komander wins and retains the title.
- Leila Grey VS Marti Belle; Leila wins.
- The Outrunners VS Jon Cruz & Rosario Grillo; The Outrunners win.
- The Beast Mortos VS Lord Crewe; Mortos wins.
- ROH Rewind – ROH World Tag Team Championships: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal VS CIMA & Shingo Takagi; Daniels & Sydal win and retain the titles.
- Taya Valkyrie w/ Deonna Purrazzo VS Lady Frost; Taya wins.
- The Gates of Agony VS Jay Lucas & Terry Yaki; Gates of Agony win.
- Katsuyori Shibata VS Shane Taylor w/ Shane Taylor Promotions; Shibata wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Mark Briscoe speaks.
“Mark Briscoe here, ROH pioneer, one half of #DemBoys, the baddest tag team of all time, baby! Former 13-time ROH Tag Team Champions. Hey, here we are, ROH episode 100. Here’s to 100 more, and then 100 more, and then 100 more, and then 100 more! HAAAH!” The Sussex County Chicken has the right idea. What will be in store for ROH after making it to this milestone?
ROH World Television Championship: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS QT Marshall!
If we’re talking Episode 100 of ROH TV here on Honor Club, then of course this title needs to be defended! Though if you were to ask “Big Doom QT,” he’d say he’s the reason this episode is a big deal. Will QT at least back up that ego with actions? Or will the Commander of the Skies continue to command respect?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the Face of ROH TV!
The fans chant “QT SUCKS! QT SUCKS!” QT gets on the corner to show off with a backflip, but the fans say, “You Still Suck!” QT skips the Code of Honor, the bell rings, and QT circles with Komander. They tie up, QT waistlocks, and he SLAMS Komander! The fans boo but QT flips Komander, only for Komander to do a 360. QT is annoyed, he just wanted 180. QT flips Komander over again, but Komander kips up and arm-drags hard! The fans fire up as Komander has the double wristlock. QT is annoyed again and he fights up. QT powers out, but Komander slips under the lariat! Komander UP KICKS, then he KICKS away on QT’s leg!
QT ROCKS Komander with a forearm! Komander goes to a corner, the fans boo, but QT whips. Komander goes up, headscissors, but QT puts Komander on the apron. Komander feints high to RAM QT low, then he slingshots up and over. Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, wheelbarrows, but QT counters with a back suplex. Komander lands out, waistlocks, and he shoves QT to ropes. QT bucks the O’Conner, but then Komander slips around the lariat to sunset flip! QT flails to stay up, and he grabs Komander with both hands! QT YANKS Komander up, but Komander RANAS QT away! The fans fire up and Komander runs in, but only gets buckles!
QT runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Komander goes up to CROSSBODY, but QT catches him! QT shakes his head, swings Komander around, BACKBREAKER to FLATLINER! Did QT just copy the Lethal Combination? The fans boo while Komander is dazed, but QT drags Komander up to TOSS him out. QT goes out to then bring Komander to railing, and he CHOPS! Komander is stinging but the fans rally up. QT brings Komander around, pushes him to the apron, then has him against a corner. Komander ducks and the CHOP hits POST! QT clutches that hand, but he still CHOPS Komander! QT puts Komander in the ring, then storms up to the apron.
QT steps in for a springboard ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Komander is still in this and the fans rally up. Abrahantes coaches Komander and he rallies the fans. QT drags Komander up but Komander RAMS him in the ropes, then fires body shots! Komander CHOPS, then whips. QT reverses and POP-UP FOREARMS! Komander staggers, QT brings him around, and QT suplexes. FALCON ARROW, then a LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Komander survives and QT is furious! QT clamps on with a chinlock, but he claws at the mask! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but QT stops at 4. QT brings Komander to a corner and hoists him up.
The fans rally again while QT climbs up after Komander. QT CLAWS the mask again! Komander fires elbows, QT steps back, but then QT pulls Komander back. QT CHOPS Komander into the Tree of Woe! The fans boo but QT runs up, only for Komander to BOOT him while upside-down! QT staggers, but he comes back, only for Komander to sit up! QT POSTS himself, then falls to the floor! Komander runs, goes up and up, ESCALARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Komander puts QT in the ring, aims again, springboard and CROSSBODY! Komander keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges to roll and FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
QT survives and Komander grows frustrated, but Abrahantes coaches him. The fans rally up, and Komander has QT in the drop zone. Komander goes corner to corner, goes up and up, MOONSAULT but into BOOTS! QT takes Komander out of the skies, and he calls for DDP’s inheritance! DIAMOND- NO, Komander backslides QT! TWO!! QT escapes, Komander dodges, and Komander springboards, into a DIAMOND CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and QT is shocked! The fans fire up and sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” QT goes out and he talks trash on Cincinnati. QT grabs the belt! The fans boo but QT goes to the apron!
The ref stops QT, and Abrahantes snatches the belt back! QT is pissed, but Komander springboards! RAN- NO! QT stops that, and he pops Komander up, only for Komander to SUNSET BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! QT survives but Komander hurries to the apron! The fans fire up again as Komander climbs. Komander tightrope walks, but Komander rolls out to the ramp! Komander just changes course, 450- NO, QT moves again! Komander rolls through the splash, but QT runs up to BOOT him! The fans boo but QT looms over Komander. QT brings Komander up and reels him in. QT lifts to a Canadian Rack, but Abrahantes says don’t do it!
The ref also says stop, so QT drops Komander. QT BODY BLOWS Abrahantes! The fans boo more, that was uncalled for! QT just grins and soaks up the heat. But Komander uses Abrahantes as a step to MEXICAN DESTROYER on the ramp!! Komander hurries to go up, up, and FLYING DESTROYER!! QT is back in the drop zone and Komander climbs! The fans are thunderous for CIELITO LINDO!! Cover, Komander wins!
Winner: Komander, by pinfall (still ROH World Television Champion)
QT tried to bring The Doom, but he got a bit full of himself. Well, what else is new? But wait, Lee Johnson walks out here. Big Shotty applauds Komander’s win, but says he’s got next. Komander says he’s game. When and where will we see these two fight for the spotlight here on Honor Club?
Athena speaks.
“Hello, Minions. Now I know you weren’t about to celebrate my show, the 100th episode of ROH on Honor Club without me, the most important part. The Fallen Goddess, the Minion Overlord, the American Joshi, the inspiration to every division, the ROH Gatekeeper, but most importantly, the Forever ROH Women’s World Champion. Now, I know I’ve been away on business, the Athena World~ Tour~! I know it was amazing, it was beautiful, and still your Forever Champion, Athena, So very soon, I will be back to show the world why I am the most dominant champion in all of pro-wrestling, and why it is my show! HAHAHAHA! See you soon.”
ROH Rewind – ROH World Tag Team Championships: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal VS CIMA & Shingo Takagi!
To honor the Fallen Angel retiring from in-ring action, we flashback to December 22, 2006, and the ROH International Challenge! Daniels & Sydal took on the Dragon Gate duo, did things get Crazy MAX? Or did Daniels & Sydal defend their titles as well as homefield?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who wins the International Challenge!
The Code of Honor is upheld, the teams sort out, and Daniels starts against Shingo. The fans rally up and the two circle. Daniels and Shingo feel things out, tie up, then Shingo powers Daniels to a corner. The ref counts, Shingo lets off slowly, but Daniels keeps cool. They reset and feel things out again. They knuckle lock, break, then tie up again. Shingo waistlocks, and Shingo SLAMS Daniels down. Shingo facelocks but Daniels slips out to wrench the arm. Shingo rolls, Daniels keeps on the arm, but Shingo rolls again. Shingo trips Daniels, steps through and has the toehold. Daniels endures and the fans rally up.
Daniels moves around, turns over, and he trips Shingo to then get the headlock. Shingo fights up, powers out, but Daniels RAMS shoulders! Shingo roars and the fans fire up! Daniels runs, he RAMS Shingo again, but Shingo rebounds to RUN Daniels over! Things keep moving, and Shingo RUNS Daniels over again! Daniels stays low, then hurdles, but Shingo still RUNS him over! The fans are torn while Shingo flexes. Shingo drags Daniels up, reels him in, but Daniels fights the suplex. Shingo fires body shots, suplexes, but Daniels lands out! Daniels ducks ‘n’ dodges, then he flying SHOULDER TACKLES! Down goes Shingo!
Daniels wrenches an arm, tags Sydal, and they mug Shingo. Sydal wrenches to wristlock, then he slips around to arm-drag! Sydal has the armlock but Shingo endures. Shingo fights up, powers Sydal to ropes, but the ref counts. Shingo lets off, and he CHOPS! The fans fire up, Shingo whips, but Sydla reverses. Sydal leaps, but into Shingo’s arms! Sydal fights free, then arm-drags! Sydal RAMS Shingo, Shingo rebounds, but into a WHEEL KICK! Shingo tags in Cima! The fans fire up and Cima circles with Sydal. They tie up, Sydal waistlocks but Cima switches. Sydal switches, nelsons, and hip tosses!
Sydal rolls to bring Cima up but Cima arm-drags, RAMS, and then he avoids the dropkick! Sydal avoids the elbow drop! Tag to Daniels and Cima gets to his feet! The fans rally up as Cima and Daniels circle. They tie up but Cima trips Daniels. Things speed up, Daniels hurdles but Cima leaps over. Daniels arm-drags! Cima arm-drags! Daniels arm-drags again! Then Daniels avoids Cima! The fans fire up and Daniels cheers himself on. But then he turns around into an arm-drag! The fans fire up as Cima arm-drags, then he blocks a kick! Cima spins Daniels, throws him down, and SCRAPES Daniels’ face! Then DOUBLE STOMPS him in the chest!
The fans fire up and Cima looms over Daniels. NECK TWIST! Tag to Shingo and Shingo stomps Daniels around. Shingo snapmares Daniels and clamps on a chinbar with a chicken wing. Daniels endures, so Shingo ELBOWS him in the shoulder! Shingo stomps Daniels more, then drags him onto ropes. Shingo CHOKES Daniels, stops as the ref counts, and he CHOPS Daniels on the back! Shingo scoops and SLAMS, then covers, ONE!! Daniels is tough but Shingo brings him to the corner. Tag to Cima, they mug Daniels, then double whip. They DOUBLE SHOULDER, and double flex! The fans fire up and Cima stomps Daniels.
Cima keeps Daniels from Sydal with a chinlock, and then shifts to a chinbar and chicken wing. Cima throws down elbow after elbow, then he stands Daniels up. Daniels fires body shots, but Cima CLAWS the eyes! Daniels flounders to the ropes but Cima stalks him. Cima stomps Daniels while the fans duel, but Daniels fires body shots! Cima CLUBS Daniels down! Cima SLAPS Daniels on the top of his head! Cima stands Daniels up again but Daniels fires shots, Cima whips, Daniels reverses, but Cima ducks ‘n’ dodges, only to run into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Tag to Sydal, he and Daniels mug Cima!
Sylda stomps Cima, snapmares him, and has the motorcycle stretch. Cima endures as Sydal pulls those arms back. Shingo storms in but the ref stops him from going after Sydal. Cima fights up but Sydal snapmares him back down. Sydal drags Cima back with chicken wings, and Daniels tags in. The champs mug Cima more, and then they double scoop SLAM! Daniels scoops Sydal to SLAM him into Cima! Cover, TWO! Daniels brings Cima up, ROCKS him, then whips. CALF KICK! Cover, Shingo breaks it! The fans are torn but Daniels tags Sydal. Daniels lifts Cima, Sydal springboards, ELBOW DROP BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, Shingo breaks it again!
The ref reprimands but the fans rally up. Sydal stomps Cima, drags him up, and then scoops. Sydal SLAMS Cima, goes up a corner, and calls his shot! CANNONBALL, but Cima moves! Sydal crashes hard, and then Cima adds DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans fire up while Cima keeps Sydal from Daniels. Tag to Shingo, and Cima feeds Sydal to a BOOT! Sydal flops to the apron but Shingo drags him in. Shingo stands on Sydal at the ropes, steps off as the ref counts, but then stands on Sydal again! Shingo steps off again, CLUBS Sydal, then whips Sydal to ropes. Fireman’s carry into a SWINGING SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Shingo keeps Sydal down with a HALF CRAB! Sydal endures, but Shingo drags him back for the stepover! Shingo has the toehold, and then he pulls on Sydal’s hair! The ref reprimands, Sydal finds the ROPEBREAK, and Shingo lets go. Shingo drags Sydal up to CLUB him! Sydal hobbles, Shingo CHOPS him! Shingo tags Cima and Cima brings Sydal around to RAM into the ropes! Cima holds Sydal up, Shingo runs, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Now Shingo holds Sydal up and Cima climbs, DRAPING DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans fire up while Sydal flounders out of the ring. Shingo drags Sydal up to RAM him into the railing!
Shingo brings Sydal around, puts him in, and Cima covers, TWO! Sydal survives but he flounders for his corner. Cima clamps onto Sydal with a full nelson! Sydal endures, the fans rally, and Sydal fights up. Cima powers Sydal to the corner, Shingo holds him against the buckles, and Cima lets go to run and DROPKICK Sydal in the butt! The fans fire up while Sydal falls in a heap! Cima drags Sydal out to YANK the leg! Sydal clutches that knee, rolls for his corner, but Cima stays in his way! Cima digs his knee into the knee, and he pulls on that leg! Sydal endures this modified Calf Killer, but then Cima BITES that leg!
The ref reprimands, Cima stops biting so he can stomp Sydal. The fans rally up, but Cima grabs the bad leg to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Sydal hobbles up to CHOP! Cima KICKS the bad leg! Cima mocks the pain while Shingo gets cheap shots in. Cima STOMPS the bad leg! Cima again mocks Sydal, then stomps the leg again. Cima says they are the new champions! The fans fire up but Sydal is headed for his corner! Cima drags Sydal back, tags Shingo, and Shingo suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Shingo clamps onto Sydal with a chinlock. Sydal endures, fights up, and he fires body shots!
Sydal is free, he runs, but into a SLEEPER! Shingo SWINGS Sydal to then SLAM him down! The fans fire up and Shingo drags Sydal up. Tag to Cima, and Cima BLASTS Daniels! Shingo ROCKS Sydal, the ref keeps Daniels out, and Blood Generation double whip, to DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER, and then they wheelbarrow Sydal for a CODE BREAKER! Shingo hauls Sydal back up, Cima hits a CUTTER! Shingo covers, but Daniels breaks it! The fans fire up but Shingo stands on Sydal’s leg. Sydal fires body shots but Shingo CLUBS Sydal! Sydal CHOPS, Shingo fires a forearm, repeat! Shingo fires a flurry, then waistlocks.
Sydal fights the German Suplex, and makes it a DDT! Cima goes up, leaps, but into a DROPKICK! Hot tag to Daniels! Daniels rallies on CIma and Shingo with elbows and LARIATS! Daniels sends Cima into Shingo, then STO DDT COMBO!! The fans fire up and Daniels climbs! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Daniels whips, Shingo reverses, but Daniels dodges to CLUB and TOSS Shingo! Daniels goes to the apron but Shingo YANKS him down! Shingo goes up, but Sydal BLASTS Shingo! Sydal builds speed but Cima trips him! Slingshot SENTON for Sydal, and a DIVE for Daniels! The fans fire up, but now Sydal is climbing!
Sydal aims to ARIHARA MOONSAULT them all! The fans are thunderous for “ROH! ROH!” in Hartford! Sydal rises and he puts Cima in. Sydal O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Cima shoves Sydal, but Sydal slips around, SLICE! Cover, TWO! Cima survives, and Shingo hauls Sydal up! Shingo CHOPS, then whips. Sydal reverses, runs in, but into a BOOT! Shingo goes up, but Sydal jumps! Shingo blocks the Super Steiner!! And he holds Sydal upside-down for Cima to BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans are thunderous again as Shingo hauls Sydal up. Shingo scoops but Sydal fights free! Sydal puts Shingo in a corner, runs up, but Shingo dodges!
Sydal goes up and SUNSET FLIPS! Shingo rolls through, high stacks, and deadlifts, BUCKLE BOMB! Cima goes after Daniels while Shingo GUT WRENCH POWERBOMBS!! Cover, Daniels breaks it! Daniels kicks Cima, runs, but Cima drop toeholds Daniels into a DEATH LOCK! Cima SNAPS the lock again and again! Sydal runs in, but Cima catches him! SNAP SUPLEX SNAP LOCK COMBO!! The fans are thunderous again as Cima stalks Daniels. Cima whips Daniels to a corner, runs up, but Daniels dodges the knees! ENZIGIRI! But Shingo whips Daniels! Daniels rolls off Shingo’s back, CODE BREAKER!
Daniels fireman’s carries Shingo, and throws him into the dragon sleeper! Sydal goes up, CROSSBODY DDT COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Shingo survives and Cima attacks Sydal! Daniels ROCKS Cima and puts him up top! SHOTEI! Daniels wrenches Cima but Cima breaks free! Cima flying sunset flips, rolls through, and he puts Daniels up top! SHOTEI, and then ICONOCLASM! The fans fire up as Cima hooks a leg! AOI SHODO! Cover, TWO!! Daniels survives but Cima goes to the apron. Cima springboards, but Daniels fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Shingo runs up, but into a FLATLINER! KOJI KLUTCH!!
Shingo endures, Cima is up top! FROG SPLASH onto Daniels! Sydal DEEP IMPACT DDTS Cima!! Shingo PUMPING BOMBERS Sydal!! The fans are electric as all four men are down! Shingo rises, runs, “This is Awesome!” as Shingo LARIATS Sydal out! LARIAT for Daniels! Cima goes up, Shingo Electric Chair Lifts! CROSSBODY DOOMSDAY! Shingo hauls Daniels up again, STAY DREAM!! Cover, SYDAL BREAKS IT! Cima stomps Sydal out of the ring and Shingo drags Daniels up! Another pump handle, but Daniels slips free! They trade waistlock for waistlock, Cima aims! Daniels ducks and the SUPERKICK hits Shingo!!
Sydal TOSSES Cima! URENAGE for Shingo! BEST MOONSAULT EVER, and the SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Daniels & Sydal win!!
Winners: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal, by pinfall (still ROH World Tag Team Champions)
Their first defense was an instant classic, and this reign of Daniels & Sydal would continue until February 24, 2007, losing to Mark & Jay Briscoe. With The Fallen Angel now leaving the boots in the ring, we can all say #ThankYouDaniels for a career full of honor.
Backstage interview with Leila Grey.
Lexy Nair is with the Top Flight Attendant and congratulates her on her first win of 2025. How is Leila going to keep this momentum going? Leila is all fired up, and she said that New Year, New Me. She is coming out guns blazing, and expects many more wins this year. Including some championship gold. And speaking of gold, she thinks it is time to challenge for something real. You know what she wants? The ROH Women’s Television Championship! Red Velvet, we see you holding that. But it is time for a real baddie to take the stand. So what does Red say? Next week, Red VS Grey for the Women’s TV Championship.
And “spoiler alert,” Leila’s taking that title. Get it? Got it? Good. Leila is ready to reach that next level, but will The Chef already cook up a fresh L for Leila?
Jacked Jameson is backstage.
The Iron Savages’ front man says he’s jacked, he’s stoked, this is gonna be sweet! His “homies” are over here, he’ll start a new group, it’ll be so sweet! Jameson walks over to Preston Vance, Griff Garrison & Cole Karter and says wassup, dudes! Uh, yeah… Well, alright, they’re looking shredded! Jacked to the gills! Check that chest! Vance is huge! So anyway, Jameson’s starting up a new group, it’s gonna be sweet! It’ll be a fraternity. No, wait, it’ll be THE Fraternity! There’ll be chicks, parties, it’ll be sweet, dude. Okay, they do dig chicks… And they are pretty jacked. No high-fives, bro. Jameson puts his hand down.
But see, Vance and the guys already get a lot of chicks, and already go to a lot of parties, so… Okay, okay, fair enough. But that’s just part of it. A very important part, but there’s more to it. The three of them have been a bit lost in the shuffle, and what they’re missing is discipline and focus. Jameson can be the guy to get them there. But hey, it’ll be awesome. Chicks, parties, titles, money! It’ll be so sweet! The Fraternity! The four of them will be unstoppable. Uh, sure… Just give them some time to think about it. Okay, bros! No, they’re not bros. Jameson goes off to the side, and the trio talks it out.
Griff votes they kick Jameson’s ass. Karter says that’s a good option, and Vance agrees. Jameson is a total idiot, but hey, they could at least hear him out. And then they can kick his ass! Vance calls Jameson back over, and Jameson’s all pumped. Vance says they considered his offer, and they will… think about it. See you around. Yeah, sure, bro! Chicks, money, parties- Yeah, yeah, they know, they know. Okay, okay. Do they want him to hang out? He can take his shirt off like them. No, no, that’s not needed. Okay, okay. Are there chicks coming? Y-Yeah, for them. With an Uber. Oh, okay, so they’re headed out? Alright.
Jameson still offers a high-five but no one is taking. Well, okay, next week! It’ll be awesome! The Fraternity! Jameson heads out and Karter says they should just kick his ass. Vance says yeah, that’s definitely the plan. But will Vance, Karter & Griff steal that idea and become the frat boys of ROH?
Chris Jericho speaks.
“Hi, guys~! Who can believe it? The 100th episode of ROH, available now at WatchROH.com. Think about this: 100 episodes of ROH, with 100 great moments from Chris Jericho, your ROH World Champion. And when I think of all of my favorite ROH moments, I mean there’s that one. And this one, and so many moments, who can even decide? You guys should form your own playlist: The Top Ten Moments of Chris Jericho in ROH! What’s it gonna be? I wanna know. Think of all the great ROH champions that have had the chance to influence and be with. All the great ROH champions in ROH history!
“From Chris Jericho to Samoa Joe, to The Learning Tree, to Bryan Danielson, to The King of New York, to Mark Briscoe, to The Nueve, to my personal favorite, Jay Briscoe, and so many more. So congratulations, ROH, on your 100th episode, El Ciento, from El Neuve. That’s me. Thanks, guys!” Jericho taking more credit than he deserves aside, what moments will we see be made across the next 100 episodes of ROH on Honor Club?
Katsuyori Shibata VS Shane Taylor w/ Shane Taylor Promotions!
Episode 100 ends with a huge match-up between the former ROH Pure Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion! Will The Wrestler look to win his way to a new title opportunity? Or will Big Bad Shaney T. show Shibata how to rumble, bad man, rumble?
The Code of Honor is skipped, the bell rings, and the fans fire up. The fans chant “SHI-BA-TA!” but The Infantry adds “SUCKS!” Shibata and Shane tie up, are in a deadlock, but Shane finds a point of leverage with his heigh and size. The ref counts, Shane lets off slowly, and he says, “They said you were a Japanese legend. All I see is a little Japanese b*tch!” The fans boo but Shibata SLAPS Shane! The fans fire up, Shane takes a swing, but Shibata dodges! Shibata CHOPS, then he eggs Shane on. Shane CHOPS, Shibata CHOPS, repeat! Neither man is backing down so the CHOPS keep going! Shibata even leans into the shots!
Shibata then ROCKS Shibata with a forearm! Shibata fires a flurry in the corner, then runs. But Shane is up to UPPERCUT! Shane shakes off the shots from Shibata while Shibata goes to the apron. Shibata stands, and Shane LARIATS him down! The fans boo but The Infantry talks smack. Shane storms out, drags Shibata up, and whips him into the railing! Shibata falls in a heap and Shane talks smack on the fans. Shane goes into the ring, he argues with the ref, but that lets The Infantry whips Shibata into the railing! Carlie Bravo mocks Shibata, “I bet that really hurt!” Shane goes out to fetch Shibata and HEADBUTTS him!
Shane puts Shibata on the apron, then CLUBS him in the chest! Shane goes up to the apron, then lines up a shot. GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Shibata sputters and Shawn Dean says THIS is a man right here! Bravo says that hurts so bad! Shane tells Shibata to send this message back to NJPW. Shibata flops to the floor but Shane stands him up. Shane ROCKS Shibata! Shibata falls again and Shane stands on him. Shane talks trash, but the fans rally up for Shibata. Shane brings Shibata around but Shibata fires body shots. Shane ROCKS Shibata again! Shane puts Shibata in, then storms back up for a cover, TWO!
Shibata shows his toughness but Shane clamps onto him with a chinlock. The fans rally as Shibata endures. Shibata fights up, fires body shots, and he fires forearms! Shibata runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the SOUTHPAW finds him! Cover, ONE!! Shibata survives but Shane seethes. Shane talks smack on the fans, then he storms up on Shibata. Shibata stands so Shane gets in his face. Shane BODY BLOWS, but Shibata growls! Shane BODY BLOWS again, but Shibata steps to him! Shane fires forearm after forearm, then he goes corner to corner. But Shibata dodges! Shane hits buckles, Shibata BOOTS him!
Shibata CHOPS! And CHOPS! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Shibata stands Shane up for more MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Shibata then goes corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Shibata stands Shane up, SNAP HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Shane shows that toughness but Shibata stays close. STP coaches Shane on but Shibata fires hands! Shibata runs, but into a BODY BLOW! Shibata kicks, Shane blocks, and Shane KNEES! Shibata roars, Shane ROCKS him! Shane tucks Shibata in, MARCUS GARVEY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Shane is shocked that Shibata survives, but Cincy is all fired up!
STP tells Shane to hit him with the deal! Shane scoops Shibata, but Shibata slips free! Shibata CHOPS, and has the SLEEPER!! Shane flails but he’s caught! Shane reaches out, but Shibata slips under to SAIDO!! And back to the SLEEPER!! Shane fights up, but Shibata squeezes tight! Shane fades, and Shibata sits him down! Shibata runs to PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall
Shane put up a fight worthy of Strong Style, but Shibata epitomizes Strong Style! Will Shibata keep this momentum going until he also epitomizes ROH? Wait, Bravo slips in, and then Dean and Moriarty step up. They mug Shibata! The fans boo but STP keeps on The Wrestler 3v1! Shane winds up, and he DECKS Shibata! Then Moriarty hands Shane a chair! The Infantry stomp Shibata while Shane sets the chair down. Shane tells Shibata they’ll end his career! Shane winds up, but DANIEL GARCIA is here! The TNT Champion is an ally to The Wrestler, he will not stand for this! But that’s a 4v1 situation.
WAIT WHAT!? The Undisputed Kingdom is here!? Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly, all former ROH World Champions, stand with Red Death, and they storm into the ring! STP goes into a tactical retreat, but clearly the battlelines have been drawn! Will ROH belong to Shane Taylor Promotions? Or will it once again be undisputed?
Don Callis speaks.
Scummy Callis is with his Alpha, Konosuke Takeshita, and says that was a great win for Shibata. Very impressive! Shibata is a former ROH Pure Champion, has been champion all over the world, and is one of the best Japanese wrestlers of all time. But you know who you’re not greater than? THE ALPHA! Konosuke Takeshita is THE greatest product to come out of Japan! Bigger than Rikidozan! Bigger than Inoki! Bigger than Baba! Bigger than Kobashi! And yeah, bigger than Shibata. So if Shibata has the guts to test himself against the AEW International Champion, show up at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, the home of AEW, this Saturday!
And if he does, they’ll send him home in a body bag! Tell ’em, Take-san! Konosuke tells Shibata that this Saturday, he will show Shibata who is THE ALPHA! Shobu da, konoyaro! Callis is fired up for this one, but will The Wrestler become a champion in AEW for Homecoming?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode for ROH being that this is episode 100, but it isn’t exactly what I was hoping for given it’s episode 100, either. For one, we got only one (new) title match and it wasn’t even the main event. QT VS Komander was still a lot of fun, and that was still a great win for Komander. Lee Johnson stepping up for the next shot is cool, he was aiming for this title for most of 2024 and always falling short. I don’t know if he actually takes that title from Komander, but maybe now that he’s a Heel, he has EJ Nduka help him cheat that title off Komander. And then we only got promos from Jericho and Athena, not even real appearances, but I suppose that’s to bide time while contenders are built.
The only other title match we got was a replay from way back when Daniels & Sydal were a team and Shingo Takagi was a young Muscle Hawk in Dragon Gate. That was a great match, but even that can be seen as filler like the rest of the matches tonight. Still good wins for everyone, and Leila calling out Red Velvet is some good stuff. I would think Red Velvet wins again because we’re waiting on Velvet VS LEGIT Leyla Hirsch. Jacked Jameson wanting a new faction out of nowhere seems disappointing. There was a time when The Iron Savages could’ve become something more than comedic hosses, but TK dropped the ball there. That said, Vance, Griff & Karter is a good trio, I hope they become what Iron Savages (and other trios out there really) could’ve been.
Shibata VS Shane was a great main event, and Shibata winning is like a 51-49 surprising, if only because Shane and STP are being built up to try and take over ROH. However, I do appreciate we’re getting crossover between AEW and ROH again as Garcia and The Undisputed Kingdom show up to save Shibata. We could get a great 8 man Tag of Garcia & Kingdom VS STP that then sets up a lot of other matches. Callis & Konosuke having the last word was an interesting move, but word did come out before this episode aired (another fumble) that we were getting Konosuke VS Shibata for the International Championship, so it works that this promo makes it official. Konosuke VS Shibata could steal the show on Saturday, but I would think Konosuke wins.
My Score: 8.6/10
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