Coverage

Andrew’s Ratings & Review: WWE Money in the Bank

Published

7 years ago

June 17, 2018

Money in the Bank is the unofficial, fifth largest PPV in the WWE Big 4. We’re guaranteed at least two somewhat entertaining spectacles of matches, so the insurance of having at least two decent matches is nice.

Will this underwhelm like many of the 2018 PPVs have, or will we finally get some good payoffs coupled with solid matches? Let’s find out.

Bludgeon Brothers vs Gallows & Anderson

Starts off with Gallows unleashing a flurry of strikes, then Harper gets hung up in the ropes as the action spills outside.Bludgeon brothers slowly get the advantage dropping Gallows onto the ramp and Anderson across the apron, as they roll back in the ring, and head to commercial.

Coming back from the break the Bludgeon Brothers are still in control, working Karl Anderson over. Gallows is still down on the outside and Anderson keeps trying to mount a comeback, but is immediately stopped by either member of the Bludgeons in the ring. An Irish Whip into the corner goes awry for the Bludgeons. Anderson catches Harper with a Spinebuster and finally Gallows gets to the apron for the hot tag. A few nice kicks and a Pumphandle Slam on Harper give the Good Brothers a distinct advantage for the first time all match.

Harper connects with a Big Boot as Rowen distracts them, Gallows and Anderson gofor Magic Killer, Rowen breaks it up, and they hit their assisted Powerbomb finisher. Bludgeon Brothers retain in a fairly, by the numbers and uninspired match.

Winner: Bludgeon Brothers via Tandem Powerbomb

Rating: **

Big Cass vs Daniel Bryan

D-Bry pushes Cass into the corner and tries to bring him down with strikes, but Cass throws him off. The beginning is very much Bryan trying to chop down the tree.But he gets caught going over the turnbuckle and thrown into the barricade.

Bryan slowly gets back in the ring, but Cass maintains most of the control. Big Boots, hip attacks, splashes in the corner. But Daniel catches him with a Drop Toehold into the middle turnbuckle and keeps trying to chop down Cass with Round Kicks and Dragon Screw Leg Whips. Since Daniel has the control, he’s showing more aggression and repeatedly throws Cass’ injured left leg into the ring post. Bryan sells out for a big dive, driving Cass into the barricade, but on the way back in, Cass starts to put some offense together.

Avalanche Fall Away Slam from Cass for a 2 count. Cass follows up with a Torture Rack, into a big slam for another near fall. Then Cass misses a Big Boot, getting hung up in the ropes. Chop Block from Daniel, and then he goes for his Yes Kicks. Bryan lands the Buzzsaw Kick, goes for a running kick, but gets caught with a Pop-Up Big Boot, for yet another 2 count. Torture Rack number two from Cass, but Bryan lands on his feet, hits that signature Running Knee and gets caught in the Heel Hook. Cass tries to get to the ropes, but taps.

Meh, this match was what you expected it to be. Nothing special, but not totally awful.

Winner: Daniel Bryan via Heel Hook

Rating: ** 1/4

Sami Zayn vs Bobby Lashley

Zayn plays keep away for a while, Lashley chases him but Sami takes a few short cuts to get the early advantage on the outside.

Sami attempted to get a count out victory twice, but Bobby isn’t even close to being beat enough. Sami keeps laying in right hands, until Lashley catches the fist and hits a big Running Lariat. Zayn goes for a Crossbody, but Lashley catches him into a Fallaway Slam. Then we get multiple spots in the corner with Lashley hitting some running shoulder blocks and lariats. Huge Spinebuster off the ropes, into the Stalling Vertical Suplex, but Bobby doesn’t go for a cover.

Lashley goes for a Backbreaker variation, another Vertical Suplex, still no cover. Finally after doing it again, Backbreaker into Suplex, he picks up the pinfall victory.

This match was worthless.

Winner: Bobby Lashley via Stalling Vertical Suplex

Rating: *

Intercontinental Championship Match: Seth Rollins (c) vs Elias

Starts off slow with Rollins hitting a Hammerlock Takedown, and they do the whole slow ‘working hold’ way to build the match. Elias gets out of it and lands a few strikes, Rollins eventually catches him with a Dropkick, causing Elias to powder out, but Seth goes for the Plancha to the outside.

Heading back into the ring, Rollins hits a Springboard Lariat and keeps working Elias over, little by little. Elias catches Rollins with a big Lariat on the apron, then rams his head into the apron and works over the neck. Snap DDT, and a 2 count for Elias. Elias sinks in a Cobra Clutch, slowly wearing down Rollins, and cleverly staying on the neck area. A little more back and forth once Seth breaks out, then hits a Suicide Dive. Second rope Blockbuster from Rollins for the near fall. Rollins’ knee buckles mid leap frog, and Elias hits a kneestrike for only 2. Electric Chair attempt from Elias, as Seth slips out but sells the knee, as Elias rolls him up for 2 again.

Seth hits a combination of strikes, slowly building momentum, Elias tries to counter it, but Seth manages to hit his Thrust Kick as Elias is recovering from a rollup .Frog Splash attempt from Seth, but only hits Elias’ knees and then a counter cradle into a 2 count. Elias goes to the top rope, most likely for his Macho Man Elbow, but Seth cuts him off. Superplex into Falcon Arrow from Seth for a very close 2 count.

Blackout attempt, Elias moves, catches Rollins’ Suicide Dive attempt, rams him into the barricade, post and stairs. Finally hitting the Macho Man Elbow, for a near fall. Seth is basically dead weight, laying him on the top turnbuckle, but Rollins goes for Sunset Power Bomb, Elias goes for Drift Away, an exchange of rollups, Rollins gets the cradle with a handful of tights.

So Elias pushed Rollins to the point of cheating. Should be an interesting story device.

Winner: Seth Rollins via Cradle

Rating: *** 3/4

Women’s Money in the Bank Match

Hoo-Hoo-Hulla-Baloo! People get dumped left and right, Becky kicks a ladder into Charlotte’s face, but gets caught by Ember Moon before the ladder gets in the ring. Ember than rams Natty into the steps.

Sasha stops a Drop Toehold into the ladder, but Ember hits a nice Springboard Crossbody, sending Sasha crashing into the ladder. Ember keeps a lot of early momentum until Lana hits an X Factor on Ember, into the corner of the ladder. Natty comes in, nearly gets the ladder dropped on her, takes out Lana, drops Naomi on the ladder, split first and dropkicks her out of the ring. Charlotte comes in, hits an Exploder Suplex on Natalya and goes for the ladder, but Becky shows up to stop her.

Tug of War with the ladder, Naomi jumps off the ladder onto Natty, then kicks the ladder into both Becky and Charlotte. Bliss tries to pull the ladder out, but Naomi hits a Plancha to get rid of Bliss, and then a Blockbuster from the apron to the floor, as the action pauses.

Naomi dropkicks the ladder into Becky Lynch, as Ember and her then square off. Naomi goes to try and Monkey Flip Ember into the ladder, but Ember flips out, and then Hip Tosses Naomi into the ladder. Sasha enters, stacks Ember and Lana on top of a ladder propped in the corner and hits double knees, on the stacked up opponents. Charlotte cuts off Sasha before she can climb the ladder. After a brief trash talk spot, they both try to run up the same side of the ladder, goofy spot, which turns into them knocking each other off, then Charlotte hits a Neckbreaker on Sasha for the advantage.

Sasha counters a Razor’s Edge by landing on the ladder, Natty pulls off Charlotte, Becky shakes Sasha down as she falls into Natty, Bliss pulls down Becky, Banks pulls off Bliss, as they then both slowly climb. Becky takes Alexa off, and the strikes on the ladder start. Lana sets up a taller ladder as Bliss keeps attacking Lynch. Six women on two ladders, let’s see how this ends. Natty Slingshot Powerbomb on Sasha into the ladder and knock the ladder over. Charlotte Powerbombs Ember into a Ladder leaning in the corner. Charlotte takes out Lana, and then goes after Bliss, but Bliss hits a Code Red on Charlotte.

Bliss and Lana are the only two up right now. Bliss is the best wrestler standing at the moment, go figure. Lana kicks the taste out of Alexa’s mouth and then locks in the Accolade. Naomi springboards onto the ladder, Naomi has the briefcase, but can’t take it down, as Becky Lynch takes Naomi down.

Becky has a shot, but Charlotte sprints up the ladder. Small stare down, and then Bliss topples the ladder. Charlotte takes out Alexa with a spear, Sasha hits a Backstabber on Charlotte, Naomi rams Sasha’s head into the ladder, Lana pulls Naomi off face first. Natty Electric Chair Drops Lana, Ember Superkicks Natty off, Charlotte Spears Ember into the ladder. Becky Becks-sploders Charlotte and readjusts the ladder.

Becky had it, but Alexa tips the ladder and Becky goes crashing. Little Miss Bliss, is Ms. Money in the Bank. The match was a little clunky, but still quite entertaining.

Winner: Alexa Bliss

Rating: *** 3/4

Roman Reigns vs Jinder Mahal

Roman blocks Mahal’s first punch and starts man handling Jinder. A Back Elbow, bouncing his face off each turnbuckle and a big Samoan Drop. Roman misses the Driveby and Sunil Singh gets up out of his wheelchair to slam Roman into the post. Jinder takes control and rolls Roman back into the ring. Knees and forearms, Jinder gets a 2 count. The obnoxious crowd chants started immediately, and they aren’t taking away from the match, just continuing to prove ‘smart’ crowds, as mostly brain dead.

A few more near falls, and then we get Jinder dropping repeated knees and choking Roman with his shin. Front Facelock, as Roman slowly struggles through it, back to his feet, just to get dropped back down. Jinder yells at the crowd and then misses a knee drop. Roman gets his feet up and starts his comeback. Huge Uppercut from Roman, as he goes for his corner lariat spot while the crowd does the Wave. Jinder catches Roman with a Running Knee Lift, for 2.

Jinder goes for the Khallas, Roman counters and tries a Samoan Drop, Jinder slips out but gets caught by a Big Boot for another near fall. Superman Punch, countered by Jinder into his Double Knees Gutbuster, for 2. Khallas number two, snapmare counter from Roman as he hits a desperation Superman Punch. OOOHH AHHH, Spear attempt, and Jinder kicks him straight in the face and throws him into the ring post shoulder first.

Roman on the apron, as they both start throwing hands. Roman catches him with a knee to the chest, then a Guillotine Leg Drop, into a successful Driveby. Sunil Singh tries to interfere again, but Roman braces himself and then Superman Punches Sunil and Jinder. Instead of playing Fling the Singh like Randy Orton does, he Speared Sunil, Jinder almost picks up the win with the Small Package. Reigns ducks under a Lariat and hits a Spear, for the pinfall.

Not a bad match at all, if you mute the audio.

Winner: Roman Reigns via Spear

Rating: *** 1/4

SmackDown women’s Championship: Carmella (c) vs Asuka

Moonwalking and trash talking, as she barely avoids two Spinning Backfists from Asuka, and goes to the ropes for sanctuary. Carmella slaps Asuka, more trash talk and Asuka hits multiple Hip Attacks followed by Draping Headkicks and a Hip Attack that sends Carmella reeling.

Sliding Kick from the apron as Carmella tries to run away with the title. Asuka tries to stay on her, but Carmella grabs Asuka’s arm and pulls her face first into the ring post. Rolls her in for a 2 count, and then rubs her face in the mat. Carmella lays on Asuka with a Double Chicken Wing variation, as Asuka turns it into a pin, Backfist attempt, Carmella dodges, hits two quick Thrust Kicks for a near fall. Then Carmella goes back to a submission attempt, some Front Chancery kind of move, to wear down the Empress. Asuka fights back up to a vertical base, but Mella drives the knee into Asuka stomach.

Asuka misses a dropkick, catches Carmella’s foot and goes for a quick Kneebar, but Mella gets to the ropes. A few slaps from Carmella, pisses off Asuka and she lays in a bunch of strikes, kicks and hip attacks for 2. The anger gets the best of Asuka as Carmella baits her towards the ropes and Asuka flies to the outside. As she tries to get back up, Carmella kicks her and she lands hard on the outside. Mella with the Suicide Dive, rolls Asuka back in for 3 2 counts in a row.

Asuka finally hits a couple Spinning Backfists, a big kick in the face and then someone stands on the apron in Asuka’s mask and outfit. James Ellsworth unmasks himself, and Carmella hits a Superkick for the pinfall.

The surprised, Ellsworth reveal/interference last too long, but it was a fun swerve and a better match in general that most probably expected.

Winner: Carmella via Superkick

Rating: ***

WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura

Styles takes an early advantage, landing a nice crisp Dropkick for the first attempted 10 count. Nakamura stays on the receiving end of a lot of offense, including a very quick Phenomenal Forearm to the outside. Nakamura has already been down 4 times, triggering the referee to start a count.

Finally, Shinsuke drives Styles into the barricade and snaps off a suplex for his first advantage. Nakamura drapes Styles across the apron and hits a Running Knee and then jumps off the stairs as he lands a Curbstomp style maneuver before rolling AJ back into the ring. Nakamura big brother’s Styles a bit, kicking him in the head, followed by numerous Round Kicks to the chest and abdomen. Keeping Styles in the corner, he chokes him with his foot, than finally goes for the Vibration Kick, but Styles fights through. Nakamura lands a Feint Kick when AJ starts getting something going, but gets up by 5. Shinsuke drapes AJ across the turnbuckle, and Nakamura drives his knee into the mid section. AJ tries to walk away from Shinsuke, as they trade punches and then Nakamura wedges Styles’ face into the steps and gives him the Vibration Kick.

Going from that spot, Nakamura throws AJ into over the barricade and they start brawling in the crowd. AJ finally gets in a few kicks of his own, sends Nakamura back over the barricade. AJ jumps on the barricade, and Shinsuke kicks the legs out from under him, but AJ is back up by 7.

Styles continues to be on the receiving end of the small insulting taps to the head. Reverse Powerslam attempt, countered by an Enzuigiri. Dropkick mid air from AJ, sending both men down, to get up by 7. Phenomenal Blitz catches Nakamura, and then Styles does that Wheelbarrow Faceplant move for a count of 6. Shinsuke goes for the low blow, Styles dodged, Shinsuke caught his foot and then lands the Reverse Powerslam. Knishasa attempt number one, gets met by a forearm from Styles. Both men down, but Nakamura is up by 7, Styles lands an Ushigoroshi. Count gets up to 8, as Styles goes for another Phenomenal Forearm, but an Enzuigiri sends AJ falling to the outside.

We may see our first announce table spot. Nakamura cleans on off, drops Styles onto it and then clears the top off of all of them. Runs across all announce tables and lands the Kinshasa. Styles rolls off the table at 9, so Nakamura drives his face into the ring post. Shinsuke goes to get out a table before the crowd chants for it, for a change. Shinsuke kicks Styles in the knee and Styles goes face first into the table legs before it’s correctly set up. Table is set up, AJ is propped on the top turnbuckle, Styles slips through and tries to Powerbomb him, Nakamura fights out, table gets knocked over and Shinsuke drops AJ on the edge of the table.

He then leans the table in the corner, and throws AJ styles through it. Table breaks clean and Styles lays there, but manages to get up by 9 to Nakamura’s astonishment. Knee lift, Axe Kick, but Nakamura misses the Draping Knee and his knee goes into the exposed turnbuckle.

Styles works on Shinsuke’s injured knee, and they both slowly get back up. Styles keeps stomping on Nakamura’s knee, but eventually stops so the ref can count. Shinsuke gets up by 6, and goes for the Calf Crusher. Nakamura visibly taps out,but that doesn’t matter in this type of match.

Shinsuke gets back at 8, as AJ keeps methodically kicking at the left leg. So the tables turned, as Shinsuke was the methodical predator early, but now AJ is just trying to cripple Nakamura. Even going to get a chair and ramming it into the knee,then multiple Chairshots. The pleading of Nakamura goes unanswered, but it was all bait for a perfectly placed Low Blow, Styles is up by 9. Shinsuke with a desperation Kinsasha on a damaged knee, but back up at 9 again. Styles refuses to stay down.

Nakamura goes for Landslide on the table, Styles pushes him off and hits a Phenomenal Forearm, followed by a Styles Clash from the stairs to the floor, Nakamura is up at 9. “Come on” from Nakamura, and Styles just kicks him in the balls. Goes back into the ring, and lands a Phenomenal Forearm through the table.

Match had a few hiccups, but told a good story, had callbacks from the entire feud,both men looked very resilient. Styles wanted it, just a little bit more.

Winner: AJ Styles via Phenomenal Forearm

Rating: **** 1/2

WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (c) vs Ronda Rousey

Jax immediately drives Ronda into the corner, and then tosses her from corner to corner. Ronda tries to fight back with strikes, but a big headbutt from Jax, slows down Ronda’s offense. Corner Splash, into a Samoan Drop attempt but Rousey counters with a Kimura, into a Triangle Armbar as Nia tries to power out of it. One Armed Sitout Powerbomb breaks the Triangle Armbar. Ronda tries to get up, but falls through the ropes to the outside. Jax throws her into the barricade, rolls her back in, but Ronda kicks out at 2. Rousey tries to fight back, but Jax ignores a few strikes and lands a Gorilla Press, for 2.

Given a couple seconds, Ronda goes for a desperation Guillotine, then a Sunset Flip, but Jax just ragdolls Ronda into the mat. Bear Hug from Nia, slowly seems to be wearing out Ronda. A few forearm shots break the hold, but a Samoan Drop from off the ropes leads to a near fall.

Nia goes for the Leg Drop, and misses big. Nia misses a move into the corner, and then Ronda sinks in the Armbar over the rope, Ronda breaks by 5. Ronda tries to figure out what to do, so she goes to the top rope for a Crossbody and a 2 count. Combination punches, big knee strike into a Judo Throw for 2. Ronda tries the Armbar, but Nia rolls her up for 2. Rousey hits another big side slam, and slowly pries Nia’s arms apart, but Bliss hits her with the briefcase.

Alexa takes out both women, but seems more focused on beating down Ronda, instead of cashing in on Nia.

Winner: Ronda Rousey via DQ

Rating: ** 3/4

WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (c) vs Alexa Bliss

Money in the Bank cash in, Bliss DDT and goes after the injured arm. Hits Twisted Bliss, for the pinfall.

Winner: Alexa Bliss via Twisted Bliss

Rating: N/A

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Kofi is revealed as the New Day member, but everyone tries to gang up on Braun. He powers through, they all go to the outside, and then each man starts beating him with ladders and burying him. Miz tries to take advantage of the distraction to sneak the briefcase, but Joe stops him. Joe and Miz play tug of war, Miz loses, Joe gets a Trouble in Paradise from Kofi, as we see Owens and Balor enter and start mixing it up.

Owens hits Balor with a ladder and then leans it in between the ropes. Owens goes to drive Balor into the ladder, Balor counters, they go to the outside, but Owens keeps the advantage and Superkicks Balor onto the announce table. Kevin looks to climb outside, but Rusev goes for the briefcase and distracts Owens. Rusev sends Owens into the ladder via Fall Away Slam. Samoa Joe comes in and takes out Rusev, but Kofi takes out Joe for the time being, and tries to set up the ladder. Miz stops Kofi, Kofi dispatches him and then Stage Dives onto the others. The group catches him, but Balor comes over the top with a Tope con Hilo and then goes to the pile of ladders on Strowman. Now is the time when Braun starts working through people.

Flying Forearm from Joe, Superkick from Owens, Machka Kick from Rusev and Braun falls down momentarily. Rusev stays on Braun, as Owens tries to set up a big spot with putting Braun through a table. Braun fights back, but Joe has him in the Coquina Clutch, Owens Superkicks Braun, and then goes to the big ladder as Rusev
and Joe hold down Braun.

Strowman fight out and Owens is trapped on the ladder. Braun catches him and then tosses him through the table from the top of the ladder. Strowman then makes his way through Joe and Rusev. Trips while taking out Kofi. Braun goes through a ladder that Balor and Roode had, Miz pees his pants and gets tossed out.

Joe uses another ladder to slow down Braun, so now Joe gets a shot to climb the ladder as Balor Shotgun Dropkicks Braun over the barricade. Samoa Joe dispatches of Finn and Bobby Roode, but Rusev gets Joe out of the ring. Rusev then runs over Roode and Kofi, and does a stacked Accolade on Kofi and Bobby Roode. Miz tries to sneak a Skull Crushing Finale, but it gets turned into a three person Accolade. Samoa Joe appears with a Coquina Clutch to stop the Accolade. Miz stops Joe from climbing, but Kofi stops him as he has his hands on the briefcase. Bobby Roode puts an end to Miz and Kofi playing at the top of the ladder. Balor with a Slingbalde on Roode. Balor sends Kofi and Miz to the outside, as he and Roode keep fighting inside.

Balor climbs a ladder from the outside, and hits the Coup de Grace from the outside in, on Bobby Roode. But Braun is back to ruin Finn’s day. Miz keeps trying to sneak up the ladder, but Braun keeps eating everyone. Kofi jumps on Strowman’s back as he climbs up, so Balor, Kofi and Braun fight at the top. Braun knocks down Balor, flips Kofi off of his back and grabs the briefcase. Like many Strowman matches, it was a lot of, everyone gangs up on him, but he still wins anyway. Nothing super surprising, but the match was okay. More just a bunch of spots instead of any real storytelling though.

Winner: Braun Strowman

Rating: *** 1/4

Thoughts:

Fairly solid wrestling from most of the matches. Ronda again proved she’s a natural in her match, as well as, AJ versus Shinsuke finally putting toether a match at the
level people expected. A surprising cash in, sending the fans home happy with the men’s ladder match, at least the perception ends up being a happy one.

Since people will bring it up, Takeover wasn’t hands down better than Money in the Bank, I feel like they were about even. An average Takeover and an average main roster event that ended with a fan favorite going over, will make it hard tocompletely hate on the show.

All in all, good weekend from WWE.

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Related Topics:AJ Styles Alexa Bliss Braun Strowman Cash In Featured Featured Big Money In The Bank Ronda Rousey The Bludgeon Brothers

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (6/18/18)

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/21/25)

The Raw After Mania!

Published

1 hour ago

April 21, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Who has WrestleMania hangover here in Vegas?

There are so many new champions in the WWE, but none bigger than JOHN CENA as the SEVENTEEN TIME WWE Champion! What will happen now that he is back on top?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

A car pulls into the parking lot.

Out steps The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and The Visionary, Seth Rollins. What will be next for the new Paul Heyman Guy?

JOHN CENA is here!

Las Vegas is still just as torn as they were last night, but we sure hear a lot of “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, the SEVENTEEN TIME world champion, walks down the ramp. Cena drapes the towel over his head and he wears the title backwards, but he doesn’t care what the fans think as he steps into the ring. Cena has his music fade out, and he points to someone. Cena tells them to come closer, and it’s the ring announcer. Cena has Mark Nash join him in the ring while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena hands something to Nash for him to read to the fans.

Nash says, “My sincerest apologies. I have been informed that my announcement has been deemed disrespectful. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Las Vegas with his presence for the final time… The Last Real Champion, JOHN CENAAA~!” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title. Cena then has Nash hand over his mic, and says, “Winners write history. You (fans) are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me? And then I step in a ring with gold around my waist, and just because you cheer, I’m supposed to forgive you?” Fans cheer in hopes of that.

Cena says that is not how a functional relationship works! Does this man up front think that’s how it works with his wife? Well, it’s not. Cena asks if the parents treat their children like that. No, because that’s not how it works. The fans might show up in a good mood, Cena will still tell them to go straight to Hell. Every damn one of them owes Cena an apology, but they don’t have the guts to do it! And yeah, go ahead, make the noise. This is always the night fans hijack Monday Night Raw, right? All of WrestleMania, and this is a sacred ticket where the fans can take control, right? They have gotten soft.

Wait, some fans chant “We Are Sorry!” And others say, “NO, WE’RE NOT!” Cena explains that it’s “We Aren’t Sorry.” He does a quick once over, and yeah, this is an arena full of the sorriest lowlifes he’s ever seen! Each and every one of them ARE sorry! And here’s the best part: They don’t mean anything to Cena. The fans tell Cena off and Cena just soaks it in. Cena say she may be an anus, but they’re all idiots. For 25 YEARS, they have called him so much worse. He has taken their best shots, and has always gotten back up. What makes them think THIS is the crowd that’ll crack him? Go ahead! You mean NOTHING to him! The noise means NOTHING!

“The only thing that means to all of our lives… is that!” The number on screen says “36 dates.” Cena says he told us at the beginning of the year, 36 shows, and he’s gone. Time passes so quickly! Let’s countdown the time we’ve already lost. Netflix debut, Indianapolis, Toronto, London, Brussels, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Las Vegas! That leaves us with 27 dates. Not matches, but appearances. The fans boo but Cena says yeah! You say he can’t wrestle? He doesn’t have to! He can just show up and do this! “When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops cold. I am not stupid like you. I know there will be another Monday Night Raw. I know you will ‘decide’ another champion.

“But the title held by Bruno Sammartino, the title held by Roman Reigns for over 1000 days, the title taken from me in Chicago by CM Punk, the title held by Triple H ‘The Game,’ by ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin comes home with ME! I am the Last Real Undisputed Champion of the WWE!” The fans boo but Cena says getting the title was the hard part. The rest is a cake walk. He can just keep playing us like the puppets we are. The best chance the fans had was Cody Rhodes. The fans boo and Cena says, “You heartless bastards. You boo him on Friday, and then you cheer him on Friday, and then you boo him on Sunday. And I say his name?

“And the man we all put on our shoulders last year because he finished his story now disgusts you? That’s what’s wrong with this! And that’s why last night, Cody Rhodes was outshined, outclassed, outwrestled and flat-out destroyed. It’s time for you to take a bold look in the mirror, and here’s the truth: There is NO ONE in the WWE with the strength, the speed, the wisdom, or the ruthless aggression… of John Cena! But unlike you, I have a heart. And I would like to do something nice for you right now. Get out your cameras, please, you’re gonna wanna remember this moment.” Cena waits, and then says make sure to get a great picture. Because the Last Real Champ is here.

AND RANDY ORTON IS, TOO!! Cena turns around and R K O!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes Cena down! Orton then looks at the title. Orton picks it up, smirks, and then holds it up. The fans like the look of that! But is this a vision of the future? Is Cena bout to face some serious backlash for what he’s done?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

The NEW champions just won these titles last night, but the former champions are cashing in their rematch! Will Liv & Raquel redeem themselves just 24 hours later? Or will The Morrigan & The Man be 2-0 already?

Raw returns and we see Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley watching from the crowd. They’re set to challenge for these titles tomorrow night as part of NXT, but just who will they be facing? Moving on, Lyra & Becky make their entrance together, and the fans sing along with Becky’s “Whoa Oh, Oh Oh, Oh-oh Oh!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds the gold!

The teams sort out, and Liv goes right after Becky! The fans are torn as Liv fires hands! The ref counts, Liv stomps away, but then she shrieks at the ref to back off. Liv runs in, back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, SHINING WIZARD again! Cover, TWO! Becky stays in this but Liv stays on her by pulling hair and CLUBBING Becky in the side! Liv KICKS Becky, brings her up, but Becky ROCKS Liv! Liv ROCKS Becky, the shots keep going, and the fans fire up! Becky fires off a strike fest, then brings Liv up to whip. Liv reverses, Lyra tags in, and Becky BOOTS Liv! Lyra & Becky double whip to DOUBLE HIP TOSS!

Lyra CROSSBODIES Liv down, then brings her around. Lyra whips Liv to a corner hard, and Liv slumps down. Lyra stomps a mudhole, then brings Liv out. Liv breaks fee but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel runs up, Lyra headlocks her first. Raquel whips, Lyra springboards to CROSSBODY Liv! Then WHEEL KICK for Raquel! The fans fire up with Lyra, she calls to Becky, and they both WRECK Liv & Raquel with dropkicks! The fans fire up for the lass kickers as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Raquel has Lyra in an Argentine Backbreaker! Lyra endures, fights free, and then ROCKS Raquel! Raquel trips Lyra, but Lyra flips to her feet! ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Lyra and Raquel crawl, the fans rally up, but Raquel grabs at a foot. Lyra kicks free, hot tags to Becky and Liv! Becky rallies on Liv, CALF KICKS her down, then runs at the corner to ROCK Liv with a forearm! Raquel runs up but is sent into Liv! JUMP KICK for Raquel! JUMP KICK for Liv! Then BECKSPLODER for Liv! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Becky stays focused. Becky dares Liv to get up, the fans rally, and Becky clinches!

Liv wheelbarrows to victory roll! ONE and Becky has it! TWO and Becky BLASTS Raquel! But Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Then OBLIV- NO, Becky blocks to MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, RAQUEL BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Raquel drags Liv away to the corner. Liv tags Raquel and Raquel drags Becky up. But Becky JAWBREAKERS! Becky runs up, Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel goes up, but Becky CLUBS her first! Becky fires shots, climbs up after Raquel, but Raquel fights the lift! Lyra climbs up, tags in, and then joins in! But Raquel still fights it! Liv flips in, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB for Becky!

Lyra hops up, SUPER STEIN- NO! Raquel blocks, and she brings Lyra up! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Lyra survives and the fans can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” while all four women are down. Lyra and Raquel rise, Raquel lifts, but Lyra slips free! Raquel tries again but Lyra DROPKICKS her away! Lyra hobbles and stumbles but she makes it to Raquel. Lyra tries to fireman’s carry, but Raquel pushes her away. Lyra goes up, TORNADO DDT! Lyra then drags Raquel back up, fireman’s carries again, NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Liv gives Raquel the ropebreak!! The fans boo but here comes Becky!

Becky hits a THESZ PRES and rains down fast hands! Liv gets free, fights off the urenage and POSTS Becky! Lyra WRECKS Liv with a dropkick! Liv climbs up, Raquel rises, TURN OF FOR- NO, Raquel dodges and BOOTS Lyra down! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is furious but Liv calls to her. Liv runs in, Raquel pops her up, POWERBOMB SENTON onto knees!! Lyra saves herself and takes out Liv in one go! Raquel freaks out, runs up, but her boot gets stuck on the ropes! Lyra DUMPS Raquel, but turns into OBLIV- NO, Lyra grabs ropes! Liv falls, Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Fireman’s carry, but Raquel saves Live!

Becky goes after Raquel, Raquel kicks her away! Lyra BLASTS Raquel onto Becky!! OBLIVION!!! Cover, LIV & RAQUEL WIN!

Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

FOUR TIMES, Liv & Raquel are tag team champions! Becky regroups with Lyra, both of them a bit stunned this happened. But then Becky DECKS Lyra?!? Becky blames Lyra for this failure and Lyra is absolutely devastated! The Man storms off, only to come back and attack Lyra with a rain of forearms! The fans boo as Becky dribbles Lyra off the mat! Becky stops, Lyra is in shock, but Becky comes back again!? Lyra pleads for mercy but Becky just MANHANDLE SLAMS her!! Becky hits another MANHANDLE SLAM!! And A THIRD MANHANDLE SLAM!!! The Man is acting more like a monster, what is going on with her?

The New Day walks around backstage.

They admire their newly won WWE World Tag Team Championships, but then they cross paths with Karrion Kross. Mr. Doomsday smiles, perhaps proud of his handiwork? Either way, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are headed to gorilla. Just how will this New Day celebrate their reign?

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)

Parting is such sweet sorrow…

Published

21 hours ago

April 20, 2025

Steven Mitchell

There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.

NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!

The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.

Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.

Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!

Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!

Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!

Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall

Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.

Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.

And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?

10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!

Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?

The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.

Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!

Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.

Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!

Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.

Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!

Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!

Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”

The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!

Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!

Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!

The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!

LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!

Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!

Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.

Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!

Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!

Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!

Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out

It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”

The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!

Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?

My Thoughts:

A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.

And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.