Coverage

Mitchell’s Lucha Underground Report! (6/13/18)

Published

5 years ago

June 13, 2018

Lucha Underground, Season 4, Episode 1: “El Jefe”

It’s time to return to the Temple! A lot happened in Season 3, and a lot has changed in the time off. No more Prince Puma, but long live Pentagon Dark as THE Lucha Underground Champion! Who will step up to the Bone Collector’s throne? Which stars will return and what new stars will emerge to fight for honor and glory?

Gifs can be found courtesy of http://frentique.tumblr.com/

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Lucha Underground Championship Aztec Warfare: Pentagon Dark wins and retains the Lucha Underground Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

El Rey reviews Lucha Underground Season 3!

Dario Cueto was in prison after Season 2, but he was bailed out by a higher and darker power. They gave him the Gauntlet of the Gods to put up as a prize. In the end, The Machine Called Cage won it. Cage grew stronger, but also grew more insane and violent. Cueto started to doubt he chose the right man, and his doubts were justified when Cage KILLED Councilman Delgado! But he had a back-up plan: have The Machine take on the Man of 1000 Deaths and the Death Machine in an Elimination Triple Threat for the Gauntlet. And in the end, Mil Muertes would win! Only for King Cuerno to return and snatch the prize away! The King of Hunters now holds the Gauntlet of the Gods, but will Muertes come back for revenge?

Meanwhile, The Mack, Killshot and Dante Fox would earn a shot at the Lucha Underground Trios Championships. The only problem is that Killshot and Dante Fox hate each other, stemming from Killshot leaving Fox behind in a war zone. However, fighting along side each other brought the brothers in arms together, and this new Trio WON! The Reptile Tribe is reeling, who will challenge The Mack, Killshot & Fox this season? And, Pentagon Dark, now independent from his master, Vampiro, vowed to become THE champion. He would first win the Gift of the Gods Championship, and use it to rob Prince Puma of both title AND LU career! Cueto felt he had won over his superiors, but no. They would leave him for dead, promising “new management” would take his place.

Dario Cueto IS dead!

El Jefe lies in a casket at his funeral. No one else bothers to show up, besides Agent Winter and a certain someone. “Us Cuetos were always better at making enemies than friends.” Antonio is all set, with full control of Lucha Underground. But one issue: ever since “those gangbangers” shot his son, the Temple cannot be used for the promotion. “As long as the sacred seal is in the ring, The Temple can be anywhere.” Antonio has a place. “This will be my new Temple.” Good, but remember. It’s just a cover. Don’t forget the true objective. Dario made many mistakes, but his father won’t repeat them.

Supposedly, Dario tried calling him for help. Is that true? Yes. How ironic, wanting help from the man who ordered his hit. “Dario was always the weak one.” That’s why Matanza is a god. Well, the roster awaits. “Have fun, and be ready”, because “our friend in the limo will be coming for war before you know it.” Daddy’s back, and he has the key to the Monster. What will Antonio Cueto do now that he’s in charge?

The NEW Temple opens.

Melissa Santos asks the audience in attendance stand for a moment of silence for Dario Cueto, and 10 ringings of the bell. Some fans cry, but “hold on!” The only thing colder than this ice warehouse is this crowd! The fans boo the raggedy Antonio Cueto as he limps to the ring. Antonio introduces himself to those who do not know him, and explains that he’s the new owner. “This is MY Temple!” And he knocks down his son’s picture! Fans boo him again. “Tonight, chances are, we will crown a new Lucha Underground Champion!” That gets fans to cheer again. Pentagon Dark will defend his title tonight! In a match that, despite what Dario said, is Antonio’s creation! Yes, it will be AZTEC WARFARE!! Fans really like that, because it’ll be NEXT.

Lucha Underground Championship Aztec Warfare!

Yes, one match with 20 luchadors, and it’s all for the title! Two wrestlers will start and compete to score a pinfall or submission elimination, but more competitors will be added as time goes on. Who will be the last luchador standing to hold up THE Lucha Underground Championship belt!?

Antonio personally asks Killshot and The Mack out to the ring first. They hold the three Trios Championship belts, but where is Dante Fox? Antonio makes sure they understand the Trios Champions themselves will be part of the Aztec Warfare match. All three of them! However, Antonio also notices Dante is MIA. Therefore, Mack and Killshot are entering first! Whichever luchador ends up #3, they’ll automatically replace Fox as their third partner! “Melissa, take it away.” Melissa makes the announcement and introductions, and the third man… SON OF HAVOC! Mack and Killshot don’t really like this, they just got on good terms with Fox. But the decision has been made, these three are now Trios Champions. And to get to know each other, they can beat the hell out of each other!

The match officially begins, and naturally it becomes 2v1 as Havoc fights off both Killshot and Mack. Havoc backs Mack into a corner then dumps Killshot out. Mack runs Havoc over, then speeds things up, and Havoc dropkicks Mack down. Killshot returns with the “Get Over Here!” then covers, TWO. The countdown begins, and #4 is… Joey Ryan! The Sleazy One returns to the Temple, chest hair and lollipop included. Joey enters the ring and stares down with Mack and Killshot. He pulls out handcuffs! Joey is doing what he did in the past: he cuffs himself to a rope so that no one can pin him. But then Mack just throws hands on his greasy body! Killshot whips Mack in for the splash, but we get #5: Mr. Pectacular, Jessie Godderz! The former Impact World Tag Team Champion makes his LU debut!

Killshot and Mack wait for Jessie to enter, but Havoc returns to get dropkick’d down! Jessie is all fired up, but Killshot boots him right down! Havoc adds a handspring back elbow, then Mack adds a BIG hip attack senton! But then Killshot rolls up his pal! Killshot ELIMINATES The Mack!! But all is fair in love and Aztec Warfare, so hopefully Mack doesn’t stay mad long. #6 comes in, and it’s the Lucha Underground Champion himself, PENTAGON DARK! The Bone Collector is already in the match this early, but he welcomes that because he has #CeroMiedo! Pentagon heads down the stairs while we go to break.

Lucha Underground returns, and Pentagon rallies as he Slingblades Havoc, Killshot and Jessie Godderz in a row. Joey Ryan begs for mercy, but Pentagon looks to the fans. Joey un-cuffs himself, and sucker punches Pentagon! It doesn’t do a thing, so Joey goes back to begging for mercy. Pentagon hits him with a Package Piledriver! Cover, Pentagon ELIMINATES Joey Ryan! Joey slides out while Havoc comes in. Havoc goes after Pentagon, then Killshot comes in to roll Havoc! TWO, and Pentagon gives Killshot a Package Piledriver! Havoc hits the Shooting Star, cover, Havoc ELIMINATES Killshot! Seems the Trios Champions are far from friends. #7 enters, it’s TOMMY DREAMER!! The House of Hardcore Soldier is in The Temple! And he’s ready for a fight!

Dreamer brings in some friends, aka chairs, kendo sticks, trash cans, and more. Jessie goes after Pentagon but Pentagon kicks him away. Pentagon runs and SUPERKICKS Jessie, to then cover. While Dreamer SMACKS Havoc with a cookie sheet, Pentagon ELIMINATES Mr. Pectacular. Dreamer grabs a kendo stick and fans are going wild for the ECW Original. Pentagon stares down with Dreamer and takes off his glove to properly introduce Dreamer to #CeroMiedo. Dreamer swings, Pentagon dodges, but Dreamer blocks to then kendo SMACK Pentagon on the leg! But now we get #8: Mariposa! The Monarch of the Moth Tribe returns while Pentagon smacks away on Dreamer.

Mari takes her time entering while Pentagon hops up top. Dreamer trips him up and puts him in the Tree of Woe, then he fetches a trash can. Dreamer places the can in front of Pentagon, but Mari is lurking. He tells her to wait, as he hits the basement dropkick on Pentagon! Mari waited, then she clobbers him! She SMACK SMACKS SMACKS away on both Dreamer and Pentagon with the kendo stick, but Havoc returns. Havoc gets a jab and a SMACK, then more SMACKS. Dreamer slides out while Pentagon gets up. Pentagon aims at Dreamer and slingshots, only for Dreamer to SMACK him out of the air with another kendo stick.

Dreamer tells fans to clear out while Mari throws Havoc. Havoc handsprings back to hit Mari with a lethal cutter! Dreamer fights with Pentagon on the stairs, Havoc ELIMINATES Mariposa! The Moth didn’t last long, did she? Dreamer meanwhile pours out thumbtacks! He drags Pentagon over, but Pentagon resists the suplex. Pentagon boots Dreamer, then SPEARS him onto the tacks! The Believers lose their minds over that madness, but Pentagon just puts Dreamer in the ring. Pentagon stands up, for the double stomps! Pentagon ELIMINATES Dreamer just as we get #9: Vinnie Massaro! The Italian Meatball is here, and his pizza just arrived! Vinnie gives a thumbs up, but the pizza guy wants a tip. Here’s a tip: buzz off.

Fans sing to Vinnie, “Hey~ we want some pizza~!” But Vinnie is getting into the ring and takes off the robe. He grabs himself a slice, and even offers some to Pentagon. Pentagon instead gives Vinnie #CeroMiedo, shoves that slice in his mouth, and SUPERKICKS it down his throat! Pentagon then grabs the pizza box, sets the pizza down, Package Piledriver on the pizza! Cover, Pentagon ELIMINATES Vinnie! Just in time for #10: Hernandez! Super-Mex returns to the Temple. And he swaggers down to the ring while Havoc and Pentagon fight. The pizza guy checks on Vinnie, but mostly to see if there’s money in his wallet.

Hernandez stands toe to toe with Pentagon, #CeroMiedo meeting 100% attitude. Hernandez SLAPS Pentagon down to the mat. But Pentagon gets up, and mule kicks Hernandez down! Pentagon then puts Hernandez in the Dark Armbar, and… SNAP goes his arm! Fans love it, Pentagon covers, and ELIMINATES Hernandez! Good-bye again, Super-Mex. Pentagon and Havoc go at it, wheelbarrow roll through to double stomps from Havoc to Pentagon. Cover, TWO! Pentagon runs, Havoc dodges but his handspring goes into the backstabber! Cover, Pentagon ELIMINATES Havoc! At least now Havoc can work on his team building skills with Killshot and Mack.

It’s time for #11: Johnny Mundo! Before Pentagon robbed Prince Puma, it was Johnny Mundo who held the LU Championship, and now he wants that belt back. #CeroMiedo goes to #SlamTown after the break.

Lucha Underground returns and Mundo throws hands while also pokes thumbs into Pentagon’s face. Mundo brings Pentagon up but Pentagon sharply chops Mundo! Fans want “Otra! Otra!” but Pentagon whips Mundo corner to corner instead. Mundo slips out to the apron and slides under, then out again to roundhouse Pentagon away. Mundo climbs while Pentagon goes down. He jumps, but has to bail out as Pentagon evades. Pentagon runs at Mundo, but into the standing Spanish Fly! Cover, TWO, and we get #12: no one? Well, the word is that it was Angelico, but he didn’t come out from the freezer. Mundo wants to know what’s going on, but here comes RICKY Mundo. Don’t forget, his birth name is Ricky Mantel, but he changed it to Ricky Mundo to be more like his hero. Though, that creepy doll…

Johnny Mundo brings Pentagon up and around, but Pentagon reverses into a backstabber! Ricky walks down the steps and talks to the doll, while Pentagon CHOPS Mundo. Ricky sets the doll down, then helps out his hero as he clubs Pentagon. Worldwide Underground works together to mug the champion, then coordinate for the powerslam neckbreaker. Johnny covers, TWO. Ricky ignores all that as he seems to be in a trance with his little friend in the corner… Johnny gets his attention, the Mundos need to work together. But then Ricky turns on Johnny! Roll up, TWO, and now Johnny is furious at his protege. Ricky apologizes, the doll said to do it. The doll? Forget that, Moonlight Drive! Cover, Johnny ELIMINATES Ricky! #13 comes out now, and it’s… Fenix! The Triple Crown Champion, the Bird of War, is here!

Fenix heads right to the ring but Mundo slips out with a grin. Pentagon turns Fenix around, but Fenix is ready with the wristlock and chop. Fenix uses Pentagon for balance as he jumps onto the ropes, but Mundo chops him! Fenix rebounds to enziguri Mundo and arm-drag Pentagon! Only Fenix stands, as he runs in at Mundo. Mundo boots him away, then double wristlock, but Fenix pushes back to jump up. Fenix jumps and jumps, but Mundo jumps too, only for Fenix to throw him with a SUPER-rana! Mundo rolls all the way out, but fans fire up as Fenix FLIES!

Fenix wipes out Mundo and Pentagon! He brings Mundo up to throw him into railing, then brings up Pentagon into the ring. Fenix climbs up while out comes #14: Jeremiah Crane! The Lucha Death Machine emerges and heads for the ring. Fenix is ready, but Crane grabs himself a chair. Crane jabs into Fenix, then sits the chair down. “What goes up, must come down!” But Fenix fights out of the suplex to then turn the tables, “Animo!” But Crane counters to Falcon Arrow Fenix on the chair! Cover, TWO, and out comes #15: MIL MUERTES! And as always, Catrina is by his side, power stone in hand.

There is no love lost between the lovers of the Lady of Death, as they glare at each other the entire time Muertes heads down. Crane blows a kiss to his ex, then jabs a chair into Muertes’ face! But Muertes doesn’t budge. Muertes grabs and CHOKE SLAMS Crane! Pentagon returns but he gets clothesline’d, as do Fenix and Mundo. Muertes keeps going, and even SPEARS Fenix and Mundo in turn. Muertes powers up on the Aztec seal while fans are thunderous for him. Mundo stands, and Muertes grabs him with both hands, but Crane kicks out Muertes’ leg. SUPERKICK from Pentagon, bicycle kick from Crane, and Flying Chuck from Mundo! Muertes goes down, but Crane brings him up to feed to Fenix’s roundhouse in the corner. Fenix then springboards to DOUBLE STOMP Muertes!

Cover, Fenix ELIMINATES Muertes! Catrina is beside herself, then storms off as #16 enters. It’s Kobra Moon! No, wait, it’s her new knight of the Reptile tribe: DAGA! Daga heads down to fight on behalf of his Queen, and goes right for Fenix! Fenix and Daga speed things up, each going for tilt-o-whirl backbreakers only for the other to slip out of them. Daga hits a cutter! Mundo returns but Daga gets him with a suplex backbreaker. Daga runs and gives Mundo a blasting dropkick. Crane returns to throw Daga out, then we get #17: Chavo Guerrero Jr!? Dario Cueto banned Chavito back when he lost to Rey Mysterio, but it seems Antonio Cueto lifted that ban.

Chavo heads down and fans fire up for the lucha legend, and Crane is ready. Crane gives a thumbs down, but Pentagon says #CeroMiedo! Package Piledriver! Pentagon ELIMINATES Crane, but Chavo goes right at the champ with body shots. Chavo unloads, but Fenix comes in and pulls Chavo off Pentagon. Chavo counters with a knee, then suplexes Fenix up for the brainbuster. Cover, Chavo ELIMINATES Fenix?! Don’t call it an upset, but it is still surprising. Chavo goes right after Pentagon again, then whips him corner to corner. Pentagon reverses but Chavo dodges, and Pentagon hits the post. Pentagon tumbles out, and Chavo slingshots out onto him! Chavo fires up while Mundo and Daga are in the ring.

Mundo whips Daga corner to corner but Daga sticks out boots. Mundo blocks, then spins him to kick him. With Daga still on the ropes, Mundo runs and gives Daga a sliding German Suplex while also shoving Kobra Moon! Mundo climbs back up, and gives Daga Fin Del Mundo! Cover, Mundo ELIMINATES Daga while we get #18: King Cuerno! The King of Hunters is here and walks down to the ring while Chavo stomps a mudhole into Mundo. Pentagon sees Cuerno and goes right for him, but gets a roundhouse for it. Cuerno climbs up, but Chavo and Mundo head for him. Cuerno leaps and hits Mundo with a crossbody!

Chavo saved himself by ducking under, and lets Mundo go after Cuerno first. Cuerno dodges Mundo to give Chavo the tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Mundo runs back in, but into a big knee strike from Cuerno. Cuerno ducks Pentagon to then dropkick Pentagon down. Pentagon ends up out of the ring, and fans know what Cuerno has planned. Cuerno builds speed, for the Hunter’s Arrow DIVE! Direct hit, but now we get #19: Dragon Azteca Jr! The young dragon rises after being broken multiple ways, and he heads for the ring.

Azteca hotshots Chavo, then springboards at Mundo for the crossbody. He keeps moving, tilt-o-whirl satellite DDT! Azteca sees Pentagon, builds speed from corner to corner, and FLIES out onto Pentagon over the post! Azteca takes out Pentagon and the Temple is thunderous. But Kobra Moon returns, and summons VIBORA! It’s the infamous Luchasaurus, and though he’s not an official entrant, he goes after Mundo! He grabs Mundo for the Kaiju Choke Slam! Kobra grins, and Vibora gives Mundo the knee trigger while we get #20, the final entrant: Marty “The Moth” Martinez! The madman and “Creepy Bastard!” of the Moth Tribe returns, hoping to redeem his family from Mari’s failure.

Meanwhile, Kobra brings Mundo up for Vibora to scoop him, into a Tombstone piledriver! Marty marches his way down while the Reptiles leave him a present. Marty covers, and ELIMINATES Mundo! The Moth flaps his wings as Cuerno, Pentagon and Chavo recover, and we go to break.

Lucha Underground once more, and Cuerno dropkicks Marty out of the ring. Cuerno builds speed, but Chavo trips him up! Chavo drags Cuerno out, but backs down from the bigger man. Dragon Azteca dropkicks Cuerno down, then rallies the fans as he builds speed. But Chavo intercepts Azteca’s flight with a flying chair! Azteca goes down, and Chavo climbs up, but Cuerno shoves Chavo off the top! Chavo crashes and burns while Cuerno hits the Frog Splash on Azteca. Cover, Cuerno ELIMINATES Azteca! Cuerno, Chavo, Marty and Pentagon are your Final Four, and all four men take a corner to stare down with the rest.

Cuerno eggs Chavo on, and Chavo takes the bait. Chavo runs in, but into a roundhouse! Marty goes after Pentagon with fast hands. Cuerno climbs, but he has to leap over Marty. Pentagon enziguris Marty right out of the ring! Pentagon blocks and counters Cuerno, then mule kicks the leg out. He brings Cuerno up, and #CeroMiedo, for the springboard, but into Cuerno’s knee strike! Cuerno drags Pentagon back up into the fireman’s carry. He brings him to the seal, but Chavo kicks Cuerno in the huevos! Chavo drags Cuerno up and around, for the Gory Bomb! Cover, Chavo ELIMINATES Cuerno! Fans boo but Chavo is legitimately a Top Three finalist in Aztec Warfare.

Chavo and Pentagon stare down, then speed up. Pentagon fakes the Superkick to mule kick Chavo’s leg out, then runs to SUPERKICK his face! Cover, Pentagon ELIMINATES Chavo! But Marty is lurking nearby. He fires himself up, his manic madness the foil to Pentagon’s sinister sadism. Pentagon takes his other glove and CHOPS Marty hard! But Marty grins, and gives away furious forearms. Marty runs, but into a SUPERKICK! He still stands, but he’s wobbly. Pentagon fires up, runs, but into the bicycle kick! Both men are dazed, but Marty runs and Pentagon follows. Marty dodges, and lifts Pentagon, fireman’s carry to TKO! Cover, TWO! And Marty is already frustrated. Fans are thunderous for “Cero Miedo!” while the champion stirs.

Marty takes aim from a corner, his madness reaching a fever pitch. He runs at Pentagon, CURB STOMP! Cover, TWO!! And Marty is shocked. Fans rally for Pentagon while Marty stalks him to a corner. Marty drags Pentagon up and whips him corner to corner. Marty follows but Pentagon goes up and over, for the backstabber! Pentagon covers, TWO! And now Pentagon is a bit surprised. Fans rally up again, and Pentagon kicks Marty sharply. Marty sits up, but Pentagon reminds him #CeroMiedo. Marty bits Pentagon’s fingers! Then he kicks Pentagon low, and prepares the underhook, for Butterfly’s Wings! Cover, TWO!! Marty knows he was close, but fans chant “Lucha! Lucha!” and “This is Awesome!”

Marty waits for Pentagon as Pentagon drags himself up. He runs in corner to corner, and hits the splash. But then Pentagon boots Marty down! Pentagon hops up, flipping Destroyer piledriver! Then, Package Piledriver! Cover, Pentagon wins!!

Winner: Pentagon Dark, by pinfall; still Lucha Underground Champion

In a surprise opener to the season, and with no real preparation, the Dark Luchador succeeds in retaining his title in the most grueling match around. Fans chant for the triumphant Pentagon, but he’s not done yet! Pentagon drags Marty out to the center, puts him in the Dark Armbar, and SNAP goes the arm! Marty writhes and shouts in pain, but Antonio comes out to congratulate the champion. “After watching you suffer in this match, Dario would’ve probably made you defend your title against another competitor, right here right now.” But Antonio is much better than his son ever was. Next week, Pentagon will be in an even more violent match than this! It will be another Lucha Underground Championship defense against… “My only son,” The Monster, Matanza Cueto!! Will Pentagon still have #CeroMiedo after facing the Wrath of the Gods?!

My Thoughts:

What a great season premiere! Obviously the actor who was Dario Cueto is just made up like he’s in Undercover Boss to be Antonio Cueto, but pro-wrestling has always been about suspension of disbelief, especially here in Lucha Underground. Antonio already shows he’s more levelheaded than Dario, as he doesn’t waste any time doing what all great wrestling authority figures do. First, he more or less screws out Dante Fox by not having him in Aztec Warfare, nor letting him have a chance at staying Trios Champion. In reality, there might have been contract things, but in kayfabe this is probably going to be something never really resolved. Second, he cuts the talk and gets to the action with the single best match in Lucha Underground.

This one match went all night and it was amazing with all the returns, debuts and story going into it. That pizza guy taking money from Vinnie was a nice touch, too. Really great to see a good number of talent return, but don’t worry if someone didn’t show up here. Other stars like Drago, Aerostar and Sexy Star are sure to show up next week and the weeks after that. And it is clear the relationship of Lucha Underground and Impact Wrestling is going to influence both sides, as “Mr. Pectacular” makes his debut while crossover wrestlers like Hernandez, Crane/Callihan and Cuerno/Phantasma are here. I was really surprised to see Dreamer, I hope he shows up more. And lastly, Antonio makes sure to hype up next week, Matanza VS Pentagon itself could go all night if they wanted, as it could go either way.

My Score: 8.8/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/4/23)

YEET!

Published

1 hour ago

December 4, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Main Event Jey goes for gold!

While Drew McIntyre wants the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, it’s Jey Uso who gets his shot at Seth Rollins tonight on Monday Night Raw!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax; wins.
The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; win.
Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium; wins.
Natalya & Tegan Nox VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; win.
Cody Rhodes VS Shinsuke Nakamura; wins.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jey Uso; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre is here!

The Scottish Warrior is ready to tear it all down, all because he didn’t get another title match with Seth Rollins when he wanted. But before he tears into Sami Zayn, McIntyres the mic to say, “It’s been awhile since I’ve done this, but welcome everybody to Monday Night Raw!” Fans cheer that! And McIntyre says Raw is the land where it feels like everyone’s lost their minds lately! “Liars, hypocrites, cowards, just plain idiots. Apparently, you can get fired, released, leave, do what you want for a bunch of time, come back, and you’re instantly forgiven these days!” Fans chant “CM PUNK!” but McIntyre says he could be talking about anyone.

Now, Rollins tried to pull a fast one on McIntyre. Rollins could’ve given the match to anyone, but McIntyre beat Jey Uso weeks ago. So Rollins sticks it to McIntyre, slaps him metaphorically, so he headbutts Rollins in his stupid face. And speaking of Jey, O M G, Jey can apologize! He ran to Randy Orton, tail between his legs, “Oh, I’m so sorry, Randy!” Well Jey, your time’s coming. And there’s someone McIntyre is forgetting. Oh, right! Sami Zayn! And wouldn’t you know? Here comes Sami! Fans cheer and sing Sami’s song as he makes his way to the ring, a mic of his in hand. The fans then chant for ‘SAMI! SAMI!” as he sits up top.

Sami tells McIntyre, he clearly has a lot to say about everybody, including Sami, so he may as well say it to Sami’s face. Oh, yes, McIntyre sure does. Last week, Sami wanted to say how alike they are, but they are not. McIntyre has something to say to Sami and it is the truth: Sami is the one person in the world who deserved to get screwed over by The Bloodline. The fans boo but McIntyre says he will explain. Sami was the Bloodline’s lapdog errand boy, he joined them because he was running away from McIntyre, and then what? Sami screwed Bloodline over! What did Sami think was gonna happen to him? Isn’t Sami supposed to be smart?

McIntyre says Sami deserved what he got, it’s the truth. Sami says McIntyre is right about one thing: Sami was wrong. Sami thought they were alike but the more Sami is seeing, the more “truth” he’s hearing, Sami realizes they are NOT anything alike! Sami is not a delusional person. He isn’t someone who points a finger at everyone else for his own shortcomings. And big difference here: When Sami lost in front of his family and let everyone down, he stayed hungry, driven and motivated and that carried him to victory in the main event of WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that! So Sami got his redemption. Sami got to make his family proud. Does McIntyre think he’s making his family proud?

McIntyre glares at Sami, and then says one of them is NOT walking out of here. Get a ref and ring the bell! Fans fire up as we get their match now! Will McIntyre absolutely explode after Sami set him off?

Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn!

The bell rings and fans are behind Sami in this one. Sami and McIntyre circle, then McIntyre RAMS Sami into a corner! And OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! McIntyre asks if it was a good idea to talk bad now. McIntyre ROCKS and DECKS Sami, then stalks him. Fans rally with “Let’s Go, Sami!” as he bails out. McIntyre pursues, and SMACKS him off the apron! McIntyre scoops Sami, but Sami slips free to POST McIntyre! Sami aims at the apron, McIntyre body shots and SMACKS Sami off the apron! McIntyre puts Sami in but Sami builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre! Fans fire up with Sami as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and fans rally as McIntyre has Sami in a motorcycle stretch. But Sami flips then BOOTS McIntyre away! But McIntyre CHOPS Sami back! Sami bails out, McIntyre pursues, but Sami kicks and CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Sami throws hands, whips, but McIntyre reverses. Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! Down goes McIntyre again and fans fire back up! The ring count climbs, the fans fire up with Sami, and Sami brings McIntyre around to put him in at 7 of 10. Sami slides in, but McIntyre LARIATS Sami back down! McIntyre seethes while fans boo, and McIntyre throws fists down on Sami!

Fans rally even harder for Sami and Sami sits up. McIntyre drags Sami up, to CHOP! Sami flops right back down, McIntyre grins, and he drags Sami up. McIntyre CHOPS and Sami wobbles around! Sami shakes his head, grits his teeth, and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS and Sami falls over! McIntyre stomps Sami, smother shim, then stomps his head again! McIntyre stomps Sami’s leg, then stomps the other leg! McIntyre paces around Sami, waits on Sami to get up, and Sami goes to a corner. McIntyre runs in but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up, McIntyre runs in but into a BOOT!

Sami leaps, AX HANDLE! Sami fires up with the fans, he kicks McIntyre and reels him in, but McIntyre is a little too big to suplex! McIntyre suplexes, Sami slips free, then he lures McIntyre into the corner to POST him! Sami kicks and reels McIntyre in, to SUPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down! Sami clutches the ankle, but he stands up to fire off haymakers! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n ‘ dodges to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is stunned! Sami hurries to the apron while fans fire up! Sami climbs, leaps, but into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And then another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!

McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER, then kips up! Fans are torn as McIntyre shakes the ropes. But then Sami clotheslines him up and out! Sami aims, and PLANCHAS! McIntyre catches him! And SLINGS him over the desk! Fans lose their minds and McIntyre seethes as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and McIntyre ELBOWS Sami, then Reverse Alabama Lifts! For the REVERSE ALA- NO, Sami victory rolls! TWO!! Sami runs up, into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! But McIntyre deadlift POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Sami survives and surprises even himself! The fans declare “This is Awesome!” but McIntyre snarls. McIntyre sits Sami up, fireman’s carries, and then goes up a corner! SUPER- NO, Sami flails and fights to a SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is beside himself! Sami hobbles up, fans rally behind him and he brings McIntyre around.

Sami reels McIntyre in but McIntyre fights the lift! Sami CLUBS away on McIntyre and fans fire up! Sami tries again, BLUE- NO, McIntyre fights free to GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre then aims from the corner! Sami flounders up as the countdown begins! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” BOOT from Sami! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives again and Sami can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and McIntyre rise again. Sami throws a haymaker, McIntyre gives it back. They stand, Sami CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS in return! Both men wobble, McIntyre CHOPS again! Sami BOOTS! And BOOTS!

Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami goes up and over. The leg jams! The ref keeps McIntyre back but he storms in, Sami ELBOWS McIntyre, then TOSSES him out! Sami thinks about it, he wants to build speed but the leg won’t let him do it! McIntyre sees a target, and he gets in to CHOP BLOCK! The ref reprimands and backs McIntyre off. McIntyre just aims, to CLAYMORE!!! Direct hit and McIntyre covers, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

No mercy from McIntyre, and that is how he wins! Will the Scottish Warrior force everyone’s hands by fighting his way to a title opportunity?

Zoey Stark finds Shayna Baszler backstage.

The Queen of Spades is getting ready, but then Byron Saxton walks over to ask a few questions. Shayna faces a former tag partner in Nia Jax- Look, she has one goal tonight. Shayna put Nia on the shelf by breaking her arm. So she’ll remind Nia of that, limb by limb. Shayna heads out, Zoey follows. Will the Irresistible Force run into that immovable object again tonight?

Jey Uso speaks.

“Tonight, I have a chance to do something I thought I’d never be able to do again. A few months ago, I had a chance to dethrone the Tribal Chief and become the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. That moment was ripped away from me by the one man in this world I love the most, my Day One. My own twin brother. Man, that hurt me more than you could ever know. I couldn’t be around this business anymore, I had to walk away. I really convinced myself I was done. Until I got a call from Cody Rhodes.” Cody told Jey he couldn’t quit, he could have a fresh start to be his own man. And the more Jey thought about it, the more he realized Cody was right.

Jey’s whole life, he’s fought for others. For Roman, for his brothers, for his father. From now on, Jey fights for HIS legacy. Before the Bloodline, before record-breaking reigns, before the Uso Penitentiary, before the Day One, before the dance, the face paint, FCW and long ass training nights, making money, being broke… There was just Jey, Uce! So Seth Rollins, we know you’re about game. Rollins has fought against Jey, fought with Jey, but now you’re fighting a starving individual ready to eat! It’s just Jey now. Jey proves to the whole world, to Rollins, to his family and himself why he IS Main Event Jey Uso! But will he become World Champion Jey Uso?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Jackie Redmond shows Sami being checked by medical staff, but then McIntyre attacks! McIntyre throws Sami into road cases, rains down fists, and says Sami can’t talk about McIntyre’s family! They’re nothing alike! NOTHING! Sami brought this upon himself! Then he STOMPS the bad ankle!! Producers rush in to get McIntyre to leave, but has McIntyre just sidelined Sami for the rest of 2023?

Raw returns as Sami is being reevaluated.

The medics check the leg, Jey hurries over to say it’ll be alright, Uce. Jey looks around for McIntyre, will Jey be able to focus on his main event after this just happened?

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Byron is with The Man and asks about last week, her statement that… Oh, Nia walks in now. She tells “Barney” she has this. And Becky, she talked about some fights on the horizon. Does one include anyone in particular? Yes, Nia, it does. Nia would be number one because Becky had forgotten about her, as everyone had, but then Nia showed up on Becky’s interview and they never got to this. Becky still owes Nia a receipt. A receipt, huh? Well, once Nia squashes Shayna, she is all Becky’s. Becky can’t wait. The music hits, will we see a big time grudge match in the near future?

Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax!

The bell rings and Nia runs in, but Shayna dodges to KICK and KICK! Nia blocks one, SLAPS Shayna, then TOSSES her! Shayna gest up in a corner, but Nia SPLASHES in the corner! Shayna flounders, Nia pushes her around and slaps her some more. Nia talks trash then TOSSES Shayna across the way! Nia runs back in, but Shayna dodges! Nia hits buckles, Shayna KNEES Nia down! Shayna then knuckle locks and twists that wrist, then goes up the corner for a HANGING ARMBAR! Nia endures, powers up, and POWERBOMBS Shayna down! Shayna gets out of the ring, Nia pursues, and fans rally up as Nia drags Shayna up.

Nia SMACKS Shayna off the desk, then SMACKS her off the apron! Nia brings Shayna around, fireman’s carries, but Shayna fights free! And she POSTS Nia! Shayna slides into the ring, then goes to the apron to PENALTY KICK the arm! Shayna isolates that arm, lets her hair down, and says Nia’s done! But Nia SWEEPS the legs! Shayna hits the apron, and Nia gets up to APRON LEG DROP! Fans boo as Shayna writhes and Raw goes to break.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/4/23)

B Block, round 6!

Published

2 hours ago

December 4, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Sure #EverybodyDies, but who will tranquilo?

The World Tag League round robin is almost over, and B Block is looking saucy! Will Lance Archer & Alex Zayne burn Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

BUSHI & Shingo Takagi VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; win.
Six Man Tag: Kaito Kiyomiya, Ryohei Oiwa & Oskar Leube VS The Gates of Agony & Boltin Oleg; win.
Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS The United Empire; win(s).
Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Ryusuke Taguchi VS The House of Torture; win(s).
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Bullet Club; wins.
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza; Fale & Bonza win.
2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; ELP & Leo win.
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki; Bishamon wins.
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr; Tsuji & Zando win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings.

Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-1, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 3-2, 6 points
Bishamon: 2-2-1, 5 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-2-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-3, 4 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-4, 2 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-4, 2 points

2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza!

The Holy Emperor & Heat Storm are just outside the top after their loss to Monster Sauce, but that’s way better than being at the bottom like the Rogue Army. But can Fale & Bonza ruin things for Taichi & Yuya? Or will B Block belong to Just5Guys?

The teams sort out and Yuya starts against Bonza. The fans rally up as the bell rings and the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Bonza wrenches to hammerlock then waistlock. Yuya switches to then hammerlock, but Bonza switches the hammerlock back. Yuya reaches back, sits down, rolls and wrenches to a wristlock. Bonza spins, breaks free and pie faces Yuya! Yuya keeps cool, and he resets with Bonza. They tie up, but Bonza kicks low! Bonza runs, runs Yuya over, and says he’s pathetic! Bonza runs, Yuya stays low to then hurdle, and then he hip tosses Bonza down! Yuya scoops and SLAMS Bonza, then arm-drags him!

Fans fire up as Yuya has the armlock, but Fale runs in to throw body shots and scoop! Yuya slips free, but Fale’s too big for an arm-drag! Fale scoops again, and SLAMS Yuya! Then Fale DECKS Taichi for the hell of it! Bonza stomps Yuya around, brings him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Fale and the Rogue Army mugs Yuya. Fale brings Yuya around to CLUB him down, then looms over him. Fans rally but Fale stands on Yuya! Fale goes surfing on the Heat Storm! Fale steps off, covers, TWO! Fans cheer but Fale tags Bonza. Bonza storms up on Yuya, drags him around, and then he goes surfing!

Bonza lets off to then drop an elbow! And then springboard stomp! Yuya sputters, Bonza drags him back up but Taichi rallies the fans. Yuya CHOPS Bonza, ROCKS Fale, repeat! Bonza ROCKS Yuya! Bonza bumps Yuya off buckles, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to elbow! Bonza keeps moving, but Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Yuya crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi storms up to Kawada Kick! Bonza says F U and ROCKS Taichi, but Taichi SOBATS back! Taichi tells Bonza off and BOOTS him in the corner! Fale runs in, but into a BOOT! Fale comes back, Taichi steps aside to GAMANGIRI!

Bonza kicks Taichi, whips him to a corner, but Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! Fans fire up with Taichi, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi then aims, but Bonza blocks the kick to ELBOW! Bonza whips, DISCUS LARIAT! Bonza fires up, he drags Taichi up, and he reels Taichi in to suplex! Taichi fights that off to suplex back! Bonza fights that off, they fight for suplex control, and fans rally up! In the end, Bonza gets Taichi up, but Taichi slips free! SAI- NO, Bonza fights with elbows! Bonza runs, into a RIDGE HAND! Taichi runs, but Bonza deflects the boot to hit a BIG back suplex! Tag to Fale and he storms up on Taichi.

Fale stomps Taichi, drags him up and CLUBS away on the back! Taichi falls over but Fale stalks him to the ropes. Fale drags Taichi up, but Taichi fights and wrenches to HOOK KICK! Fale runs up, into a clinch! Taichi is using sumo! Fale and Taichi hobble around, Fale tries to counter sumo with sumo! But Taichi still THROWS Fale!! Fans are thunderous and Taichi takes aim! BUZZSAW! Both men are down, fans rally up, hot tag to Yuya! Yuya roars, runs in and CHOPS Fale! Bonza runs in, but gets an arm-drag! And then a DROPKICK! Bonza bails out, Fale staggers up into a DROPKICK! He stays up, so Yuya DROPKICKS again!

Fale rebounds, into an ARM-DRAG!! The fans are thunderous and Yuya runs in at the corner. DOUBLE CHOP! Taichi adds a BOOT! Yuya runs in again, DROPKICK! Fale hobbles, Yuya pushes him out and goes up the corner! CROSSBODY! Down goes Fale! But Yuya isn’t done there! Yuya drags Fale up, wrenches and traps the arm, but Fale swings the other! Yuya catches it! But Fale’s too big for Kamuki! Fale TOSSES Yuya to a corner then SPLASHES! Fireman’s carry, but Yuya flails around! Sunset flip, but Fale stays up! So Taichi GAMANGIRIS him into it! High stack, TWO!! Fale escapes, but Yuya has an ARMBAR!!

Fans fire up as Fale endures! Fale fights around, but Yuya powers him down!! ARMBAR!! Fale flails and kicks around, reaches out, but Yuya shifts grip! Bonza sends Taichi into railing before he gets in, Fale has the ROPEBREAK! Bonza CLOBBERS Yuya for good measure! Fans fire up as Bonza BLASTS Taichi off the apron! Yuya CHOPS Bonza, CHOPS him again, and powers up, but Bonza dodges! Only for Yuya to catch the arms! But Bonza knees low! Yuya roars, but Bonza scoops him! BACKBREAKER to ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TAICHI BREAKS IT! Fans fire up but Bonza scoops Taichi! FIRE THUNDER DRIVER!!

Fale hoists Yuya up! Crucifix lift, for BAD LUCK FALL!!! Cover, Rogue Army wins!!

Winners: Bad Luke Fale & Jack Bonza, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Yuya earn 0)

The Rogue General & Red Commander just brought down two of the five guys! Did they just blow up the chances of Taichi & Yuya going on to the semifinals? Or will luck be with J5G in the seventh?

2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr!

The NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions take on the NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion and a former World Middleweight Champion, but both teams are on the bubble in this block. Who pops off and who drops off right before the end?

ELP tries to get the fans cheering Soberano but it takes a second to warm them up. The fans fire up and the sons of lucha appreciate it. “AT-LAN-TIS!” and “SOBER-RA-NO!” then return the favor helping in a “HI-KU-LEO~!” chant. They all shake hands and high-five, and then the teams sort out. ELP starts against Soberano and fans rally up. The two wind up, and shake hands! Fans cheer and the two circle. They tie up, ELP headlocks, but Soberano powers up and out to then reel ELP back and run. ELP sidesteps, he avoids Soberano’s handspring, and fans cheer. Soberano flexes and fans cheer a little more.

ELP gives a mocking golf clap and then circles with Soberano again. Soberano headlocks, ELP throws body shots and powers out. Soberano runs ELP over, then things speed up. ELP hurdles but Soberano front flips! Fans fire up and Soberano looks off into the distance. Soberano then runs in, ELP dodges, Soberano RANAS but ELP handsprings through, then does his drop steps! Fans cheer as ELP flexes and kisses the biceps. ELP gives Soberano a push, Soberano pushes back. They start pushing a little harder, then things speed up again! Soberano ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls off ELP’s back to then run and RANA!

ELP flounders out of the ring and Soberano builds speed! FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Soberano gets the fans rallying behind him then has the ref tranquilo. Soberano puts ELP in, then gets fans to actually chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” Soberano slides in, brings ELP around, and tags Atlantis. The luchadores mug ELP, and the fans still chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” but the luchadores double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then wheelbarrow and ENZUGIRI FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Atlantis keeps cool as he stomps ELP around. Atlantis drags ELP up, keeps him from Leo, and CLUBS away!

Atlantis suplexes but ELP blocks! ELP tries to suplex but Atlantis blocks! ELP RAMS Atlantis into the corner, CHOPS him, then tags Leo. ELP CHOPS again, then hushes the fans. Leo swings, Atlantis dodges to CHOP them in return! CHOP after CHOP then Atlantis runs, ducks ELP’s hurdle but ends up right in Leo’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Leo drags Atlantis up but Atlantis throws forearms and CHOPS! Leo CHOPS right back! Leo then fireman’s carries, but Atlantis fights free! Atlantis dodges the chop, tries to whip but Leo blocks and reverses! Leo runs in, Atlantis dodges and Leo’s boot gets stuck on the ropes! Atlantis dropkicks that leg!

Leo hobbles and Atlantis keeps moving, Atlantis dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up as Atlantis stomps Leo’s leg, then SPLASHES down on a knee! Atlantis stomps the leg some more, but Jado & ELP coach Leo. Leo CHOPS Atlantis, but Atlantis stomps him down. Atlantis has the leg and works to turn Leo over! HALF CRAB! Leo endures and fans rally up! Leo fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Atlantis lets go at 4, and Leo clutches his knee. Atlantis eggs Leo on, Soberano tags in, and they both taunt Leo to go taunt ELP. Leo crawls over, but then the luchadores bring Leo away. “Chotto matte ne!”

Fans applaud as the Mexican luchadores know some Japanese. Then they get LEo’s hands, bend the fingers, and then Soberano BOOTS Leo down! ELP protests, the ref reprimands, but Soberano BITES Leo’s foot! Soberano keeps Leo from ropes with a chinlock, then he and Atlantis get Leo up again. They double whip Leo to a corner, Atlantis runs in but is put on the apron. Leo DECKS Atlantis, and he catches Soberano’s splash! Soberano BELL CLAPS then BOOTS Leo! Soberano taunts ELP by blowing a kiss, then he goes back for Leo. Atlantis returns, they double whip but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT!

Fans fire up and Leo crawls, hot tag to ELP! ELP grins as he runs up to BOOT Soberano! Mule kick for Atlantis! Atomic drop for Soberano! ELP mocks Soberano’s pain, then he atomic drops Atlantis, into a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ELP clotheslines Soberano up and out, but Atlantis kicks him low! Atlantis whips ELP to the corner but ELP goes up and over then springboards to CROSSBODY! Somersault, LIONSAULT! Another somersault, to PLANCHA Soberano! Fans fire up with ELP and he goes back to the corner. ELP waits on Atlantis to rise up, then he springboards in, FLYING TORNADO DDT!

Fans fire up and ELP drags Atlantis to a cover, TWO! Atlantis survives and the fans rally up again. ELP fires up and Soberano coaches Atlantis. ELP drags Atlantis up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Atlantis fights! Atlantis ROCKS ELP, ELP ROCKS Atlantis, they go forearm for forearm! ELP whips, Atlantis reverses and Soberano jumps in! Double hip toss into TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! ELP survives and that surprises Atlantis. The fans rally, Soberano stalks ELP to a corner and eggs him on. ELP slaps Soberano, Soberano SLAPS ELP! Atlantis BOOTS Leo, ELP throws hands on Soberano, but Atlantis kicks ELP low.

Atlantis puts ELP up top, Soberano GAMANGIRIS! Then the sons of lucha vow to end this! They both climb up after ELP, CLUB away on him, and bring him up. But Leo gets in, TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans fire up for the double powerbomb double superplex combo! Leo drags Soberano up to POWERBOMB onto Atlantis! Fans fire up again as Leo helps ELP up! Leo scoops, but Atlantis slips free to shove Leo into ELP! Then Atlantis dodges Leo to SUPERKICK ELP! And DROPKICK Leo! Leo runs back in but Atlantis dumps him out! ELP runs in but Atlantis goes up and over, rolls and SPIN POWERSLAMS!

Fans fire up as Atlantis goes up a corner! But ELP hurries to GAMANGIRI! Soberano sneaks a tag! ELP goes up to the very top, brings Atlantis up with him, SUPER STEINER! ELP goes up but Soberano is there! He springboards up to SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Fans are thunderous with everyone down, and Soberano crawls to a cover! Leo breaks it! Fans fire up again and Atlantis regroups with Soberano. Leo UPPERCUTS Atlantis, choke grips each of them, meeting of the minds! But then the luchadores double basement dropkick the legs out! Fans rally for Leo but Soberano & Atlantis have him! DOUBLE-

NO, Leo fights the suplexes to UPPERCUT Soberano! Atlantis dodges the haymaker but not the BOOT! Leo aims at Soberano now, choke grip! GOD- FLIP! Soberano ENZIGURIS! Leo roars! Soberano SUPERKICKS! ELP SUDDEN DEATH!! Fans fire up with ELP and he DIVES to take out Atlantis! Leo hits GODSEND!! ELP returns, he goes up, SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!

Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Atlantis & Soberano earn 0)

The sons of lucha are eclipsed by the Guerrillas of Destiny! Will the “Big Blue Sexy Boys” still have a fighting chance of entering the semifinals?

2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki!

Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vow to break the curse that keeps IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions from winning the league! Will they pull it off? Or will Blue Justice & The Meanest Man in the World not only stop Bishamon, but get golden tickets at the same time?

The teams sort out and Suzuki stares Hashi down. Fans rally up and the two start. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. But then Suzuki kicks one, wrenches the other to a hammerlock, but Hashi switches the hold onto Suzuki. Suzuki reaches back to cording hold and chinbar Hashi to ropes. The ref counts and Suzuki lets off slowly, then with strong pats on the shoulder. Fans cheer and Hashi keeps cool as the two reset. They step up, and Hashi fires a forearm! Suzuki fires back! They go back and forth and the fans rally as they pick up speed! Suzuki ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, but Hashi comes back to CHOP!

Suzuki eggs Hashi on so Hashi CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS more and more but Suzuki stays standing on sheer anger! Hashi drags Suzuki over, tags Goto, and Bishamon double whip to then double shoulder tackle! Hashi BLASTS Nagata for good measure, then Goto stomps Suzuki. Goto drags Suzuki up, CLUBS him, then whips. Suzuki reverses to then headlock, but Goto powers out. Suzuki pulls hair to HEADBUTT! Suzuki CLUBS Goto down and Goto bails out! Nagata runs in to BLAST Hashi as payback, and then the murder grandpas go out after them! Suzuki whips Goto into railing, then brings him around while Nagata sends Hashi hard into railing!

Suzuki RAMS Goto into railing in front of commentary, then has a railing crossface! The ref reprimands, Suzuki lets off of Goto, but Nagata POSTS Hashi! Suzuki stomps Goto around, the ring count starts, and Suzuki stomps Goto again before sliding in. The count reaches 7 of 20, then 10 as Goto crawls. Goto clutches his neck, the count is 15! Goto stands at 17, and slides in at 19! Fans cheer but Suzuki clamps onto Goto with a camel clutch! Goto endures, Suzuki shifts to bring him up for a facelock. Nagata tags in and he CLUBS Goto on the neck! And CLUBS him again! Nagata wraps on a chinlock to grind Goto down!

Hashi coaches Goto as he fights around, and Goto gets the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go, to KICK Goto in the back! Nata then drags Goto up with a facelock and tags Suzuki. Suzuki snapmares Goto to KICK him! And then Suzuki pulls at the tape around the neck and shoulders! The ref reprimands but there’s nothing he can really do! Suzuki reels Goto in but Goto resists the Gotch lift! Suzuki powers up but Goto still fights. Suzuki CLUBS Goto, tags Nagata, and Nagata BOOTS Hashi down! Nagata KICKS Goto in the chest, then KICKS him again! Goto grits his teeth, Nagata eggs him on, but Goto blocks the next kick!

Goto CLUBS the leg, but Nagata ROCKS Goto with a forearm! Nagata whips, Goto reverses, but Nagata BOOTS back! Nagata runs, Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto and Nagata crawl, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs to run Nagata over! Hashi BLASTS Suzuki off the apron and fans fire up as Hashi ROCKS, body shots and CHOPS! Then he fires off forearms over and over in the corner! Nagata sits down and Hashi keeps going! The ref reprimands, the fans fire up, and Hashi lets off to bring Nagata back up. Nagata shoves Hashi so Hashi eggs him on. The forearms go back and forth now!

Hashi gets the edge with forearms, then CHOPS Nagata back to the corner. Hashi whips corner to corner, Nagata reverses, but Hashi comes back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again and Hashi fires up. Hashi reels Nagata in, suplexes, but Nagata fights it to suplex, and MAGIC SCREW! Hashi flounders, Nagata stands, and Nagata stomps Hashi. Nagata ROCKS Hashi, whips him to ropes, but Hashi holds ropes. Goto tags in, Hashi sidesteps Nagata and Goto ROCKS him! Hashi CHOPS Nagata down, then he BLASTS Suzuki. Hashi hauls Nagata up, turns him, and Goto adds on, HEAD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Nagata hangs in there.

Bishamon set up in opposite corners, and they aim at Nagata. But Suzuki pushes Nagata to save him from the DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! Hashi CHOPS, Goto CLUBS and then GOTO GO TO HUNTER! Bishamon have Nagata in a corner, Goto clotheslines! Hashi clotheslines! Feed to the fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! Cover, TWO! Nagata survives and fans rally up again! Goto hauls Nagata up, Hashi calls the shot! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, but Suzuki catches Hashi to a SLEEPER! Nagata drags Goto down into a CROSSFACE! Goto endures, Hashi is turning red! Fans rally up as Goto fights his way around!

Goto reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, and Suzuki sends Goto to a corner! Suzuki BOOTS! Nagata BOOTS! Snapmare, DOUBLE PENALTY KICK SANDWICH! Then EXPLODER!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up again! Nagata drags Goto up, but Goto fights the saido with elbows! Nagata knees low, and again, then CLUBS Goto’s neck! Goto falls and writhes, but Nagata drags him back up! Suzuki keeps Hashi out with an ANKLE LOCK, as Nagata SAI- NO, Goto fights free! Hashi also gets free, to SUPERKICK Nagata! Goto has a SLEEPER, then rolls it to GOTO NISHIKI!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!

Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Nagata & Suzuki earn 0)

The murder grandpas almost had it, but Goto finds a way to survive! Does this mean the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter have a chance to #GetBackUp to the WTL finals after all?

2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr!

The Monster Sauce is leading the way but they have to finish strong! Will they stay hot going into the seventh and final round? Or will they be sunk by The Gene Blast & King of the World?

Wait, Tetsuya Naito is coming out here? What a great surprise! It sure takes Shingo Takagi by surprise as he’s been on commentary this entire time. Naito joins commentary, even! And he puts his feet up on top of Milano Collection AT’s notes. He makes Milano hold the Right to Challenge bag while he puts his headset on. Monster Sauce then makes their entrance, and Archer suckers a Young Lion in by offering a high-five to then DECK him! He pats another on the shoulder, assuring him it’s fine. Then he RAMS him into railing! Zayne apologizes to each Young Lion in turn, it’s nothing personal. Archer and Zayne then have Red Shoes and Abe-san put on the jackets to see how they look.

Zando and Tsuji make their entrances, the teams sort out, and Archer says that smile of Tsuji’s is gonna be missing some teeth soon. However, Zayne and Zando step up to start and the fans rally up with the bell. They circle, tie up, and Zando powers Zayne to ropes. Zando lets off, fakes the chop, and tells Zayne to take it easy. Zayne and Zando reset and fans rally again. They tie up, Zayne puts Zando on ropes now, and Zayne fakes the chop to twirl his hair. Fans cheer and Zando smirks. The two reset again, tie up again, and Zando headlocks. Zayne wrenches out, but Zando wrenches back to wristlock.

Zayne rolls, handsprings, wrenches and wristlocks, but Zando spins, CHOPS, and whips Zayne to a corner. Zayne reverses, runs in and back elbows! Zayne slips out to the apron and slingshot RANAS! Things keep moving, Zayne ducks ‘n’ dodges and IMPLODER KNEE DROPS down on Zando’s dropdown! Zayne then rolls to STANDING MARIPOSA! Fans fire up and Zayne smirks as he twirls his hair again. Zayne stands Zando up, Zando throws hands but Zayne bobs ‘n’ weaves to body blow! Zayne runs, but Tsuji kicks him! Zayne swings on Tsuji, but Zando reels him in, chicken wings and DODON DROP!

Archer runs in to kick Zando low! Archer reels Zando in to CLUB him, then he runs. Tsuji trips Archer, Zando basement dropkicks! Tsuji then drags Archer out to RAM him into railing! Fans fire up with Zando, and Tsuji sends Archer into more railing! Zando TOSSES Zayne out of the ring, Tsuji fires off on Archer, then CHOPS him! Tsuji holds Archer out along railing, Zando runs in, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Fans fire up while Archer falls over! Tsuji finds Zayne and stomps him, to then put him in the ring for Zando. Zando storms up, drags Zayne up and has him on ropes. Zando lifts Zayne up and Tsuji runs, to LEAP FROG ATTACK!

Zayne flops over, fans rally up, and Zando tags Tsuji. Zando & Tsuij drag Zayne up to double whip. Archer returns, Red Shoes keeps him back, Zayne ends up in the POP-UP KICK! Zando & Tsuji run, basement dropkick sandwich! Fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Zando exits, Tsuji digs his knees into Zayne at the ropes before a knee drop! Tsuji drags Zayne up while Archer and Zando shout at each other. Tsuji whips Zayne but reverses direction to send him into the red corner! Tsuji stomps Zayne, Zando CLUBS him, and then Zando tags in. Zando snapmares Zayne to a seated abdominal stretch! Zayne endures and the fans rally up.

Zayne reaches out, but then reaches up to drag Zando into a cradle! TWO, and Zando stomps away! Zando hits Archer, then laughs as he gets away. Zando drags Zayne back, CLUBS him, then grabs a leg. Zando steps over, then clinches, modified cobra twist! Zayne endures, hops on his one free leg, and fans rally up! Zayne reaches out, hot tag- NO, Tsuji drags Archer down and RAMS him into railing right in front of commentary! Zando wrangles Zayne to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer and Zando drags Zayne up. Zando wrenches, wristlocks, then he tags Tsuji. Tsuji BOOTS Zayne’s arm, then brings him around to ROCK with a forearm!

Fans rally up, Zayne ROCKS Tsuji back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him again! Tsuji knees low, then wags his finger. Tsuji swings, Zayne counter punches! And again! Tsuji runs in, Zayne gets around, roll up and EDDY GORDO KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Tsuji and Zayne crawl, hot tag to Archer! Archer storms around, fires up, and BLASTS Zando! It was a fake out at first, but now he runs to ELBOW Tsuji! “Ichi!” Archer keeps moving, and ELBOWS! “Ni!” Zayne runs in, tilt-o-whirl RANA CANNONBALL! But Zando SUPERKICKS Zayne! Archer CHOPS Zando but Zando just fires up!

Zando CHOPS Archer, and Archer just smiles! Archer CHOPS back! Archer eggs Zando on so Zando CHOPS! Archer CHOPS, eggs Zando on, and fans fire up as Zando CHOPS again! They CHOP back and forth, faster and faster! Archer CHOPS Zando down! Fans fire up with the Murderhawk and he storms up. Zando swings, but into a full nelson that Archer makes into a dragon sleeper. Tsuji runs in, but gets caught! URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO! Archer then drags Tsuji up, shoves him to a corner, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Zayne then LEAP FROG MISSILE DROPKICKS! Archer suplexes Tsuji! Then CHOKE SLAM SAULT! Cover, TWO!!

Tsuji survives and fans fire up but Archer fires himself back up. Tag to Zayne, he goes up, but Zando GAMANGIRIS! Archer grabs Zando, but Tsuji DUMPS Archer! Tsuji then rushes the corner, but Zayne jumps and over! Zayne comes back but Tsuji BOOTS him! Tsuji goes up, but Zayne returns, NO HANDS STEINER! Fans fire up as Zando hurries in. Zayne dodges the chop but Zando blocks the chip to CHOP after all! Zando suplexes, Zayne slips free to shove, but Zando blocks the kick! Zando ducks the enziguri, wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX! Archer BOOTS Zando, ripcords, and HELLICOASTERS! Fans fire up with Archer again!

Archer hauls Zando back up, reels him in, but Tsuji saves Zando from the suplex! Tsuji & Zando mug Archer, then go to double suplex! Archer fights it, he wants to double suplex, but they fight it! Zando & Tsuji try again, DOUBLE SUPLEX! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! Zando stirs, flounders out of the ring, and Tsuji rises. Tsuji tags Zando in, they get Zayne up. They double whip, hip toss and SLAM! Then SPLASH, to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Zayne hangs in there and Zando pounds the mat in frustration. The fans clap along, Tsuji & Zando get Zayne up, ANCHOR!! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again!

Zando pounds the mat some more and the fans clap along again. Tag to Tsuji, and he climbs up onto Zando’s shoulders! But Archer caches Tsuji, to CHOKE SLAM him into Zando! Then Archer fireman’s carries, Zayne runs in, ROLLING NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO!! Cover, Zando breaks it! Fans fire up, Archer runs in, but he doesn’t fall for the dump trick. Archer CLOBBERS Zando against ropes, then clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans fire up with Archer again and Zayne pounds the mat. Archer hauls Tsuji up, sets him up for Zayne, ROLLING- NO, Tsuji avoids the ax kick! Then he dodges Archer, and now Zando dumps him out!

Zayne mule kicks Tsuji, runs, but into the GENE BLAST SPEAR!!! Cover, LIJ WINS!!

Winners: Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Archer & Zayne earn 0)

Monster Sauce drops, making the top of this block really interesting! If #EverybodyDies, are their chances at the finals in danger of dying off?

As for Tsuji & Zando, Tsuji gets the mic to say, “It looks like it’s someone’s birthday today.” It’s also someone in Los Ingobernables de Japon. “HIROMU-CHAN!” Oh wait, is he even here? Well, maybe Hiromu was too busy to be here, but Tsuji hopes tonight’s win is a good birthday gift. Fans applaud that, but then Tsuji says he also has some bad news. It would seem after tonight’s penultimate-penultimate results, there mathematically isn’t a chance for Tsuji & Zando to make it to the semifinals. He asks if that’s true or not. Even commentary has to check the math on that. So then, is there a chance?

Milano is sure it’s not zero percent. Really? Pretty sure. Then there IS a chance! The fans cheer and Tsuji says that even if it seems unlikely, should they win next round, Zandokan will be LIJ! Fans cheer for that, too! Tsuji then brings up that the other day, he talked with the others and hoped Takagi & Naito wouldn’t lose today. Takagi stands up from commentary to say that he does need to get better. Well, hey, tranquilo, right? Tsuji then lets Zando say a few words. “WATASHI WA…! ZANDOKAN JUNIOR!” AKA, he is Zandokan. Fans cheer the introduction, and then he says he’s a BIG DEAL! Fans also cheer that.

Zando then shouts in Spanish, Milano asks for a translation, but Tsuji asks if they’re ready for the tournament’s home stretch. Are you ready for him and Zando to do this? VAMOS, AMIGOS!! Fans cheer, but will Gene Blast & The King of The World really make it to the end?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-2, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 4-2, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-2, 8 points
Bishamon: 3-2-1, 7 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 3-3, 6 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-3-1, 5 points [ELIMINATED]
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

A great round, and now with some really complex stuff at the top of the block. Monster Sauce lost to go down to 4-2 so that they’d be tied with ELP & Leo and with Taichi & Yuya. Monster Sauce VS ELP & Leo is next, and so one team will go to 5-2 with 10 points, the other will be 4-3 with 8. This scenario alone seems to be creating confusion because while commentary was not prepared to speak on who is still in this, NJPW’s official website has determined Tsuji & Zando are out despite that great main event win. Even if Tsuji & Zando beat Atlantis & Soberano next round, they’ll get to 8 points, BUT they lost to Taichi & Yuya.

And even if Taichi & Yuya lose, they’d be losing to Bishamon, who would then stand at 9 points, making THEM second place flat out. And if Taichi & Yuya win, they are in as second place, not Bishamon. So despite the moment of cheers and hope at the end of that main event, Tsuji & Zando are really just fighting for pride and apparently for Zando to become Sanada’s replacement so that LIJ maintains six members. That’d be cool stuff, but I wonder if Atlantis & Soberano being CMLL like Zando is CMLL comes into play…