Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Report: Wrestling Dontaku 2018 Part 3!

Published

7 years ago

June 15, 2018

Wrestling Dontaku 2018 has its AXS TV finale as two of the best in NJPW fight for THE title, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship! The Rainmaker has tied The Ace in successful title defenses at 10. Now Kazuchika Okada goes for the record, but can he keep Hiroshi Tanahashi from taking the title?

This review of Wrestling Dontaku 2018 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Therefore, all images are courtesy of AXS TV.

Gifs courtesy of http://frentique.tumblr.com

OFFICIAL RESULTS

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Okada wins and retains the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS TV review what led to this major match.

The magic number is 11. That’s because both Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi reached 11 successful defenses in their respective IWGP Heavyweight Championship reigns. However, The Ace, who vowed to “bring new life to NJPW”, feels a champion “should be super strong, almost disgustingly so.” But Okada was the one to stop his reign. Something about Okada reminded Tanahashi of himself in that 12th defense. Okada won and went on to have his own winning streak of 11 defenses. Tanahash has to admit Okada “reached another level”, and “has found a new passage as champion.” This is the Okada Era.

But Okada ran out of contenders, so Gedo dared anyone to step up. And that was Tanahashi’s moment. They’re tied, so Tanahashi vows to end Okada’s reign no matter what. “The situation was perfect.” Only Tanahashi could challenge in this moment. But Okada would point out Tanahashi’s cycle of injuries and returns. Tanahashi admits to that. But he will deliver for the fans. Okada agrees this match just makes sense. And both men want to be the champion. Will the Ace triumph with #Love&Energy? Or will Okada make it rain once again?

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The Once in a Century Talent set the record, but the Rainmaker tied it. Both men stand at 11, and history hinges on this match! Will Okada make or will Tanahashi break the streak?

The belt is presented while we take a short break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and the match officially begins. The fans are already thunderous, cheering for The Ace. Tanahashi and Okada stare down, then approach. They feel it out, but Okada backs off. Okada comes back and they circle. They tie up, and Okada powers Tanahashi back step by step. They reach the ropes, and Okada honors the break. Tanahashi turns things around, swings but misses, and Okada goes for the chop, but stops just before the hit. He instead gives Tanahashi a pat on the shoulder, then backs off. Tanahashi and Okada circle again, then tie up again. Tanahashi gets the waistlock, but Okada reverses to an arm wrench, only for Tanahashi to do the same. Okada rolls, wrenches, but Tanahashi reverses again. Okada falls to a knee, Tanahashi shifts to a hammerlock. They stand, and Okada works for a way out.

Okada gets the hammerlock but Tanahashi turns it right back around. Tanahashi shifts to a headlock and grinds Okada to his knees. Okada works his way up and bearhugs back, but he can’t power out of the headlock. Tanahashi grinds more, but Okada pushes Tanahashi’s face now. Okada tries again, but still can’t escape Tanahashi’s hold. Fans rally and Okada stands. Tanahashi gets the headlock takeover, and Okada can’t get the headscissors counter. Tanahashi traps an arm, but Okada works with his other. They stand up again, and Okada pries off the hold, but Tanahashi powers him back in. Okada uses body shots now, and goes after the hold again. Okada gets out and puts it onto Tanahashi!

Tanahashi fights out and powers Okada off, but Okada runs him over. Okada poses then gets moving again, but things speed up. Okada wants his Rainmaker lariat now, but Tanahashi ducks and gets around. Tanahashi goes for a full nelson, but Okada fights out of the lift, only to run into an arm-drag. Okada headscissors but Tanahashi pops out, and roles reverse as Okada arm-drags and Tanahashi headscissors. Okada pops out, the two stand off, and fans applaud. Both men catch their breath and stand up. They circle again, and fans are still thunderous for Tanahashi. They tie up, Tanahashi gest the arm but Okada forearms and elbows him off. Okada whips but Tanahashi reverses, then blocks Okada’s kick. Tanahashi elbows the knee, then chop blocks it!

Tanahashi runs, but into the tilt-o-whirl. He slips out and dropkicks the knee, and Okada staggers to a corner. Tanahashi runs in, but misses the splash, and Okada puts him up top. Okada returns the favor and dropkicks Tanahashi down! Tanahashi holds onto the ropes to keep himself from hitting the floor. He skins the cat, but Okada is there, and looks to turn that headscissors into the Tombstone. Tanahashi keeps grip of the ropes, so Okada turns him around for the draping DDT off the top rope! Tanahashi clutches his head while Okada sits up. Okada slides out of the ring, and walks around to bring Tanahashi out with him. Okada whips Tanahashi at the railings, then adds the boot! Tanahashi tumbles up and over, and Okada drags him back up. Okada drags Tanahashi up onto the railing and gives Tanahashi another draping DDT!

Tanahashi hits the floor mats, and Red Shoes checks on him. Tanahashi is okay to continue, so Okada rolls into the ring to wait for him. The 20 count begins, and reaches 7 before Tanahashi stirs. Tanahashi stands up at 14 to get in at 15. Fans applaud, but Okada is on him again. Okada drags Tanahashi up, snapmare and running dropkick! Okada stands on Tanahashi to pose, riding the line of confident and cocky. He lets up, and Tanahashi slowly stands. Tanahashi hits with forearms, but Okada eggs him on. Tanahashi throws more and more, but Okada drops him with a European Uppercut. Okada checks his teeth, then goes back to Tanahashi. He brings Tanahashi up and bumps him off buckle pads.

Okada gives forearms, then dares Tanahashi to hit back. Tanahashi does, and his forearms back Okada down now. Okada boots, Tanahashi punches, then Okada clubs Tanahashi down. Tanahashi sits in a corner, and Okada stomps a mudhole into him. Okada drags Tanahashi up, then snapmares him into a chinlock. He traps an arm, but Tanahashi reaches and flails. Tanahashi powers up as fans rally for him, and he fights his way up and out. Okada grinds in a knee and brings Tanahashi down for a chinbar. Tanahashi endures the wrenching and twisting of his neck, but Okada shifts back to the chinlock. Tanahashi stands up and fights out. Okada clubs Tanahashi again, then turns him around, but Tanahashi grabs Okada to bring him around, for Tanahashi’s neckbreaker! Fans cheer while both men stir and we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and both men stand up. Tanahashi throws forearms, then ducks Okada’s to throw more. He whips Okada but Okada reverses, only for Tanahashi to knock him down with a leaping forearm! Tanahashi stands and dropkicks Okada in the corner. He whips Okada corner to corner but Okada reverses, but Tanahashi dropkicks his leg out! Tanahashi stands first, then runs, but Okada ducks and speeds up to run him over with a back elbow. Okada catches his breath and checks on his leg while Tanahashi stands. Okada whips Tanahashi corner to corner and back elbows, then kicks to DDT. Cover, TWO, but barely.

Okada keeps his cool, and brings Tanahashi back up. He scoop slams, then goes up top. He takes aim, but has to jump over Tanahashi. Tanahashi dodges in the corner then runs back, but into Okada’s Alabama lift. Tanahashi flails, but Okada still gives him the reverse neckbreaker! Okada bring Tanahashi back up, scoops him and slams him again, then goes back up top. He really wants this move, and leaps for the flying elbow! Okada hits, but he doesn’t cover. Okada poses for the Raimaker, but Tanahashi gets up in his face. Tanahashi kicks, Okada blocks, but then Okada kicks and Tanahashi blocks. Tanahashi dragon screws the leg! Okada slips out of the ring, hobbling even. Tanahashi runs, goes to the top rope, and LEAPS!

The High Fly Flow crossbody wipes Okada out and fans are fired up! Tanahashi gets up first, and brings Okada up for a forearm. He then has people clear out, and runs at Okada, but into a tilt-o-whirl and the TOMBSTONE! Both men are down, but Red Shoes checks on Tanahashi with concern for his head and neck. Fans are also concerned for the two men’s well-being. The 20 count begins, and reaches 15 before either man stirs! Okada gets in at 17, then Tanahashi springs to life to beat it at 19.5! The match continues, but both men are tired and sore.

Both men slowly stir as fans rally up. Okada and Tanahashi crawl towards each other, grinding forehead to forehead before throwing forearms. Each shot takes a lot to give, and a lot to take. Okada hits, Tanahashi hits, repeat. Tanahashi stands and hits Okada, but Okada stands to give one back. Tanahashi hits again, then Okada hits again, repeat. Okada staggers, and gives a European Uppercut. Tanahashi staggers, so Okada gives him another, and another. Tanahashi drops to the mat, and Okada wants him to get up again. Fans rally for Tanahashi as well while Red Shoes checks on him. Okada toys with Tanahashi as The Ace tries to stand. Tanahashi gets up, and throws furios forearms! Okada gives them back and they go back and forth, again and again.

Okada staggers, gets up, gives a shot but then Tanahashi staggers him again. Tanahashi fires off and tops it off with a EuroUpper of his own! Tanahashi kicks Okada around, toying with him now. He brings Okada up, whips but Okada reverses. Tanahashi holds the ropes to avoid the dropkick, then runs, Okada goes for the flapjack but Tanahashi clubs out to hit the swinging neckbreaker! Tanahashi runs, and hits the Slingblade! Cover, TWO! But Tanahashi won’t slow down! Tanahashi climbs up top, takes aim, HIGH FLY– FLOP! Okada narrowly avoids the splash, and we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and Okada gets up first this time. He stalks Okada, and dropkicks him in the back. He brings Tanahashi up, whips, and dropkicks him again. But Okada won’t stop there, he brings Tanahashi up. Okada swings him out, but Tanahashi counters the Rainmaker with a Slingblade!

Tanahashi can’t get to the cover, he’s too sore. Okada himself is dazed, but fans are thunderous. Red Shoes checks on both men, but they’re okay to continue. Tanahashi and Okada stir while Gedo drums the apron. Gedo coaches Okada up, but Okada can barely move. Okada and Tanahashi slowly move towards each other, and slowly get back up. Okada scoops, he wants the Tombstone again but Tanahashi resists. Tanahashi holds onto Okada’s leg to deny the lift. Tanahashi lifts Okada! But he can’t hold Okada up as Okada counters. Okada gets Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi fights out and puts Okada in a corner. Tanahashi turns around, but Okada blasts him down with a dropkick!

Okada grins as he crawls over to Tanahashi. He brings Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi gut wrenches! Tanahashi staggers, readjusts, and gives Okada the Tombstone! But no cover as Tanahashi turns Okada onto his belly, to then climb up top! Tanahashi aims, and High Fly Flow to the back! He turns Okada back over, climbs up again, and High Fly Flow but into knees! Both men are down again, but the fans haven’t slowed down at all. Okada crawls after Tanahashi, and they both stand up. Okada goes for but Tanahshi dodges. Tanahashi swings but Okada gets around, German Suplex with bridge! ONE?! And Tanahashi is all fired up! He swings on Okada, but Okada gets around. Okada swings Tanahashi out, but Tanahashi ducks, Snap Dragon Suplex!

Tanahashi keeps going, but runs into the dropkick, yet stands right back up to Slingblade Okada again! Both men are down again, exhausted, sore and maybe even dazed. Tanahashi sits up first, and gets himself to the corner. He climbs up again, but Okada stands. Tanahashi leaps, but Okada dropkicks the crossbody out of the sky! Tanahashi rolls around from the impact while Okada stands and roars. Okada drags Tanahashi up, swings him out, but Tanahashi ducks. Tanahashi swings Okada out and steals the Rainmaker! Cover, ONE! Okada won’t be beat by his own move. Okada drags himself to the ropes but the fans rally for Tanahashi. Tanahashi and Okada stand, and Tanahashi SLAPS Okada.

Okada comes back but gets another strong strike. Tanahashi gives Okada another, and another. Okada staggers, but he still comes back for more. Tanahashi clubs and slaps Okada, then drags Okada up. Okada grabs him, swings him out, but Tanahashi slaps the Rainmaker away. Okada keeps hold of the wrist, though, and tries again, but Tanahashi just slaps him again. The grip still stays, so Tanahashi slaps hima gain! That gets Okada to let go. Tanahashi gets himself going again, but Okada reels him in, swings him out, RAINMAKER!!

Cover, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; still IWGP Heavyweight Champion

IT HAS HAPPENED! Okada makes history with this twelfth successful defense! NJPW history was made in the most epic fashion it could be. Both men need ice, the common denominator of this match. Tanahashi is helped up while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns once more.

The champion stands, and is presented with the winner card to commemorate his achievement, as well as the belt he fought so hard to keep. Gedo helps Okada put it on while Tanahashi is helped to the back. Red Shoes raises Okada’s hand, and the fans applaud. Gedo takes the mic to speak. “As expected, Okada cruised to a new record.” However, this was just another box to check off for him. No one can stop Okada, “Not now, not ever!” Why is that? “Beeeecause he’s on a whole ‘nother level!” To close out Wrestling Dontaku 2018, Gedo shall pass the mic to the “utterly flawless IWGP Heavyweight Champion”, The Rainmaker, Okada himself.

Okada speaks, saying “I wanna say three things.” First: however you address Hiroshi Tanahashi, “he is tough.” Second: Okada did it. 12 in a row! Though he admits, he doesn’t really care about setting records, he just wants to be the best IWGP champion he can. Third: There isn’t a third. Well, that’s what he wishes he could say. But in regards to his next challenger, seems no one is stepping up. “I guess they’re all afraid.” From Marufuji to Kenny Omega to Minoru Suzuki to Shibata to Bad Luck Fale, a draw with Kenny, to Cody, to EVIL, to Naito, to Sanada, to ZSJ, to Tanahashi. Fans applaud for that impressive list. Okada remembers that draw, though. Yes, in Osaka-Jo Hall, it was a 60 minute draw. Fans sense where he’s going with this. “KENNY OMEGA!” And Kenny appears!

Kenny Omega heads to the ring to stand with Okada. Okada tells Omega that “I can’t settle for a draw in my title reign.” But they ran out of time last match. So let’s do it again, no draws, NO time limits! Fans like the sound of that. Omega picks up the mic and says, “I think we can do even better than that, Kazuchika. How about a best of three match?” Okada’s response: “No time limits, best of three. I like it, that sounds fun!” And they’ll use it to finish what they started in Osaka-Jo. The match is set, and Omega takes his leave, ready to prepare.

As for Okada, he is excited for victory number 13. Then 14, 15, and so on past 100. He will then return here as champion, and once again, MAKE IT RAIN!! Okada soaks in the spotlight as his confetti rains down. Will Okada add on to his historic reign? Or will 13 be bad luck when going against The Cleaner?

Backstage interviews.

Tanahashi admits he lost when it counted. But he won’t give up. He vows to become stronger, with tears in his eyes. “The best version of me is yet to come!”

Okada admits that while he said he doesn’t care, he wondered if he’d feel something about breaking the record. He won, but it just felt like any other defense. Though he must also again acknowledge that Tanahashi is tough. Okada is glad he won.

Omega thanks his fans for supporting him, but the journey is not over. The biggest, most difficult match is coming, but “we always make magic at Dominion.” Omega and Okada will bring the best out of each other. “See you there. Good-bye, and good-night, BANG.” The Cleaner, the Rainmaker, one more time. Will Omega finally take the title for his own?

My Thoughts:

Truly amazing action here with just one match. As noted by commentary, NJPW built itself back up by putting themselves on Tanahashi’s back, and obviously that succeeded. Then NJPW has built Okada up organically, and Okada himself puts his all into his matches to earn that push. And it all makes sense in both kayfabe and business to put the two historically best against each other to more or less pass that torch and come full circle. Okada being the record setter is great, and then upping the ante with the Okada-Omega rematch in Best of Three Falls is more than fitting. Nothing else would’ve been good enough for Dominion 2018, or for Omega to take that belt. [Highlight for Spoilers]

My Score: 9/10

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Can’t go wrong with ROH on a Friday afternoon! But will Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs still be World Six Man Tag Champions after facing #MXMTV?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions; Bandido & Komander win.
ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; Dustin & The Von Erichs win and retain the titles.
Sammy Guevara VS Lee Johnson w/ Blake Christian; wins.
The Frat House VS ???
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Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds VS Jon Cruz & Rosario Grillo; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions!

The Most Wanted is once again ROH World Champion, but the Commander of the Skies just lost his ROH World Television Championship. Meanwhile, Captain Shawn Dean & “Bad News & Tattoos” Carlie Bravo want to take over the ROH Tag Division. Will someone be getting Two 2 Da Head? Or will the luchadores be dealing out a Blackjack 21?

The fans rally for Bandido already, which annoys The Infantry. The Code of Honor is not upheld as The Infantry strike first! The bell rings, the ref reprimands and the fans boo as Dean fires forearms with Komander while Bravo has Bandido. Dean kicks Komander, then Bravo SUPERKICKS Komander! Bandido BOOTS Dean, then he brawls with Bravo! They go back and forth, Bandido ROCKS, KNEES, and headlocks. Dean tags in as Bravo powers out, and then Bravo drops down for Dean to take a swing. Bandido blocks that to DECK Dean, but Bravo CHOP BLOCKS Bandido! Bravo shoves Bandido out for Dean to whip hard into railing!

The fans boo but Bravo says, “That’s how we get down! S T P!” Dean drags Bandido up and into the ring, then stays between him and Komander. The fans rally, but Dean RAMS Bandido into the corner! The Infantry mugs Bandido, the ref counts, and The Infantry lets off. Tag to Bravo and he CHOPS Bandido! Bravo puts a leg in the ropes, stomps it, then CHOPS! Bravo stomps Bandido again, then backs off as the ref reprimands. Bravo brings Bandido out, but Bandido fights the suplex! Bravo hooks a leg to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Bravo drags Bandido from Komander with a HEEL HOOK!

Tag to Dean, Dean stomps Bandido, and Bravo says #TAIGASTYLE taught him that. Lee Moriarty gives a thumbs up, and Dean stomps Bandido. Dean puts Bandido’s leg on the ropes, then HIP DROPS it! The fans rally for Bandido but Dean stomps him down. Cover, TWO! Bandido stays in this but Dean drags him around by the leg. Dean drops an elbow on the knee! Then he drops an elbow on the other knee! Then back to the right knee! Then the left knee! The fans boo but Dean drags Bandido to the corner. Dean runs to ELBOW Bandido, then he tags Bravo. Dean scoops Bandido, Bravo goes up, ELBOW DROP BACKBREAKER!

Bravo swaggers while the fans boo, but then he goes back to cover Bandido. TWO, and the fans rally up. Bravo drags Bandido up to HEADBUTT, then he tags Dean. Dean sends Bravo in, but Bandido TOSSES Bravo out! Dean runs up, Bandido BOOTS him! Dean comes back, Bandido dodges and hobbles, hot tag to Komander! Komander springboards and salutes for the CROSSBODY! Bravo rushes back in, he has Komander, but Komander BOOTS Dean to go up and over Bravo! Komander shoves Bravo into Dean, then knuckle locks Bravo to CHOP! Komander goes up, jumps around, and FLYING RANAS Bravo away!

The fans fire up as Komander dodges Dean, ROCKS Bravo, then mule kicks Dean! Komander sends Dean into Bravo, then springboards to DROPKICK Bravo into giving Dean the DDT! Cover, but Bravo breaks it! Bandido runs up, Bravo wrenches and ROLLING ELBOWS! Bravo is fired up, but Komander SUPERKICKS him! Komander fires off on Dean with forearms and puts him in the corner. Bravo sneaks a tag while Komander climbs up. Komander rains down five punches, then whips Dean corner to corner. Dean reverses, Bravo runs up, CARLIE CROSSOVER! Then feed to Dean’s FLYING LARIAT!

The Infantry then hoist Komander up, wrench and URENAGE DOUBLE BACKBREAKER!! Bravo covers, but Bandido breaks it! The fans fire up as Dean whips but Bandido TOSSES him! Bravo runs up, Bandido SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up as Bandido rises, but then Bravo distracts the ref. Shane Taylor gets on the apron, talks trash on Bandido, then ROCKS Bandido! Komander storms up, Shane grabs him, but Bandido comes back! Komander gives Bandido the boost to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Shane onto Moriarty & Dean! The fans are all fired up as Komander then BOOTS Bravo, ENZIGIRIS, and calls to Bandido!

Komander tags Bandido, then he ROCKS Bravo! Komander goes corner to corner to go up, up, and ESCALARA MOONSAULT onto STP! Bandido scoops Bravo for the X KNEE!! Bravo is on the ropes. Bandido runs, BLACKJACK 21 PLEX!! Bridging cover, Bandido y Komander win!

Winners: Bandido & Komander, by pinfall

A big victory for Bandido y Komander! With Sueprcard of Honor just a few weeks away, who will step up to take on The Most Wanted for his most wanted ROH World Championship?

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection!

The Natural may have been literally robbed of his belt, but he is still a champion alongside Marshall & Ross Von Erich. The Von Erichs are back to help Dustin take back that belt, will the Sons of Texas ride off into the sunset tonight? Or will they find they’re NOT #TVReady?

Speaking of not ready, Johnny, Mansoor & Mason Madden attack the Sons of Texas at the ramp! The fans boo the blindside attack, but Mansoor CLUBS Ross, Johnny CLUBS Marshall, and Mason stomps Dustin. Johnny kicks Marshall, Mason whips Dustin into the railing, and Mansoor RAMS Ross into the steel steps! The fans boo more, Mansoor tells them to shut up, but Marshall fights back! Marshall fires forearms, but Johnny CLAWS Marshall’s eyes! Mason sends Dustin into more railing, then LEG LARIATS Dustin down! Mansoor fires more shots on Ross, then he puts Ross in the ring for Johnny.

The ref checks on Ross, but Ross says he wants the match! The bell rings, and Johnny BOOTS, KICKS, ROCKS, and fires more shots on Ross! Taya Valkyrie shows off the remodeled ROH World Six Man belt while Johnny gives Ross some ground ‘n’ pound. The fans boo but Johnny drags Ross up. But Ross jumps to RANA! And then he arm-drags! And arm-drags again! And DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Ross brings Johnny up, tags Marshall, and then whips so Marshall can DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Johnny rolls to his feet, mule kicks Marshall, then hot tags Mansoor! But Marshall dodges to BLAST Mason!

Marshall ROCKS Mansoor with counter punch after punch, but Mansoor puts him in a corner for body shots and stomps! The ref counts, Mansoor digs his boot in, but then Mansoor stops at 4. Mansoor argues with the ref while sneaking kicks. Mansoor whips corner to corner, but Marshall comes back to LARIAT! Marshall fires more hands, then he UPPERCUTS! Marshall ROCKS Mansoor, wrenches and whips corner to corner, but Mansoor comes back! Marshall runs through the lariat to then LARIAT Mansoor! The fans fire up and Marshall calls his shot! CANNONBALL for Mansoor! Cover, TWO!

Marshall drags Mansoor up, headlocks, and Ross tags in. They mug Mansoor and the fans cheer that CHOP! Ross headlocks and grinds, but Mansoor hooks Ross’ nose! Mansoor headlocks now, but Ross powers up and out. Mansoor jumps the dropdown, Mason tags in, and Mason BLASTS Dustin off the apron to then LEG LARIAT SPINEBUSTER COMBO! The fans boo, Marshall protests, but MXM mugs Ross! Johnny joins in and they all stomp away! The fans rally for Dustin while Mason TOSSES Ross out. MXM distracts the ref so Taya can stomp away on Ross with those bright green boots!

The ref has to hold Marshall back, and Mason goes out to fetch Ross. Mason puts Ross in the ring, throat chops him, then fires body shots as he says he’s H O T T, O~ G~ O~! Tag to Mansoor, Johnny lets Chappell Roan know they’re big fans, and Mansoor BLASTS Marshall off the apron! Mason scoops Ross, Mansoor runs up, CATWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ross survives and Mansoor snarls. Mansoor clamps on with a chinbar and armlock! Ross pries at the grip, reaches out for the ropes, and Marshall coaches him. Ross fights up, Mansoor holds him back, but then Mansoor THROWS Ross down by his hair!

The fans boo, but Mansoor drags Ross back to tag Johnny. Johnny stomps Ross, then drags him up, only for Ross to fire body shots! Johnny gets up and under Ross, Alabama ROLLING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Johnny stands over Ross and pulls on the arms while he tags in Mason. Mansoor runs around the outside to blindside Dustin! The fans boo and Marshall protests, but there’s nothing to be done as Mason drops an ELBOW on Ross! And another ELBOW! And then a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Mason is annoyed, Dustin is down, and Mansoor tags in. Mansoor tells Marshall that he saw the Iron Claw movie, and it SUCKED!!

The fans boo but MXM hoist Ross up! Mason runs, but Marshall DUMPS him out! Ross CLUBS away on Mansoor, reaches for Marshall, but Mansoor holds onto a hand! Ross fires a forearm, the fans rally up, but Mansoor still holds on! Mansoor ducks the shot, back suplexes, but Ross lands out! DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans fire up as Ross and Mansoor crawl! But Mason is creeping up! Mason YANKS Marshall down, then THROWS him into the steel steps! And he CLUBS Dustin for good measure! Mansoor rolls up Ross, TWO! Ross feints high to BACKDROP Mansoor! Dustin rises up!

The fans are thunderous as Mansoor and Ross crawl, hot tags to Johnny and Dustin! The Natural rallies on the Guru of Greatness, then whips, but Johnny reverses! “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mansoor is in, but Dustin kicks and “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mason is in, but again, “Not Today!” But Mason grabs Dustin first! CHOKE- NO, Dustin slips free, and feeds Mason to a DOUBLE DROPKICK from the Von Erichs! Johnny CLUBS Dustin, whips, but Dustin hits a BULLDOG! Cover, Mansoor breaks it! The fans boo but Mansoor CLUBS Dustin. Mansoor whips, Dustin reverses, but Mansoor avoids the powerslam!

Mansoor DDTS Dustin, but Ross RANAS Mansoor! Johnny SUPERKICKS Ross! Marshall DISCUS LARIATS Johnny! Mason LEG LARIATS Marshall! Dustin storms up, Mason HEADBUTTS him! Mason runs, but Dustin dodges! Mason’s leg is in the ropes, and he begs Dustin not to. Dustin pokes Mason in the eyes! And then he puts Mason’s other leg in the ropes! Dustin takes a deep breath, but Johnny runs up! Dustin gets around and lifts Johnny, to stick him right in there with Mason! Taya protests, but that lets Dustin hit DOUBLE SHATTERED DREAMS!! Mansoor runs up, Dustin dodges, DESTROYER!!

Ross is in, and he gives Mansoor an IRON CLAW!! Marshall has Mason, and SLAM DUNKS him into Johnny’s TV! Johnny sits upright, right into Mansoor’s runway! Ross keeps Mansoor in a corner, and Dustin brings Johnny up! Dustin puts one out, then hits the FINAL RECKONING!! Cover, Sons of Texas win!!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs, by pinfall (still ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions)

Taya is beside herself! Dustin gets his belt back as the Von Erichs keep theirs! Will no one ever truly stop The Last of His Kind from running the ROH Tag Division?

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMAPCT! & Unbreakable Results & Match Ratings: 4.17.2025

iMPACT is the Pre-Show, Unbreakable is a TNA+ Special! See what happened!

Published

18 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Andrew Balaz

iMPACT! is getting the old Heat treatment as a TV episode pre-show. While nothing about the iMPACT episode seems overly intriguing, they all actually have narrative weight, and since the last two weeks have been devoid of weight and general cohesion…this might be a surprisingly good episode which would serve as a better pre-show than expected.

I’m still mad that it’s a damn Thursday and they want to have 4-5 hours of show because WrestleMania reasons. Even WWE realized doing long shows before workdays was stupid, so NJPW giving them the idea to break Mania into two nights is a boon for everyone over thirty.

Also the main reason I’m doing a joint article. Since Unbreakable starts immediately after iMPACT, I’m not gonna put up back to back articles. One stop shoppin it!

Will @AJFrancis410 be crowned the FIR$T TNA International Champion TONIGHT at #TNAUnbreakable?!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/rxiBn6PxPw

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

iMPACT! – Ratings:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz: Laredo wins via Laredo Fly – ** 1/4
Jazmyn Nyxx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee: Xia wins via Small Package – **
KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner: KC wins via Loaded Fist – **
Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley: Hot Topic Hotties win via Cemetery Drive – ** 1/4
Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat: Dani wins via Luna Landing – ** 1/4
Leon Slater vs Brian Myers: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 1/2

Unbreakable – Quick Ratings:

Zachary Wentz vs Eric Young vs AJ Francis: Young wins via Piledriver – *** 1/4
Ace Austin vs Steve Maclin vs Eddie Edwards w/Alisha: Steve Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2
X Division Championship: Moose(c) w/Alisha vs Akeem: Moose wins via Lights Out – Long Squash
Mustafa Ali & Nemeths vs Hardys & Mike Santana: Jeff Hardy wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
Kaz & Tessa vs Joe Hendry & Masha: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4
Barb Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander: Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – ** 1/2
Inaugural International Championship: AJ Francis vs Steve Maclin vs Eric You: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!

Results:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz

Laredo starts quick with a Straight Right, Tijeras, a few quick strikes, kicks Hotch out of the ring, wants a Plancha, but Tasha gets in the way to stop Laredo’s offense which gives Hotch an opening. Quick trip, a few chops and a hard Irish Whip has Laredo trying to catch his breath. Hotch tries to go for another Strong Irish Whip but Laredo reverses, two kicks, Flying Neckbreaker into a Missile Dropkick sending Hotch to the outside. Laredo finally pulls off his Suicida, and he’s rolling. Corner Forearm, Uno Mass Corkscrew Moonsaults, but Hotch manages to get away after two. A Snap Jab staggers Laredo, Ali style Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and Hotch tries to take things to the top. But Laredo counters and Avalanche Michinoku Driver…only for two.

Laredo tries to keep things going, Back Handspring Crossbody, but Hotch catches him, big Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker for two. Hotch looks to the corner and then gets scared because he thinks Santana might strike, Hotch and Tasha argue, Laredo recovers and runs up the corner and hits the Laredo Fly for the win.

If @CodyDeaner can take down @KCwrestles tonight on #TNAiMPACT he punches his ticket Ultimate X at #TNARebellion! @milanmiracle

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/T5zqKHVr24

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

Jazmyn Nyx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee

Jazmyn and Xia go for a chain wrestling or World of Sport kind of start. Xia even gets out of the Head Scissors with the classic Hand Stand and pop. After a little taunting, Jazmyn tries to charge but Xia loops around for a flash Cradle, Nyx kicks out quick and retreats to her Fatal Influence friends for a breather. Xia catches her with a Dropkick, a few strikes and starts putting things together until Jazmyn catches her in the corner and Snake Eyes Xia the hard way and then starts leaning her into the ropes, a few Leg Sweeps, PK kicks and Jazmyn is in control. Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Jazmyn but Xia kicks at two. She tries to fight back up but Jazmyn is using her positioning to keep control. Bulldog into the middle buckle, puts Xia between the ropes and lays in a Round Kick to her chest and Xia has been eating offense for the last few minutes. The crowd tries to rally the little British Angel, but Jazmyn lays in some forearms, hits the ropes, Xia ducks and they hit stereo High Kicks to double down for a few moments.

Xia starts to rally, gets a few shots in, Tijeras, Xia tries Angel Wings but Jazmyn moves. Jazmyn tries to stay on her, but a Jawbreaker gives Xia time to go to the corner, Xia hits the Crossbody, Angel Wings, and looks for a DDT or something but Fatal Influence get involved distracting everyone. Lei has Fallon hanled, but Jacy is mouthing off causing Rosemary to come down and make a Mist save. Jazmyn tries to be opportunistic, but Xia blocks her move and hits the Small Package for the win.

Overbooked and timing was a bit shoddy in some spots, but not offensive. Not bad, but not good either.

KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner

This is for a spot in the Ultimate X match. Here’s to hoping the Blessed One beats the hell out of the loser who’s about as over as Herpes. Meaning he never goes away, and he’s unlikable. Anyone that says “Funny Underdogs are needed on shows”, isn’t that like 60% of the roster? No one is funny if everyone tries to be funny. KC however, he’s fucking hilarious and amazing.

KC tries to pay off Deaner and get him to forfeit, Deaner of course does the underdog thing of fighting back, dumb looking punches, goofball corner spot that he lengthens to the put of looking dumb and not funny. Oh thank God KC hits the Spiderman in the ropes, ducks Deaner and 305 gets hit for a near fall. Now KC is rolling, nice quick offense, Snapmare, Front Roll Neck Snap, Stomp into Split into cover for only two. Deaner goes for the comeback, and a few Lariats, Bulldog, and everything looks soo stupid. Deaner puts KC in the Airplane spin, gets dizzy and then goes again, TKO for two.

Navarro tries to powder, Deaner goes after him but the ref gets Deaner off of him since KC was in the ropes, KC wraps his necklace around his knuckles and a quick Jab to the face as Deaner tries to suplex him, 1-2-3, Blessed WIN.

If Deaner was the only doofus guy he’d be fine, but when we have Santino, Arianna, Laredo, KC, Great Hands, Brian Myers, Dango, Alisha, Hendry (while not a doofus isn’t close to serious), Kaz, Elegance Brand (all 3 of them), Ryan Nemeth and those are just off the top of my head. Everyone can’t be silly or no one is silly and nothing matters.

Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley

I’m gonna keep any Gigi drooling to a minimum since I respect my boy Wentz, but I will say, you gotta love Hot Topic Hotties. Yes I like walking red flags, I’m self aware, and okay with it.

Maggie and Gigi start, a few quick counters, Gigi manages the Double Hook Cradle for two, then Hot Topic Hotties go tandem with a Dropkick and a Twisting Elbow for another two. Tatum is officially legal, Maggie looks for the tag but Heather wants to push Maggie more. Which is exactly how ASH treated her. Tatum turns it around, Gigi tags in, Poetry Bronco, and then Kawada Kicks from Gigi. Concierge distracts, Maggie grabs her, Heather takes the cheap shot, Suplex from Maggie for two. Heather and Maggie get some offense in together, and Heather is working Gigi over in the heel corner. Unicorn Stampede essentially. Heather goes for a pinfall and its only 2. Heather is getting frustrated, Gigi with an Upkick headscissors, Heather tries to stop the tag out, but eats the Mule Kick.

Tatum starts beating on Heather, rams Heather into Maggie, Cartwheel Peach Sunrise, tags in Gigi, Double Headbutts and Cemetery Drive from the Hot Topic Hotties and everyone wins. Jesus…will never leave this chat, he started it.

Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat

Things start a little slow, Collar & Elbow tie up that they won’t relent for a while, Jakara tries to turn it into a Headlock Takeover, but Dani is too strong. Dani gets a few shots in, hops the rope for something but Lash makes her present felt and trips Dani while Jakara distracts the referee. The referee didn’t see anything but ejects Lash anyway. Lash won’t go, tries to intimidate the ref and say no. Jakara keeps things moving against Dani while Lash takes her sweet time slowly walking away. Jakara tries a Roll-Up but Dani too thicc to keep down. Dani fights back up, scoops Jakara and drops her unceremoniously.

Jakara starts laying in a bunch of Falling Knees and gets a quick two, before locking in a Cravat that Dani tries to fight out of. Dani counters out of it, ducks the Line, and they crash into each other with Forearms. The Double Fall Down spot is a little played out and this is only the pre-show really.

Dani levels Jakara with a few Lariats, looks for the Luna Landing, Jakara slips it so Dani comes off the ropes with a Busaiku Knee. Luna wants a Blue Thunder but Jakara gets away until Luna grabs her again for the Rebound Blue Thunder Bomb and a near fall. Luna charges the corner, misses, Jakara hits the Tornado DDT, but only two. Jakara tries to ram Dani’s head into the buckles, but Luna blocks, fires and takes Jakara’s head off, Luna Landing gets his and Dani wins!

Elijah has a promo segment and they have a really Sesame Street style “Walk this Way” words on the screen thing. When they did the bouncing ball lyrics with Ron Killings, it was at least cool. This comes off as corny and low budget public broadcasting crap just for Elijah to announce an open challenge at Rebellion or something. Admittedly I zoned out cause I figured it would be nothing of note.

Leon Slater vs Brian Myers

Myers and Slater start in a shoving match jawing at each other, and then Leon lays in a Shoulder Tackle off the ropes, some jumping crap and Myers is getting bounced from corner to corner like a dork. Leon tries to continue the Around the World but a punch, Thrust Kick and Irish Whip across the ring gives him some confidence, but he eats the Feint Mule Kick, Back Handspring Back Elbow…and again System matches are “look stupid and get beat up for 70% of the match until a shortcut can be taken”. Speaking of short cuts, Leon goes for his Corner Leap, Myers guards from it, Leon repositions but gets tripped and eats a Spear. Then…we go to commercial.

Coming out of the commercials Myers is still in control. Leon slips out of a suplex and then connects with a flurry of offense, Myers eats more kicks than I can count, powders, Leon does his corner post leap, comes in and looks to win but an Implant DDT, dick kick and Roster Cut gives Myers the win.

Overall iMPACT! Rating: 5/10

Nothing special but at least it made some sense and was a better than the last few episodes. Low bar comparatively. Now immediately onto Unbreakable! So because this is a long night, I figured I’d do a Watch A Long with Mat Sarpraicone over on Dirt Sheet Radio because I have zero faith in Unbreakable being worth the 2-3 hours it will take to watch it.

So you’ll get quick results with ratings and an overall thoughts at the end of Unbreakable from me, because it’s late and I needed something to keep me awake.

Overall Unbreakable Rating: 4.5/10

The iMPACT! episode was easier to watch and digest, three Triple Threats is too many and the Main Event being a slow paced triple threat after a Barb Wire match and a bunch of faster matches really doesn’t resonate well with fans. Even though I didn’t love the Sami vs Mance match, ending on carnage and the “babyface” winning would’ve been a much better way to send the crowd home happy and we wouldn’t have needed so much time fill during the last hour of the show.

Maclin being the inaugural International Champion is cool, setting up the first defense against Eric Young is good for their story, so most of the marks were hit. It just was too damn slow and had no business being a main event. Champions vs Challengers was okay, but it only really picked up when Masha and Tessa were mixing it up. I liked Moose having the extended squash match for shits and giggles, but two Triples back to back to open the show is an easy way to burn out a crowd. Sure the Moose match was an extended piss break to recharge the crowd, but the card was just laid out awkwardly and things felt like far more of a chore than they should have.

All in all this was a very lame event. Yes I get it was purely stop gap to take advantage of WrestleMania weekend, but with Rebellion next week, we all knew it wasn’t gonna shake things up too much. But hot damn was I about to fall asleep if I wasn’t doing the watch-a-long to not pass out.