Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 28, parts 7 AND 8!
AXS gives us ANOTHER double dose of NJPW! It’s Days 14 and 15 as we get Naito VS Ibushi, Omega VS Ishii, Okada VS EVIL and Tanahashi VS Elgin!
This coverage of the G1 Climax 28 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Gifs can be found on http://frentique.tumblr.com/
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- B Block: Kenny Omega VS Tomohiro Ishii; Ishii wins.
- B Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Kota Ibushi; Ibushi wins.
- A Block: Jay White VS Togi Makabe; White wins.
- A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Michael Elgin; Tanahashi wins.
- A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS EVIL; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS TV set the scene for B Block!
The IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kenny Omega, is on a win streak with his 12 points, keeping even his opponent, Tomohiro Ishii, out of the running. However, the Stone Pitbull won’t just roll over, because he could be a spoiler for Omega’s chances while also earning himself a title match down the line. Omega won their last battle at the 2017 G1 Special, where Omega was crowned the inaugural IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion. Will Ishii fare better in this round robin format? Or will the Best Bout Machine win his way into his third G1 Climax finals appearance in a row?
In the main event, it’s the G1 Climax 27 Champion, Tetsuya Naito, and the Golden Star, Kota Ibushi. They’re the other contenders for B Block’s spot in the finals, but Naito needs this win if he’s to overcome the loss to Omega early on. As for Ibushi, he’s been on a hot streak of his own since reuniting with the other Golden Lover. Will Ibushi spoil Naito’s chance to repeat while also seizing his own future? Or is it just Destino that Naito will Tranquilo in the finals again?
Kenny Omega VS Tomohiro Ishii!
No time to waste as this rematch of the IWGP US Championship Tournament begins. The bell rings and fans already cheer for Omega as he stares Ishii down. The two tie up, and Omega puts Ishii on the ropes. He plays around with Ishii’s bald head, but Ishii swats his hands away. Omega backs up as Ishii stares him down, then they tie up again. Ishii puts Omega against the ropes, but Omega ducks the chop to give more playful head pats. Omega gives some playful slaps, but Ishii isn’t amused. Omega chops and kicks but it doesn’t back Ishii down. He keeps trying, but nothing works. Ishii dares him to keep going, so Omega gives a forearm. Omega gets a headbutt and staggers to the ropes. Ishii runs but Omega sees him coming. Things speed up but there’s a slight miscalculation. The two back off and reset.
They tie up and Omega puts Ishii in a corner. Omega chops but Ishii barely flinches. Omega chops again then gives elbows, but Ishii only bends over. They whip corner to corner but Ishii blasts out with a shoulder. Omega narrowly avoids the silding lariat and just misses hitting V-Trigger. He pushes Ishii, then gives head slaps. Ishii swings on him but Omega gets under to then get a facelock, but it’s Ishii who suplexes Omega! Fans applaud while Omega gets to ropes. Ishii slaps Omega around now, messing up that hair. Then he chops Omega in a corner hard, and follows Omega to another. Ishii chops again, and again, dangerously close to the throat. He toys with Omega now, then bumps him off the buckle pad. Ishii gives another blunt chop, but Omega rakes his face.
Omega puts Ishii in the corner but Ishii roars out. So Omega gives him a DDT! Cover, TWO, but Omega has wrist control. Omega fireman’s carry, “You Can’t Escape!” Rolling senton and moonsault hit! Cover, TWO! Omega keeps on Ishii with a camel clutch. He grinds it side to side but Ishii endures. Ishii dares Omega to try harder, so Omega pulls back. Fans rally up for Ishii as he further endures. Ishii pries his way out of Omega’s grip, then dares Omega to go after him. Omega kicks Ishii in the back, but Ishii wants more. Omega stomps an dkicks, but Ishii just shakes his head. More kicks and stomps but it just amuses Ishii now. Ishii gets up and chops Omega! Omega chops back and it finally gets through. Omega whips but Ishii reverses, to a powerslam! It was more of a throw, but it did the job.
Ishii chops and forearms Omega in the corner again and again. He whips corner to corner but Omega reverses, only for Ishii to fire out and get a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Omega barely got out of that cover, but Ishii is on him again. Ishii powerbomb lifts, but they teeter back. Omega slips off but Ishii hits, only to run into a huricanrana! Ishii goes out while fans fire up with Omega. The Terminator drums echo and Omega rises. Omega runs and FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Omega gets up and puts Ishii in the ring. Fans fire up again as Omega runs and hits the Kotaro Krusher! Cover, TWO! But Omega keeps going as he drags Ishii up. But Ishii powers Omega to a corner! Ishii chops and chops, so Omega gives a sharp chop back! Ishii roars, Omega spits!
Omega gives forearms but Ishii barely flinches. Omega keeps trying but his arm is the thing getting hurt. Ishii blasts Omega with one big forearm, then finally feels some of that pain. Ishii drags Omega up and whips him corner to corner, but Omega boots him away. Omega runs out but into a waistlock, and a German Suplex into the buckles! Both men drag themselves out of the corner, but Ishii is on Omega. Ishii hoists Omega up top, then climbs up to join him. SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Ishii takes aim and runs, but Omega dodges to run, running DDT hits! Omega stands and vows to end this. He grabs Ishii in a full nelson, but Ishii breaks free to backwards headbutt Omega! But Omega comes back with a V-Trigger!
Omega wants the Kotaro Krusher again but Ishii slips out to German Suplex! Ishii runs, but Omega boots, only to get a discus lariat! Omega sits down and Ishii runs for the sliding lariat! Cover, TWO!! Ishii was so close and the fans can feel it. The fans are thunderous as Ishii drags Omega back up. Ishii suplexes but Omega fights out. Omega forearms Ishii, but Ishii standing switches to copy the Electric Chair! He wants to steal the One Winged Angel! Omega slips down to heel kick Ishii in the back of the head, and Ishii stumbles to a corner. Omega takes aim and runs in, V-Trigger! He hits Ishii in the back, but drags him out for bomb position. Omega lifts, Dr. Wily Bomb! Cover, TWO!! The Pitbull shocks the champion while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns and Omega drags Ishii back up. Omega gives him a close-range V-Trigger! But Omega isn’t done there, he gives Ishii another V-Trigger! Ishii falls over and Red Shoes checks on him. Ishii isn’t giving in, so Omega sits him up again, for a third V-Trigger! But Ishii stands up! Omega is shocked, but he gives Ishii a fourth V-Trigger. Omega runs, but Ishii follows, to clothesline him at the ropes. Ishii runs, but Omega V-Triggers! Omega runs, ducks the clothesline and gives another V-Trigger, right into the Snap Dragon Suplex! But Ishii’s right up, only for Omega to clothesline him down! Cover, TWO!! Ishii does not die easy, but Omega won’t give up.
Omega lifts Ishii for the Electric Chair, but Ishii slips down to headbutt Omega in the back! Ishii throws Omega with his own Dragon Suplex, but Omega returns with a huricanrana, that Ishii just makes a powerbomb! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again. Red Shoes checks on them both, but doesn’t start a count as he sees them both stirring. Omega and Ishii slowly sit up, and stare each other down. Ishii headbutts but Omega forearms. Ishii headbutts again, and Omega forearms again. Omega drags Ishii up for a standing forearm, then another. Ishii staggers and wobbles, but stays on his feet. Omega chops Ishii, but Ishii suddenly fires off forearms from both sides! Omega throws haymakers then the Reverse-Rana! They’re both down again, but Omega is up first.
Omega loads up and takes aim, “BANG!” He runs, for a V-Trigger! Ishii ends up on the apron, but Omega keeps on him with slingshot double stomps! Omega rests against the railings while fans build to a rally. He drags Ishii up and in, then climbs up top. Omega aims, for more double stomps! He keeps going, Aoi Shoudou! Cover, TWO!! Omega is shocked and furious as he brings Ishii up in the Electric Chair. Ishii slips out again, to an inverted suplex. Omega slips out to backslide and V-Trig– No, Ishii blocks! Omega forearms, goes for the Trigger, but Ishii throws him with a German Suplex! But Omega lands on his feet, to V-Trigger again! Cover, TWO!! Butterfly Driver!! Cover, TWO!? Ishii refuses to let even this stop him!
Omega grits his teeth while fans rally up again. He brings his knee pad down, and backs off. Omega runs back in, for an even more dangerous V-Trigger! Cover, TWO!! Omega can’t stand it as he has to drag Ishii back up. Electric Chair again, but Ishii fights out to a crucifix takedown! Cover, TWO!? Ishii can’t believe that didn’t end this. Both men crawl as fans hit a fever pitch. Ishii gets to a corner and stands. He fires himself up, but Omega covers up as Ishii throws heavy hands. Omega blocks to V-Trigger one more time, but then runs into a pop-up headbutt! Ishii gives another headbutt, then a HUGE clothesline! Cover, TWO?! Omega also refuses to go down. Ishii drags Omega up in a facelock, but Omega suplexes Ishii! Cover, ONE!!
Ishii gets to ropes again, but Omega runs, into another clothesline! Omega stands by instinct, wrenches the arm but gets a headbutt. He still gives a V-Trigger but gets an enziguri for it. Omega swings, but Ishii turns him around into a brainbuster! Cover, ISHII WINS!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall; Ishii earns 2 points, Omega earns 0
Both men bleed from the lips, but it’s Ishii who gets a win over THE IWGP Heavyweight Champion! Ishii may not be in the G1 Climax Finals, but he now has a legitimate claim to a title match. But if it took this much for Ishii to win here, how much will it take to take that title away from Omega? As for Omega, he’ll likely need stitches for that busted lip, but are his chances of getting into the finals busted now, too?
Backstage interview with Kenny Omega.
“There it is. You guys love your underdog stories, huh? There you go. Hope your happy.” Clearly Omega isn’t happy about this blemish on his record, but there’s still time. Can he turn it around? Will he be ready for another rough rematch with the Pitbull in the future?
Tetsuya Naito VS Kota Ibushi!
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s charismatic leader defeated the Golden Star in last year’s G1 Climax round robin on his way to the finals. He looks to repeat that here, but not if Ibushi has anything to say about it. Will both Golden Lovers lose on the same day? Or will Ibushi shine bright to move up the ranks?
The bell rings and fans duel between these two mega stars. Naito and Ibushi slowly circle. They tie up quickly, and Ibushi gets a waistlock. Naito reverses to an arm wrench and a wristlock. Ibushi rolls and works to wrench it back but Naito kicks low then rakes the eyes. Naito throws forearms then whips Ibushi corner to corner. Ibushi goes up and over then speeds up. Naito dodges the clothesline and the kick to Tranquilo already. Ibushi isn’t amused, but Naito wants him to fist bump. Ibushi doesn’t so Naito bails out. Naito walks around the ring while Ibushi keeps an eye on him. Naito teases returning, but then wants Ibushi to give him space. Ibushi does while Red Shoes starts a count. Naito waits until 8 and then fires off on Ibushi. He whips Ibushi but Ibushi reverses.
Things speed up again and Ibushi dropkicks Naito down! Naito rolls out again but Ibushi slingshots out. Naito gets on the apron but Ibushi adjusts to join him. Ibushi elbows Naito, then takes aim at the apron. Naito resists the German Suplex by holding ropes then fighting with elbows. Ibushi kicks but Naito blocks to put it in the ropes, then Naito dropkicks Ibushi’s other leg out! Ibushi tumbles to the floor while Naito rests on the apron. Naito fetches Ibushi and has camera men move aside. He puts Ibushi’s leg on the railing to kick it! Fans boo but Naito doesn’t care. He stomps Ibushi, then opens the gate. Naito brings Ibushi around to the announce tables and throws him into the English table! Naito practically bowls Ibushi over Kevin Kelly!
Red Shoes counts and Naito leaves Ibushi outside. Ibushi drags himself up and hobbles his way back to the ring. He gets in at 11 but Naito is on him with stomps. Naito takes that bad leg and stomps right on the knee while smashing it on the mat. Naito repeats the knee smash stomp and Ibushi writhes in pain. Red Shoes checks on Ibushi but Naito stomps Ibushi to ropes. Naito puts Ibushi in the corner for back elbows. Naito stomps a mudhole into that bad knee, then drags Ibushi back up for more elbows. He stomps the knee again, then backs off. He drags Ibushi back up and out, turns him around, for the backbreaker and dropkick! Cover, TWO and we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Naito toys with Ibushi. Red Shoes reprimands him and fans boo him, but Naito only spits and taunts at them. Naito drags Ibushi up but Ibushi fires forearms. Naito fakes a punch to give a kick, then goes back to the leg. He spits on Ibushi before elbowing the knee. He runs and aims for the leg, but Ibushi manages to hop over his slide. Ibushi still gets a kick, but manages to double stomp Naito on the run! Both men are down as Naito writhes and Ibushi catches his breath. Fans rally up and Ibushi sits up slowly. Ibushi brings Naito up and they start brawling with forearms. Naito hits, Ibushi hits, Naito hits, Ibushi spin kicks. Ibushi whips but Naito reverses, only for Ibushi to running roundhouse Naito down! Ibushi standing moonsaults, covers, TWO!
But Ibushi keeps focus as he drags Naito back up in a waistlock. Naito resists the German Suplex and fights out, then runs at Ibushi in the corner. Ibushi puts up boots but Naito blocks them. Naito turns Ibushi around and gives him a draping neckbreaker! He keeps on Ibushi but Ibushi fights out to huricanrana! Naito rolls back out of the ring but fans rally for Ibushi. Ibushi fires up and takes aim, for the Golden Triangle Moonsault! He hits Naito down but he’s down from exhaustion. Fans cheer while Red Shoes starts a count. Ibushi gets up and hobbles after Naito. The count hits 13 as Ibushi brings Naito up, and he puts him in at 14. Ibushi climbs up, but Naito stops him! Naito positions Ibushi and elbows away at that knee. Naito climbs up to join Ibushi but Ibushi grabs Naito’s leg.
They fight each other, and Ibushi dumps Naito down. Naito stays on his feet, but Ibushi drags him back up and around. Ibushi has Naito but Naito fights out! Naito trips Ibushi and he hits the mat! Naito hops right up top, aims, and leaps for the missile dropkick! Then the jump kick, sweep and swinging dropkick! Naito drags Ibushi out for a modified Figure Four! Ibushi endures the unique kneebar, but then Naito slaps him. Ibushi slaps back and it’s a figure four slap fight. They slap back and forth but Ibushi fires off with both hands from both sides. Naito puts more torque into the hold then spits on Ibushi. Ibushi drags himself to the ropes, but Naito holds on until 3.
Naito smirks as he brings Ibushi back up. He grabs the leg but Ibushi denies the shinbreaker. Naito elbows Ibushi back, then goes for the rope-assisted tornado, but Ibushi powers out. Ibushi runs but into the atomic drop. Naito whips but Ibushi reverses, only for Naito to leap with forearms! Naito drags Ibushi back up, hammerlock and GLOR– No, Ibushi escapes Gloria to give Naito a BIG Half Nelson Suplex! The Golden Star evens things as we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Ibushi crawls over to Naito. He gives a forearm, and Naito gives one back. Ibushi goes again, but Naito elbows back. Ibushi gives yet another forearm, but so does Naito. They both stand now, and Ibushi gives another forearm. Naito hits Ibushi but Ibushi quickly kicks back. Naito forearms again, but Ibushi quickly kicks agian. Another forearm for another kick, then Ibushi fires off more kicks. Naito kicks Ibushi’s bad leg, then grabs it. Ibushi fires back with forearms but Naito spits right in his face! Fans boo and jeer but Naito just gives another forearm. Ibushi suddenly fires off a strike fest! Ibushi runs but into Naito’s wheelbarrow. But Ibushi blocks it! Naito still rolls it through and has Ibushi in the package, for the driver! But he doesn’t cover?
Naito smirks as he brings Ibushi back up for for the hammerlock and GLORIA! He still smirks as he still doesn’t cover. He drags Ibushi up again, and suplexes him to the ropes! For a draping neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!? Even Naito is surprised, but he won’t let that stop him. He drags Ibushi up but Red Shoes has him back off. Red Shoes checks on Ibushi, but somehow Ibushi is still good. Naito drags Ibushi up by his hair, wrenches the arm but Ibushi roundhouses! They both fall, and fans rally up. Ibushi drags himself to his feet as he grits his teet. Naito also stands in the opposite corner. Ibushi runs but into an alley-oop! Ibushi hits buckles and Naito enziguris him down! Naito drags Ibushi up, turns him around, but Ibushi fights off the inverted tornado to PELE!
Naito is dazed on the top rope while Ibushi fires himself up. Ibushi climbs up and positions Naito on the top rope. He tucks Naito in but Naito holds on for dear life! Ibushi gives Naito a forearm then tries again, but Naito just saves himself. They brawl now, returning to slapping strikes, then Naito goes after that bad leg. Naito stands and gets around Ibushi, for a SUPER Reverse-Rana, that Ibushi lands on his feet out of!! Ibushi clobbers Naito with a clothesline! Both men fall but fans fire up again. Ibushi crawls, blood in his mouth like Omega. He kicks Naito while he’s down in the corner. Ibushi then drags Naito up, in a waistlock, FOR A SUPER GERMAN!! Cover, TWO!!
Ibushi can’t believe it! But that just makes him more determined. He lifts Naito, for the Last Ride Sit-Out! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi is shocked again, but he stands back up. He drags Naito up as fans duel. Ibushi has the hands, but Naito dodges to DESTIN– No! Ibushi blocked the DDT and has hand control again. But Naito dodges Kamigoye a second time to tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!? Now Naito is shocked, but he just wants it more. He wrenches, tilt-o-whirl, but into Ibushi’s brainbuster! Fans fire up as Ibushi copies the King of Strong Style for a KINSHASA!! Cover, TWO!? Ibushi is all fired up, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, IBUSHI WINS!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; Ibushi earns 2 points, Naito earns 0
The Golden Star overcomes and gets himself a total of 10 points! He’s up near the top, and just needs another win to earn his spot in the finals. Naito is taken away and Ibushi takes up a mic.
Fans chant “Ibushi! Ibushi!” as he catches his breath. “This is my first time on the mic in Osaka.” He makes a promise to everyone right now. He vows to win the G1 and return here as champion. Ibushi thanks the fans for his support as he has only two matches left in the round robin. However, one of those is going to be his best friend and fellow Golden Lover, Kenny Omega! That one match could determine the entire course of the Finals, who will seize their future with their own two hands?!
NJPW and AXS TV set the scene for A Block!
The race is one to determine A Block’s G1 Climax 28 finalist! Kazuchika Okada finds himself in a complete 180 from last year, as the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion is now coming back from a shocking losing streak. The King of Darkness defeated Okada last year to deny him a spot in the finals, but will history repeat itself? Or is the Rainmaker’s Redemption going to continue?
But before that, The Ace and the Unbreakable battle in an all Taguchi Japan match. Will Big Mike spoil the chances of another finals for Tanahashi? Or will the Once in a Century Talent prove that name right and overcome?
And what of the other contender, The Switchblade, Jay White? Will he lose to leave it between Okada and Tanahashi? Or will the Unchained Togi Makabe spoil the upstart’s uprising within Chaos? We jump into that important match, right now!
Jay White VS Togi Makabe!
NJPW on AXS takes us to a point where Makabe has White down but not out. Makabe runs but White counters and ducks to chop and saido suplex! Both men are down now but White is up first. White drags Makabe up and suplexes into the twisting brainbuster. Cover, TWO, and fans applaud for Makabe’s toughness. White grows frustrated, but he keeps on Makabe with forearms. Makabe dares him to give more, so White rocks him with another. Makabe eggs White on, and now White chops Makabe. White fires off forearms, but Makabe keeps egging him on. White keeps going, then runs, but his clothesline barely makes Makabe budge. Another try but still nothing. White goes a third time, but Makabe gives a clothesline back. Makabe runs but White ducks to chop and chop and chop. White runs but Makabe knocks him over!
Fans fire up as Makabe runs, but into a complete shot! White keeps going, deadlift German Suplex! But Makabe stands with White to run him over! Both men are down again, but Makabe roars his way up. Makabe puts White in the corner and up onto the top rope. Makabe climbs up to join him, but White holds on! White fights Makabe off with elbows, and Makabe falls into the Tree of Woe. But Makabe sits up for the Spider Belly2Belly! Makabe turns around but White uses Red Shoes as a shield. White then gets Makabe with strikes and prepares the Blade Runner, but Makabe counters with a German Suplex! Makabe clotheslines White again, then covers, TWO!
Makabe drags White up and scoops to slam. He goes back to a corner, climbs up top, and leaps! His knee drop misses! White rolls all the way out, and starts searching under the ring. He brings out chairs, and puts them in the ring. Red Shoes reprimands him, but White doesn’t care. Makabe ducks the swing to give lariats, one through the chair! Makabe then threatens White with the chair, Red Shoes stops him. White shoves Makabe into Red Shoes! White scurries away while those two fall over, and gets himself that second chair. SMACK in the face! White gets the chairs out of the ring and then has Red Shoes get back in. Blade Runner! Red Shoes counts, White wins!
Winner: Jay White, by pinfall; White earns 2 points, Makabe earns 0
The Switchblade uses another sneaky tactic to keep himself spotless in the round robin. He has one more match to go, can he make it to the goal?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Michael Elgin!
The Ace has won two G1 Climaxes before, and looks for his third. The Unbreakable “Big Mike” is out of the running but doesn’t mind being spoiler, even to a fellow main unit member. Will Elgin keep Tanahashi back? Or will Tanahashi keep his chances of a finals appearance going?
The bell rings and the fans chant for Tanahashi. He and Elgin circle then tie up. Elgin powers Tanahashi back, but lets his friend out respectfully. They go again, and Tanahashi calls for a test of strength. Elgin accepts and they tie up. They go shoulder to shoulder, but even with a bad shoulder, Elgin has power enough to put Tanahashi on his knees. Tanahashi comes back and puts both arms against Elgin’s bad one, but Elgin still has such strength! Elgin backs Tanahashi to the ropes, then they break. Tanahashi puts Elgin on the ropes, and they break. Elgin lunges for a headlock and takeover but Tanahashi rolls it to his own. They stand and Elgin lifts Tanahashi to the ropes.
Elgin powers out of the headlock then runs Tanahashi over, but Tanahashi’s right back up! Elgin runs him over again and Tanahashi still springs back up, but then staggers back. Tanahashi reverses Elgin’s whip and hip tosses Elgin down, then plays the air guitar. Both men stand and Tanahashi body shots Elgin to a corner. He whips corner to corner but Elgin reverses. Elgin runs into an elbow but catches Tanahashi as he goes up and over. Tanahashi fights his way out and goes to reverse-rana, but Elgin holds on with power! Elgin swings Tanahashi for an inverted Alabama Slam! Elgin walks around Tanahashi before bringing him back up. He lifts Tanahashi for a backbreaker. Cover, TWO, but Elgin keeps on Tanahashi.
Elgin brings Tanahashi up for the scoop slam, then he goes outside to slingshot splash! Cover, TWO but barely. Elgin keeps his cool and drags Tanahashi up again. Tanahashi gives body shots but Elgin chops him back. Elgin runs but into boots. Tanahashi fires forearms but Elgin gives another chop. Elgin whips but Tanahashi hits back with flying forearms. Tanahashi drops an elbow then a sommersault senton, cover, TWO! Tanahashi chops, but Elgin is too big for the scoop. Elgin scoops, Tanahahsi slips out, and they both kick. They both catch the kicks, then argue who lets go first. They decide to do it together, and then start again. Tanahashi ducks and chops, then forearms Elgin to a corner. He whips but Elgin reverses, to then dodge the dropkick on the rebound.
Elgin deadlifts but Tanahashi counters with a dragon screw! Elgin’s leg is also taped up so it’s another target for Tanahashi. Both men slowly sit up, and Tanahashi goes after the leg again. Elgin shoves him away then catches the kick, to give Tanahashi a dragon screw! Tanahashi has his own leg problems, so that was a good move from Elgin. Elgin drags Tanahashi up but they start brawling. Elgin hits, Tanahashi hits, repeat. Tanahashi kicks then runs, but into an overhead belly2belly! Both men slowly stand but Elgin runs in for a big corner clothesline. Elgin suplexes to a Falcon Arrow, cover, TWO! The battle of tag team partners continues as we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Elgin brings Tanahashi back up. Elgin chops Tanahashi then lifts him to the top rope. Elgin climbs up but Tanahashi slips under! Tanahashi wants a high-angle German Suplex but Elgin holds on. Elgin fights Tanahashi off, then turns around. Tanahashi runs in, catches the foot, SUPER Dragon Screw! Elgin clutches his leg but Tanahashi isn’t done there. Tanahashi grabs the legs to Cloverleaf! He gets Elgin on his belly and pulls back. Elgin endures and uses his arms to drag himself forward. Tanahashi wrenches back and sits down into it, but Elgin powers back up! Elgin pushes himself off the mat and then pops Tanahashi off the hold! Tanahashi goes to the apron but skins the cat into headscissors! He drags Elgin over and down!
Tanahashi skins the cat again to return into the ring. Fans fire up as Tanahashi gets to a corner and the top rope. Elgin hurries in to stop him from jumping. Tanahashi fights Elgin off, but Elgin swing kicks Tanahashi back. Elgin climbs up and brings Tanahashi with him, for the SUPERPLEX! Tanahashi writhes from the impact, Elgin covers, TWO! Elgin feels hwo close he is, and fires himself up. Fans rally with him as he drags Tanahashi back up. Elgin prepares a powerbomb but Tanahashi grabs a leg. Elgin pries Tanahashi’s arms back for a double underhook, but Tanahashi back drops! Big Mike rolls through to high stack then deadlift, for the powerbomb! Cover, TWO! Elgin is surprised, but he grits his teeth as he works on what to do next.
Elgin drags Tanahashi back up, powerbomb lifts again, for a buckle bomb! But Tanahashi fires out for a slingblade! Cover, TWO! Crucifix! TWO! Both men are down, but they’re not done yet. Tanahashi is up first and goes after Elgin’s legs. Elgin forearms, but Tanahashi holds on, until the enziguri! German Suplex! Elgin holds on but Tanahashi fights with elbows. Elgin grabs thsoe arms, so Tanahashi blocks with a leg. He can’t tiger suplex, so Elgin swings Tanahashi out for a forearm! Elgin then powerbomb lifts, only for Tanahashi to slip out and hit the swinging neckbreaker! Slingblade!
Tanahashi is all fired up as he climbs to the top. He aims, Elgin stands, High Fly Flow crossbody! But Elgin rolls through and scoops! Tanahashi slips out and wants a full nelson. Elgin breaks free so Tanahashi changes to trapping the arms. Elgin breaks out of that, too! Tanahashi hits him with a palm strike, but Elgin comes back with a back hand! Elgin clobbers Tanahashi with a clothesline! Elgin takes off his elbow pad and prepares that wrapped but powerful arm. He has Tanahashi stand, then runs, for another big clothesline! Then a powerbomb lift, crucifix sit-out!! Cover, TWO!! Elgin can’t believe it, but Tanahashi survives. Elgin fires up again and drags Tanahashi back up. He goes for and hits another buckle bomb! Then a spin, but Tanahsahi drops off and rolls him up! Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall; Tanahashi earns 2 points, Elgin earns 0
It was by the skin of his teeth and the seat of his pants, but Tanahashi gets the win! He keeps ahead of Jay White, but there’s still one last round in the round robin. Can The Ace get through to get back to the finals? Or will he leave room for the Switchblade to slide in?
Kazuchika Okada VS EVIL!
The Rainmaker has gone through a dry spell since losing his IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but he still has hope. However, he faces the man who denied him passage to the finals last year, right at the home stretch. Will Okada continue to climb back from defeat? Or will he find out Everything is Evil?
The bell rings and fans are behind Okada already. Okada and Evil circle then approach, and Evil kicks low. Evil puts on a headlock, but Okada works against the hold. Evil drags him back in, but Okada fights with body shots. Okada powers out, but Evil runs him over with a shoulder. Evil runs and things speed up, but Evil still gets Okada with the lariat. Cover, TWO and already a close one. Evil brings Okada up just so he can clothesline him back down. He drags Okada up again, but Okada escapes the STO. Okada European Uppercuts and catches Evil into the Air Raid neckbreaker! Both men are down but fans are rallying. Evil and Okada roll out of the ring, but Evil is the one who whips Okada. Okada reverses only for Evil to reverse back, and Okada gets the railings!
Evil drags a chair out from under the ring, then puts it around Okada’s head. He throws Okada and chair into the post! Okada falls and Red Shoes reprimands Evil for that. Red Shoes checks Okada but Okada’s okay somehow. Evil waits in the ring while Okada slowly stirs. Red Shoes holds off on the count a moment, but starts it as he sees Okada is moving. The climb counts to 10 but Okada gets in at about 13. Evil drags Okada up and wrenches the arm a couple times. He wrenches a third time, then grabs the other arm for a half surfboard. Evil pushes and Okada’s face hits the mat. Cover, TWO! Evil grows frustrated with Red Shoes, but that was the count.
Evil drags Okada up and around for a chop. Okada staggers to a corner, and Evil chops him again. Evil chops a third time, and Okada falls to the floor. Cover, TWO! Evil brings Okada into a chinlock, bending him back with a knee. Evil pulls back as hard as he can but Okada endures. Okada stands up and fights out again, then runs, but into a sidewalk slam! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Okada while Evil keeps his cool. Evil drags Okada up and turns him around, but Okada fights out. Evil kicks low then whips but Okada reverses into a DDT! Both men are down again, but Okada suddenly kips up!
Okada runs at Evil for a forearm smash, then elbow. He rallies with a whip but Evil reverses, only for Okada to come back with another elbow. Okada brings Evil up but Evil fights back. Evil runs but into the flapjack! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his cool now, and goes to gut wrench. Evil blocks so Okada clubs and kicks him. Okada EuroUppers Evil to a corner, then gives Evil a back elbow. Okada lifts Evil but Evil kicks him first. Evil dodges a dropkick to drop the senton! LIJ’s King of Darkness is in control while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns and Evil joins Okada on the apron. Evil drags Okada up, but Okada fights back with body shots. Evil rakes Okada’s eyes, then gives him a leaping facebuster to the railings! It was double-edged as Evil hit just as hard. Red Shoes checks on both men but they’re both okay somehow. Evil sits up first, and drags Okada up and around the corner. They go to the ramp now, and Evil fireman’s carry. Okada slips out to kick and DDT Evil on the ramp! Fans fire up as Okada rolls to his feet and gets a running start, for the John Woo dropkick! Evil is sent rolling all the way back to the ring! Okada catches his breath while Evil clutches his ribs.
Okada heads back and fetches Evil at the count of 13 to put him in the ring at 16. He aims at Evil from a corner, then runs out for another dropkick. Evil ends up in the other corner, but Okada keeps on him. Okada puts Evil in the middle to then climb up top. He aims, for a missile dropkick! But Okada isn’t done with Evil yet, he gets the fans fired up! Okada brings Evil up but Evil again blocks the gut wrench. Okada clubs Evi’s back and completes the lift, but Evil slips down. Evil shoves Okada then uses Red Shoes as a shield. He mule kicks Okada then suplex lifts him onto Red Shoe’s shoulder! Magic Killer! Everyone is down, including Red Shoes. Red Shoes rolls out to recover while Okada and Evil slowly stand.
Evil runs in at Okada, but into Okada’s boot. He tries again but gets more boots, yet still hits a corner clothesline! Evil lifts Okada for Darkness Falls! Cover, TWO!! It was close but not enough. Evil sits Okada up to slash the throat, and bring him up. Okada denies the STO but Evil kicks and roaring elbows. Okada reverses the whip but Evil holds ropes to evade the dropkick. Evil runs, but into Okada’s waistlock and wristlock ripcord! Evil ducks the Rainmaker to STEAL the Rainmaker! Cover, TWO!! Okada’s own move doesn’t do it!! Fans fire up while Evil roars. Evil drags Okada up, half ‘n’ half suplex! Then with elbow pad off, Clothesline from Hell! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives again and it infuriates Evil.
Evil calls for the end, brings Okada up, and goes for STO again. Okada reverses and swings Evil out but Evil reverses to try another steal. Okada reverses, to STEAL the STO!! Cover, TWO!! Evil won’t lose to his own move, either! Both men are down again but Okada stands first. He dropkicks Evil in the back of the head, then gut wrenches to the Tombstone! But he’s not done, he swings Evil out again. Evil blocks but Okada stops the STO, only to get a left-hand lariat! Evil drags Okada up again, ST– Discus lariat from Okada! And, THE Rainmaker!! Cover, OKADA WINS!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; Okada earns 2 points, Evil earns 0
The redemption continues! Okada redeems himself for last year’s loss, as well as for the losses earlier in the tournament. With just round left, can Okada pull off the comeback of the century? Or will Tanahashi stand in his way?
Okada speaks.
“I can’t believe it. It’s unbelievable.” After a brutal match like that, the fans won’t go home. What’s up with that, Osaka? Does it look like he won that easily? Is he that strong? Is he just that amazing? Well then he’ll go ahead and say it. “Win number six!!” And he’s a bit dizzy now. But Okada’s sure this is going smoothly. He’s so smooth. The Okada they expected has returned. But he won’t be as strong or amazing as he was before. He’ll be even more than that! He will bring NJPW with him.
“One more G1 qualifier match.” Fans know it’s against Tanahashi, and are already dueling. Okada takes note of it. Rocky Romero says Okada, too, right? But he feels bad for Tanahashi now. But too bad for Tanahashi, because Okada vows to win it all! “Are you satisfied now? Because I’d really like to sit down.” Thank you very… much! Okada takes his leave and hopes to take the G1 Climax, but what will it take just to win the block?
My Thoughts:
Another great selection for two hours of NJPW on TV. They didn’t use time to review the other matches, but that’s because they couldn’t spare time given the matches advertised. At the same time, the only matches that matter at this point are those vying for the top spots in each block. B Block was another Golden Lovers night as Omega surprisingly loses to Ishii in a great gritty match, while Ibushi toughs it out to win against Naito. I liked that Ibushi got to speak, and he was aware he doesn’t get to do it often. So in character, he keeps his speech to the point. Ibushi has Tama Tonga then Omega, those are going to be great. Naito will soon face fellow LIJ member Sanada, that should also make for great story, no matter who wins.
I was a bit surprised they fit White VS Makabe for A Block, but that match was important to see to know that White was keeping pace. Tanahashi VS Elgin and Okada VS Evil were great, and very clean compared to White’s. It was great for story that Okada and Evil each stole the other’s finisher once but couldn’t win with them. Okada wins and gets to speak, confident that even with thought it’s Tanahashi he has left, he can win. The only way White gets in over either of them is if he and Okada win, given White’s early win over Okada is the tiebreaker. Anything else and Tanahashi’s in.
My Score: 8.8/10; 8.8/10; Overall = 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Conference Championships
It's Championship Sunday and the gents have you covered as we breakdown both AFC and NFC title games!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Bandwagon Nerds #276: Do You Style Your Moustache?
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, review Captain America: Brave New World, and check out trailers...
Bandwagon Nerds #275: Master of Porpoise
The Nerds begin their review of Season 3 of Invincible and look at the latest trailers for Final Destination, Jurassic...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (2/5/25)
There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrasslin’ Wrap-up!
DJ, Rob and Jason break down NXT Vengeance Day and AEW GrandSlam Australia. Plus, Rob's SmackDown adventure and some beer...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
-
Coverage7 days agoMitchell’s WWE Vengeance Day Results & Report! (2/15/25)
-
AEW Coverage7 days agoMitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
-
Coverage5 days ago
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
-
Coverage4 days ago
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)