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Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: Fighting Spirit Unleashed!

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NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed

AXS gives a special NJPW encore of Fighting Spirit Unleashed! Will the new NWA Worlds Champion, Cody, also become the new IWGP United States Champion?

 

This coverage of Fighting Spirit Unleashed will be as broadcast by AXS TV.

Gifs can be found at http://frentique.tumblr.com/

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Six Man Tag: ACH, Jyushin Thunder Liger & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Roppongi 3K; ACH, Liger & Taguchi win.
  • The Addiction VS Chase Owens & Hangman Adam Page; The Addiction wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Chris Sabin, Flip Gordon & Jeff Cobb VS Best Friends & Hirooki Goto; Sabin, Gordon & Cobb win.
  • Six Man Tag: EVIL, SANADA & Tetsuya Naito VS Killer Elite Squad & Zack Sabre Jr; Killer Elite Squad & Zack Sabre Jr. win.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kushida VS Gedo & Jay White; Gedo & White win.
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-Finals: Marty Scurll VS Will Ospreay; Scurll wins and advances to the finals.
  • IWGP Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks VS The Guerrillas of Destiny; The Guerrillas of Destiny win and become the new IWGP Tag Team Champions.
  • IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Juice Robinson VS Cody w/ Brandi Rhodes; Cody wins and becomes the new IWGP US Heavyweight Champion.
  • The Golden Lovers VS Tomohiro Ishii & Kazuchika Okada; The Golden Lovers win.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW returns to the States!

This is the third show in America, and we continue where we left off! The Bullet Club faces a new civil war as the Firing Squad looks to overthrow The Elite as Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa take on The Young Bucks for their IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. The Tongans took the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Championships, will they also take the heavyweight two-man belts? Meanwhile, The Villain and the Aerial Assassin again clash for one more shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship! Who gets the newest win in this storied rivalry? And of course, the American Nightmare wants to be the United States Champion on top of NWA Worlds Champion. Can Cody crush Juice Robinson’s dream and find himself holding two titles?

 

Six Man Tag: ACH, Jyushin Thunder Liger & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Roppongi 3K!

The main unit, Taguchi Japan, have been a bit overlooked with things like the Bullet Club Civil War and even the turmoil within Chaos happening. But can combining the forces of the mega anime fan, the living legend of Junior Heavyweight wrestling and Boss Taguchi himself put this faction in the spotlight? Or will Rocky Romero lead his boys, Sho & Yoh, to victory in the Six-Man Tag Division?

The Walter Pyramid is thunderous for Thunder Liger already, so naturally he’ll start. RPG3K sorts itself out and send out Yoh. The bell rings and fans rally up as Liger and Yoh circle. Yoh and Liger tie up and are even in strength. Yoh manages to push Liger to ropes, then backs up to fake a chop. He gives a shoulder pat a la Chaos leader Okada. Liger and Yoh circle and tie up again. Liger gets a headlock, and he grinds Yoh to a knee. Yoh powers out but Liger runs him over with a shoulder. Yoh kips up and Liger goes again, only to run into a dropkick. Fans boo, they much prefer Liger. Things speed up and Liger tilt-o-whirls Yoh into a backbreaker! Liger then drags Yoh into the full Mexican Surfobard! Taguchi and ACH come in to intercept Rocky and Sho with ankle locks!

The referee tries to regain order, and Taguchi Japan release RPG3K. Taguchi whips Yoh and then sends ACH in for a big clothesline. Liger goes in for his own, then ACH, then back to Liger. Taguchi takes care of coaching like in baseball. But then he goes in, funky weapon hip attack! They coordinate again, and Taguchi climbs up. Liger whips but Yoh reverses, sending Liger into the funky weapon! And then Yoh gives Taguchi 1000 Years of Death! Taguchi tumbles down while Sho stomps Liger. Rocky takes care of ACH, then RPG3K work together now. Rocky slaps Liger then feeds Liger to Yoh’s mudhole stomps. Yoh tags in Sho and they double whip Liger. They have Liger run, into a drop toehold and low dropkick. Fans boo and jeer them while Sho bumps Liger off Rocky’s boot. Rocky tags in and puts Liger in a corner.

Rocky throws haymakers while mocking Liger, but Liger chops back! Liger backs Rocky up but Rocky dropkicks the legs out. Fans rally up for Liger, but Rocky tags in Sho. Sho takes out Taguchi while Yoh comes in. They whip Liger, then send Rocky in. Liger puts Rocky on the apron, but Rocky grabs Liger. Sho runs in but Liger dodges, Sho hits Rocky down! Liger knocks Yoh down then gives Sho a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! ACH returns and Liger crawls over, hot tag! ACH rallies on Sho and Yoh and even scares Rocky. Show grabs ACH but ACH powers out to then slingshot onto Rocky! ACH goes after Sho with a sweep and stomps! Shotgun dropkick, then a sweep and SUPERKICK for Yoh! ACH fires up with Long Beach, but Sho slows him down.

Sho whips but runs into ACH’s boot. ACH fires off strikes, then deadlift German Suplex! Bridge, TWO! Fans chant “ACH! ACH!” as he keeps on Sho. He fireman’s carry but Sho fights out. Sho waistlocks but ACH fights out now. ACH whips but misses, Sho waistlocks to German Suplex! Sho can’t bridge, but he does crawl for his corner. So does ACH, hot tag to Rocky and Taguchi! Taguchi leaps but completely misses with his funky weapon. Rocky hits Liger for good measure, then aims at Taguchi. Rocky winds up and gets those forever clotheslines going! He gets three but then gets the hip attack! Taguchi gives hip attacks to Yoh and Sho, then gives forever hip attacks to Rocky, to Yoh and to Sho, repeat! Long Beach fires up as Taguchi flops around. He baits RPG3K but dodges all their dropkicks!

Taguchi throws haymakers then runs, but is caught into a triple atomic drop! Sho feeds him to the double mule kick which leads into his backstabber and double knees! High stack cover from Rocky, TWO! Fans fire up and RPG3K stomps about. Liger drags Rocky out, and Taguchi fights out of 3K. ACH blasts Yoh & Sho with dropkicks, then DIVES onto them both! Taguchi gives Rocky the Dodon Buster! Cover, Taguchi Japan wins!

Winners: Taguchi Japan, Ryusuke Taguchi pinning

A big win for the main unit to open the show! Will Taguchi lead his team to further victories? Will Liger and Tiger Mask W get their own victories for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?

Backstage interviews.

Rocky Romero knows “A great man once said that our faction is fine.” Chaos is fine, even with some bad eggs and traitors. Yes, he means Gedo! Gedo broke everyone’s hearts when he sided with Jay White! The “rat bastard” will get his soon, and Jay White, Rocky is ready to fight him wherever and whenever! He wants it to be official! Will Rocky get his fight with the Switchblade? Or will Gedo make sure Rocky gets got first?

 

The Addiction VS Chase Owens & Hangman Adam Page!

Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian may have a deadline with ROH, but they’re hoping to use success in NJPW as a bartering chip. Meanwhile, the Crown Jewel and Problem Solver of the Bullet Club wouldn’t mind finding their own way to titles somewhere. Who will find success as the expense of the others here in Long Beach?

Long Beach is SoCal, so they love “S C U!” The Heavy Metal Rebel starts against his familiar foe and they tie up. Hangman gets the headlock but Kaz powers out. They collide but neither man falls. They tie up again and Kaz gets the headlock. Headman powers out but Kaz dodges and hurdles to bump. Neither man falls again, but Kaz pie faces Hangman. Hangman throws forearms but so does Kaz and the brawl is on! These two still don’t like each other after all they’ve done to each other. Hangman runs but into Kaz’s forearm. Kaz runs but into Hangman’s forearm. Hangman runs but dodges. Kaz dodges, they collide with clotheslines. Neither man falls, even as they go again. They’re still standing, even after a third collision.

Daniels and Chase tag in, even though Hangman wasn’t done with Kaz. Chase says it’s okay, but then Daniels throws haymakers and chops. Chase reverses the whip to cravat knee and mule kick. He runs sideways to hit the swinging neckbreaker! Chase runs into the corner but into Daniels’ boot. Daniels hits his own neckbreaker, then tags in Kaz. The Addiction combine for body shot and flipping neckbraeker. Kaz covers, ONE! Kaz keeps between Chase and Hangman, and fans rally for SCU as Kaz throws forearms on Chase. He whips Chase but Chase dodges. Hangman tags in and Chase feeds Kaz to Hangman’s boot. Chase gives a cravat facebuster, then gets Daniels with one.

Hangman comes in to give Kaz a clothesline, then Daniels a clothesline. Kaz runs but into a fireman’s carry, Hangman kicks Daniels. Hangman dumps Kaz, and uses Daniels for the dropsault! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Hangman while he keeps on Kaz. He bumps Kaz off the buckles then stomps a mudhole. Tag to Chase, and he stomps a mudhole. Chase puts Kaz into the ropes to forearm him in the back. He does it again, then lifts Kaz for the backbreaker. Cover, TWO! Chase keeps on Kaz and tags in Hangman. They double whip, double elbow, then knee drop and shooting star! Cover, TWO! Hangman rallies up the fans, and he pumphandle deadlifts Kaz for the Fall Away Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!

Hangman chops Kaz then tags Chase. He holds Kaz in place for Chase to punch. Chase puts on a facelock but fans rally up for Kaz. Chase wrenches hard, but Kaz powers his way up as fans chant “S C U!” Kaz fights back with body shots and haymakers, but Chase kicks low. Chase whips but Kaz slides off his back to then backstabber! Kaz dodges, hot tag to Daniels! Daniels rallies on the Bullet Club boys. Hangman reverses the whip but Daniels slides to STO! Daniels whips but Hangman reverses again, only to end up in the dragon sleeper. Chase runs in, for a urenage DDT combo! The Fallen Angle keeps going as he wheelbarrow slams Chase. Cover, TWO! Daniels keeps his cool as he drags Chase up for another urenage. Then to the corner, but Chase catches him in a roll up! TWO!

Daniels whips Chase. Chase dodges, Hangman slingshots for the Buck Shot! Hangman hits Kaz for good measure while Chase rebound backbreakers Daniels! Cover, TWO! Daniels is tough, it’s how he’s lasted this long in the sport. Hangman goes to the apron but has to fight Kaz off with a roaring elbow. Then the shooting star shoulder, gets a code breaker!! Chase aims at Daniels, but Daniels resists the driver. Kaz comes in but Chase fires off on him. Chase whips Kaz but Kaz reverses. Chase runs into a boot, Kaz scoops and Daniels jumps, Best Meltzer Ever! Cover, The Addiction wins!

Winners: The Addiction, Daniels pinning

SoCal Uncensored is victorious in SoCal! They’ve got a lot of time left, can Daniels & Kazarian make a run for gold before 2018 is out?

 

Six Man Tag: Chris Sabin, Flip Gordon & Jeff Cobb VS Best Friends & Hirooki Goto!

One half of the Motor City Machine Guns teams with the Captain of Flip Army and the NEW ROH World Television Champion against Chaos’ Trent, Chuckie T & Fierce Warrior! Goto may no longer be NEVER Openweight Champion, but could we see the forging of a new trio for the Six Man Tag Division? Or will this arsenal of honor end that before it begins?

The teams go through their checks with the referee, then sort out who starts. The bell rings and we begin with Sabin and the Kentucky Gentleman. Sabin and Chuckie circle and tie up. Chuckie gets a waistlock but Sabin reverses to a wristlock. Chuckie reverses that onto Sabin but Sabin rolls and handsprings to spin around and wrench the arm to an arm-drag. Things speed up and Chuckie rolls Sabin to a cover, TWO and Sabin has the crucifix cover! TWO and both men stand off. Long Beach loves it already as both men blast their opposing corners! They then get in each other’s face and start brawling with forearms. Goto and Trent come in to brawl with Flip and Cobb! The ref again has a hard time keeping order, but Flip and Cobb throw Trent and Goto out.

Sabin whips Chuckie corner to corner and then Cobb whips Sabin in. Sabin hits the elbow, then Flip goes in for one. However, Sabin isn’t enough to whip Cobb in, so Flip helps. Cobb gets going and hits a big corner splash! Flip shooting stars, then Sabin La Mahistrols, TWO! Chuckie shakes the cobwebs out of his head while Sabin puts him in a corner. Sabin runs but mises, Goto returns to hit a clothesline. Trent hits an elbow and Chuckie a clothesline. Flip comes in but is scooped, long dart cutter! The Best Friends want to hug, but Cobb runs them over! Fans boo, they like hugs. Cobb says they’ll like this more. He builds speed, but runs into Goto’s lariat! Goto keeps on Cobb on the outside, but Sabin stops Goto with a Penalty Kick! But Trent blasts Sabin to then build speed. Chuckie stops him, to hug!

Flip returns but is tossed out onto Sabin. Then the Best Friends build speed to FLY! They hit all three opponents and Long Beach loves it! Chuckie puts Sabin in while Trent flexes. Goto keeps the others down while Chuckie scoop slams Sabin. Tag to Trent, and they build up energy for the most dangerous move in the world… the slingshot foot scrape. But Chuckie adds on his slow-mo senton. The fans love the Fillsbury Flop, but then Goto tags in and he clubs away on Sabin. Goto whips and elbows Sabin down to then drop another elbow. Cover, TWO! Sabin still lives but Goto puts on a chinlock. Fans rally for Sabin as he endures the elbow in the nose and forehead. Goto drags Sabin over and puts him in the Chaos corner.

Tag to Trent, and Trent Northern Lights with bridge. TWO, but Trent keeps between him and the corner. Trent chops Sabin sharply, but Sabin only fires up from it. Sabin chops sharply, so Trent gives another. Tag to Chuckie and he brings Sabin up. Sabin fights back with forearms and chops, but then Chuckie rakes eyes. Sabin can’t see where he’s going, Chuckie tags in Trent. They keep between Sabin and his team, then double whip him corner to corner. Sabin goes up and over and sends Chuckie into Trent and then drop toeholds Chuckie into Trent’s crotch! Chuckie gets Sabin with a kick, but Sabin reverses the bomb into a tornado DDT! Sabin reaches for his corner as fans rally up, he rolls to hot tag in Flip!

Flip leaps over Trent to dropkick Goto. Flip handsprings and mule kicks to PELE! He goes up and FLIES onto Chuckie! Flip fires up and climbs up, to crossbody Trent! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up more as Flip takes aim. Flip runs in but misses. Trent tornado DDT but it’s denied, Flip spring-blades! Flip hurries up top again, for a 450! He bails out as Trent rolls to evade, and turns around into Trent’s shotgun knee! Both men are down but fans rally up. Trent and Flip crawl, hot tags to Goto and Cobb! Cobb rallies on Goto with chops and haymakers! He whips Goto corner to corner then hits a BIG clothesline! Cobb whips Goto again, but Goto dodges. Goto runs and they collide with clotheslines. They collide again, and again, and Goto wins out!

Cobb crawls but Goto runs in for the windmill heel kick! Then the saido suplex! Cover, TWO! Goto tries but can’t fireman carry. Cobb elbows Goto then waistlocks. Goto fights out but Cobb kicks. Cobb swings but ends up in the dragon sleeper. He slips out to suplex Goto down! Fans fire up as Cobb moonsaults! Goto dodges and Cobb flops. Cobb runs into the clothesline, but both men are down. Goto tags to Chuckie and he corner clotheslines on Cobb. Chuckie vows to kill Cobb for real, but it’s Cobb who suplexes him. Trent saves Chuckie, the Best Friends double suplex Cobb! They keep on Cobb with a double whip, but Cobb brings them into each other, for a double pumphandle suplex!

Cobb is superhuman as he brings Trent up. Trent throws Cobb into Chuckie’s knee, and then hits the tornado DDT! Chuckie wants his Awful Waffle, and somhow manages him up for the driver! Cover, but both Sabin and Flip break it! Goto throws Flip out while Trent drags Sabin out. Chuckie positions Cobb and climbs up, for the MOONSAULT! But it flops as Cobb evades! Cobb clobbers Chuckie, brings down the straps, and takes him for a Tour of the Islands! Cover, Cobb and team win!

Winners: Sabin, Gordon & Cobb, Jeff Cobb pinning

The slapdash trio takes the victory in their first time teaming together. Sabin’s chest is worse for wear, but maybe these three could make a run for trios titles somewhere? However, Goto goes after Cobb, wanting to keep their fight going. The referee keeps the peace and Trent convinces Goto to back down, for now. When will we see the Warrior and the Olympian collide again?

 

Six Man Tag: EVIL, SANADA & Tetsuya Naito VS Killer Elite Squad & Zack Sabre Jr!

Los Ingobernables de Japon have been struggling as of late. They no longer have the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, Hiromu Takahashi went down with injury back in the G1 Special in San Francisco, and not even the Uncontrollable Charisma managed to repeat as G1 Climax champion. But perhaps there is hope in Six Man competition! Unless Davey Boy Smith Jr, Lance Archer and the Submission Master do something about it.

Speaking of, KES & ZSJ attack from behind without waiting for the bell! ZSJ singles out Evil while KES drag Naito and the Cold Skull out of the ring. The bell rings as ZSJ toys with the King of Darkness. ZSJ runs but Evil dodges to run him over. The brawl continues on the outside and LIJ gets the edge while Evil grinds his shoe on ZSJ’s head. Evil stomps ZSJ while Archer throws a tantrum on the outside. Sanada tags in and clubs ZSJ. He whips but ZSJ catches him into the abdominal stretch! Sanada slips out to put it on ZSJ! ZSJ slips out and they go around and around, but end up in the Suzuki-Gun corner. Davey tags in and stomps away on Sanada. He throws big kicks and knocks Sanada off his feet. Davey throws forearms and whips Sanada. Sanada dodges to dropkick the leg out!

Sanada grabs the legs and arms, and wants the infamous Paradise Lock, but Davey powers out. Davey runs into a kick, then Sanada throws hands. Sanada whips but Archer tags in, for the back drop power slam! Davey hits Naito and Evil, Archer reels Sanada in for a lariat. ZSJ joins in on the outside and they wreck Naito and Evil with railings. Archer drags Sanada up and into a corner for a chop. He runs corner to corner for a big back elbow, then again for another. Archer keeps going for a third elbow! Fans boo and jeer while Davey tags back in. Davey looms over Sanada as he brings him back up. Davey scoops and slams, to then hook a leg for a deathlock snap! He does a couple more, then swivels those hips and says “Up yours, brother!” before bridging!

Sanada endures the modified deathlock, and fans rally up. Davey shifts to add a crossface and then a fish hook to it. He lets go as the ref counts, and Sanada chops back. Davey eggs him on so Sanada chops more and more. Davey clubs Sanada then German Suplexes. He holds on to German again! Davey goes for the hat trick but Sanada slips out! Sanada boots him away then dropkicks him down! Fans fire up as Naito gets up. Archer intercepts but he choke slam is countered with a huricanrana! Naito tags in! Naito rallies and dodges to dropkick Davey in the back. ZSJ comes in but Naito whips him for the jump kick, sweep and swinging dropkick! Naito drags ZSJ up for the neckbreaker, then hits the pose. Fans fire up but Davey waistlocks. Naito fights out and enziguris!

Naito runs but into a belly2belly! Davey crawls and Archer blasts Evil out. KES go after Naito and they whip him corner to corner. Davey clotheslines, Archer elbows, and they combine for the crossbody sidewalk slam! Cover, TWO! Naito toughs it out but KES is on him again. Archer prepares the full nelson but fans rally up. Naito kicks Davey away then sends him into Archer. Tornado DDT for Archer! Both men are down but crawling. ZSJ tags in but so does Evil. ZSJ throws European Uppercuts but Evil throws forearms. They go back and forth, and Long Beach is on Evil’s side. Evil eggs ZSJ on, ZSJ throws more EuroUppers. Evil chops then back sentons! Fans fire up as Evil runs, but ZSJ kicks the clothesline to then Pele the arm! ZSJ hops on for the double wristlock! Evil endures, and then powers out to a suplex!

Sanada hits KES and coordinates with Evil. They double whip ZSJ and hit a back elbow to big clothesline. Naito comes in for a double dropkick sandwich! Naito and Sanada hit KES, slingshot from Sanada takes them both out. Evil has ZSJ, for the STO but ZSJ reverses to the Octopus! Only for Evil to counter into Darkness Falls!! Cover, TWO!! Evil roars and rags ZSJ up, but ZSJ gets around, European Clutch!! Cover, Suzuki-Gun wins!!

Winners: ZSJ & Killer Elite Squad, Sabre Jr. pinning

Another win over Evil and ZSJ is riding high. The Submission Master doesn’t respect spooky Halloween season, nor does he respect ZSJ. And Killer Elite Squad beat up a young lion, just like Minoru Suzuki would! No respect, no mercy, but will there be consequences for these actions?

As for Evil, Naito and Sanada come in to try and encourage their comrade. LIJ will overcome, but what will it take to turn their luck around?

 

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kushida VS Gedo & Jay White!

The Ace is the G1 Climax 28 champion while the Time Splitter is headed for another IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match. Will their momentum be halted by the traitor of Chaos and his new protege?

Tanahashi already has reason to dislike The Switchblade, so before the bell even rings, he and Kushida take the fight to White and Gedo! The bell rings while the brawl is on! Tanahashi gives White EuroUppers before putting him in the ring. White staggers into forearms and body shots. Tanahashi catches White’s kick into the Dragon Screw! Tanahashi stomps on that leg then throws more forearms. He whips White corner to corner but White reverses. Whtie runs into an elbow, but then trips up Tanahshi and sends him to the floor! Gedo hits Kushida while White stomps away on Tanahashi. White even chokes Tanahashi with camera cord! Fans boo and jeer and White lets go to bring Tanahashi up for a chop. Gedo wrenches and rakes Kushida while White chops Tanahashi again.

White puts Tanahashi in the ring and takes aim. He runs in corner to corner for a running EuroUpper, then throws Tanahashi with a big back suplex. Cover, TWO! Fans boo and jeer while White drags Tanahashi up. White chops Tanahashi more, then tags in Gedo. Fans boo while Gedo puts Tanahashi in a sleeper. Gedo also claws at Tanahashi’s face, so the referee tells him to let go. Gedo does, then taunts Tanahashi. He throws hands while fans boo and jeer. Gedo pokes Tanahahsi in the eyes, and the ref reprimands him again. Gedo brings Tanahashi over for a bump off White’s boot. White tags in to scoop and slam Tanahashi. White mocks Tanahashi before dropping the elbow. Cover, TWO!

White drags Tanhashi up to bump him off Gedo’s boot. Fans rally for The Ace but Gedo mule kicks him in the gut. Gedo embraces the heat, but Tanahashi hits back with body shots! Tanahashi swings on White but White gets away. Gedo whips Tanahashi but runs into the elbow. Tanahashi jumps up for the crossbody! Gedo manages to defend slightly and both men are down. Hot tag to Kushida! Springboard ax handle for Gedo, handspring kick for White! Kushida boots Gedo away then swing kicks him. Kushida climbs up and leaps over Gedo, to come back into Gedo’s kick. Gedo runs but into the arm-drag and cartwheel dropkick! Kushida aims from a corner and rolls, for the DDT! Float over to the cross armbreaker! Gedo resists as he rolls Kushida, but Kushida rolls him for the kimura! White breaks that up then takes out Tanahashi.

White helps Gedo to their corner and then tags in. He embraces the heat as he drags Kushida up for a chop. White chops more, but then Kushida dodges. Kushida runs into a boot but slips out of the suplex, only to get another chop. White whips but Kushida handsprings for the back elbow! Hot tag to Tanahashi! Tanahashi rallies on White, then whips corner to corner. White reverses but Tanahshi comes back with a forearm! Tanahashi has fans fired up, but White counters the slingblade. Tanahashi gets out of Blade Runner for Twist ‘n’ Shout! The Ace runs but into a chop, yet still gets a slingblade! Cover, but Gedo breaks it. Kushida throws Gedo out but gets a thumb in the eyes. Tanahashi goes up while White is still down. But White grabs the ref while Gedo uses brass knuckles to sucker punch Tanahashi!

Gedo rocks Kushida with that brass fist, then White lets go of the ref. White brings Tanahashi up, Blade Runner! Cover, White & Gedo win!

Winners: Gedo & White, Jay White pinning

The Switchblade and his new sinister mentor use every trick in the book to steal this from The Ace. White grabs the microphone and the Wrestle Kingdom contract briefcase, to ask Tanahashi and the world–once Long Beach stops booing–“What are you waiting for?” Fans switch to “F*ck you, Switchblade!” but White just blows kisses in return. He tells them to shut up since they paid to see him. But what is Tanahashi waiting for? He won the G1 only to give Okada a shot at the briefcase the very next event?! White beat them BOTH in the G1 so he has a right to the contract! So White asks again, “What are you waiting for? What is NJPW waiting for?”

They’re all scared that White will win again, and the company can’t afford not having Tanahashi in the main event. At the very least, they can’t stand having two gaijin in the main event! White says this is inevitable! We will all #BreathewiththeSwitchblade in the new era! White wants what Tanahashi has, will Gedo help him reach the top by any means necessary?

Backstage interview.

White says he’s taking that briefcase. Tanahashi knows it, NJPW sees it, fans see it! Everyone sees it. Gedo adds that Tanahashi was finished a long time ago, so are Tanahashi’s days numbered?

 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-Finals: Marty Scurll VS Will Ospreay!

The Villain and The Aerial Assassin may be competing to reach the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight title again, but they’re also continuing their war that has been waged all around the world! Will Scurll or Ospreay move on to challenge The Time Splitter for the vacant title?

There is no love lost between these archenemies, but they still wait for the bell. The belt is shown to remind them what they’re after, and the bell rings to send these two at each other! SPANISH FLY OUTTA NOWHERE! Cover, TWO! Ospreay almost ends it there, but Scurll bails out. Ospreay builds speed to Sasuke Special! He puts Scurll in then climbs up, Shooting Star! Cover, TWO!! This is too fast, too furious, but its’ not over yet. Ospreay runs but Scurll bails out, so Ospreay DIVES! Ospreay doesn’t give Scurll a moment’s rest while fans are thunderous. He puts Scurll into the ring then springboards for a big clothesline! Scurll wants a breather but Ospreay won’t give him it. Ospreay instead kicks away on Scurll’s chest.

Scurll catches on to then SLAP Ospreay! Ospreay kicks Scurll again, but runs into the EuroUpper. Scurll hits another, then goes to the apron for the SUPERKICK! The Villain finally has time to breathe while fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” Scurll brings Ospreay up and onto the apron to slam his chest on the edge. Scurll has the fans on his side as he brings Ospreay up. He ducks the enziguri to stomp Ospreay’s back neck! Scurll chops Ospreay off his feet once, twice, three times! Fans cheer as Scurll wrenches Ospreay’s neck with a cravat. Scurll throws knees, then snapmares and dropkicks Ospreay’s neck again. Cover, TWO! He kicks Ospreay while he’s down, then stands on Ospreay’s head.

Fans rally as Scurll stands Ospreay up for more chops. Scurll chops again but now Ospreay grits his teeth. Scurll kicks him in the face, then tweaks his neck! Ospreay is on the ropes, and Scurll stands on his head! The ref reprimands Scurll and Scurll lets up at 4. Scurll flexes and fires the fans up. He whips but Ospreay handsprings to enziguri! Both men are down but Ospreay’s neck still bothers him. Fans duel as both men slowly stand. Ospraey sweeps Scurll’s legs then runs in, but misses the dropkick. Scurll blocks one kick but gets the enziguri, then the elevated 619! Ospreay catches his breath and checks his neck while fans rally up. Ospreay slingshots but Scurll shoves and swing kicks. Scurll goes out to whip Ospreay into barriers.

Scurll chops Ospreay again, and again. He drags Ospreay to the apron, but Ospreay fights back. They brawl with forearms and chops, Ospreay kicks, but Scurll still chops. Back and forth but Ospreay gets the edge. Scurll runs but manages to hold off the Spanish Fly. Both men get flashbacks to their previous encounter. Scurll puts Ospreay in but Ospreay mule kicks. Ospreay sees his chance, runs and SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! The fans lose their minds while both men are down and out. Ospreay stands first as the ring count reaches 13. He puts Scurll in at 15, wanting to win in the ring. Ospreay aims, Robinson Special spin kick! He calls for it, springboards for it, but ends up in a backslide form it! Roll through, but SUPERKICK!

Both men are down again but fans are loving it. Fans rally up as a new count begins. Scurll stands at 5 and goes over to Ospreay. Scurll butterflies but Ospreay resists. Ospreay turns around and kicks Scurll, to butterfly him. Scurll slips out to chop but Ospreay fires off strikes. Ospreay runs and kicks to then clobber Scurll with a clothesline! Scurll is down but Ospreay isn’t through with him. He drags Scurll up to a corner, then to the top rope. Ospreay chops Scurll then climbs up to join him. Ospreay and Scurll stand all the way up, but Scurll trips Ospreay up! Scurll then adjusts to SUPER STEINER! Then he runs to flip Ospreay with that lariat! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and Scurll can’t believe it. Fans still love it as they build back to a rally.

Scurll drags Ospreay up for another chop. Ospreay grits his teeth as he stays standing. Scurll chops him again but Ospreay still keeps himself up. Scurll chops again, but Ospreay won’t back down. Ospreay chops Scurll, Scurll chops Ospreay, and now Ospreay fires off strikes. Scurll ducks the kick to give the uppercut, bu t runs into the flip kick and enziguri! Suplex, but into CHICKEN WING!! Ospreay is stuck in the middle of the ring, but rolls it back! Cover, TWO, and then Mahistrol! TWO! Scurll powerbombs and high stacks, TWO, butterfly but Ospreay slips out. Full nelson but Scurll breaks out, only for Ospreay to hook kick him! Both men are down but Long Beach is thunderous!

Fans know “This is Awesome!” as both men stir. Ospreay stands first and calls for the end. He butterflies but Scurll powers him up to a corner. Scurll climbs up, but Ospreay slips out to tuck him in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Ospreay has a wild look in his eye as he climbs up top again. He steadies himself, but Scurll trips him up! Scurll sits Ospreay up and chops his back. Scurll climbs up, and wants the chicken wing up there! Ospreay fights out of it, but ends up in the tiger underhook! SUPER TIGER SUPLEX!! Cover, TWO!? HOW?! But Scurll just clobbers Ospreay again, before giving him the side package driver! Scurll isn’t done yet, Graduation Butterfly slam! Cover, Scurll wins!!

Winner: Marty Scurll, by pinfall; advances to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match

The Villain defeats the Assassin, and will now face Kushida! King of Pro-Wrestling will see a new IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, but will it be Taguchi Japan or Bullet Club that claims it?

Backstage interview.

Scurll congratulates himself, and says that three things are guaranteed: Death, taxes, and Scurll beating Ospreay. Tonight was no different. Ospreay loses again and again, because he’s “full of it.” The truth is, when it’s 1v1 between these two, Scurll will always win. But enough about that, Scurll is tired and wants to go home to his dog Winston. Kushida, your time is up! Scurll claims that belt because he is the biggest start in the Division! No one buys Kushida merch, Opsreay merch or even Hiromu merch. They buy Scurll’s merch! Scurll will win and take it all the way to Tokyo Dome for an even better entrance than before! Thank you, get him some water, bye bye!

 

IWGP Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks VS The Guerrillas of Destiny!

This is Bullet Club Civil War 2, and it’s even more intense than before. While Cody and Omega were fighting for the top, everyone else had to choose a side. Matt & Nick Jackson eventually chose Omega’s side, but the BC OG and his brother were a bit more cryptic about where they stood. When things finally settled between The Elite, that was when they decided to strike! This splinter cell known as the Firing Squad wants it all for themselves, and doesn’t care what they have to do or who they have to hurt to get it. Will Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa gun down the Bucks? Or will the Superkick Party be too much to stop?

Naturally the Godfather of Destiny, THE King Haku, accompanies his sons to the ring. As for the California natives, they’re going it as just the two of them, wearing gear that shouts out to the Golden Elite, aka the fabulous four that are The Bucks, Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi. Long Beach is of course on the side of “The! Elite! The the Elite!” the belts are raised but Tama tosses them down! Tension mounts as the teams sort out. Brother Nick starts against brother Tama and we begin. Fans chant “Young Bucks!” but Tama simply scowls at the fans. Some fans shout support for “G O D!” and that invigorates Tama.

Tama ties up with Nick, and Tama gets the headlock. Nick powers out but Tama runs him over. Tama runs but Nick keeps up with him, but both men dodge dropkicks to cancel out with dropkicks. They trash talk forehead to forehead, then start shoving. Matt shoves Tama so Loa shoves Matt. It’s a lot of shoving that turns into a brawl. But the GoD tank it all and then clobber the Bucks down. The GoD double whip but the Bucks slide and kick. The Bucks run, double alley oop dropkick! Fans fire up as The Bucks focus on Tama. They whip then kick, to sweep and dropkick! Matt handsprings to headscissor Loa for Nick to dropkick! Fans fire up again and continue to chant “The! Elite! The the Elite!”

Tama hits back but Nick clubs him down. Nick brings Tama over and tags in Matt. They double whip and hip toss to handspring and dropkick. Matt’s back is bothering him again… He still covers, ONE! The ref checks on Matt but Matt won’t quit for that. He tags Nick and Nick kicks Tama. Nick checks on Matt but Tama attacks them both! Tama whips Nick while Loa takes out Matt on the outside. Loa focuses on that bad back as he scoops Matt for a running powerslam! Tama tosses Nick out and the GoD supporters rally up again. Loa whips Matt around while Tama headbutts Nick. Tama whips Nick into railing while Loa fetches a table. Loa puts the table up while Tama stands on Matt’s chest.

The referee reprimands the GoD but they don’t listen. They instead put Matt in the ring. Tama whips Nick but Nick reverses, sending Tama into barriers! Nick then hurries and saves Matt from certain doom, and then knocks Loa down. Loa misses the table, but Nick takes aim again to FLY! Nick sends Loa into railing right near commentary with JR and Kevin Kelly. Nick puts Loa back in, but Tama is back. The GoD get kicks from Nick, including the spinning roundhouse and shining wizard! Nick wants the bulldog but is fed to a lariat! Loa hits Matt but Matt hits back. Matt hits Tama, too, then climbs up! Matt, bad back and all, gets tossed into the table!! Fans boo and jeer but Loa plays innocent.

Tama goes after Nick and whips, Loa comes in and they work together to give body shots and the jumping neckbreaker. Loa adds the leg drop, but they’re not done here. They each climb up a corner and aim at Nick, diving headbutt to frog splash! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives but the GoD are confidently in control. Tama drags Nick up for elbows to the chin, neck and shoulder. He fires off elbow after elbow, then stops only to put Nick in the corner. Tag to Loa and the God continue to mug Nick. Loa picks Nick up to ram him into buckles. Loa and Tama grin as they keep Nick isolated in their corner. Now Loa lifts Nick in a stalling suplex to show off his strength. He slams Nick down hard, then covers. TWO, but Loa keeps his cool.

Loa makes Nick look at the empty corner. Matt stirs in the wreckage while Tama tags in. Double headbutt, but Nick fights back. Tama headbutts as Nick throws haymakers, and Nick gets free of the GoD corner. Nick kicks but Tama waistlocks. Matt crawls for his corner but Nick Penalty Kicks Loa. Nick shoulders into Tama to slingshot facebuster, handspring Asai onto Loa! Nick gets back in the ring and crawls for his corner. Matt crawls there, too, but Tama splashes on Nick before the tag can be made. Tongan Twist, Tama’s take on the Cross Rhodes! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives, but now Loa tags back in.

The fans duel again as Loa has Nick on the ropes to choke him out. The referee reprimands him so Loa lets up at 4. Loa encourages the dueling chants, then scoops Nick for a slam. He tags Tama, and the GoD know they have control. Nick fights back but Tama waistlocks and suplexes. Nick slips out but his kick is blocked. Tongan Twist but Nick slips through to SUPERKICK! Both men are down and father Haku looks concerned. Fans fire up as Nick and Tama crawl for their corners. Hot tag to Matt! Matt fires off haymakers, about all he can do with a bad back. Loa comes in but gets hands, too. Loa fires up with the strikes and Tama clobbers Matt. The GoD double whip but Matt comes back with leaping lariats!

Matt fires up, the adrenaline helping with his back pain. He chops and forearms away on Loa, but Loa still takes it all. Matt whips but Loa reverses. Matt holds ropes and baits Loa in to dump him out. SUPERKICK for Tama! Somehow Matt gets moving to dropkick Loa out. Matt climbs back in to shoulder Tama. Slingshot to sunset flip, into the Sharpshooter! Matt gets the Cease, but can he hold onto it? Loa clubs Matt off the hold, then drags Matt up. The GoD coordinate, throwing hands, dropkick, and a scoop slam onto knees! Cover, TWO!! Matt barely gets out, and Tama taunts him more. Tama doesn’t believe the Bucks are good enough for Heavyweight wrestling. He slaps Matt, but runs into Matt’s SPEAR!

Fans rally and both men stir. Tama and Matt crawl, hot tags to their brothers! Nick springboards but is caught! Loa spins Nick around but Nick slips out. Nick shoves and shining wizard to the back. He sits Loa up, but Tama puts Nick on the apron. Nick kicks Tama then springboard stomps. Somersault to backstabber! Nick calls for the Party! Tag to Matt and the Bucks aim together. Loa stands, blocks Nick’s kick but takes Matt’s SUPERKICK! Nick SUPERKICKS Tama, then they both SUPERKICK Loa! Cover, TWO!! The party isn’t over yet, but “The! Elite! The the Elite!” still have more to give.

Matt tries to lift Loa but his back won’t allow it. Nick helps out, and then Matt hits the rolling senton! Nick adds the 450, More Bang for Your… but Matt’s back is slowing him down! Matt manages the climb, and moonsaults for that Buck! Cover, TWO!! Matt’s bad back is again interfering, so Nick helps him scoop Loa. Nick springboards, into a GUN STUN!! Loa hits the gutbuster drop on Matt! Cover, TWO!?! How?! Tama tags back in, GoD coordinates, but Matt fights out. SUPERKICK for Loa, SUPERKICK for Tama! But then GUN STUN 3D!! Cover, the GoD WIN!!

Winners: Guerrillas of Destiny, Tama Tonga pinning; NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions

An incredible effort from The Young Bucks was NOT enough! Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa now hold these titles and the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championships. King Haku celebrates with his sons as they become the most decorated tag team in NJPW today. Will the Bucks be back for revenge? Or will it even matter should the Firing Squad win the war?

Backstage interview.

Tama says that before he answers the “stupid ass questions,” he has a question. Who was surprised by today? None here, they’re smart reporters. But go ahead and ask those dumb questions. How do they feel winning the titles? The same as every day. They grew up with wrestling. This isn’t just a game. Haku has been there for their lives. It’s another day on the job. Will they continue to roll on like it’s another day at work as they make this the Tongan Era of NJPW? Or will the war not go their way in the end?

 

IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Juice Robinson VS Cody w/ Brandi Rhodes!

The Flamboyant One scratched and clawed to get his first singles title, and the dream finally came true at the G1 Special in San Francisco. Titles matter so now Juice matters! But will Juice’s dream matter to the American Nightmare on his journey to add even more gold to his collection? Or will Juice retain his title while earning himself a spot in line for Cody’s NWA Worlds title?

The IWGP US belt is raised, the bell rings and we begin! Fans are divided, but Cody gives fans what they want. He takes his shift off, then decides to toss it to… Brandi. Cody circles with Juice and Cody hears the fans. He and Juice tie up, and Cody gets the walstock. They go around and Cody gets the wristlock. Juice reverses the lock but Cody gets to ropes. Juice lets him go and fans applaud the sportsmanship. Cody and Juice circle and tie up. Juice gets the drop toehold and the facelock. Cody gets up tot he waistlock but Juice backs him to a corner. Juice snapmares Cody to a chinlock and shifts around. Cody gets a foot but Juice gets ropes. Cody lets go, but then chops Juice! Juice barely flinches! Cody chops again but Juice fires up.

Juice chops back, Cody chops again and Juice chops again. Cody gets the headlock but Juice powers out. Cody slides under to give the uppercut! Things speed up but Cody ducks the crossbody! Juice rolls out of the ring, but Cody builds speed. Cody FLIES, but into a belly2belly! Brandi checks on her husband while Juice catches his breath. Juice fetches Cody but Brandi touches him. He shoves her a little too hard, and she fakes a teeth injury. Cody gives Juice an inverted DDT, and look! Brandi is fine! She and Cody kiss and she takes a bow for her amazing performance. Cody puts Juice in the ring and then aims from the corner. Cody springboards but misses the elbow! Juice crawls and Cody gets to a corner.

Juice hits a big corner clothesline! He runs back in for another! He then signals to go for a ride, and runs corner to corner. Cody grabs Red Shoes, and Brandi swipes at Juice. Juice backs Brandi off, and still shoulders into Cody. Cody kicks and then clotheslines to complete shot! Cover, TWO!! He tries again, TWO! Cody keeps focus on Juice while Juice slowly stands. Juice snapmares and lifts Cody up. Juice turns him around but Cody backslides, TWO! Roll up, TWO! Cody runs into the heel kick! Fans fire up for Juice as Cody gets to a corner. Juice glares as he runs in corner to corner for the BIG Cannonball! He drags Cody up and around, powerbomb lift, but Cody headscissor counters to send Juice into buckles!

Cody argues with the ref while Brandi rakes Juice’s eyes! Cody clotheslines Juice out, but Juice stays on the apron. So Cody runs, but misses the Beautiful Disaster! Juice climbs, flies, crossbody connects! But Juice takes a moment to cover, TWO! Juice clutches those ribs, but he keeps on Cody. Juice grabs Cody in the double underhook but Cody breaks free. Cody also breaks free of the waistlock to then trip Juice up and put on the Figure Four! Juice endures the legendary leg hold, and works to turn things around. Cody keeps the hold on as he elevates, but then Juice goes to roll it over. Fans rally as the two fight for control of the hold. Juice uses his size and strength and gets the reversal! Cody quickly grabs ropes, and the hold must break.

Brandi helps Cody get a sip of water. Cody takes off his weight belt, but Red Shoes takes it so he can’t use it as a weapon. Cody spits the water in Juice’s face! Then springboard for the Beautiful Disaster! Cover, TWO!? Juice survives the spit-take screwjob! But Cody unwinds the dirty bird, and drags Juice up. Juice backs Cody into a corner, then goes corner to corner. Cody goes up and over but Juice fakes out the slam. Juice turns Cody but Cody escapes. Juice escapes, turns, PULP FRICTION! But Cody gets out thanks to Brandi! The referee reprimand Mrs. American Nightmare and she backs off again. Cody recovers while the 20 count starts up. But Juice won’t settle for a win this way, he wants to win in the ring. He drags Cody up, but Cody gets him with CROSS RHODES!

Both men are down, and another 20 count must begin. Juice stirs but the count is already at 10. The count climbs to 15 as Cody stirs. Cody and Juice stand and both get in at 19! Both men crawl around towards each other. Cody throws a haymaker, but Juice comes back with one. Cody hits Juice, Juice hits back. They go back and forth with jabs, faster and faster and faster! Juice gets the edge, but Cody pokes the eyes, then SUPERKICKS! Fans rally up as Cody has the arms. He turns Juice, and hits Dinn’s Fire!! Cover, TWO!? Juice survives?! Cody is too tired to be frustrated, but he also works on another idea. Cody climbs up top, but Juice trips him up! Juice climbs up to join Cody, throwing big haymakers. Juice stands Cody up, for a SUPERPLEX!! But cradle counter! CODY WINS!?

Winners: Cody, by pinfall; NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion

Was it Cody’s pin!? It’s hard to tell but the referee gave it to Cody, and the referee’s decision is final. Cody is now the dual NWA Worlds and IWGP US Champion! Brandi gets an assist but the records will only show Cody winning, will Juice come back to get even with Cody? Or is Cody going to move on and up to even bigger and better?

Backstage interview.

Cody says “let’s get serious”! The IWGP US Championship means the world to NJPW, because it’s the youngest title. They wanted a heritage that matters, so Cody can speak on that. Juice is what the NXT staff called “one of Dusty’s kids.” Well guess what: Cody is one of Dusty’s ACTUAL kids! This title belongs to Cody now! It was very personal, for everyone who said Juice was getting better, that he was some kind of master. Cody is the one everyone should be talking about! He brought us in, and is a dual champion for it.

As for Juice, he’s always respected Cody. And Juice said stuff. They come from different places, and Juice wants to clarify his statements. Juice said he was the American Dream, but he apologizes to the Rhodes Family for possibly offending him. He is not claiming to be Dusty, there was only ever one Dusty. Juice loved Dusty so much, so it was not meant as an insult or anything of the sort. Juice simply meant he was living the American Dream to be where he is today. He simply hopes that a little of who Dusty was has influenced him and has made him better for it. This class act from Juice certainly is a sign of that. Will Juice be back for that title? Or will he again have to scratch and claw for another shot?

 

The Golden Lovers VS Tomohiro Ishii & Kazuchika Okada!

The Best Bout Machine has had his run-ins with both the Stone Pitbull and the Rainmaker. It was the previous encounter with Okada that Kenny Omega finally became THE IWGP Heavyweight Champion in their amazing best 2 out of 3 falls match. Then in his most recent run-in with Ishii, Omega managed to tough it out to retain that title. Now he meets both men again with his best friend, Kota Ibushi by his side. As for Okada, he ended his partnership with Gedo after not winning the G1 Climax, only for Gedo to betray him! How will the Rainmaker and Pitbull snap back from this newest setback when going against two of the best?

Long Beach chants for the Golden Lovers but Okada isn’t bothered. Okada volunteers to start, and Kota does the same. The bell rings and fans are already fired up for Rainmaker and Golden Star. They slowly circle and approach. They tie up and Okada gets a waistlock. Ibushi reverses to a wristlock, but Okada rolls and reverses back. Okada shifts to a hammerlock but Ibushi reverses that. Ibushi gets a headlock but Okada works against the hold. Ibushi keeps it and gets the takedown but Okada gets the headscissors. Naturally Ibushi pops out, then he ducks the clothesline, but Okada ducks the kick. Okada wants the Rainmaker but Ibushi narrowly avoids it! The two stand and stare down and fans applaud. Okada tags Ishii and Ishii wants Omega. Ibushi obliges and tags Omega in.

We get a rematch of Destruction in Hiroshima already as these two stare down. They circle and fans settle down. The two tie up, Omega gets a headlock. Ishii powers out and collides shoulders with Omega. Neither man falls, and Omega runs. He bumps Ishii then forearms on the rebound. Omega boots but misses. Ishii bumps, Omga bumps, Ishii runs Omega over! Ishii hits Ibushi for good measure, and hard. Omega throws forearms but Ishii doesn’t back down. Ishii steps forward as Omega throws more forearms, and then rocks Omega with one solid shot. Ishii drags Omega up for elbows tot he neck. He grabs Omega in a facelock, but Ibushi comes in to kick Ishii. Ishii gives forearms but Ibushi does his best Ishii by not flinching.

Ibushi swings but Ishii whips. Ibushi reverses and things speed up, Ibushi kicks, Omega hits the Kotaro Krusher! Cover, TWO! Omega tags to Ibushi. Ibushi throws Ishii down to kick, and kick, and kick! Ishii just fires up, to chop Ibushi back. Ibushi kicks, Ishii chops. Another kick, another chop. Kick, chop, repeat! They hit harder, and Ibushi gets an edge. Ibushi runs but into the shoulder! Okada tags in and he considers his options. He sticks to Ibushi as he scoops and slams. Okada goes to the apron for the slingshot senton, then he finger guns at Omega. Omega wants to get in but Red Shoes keeps him back. Okada goes back to Ibushi to bump him off buckles. Okada stomps a mudhole into Ibushi, then drags him back out for a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO, but Okada keeps his eyes on Omega as he brings Ibushi back around.

Tag to Ishii, and they double whip. Double shoulders run Ibushi over and then Ishii hits Omega for good measure. Omega gets in and scraps with Ishii fast and furious! Ishii gets the better of Omega and throws him out. Okada goes after Ibushi while Ishii throws Omega right into railing. Then into more railing! Ishii stomps Omega out then drags Ibushi up. He whips Ibushi hard into barriers, then tags to Okada. Okada brings Ibushi up but Ibushi fights out of the Chaos corner. Ishii stops that, then Omega snapmares and dropkicks Ibushi hard! Okada tags Ishii and Ishii looms over Ibushi. Ishii toys with Ibushi but Ibushi only gets angry. Fans rally as Ishii headbutts Ibushi. Ibushi fires off forearms, but Ishii headbutts again. Ishii runs but into a big dropkick! Both men are down and fans rally up. Hot tag to Omega!

Omega climbs up quick to crossbody Ishii down! He swings on Okada but Okada gets away. Omega goes back to Ishii but Ishii is ready with forearms. They trade forearms back and forth, neither man slowing down. Omega chops LOUDLY, and then lifts Ishii in the fireman’s carry. “You Can’t Escape!” But Ishii does, to chop Omega. Ishii whips but Omega dodges to hit the running DDT! It was a bit wild, but Omega covers, TWO! Omega gets to the corner, runs in, but Ishii dodges. Ishii runs into a boot, but catches Omega into the powerslam! Fans duel as both men crawl for corners. Ishii hot tags to Okada! Okada runs at Omega but misses, Ibushi missile dropkicks! Omega huricanranas Ishii out, and the Golden Lovers have the fans fired up. They call for it, run corner to corner, CROSS SLASH! Direct hits, and fans fire up again.

Omega puts Okada in and Ibushi is there. The Golden Lovers coordinate, “You Can’t Escape!” Rolling senton, shooting star, moonsault and moonsault! Double cover, TWO!! Okada survives and the Lovers can’t believe it. Omega brings Okada up but Ishii runs Ibushi over. Ishii saido suplexes Omega, then spins Ibushi around. But Ibushi suplexes Ishii! Okada blasts Ibushi with the dropkick! Fans are thunderous as everyone but Okada is done. Okada and Omega stand, just as Okada likes it. Fans like it, too, and now we have a brawl! They throw forearm after forearm, but Okada uses a EuroUpper. Okada runs, but into a chop! Omega whips but Okada reverses, but Omega holds ropes to avoid the dropkick. Okada avoids V-Trigger but Omega dodges Rainmaker. Omega scoops but Okada slips out, only to get the Snap Dragon Suplex!

Omega locks, loads, BANG, but Ishii intercepts. Ishii and Omega exchange blocks and counters, Omega gives Ishii the Death Valley! But Okada gives Omega the dropkick! Okada drags Omega up and reels him out, but Ibushi blocks the Rainmaker! Ibushi fires off strikes, Omega V-Triggers, Ibushi German Suplexes! Ibushi slingshots onto Ishii, and Omega runs to V-Trigger Okada! Omega won’t end it ehere, he hoists Okada up again. One Winged Angel deneid, but so is the Tombstone. Omega gets the tombstone, but Ishii trips up Ibushi. Okada gets the control, and the Tombstone! Ishii adds his sliding lariat, Okada covers, but Ibushi breaks it!! This is wild but it’s far from over. Okada calls for it, brings Omega up for it, but is denied Rainmaker into a BIG urenage! Both men are down but “This is Awesome!” Long Beach is thunderous as both men crawl for their corners.

Ishii and Ibushi tag in, but Ibushi boots only for Ishii to roar. They trade close range forearms back and forth faster and faster. Ibushi reels back for a big one, then fires a strike fest. He roundhouse kicks Ishii off his feet! Then, KNEE-SAULT! Cover, TWO?! Ishii barely survives and Ibushi can’t believe it. Omga drags Ishii up, powerbomb to German suplex! But Okada breaks the cover! Omega throws Okada out, and Ibushi calls for knees. The Golden Lovers sit Ishii up, but Okada fights them off. Okada DDT’s Ibushi, boots Omega, then whips. Omega turns the dropkick into a sit-out powerbomb! Ishii and Omega trade moves, Ishiii headbutts Omega down. Ibushi and Ishii trade moves, Ibushi PELES Ishii! All four men are down but the fans are at a fever pitch! The fans chant “New Japan!” for the great promotion that is giving us this match.

Okada rolls out of the ring but both Golden Lovers stay in with Ishii. Ishii and Ibushi brawl again with slapping palm strikes. Slap for slap, they do NOT stop! Ibushi rocks Ishii but Ishii rocks Ibushi, but Ibushi comes back with a clobbering clothesline! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives again and this match still goes on. Ibushi stands, he wants to end this. He takes both wrists but Ishii dodges the knee. Ishii spins Ibushi, clubs him and suplexes! Ibushi lands on his feet to kick, run, but get flipped by the lariat! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives again but Ishii drags him back up. Ishii suplexes but Ibushi slips out. Ibushi lifts but Ishii headbutts. Ishii sends Omega into Ibushi then German Suplexes. Okada returns to hit a big back elbow on Ibushi, then feed him to Ishii’s forearm. Okada dropkicks and Ishii powerbombs! High stack cover, TWO!? HOW?!

Omega puts Okada into railings, and Ibushi stands to block Ishii’s lariat. Ibushi kicks, stuns Ishii, then straitjacket suplex! Bridge cover, TWO! Ibushi grabs the wrists but Ishii headbutts first. Omega roundhouses Ishii but Ishii fires an enziguri! Ishi runs, into a V-Trigger and roundhouse! Omega boots Okada back out, and now the knee pads come down! The GOlden Lovers take Ishii, for GOLDEN TRIGGER!!! Cover, Golden Lovers win!

Winners: The Golden Lovers, Ibushi pinning

Omega & Ibushi finally end this match with victory! The Best Bout Machine and Golden Star would love to climb up and challenge for the tag team titles, will they get their dream? Or does Omega have to worry about a singles challenge first?

The Young Bucks, though they lost, return to celebrate. Hangman and Scurll also appear, these members of the Bullet Club unified as a unit. Omega takes to the mic so that he can speak.

“Well, it was not a perfect record for the Bullet Club tonight.” But even the best have their off nights. Omega is sorry to see Matt & Nick lost their belts. But secondly, Omega peeked at the “dark match” to see some empty seats. However, he sees familiar faces and is so happy for them to be here watching “The! Elite! The the Elite!” Now this worldwide movement is just part one of the plan. There’s more to come, and there will be another big show in about a week or so. King of Pro-Wrestling is coming.

Omega says that when he and Ibushi revived their promise, it left the company and some fans disappointed. Fans want to see THAT match. IBushi, they had their promise for tag titles. But NJPW fans around the world want to see them go again. So what to do about that? Omega wants another match with Ibushi, at King of Pro-Wrestling! But wouldn’t you know, Cody hops in to take the mic. Cody wants to help everyone out here. He can shoulder some of the burden. Do fans want Omega VS Ibushi? Sounds like fans do. But what about this? Omega and Cody are friends, and Cody is trying with Ibushi. So KPW, Ibushi VS Cody VS OMEGA!! A Triple Threat?! Omega understands that the Mastermind behind All In has a genius idea.

Fans will get what they want and Bullet Club will do things their way. “Let us rewrite history”, and show the beauty of professional wrestling! That Triple Threat match is ON! It won’t be personal, it won’t break promises, it will simply show the originality, the beauty and the originality of pro-wrestling. But we’re out of time, so let’s say adieu. The Elite will change the industry for sure. So good bye, MWAH, and good night, BANG! The Golden Star and the American Nightmare both challenge the Cleaner for his IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Can Omega retain against his friends? Will Cody claim a third world title? Or will Ibushi shock them both by taking that title for his own? No matter what, the Elite and the fans win!

 

Backstage interviews.

Okada knows this was his first time against the Golden Lovers, but they’re truly a great team. Omega again proves tougher than expected. Omega felt even stronger than before. He is improving now that he is champion. Okada has to admit Omega is very strong.

As for the Lovers, work never stops. Omega and Ibushi are going to change the world. This was a step in the right direction. The Golden Lovers are showing the beauty and grace of tag team wrestling. This special match-up was an appetizer. Tag Team wrestling isn’t’ dead, it’s only evolving. 2018 is ending but 2019 is coming, and the Lovers are only just getting started. As for the triple threat, that’s complicated, but they’ll give it their all. Omega translates for those without subs.

They can’t make the rules, they only dodge one bullet to get hit by another. Omega must avenge his losses, such as against “Bu-san” and then the man he won’t get to main event with no matter what. You take lemons and make lemonade. Cody changes expectations, but Omega sees the opportunity in it. We’ll see something never before seen in NJPW. A triple threat of three faction members, this is a once in a lifetime moment. This isn’t personal, but it is about proving who is the best. Who will prove that come King of Pro-Wrestling?

 


 

My Thoughts:

What an incredible night for NJPW, and it was so good of AXS to get us this now rather than later and in parts. The first ever NJPW in America trilogy is complete and it was all glorious. Just like the previous two, this event was great from start to finish, no matter who you were rooting for. And as Omega says by the end, this was all set up to show that tag team wrestling still has a place in the world. Taguchi Japan VS RPG3K was really fun and it was good to see Taguchi get the win, both team and the man himself. I also look forward to seeing if Liger and Tiger Mask are the ones to finally get those IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag titles away from Suzuki-Gun.

It makes sense for The Addiction to win, they’re more experienced, and while their contract countdown is primarily an ROH story, ROH and NJPW are so close-knit now I’m sure there’s a way SCU can use that relationship to their advantage. I really like the combination of Sabin, Flip and Cobb. Also while ROH TV is behind, clearly Cobb got that World TV title already. I was surprised to see Cobb’s team win, but it seems to help fuel a story between Goto and Cobb. I can’t be sure if Goto wins the ROH WTVC, but maybe Goto just wants to fight Cobb because he’s a strong opponent. Suzuki-Gun beating LIJ was a bit of a surprise, for it to end the way it did. There’s obviously a story building for Evil and ZSJ on top of LIJ teasing a new member, perhaps we’ll get more of that at KPW.

Gedo & White winning also makes sense because of how crafty they are as Heels. It also brings around White VS Tanahashi for the WK13 title match contract, and that is going to be great. White very well could win with Gedo being there on top of White knowing how to cheat so well, as we saw all over the G1 Climax. At the same time, Kushida loses momentum so that his future opponent comes in stronger. Scurll VS Ospreay was great, and it makes some sense for Scurll to win. The Bullet Club is still very important to NJPW, and with Scurll’s contract lasting a touch longer than others, him being given a title would be reason to stay.

The IWGP Tag Team title match was great, especially with story. It is a good change in the overall Bullet Club story for GoD to take those belts. The Bucks can work on a comeback story with GoD but I bet the Golden Lovers will take those belts from GoD. Cody is really making large strides as 2018 comes to a close. He gets the NWA Worlds Championship, as far as ROH TV goes he’s still one of their trios champions, and now he’s IWGP US Champion. Cody VS Juice was great with the undertones of Dusty Rhodes being there, but Cody does make some sense that you add to the US title’s legacy by throwing in a name like his. Cody might be trying to weasel his way to the very top with his triple threat suggestion, but that triple threat really will be great to watch.

And speaking of great to watch, that tag team main event was something else. The dynamics of the match-ups, such as Omega VS Okada, Omega VS Ishii and Ibushi VS Ishii to revisit their recent matches from the G1. Ibushi really surprised me with how he stood toe to toe with Ishii in their brawling segments. I also liked the pairing of Ibushi VS Okada, that was some good stuff. It works so well for the Golden Lovers to have won for the many different stories that tie into it. Okada is still trying to come back from his recent down trend, and Golden Lovers winning obviously helps set up the triple threat. I just hope we get a winner before the Firing Squad decides to do something about them. Then give us a Six Man match, Firing Squad defending the NEVER Openweight trios titles against Golden Lovers & Cody.

My Score: 9/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/20/25)

WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!

Published

on

Time to burn it down!

Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
  • Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
  • PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
  • Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
  • Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!

The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?

 

Jey Uso is here!

Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!

But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.

The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.

Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.

Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!

Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?

 

The New Day walks the halls.

And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!

Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?

 

Backstage interview with Bayley.

Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXT and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.

Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?

 

Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!

Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”

The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.

Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!

Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!

Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!

The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?

 

Backstage interview with Team American Made.

Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.

Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?

 

Sami Zayn is here!

Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.

Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.

Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.

Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.

Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!

And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.

Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?

 

Backstage interview with Sheamus.

Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!

Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?

 

Bayley VS Nia Jax!

The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?

Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!

Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!

The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!

Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!

The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!

Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!

Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall

A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!

The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”

The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?

 

Judgment Day meets with American Made.

The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!

Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.

Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?

 

Lyra Valkyria speaks.

“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?

 

WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.

He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.

 

Seth Rollins warms up backstage.

Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?

 

PENTA VS Pete Dunne!

#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?

The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.

Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!

Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!

Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall

The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?

 

Logan Paul speaks.

“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”

 

CM Punk is here!

The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.

But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.

This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!

Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?

 

Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!

This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?

The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!

Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.

Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!

Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!

Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!

Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall

PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?

 

Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!

With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?

Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!

McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!

McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa  corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!

Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!

Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!

McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”

Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!

McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.

McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!

McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?


My Thoughts:

Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.

Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.

And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.

Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.

Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.

Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.

At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.

I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.

My Score: 8.8/10

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Andrew’s TNA Genesis Results & Match Ratings: 1.19.25

Does TNA Believe in Joe Hendry more than Mokuba Nemeth believes in his big brother?

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Hot off the heels of the TNA and WWE working relationship announcement, the Kickoff show already has the first sprinkle of NXT talent with Ashante “Thee” Adonis coming out after Ariana Grace tries to take all of the credit for the partnership. Jake something runs over Ashante, but it’s a good quick nod on free YouTube. Oh it also looks like the ring announcer is McKenzie Mitchel again. I did like her first run in TNA in what was that… like 2016-2018 or 19? She’s got personality, she’s cute and a solid announcer, so nice to see her back.

I’m not gonna run down any predictions on who I think will win, because honestly, I just feel like Hendry needs to win today or it’s been an entire waste of momentum. So lets get to the main show!

Ratings:

  • X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin: Moose retains via Lights Out – *** 1/4
  • The System vs Maniac Marines: Marines win via K.I.A. – ***
  • Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c): Spitfire retain via Pressure Drop – **
  • Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard: Tessa wins via Magnum – ****
  • I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana: Santana wins! – ***
  • TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz: Hardyz retain via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/2
  • Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary: Masha wins via Avalanche Requiem – ** 3/4
  • TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!!!!!

 

Results:

X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin

As soon as the bell rings, Ace jumps on him, forces him into the corner and stomps on him. Moose tries to fight out but Ace stays relentless. Ace has a counter for everything Moose is trying to counter in the early goings. Even when Moose catches him during the apron Handstand Dodge, Ace still has a counter for his counter. It’s not until a rake to the eyes from Moose that finally gives him a moment to start dictating the pace. A huge Irish Whip on the outside through the barricade is what Ace feels…twice. Ace tries to fight back from Moose continuing the momentum, Ace eats a Pump Kick, but blocks Moose’s attempt at a Suplex and counters with his own Vertical Suplex on Moose! JDC gets in the proximity of Ace so Ace kicks him, which delays his springboard, so Moose catches him and bounces him off the apron like a super ball.

Moose lets the count go, Ace barely gets in at 9, Moose throws him corner to corner, is slowing things down and being very deliberate. Ace starts powering through the pain, catches a Pump Kick, dodges a Spear into the corner and puts together a few strikes, Double Stomp, Triangle Kick, wants The Fold but Moose puts the brakes on there. Ace tries to spring off the ropes but Moose grabs him and hits Go To Hell for two! Fighting Spirit spot, Ace starts winning the trade, a Headbutt from Moose stops Ace, Moose flips him over the ropes to the apron, tries a few more things, Ace looks for a Springboard, Moose catches him but Ace slips it for a Frankensteiner. Moose powders to the opposite apron and Ace hits his Inside Out Headscissors sending Moose crashing to the floor. Alisha and JDC try to help up Moose, and while the referee is distracted JDC posts Ace. Moose goes for the Around the World Lights Out, but Ace moves and Moose kills JDC! Ace hits The Fold on the floor!

Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers run down the ramp, Ace sees them so he hits the Fosbury Flop to take them out. Ace is rolling, he goes for the Triangle Kick but Moose counters with Lights Out! 1-2- KICK OUT? Moose sets up for another Lights Out, Ace sidesteps it for the Cradle, kickout, Uranage, Cradle counter, Art of Finesse from Ace but Lights Out to the Spine from Moose! Moose sets up another and lands the Lights Out to retain!

Post Match the System looks to beat down on Ace, but Maniac Marines music hits and they go after Myers and Edwards. Guess the match is now! 

The System vs Maniac Marines

Steve and Eric beat the hell out of the System members while the referee tries to set the match, it still hasn’t started but we get stereo 10 count punches in the corner, big fists causing Myers and Edwards to powder. This is essentially a Tornado Tag right now because the match hasn’t even started. Okay it eventually starts and Maclin hits the Backbreaker on Edwards and Busaiku Knee on Myers. He looks for a SCUD but Lish grabs the foot which is just enough! Maclin tries to charge anyway but gets caught in the Blue Thunder Bomb and now the match slows down and Eddie is in control.

Maclin absorbs some Chops from Eddie in the corner, no sells a little and fires, Eddie tags out Myers tries to slow things down with a Russian Leg Sweep but Maclin continues to try and rally. Eddie’s back in, shortarm Gowan Lariat into a cocky cover for two. Eddie tries to keep moving but Maclin hits the Vertical Suplex. Maclin is too slow to tag out so Eddie tags out and Myers cuts off Maclin. After a few more quick tags from System members, Maclin finally lands a Lariat to get the simultaneous tag and EY comes in hot. EY does the Flair corner flip, knocks Eddie off the apron, Myers eats a Macho Elbow but only two. Eddie knocks Maclin off the apron, Tandem Tiger Driver for two, EY fights back to level Eddie, Tree of Woe Myers Caught in Crosshairs but Lish gets in the ring! Eddie grabs Eric and distracts the ref, Lish clocks Maclin with either knuckles or a full hand of rings, Spear from Myers is only a two!

System Overload attempt, it’s thwarted by EY, Myers gets crotched in like a Reverse Tree of Woe, so Maclin hits the Caught in the Crosshairs on the back, EY with a Plancha to the outside to take Edwards out and K.I.A. from Maclin means Maniac Marines win!

Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c)

Elegance duo comes out dressed like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They do a Go Eagles chant right before the bell rings to a chorus of Boos.

Even though Elegance Clique throws their pompoms and try a cheap shot, Spitfire just plow through them, literally. Quick tags, some assisted moves, Ash gets away from Spitfire, tags in Heather and shoves her forward trying to take them off guard, but they turn around…grab Heather and a long Tandem Stalling Suplex with a Deep Squat for two. Concierge distracts the referee, looks for a low Dive onto Heather but Ash just kicks Dani in the face, and the referee sees nothing. Heather rolls her back in, Kawada Kicks, Forearm Shiver, trip into a Dropkick to the face! Ash hangs Dani off the apron and Heather hits the Double Stomp from the apron to the floor.

Ash starts choking Dani on the ropes, distracts the referee and Heather paintbrushes Dani with pompoms as Ash goes for a series of pinfall attempts. Quick tags, Dani is in their corner, Cartwheel Back Handspring Elbow from Ash into a Seated Dropkick from Heather. Dani has been getting smacked around for the last 4 or 5 minutes. Ash leans on Dani for a while, but Dani gets a head of steam, comes off the ropes and Shotgun Dropkick gives her space. Jody gets a hot tag, she Sack of Shits them both, Vader Hammers in the corner into a Michinoku Driver, which Ash breaks up with a Meteora. Heather and Ash have a nice tandem move for a two count. Jody tries to fight back, but Elegance stops it, blind tag from Dani, Senton takes out both Elegance Clique members and Dani stalks her prey. Snap Suplex two times on Ash, but Heather stops the third and Jody just tosses Heather out of the ring in a rough way. Jody tries her Double Knees German Suplex spot but Ash moves. Dani with the Shinsuke Nakamura Inside Out German, Pressure Drop and Spitfire retains.

Boo…

Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard

Grace charges Tessa immediately, and the ref needs to pull her off, but Tessa gets thrown around the ring literally, the crowd is chanting “Fuck You Tessa”, Tessa powders, eats a Dive and then a Jackhammer on the outside! Grace puts Tessa on her shoulders up to the ring, but Tessa finally fights off and flips off the crowd, revels in it for a second, tries the Frankensteiner, but Grace holds on, smashes Tessa into the guardrail twice, looks for the Reverse Bomb on the apron, but Tessa gets out, stomps on Jordynne a few times, hooks Jordynne’s face with the crook of her leg and drives Jordynne’s face into the apron. Unique looking and decent.

Tessa has the correct intensity, pushes into two quick pinfall attempts and starts getting deliberate. Drags Jordynne’s face across the rope, throats Grace, kicks her in the face and Slingshot Elbow is another near fall. Tessa with the Front Facelock, Grace tries to fight out but Tessa holds on and drops her with a Scorpion Death Drop for another near fall. Jordynne fights Tessa off with a few elbows, looks for a Superplex, but Tessa fights off, wants the Avalanche Sunset Bomb, but Jordynne stops it, Tessa kicks Grace’s feet, looks for a Rope Hung Death Drop but Jordynne fights it off and smashes Tessa’s face into the turnbuckles but Tessa hits the Rope Hung Backstabber for two. Tessa looks for Magnum, but Jordynne cuts her off, they fight at the top, Avalanche Sack of Shit! They both sell the exhaustion of the match so far.

They trade blows, two Scoop Slams from Jordynne, Lawn Dart into the Top Turnbuckle! Package Powerbomb for two! Dragon Suplex attempt from Grace, Tessa breaks it, Headlock Takeover, quick counter wrestling, Tiger Destroyer from Tessa! Only for a two count, but still nice. Buzzsaw attempt is shrugged off, Tessa comes off the ropes and eats the Spinebuster from Jordynne for two quick pinfall attempts. Tessa with the Body Scissors and pulls herself up and fights back, Jordynne slaps her around, looks for the Suplex but Tessa slips it and Neckbreaker Counter for a two count! The brawl to the apron, Grace eats a forearm and Tessa hits the Tornillo on Jordynne! They posture on the steps, Tessa wants a move but Jordynne counters her and Spicolli Driver from the stairs to the floor from Jordynne!

More back and forth in the corner, just positioning and counters, it’s like watching chess. Jordynne grabs Tessa for an Avalanche Air Raid Crash, but Tessa fights it and turns it into an Avalanche Crucifix Bomb! After trying a grounded submission Tessa locks in the Octopus, tries to wrench the fingers but Jordynne counters, Rope Assisted German Suplex into a Capture Suplex for 2! Kudome Valentine attempt from Grace but Tessa gets out, Backfist from Jordynne, Tessa bounces off and Cutter gives her a two count! Tessa calls for Magnum, Jordynne dodges it, Tessa rolls through, tries boots but Grace grabs Tessa and hits the around the world Reverse Alabama Slam! Tessa keeps trying to remove Buckle Pads but they’re on good, Tessa reverses out of the Kinikku Buster, hits the Buzzsaw into the partially exposed buckle but Grace grabs the rope. Tessa removes another pad, Bulldog into exposed buckle, Magnum, and Tessa is still sexy.

The turnbuckle pads being on too well made the finish a little flat, but it was a damn good match. There’s also a joke in the match with Tessa coming out wearing Red and Gold (Yellow), so the racism allegations are never going away if she keeps making it easy.

I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana

There’s intensity but its all just technical tactics to take each other to the ground and grab a limb. But since we just came off of a pretty good match, things can’t start too hot. Every time Santana throws Josh to the outside, Josh scurries back to the ring, he’s playing scared. There’s a “He’s a bitch” chant that pops up. Santana cuts off Josh’s charge with a few well placed boots which sends Josh outside, Tope con Hilo levels the bald man. Santana throws Josh into a guardrail, Yakuza Kicks back to back rock Josh a bit. Fans call for tables and Santana slides one out to a huge pop. Santana sets it up, plays to the crowd, tries a Powerbomb onto the table but Josh slips it and Overhead Belly to Belly sends Santana crashing. A fan can be heard saying “That look like it hurt” to which Santana replies ” It did asshole”. Now Josh is dissecting Santana’s legs to soften him up for the Ankle Lock. Josh goes for the corner spot with the Figure Four around the post after bouncing the knee off the post a few times.

Josh tries to continue but Santana slides out and counters Josh and bounces his face off the post. Josh walks it off a bit as Santana stalks him and then a quick Chop Block has Santana writhing in pain. Josh decides to be a heel and do the Three Amigos instead of the Kurt Angle Germans. Disrespectful bald jerk. Santana gets throated, dropped to the apron on his ass, Low Crossbody but Santana flattens out and Josh goes flying! Santana tries a Dive, but Josh catches him and just drops him spine first on the apron. After a small resilient flurry of slaps from Santana Josh goes for the Germans. Santana brushes off on the third, goes for the Rolling Buck Fifty, gets caught in the Torture Rack, Santana fights off Josh’s shoulders, kicks him into the corner, Senton into the seated Josh. Perches him up top, points at the table, tries something but Josh fights him off, Moonsault from Josh misses and a Death Valley Driver gives both a moment to breathe.

Santana Spin the-BLOCK-ED! Josh sweeps the leg, Ankle Lock and Santana refuses to quit twice but slips the boot ala Eddie Guerrero. Josh pauses a moment, Santana charges and Josh dumps him over the top rope through the table! Santana says he doesn’t quit, Josh looks surprised, so he goes looking for more plywood. He also grabs the bottom set of stairs and throws them into the ring. Scoop Slams Santana into the broken table and continues looking for weapons, like a chair and zip ties. Santana crawls into the ring, Josh steps on the worked on leg and smashes it repeatedly with the chair. Josh goes into Full Mount, rains down strikes, exposes the elbow for Elbow Strikes and tries to soften him up for the zip ties. C4 Spike but Santana raises up like the Undertaker and fires into beating the piss out of Josh. Frankensteiner on Josh into the Frog Splash, Spin the Block! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana grabs the zip ties that Josh introduced, ties the hands behind Josh’s back, Spin the Block 2! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana sets up the steps as a ramp, table in front of Josh in the corner and Cannonballs through the table into Josh! Josh still doesn’t quit off the Jackass stunt. Santana finds a sock filled with quarters and starts beating Josh like it’s a slapjack. Josh still doesn’t quit. Santana tells Josh to bite the curb and is about to Curb Stomp him into the steps and Josh gets scared and quits.

TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz

Fraxiom comes out to watch the match, so this nicely sets up a potential early angle between NXT and TNA for the crossover. 

Trey and Matt start, but it’s a slow Headlock basic counters and feint spots. Jeff and Wentz want to play, so this is very Japanese in giving each member a free chance to interact before any cutoffs or tandems. The crowd likes both men, so this is interesting but more Stalemate spots. Jeff manages a Polish Hammer to tag in Matt and go for a quick tandem move and keep Wentz in the Hardy Corner bouncing his face off buckles in Delete fashion. Tag from Jeff for another tandem Rocket Launcher into the bottom rope and Leg Drop from Jeff. Wentz counters the Twist with a Jumping Knee so he manages a tag to Trey and then a few quick striking double team spots. Quick tag to Wentz, Matt comes in to break it up, drops Matt and Wishbone. Quick Tag, MCMG ACS Rush homage. Wentz Dives onto Matt on the outside, Matt catches him into the Side Effect on the floor! Jeff gets the best of Trey after he’s a little distracted. Manhattan Drop from Jeff, into a tag to Matt and then some double team strikes for a near fall. Delete Head Smashes again on Trey.

Vertical Suplex from Matt for another 2. Matt tags out and Hardys look for more Tandem attacks, Plot Twist but Wentz recovers and makes the break! Trey flips out of Jeff’s arms, tags in Wentz, and Wentz cleans house on both Hardys. Corner to corner, tags back in Trey they hit the Saki Kashima assisted Dropkick on each Hardy and then they dump the Hardys at the feet of Fraxiom. FIVE HOLE DIVE FROM RASCALZ! Misses the Hardys and hits Fraxiom! This builds heat for The Rascalz and Fraxiom as Hardys attack the Rascalz while distracted. Poetry in Motion off the stairs from Jeff!

Facebuster from Jeff for two! Wentz hits a Busaiku Knee on Jeff to stop him from hitting Trey, Side Effect drops Wentz, Enzuigiri from Trey drops Matt and all four are down to catch their breath a bit. Original Poetry in Motion on Trey! Twist of Fate from Matt but countered and Matt is thrown into Jeff who’s selling a knee. Superkick into Feed Em to the Lions! Wentz Dives on Matt but Trey can’t quite make a clean pinfall. Jeff eats a Cheeky Nandos and Top Rope Tiger Feint, Twist of Fates for everyone and Jeff re-NO Trey kicks out! Another Twist but eats a Superkick from Wentz, tries the UFO Cutter on Matt but Matt just throws him to the outside. A Twist of Fate from each Hardy Boy, Swanton Bomb and the Hardyz retain!

Thursday’s Live Show will have Fraxiom vs The Rascalz for the NXT Titles! 

Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary

Do Rosemary’s shorts have Pokemon Gym Badges on em? Masha goes for the Staple Gun, it almost gets countered immediately, but she gets the first few clicks of the Staple gun, it actually doesn’t backfire, but she lets Rosemary powder and starts grabbing a few weapons. Masha finally decides to attack Rosemary with a cane, but Rosemary turns things around with the green mist. Slamovich gets some of the mist out of her eyes, chases her into the ring and eats a Drop Toehold into a Chair. Rosemary sets up the table, panders to the crowd and Masha launches herself over the top with a Crossbody, into Rosemary and then through the table! Masha finds her old chain she used to make Killer Kelly submissive and starts choking and dragging Rosemary around the ring and then Sabus the chair at Rosemary for emphasis.

Masha tries to hit the front flip Senton onto a seated Rosemary, but Rosemary moves and Masha hits the chair weird. Rosemary beats her with a chair a few times, looks under the ring, gets giddy and finds Janice! Rosemary swings Janice, breaks it, and then uses the two pieces to block the cane Masha had and then pressed the nail portion into Masha’s back! Rosemary is talking to Janice and goes to the back to find tacks that she spills out on the stage. Rosemary wants a Chokeslam into tacks, Masha counters, misses a Lariat and then eats the Spear into the tacks! Barbed Wire board is set up in the ring, Spicolli…nope! Russian Death Device into the Barbed Wire! Masha goes to the top, Footstomp into the barbed wire but only for 2 again! Masha goes to the outside and grabs a ladder.

A trash can lid gets thrown at Rosemary for good measure, Masha ascends the ladder and then Rosemary pushes the ladder and Masha goes crashing through one of two tables set up on the outside. Rough spot, rough looking, but Masha manages to move enough to break the pinfall since its falls count anywhere. Rosemary now goes full Kevin Steen and makes some chair art for a spot, drags Masha into the ring, sets he on the chairs and goes to the top. Masha sits up as Rosemary climbs, counters the momentum and Avalanche Requiem through the chairs! Masha retains.

Cora Jade’s music hits and sets up nicely after Masha was on NXT. 

The Countdown Panel starts off with their main event picks they hinted towards and it’s necessary because they have to clean up the ring. Mark Henry picks Joe Hendry, and he better be correct. Ryan Nemeth interrupts with the “my brootthhheerrr” stuff, and Santino calls him “Fuck Face Guy”. It’s all good stuff, and I’m still a big fan of the Mokuba gimmick, but now they ban Ryan Nemeth. 

TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry

Simple chain wrestling start until Nic has a few words and then snaps off a Dropkick, does his show off Dolph stuff so Hendry runs him over with a Shoulder Block and then a Knee Lift. Hendry tries his Stalling Suplex but Nic slips it into a Rear Naked Choke! Hendry spins Nic around, walks around with the Stalling Suplex before finally dropping Nic. Ryan Nemeth shows up with a ticket, so he’s sitting in the crowd now. Joe gets distracted just enough for Nic to jump up and hit a delayed DDT. After Nic tries to stretch Joe a little, Hendry goes into locomotion Cradles but Nic drops Joe to take a breather. Nic does his single Shot to the Heart Elbow and he’s really embracing the old Dolph Ziggler show off ego. Ziggler looks for a Rude Awakening after more arrogant moments, but Joe tries to fight it off, so Nic just snaps off a Jumping Neckbreaker.

Joe manages to hit a Cutter off the ropes to try and get some energy from the crowd. Strike exchange happens here, Uppercuts from Joe and Fists from Nic. Joe blocks one fist, throws a few of his own together and a Lariat levels Nic. Sack of Shit into the Kip Up! Counters galore from both men before Nic gets caught in the Pop-Up Powerbomb! Attitude Adjustment for just a near fall. You see moments of Nic trying to cheat or find an angle but he hasn’t done anything overtly heelish yet. Joe is rocking him with chops, perches Nic on the top, looks for the Superplex but Nic fights back, Hendry gets pushed off, Crossbody but Hendry rolls through, holds on and gets his Powerbomb countered into a FAMEasser for two! Nic crawls to a corner, looks to climb for something big, Hendry cuts him off, Avalanche Sack of Shit! Kaz walks out with the trophy as both men sell, but JBL comes out of the crowd and Clothesline from Hell on Kaz. JBL punches Ryan in the face as he comes out to say something. Then Tuxedo JBL leaves after doing his job. Standing Ovation from HENDRY! 1-2-NO! Nic kicks out!

The crowd chants “One More Time” and it fires up Hendry, he does the heel turn and goes full Queen Stomp, tries again, but Nic slips it. Superkick into Danger Zone and it’s….HENDRY KICKS OUT! Nic is tuning up the band, Hendry catches Nic, Sack of Shit, Kip Up, big fire, Standing Ovation! JOE HENDRY WINS!

 

Overall Score: 7/10

Even if the match quality wasn’t bonkers, mostly all the matches did what they needed to do, were fairly good and a good number of NXT talent showed up to make the Live iMPACT! and TNA really feel like something special right now. I’m an unabashed Tessa fan, so I’m giddy she won and Hendry finally getting the title is the latest they could’ve really dragged this out to, but at least it stops him from becoming Tetsuya Nai-Joe.

I’m not gonna be a hypocrite from previous complaints I made with too many champions being babyfaces, because that’s still bad and proves the next few title defenses could prove volatile. However, I of course just enjoy most of the current champions. So while it doesn’t erase the fact it’s bad, it makes it more palatable for me personally. Now if only PCO destroyed the Knockouts Tags instead of a different irrelevant belt.

Also let’s be very clear, anyone that believes the PCO stunt was a legit shoot doesn’t know wrestling. Everything is a work until it isn’t and then it still could be turned into a work. Don’t be gullible and just anticipate something to be worked out of it one way or the other.

Still though, good show with a lot of hype for the Live iMPACT, so Thursday should be fun! See you there!

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