Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Evolution Results & Report! (10/28/18)
WWE holds the first-ever All Women’s Pay-Per-View, Evolution! All the gold of the Women’s Division is on the line as history is made tonight!
Gifs can be found on http://frentique.tumblr.com
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Trish Stratus & Lita VS Mickie James & Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss; Stratus & Lita win.
- Historic Women’s Battle Royal: Nia Jax wins and will challenge for the Raw Women’s Championship.
- 2018 Mae Young Classic Finals: Io Shirai VS Toni Storm; Storm wins the 2018 Mae Young Classic.
- Six Woman Tag: The Riott Squad VS Natalya, Bayley & Sasha Banks; Natty, Bayley & Banks win.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Kairi Sane VS Shayna Baszler; Baszler wins and becomes the new NXT Women’s Champion.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing Match: Becky Lynch VS Charlotte Flair; Lynch wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey VS Nikki Bella w/ Brie Bella; Rousey wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Evolution Kickoff Show!
Our commentary team for the night, Renee Young, Beth Phoenix and SmackDown GM Paige, are also our panel!
Charly Caruso leads the WWE Evolution Red Carpet!
And she’s currently joined by the Legit Boss, Sasha Banks, and The Goddess, Alexa Bliss. These staples of the Raw Women’s Division look wonderful as they prepare for their big matches. What is the significance of tonight? Alexa says this is proof that women can do anything. It started with the very first women’s match, and is now an all women’s PPV! Sasha says you can dream it up, but when it happens, it’s a dream come true. To be around all these other amazing women, Sasha cannot express all her gratitude and joy.
These two also made history with the first Women’s Match in Abu Dhabi. It was nerve wracking but it was awe-inspiring for the people to cheer “This is Hope!” It shows they’re making changes all over the world. That match was bigger than just wrestling. Women’s Wrestling is making changes and history, it means so much to show little girls that they can do it like the guys, but even better.
Red Carpet interview with Trish Stratus.
Can she put into words what tonight means to her? It’s very hard, she’s still pinching herself. Everything the women set out to do, this night brings it full circle for her. Her debut was here, and now she’s here at an event just for the women of wrestling. It means that it all made a difference. Did she ever expect this night? No, they were focused on baby steps. This is a huge step forward for a division that was under the radar for the longest time. The women kept the faith and now it’s grown into this global movement. And it means so much to her to side with Lita, her longest rival and friend. Their shared story also comes full circle as they give it their all, plus Mickie James, that energy will be great.
Carmella joins the panel!
The FABULOUS Princess looks 80’s fab and she’s so excited. The women on the panel, the women in the back, she’s so excited. Carmella’s own personal evolution from hair dresser to manager to former women’s champion is impressive in itself. She feels so fortunate to be part of another first-time-ever, she can’t help but smile.
Red Carpet interview with Natalya!
The Queen of Harts is ready for her Six Woman Tag, though she is overwhelmed and nervous. But all the superstars thrive on that feeling, because this moment is what everything has led to. She’s so grateful we’re here. How does she plan to deal with the Riott Squad? Ruby loves using number games, but the three former women’s champions all have plans to tap them out.
R-Truth joins the panel?
He says he talked to Paige in the back, even though she’s been out here the whole time, and says he’s got a spot in the Historic Battle Royal. Truth is honored to be part of such a big night, and vows to win that title shot against his good friend, Carmella. Carmella corrects him on all of that. Truth feels a little foolish, but promises to support Carmella i her efforts. Also, DANCE BREAK~!!
Red Carpet interview with Maria Menounos!
Maria believes the significance of tonight is honoring the past and celebrating the present, in all women’s sports. She reunited with the women from her ‘Mania match six years ago, and it was such a big moment to be even on a ‘Mania card. Now to have a whole card dedicated to women is amazing. Maria never thought this was coming, but always hoped it would. She had to be here to see it in person. And as a huge fan, what’s her most anticipated match? She can’t choose! They all deserve the spotlight. What about Ronda Rousey joining? She’s amazing, it’s been a great addition to it all.
Eve Torres joins the panel!
The “Disney Princess” is honored to be here sharing the moment. What does tonight mean as a former champion in her own right? “It’s a little unreal, to be honest.” Eve compares the Diva’s Era to this new era, and it seems so special to make up for all those raised hopes and then disappointments. She’s excited to see Ronda compete, and even Becky VS Charlotte. It’s all going to be stellar, everyone belongs here. What did hearing that announcement meant to the champions on this panel? Well it was something everyone wanted, worked for and expected, and now it’s here. It was vindication. But don’t discredit the men who stood by them, from coworkers, friends and husbands. This was a group effort and everyone got to have a sigh of relief when this was announced.
Stehpanie McMahon is on the Red Carpet!
The Raw Commissioner helped make this announcement, and is now feeling the goosebumps. It’s a women’s Wrestlemania tonight. She was part of the fight for this Women’s (R)Evolution, this must be a moment of satisfaction. Stephanie is so proud of all the current women, but knows that it was all the women all over the world in all the different promotions that made this possible. History is being made, and Stephanie gives her husband, Triple H “Paul”, is also a big part of training and acquiring the elite talent, both male and female, and working together equally with them. Women started stealing the show, and now women are the show! Stephanie hopes the world is blown away and left demanding more.
Nia Jax and Ata Johnson are on the Red Carpet!
The Irresistible Force helps her aunt celebrate her birthday, and now Nia will fight in the Historic Battle Royal. Nia hopes to make the entire family proud with a win tonight. Ata is so proud of both her nieces, Nia and Tamina, and is so excited to see this night. What would Nia say to future women wrestlers about what’s next? “Whatever we want.” The women are always innovating, and will continue to do that even tonight.
Ronda Rousey is on the Red Carpet!
The Baddest Woman on the Planet is also a best pal to The Queen of Spades, who challenges for the NXT Women’s Championship tonight. But there’s also camaraderie with all the women because this was a collective effort. “Making history” is used so much but this truly is worthy of those words. Ronda has butterflies right now, they’re growing. As a woman in sports, especially fight sports, what does this mean for gender equality? Ronda is looking forward to being a mother soon, and hopes that her daughters deal with less BS than she did, the same as her mom hoped Ronda dealt with less.
Now to Nikki Bella and the verbal jabs, what’s Ronda’s mindset? Because it’s gotten personal, the nicest thing to do would be to finish Nikki off quick. But given what Nikki’s said, Ronda won’t be so nice, she’ll make sure Nikki walks out looking different than how she walked in.
It’s time for a (R)Evolution
Divas became women. Inspiration spread and became courage and passion. Women competed in new places for the first time, and the chant was “This is Hope!” This was a childhood dream for each and every one. It didn’t start with just a few, it started with everyone. The dream was proving Women’s Wrestling was on par with the Men’s. The (R)Evolution is worldwide, and the (R)Evolution will be televised! This generation carries the torch from the previous, and is ready to pass it on to the next. Sugar, spice and everything nice, meet power, determination and fury. Past, Present and Future come together to prove that then, now and forever, Women’s Wrestling belongs.
Trish Stratus & Lita VS Mickie James & Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss!
Two legends join forces to slap some respect into the Mean Girls of Raw! Trish & Lita are no strangers to #KickieJames, but will their time away be too much ring rust to overcome their opponents? Or are legends like fine wine?
The Goddess welcomes us all to WWE Evolution. She promises us an amazing night, but for Trish & Lita, “I get it. It’s way past your bedtime.” Turn those hearing aids up as she introduces some real leaders of the (R)Evolution in Foxy & Mickie! Alexa has to sit out because of a recent injury, but Alice leads the Red Queen and Mad Hatter to the ring.
The teams sort out, and Mickie starts against Lita. Fans are already thunderous as the two tie up. Mickie and Lita power each other around and Lita puts Mickie in a corner. The fans are on her side as she honors the break. Mickie shoves Lita, so Lita punches Mickie! Lita whips but Mickie reverses. Lita comes back with a headscissor! She rallies with lariats then a monkey flip into a ground ‘n’ pound! Lita brings Mickie up but Mickie knees low. Mickie tags Alicia, but Lita is right on her. Alicia sues the ropes but is still yanked into the ring! Lita throws Alicia around, then runs in at the corner for a clothesline. Alicia flounders but Lita whips her corner to corner. Lita sees Mickie and pulls her in, so now they’re both in the corner.
Tag to Trish, and Trish is a step stool, for Lita’s Poetry in Motion! Mickie slumps out while Trish aims at Ailcia. Alicia is furious as she ties up with Trish. Trish throws Alicia with a judo like hip toss. They trade hammerlocks, but Trish gets up to snapmare Alicia away! Trish waits for Alicia to come back, and gets her in another snapmare. Fans know “You Still Got it!” Trish tells Alicia tag Mickie, and she does. Fans are ready for this rivarly revival! Mickie trash talks Trish, but Trish gives it back. Mickie pokes trish, Trish throws a forearm. Now it’s a brawl back and forth! Trish gets the edge and whips Mickie. Mickie reverses, but Trish gets a Thesz Press! Trish fires fast hands, then runs in, but into a boot!
Mickie hops up, but Trish wants Stratusphere! Mickie stops that and now the two brawl on the top rope. Trish gets an edge again, then adjusts, for SUPER STRATUSPHERE! Cover, TWO!! Mickie survives but Trish drags her over. Tag to Lita, but Mickie scrambles away. The Mean Girls of Wonderland regroup, but then panic when Trish & Lita show dive. Alexa leads her girls away, they’re over this dream match. But Trish & Lita aren’t, they go right after Fox & Mickie! They all brawl, and Lita gets Mickie in. Foxy gets Trish down, then runs in, but accidentally boots Mickie! Lita knocks Alicia down, then climbs up top, but Alexa interferes by tripping her up! Alicia distracted the ref during that, and now Alexa’s BFFs pounce.
Mickie drags Lita over but Lita fights her off. Mickie tags Alicia and Alicia drops elbows on Lita. Fans rally for Lita but Alicia keeps pie-facing her. Alicia stomps Lita in a corner, then brings her over to bump off Mickie’s boot. Mickie tags in as fans rally for Lita. Mickie stomps Lita, lita hits back, Mickie stomps her again. Fans rally as Mickie puts Lita in a chinlock. Lita feeds off the energy and snapmares Mickie off. Mickie kicks Lita right down! Then she hits Trish just because. The ref holds Trish back but Lita gets back in. They work together to headscissor Mickie! But Mickie comes back with a neckbreaker, covers, TWO! Mickie tags Alicia and they mug Lita. Alicia Nothern Lights Lita, TWO! Alicia is furious and wraps Lita in a chinlock.
Fans rally up again as Alicia thrashes Lita around. Lita fights back, gets out of the scoop and hits a reverse DDT! Both women are down but everyone rallies up. Lita crawls, as does Alicia. Hot tags to Mickie and Trish! Trish rallies on Mickie with right hands. She runs, big snapmare then another! Trish whips and gives Mickie a sit-out spinebuster! Cover, TWO!! Mickie survives again and gets to a corner. Trish is on her with chops, and Mickie flounders around the ring. Trish puts some stank on an even bigger chop! Mickie kicks back, rolls Trish up, TWO!
Mickie aims, boot and facelock, but Trish is out and gets her own headlock. Stratusfaction! Cover, but Alicia breaks it just barely! Lita gets Alicia with a Twist of Fate! Then she goes up, to hit a Lita-sault on both women! Mickie flounders up, into a Chick Kick! Cover, Trish & Lita win!
Winners: Trish Stratus & Lita, Trish pinning
Greatness never dies, and that’s why Team Bestie succeeds! If this is just the beginning, what other amazing action will we see tonight?
Red Carpet interview with The Bella Twins!
Nikki prepares for Ronda Rousey tonight, but what does she say about people thinking she “crossed a line” saying Mama Rousey is ashamed of her daughter. Brie speaks for them when she tells Kayla Braxton that, as an interviewer, things need context. Ronda brought up their love lives first. But this isn’t about pointing fingers, tonight is about the Evolution. The Bellas are going to dedicate Nikki’s match to Mrs. Rousey. She overcame such adversity ever time Ronda loses or breaks her word. Ronda says she’ll “end” Nikki? But Nikki Bella is Fearless and a #DoSomethingBella. The only thing ending is Ronda’s title reign.
Historic Women’s Battle Royal!
This match embodies the past, present and future coming together. Twenty women collide, but only one will win a shot at a Women’s Championship! Who will make history on this night that makes history all by itself?
The IIconics are so happy it’s happening! And it’s taking place in… Long Island? Ew. They all sound weird. They’re glad they don’t have the Long Island Accent. The IIconics see childhood heroes who paved the way, so they’ll repay them by paving the road “back to obscurity.” Billie & Peyton think they’re so funny. “Enjoy these precious few seconds, because soon it will all be over.” Then the women of the past can go back to doing whatever losers do. Tonight is about the future, and #TheFutureisIIconic! POSE! Billie & Peyton fangirl over each other, but the legends come after them first! The legends ELIMINATE the IIconics!
But now, legends stand across from the current women, and the real fight is on! It’s chaos as women pair off. Or in some cases, end up in trios. Asuka goes after Molly Holly, Tamina is after Alundra Blayze, but Lana is after Ember? Well not everything is clear cut. Mandy and Sonya work together and ELIMINATE Molly Holly! Then they target Kelly Kelly while Zelina Vega goes after Maria Kanellis. The duo formerly known as Absolution get Kelly over the ropes and ELIMINATE her! The other brawls continue, and Mandy gives Asuka some kicks. Torrie Wilson fights off Sonya but Mandy bails her friend out. Together, Mandy & Sonya fight with Torrie, and ELIMINATE Torrie! But then Mandy ELIMINATES Sonya?! Sorry, but it is everyone woman for herself.
Sonya storms off while Mandy stomps Lana. Alundra runs over Asuka and Naomi, but Nia Jax grabs her! Nia scoops Blayze out, and ELIMINATES her! Maria goes after Nia, the First Lady is back in action! She gives Nia a DDT, but she’s too much to push over. Tamina grabs Maria but Maria gives her a jawbreaker, and a furious bronco buster! Nia comes back for Maira and puts her on the apron. And with a headbutt, she ELIMINATES Maria! Vega gives Tamina CIEN KNEES! She drags Tamina up whiel Mandy goes after Nia. Tamina shoves Vega back for a SUPERKICK! Then she scoops Carmella for a Samoan Drop! The cousins meet and fans fire up for this amazing stare down. Nia and Tamina let out battle cries and go after everyone else! Family sticks together, but then have the ring to themselves.
Lana gets up, wishing them a Happy Lana Day. Tamina shoves Lana, Lana slaps Tamina! Lana kicks away on Nia, but to no effect. Double headbutts for the Ravishing Russian, before Tamina ELIMINATES Lana! Nia scoops Tamina for a slam! Asuka goes after Nia, a familiar foe from NXT! Naoim heps her frined out, but that’s too much for just them. More women join in, and we end up with a 4v4 suplex situation! The side that wins is Nia’s! All the women are down but the fans are fired up! Carmella returns and now she has control. DANCE BREAK~! Carmella flosses, but Ivory gets up. To join in! High ten! But then Mandy goes after Ivory and puts her on the apron. Carmella helps Ivory out and ELIMINATES Mandy!
But the fight is back on! Rear View for Tamina! Handspring elbow for Ember! Michelle McCool goes after Carmella while Ember suplexes and ELIMINATES Dana Brooke hard! Carmella runs, but into a powerbomb! Michelle puts Carmella up top, but here comes Ember! Springboard, into a boot! Michelle drags Ember up for a powerbomb, but Ember resists. Ember shovels Michelle out, then SUPERKICK! Ember ELIMINATES Michelle McCool!
Tamina fights off Asuka and Naomi, but gets a code breaker and dropkick! Naomi runs at Tamina but a back drop ELIMINATES Naomi! Ivory rocks Asuka for a facebuster! Carmella throws Ember at Nia but Nia shoves Carmella back. Ember hits Nia with a tornado DDT! Carmella runs but into a sidewalk slam! Carmella bumps Ember off her boot, Asuka goes after Ivory. The Fabulous Princess moonwalks, but Ember puts her on the apron! Ember forearms and ELIMINATES! Carmella! Tamina tackles Ember in a corner!
Our final five are Nia, Tamina, Ember, Asuka and Ivory! The last legend fights off Tamina, but she’s on the top rope. She leaps at Tamina, big crossbody! Ivory gets herself back up, and back up top. She wants one more, but Tamina throws Asuka at Ivory. Ivory tumbles, fights Asuka but a dragons crew and a hip attack ELIMINATES Ivory! Now we have Nia, Tamina, Ember and Asuka. The Empress and Shenom meet again and fans chant “NXT!” Asuka fires off strikes, then the pop-up knee. She runs at Ember but misses, SUPERKICK! Ember throws Asuka out and ELIMINATES her! But Tamina is ready. Ember turns around, but she blocks the superkick! She runs, but into a swinging slam! Nia takes advantage and goes after Tamina. Tamina SUPERKICKS Nia down!
Tamina runs into Ember’s elbow. Fans rally for Ember as she dodges Tamina to dropkick Nia. Ember roars as she runs and handsprings to forearm Tamina! Ember climbs high, for an Eclipse! She hurries to get Tamina up and out, Ember ELIMINATES Tamina! Now it’s just Ember and Nia! They were friends going into this, but only one can win this. Fans are thunderous as the two stare down. Ember runs at Nia but Nia runs her over! Nia drags Ember up but Ember kicks back. Nia tosses Ember! Ember comes back with forearms, then tries to tip Nia over. Nia fights her off and gut wrenches her out! Ember is on the apron and works to drag Nia out with her. Ember kicks Nia, then uses the ropes and a facelock! She drags Nia up and over, but wait, Zelina Vega?!
Zelina dumps them both to the apron, because she was never eliminated. But she thinks she’s won when she hasn’t! Nia is there when she turns around, and tries to reason with her. No going, so she rakes Nia’s eyes! Zelina leaps on for a sleeper but Nia pops her up for a trophy lift! Nia carries Zeilna around, and tosses her out onto Tamina! Nia ELIMINATES Zelina! But Ember is there, and dropkicks Nia to the ropes! Ember runs to clothesline Nia over and over. She gets a big run, but runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Nia drags Ember up, tosses her out, Nia WINS!
Winner: Nia Jax; earns a future Raw Women’s Championship match
The Irresistible Force was also unstoppable, and now she’s a #1 contender! The Samoan Dynasty triumphs, where and when will Nia get another Raw Women’s Championship reign?
In-ring interview with Nia Jax!
She made history! Nia is so emotional given everything the family is going through. Fans know “You Deserve It!” Nia is so happy to have shared the ring with legends, but now she focuses on that title. She’s one step closer, who would she rather face? Nikki or Ronda? Nia wishes the best of luck to both women and their match tonight. That winner better enjoy their moment, because it won’t last long.
2018 Mae Young Classic Finals: Io Shirai VS Toni Storm!
This is conclusion to the second-annual, 32-woman tournament that honors the memory of THE legend of Women’s Wrestling. It has boiled down to the Genius of the Sky and the Lightning from Down Under! Both women seek this career-defining moment, but who will achieve a dream?
The bell rings and another momentous match begins. Toni and Shirai shake hands to show they respect each other. Fans duel as these two tie up. Toni gets a headlock, but Shirai works her way out. Shirai gets her own headlock, but Toni pries her way out. Toni wrenches the wrist but Shirai reverses back. Toni spins and reverses that to a headlock takeover. Shirai headscissors but Toni fights it. Shirai does it again and gets Toni’s head. Toni works her way up and around and slips out. Shirai and Toni shake hands again as they start over. They tie up, Toni gets the arm again. Shirai flips, handsprings and wrenches the wrist. Toni spins, reverses to a hammerlock, but Shirai gets the wrist back. Toni spins, bends, rolls and breaks to fire off strikes! She runs, but Shirai drops down. Toni changes direction to dropkick Shirai! Cover, TWO!
Toni toys with Shirai a little, then brings her back up. She gives Shirai a stiff European Uppercut, then a forearm. Toni whips but Shirai ducks and handsprings. Toni gets out of the way but still gets a dropkick! Shirai kips up and fires up, as do the fans. Shirai stomps Toni, then steps on her before dropping knees. Cover, TWO, but Shirai gets a Rings of Saturn! Toni endures while fans rally up. Toni feeds off the energy to get moving, but Shirai hooks her with a leg. Shirai pulls Toni back but Toni gets the leg off. Toni powers her way up but Shirai rolls her through to keep the hold! Toni reaches with her legs, for the ropebreak! Shirai lets Toni go at 4, and Toni gets to a corner.
Shirai runs in but into a boot. Toni stands up, and goes up over Shirai. They run again, Toni gets Shirai in a German Suplex! Toni runs in for the hip attack! Then she puts Shirai in a drop zone, and climbs up! Toni can fly, but Shirai gets to the ropes. Shirai scares Toni, then springs up for a dropkick! Toni tumbles down to the ground! Shirai gets moving, and triangle ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit but both women are down. Shirai drags herself to the ring but doesn’t get in quite yet. She enters at 6 but Toni is back at 7. They end up on the apron together, and start brawling. Fans duel as Toni double underhooks. Shirai resists but Toni holds on, too. Toni tries again, but so does Shirai. They separate, Toni headbutts Shiari! And hits a German Suplex on the apron!!
Shirai tumbles down while Toni tumbles in. The ring count begins again as both women slowly stir. Shirai gets up at 7, flounders at 8, but gets in at 9! Toni is shocked, but she covers now, TWO! Toni is growing frustrated, but she goes after Shirai again. She throws forearms, but Shirai counters and fires her own! Fans duel as Shirai gets an edge. Shirai fires off furious and endless forearms, then an uppercut! Shirai runs, but into a clobbering clothesline! Toni drags Shirai up, STORM ZERO! Cover, TWO!? Shirai survives Toni’s best move!! Toni cannot believe it but many of the fans can’t, either. Shirai gets back to the bottom rope for safety, but Toni goes after her.
Toni drags Shirai up, but Shirai hotshots Toni back! Shirai slips into the ring, runs, and hits a 619! Shout out to her hero, Rey Mysterio, before she springboards for the sunset flip! Cover, TWO!! That was close! Toni flounders to a corner and fans continue to duel. Shirai gets to an opposite corner, and runs in for the meteora! She puts Toni in a drop zone and gets on the top rope. Shirai leaps, moonsault meets knees! Toni double underhooks, Storm Zero AGAIN! TONI STORM WINS!!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall; 2018 MYC Winner
The Storm blots out sun and triumphs over the Genius of the Sky! She makes good on her second chance in the Mae Young Classic, and only increases her stock in the WWE.
The 2018 Mae Young Classic trophy is presented.
Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Sara Amata all join the finalists in the ring. Toni’s hand is raised as the official announcement is made. Both women receive a bouquet of flowers, but Toni is the one who receives the crystal trophy to hold up in victory. What new heights will Toni achieve in her already stellar career? Will Io Shirai be just fine despite this loss?
Six Woman Tag: The Riott Squad VS Natalya, Bayley & Sasha Banks!
Ruby, Sarah & Liv doing what they want to who they want, and lately that’s been bully and beat up the Queen of Harts and the #LegitHuggable BFFs. Will Natty, Bayley & Sasha get payback? Or will WWE Evolution #StartARiott?
The teams sort out and the Juvenile Delinquent, Liv, starts with Queen of Harts, Natty. The two tie up and go around the ring. Liv puts Natty in a corner, then SLAPS her! Natty chases Liv to the other side, but the Squad back Liv up. Liv kicks Natty then throws her down by her hair. Liv says “kiss thiss”, but then sees Natty’s duck coming. She teases Natty but gets a slap for it! Tag to Sasha, and they give Liv a #Legit Hart Attack! Liv tags to Sarah, and the Kentucky Valkyrie goes after Sasha. They trade chops, then Sasha goes acrobatic to arm-drag. Sasha dropkicks Sarah, covers, TWO. Sasha brings Sarah over, tag to Bayley! The Boss & Hug Connection work together for big knees and meteora! Sasha feeds Sarah to Bayley for the hotshot! Sarah is outside, Bayley pursues.
Bayley dropkicks Sarah through the post! She puts Sarah back in, but has to avoid Ruby. She bumps Ruby off the apron, but runs into a dropkick trap! Sarah drives Bayley into the post, and now the Squad has control. Ruby taunts Bayley while Sarah drags her out. Cover, TWO! Tag to Liv, and they mug Bayley. Liv elbows Bayley in the ribs, then puts her in a seated stretch. Fans rally up but Liv grinds Bayley’s ribs more. Bayley endures as she works her way out and fights back. Liv drives her back, Sarah tags in, and they stomp a mudhole into Bayley. Sarah drags Bayley down with a cobra clutch. Fans rally as Bayley gets back up. Sarah knees Bayley low then tags Ruby. They mug Bayley more, and then Sarah tags back in. Ruby catapults Bayley into Sarah’s forearm! Cover, TWO, and the Squad grows frustrated.
Sarah puts Bayley in a corner to stomp a new mudhole. She backs off at 4, then lets out a howl. Sarah runs but Bayley gives her snake eyes! Bayley reaches but has to snake eyes Sarah again. She crawls but Sarah is on her. Sarah whips but Bayley reverses. Ruby tags in but Bayley blasts the corner up. Bayley hurries but Ruby trips her up. Ruby gets in and Liv tags, for another catapult, but Bayley hits Liv! Bayley clobbers Ruby and starts crawling for her corner. Sarah gets in but is thrown back out, so she trips up Natty and clobbers her down! Liv grabs Bayley and drags her away. Tag to Ruby, and the Squad continues to isolate Bayley. They double whip but Bayley fights them off! Bayley hotshots Liv, crawls but Ruby stops her. Bayley shoves her away, hot tag to Sasha!
The Boss rallies, blocks a kick to give a kick! She runs in the corner but is put on the apron. She knees Ruby away, then climbs up, for meteora! Cover, TWO! Sasha grows frustrated, but keeps focus. She brings Ruby up, scoops but Ruby slips out to mule kick. Ruby runs back in but Sasha turns her. Ruby fights her off but ends up in a crucifix pin. TWO, Sasha gives Ruby a knee. Ruby kicks Sasha back then shoves. Bayley tags in, roll through to backstabber to Bayley2Belly! Cover, but Liv barrels into them all! Both best friends are down while Sarah saves Ruby. Ruby tags to Sarah, Sasha tags back in. Sasha hits Liv then meteora press on Sarah!
Fans fire up as Sasha takes aim at the Squad. She runs, FLIES, but is caught, to be tossed into barriers!! The Squad puts Sasha back in, covers, TWO!! Sasha survives and Sarah is shocked. Sarah grits her teeth as she tags Liv in. Liv climbs while Sarah brings Sasha over in an Electric Chair. They coordinate, Riott Doomsday! Tag to Ruby, tag to Sarah, combination back senton! Sarah covers, but Natty breaks it! Sarah hits Natty and throws her back out. She goes abck to Sasha for stomps. Liv tags in and coordinates with Sasha for an enziguri. Tag to Ruby and she climbs up top. Ruby aims, but Bayley protects her friend with her body. That’s fine by Ruby, stage-dive senton! Cover, TWO!? Bayley’s body was enough to help Sasha survive! Ruby is furious as she tags Liv in.
Liv aims at Sasha but Sasha dodges the enziguri. Liv tags back out, Sarah and Rub work together again, but misses the senton! Hot tag to Natty! Natty hits a discus lariat! Then a German Suplex! Natty keeps on Sarah with a whip, but Sarah elbows. Ruby tags in but Sarah takes the wheelbarrow facebuster. Liv tags in as Ruby gets a scoop slam. Natty stacks Ruby and Sarah, for a DOUBLE Sharpshooter! Liv pounces with a facebuster! Cover, TWO!! Natty survives and The Squad is at a loss for words! Liv stalks Natty as Natty looks for tags. No one home, Liv stomps Natty out! Liv continues to stalk Natty, and runs in, but for a pop-up! Tag to Bayley, Natty bombs Liv! Bayley Macho Elbows! Then DIVES on Ruby & Sarah! Sasha Frog Splashes! Cover, Sasha’s team wins!
Winners: Natalya, Bayley & Sasha Banks, Sasha pinning
Viva la Evolution as a shout-out to Latino Heat helps Sasha’s team win! They celebrate with one big hug, where will this major team victory lead the three former champions?
NXT Women’s Championship: Kairi Sane VS Shayna Baszler!
This furious feud dates back to the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament. The Pirate Princess won that crystal trophy, but The Queen of Spades won the title first. Kairi would take the title from Shayna in their third meeting, but Shayna claims that was more her losing than Kairi winning. The fourth time around will prove who is the better woman as an NXT title is defended on a main roster PPV for the first time ever!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Shayna and Kairi circle, Shayna throws a kick. Kairi stays up, then lunges in. She gets a waistlock but Shayna tosses her off. They go again, and Shayna powers Kairi to a corner. Shayna grinds her forearm but backs off at 4. She trips Kairi up then eggs her own with her spade hands. Kairi ducks under Shayna to then kick her down! Kairi taunts back with the telescope hands. Shayna kicks but gets caught. Kairi kicks but Shayna avoids. Shayna goes for her hold but Kairi gets out. Kairi throws a hand but gets caught again. Kairi works against the sleeper, so Shayna grabs hair. Shayna whips but Kairi wheelbarrows to a stunner!
Fans fire up as Shayna staggers back. Kairi “swims”, to run in and hit the Sliding D! Kairi springboards for double stomps on the apron! Shayna tumbles down as she coughs for air. Kairi keeps on Shayna, but Shayna reverses. Shayna whips but Kairi jumps onto the steps. Kairi jumps over Shayna to hit a big palm strike. She runs in but Shayna blocks that Sliding D to drive Kairi into the steps! Shayna refreshes the count to put Kairi back in. Shayna storms over to Kairi and puts her in a hammerlock. She throws Kairi into buckles, then drives in a knee. She runs and slides to come back for another knee! Kairi is stunned, Shayna gut wrenches and slams her! Cover, TWO! Kairi grits her teeth as she crawls, but Shayna is on her again.
Shayna grabs the arm and begins the torture as she twists elbow, wrist and shoulder! Shayna hammerlocks the arm, to STOMP IT! Kairi clutches her arm as fans boo and jeer Bully Baszler. Shayna doesn’t care as she covers, ONE. Shayna keeps on Kairi, and has her in a seated double wristlock. Kairi endures as fans rally up. Kairi gets to her feet and rolls Shayna, TWO! Shayna ducks Kairi to get the arm again. Shayna has a mounted armbar, and moves around to twist it more and more. Kairi endures, but Shayna yanks back!! Kairi goes to the ropes, that arm could be worse than broken. Shayna toys with Kairi now, but Kairi gets mad. Kairi uses her good arm to throw a forearm, so Shayna throws one. Kairi gives another, Shayna gives another.
They go back and forth, but Shayna kicks the bad arm. Shayna runs, but Kairi gets her with a forearm. Kairi runs but Shayna gets her with a knee. Shayna runs, into a backhand! Both women fall but fans fire up! Fans chant “NXT! NXT!” as the referee counts. Kairi crawls over to Shayna, but not for a cover. Kairi goes after the legs with her Anchor Lock!! Shayna endures, slips around, and gets the bad arm! Shayna tweaks it quick and Kairi is down. Kairi writhes but Shayna is on her arm again. Kairi puts Shayna in a corner and fires off wild strikes! The referee backs her off, but Kairi just fires up more. Kairi whips but Shayna reverses. She blasts out for a SPEAR! The Interceptor hits its mark, but Kairi isn’t done. Kairi marches the plank, runs back in, another shoulder tackle! Then blockbuster! Cover, TWO!
Kairi isn’t done yet, she brings Shayna up and to a corner. She hoists Shayna up for the Alabama Slam! Shayna’s down, so Kairi climbs up! But Shayna knows this, and kicks Kairi on the way. She has a hangman’s armlock!! Shayna lets go at 4 to send Kairi tumbling to the floor. Shayna mocks the Pirate Princess before she fetches Kairi. She puts Kairi in, then waits for Kairi to get up. Shayna suplexes but Kairi turns it into a DDT! Kairi hurries up top to use that good elbow. But Shayna rolls out. Fans boot and jeer, but Kairi doesn’t care where Shayna goes. SUPER CROSSBODY!! Direct hit!
Fans fire up for Kairi throwing caution to the wind! But then Shayna throws Kairi into barriers. Shayna runs back in, but Kairi dumps her out onto the other MMA Four Horsewomen, Marina and Jessamyn! All three are wiped out, but Kairi isn’t done with Shayna yet. Kairi drags Shayna back over, but Jessamyn goes after her! Kairi back hands her! The champ puts challenger back in the ring, back in the drop zone, but then Marina rushes the ring! Marina gets kicked away, then rocked with a back hand. Shayna gets teh Kirafuda Klutch!! But Kaiir makes it a cover, TWO!! Kairi flounders but gets Shayna in a waistlock. Roll up, TWO! Into Jessamyn’s kick!? Kirafuda Klutch!! Kairi is stuck, flailing but fading! Kairi tries for a second wind, but she’s OUT!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission; NEW NXT Women’s Champion
The Queen of Spades steals this one, all thanks to her friends! She may be the first-ever two-time Women’s Champion, but not without controversy. Will NXT GM William Regal have something to say about this on Wednesday?
SmackDown Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing Match: Becky Lynch VS Charlotte Flair!
The Lass Kicker and Queen of Flair were friends, but the problem there is that there could only be one champion. Becky wanted the title back so badly, that when her “best friend” took it away right in front of her, she snapped! The now Relent-Lass Straight Fire burned down bridges, and now wants to make Charlotte burn. Charlotte is willing to return that fire, but only one woman can be left standing. Who will walk away from this historic event having won a title, but lost a friend forever?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Becky points out how the fans are on her side. Charlotte shrugs that off, and we begin! Fans do not slow down in chanting for Becky as she and Charlotte circle. They rush each other. Charlotte dodges but Becky evades. Charlotte blocks but Becky evades again. Becky shoves Charlotte but Charlotte shoves her back! Charlotte struts as Becky is counted! Becky scrambles up and clotheslines Charlotte down. The ref counts but Charlotte kips up. The two stare down and rush each other. Charlotte gets the takedown but Becky pushes her away. Becky comes back with forearms! Becky drops a leg, mocks the strut before dropping an elbow, then drops another leg.
The ref counts and Becky swaggers about. Charlotte gets up but Becky is on her with EuroUppers. Charlotte counters to hit the neckbreaker! Becky reverses the whip but runs into a shoulder. Charlotte hurries to the top rope, but Becky stops her. Becky throws Charlotte down! The count begins but Charlotte is up at 4. Becky is on her again with the Becksploder! Charlotte is in a corner with the new count. She’s up at 3, and goes to boot Becky. Becky counters with a EuroUpper, then climbs up to leap. Charlotte dodges and boots Becky down! Becky is under the count now, but she gets up at 4. Fans duel now as Charlotte runs in. Becky bumps her off buckles but Charlotte gets up. Becky throws her all the way out and has the ref count. Charlotte uses the announce desk for help and gets up at 4.
Becky decides to look under the ring, and has a kendo stick! Becky SMACKS away on Charlotte with the bamboo! Charlotte goes writhing but Becky pursues and SMACKS her more. Charlotte blocks a swing, but Becky kicks her down. Becky bumps Charlotte off the apron edge, then goes looking for other things. Fans say “We Want Tables!” but Becky finds chairs first. Becky brings one of those out, but Charlotte tosses some into the ring. Becky does the same, so Charlotte raises the stakes. Both women throw in more chairs, raising the ante. Fans chant “E C Dub!” as chair after chair is put in the ring. All the chairs are in the ring, so Charlotte brings out a table! Becky stops that as she hits her with a flying forearm! Becky stalks Charlotte as she crawls. Charlotte gets Becky with her own exploder!
Becky is down for the count, but gets up at 5. She grabs a chair from the ring, and SMACKS Charlotte while she’s setting up the table! Becky jabs Charlotte with it, then SMACKS her again! Becky drags Charlotte around while fans chant “You Deserve It!” They go into the ring, and Charlotte is being counted again. Becky watches as Charlotte gets up at 5. She throws Charlotte onto the chair pile! Charlotte is being counted, but Becky makes a new chair pile. Charlotte is up at 6, so Becky brings her around! Becky wants the exploder but Charlotte fights her off. Charlotte gives Becky a back suplex on the chair pile! Becky and Charlotte are both down but Charlotte is stirring. Charlotte stands at 7 as she rolls out. Becky drags herself up at 8, but flounders.
Charlotte goes for another table! She sets a table in the ring, but then Becky hits a jump kick! Charlotte goes down and Becky sets up the table. Charlotte stands at 5 thanks to the announce desk. Becky finishes with the table but sees Charlotte coming. She back kicks, then urenages Charlotte on those chairs! The count returns, and Charlotte stirs but clutches her neck. Charlotte slowly stands and makes it at 8, so Becky goes after her again. Becky bumps Charlotte off the table to then put her on the table. Becky climbs up now, but Charlotte stops her! Charlotte stomps away on Becky, then puts her on the table. She clubs away on Becky with forearm after forearm. Charlotte then staggers her way over to the corner and climbs up. Charlotte moonsaults, on Becky! The table does NOT break!!
Both women are down, but Charlotte is up first. Charlotte sets that table back up, but Becky flounders over. Charlotte bounces Becky off the wood, then puts her back on. The Queen climbs up again, for a swanton! This time the table breaks! But both women are down again, and the count begins. The count passes 5 as they both sit up. It reaches 8 as Charlotte and Becky scramble up, to stand at 9! Becky flops back down while Charlotte slumps out of the ring. Charlotte drags out a LADDER! And she puts it in the ring. This unofficially becomes a TLC match now. Becky clobbers Charlotte, the ladder manages to stay up. Becky pushes it down then drags it over. She goes back to Charlotte as fans declare “This is Awesome!”
Becky scoop slams Charlotte on the ladder! Charlotte is down and the count begins. She manages to stand at 6, so Becky gets her again. Charlotte slips out and chop blocks! She kicks away on the leg, drags Becky over, and laces it through the ladder… Charlotte stomps the legs, then re-laces the legs, for the Figure Four! And FIGURE EIGHT! Becky taps but that doesn’t matter, this is a Last Woman Standing! Becky endures the torture, but grabs a chair. She smacks Charlotte’s legs, and gets free. The count returns but can Becky stand with bad legs? The count passes 5 as Charlotte gets up. Becky rolls out to stop the count, but those legs are not doing well. Charlotte goes out to follow Becky, but Becky shoves her into the steps!
A new count begins as Charlotte clutches an arm and Becky clutches her legs. Becky shouts “Stay down!” but Charlotte refuses. So Becky shoves her into a post! Charlotte’s down again while Becky props herself up. The count restarts and climbs past 5 again. Charlotte manages to get up but Becky’s leaving with the belt! Charlotte chases her down and chops her in front of the fans! Chop after chop but Becky throws forearms now. They go back and forth, Becky staggering on one good leg. Charlotte keeps giving chops so Becky keeps giving forearms. Charlotte gets an edge, Becky flops around on noodle legs. They go back to the ring as Charlotte tosses Becky over the barrier. Charlotte clears off the announce desk! She drags Becky over to bounce her off another desk.
Charlotte kicks Becky while she’s down, then drags out a new ladder! Charlotte sets it up by the announce desk, and fans anticipate what she’s planning. Becky does, too, and hits Charlotte with the title belt! Becky drags Charlotte over now, and bounces her off the desk. She sets Charlotte on the table, positions the ladder, and climbs. Becky aims, leaps, SUPER leg drop through the desk!! Both women are down but fans are losing their minds! Becky gets up at 7, but Charlotte is slower. Charlotte still gets up at 8, so Becky boots her down! Becky rains down rights, then bounces her off the floor. Becky buries Charlotte in arm chairs, even taking Renee Young’s. She uses the chairs from the ring, too, and then what’s left of one of the tables.
A count begins, and Becky is confident she’s won. The count passes 6 as Charlotte stirs, and she emerges at 9!? Charlotte glares at Becky, she’s like something from a horror movie in Becky’s eyes. Becky runs but Charlotte chases her and SMACKS her with that kendo stick! Becky flounders, into Charlotte’s SPEAR! Both women are down again, and a new count begins. Charlotte doesn’t wait for the count, she drags Becky around. She still has the table from earlier to use, so she stands it up. Charlotte drags Becky back up and bounces her off wood. She puts Becky on the table, and begins a new climb.
Charlotte reaches the top rope and aims for the table, but Becky gets up! Becky SUPER BOMBS Charlotte THROUGH THE TABLE!! Fans are thunderous as the count returns. The count passes 5 but Charlotte somehow stirs. It reaches 7, then 9… Charlotte’s still on all fours, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch; still SmackDown Women’s Champion
The Lass Kicker keeps the Queen down and holds her title up high! Charlotte definitely needs help, but Becky leaves her behind again. If not even this much could stop Becky, what can?
Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey VS Nikki Bella w/ Brie Bella!
The Baddest Woman on the Planet thought the Bella Twins were trustworthy. That the Bella Twins were respectful. And that the Bella Twins were her friends. But she was wrong. She found out the Bella Twins were just after the spotlight and the title. The Fearless Nikki faces Ronda tonight, will she catch the Rowdy Women’s Champion off guard? Or will Ronda rip her arm off?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Ronda and Nikki circle and tie up. Ronda throws Nikki down quick! Nikki scrambles to ropes, but Ronda teasingly encourages her to stand back up. Nikki stands, they tie up again, and Ronda throws her again. Ronda has the arm, but does put on the armbar to show it was that easy. Nikki gets Ronda’s leg, but Ronda brings her back around to an armlock. Again, Ronda shows her how easy it is. Ronda lets Nikki go and Nikki gets more frustrated than if she already lost. Nikki and Brie talk quickly, and Brie moves around. Ronda keeps her eyes on Nikki, and throws her right out! But then Brie marches over, and Nikki shoves Ronda into the post!
Nikki gets back in the ring and waits for Ronda. She gets Ronda by the hair, Ronda gets loose, but not Brie shoves Ronda into a post! Nikki fetches Ronda to put her in, then covers. ONE, but the Bellas keep their cool. Nikki puts Ronda in a chinlock and Brie taunts her. Ronda endures and works against the hold. Ronda moves around but Nikki traps an arm. Nikki taunts Ronda while fans duel. Nikki knees Ronda low, then tosses her out. The Bellas soak up the heat, then Nikki shoves Ronda into barriers. She bounces Ronda off the apron, then puts her back into barriers. Nikki puts Ronda in, covers, TWO! Brie coaches Nikki up as Nikki puts on a headscissor squeeze. Ronda endures as Nikki drags her around. Nikki does push ups as she squeezes Ronda, but Ronda rolls out and free.
Ronda gets to a corner and Nikki comes over. Ronda shoves her away, but Brie gets a cheap shot! Nikki puts Ronda in a corner and bumps her off buckles. She drags Ronda around and slams her into the post! Nikki shoves Ronda back in and covers, TWO! Nikki puts Ronda back in a chinlock, but Ronda gets up. Now Nikki has an abdominal stretch, and drives in her elbows. Ronda powers out but Nikki keeps the hold on. Ronda turns red as Nikki pulls on her more. Fans rally up as Ronda tries to pry her way out. Nikki wrangles her down but Ronda gets up again. Ronda throws Nikki off and can breathe again. Nikki gets to a corner, and back elbows Ronda away. Nikki hits the Fearless Enziguri! Cover, TWO!! The Bellas grow frustrated as Ronda survives.
Nikki drags Ronda back up and into a corner for shoulders to the stomach. Nikki backs off at 4, then hoists Ronda way up. Fans duel as Nikki climbs up to join Ronda. Nikki wants a superplex, but Ronda holds on. Ronda shoves Nikki away, but Brie gets up. Nikki strikes in the distraction! Nikki climbs up again, but Ronda holds on. Ronda and Nikki fight, Nikki falls down. Ronda adjusts, and leaps for a crossbody! But Nikki gets clear! Ronda crashes and burns while Brie chants “YES! YES!” for her sister. Nikki is smug as she targets Ronda. She slides but Ronda dodges! Brie helps Nikki while Ronda clutches her ribs. Nikki’s neck is an issue, but she’s back in.
Nikki lines up a kick but Ronda blocks! Ronda trips Nikki, rolls to the fireman’s carry, but Brie gets up on the apron again. Brie grabs Nikki’s hand, but ends up part of the fireman’s carry!! Ronda gives both Bellas a ROWDY SLAM! Fans are thunderous as all three women are down. Ronda gets up first and glares at Nikki. Ronda fires up for strike mode! Nikki staggers up and into a boot! She stands again, for the punches! Ronda reels Nikki out for a monkey flip and the ground ‘n’ pound! Ronda drags Nikki back up, judo throw after judo throw. She dares Nikki to get up again. Nikki drags herself up in a corner, but covers up. Ronda just SLAPS Nikki. Ronda stands Nikki up, cradles her, for the Fall Away! Nikki slumps out of the ring and Brie is panicking.
Ronda fetches Nikki, she’s not letting Nikki off that easy. She puts Nikki in, Brie sucker punches Ronda! But that only angers Ronda, who reels Brie in for a throw across the announce desk! Ronda returns to Nikki, but Nikki gets an Ala-Bella Slam! Cover, TWO!! Nikki cannot believe Ronda survives again! Nikki drags herself away while Ronda gets up. Ronda runs in but into the post! Nikki brings Ronda up, Rack Attack!! Cover, TWO?! Ronda still lives and Nikki is shocked! Nikki has one last idea, as she climbs up top. Ronda gets her with body shots, but Nikki forearms Ronda away. Ronda comes back, leaps up, SUPER takedown, into the ARMBAR!! Nikki taps, Ronda wins!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission; still Raw Women’s Champion
It didn’t matter that Nikki was Fearless, Ronda is peerless! Rowdy Ronda retains her Raw Women’s Championship and is still the Baddest Woman on the Planet. She celebrates with her husband in the front row while the Bellas regroup and retreat. If Nikki failed, will Brie give it a go? Will Brie just end up the same as her sister? Or is Ronda moving on to another challenge?
Speaking of…
Nia Jax watches backstage. The win in the battle royal gives Nia her shot at Ronda’s title, but where and when will she want it?
And lastly…
Ronda meets all the other WWE women on the stage to celebrate the entire night! Viva la Women’s Wrestling! Viva la Evolution!
My Thoughts:
There were many reasons to be worried about this PPV, that it could just end up a glorified episode of Raw or even SmackDown. After watching this event, I personally feel that all those worries were put to rest, because this was great! The Kickoff Show was fun, lots of great interviews, and R-Truth was classic. Then, much like an NXT TakeOver, it was very smart to start with a tag team match like Trish-Lita VS Foxy-Mickie. It was a good adjustment for Alexa Bliss to meddle, because it added to how great Trish & Lita came off. Those two could make a serious run again, as at least part-timers. Then the “Historic” Battle Royal was chaotic but in a good way, and far exceeded expectations. Nia winning can work as she and Ronda never had a clean finish, so a rematch from Money in the Bank is fine.
Of course, Asuka not winning should’ve been a sign to me that I wasn’t getting my Japanese Strong Style sweep. Toni Storm winning over Io Shirai was quite surprising, but it did work better for her overall story in the WWE. Toni already has the NXT UK Division, though, so this win will surely be spun into her placement in the NXT UK Women’s Championship picture. Io Shirai is still fine in losing, she has a lot to do in the American NXT. I was even more surprised that Shayna won, and with help from the other MMA Horsewomen. This does help establish Jessamyn and Marina in the eyes of the WWE Universe as a whole, and will definitely lead to a Women’s Championship story for NXT TakeOver: WarGames. I wonder if Kairi can get friends for a Women’s WarGames…
The Six Woman Tag was another of the dreaded matches, but wow did the match itself make up for a lot. The Riott Squad was definitely a well-oiled machine, but I’m thinking Natty, Bayley & Sasha going over was so fans could cheer the Faces. I’m just not sure where any of this is going as a story without tag titles. That Last Woman Standing had one odd element, and that was that any knockdown was counted. I don’t remember that being how Gargano VS Ciampa Last Man Standing being that way. But even so, this Last Woman Standing Match puts some previous Last Man Standing Matches to shame! Though, I will say Charlotte was dangerously close to Super Cena/Roman territory, but Becky winning was the right move. Now we freshen things up on SmackDown going into Survivor Series.
The Raw Women’s Championship match was a lot better than expected, too, and it was actually thanks to the Bella Twins working together like that. Ronda toying with Nikki was fun, too, but the heat really got good when Brie started getting involved. Ronda obviously still wins, because fans will want Nia VS Ronda 2 far more than Nikki Bella w/ Brie VS Anyone. Plus, Ronda winning truly establishes that this is no longer a Diva’s Era, but the Women’s (R)Evolution. I really hope that this PPV becomes an annual tradition, so long as it can maintain this level of entertainment. AKA, keep HHH booking things because I’m pretty sure he was a major part of things behind the scenes.
My Score: 9/10
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Tanahashi’s Final Road to New Beginning!
Evil couldn’t end President Ace, but will The House of Torture still take the NEVER Openweight Six Man Championships from him?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Time Limit Draw.
- YOSHI-HASHI & Katsuya Murashima VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Jackson win.
- 8 Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Jado, Shota Umino & Togi Makabe VS The United Empire; ELP, Jado, Shota & Makabe win.
- Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Taiji Ishimori; Sanada & Taiji win.
- Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!
Evil tried to make WrestleKingdom 19 the last time we saw President Ace in this ring but he failed! However, his minions will not stop in trying to ruin the rest of Tanahashi’s last year. Will Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Sho take these titles back to the House? Or will The Ace, Joker & Rook stand tall?
The House walks out here showing off the belts they literally stole back at New Year Dash, but now the tables have turned! Tanahashi and team attack The House from behind! The fans cheer as The House finally tastes their own medicine! Tanahashi snatches back the belts so that he, Yano & Oleg can stand with them in the ring. The House protests but they’re one to talk. The introductions are skipped, the bell rings, and the brawl is back on as Tanahashi’s team goes back out after The House! Yano whips Sho, but Sho reverses to send Yano into railing! Sho stomps away on Yano, then helps Ren mug Oleg!
Yujiro turns things around on Tanahashi, and then he brings Tanahashi out to No Man’s Land! Sho bends Oleg’s fingers, puts his hand through the railing and pulls! The fans rally for Tanahashi’s team while the ref reprimands The House. Yujiro puts Tanahashi in, then he, Sho & Ren all stomp away! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but The House all put one out on Tanahashi. Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, then he and Sho double whip Tanahashi corner to corner. Yujiro runs in but Tanahashi dodges! Tanahashi then dropkicks Sho’s leg, then he dropkicks Narita’s leg! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs at Yujiro.
Yujiro dodges, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up again as Tanahashi air guitars. Tag to Yano and he TOSSES Yujiro out! Yano then brings Yujiro out into No Man’s Land, then to the back of the crowd to THROW into some open chairs! The fans cheer as Yano brings out that Great Bash Heel side, but the ref reprimands Yano. Yano tells the ref to leave him alone, and he has a chair! The ref stops Yano from hitting Yujiro! Yano argues with the ref, but now Sho & Ren mug Yano! The ref reprimands them but the mugging continues. Ren leads the ref away so Sho & Yujiro can CHOKE Yano with a chair!
The fans boo while The House also beats up Oleg & Tanahashi. Yujiro drags Yano up and then brings him back to ringside to POST him! Ren brings Oleg around with a headlock and sends him into railing! Then more railing! Then into the crowd! Yujiro uses Yano’s red chair to CHOKE him! The ring count finally starts, but Ren JAMS Oleg up with a chair! The count reaches 10 of 20 and The House returns to the ring. Yano is still down at 15! The fans rally, Yano rises up at 17, and he lurches in at 19! The fans cheer but Yujiro is annoyed. Yujiro drops a leg, then an elbow, then a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yano stays in this, but Ren sends Tanahashi into railing! Yujiro tags Sho, Sho CHOKES Yano with a boot to the neck! The ref counts, Sho stops, then Sho TOSSES Yano out! Sho keeps the ref distracted while Ren JAMS Yano up with a chair! Ren pushes Yano in, Sho covers, TWO! Yano survives and Sho is frustrated. Tag to Ren, he drags Yano up, and Ren whips Yano to ELBOW him down! Cover, TWO! Ren BLASTS Tanahashi off the apron! Ren grins as the ref now keeps Oleg back. Ren CHOKES Yano on the ropes, Sho joins in to CLAW Yano’s eyes, but then the ref counts. Ren lets off and Yano flops down.
Ren drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! Ren breaks free, knees low, then runs up. Yano dodges, clinches, and BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up, Yano hot tags Oleg! Oleg jumps in and CLOBBERS Ren! Oleg then deadlifts Ren, but Sho attacks! The fans boo, Sho runs, SPEAR bounces off of Oleg! Oleg then deadlifts Sho! Shake, Shake, Shake! But Yujiro CLUBS Oleg! Yujiro & Ren double whip, but Oleg DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Oleg runs at the corner to SPLASH Ren! Then he scoops and TOSSES Ren! The fans fire up as Oleg then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
Ren survives but Oleg deadlifts Ren right to the fireman’s carry! Ren fights free, CHOKES Oleg, but Oleg breaks free! Oleg winds up but Ren ducks the chop! Ren CHOKES Oleg, the ref counts, but Oleg CHOKES Ren! The fans cheer, and then Oleg TOSSES Ren to the corner! Tag to Tanahashi and the fans fire up! Oleg and Tanahashi haul Ren up, double whip him corner to corner, then Tanahashi sends Oleg in! Oleg ELBOWS Ren, then Tanahashi SPLASHES! Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Ren into the drop zone! Oleg goes up, up and VADER BOMBS! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, Yujiro breaks it!
Oleg CLOBBERS Yujiro for that, then goes out after him. The fans fire up as Tanahashi powers up. Tanahashi runs, but Sho gets a cheap shot in! Ren BOOTS Tanahashi, tags Sho, and Sho BLASTS Yano! Yujiro turns things around on Oleg and now The House double whips President Ace! Sho runs in to forearm SMASH! Yuijro BOOTS! Ren ELBOWS Tanahashi! Ren & Sho snapmare Tanahashi, then hold the legs open! Yujiro shoves the ref aside, then FALLING HEADBUTTS Tanahashi down low! The fans boo but now Sho covers, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and Sho argues with the ref! The fans rally for Tanahashi, but Ren has his repaired pushup bar!
Ren takes aim, Tanahashi dodges, SHOTEI! Sho kicks, Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Yujiro runs up, but gets caught into a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls for his corner! Hot tag to Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad! The fans cheer, Yano whips, but Sho reverses! Yano stops from hitting the buckles, then he dodges Sho to send him into bare buckles! Yano rolls Sho up, TWO!! Sho escapes but Yano hurries to get Sho’s legs! Oleg hops in, CATAPULT into Oleg’s BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Yano then stands Sho up, ONIGO- NO, Sho fights free! Sho dodges, but the ref stops him from hitting a low blow!
The ref and Sho argue, but Yujiro & Ren mug Yano! They double whip Yano, but Yano grabs ropes. Yano then sends Ren into Yujiro to DOUBLE LOW BLOW them! Atomic drop for Sho! Tanahashi runs up, SLINGBLADE! Oleg deadlifts Sho right into a fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But YOSHINOBU KANEMARU is here! The Heel Master gets on the apron, but Young Lions already apprehend him! Yano hauls Sho up, for ONIGOROSHI!! Cover, KANEMARU TOSSES THE YOUNG LION ONTO THE REF! The fans boo but Kanemaru attacks Yano! But then Yano hits him with an atomic drop!
Kanemaru WHISKEY MISTS!? Sho LOW BLOWS Yano!! Sho rolls Yano up, HOUSE OF TORTURE WINS!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
What a travesty! A miscarriage of justice! Evil isn’t even here, but his army of darkness just won the gold! Yano is upset, Tanahashi is disappointed, but Oleg is mad! Oleg storms back in, only for Yujiro to BELT SHOT him down! Yujiro then kicks Oleg out, and shows he’s pretty sore from the low blow. Will these belts help the House feel much, much better?
Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK!
The Fierce Warrior won the New Japan Ranbo to earn his shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, so that means he and Zack Sabre Jr. will do battle for the New Beginning! Will the Rogue Luchador & Direct Drive help Goto gain the upper hand? Or will Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles help The Mighty Front Man prepare for war?
The teams sort out while all of TMDK’s title belts are put aside. The Japanese Young Punk steps to Despy, so Despy accepts. The fans cheer and the bell rings. Despy and Fujita stare down while the fans rally. Despy has the majority, and the two circle. They feel things out, Despy facelocks but Fujita slips around to waistlock. Despy slips out, moves around, but Fujita stays on him. They go around, break, and the fans cheer. They tie up, Despy wrenches to hammerlock, but Fujita elbows free to hammerlock back. Despy switches, Fujita switches, repeat! They go hammerlock for hammerlock, but then Despy top wristlocks to wrangle FUjita!
The fans cheer, Fujita fights up, but Despy shifts to a cording hold. Fujtia whips but Despy reverses and arm-drags! Fujita comes back, he avoids the arm-drag, and then he CHOPS! Despy is stinging, but Fujita CHOPS him again! And CHOPS him again! The fans cheer, Fujita CHOPS again, but now Despy CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS, Despy ends up in the Mighty corner, and Eagles tags in. Eagles CHOPS, but then Despy CHOPS! Eagles shoves Despy and says he’s bored. He wants Yoh! The fans rally for Yoh, so Despy tags him in. The fans cheer as Yoh and Eagles circle. Wait, Yoh starts up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”
Eagles is rather amused, and says not bad. Eagles starts it up for himself, but Yoh sneaks up! Eagles stops the schoolboy and sits on the cover, TWO and Yoh has the sunset flip! TWO, both men stand and point at the other! The fans applaud, then Yoh kicks low. Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Eagles runs in, Yoh sidesteps but Eagles hurdles. Eagles RANAS then WHEEL KICKS! Eagles kips up and the fans cheer. Eagles puts Yoh in a corner, and he says “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP!
The fans cheer while Yoh flounders around. Eagles whips, Goto sneaks a tag, then Goto & Yoh DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE Eagles! They BLAST ZSJ and Fujita, then call to Despy! Despy says no thanks, they can go ahead. “Se~ no!” DRUM BEAT on Eagles’ back! Goto asks if Despy is sure he doesn’t want in, and Despy says it’s fine. Goto CLUBS Eagles, but Eagles fires body shots! Eagles fires a forearm, but Goto knees low! Goto fireman’s carries, but Eagles fights free. Eagles waistlocks, Goto elbows free and runs, only for ZSJ to trip him up! Eagles BLASTS Yoh & Despy off the apron while Fujita basement dropkicks Goto!
ZSJ spins Goto around to be on the apron, then gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans cheer and ZSJ brings Goto out to UPPERCUT him down! ZSJ brings Goto up to UPPERCUT again, then UPPERCUTS him again! Goto stumbles and falls, Eagles CHOPS Yoh, and Fujita CHOPS Despy! ZSJ brings Goto up and wrenches his arm, then wrenches it again. But Goto fires forearms in return! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto again, the CHOPS continue by the ramp side, and ZSJ puts Goto in. Eagles tags ZSJ in whiel Fujita and Despy CHOP each other back and forth. ZSJ clamps on a headscissors and he squeezes tight!
Goto endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go cleanly and brings Goto to the corner. Tag to Fujita and he stomps Goto. Fujita drags Goto up while fans rally, and Fujita wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Fujtia wrenches again, ELBOW BREAKER! And again, ELBOW BREAKER! Fujita wrenches, top wristlocks, and he wrangles Goto to the mat. Fujita STOMPS that arm, then he tags Eagles. The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions get Goto’s arms while ZSJ steps in to have a leg! Goto endures as TMDK cycles through the armlocks and leglocks! Red Shoes counts but TMDK keeps rotating before he reaches 4!
Then TMDK returns where they started, and Goto endures the DOUBLE STRAIGHT ARMBARS and INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Red Shoes counts, all three men let go at 4! ZSJ stands, he still has the deathlock, and he bridges back! Goto endures, keeps his shoulders up, but ZSJ stands to tag in Eagles. Eagles drags Goto around, then hits a KNEE JAMMER! Tag to Fujita, they drag Goto up, and they double whip him to ropes. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down, ZSJ hops in for a NECK TWIST! Goto sits up into a DOUBLE PENALTY KICK! Cover, Despy breaks it! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands.
Despy stands down, but Fujita BLASTS him off the apron! Fujita drags Goto up, wrenches, and whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP, then he snapmares to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Fujita coordinates with TMDK. Fujita drags Goto up, and he wants to do the Chaos drum thing? ZSJ isn’t so sure but Eagles is for it. Eagles steps in, but Yoh runs up! Eagles kicks Yoh, and “Se~ no!” Eagles & Fujita DRUM on Yoh! The fans cheer and ZSJ acts like he doesn’t know what’s going on. The fans cheer for ZSJ to join in, but he puts up the X, that’s not for him. Eagles & Fujita DRUM away on Goto!
Goto stands up and grabs Fujita by the face! Eagles CLUBS Goto, he and Fujita double whip, but Goto DOUBLE LARIATS first! The fans fire up while they’re all down! ZSJ storms in and grabs Goto’s leg! ANKLE LOCK! Goto endures, fights around, and rolls through to throw ZSJ! ZSJ comes back to RAM Goto, then he runs, only for Goto to RUN him over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Despy! Despy runs at the corner to ELBOW Fujita! Despy reels Fujita in for a suplex, high and hard! Cover, TWO! Despy fires up and the fans are with him! Fujita underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Fujita fights free!
Fujita swings but Despy blocks the chop! Despy knees low, whips, but Fujita reverses to GAMANGIRI! The fans cheer while both men are down! Fujita roars while he rises up, and he storms back to Despy. Fujita waistlocks, deadlifts Despy, but Despy fights the suplex with elbows! Despy is free, but Fujita runs up to slip around and backslide! Despy rolls through, Fujita KICKS him down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Fujita fires up again. Fujita drags Despy back up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Despy fights that. Despy wrenches, but Fujita ROCKS him! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return!
Fujita and Despy keep the wristlock while they fire forearm after forearm back and forth! The fans rally up as the shots go faster and faster, but then both men wobble! Fujita fires a forearm, then another! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return! Despy runs, Eagles slips in, SOBAT! Fujita UPPERCUTS! Eagles scoops Despy but Yoh makes the save! Eagles kicks Yoh, he and Fujita double whip, but Yoh reverses to crisscross them into each other! FALCON- NO, Eagles slips out, but Yoh switches! Yoh feeds Eagles to Despy’s ELBOW! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! The fans fire up but Fujita runs up!
Despy & Yoh double kick, double whip, but Fujita DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! Fujita kips up, the fans fire up, and Fujita whips Despy, but Despy reverses to SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita and Despy crawl for their corners, hot tags to Goto and ZSJ! The fans fire up as both men run in, Goto LARIATS ZSJ! Goto roars and the fans are with him! Goto fires a flurry of forearms, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and Goto fires up again! Goto fireman’s carries but ZSJ pulls on an arm! Goto powers out and ROCKS ZSJ!
Goto runs, ZSJ wrangles him to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Eagles & Fujita BLAST Yoh & Despy off the arm! They have Yoh & Despy stuck on the outside with armlocks while ZSJ has the DISARMER! Yoh breaks free of Eagles and DROPKICKS ZSJ! Eagles returns to SUPERKICK Yoh! Despy is in, Eagles slips around and feeds him to Fujita’s MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and TMDK drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms on Eagles & Fujita! They DOUBLE CHOP, then double wrench! MAX- NO, Goto fights free and kicks Fujita! Goto deflects Eagles’ kick to LARIAT! Fujita kicks Goto, runs, but Goto follows! LARIAT!
ZSJ RAMS Goto, whips, but Goto reverses! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while ZSJ clutches his head. Goto hauls ZSJ up, dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down! Goto drops onto ZSJ for a cover, TWO!! ZSJ is up, Goto sends him into a corner! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, into a GOTO SAN SHIKI!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes, BOOTS Goto, then runs! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Goto roars, runs, but ZSJ KCIKS the lariat, PELES the other arm, then SWEEPS the legs! Goto falls, but then sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up and ZSJ hurries to drag Goto back up.
ZSJ scoops, ZACK- NO, Goto slips free and has the SLEEPER! Goto sits ZSJ and rolls him, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! ZSJ has the legs, JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH, with bridge!! TMDK WINS!!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall
It was a fast and furious finish of technical holds, but who else but the best technical wrestler in the world would pull it out? Goto is frustrated for getting caught like that, but will he avenge himself in just 12 days?
As for TMDK, Eagles starts off by saying, “G’day, Sendai!” Eagles then pretends to check his watch, and asks, “Rocky doki desu ka? <Where is Rocky?> Zabishii. <How lonely.>” The fans chuckle at Eagles’ fake crying, and Eagles then tells Yoh & Rocky that next month in Osaka, see you then! The fans applaud, and then Eagles offers the mic to Fujita. The fans cheer Fujita on, and Fujita accepts. “That lariat turned me inside out, so I’ll keep this short! I’m beating El Desperado!” The fans cheer that, ready to see Fujita challenge Desperado for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on Tuesday, February 4th!
And lastly, that brings things to The Front Man. ZSJ takes the mic to say, “People of Sendai, thank you very much!” The fans cheer, but then ZSJ tells “Ko-kun” and “Robbie-chan” to “cut that drumming bit. It was lame.” The fans chuckle again, and ZSJ says 2025 isn’t the Year of the Snake. No, it’s all orange! ZSJ promises that TMDK won’t just paint NJPW orange, but the entire world! “Osaka will be here soon enough. Goto, this is your last chance. Let’s make the most of it.” The fans like the sound of that! ZSJ says they’ll end with this: This year revolves around TMDK! Arigato gozaimashita! The fans are ready, will the New Beginning in Osaka be Mighty?
My Thoughts:
A very good event for NJPW, though “Road to” always indicates more tune-up filler than thriller. Gabe Kidd going after Yota Tsuji and the Global Heavyweight Championship is an interesting development, but that is going to be a great match. The NEVER Openweight Six Man Championship match was really good stuff, and I was only a little surprised that The House of Torture won. Firstly, Tanahashi has to lose those titles at some time, so might as well pull off the Band-Aid now before The New Beginning events. Then this works with the story from Oleg and Josh Barnett where Barnett wants to help Oleg reach that singles title level.
And very good Six Man Tag main event to not only build Goto VS ZSJ but also Desperado VS Fujita. Great win for TMDK, but we have a lot of other Road to New Beginning events to build Goto VS ZSJ. A lot of filler 10 Man Tags are on the schedule, but I probably won’t be bothering with those. Despy VS Fujita will be great, but Fujita and Eagles are already the tag champions, so I don’t see Fujita winning. As for Goto VS ZSJ, ZSJ said it himself that this is very likely Goto’s last chance at ever being the top champion in NJPW, but I don’t see Goto winning. It’ll be an epic battle, but I feel like ZSJ is going to stay on top.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.30.25
Are we gonna get consecutive weeks of momentum or we gonna get the “LOL TNA” moment already?
Coming off the first Live iMPACT! in 8 years, it has been pretty universally agreed upon that it was not a bad show. Good favor, a larger audience then they’ve had in years and TNA actually did fairly well establishing themselves as not a third rate duelist.
Let’s see if the good tidings continue or if things start to well…TNA.
The official liaison between @WWENXT and TNA, @AriannaGraceWWE, was rudely interrupted by Tessa Blanchard while speaking with @MeanGiaMiller!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn pic.twitter.com/8ImgauBAiO
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025
Ratings:
- Cora Jade vs Hyan: Cora wins via Jaded – ** 1/2
- Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 3/4
- Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via 450 – ** 3/4
- Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint: No Contest? EY Turned Heel – N/A
- Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek: Wes wins via Cardiac Kick – ***
- Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$: Kaibas win via Danger Zone – ***
Results:
Nic Nemeth comes out to talk, doesn’t complain and says he’s just gonna dust himself off and start again. Ryan comes out to complain on behalf of “hiissss brrooother” and run down Hendry. Nic is playing babyface still and Ryan is instigating is typical little brother fashion. Nic tries to appease Ryan saying this could be a big year for both of them, so Fir$t Cla$$ music hits and KC Navarro cuts them off and hands off to AJ Francis. Ryan get mad at them interrupting, Nic tries to calm the situation but Ryan decides to agree to a tag match that Nic doesn’t seem like he wanted to go there. But Santino comes out and makes it official.
EXCLUSIVE: @XiaBrookside welcomed @WWENXT's @CoraJadeWWE to #TNAiMPACT, but things got HEATED fast!
Don't miss #TNAiMPACT TONIGHT at 8/7c on @AXSTV in the US, @Sportsnet 360 in Canada, and streaming worldwide on TNA+!
Get 1 month FREE of TNA+ with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/LP8ghA78Pv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 30, 2025
Cora Jade vs Hyan
Hyan tries a Pump Kick, Cora catches it, lays her out and kicks her feet up in the corner getting cocky. Snapmare with the Hair, into a Springboard Single Stomp from Cora, Hyan is getting throttled along the ropes and putting up much of a fight to start. Hyan is usually just enhancement talent in TNA, even though she does have a solid pedigree in the indies and internationally. Hyan finally moves so Cora smashes herself into the corner, Wasteland from Hyan for a 1 count, Cora counters Hyan’s attempted offense and then hits Jaded for the win!
The match did what it needed to, Cora tried to lay in the boots further, Xia runs out to make a save but Cora baits her into a false sense of security and goes after Xia. So Masha comes out for the save on the person who made the save. Cora comes off looking pretty good and Masha scaring her off helps Masha’s aura.
.@MeanGiaMiller tries to get answers out of @WesLee_WWE, @TyriekIgwe_WWE and @_Tysonwwe_ for his attack on The Rascalz ahead of Lee's match with @The_Ace_Austin TONIGHT on iMPACT!
Watch #TNAiMPACT now on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn
Get one month FREE with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/UIU5GgiylE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025
Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater
Myers grabs the quick Headlock into the Shoulder Tackle and welcome back to 1997 wrestling starts. Myers got cocky, shot Leon into the ropes and eats a Shoulder Tackle from Leon, so a little showboating from Leon gets under Myers skin and causes him to make a few missteps. Leon hits the Feint Mule Kick into the Handspring Back Elbow for 2, but when he tries to continue, Myers pulls him down into the buckles. Myers looks for a Spear, Leon Leap Frogs and Myers eats turnbuckle. He powders, the System shields him from a dive, and we’re starting to see the numbers game come into play.
A Thrust Kick from Myers rocks Leon as he’s coming back in, Strong Irish Whip into a Gator Roll and then Sleeper Hold. Again, offense brought to you by Bill Clinton. Leon gets away from the Sleeper, tries to hit the ropes and Myers does his Baseball Slide Trip. Slow heel moves from Myers, Sleeper, Facelocks, Back Elbows…just slow classic heel offense. Leon tries to fire, eats a Knee Lift. Irish Whip but Leon counters by hoping the ropes to the apron, quick pop shot and then Springboard Crossbody into a series of Lariats and a Shotgun Kick! Leon has the momentum, Blue Thunder Bomb for two! Leon goes to the top, Myers is up, Leon rolls to the other side to avoid Myers, Myers eats a Leg Lariat from Leon and Myers pushes off, Bicycle Kick, Thrust Kick into Implant DDT for only two! Myers looks to Spear, gets rolled up in a Small Package, Kick out, dumped outside, Leon flies over the corner onto Myers!
System surrounds Leon, tries to get a few shots, but Leon has some quick offense for everyone. In the chaos, Lish puts a Ring on Myers’ hand so a Loaded Punch into Roster Cut and Myers wins!
Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali
Slow start with Ali being arrogant into a Lucha stalemate section where there’s Satellite counters, Headscissors and a powder to break the nonsense. Corner counters, Overhand Chops from both, they tussle on the top rope, Ali backflips off the ropes, Laredo tries a Crossbody but Mustafa hits a Dropkick. Grounded Abdominal Stretch from Ali, Laredo tries to fight up and out, but Ali slams him back down, talks smack, slaps him and then eats a Michinoku Driver out of nowhere! But only a two count! Ali manages to pull Laredo into the corner pads, tries a dirty pin with feet on the ropes but the referee sees it, Laredo tries a Roll-Up in the disarray, Ali kicks out, they run back and forth, Ali just slides out thinking he’s outsmarted Laredo but Laredo hits the Suicida for a solid pop. Ali pokes the eye and grabs at the mask, Laredo is off kilter, Ali baits Laredo through the corner, hits the Draping DDT off the apron, slides Laredo back in and 450 for the win.
Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint
Jabroni duo comes out, and they look stupid, their music is generic Hot Topic trash and the one with hair walks like he’s pretending to be a Delirious fused with a Dinosaur. They look so insanely pathetic.
Dino-nerd tries a stand switch and suplex but Josh no sells and looks like the older sibling judging the little sibling’s stupidity. Bald jabroni tags in, does nothing, blind tag just for Josh to single handedly lay both out. Of course they’re trying to establish the loser squad, so the eventually have a good defensive moment that catches Josh and isolates him in their corner. He still mostly takes care of both of them. This is honestly pathetic.
Locomotion counter switches in the corner before a Shotgun Kick wipes out Josh, Dino-nerd tries a Lio Rush style splash but misses, Josh tags out, EY looks to tee off but he turns and lays out Josh. EY turns heel…that was not on my Bingo Card, but I’m not mad about it. EY has the maniacal look in his eyes again, so Sanity or Violence by Design could be back? Can he call the group SAnitY since they’re working with WWE now?
Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek
Things start slow then a few quick strike spots from Ace. A grounded Heel Kick and Enzuigiri rocks Wes, Wes slingshots back in, Sunset, Ace dodges tries to stay crouched to get cute but Up Kick from Wes kicks Ace in the face. Wes crotches Ace on the top rope, Enzuigiri, Suicida leaves Ace laying on the ramp. Wes hits the Street Fighter combo in with Ace shoved in the corner, the crowd chants “Boring” so Wes revels in the negativity and mockingly does the Rascalz taunt. A few quick shots and Ace kicks out at one and holds the ropes as Wes just lights him up with kicks. Ace asks for more, and goes full Strong Style. A few round kicks to the chest before Wes decides to do the hell thing and a Spinning Thrust Kick to the side of the face. Wes puts Ace in a Key Lock and Ace struggles to his feet before barely slipping the lock.
They trade strikes, Triangle Kick misses for Ace but he manages to connect after with a strike, a few more, Click Click Boom, Seated Miz Lariats in the corner, Wes falls out of the corner, Triangle Kick for the near fall, but the offense isn’t over and Ace hits the Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb! Ace looks for The Fold, Tyson and Tyriek make their presence felt, Ace does the apron dance and kicks them both in the face. Wes gets dumped out of the ring, Ace with a Fosbury Flop (not the best one he’s done), Tyriek picks the ankle long enough to slow down Ace as Ace walks into the Cardiac Kick!
Wes and crew attacks Ace after the match, so The Rascalz make the save. We’re obviously going to get a 6 man soon, and this is perfectly fine.
Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$
AJ starts with Ryan and just shoves him away and demands Nic, Nic gets the best of AJ but AJ tags in KC and KC gets in a few quick shots, some cute counters and showboating before eating a Dropkick from Nic. AJ comes in to try and take out Nic, the Kaibas take out AJ and then dump KC into AJ’s arms and hold the ring going to commercial.
During the commercial a little blind tag and Spiderman in the ropes taunt from KC caught Ryan off guard so First Class is in control. AJ is beating the hell out of Ryan in the ropes, then hits Tennessee Whiskey for the “Money Money Money” taunt. KC tags himself in and starts slapping Ryan around, Dropkick into 305 as KC cuts off Ryan from Nic, throws Ryan in the corner, Rolling Uppercuts, Snapmare, Roll through, Chest Stomp into a near fall. KC tags in AJ and a little tandem offense gives them another near fall but Mokuba refuses to lose…so far. AJ steps on Ryan’s chest and then lays in a few Overhand Chops. AJ slowing things down, looks for a power move but Ryan slips it into a Sleeper Attempt but AJ counters and slams Ryan down for another two count. Two Sidewalk Slams after getting bounced out of the corner, but Ryan keeps kicking out.
AJ takes Nic off the apron, looks for another Sidewalk Slam but Ryan turns it into a Satellite DDT. Simultaneous tag time, KC eats the fire from Nic, two Lariats, Stinger Splash, Rude Awakening, 10 Count Shots to the Heart for…AJ breaks it up! AJ looks for a Down Payment but Nic slips, Superkick, Ryan tries to rock AJ to no avail so they both Lariat AJ out and Avalanche Polish Hammer from Ryan lays out AJ. KC tries the Flash Pinfall but Nic rolls out, a few quick shouts, Spinning Heel Kick from KC for a 2 count. Nic hits a FAMEasser into Danger Zone after Ryan’s blind tag so Ryan gets the cover as Nic just laughs and takes it in.
Overall Score: 6.25/10
Nothing to really be offended by. Some of the stuff was a little low stakes or obvious filler, but stories moved forward with Cora, Wes and the Kaibas. Plus you know, Eric Young turning on Josh is a little unexpected. EY has been the fill in Dreamer/Scott with the “Ra-Ra” speeches and feel good crap for significant shows, so having him go back to Maniac is a nice twist.
Tessa also steering into this “Locker Room bully” persona is smart. It’s not a stretch from what people already think, so steering into the skid is very smart. I may not have been blown away by anything in this episode, but it was definitely decent and did a solid enough job showcasing the partnership and not making the TNA talent feel like an after thought.
All in all, very nice.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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