Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (10/29/18)
It’s the Raw After Evolution, and while we should be celebrating, The Lunatic Fringe has torn The Shield apart! Will we get an explanation as to why!?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Finn Balor VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Finn wins, by disqualification.
- 10 Woman Tag Match: Trish Stratus, Lita, Natalya, Bayley & Sasha Banks VS The Riott Squad, Mickie James & Alicia Fox; Trish, Lita, Bayley, Sasha & Natty win.
- Elias VS Jinder Mahal w/ the Singh Brothers; Elias wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: The Ascension VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick; Roode & Gable win.
- Ember Moon VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- Lucha House Party VS The Revival; Lucha House Party wins.
- Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre VS Apollo Crews; Ziggler wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Roman Reigns has stepped down.
The Big Dog, or as he’s really known as, Joe Anoa’i, had to relinquish his title and break his promise, because he could no longer be the workhorse he wanted to be. He revealed to the world that his fight with leukemia had returned. The WWE Universal Championship is vacant as he must focus on a much, much more important fight. He was more thankful than he could express that night, but fans let him know they were just as thankful to him. But this wasn’t a retirement speech. He has faith that he’ll whoop leukemia’s ass once again and return home! He wants to show us, his friends and his family that he’ll “swing for the fences every single time!” #ThankYouRoman and get well soon, Believe That.
Acting Raw General Manager, Baron Corbin, is in the ring.
The Constable holds the Universal Championship as he notes on the emotional night last week. But life must go on, and while personally Corbin does wish Roman the best in his battle, professionally he wants Roman to be anywhere but Raw. Because the fans all know the belt looks good on Corbin. Roman made Corbin’s job very difficult. But how about THE BEAST?! Because Brock Lesnar is here!! The Advocate, Paul Heyman, is in tow as Lesnar makes his way down to the ring. Lesnar eyes Corbin, but mostly he looks at the title belt he wants back. We already know Lesnar and Braun Strowman will still battle for that belt 1v1 at Crown Jewel, but perhaps Corbin should be careful with that belt here tonight.
Corbin hypes up Lesnar, “The Beast VS The Monster!” But Heyman stops Corbin. Stick to your shtick while Heyman does his. The Advocate for The Beast, The Conqueror, BROCK, LESNAR, says to the WWE Universe and Corbin that “we live indeed in historic times.” In four days, history will be made once again when Lesnar “takes that championship back home and places it over his massive shoulders.” But to do that, Lesnar must defeat Strowman. As a heads up, Lesnar will beat Strowman. Fans disagree, but Heyman says that’s a spoiler. Heyman couldn’t know it better than if it were predetermined. He’s letting us all know this in advance that history will happen. You know at The Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the Academy Awards.
And so on Friday, an unparalleled career reaches a new level when Lesnar F5’s Strowman to again be the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion! You’re welcome.” Heyman has given us this information, and so we can all watch history unfold before our very eyes. But here comes Strowman! The Monster Among Men heads right to the ring, and keeps his eyes on Lesnar as he picks up a mic. “At Crown Jewel, I am going to become the new Universal Champion, because you’re going to get these hands!” Corbin keeps the peace, but he puts a hand on Strowman. Strowman pushes him aside, but Corbin goes after him! To get a Monster Slam! Lesnar stays back, he enjoys seeing that. But now they’re alone in the ring, and fans chant “Get These Hands!”
Strowman gives Corbin another Monster Slam! And says “That’s your future! Are you ready for it?!” Fans want “One More Time!” so Strowman scoops Corbin again, for a THIRD Monster Slam! Lesnar gets Strowman up, F5!! Fans boo the sneaky Beast while he smirks smugly down over Strowman. Lesnar picks up the belt, as if he’s already won it back. Will he get the title back? Or will the Monster make him regret the attack? Especially since he stands back up and shouts “I’ll see you this Friday, you piece of crap!”
Finn Balor VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!
The Extraordinary Man has one win over the Rocky Mountain Machine, can he make it another one in this rematch? Or will the Heavyweight That’s Back to Dominate avoid a sweep?
Of course, the Hype Man of the Hour says to Finn Balor, “some people call you an extraordinary man who can do extraordinary things.” But Lio thinks Finn is just “an extra not so ordinary man who got lucky last week.” Finn didn’t deserve to win, it was a fluke and Finn knows it. Nothing bothers Lashley more than a guy who comes out in his jacket and with a false sense of confidence. Lashley will humble Finn, and Finn knows it. The people in this ridiculous city of North Carolina know it, too. So everyone, stand up and cheer for “Lashley! Lashley!”
The bell rings and Lashley powers Finn to a corner! Then to another corner! Then Lashley drives in his shoulder, and brings Finn up for a sidewalk slam. Lio returns to chanting, Lashley flexes, but fans boo and jeer instead. Lashley drags Finn up for elbows to the shoulder, then a nerve grip. Lio likes what he sees, but Finn gets up. Lashley clubs Finn down, then scoops him up. Finn slips out and dropkicks Lashley all the way out! Finn builds speed, and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Lashley! The Extraordinary Man has control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Lashley clobbers Finn while Lio continues to chant. Lashley drags Finn up for more elbows, then clamps on another nerve hold. Fans rally for Finn, and Finn again gets up. Lashley gets Finn in a waistlock and throws him down! Lio says Lashley smells like money because he is money. Lashley knocks Finn back down then puts the nerve hold on again. Finn endures the claw in his shoulder as fans rally up. Finn gets up as fans call Lashley “Overrated!” Lashley clubs Finn to a corner, then drives in back elbows. He whips corner to corner, then runs in, but into boots! Finn runs, hits with forearms, but Lashley stays up. Finn dodges and brings Lashley down with another forearm! Fans rally but Lashley counters Finn. Finn fights out, back drops, and hits stomps!
Lio grows worried for Lashley as Finn gives him a running chop in the corner. Finn whips Lashley corner to corner but Lashley reverses. Finn goes up and over, but Lashley catches him! Spinning slam! Cover, TWO! Finn lives but Lio says it’s time to dominate and “stick to the plan.” Lio chants for Lashley and Lashley brings Finn up. Lashley lifts for the Vertigo Suplex, but Finn lands out to Slingblade! Finn waits for Lashley to stand, and hits the shotgun dropkick! Lio gets on the apron but Finn chases him off. Finn then climbs up top and takes aim, but Lio throws him off target! The ref scolds Lio as Finn dodges and kicks Lashley! Finn climbs again, but Lio shoves Finn in clear sight!
Winner: Finn Balor, by disqualification
The 23 Year Old Piece of Gold wouldn’t let his man lose the traditional way, and fans tell him “You Suck! You Suck!” Lashley keeps on Finn with a spinebuster against the barrier, then the apron, then the barrier, then back to the apron! Lio shouts “Lashley! Lashley!” as his client puts Finn in a full nelson! Lio says Finn doesn’t look so extraordinary right now. He slaps Finn around as he says he’s messing with Lashley. Finn is out, so Lashley dumps him down. Lashley soaks in the heat as Lio chants his name. Lio tells Lashley to keep on Finn, so Lashley drags Finn up. Lio SLAPS Finn, and Lashley drops Finn again. Someone gives Lio a call, so the hype man and the big man head to the back. Are they being disciplined or rewarded for their actions against their opponent?
Lio Rush shows Lashley his text.
They’re meeting with Baron Corbin. Corbin is being tended to when they meet in the trainer’s room. Corbin personally appreciates what Lashley did to Finn. Finn has been a thorn in Corbin’s side. But let’s not worry about last week’s “fluke”. Finn is good, but he’s not Lashley. Corbin agrees. Lashley can prove he’s Best in the World, at the WWE World Cup. But that was full. Who is he replacing? Someone who didn’t qualify, it’s John Cena. That makes it even better for Lio & Lashley. Can the Rocky Mountain Machine storm through the Raw Bracket and take the cup?
Exclusive Evolution footage.
Ronda Rousey was interrupted by the other Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch. “Sup, Champ?” “Congratulations, Champ.” “Congratulations to you, too, it was a great performance, Champ.” But they’ll be seeing each other soon, at Survivor Series! Raw VS SmackDown, Champion VS Champion, the Baddest Woman VS the Relent-Lass! Who will prove to be THE Women’s Champion at Survivor Series?
10 Woman Tag Match: Trish Stratus, Lita, Natalya, Bayley & Sasha Banks VS The Riott Squad, Mickie James & Alicia Fox!
Just because Evolution was last night doesn’t mean the fun or the fight is over! Team Bestie, Trish & Lita, have their WWE TV in-ring returns as they join the Queen of Harts, the Huggable One & The Legit Boss in action! Will this all-star team defeat the Mean Girls and bad girls of Raw? Or will Mickie & Foxy help Ruby and friends #StartARiott?
Raw returns as The Goddess leads the way for her friends. They wait for Ruby, Sarah & Liv to back them up and all go together. The teams sort out, and Trish starts against the Kentucky Valkyrie. Natty keeps the fans going for Trish as she circles with Sarah. They tie up and Trish gets around to snapmare Sarah down. Trish runs in for another big snapmare, and Sarah is already frustrated. Sarah stops Trish part way and Ruby comes in, but Trish throws them both out! Trish waits for Sarah to return, but Sarah avoids a Chick Kick. Tag to the Juvenile Delinquent, but Trish is right on her! Trish throws hands and whips Liv to a corner. Tag to Lita, for Poetry in Motion!
Lita keeps on Liv with a whip but Liv reverses. Lita comes back with a haedscissors! Then she kicks, and hits a spike DDT! Lita climbs up but the Squad bail Liv out. Sasha and Bayley double baseball slide them down! Then double jump on Alicia & Mickie! The #LegitHuggable team of former champs are all in control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Bayley has Alicia down. She brings Alicia up in the armlock and wrenches before tagging Sasha. They crisscross and double whip Alicia back, tag to Trish. They double whip now and double elbow. Trish shows off her moves as she and Sasha hit double elbows. Cover, TWO! Trish tags Sasha, Sasha rolls Alicia, TWO! Sasha keeps on Alicia with a snapmare, then runs, but Mickie grabs her leg. She fights Mickie off but Alicia boots Sasha down! Cover, TWO! Alicia drags Sasha over and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Mickie and Mickie snapmares Sasha into a chinlock. Fans rally up for Sasha as she endures the half nelson chinlock. Sasha gets up and reaches for ropes. Sasha stands up and fights out, but Mickie knees low.
Mickie whips Sasha to a corner but Sasha goes up and over. Mickie hits buckles, but she still tackles Sasha down. She stomps her, then bumps her off Sarah’s boot. Tag to Sarah, but fans continue to rally for Sasha. Sarah suplexes but Sasha small cradles! Cover, TWO! Dropkick from Sarah rocks Sasha, cover, TWO! Sarah keeps on Sasha with a cobra clutch. Fans rally as Sasha gets up. Sarah gives her a backbrekaer and a slam, to wrangle her back down. Fans continue to rally and Sasha powers up again. Sasha arm-drags Sarah off, but Sarah picks her up! To drive her into the corner! Tag to Ruby and the Squad Leader stomps in a mduhole. She backs off at 4 but the entire corner mug Sasha!
Ruby keeps on Sasha with a facelock but fans haven’t stopped rallying for Sasha. Sasha powers Ruby back step by step, but Ruby throws her down. Then she kicks Lita down! Ruby mocks Trish, then drags Sasha up agani. She bumps her off buckles, then mocks The Boss. She runs in but misses, and hits her own friends! Alicia tags in to go after Sasha. ROll up, TWO, into Sasha’s corner. Alicia hits Bayley and Trish, but misses Sasha, hot tag to Natty! Natty rallies, atomic sit down and dropkick! Alicia staggers into the discus! Cover, but Sarah breaks it! Trish gets in for a running facebuster! Then she gives Mickie some Stratusphere! Sasha adds Meteora! But Ruby and Liv get them. Bayley and Lita bail their friends out, double Twist of Fate!
Bayley and Lita climb, Macho Elbow on Ruby and Lita-sault on Liv! Alicia gets Lita but Lita hots her up, Natty run sin for the Hart Attack! Cover, TWO!? Into the Sharpshooter!! Alicia taps, Natty’s team wins!
Winners: Trish, Lita, Sasha, Bayley & Natalya, Natalya by submission
The heroes of Raw’s Women’s Division are victorious! This all-star crew celebrates together again, where will this victory lead each of them going forward?
Backstage interview with Nia Jax!
The Irresistible Force won the Evolution Battle Royal and is now poised for a title shot. When and where will she go for Ronda Rousey? Well Survivor Series has Champion VS Champion, so Nia will get Ronda after that. But Nia is joined by the Shenom, Ember Moon. Ember still has chills over making history. The adrenaline was high, and Ember caught lightning in a bottle. Nia is glad to have the final two be them, but Nia won. Nia VS Ronda is the headline, not “Little Miss Lightning in a Bottle.” Ember remembers being Nia’s partner, and is thankful for the guidance. She respects Nia, and hopefully it’s mutual. Or will Nia respect her more after they have a match?
Nia does respect Ember, but she will have a match. But that lightning in a bottle didn’t get it done, and it won’t tonight. Can these two remain friends now that Evolution is over?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in Charlotte, plays his guitar, and tells them that he is the Living Truth. Everything Elias says will get them to the promised land. Everything WWE will be will be hoisted on his shoulders, because WWE stands for “Walk With Elias!” Charlotte, NC agrees. Elias came in early because Ric Flair has been wanting to hang out with him. Ric invites Elias over and says Elias is his favorite. Elias knows, he’s everyone’s favorite, but what’re they up to? Ric says Elias is the man and loves what Elias did to Baron Corbin. Ric wants to relive that, Elias does, too, so the footage rolls.
Corbin told Elias to get off the stage, and Elias did. Only to come back and SMACK Corbin with a guitar! Back to present, fans chant “Yes! Yes!” because they enjoyed seeing that. Elias hates breaking his guitars but that felt good. Elias planned a song for Corbin, but then he saw what Strowman did to him, and Corbin likely can’t make it out here. But the song is too good, Elias is a giver, so Elias is going to give that song to Corbin personally. Elias excuses himself from the ring and heads up the ramp. He says there’s no need to cry, you’ll still get an Elias performance. He heads backstage, but will Corbin enjoy this “personal concert”?
Elias passes by Dana Brooke. She would love a private performance. For her? No thanks. Oh, chocolate cake, send that to the dressing room please. Elias knocks on Corbin’s door but Corbin tells him to go away. Well he’s getting a performance whether he wants it or not. Elias sings, saying Corbin had potential, “he could’ve been the best. But he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a coward above the rest.” Elias put Corbin down in the dirt, “and I showed the world that you’re just a taller, stupider version of Kurt.” Corbin storms out into the hall as Elias keeps singing. Corbin’s career’s in a ditch. The Lone Wolf is now just Stephanie’s little– Corbin slams the door. Aw that’s the best part. But then Jinder Mahal attacks?!
Mahal throws Elias around and into a trunk. Then he kicks Elias in the ribs! The Modern Day Maharaja does Corbin’s dirty work, and Corbin laughs. Elias better get ready for an encore, his match is next.
Elias VS Jinder Mahal w/ the Singh Brothers!
The Drifter’s newest song wasn’t well-received by the Constable, and now has a match with very little time to prepare, or recover from the sneak attack. Can Elias still manage a victory against the Maharaja?
Raw returns with the bell and Elias ties up with Mahal. Mahal powers Elias to a corner, then goes after the ribs. Elias gets away, but they tie up again. Mahal gets the waist but Elias fights him off. Elias whips and runs Mahal over, then puts on a headlock. Mahal powers out with a back suplex! Elias clutches his ribs, Mahal kicks them again! Sunil & Samir Singh trash talk Elias as Mahal stomps a mudhole into him. The referee is distracted by Sunil as Sanir pulls Elias into the post! Mahal stomps away on Elias, focusing on those ribs. Mahal clubs Elias with a crossface, then pulls back with a chinlock clutch. Elias endures as fans rally up. Elias tries to get up but Mahal puts him in a bearhug.
Mahal shifts from bearhug to full nelson, then knees Elias. Mahal puts Elias in a grounded abdominal stretch, but fans rally up again. Elias powers up but gets caught in a standing stretch. He still works against Mahal, so Mahal switches back to a bearhug. Mahal squeezes again, but Elias elbows his way out. Elias throws haymakers but so does Mahal. They brawl, Mahal knees low. Mahal whips Elias, Elias goes up and kicks Mahal back! Elias grits his teeth as he stomps and fires off body shots! He wants to get back for the rib attack, and fans fire up with him. Elias whips Mahal then scoops but Mahal slips out. Mahal fireman’s carry but Elias slips out. Elias dodges Mahal to send him into buckles, Drift Away! Cover, Elias wins!
Winner: Elias, by pinfall
The Drifter pulls out the victory! Mahal walked with Elias but couldn’t keep up. Will Elias continue to stick it to the man? Or will Corbin get back at Elias by any means necessary?
Raw reveals the full WWE World Cup Brackets!
John Cena is out, Bobby Lashley is in! He faces the Architect, Seth Rollins in the first round! Meanwhile, Kurt Angle faces Dolph Ziggler to close out the Raw Bracket. On SmackDown’s side, it will be Jeff Hardy VS The Miz and Randy Orton VS Rey Mysterio! Who will make it out of the first round of such a star-studded tournament?
Raw takes a look at Kurt Angle’s amazing career.
He was an Olympic Gold Medalist with a broken neck, but he felt he had reached his destiny when he entered the WWE. The Real American Hero used his Intensity, Integrity and Intelligence to become a Grand Slam Champion and is now a WWE Hall of Famer. But Angle isn’t done just yet, because he’ll be back in the WWE World Cup! “Oh it’s true! It’s DAMN true!”
Kurt Angle himself speaks as he trains. He hears the whispers how he must be out of his mind thinking he’ll win the World Cup. But to the doubters, he asks if he was out of his mind when he won King of the Ring? Was he out of his mind when he won the WWE World Championship in his first year? Was he out of his mind when he won the gold medal with that broken neck? Maybe. But winning this World Cup will mean so much more than anything before. To Rollins, Lashley and Ziggler, “you better be ready.” Angle isn’t’ back for one more match, he’s back to be the Best in the World!
Triple Threat Tag: The Ascension VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick!
The Ready, Willing & GLORIOUS duo are becoming fast friends in their teaming together, but can that be enough to avoid the Wasteland and utter destruction? Will Konnor & Viktor use this match to turn it all around? Or will Akam & Rezar simply write another chapter in their Book of Violence?
But the moment the AoP hit the ring, the other four men go after them! The Ascension focus on Akam while ROode & Gable double whip Rezar into steel steps! Konnor & Viktor do the same to Akam, then go after Roode & Gable! The ref does his best to restore order while we go to break.
Raw returns and Gable gives Rezar a jawbreaker. Rezar staggers back and Konnor tags in. Konnor takes Rezar out but misses Gable. Viktor trips up Roode so Gable is stuck. Konnor hits a spinebuster! Cover, but Akam breaks it. Akam and Konnor stare down, Gable dropkicks them into each other! Akam tumbles out, Konnor tags to Viktor. Viktor drags Gable up, back suplex but Gable slips out. Gable powers Viktor forward, Roode tags in. Chaos Theory Neckbreaker! Cover, Roode & Gable win!!
Winners: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable, Roode pinning
But then the AoP attack! They wreck Roode & Gable, then throw Konnor into a post! They drag Viktor up for the suplex powerbomb, but aren’t done destroying their enemies. Akam takes Gable, Rezar takes Roode, and they hit Super Collider! Maverick raises the hands of this devastating duo. They may not have won the match, but will they win the war in the Raw Tag Team Division?
The Connor’s Cure Superstars encourage Roman Reigns in his own fight.
#YouGotThisRoman!
The Shield is shattered.
The Big Dog has his fight, but his brothers were to carry on in his stead. Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose fought hard against Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler, dedicating the match to Roman. The Architect & The Lunatic would win back the titles, but then Ambrose would shockingly snap! No one could believe it, and it seemed even Ambrose was conflicted. Something Rollins had said since Ambrose’s return set something off in Ambrose’s mind, and he chose that night of all nights to act on his anger. Ambrose would show no mercy, but will he give us an explanation? We find out after the break.
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
No one wants an answer to “Why, Dean, Why?” more than the Kingslayer. Rollins holds it together after this rough week. He feels a lot of things, but he actually feels gratitude. He loves that the fans have sent such support to Roman Reigns, he thanks us on Roman’s behalf. Rollins feels good, but he’s also feeling good about being a three-time Raw Tag Team Champion. But he’s also sad because he should be celebrating with his friend, teammate and brother, Dean Ambrose. Which is no longer possible because Ambrose turned his back on Rollins, The Shield, and the fans.
That makes Rollins feel guilty, because he wonders if part of it is his fault. His actions years ago may have been left to fester inside Ambrose. Maybe it was the wrong place and the wrong time, but Rollins is frustrated and confused. The only one with the answers is Ambrose. The problem there is that if Ambrose doesn’t want to be found, he won’t be found. Rollins didn’t reach out to Ambrose because he knew the one place Ambrose would be was in the arena. So as a friend and brother, Rollins wants Ambrose to give us the answer. If Ambrose wants the spotlight, he can have it, so long as he comes out. The music hits, but where is the Lunatic? Ambrose doesn’t walk out on the ramp, he doesn’t even attack from behind. Fans boo, they want to see Ambrose.
But then they notice him, up at the top of the stairs! Ambrose paces amid the WWE Universe. He turns against The Shield but then references them? Get in the ring to face Rollins like a man! Ambrose doesn’t move. At least when Rollins stabbed him in the back, Rollins told Ambrose why! Ambrose, get down those stairs and face him! Ambrose presents a mic, but refuses to use it. Rollins waits, fans chant “You Sold Out!” Rollins says Ambrose is a “cold-hearted bastard.” On the most emotional night in their lives, Ambrose spat on The Shield! Somehow, someway, Ambrose made everything about him! Rollins says Ambrose is his singular focus, and will make his life a living hell! Maybe Ambrose IS a Lunatic! If Ambrose won’t go to Rollins, Rollins will go to him and BEAT an answer out of him!
Rollins storms out of the ring but Ambrose walks away. Rollins tries to keep his cool, but it’s proving difficult. When and where will Rollins get his hands on Ambrose? When and where will Ambrose explain himself, if ever?
Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush.
Big news for Lashley as he replaces John Cena in the World Cup. What would it mean to win and be the Best in the World? Lio speaks for Lashley when he says that being Best in the World means he dominated the field of competition. Lashley has done it all, from MMA Champion to NCAA Champion to WWE World Champion! Does anyone think Rollins stands a chance in the mindset he has right now? The moral of the story is that when you look like money and smell like money, it’s a foregone conclusion that Lashley will be money. The confidence rides high, but will Lashley really go all the way with such a field of eight?
Ember Moon VS Nia Jax!
The Prophecy of Flame and the Irresistible Force have been friendly even as opponents. But Evolution’s #1 Contender Battle Royal may have changed that. With Nia poised for a Raw Women’s Championship match, can she swallow her pride and stay friends with Ember? Or will the Moon simply Eclipse her before she can challenge Ronda Rousey?
Raw returns as Ember makes her entrance. The bell rings and Ember dropkicks Nia already! Nia stays up so Ember throws hands. Ember ducks Nia and kicks away! Nia gets to a corner and Ember hits a back elbow. Ember climbs up quick, but Nia trips her up. Nia drags Ember out but Ember fights off the fireman’s carry. Ember rocks Nia then runs, but Nia runs her over! Nia stands on Ember as a cover, ONE, so Nia stomps her! Nia drags Ember around for a heavy elbow drop, cover, TWO! Ember drags herself up but Nia is on her again. Ember fights back but Nia clobbers her with a clothesline! Nia drags Ember up into a bearhug and squeezes hard as she can.
Fans rally for Ember as she endures. Ember grits her teeth and elbows back. Ember frees herself with the ear clap, but Nia tosses her! Nia watches Ember at the bottom rope, runs in, but hits the post! Nia tumbles out, Ember drags herself up top! Ember aims at Nia, for a SUPER senton! Both women are down and a ring count begins. The count reaches 5 before either woman stands. Nia headbutts Ember at 7 and puts her in at 8. She returns while Ember rolls, but wait, here comes Tamina! The Daughter of Superfly won’t let anyone forget she was one of the final four. Nia knocks Ember down, hits the leg drop, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Tamina rushes the ring! She stares down with her cousin, but then Tamina smiles and backs off. This family feud is far from over, but who will come out the alpha female?
Lucha House Party VS The Revival!
The Cruiserweight Division returns to Raw as Kalisto, Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik bring the fiesta to the Queen City! However, the #TopGuys won’t let newcomers have it so easy in the tag team division, can Dash & Dawson spoil the fun? Or will the Lucha Dragon & Golden Lynx make a big splash on the Red Brand?
Teams sort out and Kalisto starts with Dash Wilder. Dash grabs Kalisto and puts him in a corner. Dash toys with him, but Kalisto chops back! They brawl but Dash gets the edge with clubbing forearms and chops. Dash whips but Kalisto ducks and springboards for a quebrada! Kalisto dropkicks Dash thend ropkciks Dawson. Dorado gets in to DIVE on Dawson! Dorado hurries back and the “Lucha! Lucha!” chants echo out. Kalisto puts Dash in but runs into a hotshot! Dash turns Kalisto around and hits him with a back suplex. Tag to Dawson and Dawson turns Kalisto over for leg drops. Dawson brings Kalisto up for a snap suplex, then an elbow drop. Cover, TWO! Dawson tries again, TWO! Again, TWO!
The fans “Lucha! Lucha!” for Kalisto but Dawson toys with the mask. He drags Kalisto up into a Gory Special! Dash calls it out as Dawsno pulls back on Kalisto’s mask! The matracas make noise as Kalisto endures. Kalisto works to get out, and arm-drags Dawosn down. Dawsoan rocks Kalisto with an uppercut, but Kalisto hits back. Kalisto fights out of the corner, swing kicks Dash then boots Dawson. Dawson hits Dorado just because! He drags Kalisto up, and reels him into a big lariat! Dawson kicks at Metalik even though he’s not even int he match. Salida Del Sol outta nowhere! Dorado crossbodies on Dash, Kalisto covers, Lucha House Party wins!
Winners: Lucha House Party, Kalisto pinning
The fiesta rolls on and now the luchadores can say they’re a great team on two shows! Will they return to give the Revival another shot? Or will the Revival work off some weight and go after LHS on their home turf?
Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre VS Apollo Crews!
The Show-Off, accompanied by his Scottish Terminator, looks to keep himself in fighting shape for the WWE World Cup. He faces Kurt Angle right out the gate, will tonight’s tune-up help him prepare for the Olympic Gold Medalist?
“Well here we are.” This Friday is Crown Jewel and Ziggler has his eyes on the prize. But what is McIntyre looking forward to? Now that they have finally broken The Shield, their full, undivided attention, will be on Brock Lesnar VS Braun Strowman. That makes sense, because that new Universal Champion will have a target on the back and a Claymore to the face. But what doesn’t make sense is Kurt Angle saying he’ll win the World Cup. Ziggler & McIntyre have told nothing but the truth since their return. Ziggler will say the truth now: He has always looked up to Kurt Angle. Angle won with a “broken freakin’ neck.” Without Angle, Ziggler wouldn’t exist in the WWE.
But Ziggler wants Angle to remember something. Ziggler is going to cement his legacy. He broke records in college, he won titles in the WWE, and he’ll win at the World Cup. Ziggler will give Angle a sample of what he’ll get at Crown Jewel. Ziggler is the best thing going, and the best thing that’s ever happened to this business. “I am the Best in the World.” Apollo makes his entrance and we have our match, after the break.
Raw returns and Ziggler has Apollo down in a facelock. Apollo gets up and fights out but Ziggler kicks low. Ziggler runs in at the corner but into a back elbow. Apollo enziguris Ziggler down, then catches his breath. Apollo mule kicks Ziggler, then runs to boot him down. He brings Ziggler back up to whip, and hits the leaping lariat. Apollo kips up and fires up, then waits for Ziggler to stand. He enziguris Ziggler again, covers, TWO! Clearly Apollo is more than Ziggler anticipated this close to Crown Jewel. Apollo climbs up top, but Ziggler trips him up. Cover, TWO!
Ziggler grows frustrated but then he toys with Apollo. He dares Apollo to stand, but Apollo blocks the superkick. Ziggler ducks the enziguri but his satellite DDT is denied with a toss! Apollo lifts Ziggler in a trophy lift! And holds him there for a long time. He drops Ziggler, standing moonsault, TWO! Apollo was close but he has more ideas. Apollo climbs up but Ziggler leaps up to join him. ZIggler is pushed away, Apollo adjusts, big frog splash! But he hits knees! SUPERKICK! Cover, Ziggler wins!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall
The Show-Off won, but it wasn’t so easy. If Ziggler struggled with the rising star, how will he fair against the Hall of Famer?
The Brothers of Destruction are here!
The Big Red Machine leads the way, for The Dead Man! Both Kane and The Undertaker are in Queen City just days before their battle with Triple H and Shawn Michaels. They enter the ring with menacing auras as they take up microphones. Taker speaks first, saying “It’s not easy to heed his call. To say good-bye. To reach the end. But when the Reaper calls, no matter how hard you fight, it’s your time to go.” Kane adds that “In the distance, they could hear their names being whispered. And as time went by, it got louder. The whisper has now become a deafening cry.” Friday at Crown Jewel, the Brothers of Destruction vow to take the beaten, battered souls of DX for the first time and the last time, “to the fiery gates of Hell!”
“It won’t be swift, it will be slow, agonizing pain.” Taker says that it won’t just be the End of an Era this time, it will be the end of their errors. Kane says that is for Friday. Tonight, HHH & HBK, are being called out to this ring so that they can take a part of their souls for all eternity, so that they will NEVER Rest… In… Are you ready!? Degeneration X answers the call! HHH has his glow sticks and water bottle, but where’s HBK? Oh sorry, hold on. HHH gives him his cue, but Kane comes looking. He leaves Taker alone, for a SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! HBK suckered them in, then gets away with a “SUCK IT!” DX high-fives, but Taker sits up! HHH & HBK aren’t laughing now. Will they be laughing at all come Crown Jewel?
My Thoughts:
Well, as go-homes go, this at least pointed us towards Crown Jewel. Obviously with the real life illness Roman Reigns/Joe Anoa’i is dealing with, and how that changed many stories on Raw, it had to be addressed each time, I just feel it danced close to too many times given all the recaps. Corbin did a good job of shifting things with the “the show must go on” mentality, and it was a lot of fun seeing Strowman body slam him three times. Of course Lesnar gets the better of Strowman here, but I hope that means Strowman wins at Crown Jewel. We don’t need another Part-Timer Champion story, give us the Monster Among Champions already!
That 10-woman tag had a sloppy start, but it was surely thrown in on top of everything just to fill the card. The Faces win, and that’s fine, but I’m still very unsure where any of those stories in the Women’s Division goes. There are clearly plenty of other stories, though, such as Nia, Ember and Tamina. I feel like Nia and Ember will ever be outright enemies, but them being chippy is fine. Tamina looks to challenge Nia’s dominance, but a part of me really wants to see them as a team. Nia might even choose family over friends if the three of them keep interacting. And then it’s great to hear Ronda VS Becky happens at Survivor Series as a part of the brand warfare. The promos alone are going to be great, I’m sure of it.
WWE technically did well in kayfabe explaining why Cena won’t be going to Saudi Arabia. Corbin technically has a point that Cena didn’t earn his shot, he was given it. Of course, that’s not much different than what he did for Lashley, but I like that they at least tied it back to the constant Corbin-Balor feud we’ve been getting. Lashley also works as a replacement for Cena because of his body type. The matches he has during the World Cup can still boil down to the same of a big strong guy against someone smaller and more technical. Given Rollins’ story, it’s safe to say Lashley gets through the first round just as Cena would have, and then we’ll likely get Lashley VS Angle as the Raw Bracket finals. Also glad to see I nailed the SmackDown side.
Elias had a pretty great night all in all. He’s turning more Face, and gets a win against Jinder Mahal despite getting beat up before the match. He’ll likely keep building up and eventually get a match with Corbin himself. Hooray for Lucha House Party winning on Raw, but I have a feeling they won’t actually join the Raw Tag Division. The Revival should also consider their option of going to 205 Live as Cruiserweights, I bet they’d get better play there. Plus, one more team really helps push the possibility of a Cruiserweight Tag Division. And if a Six Man match needs to happen, maybe The Revival can work with TJP or Mike Kanellis.
The Authors of Pain had a good night despite losing. The commercial in the middle of that Triple Threat Tag really took away material from the home audience, like myself. Roode & Gable have a good combo with that German Suplex into a neckbreaker, but part of it almost seemed like Roode “improvised” it so that Gable didn’t get the whole thing won by himself. AoP definitely will challenge for the Raw Tag Team Championships, but those titles are in question given Rollins and Ambrose.
And speaking of that, I’m surprised Ambrose went the silent treatment route where he didn’t explain anything. I suppose it’s mostly to stretch this out while “rattling” Rollins this close to the World Cup. And thinking about it, the only time Ambrose could get away with going after Rollins was if Roman was gone. Otherwise he’d have to deal with both of them. So while it isn’t happening the way it should, it’s happening the way it must to work.
My Score: 7.8/10
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Will B Block stay tranquilo?
After a win over The Might, Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi now take on Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg! Will Los Ingobernables de Japon end up behind BARS?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Time Limit Draw.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask; Shota, Honma & Tiger Mask win.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Alex Zayne, Ryusuke Taguchi & Katsuya Murashima; TMDK wins.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- World Tag League 2024 B Block: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS The Filip Brothers; Shane & Mikey win.
- World Tag League 2024 B Block: Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS EVIL & Ren Narita; Evil & Narita win.
- World Tag League 2024 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Great-O-Khan & Henare; Khan & Henare win.
- World Tag League 2024 B Block: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg; Yano & Oleg win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings!
Taichi & Taka Michinoku: 1-0, 2 points
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
The Filip Brothers: 1-0, 2 points
Evil & Ren Narita: 1-0, 2 points
Great-O-Khan & Henare: 0-1, 0 points
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls: 0-1, 0 points
Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg: 0-1, 0 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado: 0-1, 0 points
World Tag League 2024 B Block: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS The Filip Brothers!
The former IWGP Tag Team Champions aren’t feeling as mighty as they should be after losing to Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi in the opening round. But can they rise back up mightier than ever? Or will Tome the Taiga & Stevie the Phoenix become apex predators in this tournament?
The teams sort out and after the Filip Brothers Too Sweet, Tome starts against Hysterical Haste. The fans rally up and the bell rings. Shane and Tome circle, tie up, and Shane waistlocks. Tome switches but Shane wrenches for a headlock takeover. Tome fights around, rolls Shane to a cover, TWO! Shane holds on but Tome fights up. Tome powers Shane down, pops out the back then wrenches to a wristlock. Tome keeps Shane from ropes, but Shane rolls, kips up, snapmares and basement DROPKICKS! The fans cheer as Shane poses, and then Shane brings Tome up. Shane wrenches Tome, tags Mad Mikey, and Mikey wrenches.
TMDK DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE Tome down, then they split the wishbone! Mikey BLASTS Stevie for good measure, then he CHOPS Tome. Mikey CHOPS Tome in a corner, brings Tome around, and then snapmares. Mikey clamps on a neck wrench and pushes on it hard. Tome endures, Mikey sneaks a BITE, then pushes Tome down. Tag to Shane, TMDK double whip Tome to a corner. Shane sends Mikey in but Tome DUMPS Mikey to the floor! Shane runs up but Tome dodges, then Stevie joins in! Tome FOREARM, Stevie DROPKICK, and Tome GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Tome hits a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Shane stays in this but he also bails to the apron. Tome stomps Shane, then tags Stevie. Shane goes to the floor but Stevie pursues. Stevie RAMS Shane into railing, right in front of commentary. Stevie stands Shane up to CHOP, and Shane hurries into the ring. Stevie stalks after and stomps Shane. Stevie snapmares, then he KICKS Shane in the back! Cover, ONE!! Shane shows some grit but Stevie tags Tome. The fans rally but the Filip Brothers mug Shane. Shane CHOPS Stevie but Tome CHOPS Shane! Tome stomps away on Shane in the corner, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Tome steps off, but for only a moment before he digs his boots in again!
Mikey gets mad but the ref keeps him from storming in. That just lets Stevie CHOKE Shane! Mikey protests more but Stevie gets away with that. Tome tags Stevie in, and Stevie BLASTS Mikey! Tome whips Shane and BOOTS him down for Stevie’s HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shane stays in this and the fans rally up. Stevie KNEES Shane in the back, has the chinlock, then KNEES Shane again for the motorcycle stretch. Shane endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Shane UPPERCUTS, but Stevie holds him back! Stevie kicks and whips Shane, but Shane BLASTS Tome! Shane dodges Stevie and Stevie hits buckles!
Shane crawls but Stevie hurries after him. Stevie grabs Shane’s leg, but Shane swings an elbow. Stevie dodges, but Shane CALF KICKS him down! The fans rally as Shane crawls, hot tag to Mikey! Mikey runs in at Stevie to LARIAT in the corner! Mikey whips Stevie into the corner to LARIAT again! And then short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up and Mikey brings Stevie around. Mikey fireman’s carries but Stevie fights free. Stevie waistlocks, ducks an elbow, but the DDT hits! Mikey powers up, throws off his elbow pad, and SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Stevie stays in this but Mikey stays on him.
Mikey stands Stevie up, but Stevie fights the back suplex! Stevie throws down elbows, but Mikey CHOPS him! Mikey swings, but Stevie catches him for a FINAL CUT! Both men crawl, Stevie tags in Tome! Tome storms up on Mikey, but Mikey fires forearms! Mikey CHOPS Tome, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Mikey whips but Tome reverses. Tome runs in but blocks boots. Tome puts Mikey in the ropes to KICK and WOE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Mikey toughs it out and the fans rally up. Tome brushes himself off and brings Mikey up. Tome fires boxing elbows and an UPPERCUT! But Mikey dodges the lariat, to SPINEBUSTER!
The fans fire up and Mikey hot tags Shane! Shane drags Tome up for UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! Shane fires up to fire off more UPPERCUTS! The fans rally with every shot, and then Shane whips. Tome reverses, but Shane comes back to DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shane BLASTS Stevie for good measure. Tome kicks and whips but Shane reverses to kick, BOOT, and INVERTED EXPLODER! The fans rally behind Shane as he aims from the corner. Shane runs in but Stevie intercepts, SPANISH FLY! But Mikey fireman’s carries to DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Tome hits Mikey with a SPINEBUSTER! Shane SHORYUKENS Tome!
Stevie SUPERKICKS Shane! Mikey LARIATS Stevie! Tome BOOTS Mikey! Shane BOOTS Tome! Tome just laughs that off! DOUBLE BOOTS hit, but neither man falls! Shane kicks, Tome blocks, and Tome trips Shane to tie up the legs! FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK! Shane flails, reaches out, keeps his shoulders up, but Tome pushes on the hold! Mikey SLIDING LARIATS Tome! Shane is free and Mikey coaches him up, but Stevie LARIATS Mikey and himself up and out of the ring! The fans rally as all four men are down all around ringside! Shane and Tome stir and head for each other. Shane throws a forearm, but Tome gives it back.
Shane fires another forearm, so Tome fires back. The forearms keep going as both men rise up, and now they pick up speed! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and then Shane UPPERCUTS! ROLLING- NO, Tome ROCKS, ELBOWS, UPPERCUTS, and DISCUS LARIATS! But Shane nis right up! Shane swings, misses, and Tome SNAP GERMANS! The fans fire up and Stevie returns! Tome fireman’s carries, Stevie runs up, BOOT O’ DOOM! Both brothers cover, but Mikey breaks it up! The fans fire up but Tome TOSSES Mikey! Stevie staggers over to Shane, Tome calls for the finish! Stevie feeds Shane to Tome!
Tome underhooks, but Shane wrenches free! Shane sends Tome into Stevie, then Mikey LARIATS Stevie! Shane suplexes Tome, FALCON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Tome survives and the fans fire up! TMDK regroups, and they haul Tome up. Shane aims, but Stevie makes the save! Stevie shoves Mikey at Shane but Shane dodges! Shane clinches Stevie, Mikey joins in, ELECTRIC BLUE! Stevie flounders away from that power-bottom, but Tome is back! Shane fights the waistlock, then switches, POINT-BLANK HIGH LOW! TMDK then hoist Tome up, ELECTRIC BLUE again!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (gain 2 points; The Filip Brothers earn 0)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, and that’s why they’re able to rise up again! Will Shane & Mikey make it back to the top? Will Tome & Stevie still find their own way to the trophies?
World Tag League 2024 B Block: Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS EVIL & Ren Narita!
The Holy Emperor & Blue Playmaker opened this tournament with the biggest win possible when they beat the current IWGP Tag Team Champions, Great-O-Khan & Henare. Will they build upon that momentum in round 2? Or will they be cheated by the King of Darkness & Souled Out Son of Strong Style?
Evil & Narita taunt Taichi & Taka from outside of the ring, keeping their attention as they go around towards commentary. But this is all so Dick Togo can come running in from the ramp! Dick CLOBBERS Taichi, then he TOSSES Taka! The fans boo but what did they expect from The House of Torture? Evil whips Taka into railing, and then brings him out into No Man’s Land! Evil has fans move aside so he can BOWL Taka into chairs! Not even close to a strike, but Evil just CHOKES Taka with a chair! Narita SMACKS Taichi off chairs in the timekeeper’s area, and the ref reprimands The House!
Evil lets off of Taka and drags him up. Now Narita brings Taichi into the crowd in some other section. Evil puts Taka in the ring while Narita SMACKS Taichi off chairs. The bell rings to get this on record, but Evil stands on Taka’s face! Narita BOWLS Taichi into chairs, only doing a little better than Evil. Evil CLUBS Taka and taunts him while Narita CHOKES Taichi! The ref reprimands from afar but does his best to watch Evil. Evil stomps Taka to a corner, then drags him out. Evil stomps away on a leg, drops an elbow on the knee, then covers. TWO, so Evil covers again! TWO, and Evil covers again! TWO, and Evil tries a full mounted cover! TWO!!
The fans cheer but Evil wants a prawn hold cover! TWO!! Taka escapes five consecutive pins and Evil is frustrated. Taka crawls for his corner but Taichi’s still in the crowd. Wait, he storms back to ringside, with a chair! The ref stops Taichi from going after Narita, and Evil holds Taka’s hand out mockingly. The ref has to stop Taichi from storming into the ring now, and that lets Evil CLAW Taka’s eyes! Evil drags Taka up, tags in Narita, and Narita CLUBS Taka’s arm. Narita wrenches the arm, YANKS it, YANKS it again, and then taunts Taichi before he YANKS the arm again. Narita wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER!
Narita bumps Taka off buckles then tags Evil. Evil swings around the House of Torture shirt, and he CHOKES Taka with it! The ref again keeps Taichi back, meaning Taka suffers for it! Evil then throws the shirt at Taichi! Taichi catches the shirt and he storms in to throw it back! The ref stops Taichi but Taichi shoves him down! Taichi attacks Evil but Evil & Narita mug Taichi! They toss Taichi out then go back to the ref. Evil tells the ref to do better, then Evil tags Narita. Narita has Taka under the ropes, for the ROPE GUILLOTINE! Taka sputters, the ref reprimands, but Narita just drags Taka back up.
Narita scrapes Taka’s face along the ropes! The ref reprimands, Narita pushes Taka down, and then Narita argues with the ref. Narita whips Taka to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! Narita clamps onto Taka’s arm and drags him up. Narita brings Taka over, Evil tags in, and Evil CLUBS Taka on the back. Evil sends Taka out, then distracts the ref. Dick RAMS Taka into railing, then FLAPJACKS him off the apron! Dick shoves Taka in, Evil covers, TWO! Taka stays in this and Evil gets annoyed. Evil stands on Taka’s face, but steps off as the ref reprimands. The fans rally for Taka but Evil taunts them.
Evil stalks Taka to a corner, but Taka fires elbows! Evil CLAWS Taka’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Evil whips corner to corner. Evil runs in but Taka dodges, to then SHINING WIZARD! The fans fire up as Taka crawls, but Narita runs up to stomp him! Narita CLUBS Taka, runs, but Taka goes the other way! Taka BOOTS Narita down! The fans fire up as Taka hurries, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi storms up on Evil to fire Kawada Kicks! Evil staggers to a corner but Taichi runs up to BOOT! Taichi keeps moving but Evil ducks the Ax Bomber! Evil waistlocks, Taichi fights the lift, and he ENZIGIRIS! Taichi then DECKS Dick off the apron!
The fans fire up but Narita attacks! Narita whips Taichi but Taichi BOOTS him down! The fans fire up with Taichi while Evil flounders around. Evil wants mercy, but Taichi says no! Evil ducks the buzzsaw to CLAW eyes! Evil blocks a kick, hands it to the ref, and he mule kicks Taichi down! The fans boo but Evil runs up to LARIAT in the corner! Evil then hooks a leg, FISHERMAN- NO, Taichi fights free, and he wrenches to HOOK KICK! Evil falls and the fans fire up! Taichi roars and rises, and OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi goes to the corner. Taichi aims for- NO, Evil dodges the superkick and he shoves Taichi into Taka!
Taka falls off the apron, Taichi runs up, but into EVERY- NO, Taichi slips free to DANGER- NO, Evil fights the saido to wrench and whip! TADA, bare buckles! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but The House soaks it all up. Evil tags Narita, and Narita runs to BOOT Taichi down! Cover, TWO! Taichi stays in this but Narita kicks him around. Narita taunts Taichi, pie faces him, but Taichi rises. Narita taunts Taichi more, fires forearms, but Taichi just leans into those! Taichi then SOBATS and Narita sputters. Taichi runs, Narita dodges the Ax Bomber to CHOKE Taichi! The ref reprimands, Narita stops, but then just CHOKES Tacihi more!
Narita whips corner to corner, but Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Taichi and Narita stir, and Taichi crawls his way over. Hot tag to Taka! Taka stomps away on Narita, then whips. Narita reverses, Taka reverses and wrangles Narita to JUST FACELOCK! Narita scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taka drags Narita up, scoops, but Narita slips free! Narita CHOKES Taka, Taka breaks free, but Narita hits an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Evil BLASTS Taichi, and he KICKS Taka’s hands! Narita has the full ARMBAR! Taka kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! Dick even tries to swat that foot away!
The ref still counts the break, and he reprimands. Narita holds on but the ref starts to count, so Narita lets go at 4. Narita stomps Taka around then runs. Taka BOOTS Narita down again! And he WRECKS Dick for good measure! Evil has a chair! The ref stops Evil but Narita has his pushup bar! Taka dodges, but Narita jams him up on the return! Taichi runs in, MIC STAND SHOT! The fans fire up but now Evil shoves the ref aside. Evil rushes Taichi but Taichi JAMS Evil with the mic stand! Taka runs to sunset flip Narita! TWO! Narita stands, into a PALM STRIKE! Roll up, high stack, TWO!!
Narita kicks Taka, DOUBLE- NO, Taka sits Narita down! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! But into JUST FACELOCK!! Evil stomps away on Taka! Taichi CLUBS Evil! Taichi drags Evil into SEITEIJUJIHO!! Taka CLUBS away on Narita to put him in JUST FACELOCK!!! The bell rings, but that was DICK!!! That damn Spoiler!!! The House SHOVES Taka & Taichi into the ref!! The fans boo as now Evil CHOKES Taka and Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER on Taichi! The House stops that so they can set Taka up for the PUSHUP BAR ATTACK! The fans boo more but The House just soaks it up.
Evil & Narita then drag Taka over and set him up for Dick! PUSHUP BAR DICK CHOP!!! Narita slashes his throat, and hits the DOUBLECROSSER!! Dick fetches the ref to count, and The House wins!
Winner: Evil & Ren Narita, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Taka earn 0)
The House of Torture cheats another team, and Taichi is pissed! Taichi grabs that chair again, and he wants after The House! The House runs off in all directions! Evil has Taichi’s mic stand so Taichi goes after him! The Young Lions try to stop this but Taichi chases Evil around the arena. Taichi almost gets Evil, but then Dick uses his SPOILER CHOKER on Taichi!! The fans boo while Evil taunts Taichi. Narita kicks the Young Lions away while Dick chokes Taichi out! The House of Torture are of course the worst, but will they still be first in the block? Or will justice be served soon enough?
World Tag League 2024 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Great-O-Khan & Henare!
Two teams that stumbled out of the starting gate now meet in the second round. Can The Ace & Master Heater make up for falling to the Filip Brothers? Or will THE IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions finally look like champions?
The fans cheer as Tanahashi shows off the abs, but they also rally behind “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” The teams sort out but Jado gets fans to cheer him on first. Then Jado gets the fans to cheer on “TA-NA-HASHI! TA-NA-HASHI!” Tanahashi starts against Khan and the fans rally with the bell. The fans duel, “TA-NA-HASHI!” “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” Khan laughs at how his side is stronger, then he circles with Tanahashi. They feel things out as they go around, but each man avoids a takedown. Khan is the aggressor, though, and he manages a waistlock. Tanahashi switches but Khan wrenches out and trips Tanahashi up.
Khan goes for a cover, ONE, and the two back off. The fans cheer as they reset. Khan and Tanahashi circle, feel things out again, and knuckle lock. They clinch, fight for control, and Tanahashi grabs an arm. Khan slips around to hook an arm, but Tanahashi wrenches free. Tanahashi hammerlocks, headlocks, but Khan slips out to headlock in return. Tanahashi endures, and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, but Khan pulls hair! The ref reprimands them both, and both men let go at the same time. But then Khan pulls hair again! The ref counts, Khan KNEES and ROCKS Tanahashi in a corner. Khan UPPERCUTS Tanahashi, then gest space.
Khan runs in but Tanahashi ELBOWS him! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Direct hit and fans cheer on the air guitar. Tanahashi tags Jado and he drags Khan up. Jado & Tanahashi double whip to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Henare runs up but gets DOUBLE ELBOWS! Tanahashi has Henare, Jado has Khan, and they give them a meeting of the minds! Then they kick low and TOSS the Empire out! The fans cheer as we get the air guitar duet! Tanahashi steps out and Jado waits on Khan. Fans rally up and Khan grows annoyed. Khan storms in but Jado kicks! Khan blocks the kick to body shot!
But then Jado blocks the Mongolian Chops to RAM Khan! Jado has Khan in the ropes but Henare KICKS him down! Henare BLASTS Tanahashi, then goes out to stomp away on President Ace! Khan drags Jado up and brings him around to CLUB him! Jado leans on railing, but Khan puts Jado back in the ring. Khan pushes Jado around, and he clamps on for an ANKLE LOCK! Khan then laces the legs in a modified DEATHLOCK! Jado endures, and he CLAWS at Khan’s face! Khan stomps Jado for that! The fans rally as Khan drags Jado up. Khan bumps Jado off buckles, tags Henare, and Henare fires body shots!
The ref counts, Henare lets off, but then he stands Jado up. Jado fires body shots in return! Henare winds up to CHOP Jado down! The fans cheer and Henare BLASTS Tanahashi again! Henare hoots, the fans join in, and Henare SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Jado shows that toughness but Henare drags him back up. Henare bumps Jado off buckles, tags Khan in, and Khan taunts Tanahashi. Khan gives Jado Mongolian Chops! And more Mongolian Chops! And then feints to kick a leg out! Khan says he’s too smart, and now he puts Jado in the corner. Khan hops up and the fans fire up as he sits on his throne!
Jado endures and the ref reprimands, but Khan pulls Jado’s arms! Khan hops down at 4, then clamps on a SLEEPER! Henare BLASTS Tanahashi yet again! Khan sits Jado down but Jado wags his finger. Jado fights, the fans rally up, but Khan clamps on body scissors! Jado is fading so Khan lets him go for a cover, TWO! Jado stays in this but Khan wants the ref to check him. Tanahashi gets fans to cheer “JA-DO-OH! JA-DO-OH!” Khan scuffs Jado, but that fires Jado up! Jado rises but Khan fires a forearm! Jado growls, nods, and he feeds off that energy! Khan throws more forearms but Jado eggs him on.
Khan fires forearm after forearm! Jado just powers up! Khan kicks low, runs, but Jado DOUBLE CHOPS! Jado roars, runs, and he CLOBBERS Khan! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Jado crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Tanahashi runs at Khan, FLYING FOREARM! Tanahashi BLASTS Henare, payback for all those times! Then Tanahashi dropkicks Khan’s leg! Then he DRAGON SCREWS it! Henare is back but Tanahashi catches his leg! Henare asks please don’t, but Tanahashi says, “Bye-bye.” DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Henare falls down and fans fire up as Tanahashi goes back to Khan.
Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Khan, then he goes up a corner. SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays focused and the fans rally up. Khan slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, to SLING- NO, Khan slips around and waistlocks! Gator roll to a bridge, TWO! Khan tackles Tanahashi, jackknife bridges, TWO! Khan snap suplexes for PANCAKE HOLD! TWO!! Tanahashi escapes again and the fans fire up! Khan rises, but Tanahashi blocks the Mongolian Chops! Tanahashi fires Mongolian QUICK Chops! Tanahashi runs but into a SAYANAGI! Both men are down and the fans rally! Khan crawls, hot tag to Henare!
Henare storms up on Tanahashi and KICKS him in the chest! And then KICKS him in the back! Then SENTON FLOPS as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi rises, blocks a kick, but Henare JABS! Henare winds up, but Tanahashi ducks to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans rally up while both men are down, and Tanahashi crawls to his corner. Hot tag to Jado! Jado runs up on Henare to fire body shots! Tanahashi joins in, they double whip Henare to ropes, then BODY BLOW! KICK! And then whip into a LARIAT! Jado covers, TWO! Henare stays in this but Jado rallies the fans. Jado drags Henare up, but Henare KICKS Jado’s leg!
Henare KICKS Jado’s leg again and again! Henare runs but Jado DUMPS him out! Henare hurries back up but Jado kicks him! Jado has Henare in the ropes for the DRAPING DDT! Cover, Khan breaks it! Tanahashi CLUBS Khan, then TOSSES him out! Tanahashi leaves it to Jado, and Jado pounds the mat. The fans rally behind him and Henare stands. Jado runs up, blocks Henare’s haymaker, but Henare fights the takedown! BODY BLOW! Jado drops, but Henare clamps on with a half nelson! Full nelson! ULTIMA- NO, Jado powers up and ELBOWS free! Jado runs, but Khan gets a cheap shot in! Heanre fireman’s carries!
Khan runs but Tanahashi hits a SLINGBLADE! Jado hits a takedown, CROSSFACE!! Tanahashi has Khan in a CROSSFACE, too!! The Empire endures, Henare fights around, and Henare reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! The Empire is saved but Tanahashi kicks Khan out. The fans rally with Jado again, and Jado runs at Henare. DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! Henare HEADBUTTS Jado! Jado staggers to a corner, and the NATIVE KNEE hits! Henare powers up and clamps on again! Half, full, ULTIMA NELSON!! Jado endures, Khan stops Tanahashi from getting in!
Khan clamps onto Tanahashi with HITSUJIGOROSHI! Jado taps, The Empire wins!
Winners: Great-O-Khan & Henare, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Tanahashi & Jado earn 0)
Khan mockingly plays Tanahashi like a guitar before pushing him down. The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions are finally on the winning track, will they go all the way to the trophies? Can Tanahashi keep his WTL dream from turning into a nightmare?
World Tag League 2024 B Block: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg!
The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb took down The Mighty to start this tournament while The Joker & The Rook were cheated by the King of Darkness. Will Naito & Hiromu just add on with another win? Or can Yano & Oleg put the ungovernable behind BARS?
To keep calm during LIJ’s antics, Yano sits at the center of the ring, cross legged, as if to meditate. But it doesn’t really work as Hiromu walks back up the ramp to stand with Naito. Yano loses his cool, shouts at Naito & Hiromu to hurry up, but LIJ take little steps down the ramp. They make it seem like they’re going fast, and Hiromu even does little circles to take longer. Yano is beside himself and this isn’t even a match yet. Red Shoes also insists, so LIJ finally walk normally again. But even then, they take their time getting into the ring. Naito taps the bell, and the introductions finally happen.
Naito continues to troll Yano even as he goes up the ring steps. And then down the steps as Yano gets closer. Red Shoes has Yano back off, and Hiromu insists Yano give Naito space. Yano’s impatience continues to get the better of him, but finally he stays back long enough for Naito to step inside. Then there’s still the matter of his entrance attire… Yano tells Naito to hurry up already but Naito does as Naito does. Hiromu even reclines back while he waits. Yano is just further annoyed, but his complaints do nothing but entertain the fans. Naito finally puts the pants aside, and Yano says okay, let’s get going!
Yano starts, LIJ fist bumps, and Naito pretends to be unsure who Yano wants. Hiromu and Naito each insist, Yano says it doesn’t matter, just hurry! Naito starts, the bell rings, and then Naito tags out to Hiromu. The fans cheer, Yano is further annoyed, so Yano tags Oleg! The fans cheer and Hiromu says hold on, and he tags in Naito. Naito wants Yano, and Hiromu even gets fans to cheer, but Yano says no. Naito and Oleg circle, but Naito SPITS at Yano! Yano is upset again but he stays put. Naito and Oleg approach, but then Naito dodges Oleg to BLAST Yano off the apron! The fans cheer, Yano is upset, and now he wants in!
Oleg tags Yano, but Naito tags out to Hiromu! The fans cheer as the trolling continues, and Hiromu says he is Yano’s opponent now. They approach, Yano dodges, but Naito avoids Yano’s attack! Hiromu CLUBS Yano, then BLASTS Oleg! The fans cheer and Hiromu stomps Yano. Naito joins in to double whip Yano, but Yano grabs ropes. Oleg runs in to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE LIJ! The fans fire up and Yano says good job! Oleg stomps Naito out of the ring, and Yano unties a buckle pad! Red Shoes reprimands but Yano takes a swing on Hiromu! Hiromu dodges, Red Shoes grabs the pad, but Yano SHOVES Red Shoes down!
Hiromu drop toeholds Yano down! Then he basement dropkicks! The fans rally up and Hiromu paces around Yano. Hiromu stomps Yano, then slides out to go after Oleg! Hiromu kicks Oleg, SHOVES him into railing, then hurries into the ring. Hiromu has the buckle pad and he beats Yano with it! The fans cheer but Red Shoes is confused as to how this happened! Hiromu says no, it’s okay, it’s just a pad. Tag to Naito and Hiromu “apologizes” to Red Shoes, but now Naito beats Yano down with the pad! Red Shoes reprimands but Hiromu & Naito double whip Yano, to DOUBLE PAD LINE! Hiromu then puts the pad aside while Naito kicks Yano.
Naito goes to the corner, hops up, and he has the buckle pad. Hiromu distracts Red Shoes from the DIVING PAD ATTACK! Cover, but Red Shoes has to put the pad aside. Hiromu counts, TWO! Red Shoes says that wouldn’t count anyway! Naito puts on a CAMEL CLUTCH! Yano endures but Hiromu runs and runs and builds up speed, to BLAST Oleg! Naito grinds Yano down but Yano scoots back to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Naito lets go and tags Hiromu. Naito brings Yano up and LIJ double whips Yano to ropes. They DOUBLE LARIAT, then DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
Hiromu looms over Yano and taunts him. The fans rally, Hiromu drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! Red Shoes reprimands, but then Hiromu pulls hair! So Yano uses both hands! Hiromu uses both hands! Red shoes counts, both men let go at 4! Hiromu kicks and whips, but Yano reverses to THROW Hiromu down! The fans rally, Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! Oleg CLOBBERS Hiromu! Naito gets away but Oleg goes back to Hiromu! Oleg deadlifts Hiromu, but Naito runs in and CLUBS Oleg on the back! LIJ double whips Oleg, but Oleg breaks the line! Hiromu shoves Naito aside, dodges Oleg, then he sends Naito into Oleg!
Hiromu picks Naito up to make him RA- NO, Oleg stops the assisted rana, to Shake, Rattle and- NO, Hiromu dropkicks a leg! Oleg lets Naito go as he hobbles, and Hiromu runs to CROSSBODY! But Oleg catches Hiromu! Shake, Rattle, and THROW! And a kip up, too! The fans fire up with Oleg, and Oleg runs corner to corner at Hiromu for a SPLASH! Those bare buckles hurt, but then so does the scoop SLAM! Oleg runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Oleg fireman’s carries Hiromu, but Hiromu fights free! Oleg elbows Hiromu away, CHOPS him to a corner, and then scoops Hiromu to SLAM him!
Hiromu is in the drop zone, Oleg goes up and up to VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Oleg rolling deadlifts Hiromu! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Hiromu rolls with the crucifix takedown! Ghost pin, TWO! Both men stagger up and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Oleg roars, Hiromu dodges and CROSSBODIES! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Oleg and Hiromu crawl, hot tag to Yano! Yano runs to BLAST Naito! Yano goes to Hiromu and brings him up. Hiromu CHOPS! But then Yano dodges to clinch and BELLY2BELLY! Yano then drags Hiromu around, and CATAPULTS him to Oleg! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Yano covers, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Hiromu survives! Yano huffs ‘n’ puffs and he drags Hiromu up. Yano pops Hiromu up, but Hiromu fights to hit a DDT! Naito sends Oleg into railing! Hiromu hot tags Naito in! The fans rally up as Naito stands Yano up for those heavy elbows! Naito elbows Yano again and again, then puts him in a corner. Naito climbs up, reels Yano in, and hits ESPERANZA! A rough roll but Naito is back up. Yano staggers, but he dodges Naito to push him down! M U! TWO!! Yano hits a fireman’s carry takeover, into M U 3! TWO!! Yano shoves Red Shoes, but Naito atomic drops and ENZIGIRIS!
Hiromu SUPERKICKS Yano, BLASTS Oleg, then helps Naito with the TORNADO DDT!! Hiromu goes to the apron and CROSSBODIES, but Oleg catches him! Oleg SLAMS Hiromu down while Naito brings Yano up. Naito wrenches, but Oleg runs in and SHOTGUNS Naito down! Oleg hauls Naito up, fireman’s carries, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into a POP-UP fireman’s carry! Naito runs at Oleg but Oleg THROWS Hiromu at him! LIJ topples over, Yano gets in there to cover them both! Oleg adds on, too! OLEG & YANO WIN!!
Winners: Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Naito & Hiromu earn 0)
It was a rather wild ending, but the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions come out on top! Hiromu tries to understand how that happened, but Naito brushes it off. Will LIJ just have to be ready for anything if they wanna win WTL?
As for Yano & Oleg, Yano gets the mic to say, “Hey, everyone, my apologies. Sorry to Naito and Hiromu, and to all the fans here because I knew you were supporting Naito. So again, I’m sorry, I didn’t read the room.” The fans applaud, they aren’t really upset. Yano says it’s rare, though, isn’t it? That he’d win in the main event? But Yano vows that whether on accident or on purpose, Yano & Oleg will win the whole tournament! No more need to read the room! This Toru Yano, and this Boltin Oleg, or perhaps “Yano Boltin” for short. They will win the championships!
Yano says they’ll test this out. He’ll have Oleg say more than just “Hai” and we’ll chant “Yano Boltin.” Is everyone ready? The fans applaud, and Yano asks Boltin for a few words. Oleg takes the mic and thanks everyone for being here tonight. He feels they can definitely win the World Tag League, so thank you very much! The fans cheer, and join in on “YANO BOL-TIN!” Shrug! The Joker & The Rook are looking good now that they’re on the board, but will they make a run at the top?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Evil & Ren Narita: 2-0, 4 points
Taichi & Taka Michinoku: 1-1, 2 points
Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg: 1-1, 2 points
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls: 1-1, 2 points
Great-O-Khan & Henare: 1-1, 2 points
The Filip Brothers: 1-1, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great second round for B Block, and that is already quite the traffic jam at 1-1. Great rebound win for TMDK over The Filip Brothers, and of course The House of Torture cheats to stay spotless at 2-0. Great rebound win for Henare & Khan, and I think there’s even a chance we see Tanahashi and Khan feud down the line, maybe putting on a KOPW Championship match while Khan still has it. That’s a small window, though, with 2024 almost over and then it’ll be reset for 2025. And what a great match and great shocker in the main event. Hilarious comedy elements with Yano being so impatient, and yet his team comes out on top.
The eventual Yano & Oleg VS Tanahashi & Jado match is going to be a really important one, because with just seven rounds, another loss could pop the bubble on The Ace’s chances. At the same time, Yano & Oleg are his friends and fellow NEVER Openweight Six Man Champions, there’s some drama in that they could really play up.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will it be lights out on Los Ingobernables de Japon?
Bishamon won last round, but so did Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji. Now they clash in the main event of A Block’s second round! Who keeps winning in this World Tag League?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Daiki Nagai; Shoma wins.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Bullet Club; TMDK wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Taka Michinoku & DOUKI VS The House of Torture; Taichi, Taka & Douki win.
- Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS Boltin Oleg & Toru Yano; Oleg & Yano win.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Gabe & Sanada win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; Shota & Honma win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Bishamon wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Funky Sauce had a less than hot debut losing to Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji. And now, they’re running into the Imperial Unit & Prince of Pace, who are already setting a good pace with their win. Can Zayne & Taguchi heat things up? Or will they be conquered by The United Empire?
The teams sort out and Cobb calls out Taguchi’s hips. Zayne says oishi (tasty) but Cobb is pretty sure that’s not true. The debate on oishi or oishi janai continues, but we finally get Zayne and Callum starting. The fans rally up at the bell, and Callum circles with Zayne. They tie up, go around, and Zayne puts Callum on ropes. Zayne lets off cleanly and quickly and the two reset. They tie up, Callum puts Zayne on ropes now, and the ref counts. Callum lets off slowly, but still cleanly. The fans applaud and the two reset. Zayne and Callum tie up again, Zayne headlocks, but Callum powers up and out. Zayne runs Callum over!
The fans applaud and Zayne smirks. Things speed up, Callum hurdles but Zayne cartwheels over. The fans cheer as Zayne plays with his hair. Callum runs up but Zayne wrenches and whips him. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges and BOOTS Zayne down! The fans cheer and Callum mocks the hair twisting. Zayne goes to a corner, the fans rally up, and Callum runs in. Zayne dodges, runs back in, but Callum puts him on the apron. Zayne slingshots back in to RANA! A rough tumble but Callum is up. Zayne waistlocks, Callum switches, but Zayne bucks the O’Conner. Zayne DUMPS Callum to the apron, avoids the shoulder tackle and KICKS!
Zayne runs side to side to ROLLING AX KICK! The fans fire up while Callum flops down. Zayne drags Callum up, tags in Taguchi, and Funky Sauce SPANKS Callum! Taguchi BLASTS Cobb for good measure before he and Zayne double whip Callum to a corner. Taguchi HIP ATTACKS, then sets up for Zayne to LEAP FROG SHOTGUN! Callum sits down, Zayne rolls back and he headscissors Taguchi to CANNONBALL Callum! Zayne then CANNONBALLS Callum himself! Taguchi covers, TWO! The fans fire up and Taguchi brings Callum into a chinlock. Callum endures the knee in his back as Taguchi pulls on him.
Taguchi puts on a headscissors and he squeezes tight! Callum endures, fights around, and kicks his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go as the fans cheer, and Taguchi taunts Cobb with his cheeks. Taguchi goes back but Callum UP KICKS him! Callum skins the cat to the apron, slingshots to somersault, and then SOBATS! Both men fall and the fans rally up. Callum grits his teeth, rolls to the corner and tags in Cobb. Cobb storms up to stomp Taguchi, then he steps on Taguchi to step to Zayne. Cobb stands on Taguchi to use him as a surfboard! Cobb mocks Zayne’s hair twisting, then “apologizes” as he steps off Taguchi.
Cobb stands Taguchi up to HEADBUTT him down! Cobb drags Taguchi up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Callum in. Callum stomps Taguchi, but Taguchi kicks back. Callum stomps Taguchi’s leg! Callum clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Taguchi down. Taguchi fights around to the ROPEBREAK! Callum lets go and paces around. Taguchi rises, Callum kicks him, and Callum eggs Taguchi on. Taguchi CHOPS! Callum knees low in return! Callum whips Taguchi to a corner, runs corner to corner, but Taguchi BOOTS him! Taguchi goes up to headscissor for the DEADLY OSHIRI! Taguchi then runs up, but into an atomic drop!
Taguchi hobbles, Callum runs, but Taguchi somersaults to HIP ATTACK! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Taguchi crawls, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne runs past Callum to BLAST Cobb! Zayne fires forearms and elbows on Callum, then mule kicks! Zayne runs, but blocks a boot first! Zayne KNEES Callum to a corner, runs up and UPPERCUTS! Zayne puts Callum up top, climbs up after him, but Callum fires body shots! Callum shoves Zayne but Zayne flips back and rolls through! Zayne runs back up to JUMP RANA! The fans fire up and Zayne scoops Callum, for the BAJA BLAST! Cover, TWO! Callum stays in this but the fans rally with Zayne.
Zayne pounds the mat and the fans clap along. Cobb runs up, dodges Zayne and ROCKS him! Cobb runs in, Zayne dodges at the corner, then Zayne comes back. Cobb dodges, Zayne QUEBRADAS, but Cobb catches Zayne! Cobb wobbles and staggers, Zayne slips down to FINAL CUT! Cobb bails out, Callum runs up, but Zayne avoid the Penalty Kick! Callum avoids the Eddy Gordo kick to shove, but Zayne runs him over! Callum kips up, but Zayne avoids the enzigiri! Zayne runs, MARIPOSA, but Callum makes it a ghost pin! TWO!! Zayne stands, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Taguchi tags in and hurries after Callum!
Callum swings, Taguchi dodges but Callum elbows. Callum runs, Taguchi runs, but Callum catches him! Torture rack, GO TO HOSPITAL!! The fans fire up and Cobb tags in. Cobb RAMS Taguchi into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH, then he sets up under Cobb’s UPPERCUT! Callum BLASTS Zayne, goes to the apron, and he ENZIGIRIS Taguchi into a fireman’s carry! Callum is up top, DOUBLE STOMP and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cobb sits Taguchi up to HIP ATTACK! And then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Taguchi comes back, KETSUYE!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Cobb survives, and Taguchi pounds the mat. Taguchi runs, but Cobb catches the hip attack! Zayne CLUBS Cobb, Taguchi HIP ATTACKS! Zayne DROPKICKS, Taguchi FLYING HIP ATTACKS! MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives, but Taguchi has OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Cobb endures, rolls, and he BOOTS Taguchi away! Taguchi KETSUYES!! Cover, TWO!! Cobb still has power to spare but Taguchi has some of his own! Taguchi powers up in the corner, “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Cobb rolls it to a waistlock! Callum wipes Zayne out, then he BOOTS Taguchi into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, but Zayne breaks it!
The fans fire up while Callum TOSSES Zayne back out. Cobb hauls Taguchi up, ripcord and TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb & Callum win!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
Another round and another win for The United Empire, but also another loss for Funky Sauce. Will these trends continue through the rest of the league? Or can Zayne & Taguchi turn things around before the end?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
No NJPW round robin tournament would be complete without Bullet Club VS Bullet Club! The Mad Man & Cold Skull lost to Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, Fang Revived & Crown Jewel lost to Bishamon, so both teams are in a fighting mood. Which faction within the club comes out feeling Just Too Sweet?
Aw hell, Gabe & Sanada attack Kenta & Chase during their entrance! No mercy just because they’re all Bullet Club! Sanada brings Chase into the crowd while Gabe and Kenta brawl down the aisle! Gabe then brings Kenta around to another area. Chase whips but Sanada reverses and he BOWLS Chase into chairs! A strike for Sanada, but Kenta does the same to Gabe! Sanada JAMS Chase with a chair, then CLAWS his face! Gabe and Kenta brawl up into the bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Kenta, brings him to the railing at the back, and Sanada SMACKS Chase off more chairs. Gabe mockingly asks for Too Sweet but Kenta ROCKS him!
Gabe goes to another stairway and walks down but Kenta storms up behind him, Kenta CLUBS Gabe, and now Chase has Sanada way over in the back row of the opposite end! Chase can tell where Kenta and Gabe are because of the spotlights following them! Chase CLUBS Sanada, then leaves him behind to go help Kenta. Gabe CHOKES Kenta with a shirt! Gabe mockingly offers the Too Sweet, then cusses Kenta out. Gabe says, “We run this!” in reference to War Dogs over OG Bullet Club. But then Chase goes after Gabe! Sanada hurries to help Gabe and now the brawling is all in the same area! Kenta has Sanada now while Chase keeps after Gabe.
Things finally go back to the ground level and to ringside. Kenta ROCKS Sanada, but Sanada ROCKS Kenta! Gabe CHOKES Chase with a chair! Gabe storms around but Sanada does the same to Kenta on the other side. Chase CHOPS and fires forearms, but Gabe doesn’t flinch. So Chase CLAWS Gabe’s face! Sanada ROCKS Kenta, stalks him, and then Gabe SMACKS Chase with a chair! The Young Lions make sure fans are safely out of the way while Kenta CLAWS Sanada’s face. Gabe brings Chase to ringside and SMACKS him off the apron. Gabe then hurries to help Sanada as he BLINDSIDES Kenta!
Gabe and Kenta brawl now, and Gabe DECKS Kenta! Gabe & Sanada agree to go get Chase, but wait, where is he? Chase runs up from behind to CLOBBER them both! Chase CLUBS Sanada, but Gabe CLAWS Chase’s face! Gabe POSTS Chase, and finally, Sanada puts Chase in the ring. Gabe & Sanada Too Sweet, and Gabe mean mugs Tenzan on commentary. Sanada steps in, and this is finally a match! Sanada CLUBS Chase, whips him, but Chase ducks ‘n’ WRECKS Gabe with a dropkick! Chase RAMS Sanada, HOTSHOTS him, then calls to Kenta. Kenta finds his way in and Chase stomps Sanada in a corner.
Kenta storms up, he and Chase double whip Sanada to the corner. Chase runs in, forearm SMASH, and then he sits Sanada down. Kenta runs up to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Chase goes up while Sanada is in the drop zone, for a MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Chase snarls, Kenta DOUBLE STOMPS Gabe on the outside! Chase keeps on Sanada, reels him in, but Sanada fights the tuck! Chase ROCKS Sanada, whips him to a corner, but Sanada goes up and out then to the floor. Chase chases Sanada around, but Gabe sends Kenta into railing! Sanada KICKS ropes to jam Chase up! Sanada tags in Gabe and the War Dogs bring Chase up.
Gabe & Sanada double suplex, but Chase fights it! Kenta’s back and he BOOTS Gabe! Sanada DROPKICKS Kenta! Chase runs up on Sanada. Sanada wrenches him, but Chase spins through. Sanada fights the suplex to MAGIC SCREW! Gabe is back and he brings Chase up. “I’m a Mad Man-” Chase wrenches out, ducks a lariat, and then spins Gabe, FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Gabe stays in this while Kenta and Sanada fight on the outside. Chase locks ‘n’ loads, runs up on Gabe, but Gabe blocks the C-Trigger! Chase fires forearms to get free, but Gabe ROCKS Chase! The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Chase rebounds!
Gabe dodges Chase and hits the COMEBACKER LARIAT! And then a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Kenta breaks it! Kenta CLUBS Gabe, but Sanada CLAWS Kenta’s face! Sanada TOSSES Kenta out and Gabe brings Chase up. Gabe then pushes Chase over, because he says this is for Kenny Omega! Gabe aims a finger gun at Chase! “Good bye, and F YOU, Kenny!!” Gabe runs up to V-TRIGGER!! Then a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, War Dogs win!!
Winners: Gabe Kidd & Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
The War Dogs struck first and never let up, and now they win to break even. Wait, as Kenta & Chase are helped away, and even as Sanada heads out, Gabe sits cross-legged while he has the mic. “Let me be very effin’ clear. You crossed the line as soon as you ran to Tokyo Sports and started calling me all this s*it. Unprofessional, all this s*it. Let me make this very effin’ clear! You said you wanted, you said the fans wanted, I said it before: I don’t give a F what anyone wants but me! And I wanna end your career! So iitengo (January 5th), Gabe Kidd, Kenny Omega, LET’S EFFIN’ GO!!”
The fans are fired up to hear WrestleDynasty now has a massive crossover match added! But will Gabe keep making this about The Best Bout Machine until it comes back to bite him? Or is that just the motivation he needs so he and Sanada can take the trophies?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa!
The Roughneck & Everyone’s Kokeshi had a rough opening round with their loss, but The Front Man & The Mullet had a mighty main event win. But the tournament might be taking a backseat when Shota wants after the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Will Shota earn a title match while heading for the trophies? Or will ZSJ prove Shota’s just not ready?
As ZSJ & “Roy” step into the ring, Shota gets in ZSJ’s face so ZSJ taunts him with the world title. The ref has them stand down, and the teams sort out. Shota and ZSJ start and they tie right up at the bell. Shota headlocks, ZSJ powers up and out, then he BOOTS Shota! Shota roars, ROCKS ZSJ and runs to RAM him! ZSJ rebounds to BOOT SHota again! ZSJ headlocks, Shota powers out, and they RAM shoulders! Shota rebounds to RUN ZSJ over, but ZSJ is up to UPPERCUT Shota! ZSJ runs, but Shota DROPKICKS ZSJ down! The fans fire up with Shota while ZSJ bails out. Shota pursues and CLUBS ZSJ down!
Shota whips ZSJ hard into railing, then storms up on ZSJ to whip him into more railing! ZSJ comes back to BOOT Shota! Shota is right up to SHOTGUN ZSJ! The fans fire up while both men are down! Honma BLASTS Oiwa for good measure but the ref reprimands him. Shota stands and brings ZSJ up. Shota puts ZSJ in, which the fans applaud, and Shota covers. ONE, but Shota stays on ZSJ. Shota CLUBS ZSJ, tags Honma, and Honma stomps ZSJ in the corner. The ref counts but Honma digs his boot in. The ref counts, Honma steps off, and Honma drags ZSJ up. Honma CLUBS ZSJ, CLUBS him again, then follows him to ropes.
Honma CHOPS ZSJ and ZSJ sputters. Honma CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! ZSJ hobbles away but Honma is on him with a whip. Honma ELBOWS ZSJ down, pats his head and runs, but he stops short of the kokeshi as ZSJ moves! ZSJ grabs an arm and wrangles Honma into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Oiwa BLASTS Shota while Honma scrambles around! The fans fire up as Honma fights and drags ZSJ with him. ZSJ shifts to have just the arm, or no, not just the arm! It’s like a one-armed Italian Stretch! Honma still fights to the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud, and ZSJ lets go to tag Oiwa. Oiwa drags Honma up to scoop and SLAM!
Oiwa pushes Honma down to then drop an elbow! Cover, ONE! Oiwa clamps onto Honma with an armlock, but Honma fights up. Oiwa wrenches and RAMS Honma into a corner. Oiwa CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Honma kicks and kicks but Oiwa CHOPS him down! Oiwa wraps Honma’s arm around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Oiwa lets go, and Oiwa headlocks. Oiwa brings Honma over and tags ZSJ. ZSJ cravats Honma for the neck wrench, then he wrangles Honma to the mat. ZSJ bridges with the neck wrench! Honma endures so ZSJ shifts and bridges! Then shifts and bridges!
ZSJ stands to NECK TWIST! Honma writhes but ZSJ covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Honma toughs it out. Shota gets the fans to chant for “HONMA! HONMA!” ZSJ PENALTY- NO, Honma blocks the kick! ZSJ fires SLAP after SLAP but Honma holds on! ZSJ eggs Honma on, so Honma SLAPS ZSJ down! The fans fire up while both men are down! Honma crawls over, hot tag to Shota! Shota runs up to fire forearms on ZSJ! Shota whips, ZSJ reverses but Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ! Shota BLASTS Oiwa for good measure! The fans fire up with Shota as he whips ZSJ corner to corner. Shota runs up, to UPPERCUT!
Shota reels ZSJ in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota shrugs that off. Shota drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the clinch to go for the arm. ZSJ elbows Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to trip ZSJ, turn him over, and STF! ZSJ fights the crossface portion, slips out and wrangles Shota into a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Shota fights up, but ZSJ pushes on the arm! Shota still fights, slips around, and arm-drags free! ZSJ avoids the dropkick to the leg to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa drags Shota up. Oiwa headlocks, Shota powers out, but Oiwa runs Shota over!
Things keep moving, Oiwa counters Shota’s hip toss with a hip toss! Shota gets up, Oiwa DROPKICKS! Oiwa kips up and the fans fire up! Shota stands Oiwa up, scoops and POWERSLAMS, to then run and SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Oiwa keeps on Shota but Shota fights the anaconda plex! Shota CLUBS away on Oiwa, then catches him to a clinch. Oiwa slips free, shoves, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shota crawls away, hot tag to Honma! Honma storms up to CHOP Oiwa! And CHOP! And CHOP again! Oiwa is in a corner, Honma whips him corner to corner, then runs up to ELBOW! And BULLDOG!
The fans fire up with Honma and he runs, KOKESHI FLOPS as Oiwa moves! Oiwa brings Honma up, but Honma fires hands! Oiwa ROCKS Honma back! Honma fires another flurry, but Oiwa ROCKS him again! Oiwa runs to ROLLING ELBOW! Honma falls and the fans fire up! Oiwa watches Honma go to a corner, and then he runs in, DROPKICK! And BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Honma stays in his and the fans fire up! Oiwa drags Honma up, gut wrenches, but Honma fights it! Honma wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! Oiwa stays up to short arm LARIAT in return! Honma short arm LARIATS, but then Oiwa short arm LARIATS!
Oiwa fires short arm LARIATS again and again, then finally LARIATS Honma down! Cover, but Shota breaks it! ZSJ grabs Shota and drags him out by a leg! ANKLE LOCK! Shota BOOTS ZSJ into railing! Oiwa has the SLEEPER on Honma! Honma reaches out, but Oiwa keeps him from ropes! But Honma slips around to the back, BIG back suplex! But Oiwa holds onto the SLEEPER! Oiwa drags Honma up to his feet, spins him, and THE- NO, Honma blocks the lariat! Oiwa dodges a haymaker to ROCK Honma! Honma ROCKS Oiwa! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! Honma HEADBUTTS, and then JUMPING KOKESHIS!!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Honma and Oiwa crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Shota! The fans fire up as ZSJ BOOTS! Shota fires a forearm! ZSJ nods and steps back to Shota. ZSJ UPPERCUTS, but Shota UPPERCUTS in return! ZSJ shakes that off to UPPERCUT! Shota staggers, scowls, and comes back to UPPERCUT! ZSJ wobbles but he nods, before he UPPERCUTS again! Both men steady themselves, and Shota comes back to UPPERCUT! ZSJ staggers and sways, but he stays on his feet. ZSJ leans on the ropes, then stands up tall. The fans fire up as ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota UPPERCUTS! The UPPERCUTS go back and forth, faster and faster!
Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ drops to his knees! The ref has Shota hold on, maybe ZSJ is rattled. ZSJ stands but Shota UPPERCUTS again and again! ZSJ fires up but runs into an UPPERCUT! Shota roars and the fans fire up again! ZSJ stands to SLAP Shota!! Shota wobbles but even ZSJ has to steady himself. Shota drops to his knees to stabilize, and the fans rally up again. Shota rises, so ZSJ KICKS him! And KICKS! Shota shakes his head so ZSJ KICKS! ZSJ paces but Shota nods. Shota rises and eggs ZSJ! ZSJ says fine, and he KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! Shota growls, then he blocks the kick!
Shota stands to ROCK ZSJ! ZSJ roars, but Shota catches the kick, trips ZSJ, and then steps into the STF!! ZSJ reaches out but Shota drags him from ropes! S T F! Oiwa stomps away on Shota until he lets go! Honma CLUBS Oiwa then throws him out. Honma helps Shota stand and then brings ZSJ around. Honma whips ZSJ to a corner, runs up, and he LARIATS! Feed to Shota’s POP-UP KNEE! Shota then feeds ZSJ to a LARIAT! Clinch and EXPLODER! Honma gets moving, BASEMENT KOKESHI! IGNITION!! Cover, Oiwa breaks it! Honma CLUBS Oiwa and tosses him again, then tells Shota to finish it!
Shota goes to the corner and he takes aim. BLAZE- ARMBAR!! ZSJ catches the Blaze Blade, but then Shota shifts around! ZSJ still wants the arm, Shota has the stack! TWO! ARMBAR!! Honma hits the FALLING KOKESHI!! The fans are thunderous but here comes Oiwa! Honma runs at him, JUMPING KOKESHI FLOPS as Oiwa moves! Oiwa calls to ZSJ as he brings up Shota. Shota fires a forearm but Oiwa shakes his head. Oiwa eggs Shota on so Shota fires up! Shota ROLLING- NO, Oiwa ducks to SLEEPER! And THE- NO, Shota ducks The Grip and a JUMPING KOKESHI takes Oiwa down!
The fans fire up as Shota aims at ZSJ again. BLINDSIDE KNEE in the corner! And then a TORNADO DDT! Shota drags ZSJ up to elevate, but ZSJ wrenches out! ZSJ PELES the arm! Then BOOTS the lariat! ZSJ ducks the enzigiri to PENALTY KICK! Shota is right up, but ZSJ has him in a full nelson! Shota breaks it, only for ZSJ to GERMAN SUPLEX! ZSJ runs up, but into a POP-UP DEATH RIDER!! The fans are thunderous as Shota hauls ZSJ up. But ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! But ZSJ can’t make the cover! The fans are thunderous again while Shota and ZSJ stir! ZSJ and Shota crawl, but then Oiwa BLASTS Honma down!
Oiwa helps ZSJ up while Shota finds he has no partner! Shota turns around, into an ELBOW from Oiwa! ZSJ BOOTS Shota, then feeds him to Oiwa’s ANACONDA SUPLEX! Oiwa sets Shota up for ZSJ’S LARIAT! Cover, HONMA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up again but now Oiwa has the SLEEPER on Honma! ROUNDHOUSE and THE GRIP!! The fans fire up with TMDK as they drag Shota up. They double whip but Shota reverses! Shota kicks off ZSJ to TORNADO DDT Oiwa! Shota then runs up, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shota and ZSJ stay up, so they go again. ZSJ KICKS Shota’s lariat, but Shota SWATS ZSJ’s!
Shota ROCKS ZSJ, ROLLING- SLAP from ZSJ! ZSJ scoops, Shota slips free! Shota backslides, ZSJ rolls through, then fights the underhooks! O’Conner Roll, but Shota trips ZSJ to go for an arm! Another backslide, but another roll through, BLAZE BLADE POINT BLANK!! The fans are thunderous again as Shota rises! Shota aims from a corner, and hits a BLAZE- NO, ZSJ backslides! But Shota rolls through so he can DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, SHOTA & HONMA WIN!!!
Winners: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ZSJ & Oiwa earn 0)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion just fell to this Reiwa Musketeer! World Tag League aside, will Shota now bring that Paradigm Shift to the Tokyo Dome? Or will ZSJ make sure this is still TMDK’s WrestleKingdom?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi made it Lights Out last round against Kenta & Chase Owens while The Rampaging Dragon & Gene Blast were tranquilo against Funky Sauce. Only one team can stay spotless, can the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter slay these twin dragons? Or will Los Ingobernables de Japon be that much closer to the trophies?
The teams sort out and after LIJ fist bumps, Yota calls out Goto. Goto accepts and the fans rally as the bell rings. Goto and Yota circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto finds a point of leverage, he puts Yota on ropes, but then lets off cleanly. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up but Yota kicks low. Yota headlocks, Goto powers up and out, but Yota RAMS him! Goto stays up, he runs, and he RAMS Yota! Yota rebounds to CLOBBER Goto! Yota brings Goto up, CHOPS him, but Goto CHOPS back! Yota CHOPS again! Goto backs away to ropes but Yota is on him. Yota whips but Goto grabs ropes!
Hashi tags in, Goto BOOTS Yota, then Bishamon runs Yota over! Then ZANMAI! Takagi storms in but Hashi mule kicks! Bishamon sets up, “Se no!” And they DRUM away on Takagi! The fans cheer while Hashi flexes. Hashi brings Yota up, ROCKS him, and Yota goes to a corner. Hashi CHOPS, but Yota eggs him on. Hashi CHOPS again, and again! Yota sits down and the fans rally up. Hashi looms over Yota, brings him up, and whips him corner to corner. Hashi runs up but Yota BOOTS him! Hashi comes back, blocks the boot, btu Yota brings Hashi down for the STOMP! Takagi runs to BLAST Goto, then goes out after him!
Takagi sends Goto into railing! The fans cheer, and Yota snapmares Hashi for a chinlock. Hashi endures so Yota ELBOWS him in the head! Yota then drags Hashi up, ROCKS him in the back, and Hashi falls against ropes. Yota tags Takagi and Takagi chinlocks Hashi in the ropes. Red Shoes reprimands then counts, so Takagi lets go quickly. Takagi hauls Hashi up to RAM him into the corner again and again. Takagi stomps Hashi, whips him to ropes, then KNEES him! Takagi suplexes high and hard! The fans applaud while Takagi keeps his eyes on Goto. Takagi goes to Hashi, sits him up, and rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!
Takagi stands for the ELBOW DROP! Tag to Yota and Yota brings Hashi up. Goto protests as LIJ double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Takagi then SENTONS, and Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Goto coaches Hashi but Yota drags Hashi up. Yota CLUBS Hashi but Hashi fires forearms! Yota hits a BODY BLOW in return! Yota whips, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs out! The fans fire up while both men are down! Hashi and Yota crawl, Hashi hot tags Goto! Goto CLOBBERS Yota, BLASTS Takagi, then goes back to Yota. Yota kicks and runs but Goto follows to LARIAT! Takagi runs in, but Goto kicks him!
Takagi fights the suplex, suplexes in return, but Goto slips free! Goto waistlocks but Takagi elbows him! LIJ regroups to double whip Goto to a corner. Takagi runs in but Goto dodges! LARIAT for Yota! Goto kicks Takagi, and suplexes him onto Yota! Cover on Yota, TWO! The fans rally and Goto hauls Yota up. Yota fights the fireman’s carry with elbows. Goto ROCKS Yota, Yota ROCKS Goto, repeat! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, but Goto gets the edge! Goto roars, runs, but Yota clinches for the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! STOMP! Takagi BLASTS Hashi! The fans fire up with LIJ as they regroup.
LIJ whips Goto to the corner again, and Yota ELBOWS! Takagi sends Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi LARIATS, Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Goto stays in this but Yota brings him back up. Yota has Goto in the drop zone, for the MAROON- NO, Goto avoids the crush! Goto fireman’s carries to USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto and Yota crawl, hot tags to Takagi and Hashi! The fans fire up as Hashi and Takagi RAM shoulders! Hashi dodges to RAM Takagi, Takagi RAMS back! They RAM again, and roar!
Hashi ROCKS Takagi, CHOPS him, then turns him for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up with Hashi and he aims from a corner. Takagi goes to a corner, Hashi runs in, but Takagi dodges! Takagi runs up, but into a BOOT! Hashi runs up, into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Hashi is down and Takagi says “TOKI GA KITA!” The time has come, and the fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi winds up, runs up, but blocks a boot to LARIAT! Takagi keeps moving, but Hashi gets around to waistlock! Takagi switches, Hashi RAMS Takagi to a corner! Goto runs up to LARIAT Takagi! Feed to the mule kick!
Bishamon sets up, GOTO GO TO HUNTER! The fans fire up and Goto calls for it! Hashi gets the legs, but Takgi kicks free! Takagi wrenches, dodges, SLEEPER on Goto! Yota RANAS Hashi! Then Yota runs up on Goto but Goto BOOTS him! Goto elbows Takagi, Hashi SUPERKICKIS Yota! Goto has Yota up, he and Hashi hits G Y R!! Yota flounders but Takgi sends Goto into Hashi! PUMPING- NO, Bishamon dodges the lariats and they trap Takagi at the ropes! BLINDISDE LARIAT to SNAP DRAGON! Takagi is up, DOUBLE LARIATS with Goto! Takagi SWATS a lariat, ELBOWS Hashi, JABS him, then runs! But into Goto’s LARIAT!!
The fans fire up and Bishamon regroups. They whip Takagi into the fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH! And now Hashi calls the end! They have Takagi up, SHO- NO, SUPERKICK to Hashi from Yota! SUPERKICK to Goto from Yota! Goto tumbles out, Hashi is in a corner, and Yota runs to SPLASH Hashi! Then Yota hoists Hashi up top, CHOPS him, and climbs! The fans fire up with Yota as he brings Hashi up, for a SUPERPLEX! Takagi SLIDING PUMPING BOMBERS! Takagi starts up another “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans are with him! LIJ drags Hashi up, they BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! Cover, GOTO BREAKS IT!
Yota stomps Goto and CLUBS him! LIJ drags Goto up, but Goto fires forearms on them both! Goto is a fierce warrior to be sure! But he runs into a LARIAT! And GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER! The fans fire up as LIJ aims at Hashi! Takagi runs up to LARIAT! Snapmare and Yota aims! Takagi makes sure Hashi is lined up, but Goto anchors Yota! Takagi rushes over but Hashi shoves him into Yota! Roll-up with bridge! TWO!!! Takagi escapes, Hashi ROCKS him! The fans are thunderous as both men wobble. Takagi fires a forearm! Hashi fires back! Takagi fires another! Hashi wobbles, drops to a knee, but he comes back to fire another forearm!
Takagi and Hashi go back and forth, faster and faster! They both wobble again, but then Hashi fires a strike fest! The CHOP tops it off, but Takagi just snarls! Takagi fires boxing elbows! Hashi roars, but Takagi JABS! HEADBUTTS! SUPERKICK from Hashi! DISCUS PUJMPING from Takagi! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up and Takagi powers up! Takagi runs, to PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi pump handles and torture racks, but ITADAKIGARI!! Cover, BISHAMON WINS!!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi & Yota earn 0)
A sudden turnaround, but it can’t be called an upset with how Goto & Hashi have been World Tag League winners and IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions besides! But if this is how hard Takagi & Tsuji fought, yet they still fell short, how much harder must they fight to be on top of the block?
As for Bishamon, Hashi has the mic first. “Last year, Bishamon made history be becoming the first-ever IWGP Tag Team Champions to win this league. We also achieved the first-ever threepeat. This year, we’re looking to go undefeated!” The fans cheer that lofty goal, and even chant for “BI-SHA-MON! BI-SHA-MON!” Hashi says then, in Kumamoto, when they win their FOURTH STRAIGHT tournament, “We’ll show you our happiest Zanmai celebration ever.” The fans are certainly intrigued by that. Hashi says Bishamon’s four-peat will come in the blink of an eye!
With that mic drop, the mission is clear! No need to #GetBackUp when you’re still riding high, but will Goto & Hashi continue to add to their historic achievements? Or will a team come along to ruin it all?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 2-0, 4 points
Bishamon: 2-0, 4 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-1, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-1, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 1-1, 2 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 1-1, 2 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-2, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great event for WTL A Block, but I hope there won’t be any more delays in the On Demand upload, there’s too much to do on a Friday to wait on this. Anyway, I had a bad feeling Funky Sauce would lose again, but they had a strong showing against Callum & Cobb. Great brawl between Gabe & Sanada with Kenta & Chase. But considering Gabe is building towards that match with Kenny Omega, good win for him and Sanada, and then good promo from Gabe to call Omega out. This all probably takes Gabe & Sanada out of the running for the finals, because they can play up how Gabe is too distracted by wanting after Omega.
Great match from Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa, but this match also proved me right from earlier. This was just a formality to make ZSJ VS Shota for the world title official. Shota gets the upset win on ZSJ and now that is Shota’s path to WrestleKingdom. But Bishamon VS LIJ was awesome stuff, and what a great win for Goto & Hashi. Goto & Hashi are definitely set up to make another run at the trophies, but I’m still not sure of their chances of winning. The threepeat was pretty surprising as it was, but a four-peat would be wild.
My Score: 9/10
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