Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report (10/3/18)

The Top One Percent accused The Leviathan of taking out Aleister Black before NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, and paid for it! Will EC3 even survive past tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Candice LeRae VS Lacey Evans; Evans wins.
- Six Man Tag: The Forgotten Sons VS Torry Kirsh, Cesar Rise & Vinny Mixon; The Forgotten Sons win.
- Johnny Gargano VS Tony Nese; Gargano wins.
- EC3 VS Lars Sullivan; Sullivan wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nikki Cross lurks in the bowels of Full Sail.
“Games are fun. Games are fun! Especially games you can play with other people.” Nikki knows she had “fun” last time with Bianca Belair. So much fun. Nikki hopes to do it again and again. But she hopes Bianca isn’t too afraid, since they didn’t “behave” last time. “Speaking of bad behavior…” Nikki knows. She knows! She knows who attacked Aleister, but will she share her secret?
Candice LeRae VS Lacey Evans!
Mrs. Wrestling didn’t appreciate the Lady of NXT making a move on Mr. Wrestling amidst the uncertainty in both his and her careers. Will the Model Soldier end up on Ms. LeRae’s Wild Ride? Or will she use her Woman’s Right to derail Candice?
The bell rings and the two stare down. Lacey boops Candice’s nose so Candice slaps that hand away. Lacey shoves but Candice shoves back. They tie up and go to the mat. Lacey has control but then Candice gets up and arm-drags her down. They get back up and Lacey puts Candice in the corner. She grinds forearms in Candice’s face as she breaks the hold. Candice comes back with a chop! Candice bumps Lacey off buckles, then off more buckles. She keeps going, but Lacey tosses her to the apron. Candice returns with the step-in springboard facebuster! Cover, TWO! Lacey powers Candice back to a corner, but then Candice boots her away. Candice goes out and up, but Lacey ducks under the leap. Lacey runs Candice over with a big shoulder!
Candice is reeling while Lacey is seething. Lacey stalks Candice, then puts her in a corner for buckle bumps and a mudhole stomp. Lacey backs off, but comes back with the swinging bronco buster! Cover, TWO! Lacey dabs the sweat off herself with her handkerchief. She throws it at Candice but Candice shoves back. Lacey puts Candice in a corner to then wrap the arm around the ropes! The ref counts, but Lacey stops at 3 to throw Candice with headscissors. Lacey holds on with the headscissors to squeeze Candice’s head, while getting in some push-ups! Candice pops out but Lacey is on her again, bouncing Candice’s face off the mat. Lacey pulls her and puts on a chinlock, but fans rally up for Candice. Candice stands but is thrown down again. Lacey kicks Candice, covers, TWO!
Lacey puts on a half nelson with the cobra clutch, then pulls on Candice’s hair behind her back! The ref doesn’t see it, but fans do. Fans rally up for Candice, but Lacey grinds Candice down. Lacey uses her chin, too, but the referee reprimands her for hair pulling. Fans rally again and Candice powers up to arm-drag Lacey off. Both women stagger, but Lacey runs into a kick. Candice puts Lacey on the apron but Lacey sweeps the legs! The slingshot elbow misses! Both women are down but Lacey stands first. Candice follows as fans build to a rally. Enziguri! Lacey crawls while Candice runs in. Candice fires off forearms and lariats! She blocks a kick to give a kick, then gives a shotgun dropkick on top!
Candice runs at Lacey in the corner for the back elbow and snapmare. Candice climbs up, and flies for a flying complete shot! Cover, TWO!! Mrs. Wrestling was so close but not close enough against the former Marine. Candice has Lacey in double chicken wings, but Lacey denies the Unprettier. Lacey throws Candice down by her hair again, then rests in the corner. Lacey says Candice is a loser, “just like your husband!” Them’s fighting words! Candice fires off furious forearms and haymakers from all sides! The referee counts and Candice backs down, only to come back for more! She gets stomps in, too! The referee warns her, this could disqualify her. Candice backs off, but then walks right into the Woman’s Right!! Cover, Lacey wins!!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by pinfall
Emotions cost Candice like they did Johnny Gargano, and Lacey makes good on it. The Lady of NXT climbs up the ladder, will she find herself reaching the NXT Women’s Championship past Evolution?
NXT looks ahead to the coming North American Championship Triple Threat!
Adam Cole was the inaugural but Ricochet is the current. But that doesn’t mean the WWE United Kingdom Champion doesn’t want his part in the new title’s history. The NXT NAC represents the Era of NXT we are in: Cole’s Era. This match represents more than just the title, it represents “where we’re going. This represents NXT’s future.” The Bruiserweight Pete Dunne himself is the second-ever WWE UKC, and quite literally owns that division. But he wants to be on top of the world, so this is the next step. However, the One and Only current NAC says he will be the one to go around the world to defend this title against anyone and everyone to build the legacy of both belt and man. Cole wants to make something very clear: the NAC legacy starts and ends with him.
Dunne knows that’s what Cole thinks, but his legacy as UKC is something that’s real. Ricochet respects Dunne because they’re both true fighting champions. Dunne has proven he can build something from the ground up. Ricochet says the NAC’s legacy is in good hands. Cole says the only reason anyone cares is because he got this started. Ricochet says the belt was just a prop for Cole, but Cole promises to bring the most important title back to the most important man. Ricochet isn’t worried about the triple threat, he’s excited. Dunne is, too, because three talented individuals are going to raise the prestige. Cole vows to restart the legacy, Ricochet vows to make it mean more “than anyone thinks it ever could”, and Dunne vows to become the champion of two continents. Will we see a One and Only Champion, a dual champion, or a two-time champion, “baybay”?
Tommaso Ciampa speaks.
The NXT Champion says that “When you’re at the top, they will always try to chop you down.” They’ll talk, speculate, and even lie, “all to try and steal that spotlight for themselves.” Perhaps it’s just to cover up their own tracks and hide their own guilt. Ciampa says Velveteen’s Dream is fitting, because he’s living in a dreamworld where Ciampa is the one who attacked Aleister Black. But they both know exactly what Aleister “experienced.” Ciampa advises Dream to “be careful.” Keep your thoughts to yourself, and stay out of the champ’s spotlight. Because Ciampa ended the fairy tale and exposed the mystique. So Velveteen better be careful, or he’ll turn the Dream into a Nightmare. The Psycho Killer’s ultimatum has been sent, but will Dream heed his warning?
Six Man Tag: The Forgotten Sons VS Torry Kirsh, Cesar Rise & Vinny Mixon!
Steve Cutler, Wesley Blake & Jaxson Ryker have come to #DoUntoOthers and never be forgotten again. Will they soon make Kirsh, Rise & Mixon be the ones easily forgotten?
Cutler wears a special face mask because of his broken nose, but the former Marine won’t let that keep him out of action. Ryker starts for his team, and he bulldozes through Rise! He throws Rise to the other corner, so Vinny tags in. Vinny runs into a huge urenage! Ryker toys with Vinny, then tags Cutler in. Cutler tags Blake while Ryker puts Vinny in a Tree of Woe. Cutler hits a hesitation dropkick, then Ryker helps Blake with a hip toss senton! Vinny is vulnerable as Blake looms over him. Blake goes after the arm with a thrashing armlock, then drags Vinny over to the Forgotten corner. Blake blocks Vinny from getting to the ropes, the grinds his forearm on his face! He stops at 4 to then throw Vinny into a corner. Blake grinds his forearm in more then stops at 4.
Blake runs in but Vinny dodges to hot tag in Kirsh! Kirsh clotheslines Blake but Blake stays standing. Kirsh tries again but gets clobbered by Blake! Blake tags Cutler, and Cutler hops up. Ryker tags while Blake drags Kirsh up in a dragon sleeper, for Cutler to drop double stomps onto the inverted DDT! They both bumrush Vinny & Rise, then come back as Ryker enters. Together, Cutler & Blake feed Kirsh to Ryker, for the slingshot powerbomb! Cover, Forgotten Sons win!
Winners: The Forgotten Sons, Ryker pinning
This trio of expendables are undefeated both apart and together, and they’re only just getting started. Will they find themselves dominating multiple divisions soon enough?
Shayna Baszler prepares for WWE Evolution.
The Queen of Spades has a rematch with the Pirate Princess for the NXT Women’s Championship. This will be their fourth time facing 1v1, so Shayna reflects on their first time, back in the inaugural Mae Young Classic finals. It’s hard to really share her opinions of Kairi Sane because both have changed so much, that even their mentalities aren’t the same. Shayna does admit she has gotten too comfortable. Fight camp is far more grueling than anything the “girls” at NXT do. Shayna is going back to basics with her friends, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. She’s building back up. The world has evolved, Women’s Wrestling has evolved, so Shayna will also evolve.
Backstage interview with Tony Nese.
The Premier Athlete is normally on WWE 205 Live, but what brings him to NXT? NXT has the top competition today, doesn’t it? Everyone sees Nese prove himself on 205 Live, so he’s going to takeover Full Sail. He has eight reasons why he will, but will those eight be enough to defeat Johnny Wrestling?
Backstage interview with “Ms. Belair.”
The Un-De-Fea-Ted EST wants to be addressed with the respect she deserves. But Nikki Cross wants her rematch against Bianca, so what is her response? Bianca isn’t here to play, and she doesn’t care what “scraggly” Nikki wants. Bianca is still un-de-fea-ted, and that’s not gonna change. Nikki had her chance, but she ain’t got no sense. Bianca will not just beat Nikki, but she’ll embarrass her. And stay Un-de-fea-ted! Will she stay undefeated after having another go with the Loony Lass?
Johnny Gargano VS Tony Nese!
Johnny Wrestling may have had his shortcomings and mistakes as of late, but he’s moving past his obsession with Tommaso Ciampa one match at a time. Will he make progress with that against the Premier Athlete? Or will the Abs of 205 Live start making moves in NXT?
The bell rings and fans duel between “Johnny Wrestling!” and “Johnny Failure!” Gargano ties up with Nese but Nese gets the wristlock. Gargano rolls and handsprings to reverse back. Nese get a headlock but Gargano powers out, only for Nese to run him over. Things speed up and Nese catches Gargano. Gargano slips out and shoves, to then follow and headscissor Nese! Nese bails out but Gargano runs, only to get run over by an elbow! Nese kicks Gargano in the corner and stomp a mudhole. Fans continue to duel as Nese chops Gargano sharply. Nese whips Gargano corner to corner but Gargano goes up and over. Gargano rolls, Nese goes up and over, but then Gargano goes up to school boy kick Nese!
Nese staggers and Gargano clotheslines him against the ropes! Nese bails out but Gargano builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit from one southpaw to another! Fans fire up and Gargano smiles. Gargano feels a bit more like himself now, and he puts Nese up against barriers for a chop. He puts Nese back in the ring and “Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling” climbs up top! Nese stops him with a swipe at the legs, and Gargano is stuck up top. Nese knees Gargano up to the fireman’s carry, then drops him for the gutbuster. Cover, TWO! Nese stomps away on Gargano, covers, TWO! Nese puts on a rear bearhug then slams Gargano down to the mat. Roll to a cover, TWO! Nese puts Gargano in a body scissors and squeezes. Fans rally up as Gargano endures, but Nese brings an arm over to chop Gargano on the chest!
Nese squeezes again and even toys with Gargano, but that only angers Gargano. Gargano pries at the feet, breaks the grip, and makes it a cover. TWO and Nese has the squeeze back on. Fans rally as Gargano works around to start throwing forearms. Nese pushes him away but then goes back to the bearhug. Gargano fights out but Nese shoves and sweeps! Nese then hops up, triangle moonsault! Gargano evades but Nese lands on his feet, so Gargano hits the slingshot DDT! Fans cheer and duel while Gargano gets himself up. Nese crawls away but walks into haymakers. Gargano rallies with forearms, then enziguris Nese to a corner. Gargano runs in but Nese puts him on the apron. Nese runs, but into the slingshot spear! Cover, TWO! Gargano keeps his cool while Nese survives.
Gargano puts Nese in a corner to stomp a mudhole of his own. He backs off at 4, but then Nese puts Gargano in the corner. Gargano comes back with forearms, Nese shoves to give Gargano a forearm! Nese handsprings to dodge the forearm, tot he kick, knee, and kick. Gargano jumps the sweep to buzzsaw! Then mule kick, but Nese rolls up to deadlift! Sunset flip counter, TWO! Gargano runs, tilt-o-whirls to a takedown! GargaNO Escape, but a roll over! TWO and another lift, buckle bomb!! The referee checks on Gargano while fans declare “This is Awesome!” Both men are down but stirring. Gargano makes sure his arms are still good while he rolls out of the ring. Nese stands and slingshots, but goes to the apron when Gargano dodges. Gargano swings and Nese cartwheels over him, but he turns around into a forearm!
Gargano puts Nese back in, then slingshots again, but Nese blocks the DDT! Nese tosses Gargano back out! And then FLIES! Direct hit, then Nese puts Gargano back in quick. Nese climbs up, 450 splash!! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives and it shocks the Premier Athlete! Fans love it, though, as they chant “NXT! NXT!” Nese drags himself up, gritting his teeth. He drags Gargano to a corner and positions him. He scrapes his shoe on Gargano’s face, then runs side to side. Gargano dodges the knee to give an enziguri! Gargano runs but Nese reels him in, German Suplex to buckles! Kneepad down, but SUPERKICK!! Gargano runs for a BIG clothesline! Fans fire up for Gargano as he grits his teeth and puts on the GargaNo Escape! Nese taps, Gargano wins!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by submission
Johnny Failure no more, Gargano’s back on track! He borrows a fan’s sign and holds it up high with pride. Is Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling going to find his way back to the NXT Championship?
NXT takes a look at the One-Two Combination of Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch!
The brawler from Boston and the brawler from Britain went toe to toe, head to head and punch for punch in a short series of singles matches and found out they were both tough as nails. They decided that instead of fighting against each other, they should fight alongside each other. Their combined 25 years of experience and their humble beginnings help them click as a duo. Lorcan & Burch didn’t mind that Chicago wasn’t on their side at first, but were proud of themselves that the crowd was on their side by the end. They were #1 contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships once, they’ll surely be contenders again. When and where will these “two average blokes” strike again? Who will be the tag team champions when that day comes?
EC3 VS Lars Sullivan!
The Top One Percent hasn’t quite had #VictoryAfterVictoryAfterVictory, but he definitely didn’t do himself any favors when he pointed fingers in the Aleister Black assault investigation. The Leviathan already loves to dismantle his opponents, but how much of EC3 will be left when Lars Sullivan gets through with him?
EC3 skips the pageantry of his entrance to go right at Sullivan! He ducks the big hands to throw hands of his own! EC3 boots Sullivan out of the ring and fans fire up, but Sullivan returns. The bell rings and EC3 kicks Sullivan out again. EC3 goes out to pursue but Sullivan grabs him around the throat. EC3 breaks free to shove Sullivan into steel steps! But Sullivan is up quick to grab him again! EC3 pushes Sullivan into steel again, but Sullivan still comes back for more. Another shove and finally Sullivan falls! The referee checks on both men but EC3 is up first. Fans fire up as EC3 gets back in the ring. Sullivan clutches his back but EC3 is on him again. Sullivan knees low and puts EC3 in the ring.
The Mile High Monster climbs back in, bleeding from cuts on his back, but EC3 is on Sullivan with haymakers! EC3 chops Sullivan then tries to scoop but Sullivan fights out. Sullivan shoves EC3 to a corner, but misses and hits post! The ring shakes with the impact, then shakes as EC3 scoop slams Sullivan! EC3 gets the fans to say his name as he drops the elbow. Cover, ONE! EC3 goes after Sullivan with a facelock. Sullivan powers EC3 to a corner and into the buckles, then stands him up for big shoulders. Sullivan backs off at 4 to then toss EC3 across the way! EC3 gets to the corner but Sullivan runs in for the big corner splash! Sullivan backs up to run back in, but gets a back elbow. EC3 hops up and leaps for the missile dropkick! Then the STO-DDT! Cover, TWO!
Sullivan grits his teeth while EC3 brings him up by his beard. EC3 hooks Sullivan’s face then clubs that bloody back. EC3 runs and boots Sullivan’s face, but then Sullivan clobbers EC3 with a clothesline! Sullivan roars as he grabs EC3 for the atomic toss! But he’s not done with EC3, he drags him up for those vicious crossface forearms! EC3 is dazed while Sullivan covers, ONE!? EC3 surprises Sullivan with his resilience, but Sullivan makes him pay with a neck wrench. Fans build to a rally as EC3 endures. EC3 powers his way up, but Sullivan knees low. Sullivan lifts EC3 but EC3 slips out. EC3 gets a waistlock but Sullivan fights out with elbows. EC3 tries again, and gets a GIANT German Suplex! He adds a corner splash, then climbs up. Sullivan staggers as EC3 leaps for the crossbody! Cover, TWO!
EC3 keeps his focus while Sullivan catches his breath. EC3 manages a fireman’s carry but Sullivan fights out. Sullivan clobbers with another clothesline, and now EC3 bleeds from his brow. Sullivan roars, lifts EC3, but EC3 fights out. EC3 runs and clotheslines them both out of the ring! Fans fire up with EC3 but Sullivan catches him for a Freak Accident on the apron! Sullivan returns and climbs up top! MONSTER FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, Sullivan wins!
Winner: Lars Sullivan
The Top One Percent shows the wounds of war, but he pushed the Leviathan to his limits. Sullivan still wins in the end, where will this path of destruction lead him next?
My Thoughts:
Another solid episode of NXT here, packed full again. Nikki Cross does great to plug both her story with Bianca Belair and her role in the Aleister Black incident. Bianca also has a good response and we’ll get this rematch in a couple weeks, I’m thinking Nikki is Bianca’s first loss in NXT. Or Aleister Black shows up to interrupt and ask Nikki about the attacker. Either way, this will make for a fun good-bye for Nikki Cross before she joins SAnitY on SmackDown. The promo for the North American Championship triple threat was great, that is going to be a Takeover worthy match. Ciampa’s promo implies Ciampa VS Dream, and that’s going to be great, too. And might count as Dream’s Face turn.
Candice VS Lacey was great, and it really shows how far Lacey has come since debuting in NXT. Lacey is definitely the second best Heel behind Shayna Baszler. Shayna’s fight camp package was good, it reminds everyone that she’s not just a pro-wrestler and adds some edge to the rematch with Kairi Sane. The Forgotten Sons are still squashing jobbers, but that’s fine because we needed to see how all three of them work together. I wonder if these guys will make a shift to Face so that they can have a trios feud with The Undisputed Era. Or the Era can go Face since fans love those guys so much already. Then we get the surprise package for Lorcan & Burch, I wonder if this means they’re going to make some kind of tag team run when they return again.
Sullivan VS EC3 was so good, even for being short. Sullivan wins, obviously, but man EC3 looked strong in losing. EC3 can still make runs for titles, such as the North American Championship once that Triple Threat happens. Either that or Sullivan goes first and then EC3 comes back for payback and the title once Sullivan takes the belt off of whoever has it. There’s a lot of moving parts in the singles division, especially with Keith Lee currently building himself up and Matt Riddle coming in the near future. Sullivan VS Lee for a title would be great, actually, so definitely start fantasy booking that.
My Score: 8.6/10
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So close to the crowns, we can almost taste them!
Randy Orton and Asuka are waiting, who will join them in the King & Queen of the Ring finals set for Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman; Bron wins.
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill VS Roxanne Perez; Jade wins and advances to the finals.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Bayley; Becky wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes VS Jey Uso; Cody wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins is here!
Columbus, Ohio is ready to #BurnItDown as they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” The Visionary leads the way for Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, The Wise Man handling the Money in the Bank briefcase. They’re all feeling good after devastating LA Knight to the point of indefinite leave of absence from the bruised ribs caused by multiple Spears and Tsunamis. Rollins revels in the singing in his best Michael Jackson’s Bad ensemble. Heyman hands Rollins the mic, and Rollins says, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins! I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am…” “SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!”
Rollins takes off the sunglasses while the fans bark for Bron, and Rollins says, “Columbus, you are sending me mixed signals here. So let me ask you a question: All of you, everyone in this building, what do you want?” There is barking but there also seems to be chants for CM Punk. Rollins says exactly! One minute, the fans chant for CM Punk, then the next minute is the OTC, and then they’re barking for “The Dog,” then they’re singing his song! Which they do again.
Rollins says it is painfully obvious that the fans have no damn idea what they want, so Rollins does not care what they want! They don’t know what is good for them, so they need people like Rollins, visionaries like Rollins, to tell them what IS good for them! Rollins wants to try an experiment. Wrap your tiny little brains around this: Even the things that you think you want are because of Rollins. Roman Reigns, the OTC? He exists because of Rollins! CM Punk came back to the WWE because the fans chanted his name? No, CM Punk is back in the WWE because this company wanted to cash in on how much Rollins HATES CM Punk!
Cody Rhodes, The American Nightmare… There is no second coming of Cody unless Rollins is there to put Cody on the map! The World Heavyweight Championship? Rollins was the first! NXT Championship? Rollins was the first! Those things exists as they are because ROLLINS built them in HIS image! Rollins is the creator, the prime mover, the past, present, and FUTURE of this company! Rollins says between him and his “Oracle,” Paul Heyman, they know a thing or two about revolutions. And every revolution faces opposition. Rollins will deal with that opposition diplomatically until that opposition pushes Rollins and forces his hand.
That is exactly what happened to L A Knight, YEAH! Knight stuck his nose in Rollins’ business, and he got Tsunami after Tsunami after Tsunami for it! And… In a few minutes’ time, Rollins’ dog, Bron Breakker, has an opportunity to do the same thing to another person that has been a thorn in Rollins’ side: Penta. The fans cheer but Rollins will spell it out for us. There are a lot of people who think they’ve got what it takes to exist at the very top. Champions like John Cena and Gunther, or even their challengers like CM Punk and Goldberg, or even the King of the Ring entries, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso and Randy Orton!
But what they all fail to understand is they are all running a race for second place. “This (MITB briefcase) is the finish line. This is the endgame. It has and always will be Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” But wait, here comes Bron’s opponent! Will Penta’s #CeroMiedo be the key to ruining Rollins’ plans? We find out, after the break.
PENTA VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman!
Raw returns and the match is already underway as Bron rains down fits in the corner. The ref counts, Bron drags Penta up and whips him to ropes. Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up as Bron tumbles around! Bron sputters to his feet in a corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up, Penta brings Bron out, but Bron fires body shots. Bron shoves Penta, Penta dodges again to springboard and CROSSBODY! Penta keeps going, GAMANGIRI in the corner again! Then a HEADSTAND DROPKICK! The fans cheer Penta on while Bron bails out. Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” and Columbus joins in.
Penta builds speed, but Bron is back in! BACKDROP! The fans bark while Bron seethes. Bron stomps Penta, digs his forearms into Penta’s face and throat, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Bron reels Penta in, suplexes, and paces. The fans rally as Bron circle Penta. Bron stands Penta up but Penta fires body shots. Penta CHOPS, the fans cheer, but Bron kicks low. Bron whips, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Penta survives but Bron is amused now. Heyman coaches Bron to keep on Penta, and Bron RAMS into Penta again and again. The fans rally for Penta and the ref counts. Bron stops at 4 to bring Penta around.
Bron headlocks, Penta powers up and out, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges now! Bron builds speed and LARIATS! The fans bark and Bron says, “Since his first day here, he’s been trying to keep up with me. You’re never gonna beat me, ever!” Bron stomps Penta at the ropes, the ref counts, but Bron stops at 4. Bron stares down the fans as they either cheer or bark. Bron stands Penta up and scrapes Penta’s face off ropes! Bron hoists Penta up top, climbs up to get him, but Penta fires hands! The fans rally for Penta, Bron staggers back, but then Bron UPPERCUTS! Penta flops to the apron! Bron climbs, he drags Penta up by his mask, but Penta CHOPS! And CHOPS!
Penta runs and jumps to RANA! The fans fire up as Bron tumbles away! Penta KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Penta fires up, aims, and SUPERKICKS! But Bron just gets mad! Bron runs up, but Penta DUMPS him out! Penta then PLANCHAS, but Bron catches him to a fireman’s carry! But Penta slips free! Penta POSTS Bron, slides in the ring, and Penta KICKS Bron from the apron, Penta builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Bron at the ramp but Penta is also in bad shape. The ref hurries to check while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and now Bron and Penta are down behind the desk! It was first Bron hitting a GOURD BUSTER on the post, then Bron hitting his signature FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” as Bron and Penta rise. Bron brings Penta around the way to put him back in the ring. Bron stomps Penta, and stomps, and stomps, stomps, stomps! Bron then whips Penta to a corner, but Penta BOOTS back! Penta then ELBOWS Bron, runs up, but Bron grabs him by the neck! Gorilla press for the GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Bron grows frustrated, but Columbus cheers Penta on!
Bron looms over Penta, clamps on a headlock, and he grinds Penta down. Penta endures as Bron claims Penta wants to quit. Heyman says a smart person would quit! The fans rally, Penta fights up, and Penta fires body shots! Penta whips, Bron reverses, but Penta KICKS back! Penta dodges Bron, kicks the legs out, then runs to SLING-DOG! Bron flounders into a corner and the fans fire up with Penta! Penta winds up to CHOP! Penta whips corner to corner, Bron reverses, but Penta goes up and over! Bron holds onto ropes to stop the Backstabber, so Penta O’Conner Rolls, then rolls through, PANCAKE PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Bron escapes but Penta rises up! The fans fire up as Penta calls his shot! Penta runs in, DEST- NO, Bron throws Penta back! Penta SUPERKICKS, goes up, but Bron somersaults?! Bron JUMP KNEES Penta! Bron then runs back up, goes right up, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up again! Heyman grows frustrated, but Bron brings down the straps. Bron builds speed while the fans bark, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta calls his shot, runs up, but Bron grabs Penta again! Another gorilla press, but Penta DDTS out of it! And now, RUNNING DESTROYER!!! Cover, TWO!!
Bron survives and shocks Penta! The fans can’t believe it either, but “This is Awesome!” Penta and Bron rise, and Penta brings Bron in. Penta pump handles but Bron switches! Bron back suplexes, Penta lands out and mule kicks the legs! Penta fires up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard into the SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Bron ends this one in the blink of an eye with a rather badass counterattack! Rollins returns to ringside to celebrate with Bron, and he tells Penta this is his final warning: Stay out of Rollins’ way! Will Penta listen? Or will Penta stay in the fight against Rollins’ “revolution?”
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
The Raw General Manager is discussing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships with the SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, but has to end the call as someone walks in. AJ Styles is here and asks why Pearce wanted to see him. Pearce says that Liv Morgan is out with injury, but apparently Dominik Mysterio is, too. What? What’d Dom do, strain his mustache? Pearce says the paperwork is legitimate so now the match at Night of Champions is off. Styles says this is just Dom ducking him! He’s gonna go make sure Dom’s hurt. Pearce stops Styles there and says to trust him. When Dom is 100%, Styles is first in line to challenge him.
Styles says fine, he will be waiting. Styles exits, but is Dirty Dom just pulling some kind of charade to avoid a phenomenal title defense? That aside, The New Day walks in, along with Grayson Waller. Xavier Woods says go on, Styles, go on. Kofi Kingston says champions are dropping like flies. A shame, really. Woods is happy they have time to talk with Pearce, they have an idea for a photoshoot. New shirts, great abs, it makes sense. Pearce says he actually wants to talk with them about a match. A MATCH!? Yes. For the tag titles. Against Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. WHAT!? But also, guess what else? It. Don’t say it! Is… Don’t…!! Official! NO!!
Pearce thanks them for dropping by, and Kofi says he is so bad! Pearce knows. Waller hangs back and tells Pearce not to treat his new friends, the NEW~ DAY~, like that! Waller leaves, Pearce sighs, but will the Judgment Day have their day against the New Day next Monday Night Raw?
Exclusive interview with Bill Goldberg.
Michael Cole sat down with the living legend to talk about the revenge he wants against Gunther for the comments made last year. That revenge will be Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. What is it about Gunther that put Goldberg in this kind of mood? Goldberg answers with his own question: Did we expect anything less from Goldberg? Was there any way he was going to let those comments slide? Cole knows that’s a no. Goldberg takes his family to a WWE event as a fan. They try to relax and have a good night, no worries about opponents. And he steps into a verbal assault from Gunther.
The lack of respect from Gunther that Goldberg say that night was pretty unbelievable. Astonishing even. Did Gunther embarrass Goldberg in front of his wife? Yes. Did he embarrass Goldberg in front of his son? Absolutely. Did he embarrass Goldberg in front of his fans and adopted home of Atlanta? 100%. So there was no way Goldberg was going to let Gunther get away with it. Goldberg didn’t know where and he didn’t know when he would seek revenge, but he was going to introduce Gunther to the true Goldberg. And it didn’t matter if he was 58 or 28, Goldberg could have one foot in the grave, no one is going to talk to him like that.
So yeah, Gunther embarrassed Goldberg in front of his family. So as Goldberg is vying for a retirement match, wondering who his opponent would be, it was rather serendipitous that Gunther has put himself in that spot. This is the logical choice. As long as Goldberg can step foot into the ring, he will make Gunther pay. Goldberg vows to beat to F outta Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event! Goldberg is fired up for what will be his FINAL match, and it will be for the World Heavyweight Champion! Will Goldberg add one more reign to his legacy? Or will Der Ring General crush the seemingly unbreakable?
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
With WWE 2K on autopilot in the background, the supposedly hurt Dominik says he misses Liv already. Raquel does, too, we all do. Even Finn. But they all know Liv, and they all know Liv wouldn’t want them sitting around and sulking. Dom is still Intercontinental Champion, and once he’s cleared to compete, he’ll show Styles exactly why he is “Dirty Dom.” And Roxie, she faces Jade Cargill tonight. When Roxie beats Jade, she’ll go on to become Queen of the Ring! And then he and JD have a tag title match next week, and they will bring those belts home! And Raquel, she IS the Women’s World Tag Team Championship, she’s got this!
Raquel brings up that Aldis and Pearce are working out a decision on these titles. Finn says they’ll cross that bridge when it comes. And well, maybe if Rhea shows up… WHAT WAS THAT?! See? That’s the fire Finn wants from Raquel! That’s the enforcer they know! Raquel can’t just let Rhea walk all over her. She needs to be the enforcer, and the enforcer they know would make Rhea pay. Raquel agrees with that! She’ll go take care of her! Raquel heads out and Dom still misses Liv. Roxie assures him, it’ll all be okay. Dom wishes Roxie luck tonight, and now Roxie heads out. The boys are a bit torn, but will Finn be right about everything?
Lyra Valkyria finds Bayley backstage.
The Morrigan asks if The Role Model has a second to chat. Lyra wishes Bayley luck tonight against Becky Lynch, and apologizes for being a bit salty last week. Nobody knows more than Lyra how much Bayley has earned her match with Becky. Speaking of, Becky was walking this way, but sees these two and turns around. Bayley says wow, she didn’t know she needed Lyra’s approval to get this title match. Lyra says that’s not what she means. Bayley cools off and apologizes. This match has been on her mind all week, but she promises that when she beats Becky, Lyra is first in line. Lyra says okay, so they’re cool? They’re cool.
Lyra wishes Bayley luck and heads out. Bayley finishes preparing, but will she be able to bring down The Man? Or will #FiveStarBecks stay golden?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill VS Roxanne Perez!
The Storm is in Columbus, and she wants to reign as the Queen of the Ring. But The Prodigy has a long list of accomplishments backing her up, will she just add QOTR finalist to it? Or is Jade about to step right over her to go against Asuka?
Raw returns as Roxie makes her entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. Jade and Roxie approach, but then Roxie bails out. The fans boo but Roxie says we do this on her time. Jade dares Roxie to bring it, and Roxie takes her time stepping back inside. Roxie and Jade circle, feel things out, but Roxie smirks as she goes to the apron. The fans boo more but Roxie just smiles. Jade scowls but Roxie steps back in. They circle again, but Roxie dodges Jade to SLAP her! Then Roxie runs for it! Jade gives chase, they get back in the ring and Roxie headlocks. Jade blocks the takeover to THROW Roxie to a corner!
Jade runs in, blocks a boot, then ROCKS Roxie. Jade pops Roxie up and holds her up, but Roxie slips through to sunset flip! Jade YANKS Roxie back up, puts her back in the corner, and runs in again. Roxie dodges, then she ROCKS Jade! Roxie takes a bow, but Jade huffs ‘n’ puffs. Roxie gets worried, apologizes and then bails out again. Jade again gives chase, they go back in the ring, and Roxie runs up. Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the FLAPJACK still finds her! Roxie flounders around but Jade eggs her on. Jade stands Roxie up to SLAP her back! Roxie flops out of the ring and Jade goes after her. Roxie HOTSHOTS Jade in the ropes!
Roxie runs and tilt-o-whirls, but Jade stops that to hit a BACKBREAKER! Jade storms up on Roxie, TOSSES her across the way, and she fires Columbus up. Jade does push-ups because Roxie isn’t enough of a workout! The fans cheer while Roxie flops out of the ring. Jade storms after Roxie, the cat ‘n’ mouse continues, and Jade avoids hitting steps! Jade ELBOWS Roxie back, then fireman’s carries. Jade carries Roxie around, high-fives some fans, then goes up the steel steps! But Roxie slips free and CHOP BLOCKS! Jade sits down hard on the steps, then Roxie DROPKICKS one of the knees! Jade writhes and Roxie goes back for more!
Roxie stomps away on Jade’s leg while the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Roxie UPPERCUTS Jade in the corner! Roxie rolls, comes back, and UPPERCUTS again! Roxie rolls again, runs back in again, but Jade catches her! Jade hits a back suplex but Roxie lands out! CHOP BLOCK! Jade is down and Roxie runs, UPPERCUT against the ropes! Jade falls back, Roxie goes up, up, and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and Roxie shrieks in frustration! Roxie grabs a leg, steps over, and has the standing toehold! The fans rally while Jade endures. Jade keeps her shoulders up as she reaches for Roxie, and the fans rally up again. Jade kicks at Roxie with her free leg, then BOOTS her down!
Roxie flounders to a corner, runs up on Jade, but Jade scoops! Roxie slips around to have a SLEEPER! Roxie is a backpack and she brings Jade down to a knee! But Jade fights up and RAMS Roxie in to a corner! The fans fire up as Jade is free! Roxie goes up a corner while the fans duel, and Roxie CROSSBODIES! But Jade catches her! The fans fire up as Jade then FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jade shakes her bad leg out, kips up, but the bad leg still bothers her. Jade runs, and she rallies on Roxie with ax handles! Then a BOOT! Roxie rebounds into a SPINEBUSTER! Jade fires up, slaps the leg into working, and the fans rally behind her.
Jade waits on Roxie, brings her up with a choke grip, and she gets a taste! CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Roxie survives the slam dunk and Jade is stunned! Jade hurries to grab at Roxie but Roxie grabs ropes. Jade throws Roxie, then SUPERKICKS! Roxie wobbles, Jade chicken wings, but Roxie victory rolls! And then a step over to an O’Conner BRIDGE! TWO!! Jade kicks, Roxie dodges, and Roxie SUPERKICKS! Roxie shrieks, runs, and tilt-o-whirls, LA MSYTICA! Then the handspring, DOUBLE KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Roxie is furious that Jade survives! Roxie shrieks as she flails and hammers away!
Roxie drags Jade up, tells her she’s messing with the wrong prodigy, but then Jade ROCKS Roxie! Roxie SOBATS, then hops on, but Jade slips free! BOOT! A glancing blow, but Jade hurries to get Roxie up! POWERBOMB! High stack, Roxie fights, so Jade spins her and chicken wings! JADED!!! Cover, Jade wins!!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Roxie may be a prodigy, but Jade is proving to be a force of nature! And wait! Here comes Asuka! The Empress of Tomorrow struts her way out on stage, and she takes off her kabuki mask to look Jade in the eyes. Jade is the storm, but Asuka has the fire, will these two change the entire landscape of the WWE Women’s Division?
Sheamus talks with the Alpha Academy.
The Fella says he told them before, Natalya & Maxxine have a great chance at those Women’s Tag Team Championships. Natty thanks Sheamus, that is appreciated, but Sheamus did a great job in last week’s KOTR Fatal 4 Way. He shouldn’t lose sight of how great he is. Maxxine says sorry it didn’t work out. Sheamus says it’s fine, at least he got to put Rusev in his place. Akira Tozawa says next time… Oh, but here come Rusev. Rusev tells Tozawa to go, and Sheamus has The Alpha Academy move on. Rusev asks if Sheamus is still pretending to be everyone’s friend. This place is full of people like that. They smile to your face, but then stab you in the back.
Is Rusev trying to rile Sheamus up? Cuz Sheamus is used to beating his own drum. And that drum is ten beats o’ the Bodhrain, and he’d love to do it on Rusev’s chest. Rusev says he does his damage in the ring like a god, while Sheamus does his back here like a snake. Oh, Rusev’s a god now? Some god. Rusev was the most embarrassing and egotistical member in the League of Nations. That’s what Sheamus remembers. And he’s tired of talking. So no more BS. Put up or shut up! Rusev vows to make new memories. Rusev leaves, but when and where will Bulgarian Brute and Celtic Warrior have their grudge match?
GUNTHER is here!
The fans are a bit torn seeing the World Heavyweight Champion make his way to the ring, belt around his waist, and surprisingly no suit jacket. That must ironically mean Gunther is all business as he grabs himself a mic. The fans boo, but Gunther says, “Last week was supposed to be my celebration. Me, celebrating regaining what’s rightfully mine, the World Heavyweight Championship! But instead, none other than Bill Goldberg walked down here, looked me straight in the eye, and told me that I am next. So I did a lot of thinking. I thought a lot about what it means to be ‘next.’
“Usually being next means getting speared outta your boots, Jackhammer, 1-2-3, and waking up, looking at the lights. Bill Goldberg is the most destructive man of his generation. But it is not 1999 anymore! It is 2025, and right now, I’M THE GUY!” The fans are torn on that, surprisingly. Gunther says he is the best wrestler in this company, and the world title around his waist proves it! Gunther says he heard what Goldberg said. Intense as always. But nothing changes Gunther’s perception about him: That is a 58-year-old one trick pony that can’t lace Gunther’s boots! The fans are torn again, but Gunther wants to take this moment to apologize.
Gunther apologizes to Goldberg’s wife and son… for everything he is about to do to the man that used to be Goldberg! Gunther is unlike anyone Goldberg has ever faced! Gunther embarrassed him once, and he will embarrass Goldberg again at Saturday Night’s Main Event! It is Gunther’s personal responsibility to make sure that the myth that is Bill Goldberg DIES! Der Ring General storms back out and the fans are just as fired up! Will this be a human demolition derby in Atlanta?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Jackie Redmond is with The Man and apologizes for interrupting as Becky prepares for her match. But Jackie was hoping for her thoughts on- Becky interrupts and says her thoughts are on how she just saw Bayley and Lyra conspiring to work together! That is the only way they can get this title off her! Well, she’s said too much already. Becky hurries off, is paranoia getting to her? Meanwhile, Jackie spots Sami Zayn. Jackie asks Sami if he has a second. He is coming off a loss to Randy Orton, but we all know how much becoming world champion means to him. She has to ask, how is he processing the loss?
Sami starts with, “Um,” but then Karrion Kross joins. Kross mockingly asks what kind of response is, “Um.” But he isn’t trying to upset Sami. Sami must be really, really happy. Kross believed everything Sami said last week. “I’m good enough to become the world champion!” But what happened? What Kross said would happen: Sami wrestled The Viper, and got dropped. Kross wants Sami to get it through his thick skull: the way Sami is now, the way Sami wants to be, that Sami will never be world champion. Sami shakes his head, but then says, “Okay. Okay.” Then Sami DECKS Kross! Sami tells Kross he is done talking! Sami talked to Pearce. Their match is official! Tick-tock.
Sami leaves, Scarlett checks on Kross, but then she says, “Stop it.” They were both playing along and they’ve suckered Sami in! Will Sami’s time fade away as he goes up against Mr. Doomsday?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Bayley!
Well, you can’t spell “megalomaniac” without “MAN,” and that’s what The Man has become. But will all the power and glory Becky has cheated to gain go away? Or will she foil the “conspiracy” between Role Model and Morrigan?
Raw returns as Becky makes her entrance in a very big fur coat. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see which horsewoman wears the gold!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Becky and Bayley slowly circle, talk a little trash, and then tie up. They go around collar ‘n’ elbow, and Becky pulls Bayley’s hair! Bayley puts Becky in the corner, grinds forearms in, but then Becky shoves Bayley. Bayley eggs Becky on, so Becky SLAPS Bayley! Bayley fires a flurry of forearms in the corner! The erf counts, Bayley whips Becky corner to corner and fires more forearms! The ref counts again, Bayley climbs up, but Becky slips free! Bayley runs to CLOBBER Becky! Bayley then runs to ELBOW Becky in the back! And then SLIDING- NO, Becky rolls through the lariat to have the arm!
Bayley fights, stands, and steps over, but Becky trips Bayley up! Becky goes for the arm again, they go around and around, and Bayley TOSSES Becky through ropes! Becky shoves Bayley away, then RAMS into her! Becky steps in, but Bayley HOTSHOTS her after all! Becky flops to the floor and the ring count starts. Bayley slides out, runs up the steps, and she FLYING ELBOWS Becky down! The fans fire up and Bayley brings Becky up. Bayley ROCKS Becky, Becky BODY SHOTS, but Bayley SMACKS Becky off barriers! Bayley puts Becky in at 7 of 10, then she goes up the corner. AX HAN- NO, Becky grabs the arm!
Bayley fights the takedown and shoves Becky away. Bayley runs up but Becky puts her on the apron. Bayley ROCKS Becky, climbs up, but Becky goes to the apron. Bayley drags Becky up by her hair, but Becky HOTSHOTS Bayley’s arm! Bayley falls to the floor and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the fans rally as Bayley rises back up. Becky flounders to ropes, Bayley runs up and LAIRATS! And LARIATS! And then dodges a haymaker to SAIDO! Becky stands, Bayley runs, and Bayley KNEES Becky down! Bayley then fireman’s carries, swings, and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Bayley grows frustrated. Bayley huffs ‘n’ puffs as she stalks Becky. The fans rally, Bayley clinches, but Becky slips free! Becky dragon sleepers, Bayley snapmares and hooks Becky up! Becky fights to a SAIDO! Becky then clinches, MANHAND- NO, Bayley fights that to BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up while both women are down! Bayley and Becky each stir, then they roll away to opposite corners. Becky drags herself up with the ropes, Bayley runs in, but Becky dodges! JUMP KICK blocked and Bayley THROWS Becky into buckles! Bayley runs in, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Bayley drags Becky into a cover, TWO! Becky survives but Bayley brushes that off to go up the corner. The fans rally, but Becky ROCKS Bayley first! Becky climbs up after Bayley, she and Bayley trade shots! Becky CLUBS away on Bayley’s back, the fans rally up, and Becky hits a SUPERPLEX! Then she grabs the arm, ARMBAR!!
The fans fire up, Bayley stacks Becky, TWO! Becky hast he arm again, but Bayley flips Becky over! O’Conner style cover, TWO! Bayley comes back, gets the legs again, but Becky kicks and kicks and kicks! Bayley still turns her for a HALF CRAB! Bayley can only hold onto the one leg with her one arm, and Becky crawls forward! ROPEBREAK! Bayley lets go at 4, then runs back up to ROCK Becky! Bayley runs up again but Becky BOOTS her! Becky runs up but Bayley ROCKS her back! They go forearm for forearm, the fans duel with every shot, but Bayley has the majority. This turns into a scrap and the fans all fire up!
Becky catches Bayley, but Bayley fights free! Bayley now catches Becky to steal the MANHANDLE SLAM!! But Becky flops all the way out of the ring! The fans fire up while Bayley grows frustrated. The ring count starts but Bayley pursues. Becky stands, and she THROWS Becky over the desk! Becky hurries over, and she shoves the chairs onto Bayley! Becky grabs other chairs and adds to the pile! Becky is literally burying Bayley then leaves her behind! The ring count continues, but wait! Lyra is here and she unburies Bayley! Becky runs up on Lyra to DECK her! Lyra is pissed but Becky gets away!
Lyra wants after Becky but she holds back because this would be a disqualification! Bayley pushes Lyra aside, but Becky DECKS her now! Then Becky runs, but Lyra takes the dropkick for Bayley! Bayley SMACKS Becky off the desk, TOSSES her over the desk, then drags her back up! Bayley POSTS Becky, but the ring count climbs as she THROWS Becky into barriers! Bayley puts Becky in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Bayley climbs up! But Lyra attacks Becky!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Lyra is pissed but so is Bayley! Lyra still WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! Bayley drags Lyra into the ring and asks what the hell! Bayley had this match won and Lyra had to go and lose her temper! Becky grins as she gets to scurry away with the title. Lyra realizes her mistake a little too late, but was it really a mistake? Or does she just want to be the one that dethrones The Man?
Chad Gable talks with Ivy Nile.
He tells her not to tell The Creed Brothers, but she has always been his favorite. Now, she should’ve won MITB, and she should still be in QOTR, but she has had Stephanie Vaquer in the way. Next time, do what Gable does like he did to Rey Mysterio, to Otis, and others: Wipe ’em out completely, regardless of the cost. Gable spots someone and says they’ll finish this lesson later. Gable walks over to Penta and says far be it for him to laugh at someone else’s misfortune. That is, unless they deserve it. But in this case, Penta, it was Gable’s pleasure watching Bron destroy him earlier. Maybe Gable will finish the job!
Penta tells Gable to shut up but Gable says maybe he’ll rip that mask right off Penta’s head to show his ugly face! Penta shoves Gable, Gable takes a swing, and Penta dodges! Penta SUPERKICKS Gable down! Penta says he warned Gable! SACRIFICE on the arm!! Refs and producers rush in, as do the Creeds, and Penta leaves for Gable to writhe in pain. Will this keep Gable and El Grande Americano out of action for awhile?
Raquel Rodriguez is in the ring.
Ricky Desperado has a mic, and she calls out Rhea! She insults her in Spanish, and then tells Rhea in English that she won’t screw Raquel outta QOTR and get away with it! Raquel tells Rhea that she could drag her out here by her nose ring, or Rhea can make it easy and walk out here to take the beating she deserves! Rhea makes her entrance and the fans fire up! Mami stares Big Mami Cool down the whole way, and then the fight is on! Rhea dodges to fire hands! Raquel shoves Rhea, runs up, but Rhea dodges, only for the AX HANDLES to find her! Rhea comes back to BOOT Raquel! Raquel bails out and Rhea is fired up!
Rhea steps outside but Raquel RAMS her into the apron! And then THROWS her over the barriers! Rhea lands in the timekeeper’s area, but Raquel says she’s not done! Raquel goes under the ring to bring out a TABLE! The fans fire up for that as Raquel puts the table in the ring. But Rhea stands on the desk! FLYING FOREARM! Down goes Raquel, and then Rhea RAMS her into steel steps! The fans fire up and Rhea grins. Rhea says if Raquel wants tables, then she’ll get tables! Rhea sets that table up in the ring, positions it near a corner, then fetches Raquel. Rhea pump handles Raquel, but here comes Roxie!
Roxie jumps on Rhea as a backpack, but Rhea pops her up onto the Electric Chair! SLAM off the top buckles! But Raquel gets up and under, TEXANA BOMB through the table!! The fans boo but Raquel and Roxie just took down the Eradicator! Will they actually end up amigas because of this?
Raw returns and…
Rhea storms into Pearce’s office! She demands a match with Raquel! Pearce says sure, how about a Street Fight? Even better! Then it’s official! Pearce says he couldn’t have said it better himself. Rhea got up after that table Texana Bomb, but will she make sure Raquel doesn’t get up after their grudge match?
PROGRAMMING NOTE for next week!
It will be a special early edition of Monday Night Raw that starts at 6PM Eastern, 3PM Pacific, live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes VS Jey Uso!
The American Nightmare and Main Event Jey Uso have a long and storied history, from battling Roman Reigns and The Bloodline together, to holding the tag team championships together, to holding the top championships in the WWE at the same time. But now, only one of them can go for the crown. Will there be adrenaline in the soul? Or will we all YEET on the way to the Night of Champions?
The fans want to YEET “One More Time!” so Jey says why not. The music starts and Columbus gets to YEET again! Then Cody makes his entrance, and the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, the bell rings, and the fans duel between “Cody! Cody Rhodes~!” and “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Cody and Jey soak in the moment, nod and shake hands, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. These two circle, feel things out, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, and Cody powers Jey back, only for Jey to headlock. Cody powers up and out but Jey RUNS him over! Cover, ONE! Cody sweeps to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff!
Cody and Jey reset, the fans duel even harder, and the two feel things out. They tie up, Cody wrenches and wristlocks, then cranks on the arm. Cody puts Jey in a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over. Jey arm-drags Cody, Cody arm-drags Jey, and the fans cheer the new standoff! Jey shakes out his arm and resets with Cody again. They tie up, Cody waistlocks, then headlocks. Jey endures the grind while fans sing for Cody some more. Jey wrenches at the hold, headlocks in return, but Cody powers up and out. Cody stays back of the up ‘n’ over, then dragon sleepers! Jey snapmares free, but Cody narrowly avoids the superkick!
Jey says it was that close, YEET! Cody nods and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Cody has Jey in a FIGURE FOUR! Jey endures, reaches out, and the fans rally! ROPEBREAK! Cody lets go quickly and he brings Jey back around. Cody spins Jey but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Jey then mule kicks, pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! But Cody kicks to then RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs but into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this but Jey stays focused. Cody crawls away, Jey backs up to the opposite corner, “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Cody sputters, Jey goes up the corner, and USO SPLASH onto knees! Cody drags Jey into a KIMURA!! Cody uses what The Beast once used on him!
The fans rally, Jey endures, but Cody cranks on the arm! Jey fights up, whips Cody away, and then Jey has the SLEEPER! Jey uses what he used on Gunther! Cody fights and flails but he’s fading! Cody drops to a knee, and Jey becomes a backpack! Cody gets a second wind, but even that fades! Cody gets a third wind and he hoists Jey up! The fans fire up as Cody then runs and DUMPS Jey up and over the top rope! The fans rally while both men are down! The ref calls to Jey and starts a ring count. Jey stirs at 3 of 10 while Cody huffs ‘n’ puffs and stands back up. Cody builds speed, and Cody DVIES into an UPPERCUT!
The fans fire up and Jey hurries to the corner. Jey climbs, but Cody ROCKS Jey first! Cody climbs up to get Jey, “This is Awesome!” as the two brawl up top! Cody goes to the very top, but Jey HEADBUTTS him down! Jey adjusts, but Cody springs right back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cody and Jey both writhe, and Cody goes to the apron while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Cody fires hands on Jey! Jey is down on his knees, Cody CLUBS and ROCKS him again! Jey shoves Cody, but Cody fires more shots! Jey counter punches! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Cody JABS! JABS! JABS! Cody flips, flops, and- UPPERCUT from Jey! Jey pops, locks, puts some stank on it, but Cody ROCKS Jey! Jey ROCKS Cody, then runs, btu Cody follows and CLOBBERS Jey! Cody goes to a corner, Jey runs in, but Cody goes up and over! Only for Jey to fake Cody out on the snap powerslam! Cody staggers up, into Jey’s SNAP POWERSLAM! Jey uses a very Cody kind of move, and then he puts on a dragon sleeper!
Cody KNEES Jey away, then runs to springboard, CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Cody is a bit surprised. “This is Awesome!” and Cody watches Jey stir. Jey rises, Cody brings him around, springboard and- NO, Jey ducks the Disaster Kick to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives and Jey is the one surprised! The fans rally up as both men go to ropes. Jey aims from a corner, runs in, but into a KICK! Cody goes to the corner, goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Jey survives and Cody is shocked! But then Cody fires himself back up, the fans rally even harder, and Cody waits on Jey.
Jey rises, Cody dragon sleepers, but Jey spins it around?! CROSS RHODES from Jey!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives his own move and Jey is beside himself! Columbus is thunderous as Jey goes back to a corner. Jey watches Cody rise up now, and he SUPERKICKS Cody back down! Jey dares Cody to get back up, and Cody does rise back up. Jey SUPERKICKS again! Cody falls but Jey drags him around. Jey whips, runs, and SPEARS!! But that isn’t all as Jey puts Cody in a drop zone. Jey climbs up a corner, but Cody is right back up!! Jey and Cody go for a ride in the SUPER DUPER CODY CUTTER!!!
The fans are electric as Cody puts Jey in the dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
These two know each other so well, that’s how they were able to push each other this far! And while he is still Main Event Jey Uso, he loses out to The American Nightmare! Cody shows his friend great respect by kneeling down and looking him in the eye. The fans cheer as the friends stand up together and hug it out. But now this puts Cody on a collision course with his friend and mentor, Randy Orton! Will Cody or Orton be crowned King of the Ring?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw as the go-home to Night of Champions, which is still happening as of this moment. Great opening promo from Rollins to put everything in perspective, while also calling out the fans at the same time. Great segue into Bron VS Penta, and that was a great opening match. Bron winning makes sense, the henchmen need to stay strong if they’re also to be contenders in their own right, whether for tag titles or midcard titles. And great bit with Penta and Gable, this would be a great way to expose El Grande as Gable with the “bad arm.”
Good promo from Sheamus with Alpha Academy and then with Rusev. Sheamus VS Rusev 1v1 is going to be big, but I suddenly want there to be a “Best of” series, so they can go like four, five, six matches, or as Sheamus would put it, banger after banger. Then the winner is more than primed for a title shot, either Intercontinental or World Heavyweight, and they could make a very good case for winning. Speaking of which, not sure how real Dom needing time to heal up is, but Judgment Day said Dom needed it so I guess it isn’t them fooling everyone. Styles VS Dom might be set up for Saturday Night’s Main Event with this delay to help build that show up.
The New Day had a good promo with Adam Pearce, too, with them being so offended at the idea of defending the tag titles, and now Waller trying to be the new third man or something. But hey, I’ve been wanting to see someone somewhere book a Heel VS Heel thing, so here we are, and Waller can make a great counter to like, Dom being the cornerman for Finn & JD. Also, good stuff with Raquel, Rhea and Roxie. Roxie helping Raquel get one over on Rhea is a nice touch, and it probably leads to Roxie & Raquel defending the tag titles together. Whether or not Roxie screws Raquel over is still up in the air with Liv’s shoulder injury so much worse than expected.
Goldberg and Gunther had very good promos to hype their match, and I kinda liked Columbus, OH being on Gunther’s side there. And with it being a combination of retirement match yet also title match, that practically screams, “Rollins is going to cash-in.” Maybe, just maybe, Goldberg wins to have that last title reign and then Rollins cashes in, making it one of the shortest reigns ever. Or to get even more heat from Goldberg’s fans, Rollins cashes in during the match to parallel his Heist of the Century moment.
Good promo for Bayley and Lyra, and very good promo from Becky where she assumes the worst. Becky VS Bayley was great, but they could’ve done a lot better with Lyra messing up the finish for Bayley. Lyra running in there when Bayley was up top felt like Lyra was being far too foolish. Now granted, the other way would’ve been an “accidental” punch on Bayley where Lyra was aiming for Becky, so they were kinda stuck. But obviously, this helps them set up a Triple Threat for the title, and they should put it for Evolution.
Great promo from Sami and Kross, especially with Sami finally hitting Kross. Sami VS Kross being for Night of Champions is great stuff, because Sami finally gets to be part of a big PLE again. And since this is all working to Kross’ plans, maybe this brings Sami closer to turning Heel. Great tournament matches tonight, Jade beating Roxie made sense when Roxie has her Judgment Day story to fall back on, and Asuka VS Jade is certainly a big deal. I feel like either woman could win, but given the stories we’ve got going, I’m leaning towards Jade because of Naomi being Miss MITB, but we definitely need to see Asuka VS Iyo happen for the Women’s World title, too.
Cody VS Jey was awesome, practically a PLE match, but as I figured, we are now getting Cody VS Orton in the finals. That is because Cody will win, then face Cena at SummerSlam, and I would think Cody wins there, too. It makes me also think that we could get a wild double turn. Fans are loving what Cena is doing, he could go back to being Face while we finally get that Homelander Heel Cody fans have been curious about during his time in AEW.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

May your New Japan Soul reach the Climax!
With spots left open in the G1 Climax, it’s win-and-you’re-in as NJPW pits Tomohiro Ishii against “Drilla” Moloney and Taichi against Callum Newman!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Zane Jay; Time Limit Draw.
- Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Yasuda wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Toru Yano, YOH, Master Wato, Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- 8 Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Yuya Uemura & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young; Uemura & Taguchi win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Gabe Kidd & Taiji Ishimori; Gabe & Taiji win.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Boltin Oleg & Shota Umino VS TMDK; Goto, Oleg & Umino win.
- G1 Climax 35 B Block Play-In: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins and advances to the G1.
- G1 Climax 35 A Block Play-In: Taichi VS Callum Newman; Callum wins and advances to the G1.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 35 B Block Play-In: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
It’s a dogfight in Korakuen Hall! But will the Stone Pitbull beat some respect into this whelp? Or will this War Dog take a big bite out of the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion?
The bell rings and the fans rally up already. The two tie up as the fans duel, and Drilla headlocks. Ishii powers up and out, Drilla RAMS him, but Ishii comes back. Drilla dodges, Ishii dodges, Drilla hurdles, but Ishii spins him for a suplex. Drilla fights that and lifts, but Ishii fights free! Drilla ducks the enzigiri, but then Ishii avoids the Gore! The fans fire up for the standoff. Ishii and Drilla reset, and Ishii shoves Drilla. Drilla CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and repeat! The fans cheer as the CHOPS keep going back and forth! CHOP after CHOP, but Ishii starts to feel those! Drilla CHOPS and CHOPS, but Ishii ducks!
Ishii waistlocks, Drilla switches, Ishii elbows free then runs, but into Drilla’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Ishii bails out. Drilla builds speed and he WRECKS Ishii with the dropkick! Ishii hits railing and the fans fire up! Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes out to fetch Ishii. Drilla CHOPS Ishii again and the fans applaud. The ref wants this back inside so Drilla pushes Ishii in the ring. Drilla taunts the fans, “The F you say?” then he steps inside. Drilla CHOPS Ishii but Ishii eggs him on. Drilla CHOPS again, and CHOPS again, but Ishii SPITS at Drilla! Drilla BOOTS, CHOPS, then he SPITS at Ishii! Drilla snapmares Ishii to KICK him in the back!
Ishii snarls and the fans fire up. Ishii shakes his head and Drilla scuffs him. Drilla gives mocking kicks, eggs Ishii on, and the fans rally up. Ishii eggs Drilla on, so Drilla gives him more kicks. Ishii rises to fire forearms! Drilla ROCKS Ishii! And ROCKS him again! Ishii winds up but Drilla ROCKS him a third time! Drilla reels Ishii in, lifts, but Ishii fights the suplex! They fight for control, the fans duel, and it’s Ishii who suplexes Drilla up and over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii rises, he brings Drilla up, but Drilla CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Drilla fires up and CHOPS! Ishii scowls and CHOPS back!
Ishii reels Drilla in but Drilla fights with elbows. Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, and reels Drilla in for a SAIDO! The fans fire up and Ishii rises again! Ishii stalks Drilla to a corner, winds up and CHOPS! CHOPS! And ROCKS! Ishii CHOPS and ROCKS Drilla again and again, Drilla sputters and the fans fire up. Ishii comes back to stand Drilla up. Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, and Drilla DROPKICKS! Ishii stays up!? And POUNCES Drilla in return! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Ishii drags Drilla up, puts him on the top rope, then climbs. The fans rally as Ishii brings Drilla to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!
The fans fire up again and Ishii hurries to cover, TWO! Drilla survives and the fans cheer. Ishii stands, and he looms over Drilla. Drilla sits up, Ishii brings him up, but Drilla SLAPS! Ishii SLAPS, and now it is a SLAP fight! The fans fire up as the SLAPS go fast ‘n’ furious! Ishii ROCKS Drilla with one, then kicks him! So Drilla SLAPS back! And then DECKS Ishii!! The fans fire up while Ishii is down! Ishii stirs, Drilla roars, and Drilla runs, but Ishii SWATS the lariat to fire boxing elbows! But Drilla spins, but Ishii ROCKS him first! Ishii runs, but into a wrench and short arm LARIAT! ROLLING ELBOW! Drilla runs to GORE, but Ishii stuffs it!
Ishii lifts, Drilla wrenches free, but Ishii ROCKS him! Ishii runs, but into Drilla’s SPINEBUSTER! Drilla runs and GORES!! Cover, TWO!?! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous. The fans rally up and duel between Ishii and Moloney. Drilla rises, staggers a bit, but he steadies himself. Drilla brings Ishii up and puts him on the top rope. Drilla ROCKS Ishii, fires the fans up more, and the fans bark along with Drilla. Drilla rises, but Ishii fires body shots! Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla, but Drilla GAMANGIRIS in return! Drilla climbs back up, drags Ishii onto his shoulders, and he fireman’s carries for a SUPER DUPER LANDSLIDE!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Ishii survives, the fans are thunderous, and we’re only ten minutes in?! Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him back in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla still hits a PILEDRIVER!! But Ishii’s right up!?! He dodges a boot, blocks the next kick, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Both men are down and the fans rally even harder! Ishii crawls away to a corner, and he fires himself up as he rises. Drilla stands, Ishii runs up, but Drilla BOOTS the lariat! Ishii spins to LARIAT, but Drilla ENZIGIRIS! Ishii comes back, but into a pump handle! MADE IN JAPAN!?! Cover, TWO!!! Drilla tried to be a Rampaging Dragon but he couldn’t put Ishii down!
The fans are thunderous again as Drilla rises and Ishii stirs. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, Canadian Rack! Ishii slips free, Alabama Lifts, but Drilla fights that! They fight for control, and Ishii lifts for a BEACH BREAK!! A shoutout to Ishii’s Freshly Squeezed friend, and both men are down! Ishii crawls over, he sits Drilla up and runs, but Drilla avoids the Sliding Lariat! Drilla takes a swing, but into a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX! But Drilla is right up?!? Only for Ishii to LARIAT him back down! The fans are electric as Ishii sits Drilla up, for the SLIDING LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives and the fans continue to rally!
Ishii huffs ‘n’ puffs and roars to his feet! Ishii brings Drilla up, suplexes, but Drilla slips free! STEP-UP KNEE! Ishii drops down but Drilla reloads! Drilla runs up, but Ishii RAMS him first! Ishii HEADBUTTS, Drilla UPPERCUTS, but Ishii DECKS Drilla!! Ishii roars, the fans are with him, and Ishii runs! LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives again and the fans are electric! Ishii brings Drilla back up, suplexes, BRAIN- NO, Drilla fights it off at the last second! Drilla suplexes to BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!??! Ishii survives his own signature move, but Drilla vows to end this now! Drilla hauls Ishii up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks!
But Ishii fights free! Drilla ducks the lariat to wrench and ripcord, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! Ishii then SLIDING HEADBUTTS!! Cover, TWO!!! Drilla survives again but Ishii just stands him up. DOUBLE HEADBUTTS collide! ENZIGIRI from Ishii!! Drilla roars and GORES!!! But Ishii’s back up!??! So Drilla GORES again!!! And with some extra stank on it! Drilla hurries to get Ishii back up, Canadian Racks, DRILLA KILLA!!! But he isn’t done?!? ANOTHER DRILLA KILLA!!!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!!
Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 35, B Block)
A dogfight indeed, and both men brought everything they had and a little extra! But it is the young gun that wins his way into the G1! Will no one survive facing 44 Caliber?
G1 Climax 35 A Block Play-In: Taichi w/ Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman!
The Holy Emperor & Stone Pitbull won the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships off The United Empire, but there’s always more to win. Will Taichi make up for missing out on the G1 last year? Or will the Prince of Pace run through Taichi to join the round robin?
The bell rings and both men run up! Taichi BOOTS first, but Callum BOOTS back! Callum eggs Taichi on and Taichi RIDGE HANDS! Callum comes back to fire a forearm! Taichi RIDGE HANDS, Callum fires a forearm, repeat! The fans fire up with Taichi and he fires another RIDGE HAND! Callum shakes that off to fire forearm after forearm! Callum runs, BOOTS Taichi, but Taichi BOOTS back! Callum BOOTS again, Taichi BOOTS, but Callum blocks! Callum then ducks ‘n’ dodges the haymakers to JUMP KICK! Taichi falls and goes outside while the fans fire up. Callum goes to the apron and he PENALTY KICKS!
The fans cheer as Taichi falls! The ref checks and Taichi is alright to continue, so Callum hops down. Callum drags Taichi up, then whips him at the railing! Taichi hits hard and slumps down! The fans rally while the ref reprimands, and Callum brings Taichi up. Callum CHOPS and Taichi sputters away! Callum pretends even his ears are ringing from that pop sound. Callum puts Taichi in, the fans applaud, and Callum covers, ONE! Taichi is tougher than that and the fans rally behind him. Callum stays cool as he sits Taichi up. Callum mockingly claps along, then KICKS Taichi in the back! Taichi eggs Callum on!
Callum KICKS, and Taichi stands right up! RIDGE HAND! BACKHAND! KICK! But then Callum BODY SHOTS! Callum runs up but Taichi BOOTS him! Taichi runs, dodges a shot to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum crawls to a corner, Taichi runs in, and Taichi BOOTS! Callum slumps down and the fans applaud. Taichi drags Callum up to snapmare and KICK! Callum writhes, the fans applaud, and Taichi KICKS again! Callum eggs Taichi on, so Taichi KICKS again! Now Callum stands up to KICK Taichi in the chest! Taichi snarls and KICKS Callum in the chest!
Callum SOBATS but Taichi ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Taichi rises, the fans rally, and OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi takes aim from the corner. Callum slowly stands, TENSHO- Callum dodges and ENZIGIRIS! Then he SWEEPS the legs to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans rally while both men are down again. Callum stands, storms over to Taichi, and brings Taichi to his feet. Callum UPPERCUTS Taichi to a corner, but Callum needs a second to catch his breath. Callum then CHOPS Taichi and Taichi slumps down. Callum shakes out the stars, winds up again and CHOPS!
Taichi stands, Callum CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Taichi eggs Callum on, so Callum ROCKS him with an elbow! Taichi RIDGEHANDS in return! Callum fires a flurry of forearms, sits Taichi down with them, and keeps raining forearms! The ref counts, then he backs Callum off at 4! Callum goes back to Taichi, scuffs him, then stands him up. Callum hoists Taichi up top, then ROCKS him with a right! The fans rally as Callum climbs, but Taichi fights the suplex! Taichi shoves Callum away, but Callum comes back to DROPKICK Taichi down! Taichi tumbles to the apron then the floor while the fans fire up!
Callum goes out to fetch Taichi again, and he RAMS Taichi into railing! The fans rally while Taichi slumps down. The ref wants this back inside so Callum puts Taichi in the ring. But then Callum drags Taichi to the apron and stands him up! Callum reels Taichi in, but Taichi fights the suplex! Taichi fires body shots, then RIDGE HANDS! DANGER- NO, Callum fights the saido with elbows! Callum then goes up the corner, APRON OSC- BOOT!! Taichi knocks Callum out of the sky and Callum falls to the floor! Taichi slumps down from the apron and the fans rally up. A ring count starts while both men are on the ground.
The fans rally as we pass 5 of 20, and Taichi sits up at 8. Callum stirs at 11, Taichi rises up to jump into the ring! Callum is still down at 15! The fans rally harder as Callum rises, and he staggers around at 18! Callum lunges in at 19! BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and the fans fire up! Taichi stands over him, brings him up, and the fans rally. The ref has Taichi hold on, and he checks Callum. Callum stirs, sputters, and sits up. Taichi grabs at him, Callum pushes him away, but Taichi kicks him around. The fans rally more, and Taichi eggs Callum on. Callum tells Taichi to bring it, so Taichi KICKS him down!
The fans rally up, Callum sputters again, but Taichi sits him up for another KICK! Callum flops back over but Taichi eggs him on. Taichi kicks at Callum, Callum rises up, and Callum shoves the ref aside. Callum eggs Taichi on and the fans fire up. Taichi KICKS Callum down again! The fans cheer and Taichi eggs Callum on. Taichi scuffs Callum, Callum pushes him, and Callum puts his arms back?! The fans cheer Callum’s grit, and Taichi KICKS again! Callum goes right back down! Callum takes a moment, but he sits right back up! Taichi KICKS him right back down! Taichi eggs Callum on, and Callum sits up again.
Callum SPITS at Taichi, Taichi wipes that away, and KICKS, only for Callum to block! Callum then stands to CHOP! Taichi RIDGEHANDS! Callum ROUNDHOUSES! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Callum goes to ropes, the fans rally up, and Callum drags himself up the corner. Callum reaches the top, steadies himself, then DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Direct hit but Callum can’t cover from the pain in his own ribs! The fans rally while both men writhe, and Callum manages to stand. Callum hobbles his way over, brings Taichi up, but his ribs won’t let him suplex so easily. Taichi wrenches out and RIDGE HANDS!
Callum snarls and ROCKS Taichi with a forearm! Then he hooks the leg, FIREBOLT!! The fans fire up, Callum covers, TWO!! Taichi survives and the fans fire up again! Callum sits Taichi up to fire Kawada Kicks, then he calls his shot. Callum runs, springboards, and OSC- NO, Taichi blocks and DANGEROUS SAIDOS!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taichi crawls to a corner and roars as he rises! Taichi takes aim again, and as Callum stands, TENSHOU- JUMP KNEE from Callum! And then a forearm! ROLLING ELBOW! ROLLING- ELBOW from Taichi! Then a ROLLING ELBOW from Taichi!
Taichi roars and DANGEROUS- JUMP KNEE form Callum again! Taichi rebounds, AX- NO, Callum ducks and runs, but into the AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and Taichi fires up again! DANGEROUS SAIDO, with BRIDGE! TWO?!? Callum survives, the fans rally for Taichi, but there might be some cheers for Callum in there. Taichi vows to finish this, and he brings Callum up. Taichi Alabama Lifts, but Callum fights it down! Taichi tries again but Callum CLUBS away on Taichi’s back! Callum lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! AX- NO, Callum slips around to DRAGON SUPLEX! Taichi flounders to the ropes, Callum runs up to KNEE Taichi down!
Callum pushes Taichi to the drop zone, then climbs up the corner. The fans rally, Callum DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Taichi while he’s standing! Callum goes back up top, DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Taichi survives again and shocks Callum! The fans are thunderous as they duel. Callum rises, looks to the corner, and he calls his shot! Callum goes up, up, and- NO, Taichi CLUBS him on the top rope! Taichi then climbs up after Callum, CLUBS him again and again, then brings him up! SUPER DUPER SAIDO, but Callum lands out! Callum BOOTS Taichi! Callum runs in, Taichi dodges and Taichi GAMANGIRIS!
Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi runs, but into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Callum drags Taichi up again, but the ref has him wait. The ref checks Taichi, Taichi is okay to continue, and Callum brings him up. BLOODY- NO, Taichi fights the lift, wrenches out, but Callum avoids the lariat to DREAMCAST KICK! And then FIREBOLT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Taichi survives and the fans are thunderous! Callum is beside himself but the fans rally up again! The fans chant, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” but Callum shakes his head. Callum brings Taichi up, reels him in, but Taichi fights free of the hold to JAWBREAKER and FIGURE FOUR JACKKNIFE! TWO!!!
Callum escapes, but Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! And GAMANGIRIS! Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi hurries to Alabama Lift! BLACK- NO, Callum slips free, jumps up, and POISON-RANAS!! Taichi staggers around, Callum runs up to BUSAIKU KNEE!! Callum roars, reels Taichi back in, PRINCE’S CURSE!!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 35, A Block)
And once again, the younger generation triumphs! While Taichi might be champion, will he have to admit the times are changing?
As for Callum, he catches his breath to pick up the mic. “Oh my God… Chotto matte <Hold on a moment.> Taichi-san, honto tsuyoi ne. <Taichi, you’re really strong.>” The fans applaud, and Callum says he was rather surprised. Then he apologizes, that’s the limits of his Japanese. But he said once in an interview, that when he was 16 years old, he snuck backstage of a show, no ticket. The first person he saw was Taichi. The fans applaud that, and Callum says he won’t kiss up to Taichi, Taichi wouldn’t want it. But Callum says that honestly, Taichi is probably one of the best wrestlers in the world today.
The fans cheer that, and Callum continues with saying he is so sorry that they had to do it like this. It was either Callum or Taichi, and Callum was going to make it himself. But Taichi should honestly be in every G1 Climax he can make. Callum encourages Taichi to give us more anytime, and anywhere. The fans applaud in agreement there. Taichi seems rather emotional being praised like this. Taichi manages to stand, and he shakes Callum’s hand. The fans cheer as Taichi now encourages Callum, and even raises Callum’s hand in victory. Taichi goes to his corner before giving another bow of respect. The fans cheer Taichi on as he makes his exit.
Callum continues by calling to Yuya Uemura. “Now or later, your choice.” Yuya says that he looks forward to facing Callum in the G1. Callum says please do. Callum says to speed things along, he is in the G1, baby! The fans cheer that! Callum says he had no idea what he was going to say because he wasn’t sure he’d win. But he will say one thing: Everyone wants to talk about being a leader, whether that’s leading this generation, NJPW as a company, or their own faction. Callum DGAF! “No matter who you are, where you are, no matter how much money you earn elsewhere, NJPW is the place where everyone wants to be!”
The fans cheer and Callum says last year, well, he’s barely been in NJPW for about two years then. And already, he has been in two New Japan Cups, one World Tag League, is a TWO-TIME IWGP Tag Team Champion, is the YOUNGEST challenger to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and now he’s in his second G1! As long as there is a heart beating in this chest, as long as there is air in his lungs, he will be a NJPW wrestler! He will win the G1 as one of the best in the world, because this is CALLUM! EFFIN’! NEWMAN!! Mic drop and the fans fire up! Will The Prince of Pace soon make himself the King of the Climax?
My Thoughts:
Another great New Japan Soul here. The House of Torture winning both matches again comes with a hilarious disclaimer: The 10 Man Tag had a TRIPLE Eddie Guerrero “caught red-handed” moment, but Yano and his team figured if they were gonna lose cuz of cheating, they would do it themselves. Yano, Yoh & Wato got to clobber Narita, Sho & Douki with their signature weapons, and then declared they wanted not only the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles back, but even want to go after the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. Those will be great matches, and the factions probably split the difference.
The G1 Climax Play-In matches were great, but I figured the younger guys were both making it in. Taichi & Ishii just won the tag titles, they can worry more about that story than a G1 story. But I do appreciate Callum telling Taichi and the world that Taichi is sill so good and deserves much more. Ishii VS Drilla was much more high impact, but Taichi VS Callum was a bit grittier, a bit more story and psychology to it, so I see why it was the main event. And Callum is certainly rising up the ranks, NJPW sees what he’s got, and he could make a good run. I can’t be sure what singles title Callum gets, but he’s deserving of something between now and WrestleKingdom.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!