Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Fastlane Results & Report! (3/10/19)
The Road to Wrestlemania goes through the Fastlane!
WWE steps on the gas and drives in the Fastlane! Will the New Daniel Bryan stay the world champion? Will Becky Lynch earn her way into a Triple Threat?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match – The New Day VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Lana; The New Day wins.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS The Miz & Shane McMahon; The Usos win and retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Mandy Rose w/ Sonya Deville; Asuka wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- WWE Championship Triple Threat: Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan VS Kevin Owens VS Kofi Kingston; changed to…
- 2v1 Tornado Handicap Match: The Bar VS Kofi Kingston; The Bar wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: The Revival VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS Aleister Black & Ricochet; The Revival wins and retains the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Samoa Joe VS Rey Mysterio VS R-Truth w/ Carmella VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Samoa Joe wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Nia Jax & Tamina; Banks & Bayley win and retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
- WWE Championship Triple Threat: Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan VS Kevin Owens VS ???; Bryan wins and retains the WWE Championship.
- Charlotte Flair VS Becky Lynch; Lynch wins, by disqualification, and joins the Raw Women’s Championship match at Wrestlemania as a Triple Threat.
- Six Man Tag: The Shield VS Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre & Bobby Lashley; The Shield wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Fastlane Kickoff Show!
Join Johnathan Coachman, Beth Phoenix, David Otunga and Sam Roberts in previewing the action for tonight’s final stop before Wrestlemania!
The IIconics join the panel.
Billie Kay & Peyton Royce play dumb as to knowing Sasha Banks & Bayley are in town. It’s because they haven’t seen the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions on SmackDown yet. They have a good point, but then are they out here to call them out? But what happens if Nia Jax & Tamina win? The IIconics aren’t going to ask nor answer that question. Quiet, Sam. But the IIconics are the future, and the future is IIconic! Strike the pose! Then will the IIconics give a prediction on this first title defense? Billie consults with Peyton, and they go with Boss & Hug Connection. Coach thinks that’s in their best interest considering Nia- What’s that? What’s that, Coach? Look Billie in the eyes and say that again. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” Will the inaugural champions stay the champions? Or will the Samoan Dynasty have gold this close to Wrestlemania?
Backstage interview with Fire & Desire.
Mandy Rose prepares for her title match with Asuka. She won thanks to a fake eye injury, and Asuka got her back for it. Does Mandy think tonight is a long shot? Well Asuka had to attack them from behind, so she must be desperate. Asuka is the one with a long shot chance to win. Sonya says Mandy is strategic, focused, and has the mental edge. But EC3 comes along. “Mannnndy.” Oh wow, he speaks. He does a lot of things, except forgetting to introduce himself. EC3 is between brands, and he’s a bit of a hot commodity. Something these two know a lot about.
Oh so the first thing EC3 says is this? There’s more where that came from. Well Mandy’s not on Earth to flirt with a human tanning bed. She has more important things to focus on. Sonya and EC3 click at each other before EC3 leaves. Will the Top One Percent pursue SmackDown as his main roster home?
Carmella petitions for R-Truth’s United States Championship rematch.
The Fabulous Princess gets signatures, but Zelina Vega has advice for Carmella. Truth lost but Carmella has a clipboard like they’re somebodies. Unlike John Cena, Truth should give up. Because El Idolo will finish Rey Mysterio and move on to the title. Oh but didn’t Samoa Joe pin Almas in that Fatal 4 Way? Samoa Joe himself comes by and before this escalates, he’ll make this clear: he is the champion. And Joe will continue to be champion. If Truth, Mysterio or Almas have a problem, then just come see him. He’ll be more than happy to put their problems to sleep. And he even signs the petition. Tonight, everyone gets what they want: It’s a FATAL 4 WAY REMATCH for the title!!
Christian joins the panel!
He jokes around with Sam and Otunga, but he also has some matches to talk about. The Miz gets to be in his hometown of Cleveland, does Christian think that’ll help? It might be more of a distraction. If you want to know why Miz is so annoying, just look to Papa Miz. Give Papa Miz a luxury box seat, not one ringside! But Miz is approaching 40, why is he still looking for his father’s approval? The Usos are laser focused, but why is Miz worrying about his daddy issues? Christian knows about tag title reigns, it’s about chemistry. Usos have chemistry from the womb while Miz and Shane are kinda forced. And Christian never had to go for dad’s approval. Does this spell doom for the would-be Best Tag Team in the World?
Aleister Black & Ricochet speak.
“Our lives are defined by moments.” Ricochet will never forget falling in love with high-flying. Or the moment that he was going to the WWE. And now he’ll create a new moment in his WWE PPV debut. As a kid from Kentucky, Ricochet has always wanted to be a WWE champion, and he’ll make that dream come true. Aleister reminds us that “People fear the unknown.” With each of their victories, they put fear in the hearts of their opponents. This isn’t about the past, this is about destiny choosing them to win the Raw Tag Team Championships. One flies, one strikes, and all the rest will #FadetoBlack. Will this air strike of destiny hit its mark in the Triple Threat?
AJ Styles joins the panel.
The Phenomenal One speaks on the “mistake” of replacing Kofi Kingston in tonight’s WWE Championship. Kofi went through four other competitors just to get this close to the title and it was all taken away by a whim. As for Kevin Owens, Styles agrees that Bryan needs his mouth shut, but it should’ve been by Kofi. Kofi’s probably got the best chance of stopping Bryan. The Road to Wrestlemania is in the home stretch, and Styles knows what it takes to get to the end. Bryan has been doing this a long time and is going to another level. Bryan has Rowan as a back-up but Kevin will surely think outside the box. But what about Styles’ own fall? He’s gone from champion to contender to commentator. Well you can’t always be the top guy, but Styles will bide his time.
Then what about Randy Orton always having a retort? Orton’s a bully and he’s just trying to pester Styles into reacting. Christian knows Orton can get in your head without even trying. But Styles is confident, he’ll deal with Orton when the time comes.
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
The Prizefighter made a surprising return and now has a title match. With all the controversy, has he been able to focus? The controversy is all Vince McMahon’s thing, go ask him. Kevin still agrees, Kofi earned his shot but Kevin’s not going to refuse his own. This is to make life better for him and his family. Plus, Kevin just can’t stand Bryan talking down to the WWE Universe anymore. All the fans have wanted to punch Bryan so Kevin will do that for us! But then in come the New Day. Kofi just wants to say he has no problem with Kevin. This is Kevin’s shot, so good luck. Kevin appreciates that, and shakes Kofi’s hand. And good luck in the tag match. Speaking of, that’s up next!
But wait, the McMahons want to speak with Kofi in regards to a WWE Championship match?! Big E and Xavier Woods are excited for Kofi, but is this what we’re all thinking?!
Kickoff Match – The New Day VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Lana!
The power of positivity and pancakes comes to Cleveland to take on a rather effective makeshift team! Can Big E & Woods keep the King of Strong Style and Bulgarian Brute from gaining any ground in the SmackDown Tag Division?
The teams sort out and we begin with Woods and Nakamura. Woods and Nakamura circle while fans chant “New! Day Rocks!” Nakamura simply ignores it while he tests with kicks. They tie up and Nakamura waistlocks. Woods works to a wristlock, but Nakamura cartwheels and reverses back. Nakamura knees Woods to a corner then throws strikes. Nakamura whips corner to corner but Woods goes up and over. Woods runs and things speed up, Woods tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Cover, TWO! Woods brings Nakamura up but Rusev runs in. Woods turns around into a roundhouse! Nakamura tags to Rusev while we go picture in picture.
Rusev covers, TWO! Rusev grimaces as he looms over Woods. He stomps Woods at the ropes, then sits him up for a swift kick to the back! Fans rally but Nakamura tags in. Nakamura and Rusev mug Woods, but Woods hits back. We return to single picture as Nakamura knees Woods back down. Nakamura stomps Woods in the corner then kicks Woods’ leg. Tag to Rusev and Rusev throws heavy hands. Rusev rams his shoulders in over and over! Rusev taunts Big E but goes back to Woods. He lifts Woods into the bearhug! Fans rally as Woods endures the squeeze. Woods ear claps Rusev off then throws haymakers. Rusev knees low then tags Nakamura. They double whip, for pop-up knee to enziguri! Cover, TWO! Nakamura drags Woods away while we check on The Miz talking to his dad.
Papa Miz hopes Miz brings the titles home. Well then he better get to his seat, because the SmackDown Tag Titles are first! Shane comes by, says hi to Papa Miz, and gets pumped up with The Miz for their match. Back in the ring, Woods fights his way out of Nakamura’s facelock but Nakamura knees low. Nakamura puts him in the corner and tags in Rusev. Rusev puts Woods on the top rope and throws haymakers. Rusev climbs up top but Woods resists. Woods throws body shots back and headbutts Rusev down! Woods adjusts, leaps, missile dropkick hits! Both Woods and Rusev are down but fans fire up! Woods and Rusev crawl, hot tags to Nakamura and Big E! Big E rallies with overhead suplexes! And a belly2belly! Fans fire up as Big E swivels the hips. Big E runs, BIG Splash!
But Big E’s not done there. He waits for Nakamura to stand, and he scoops. Nakamura slips around to a guillotine! Big E squats, but powers back up! Big E powers Nakamura off! Nakamura rolls to the apron and slowly stands. Big E builds speed, to get a knee! Nakamura drags Big E out to kick away between the ropes! And an ax kick! Nakamura climbs while Big E staggers away. Leaping knee! Cover, TWO! The New Day still lives, so Nakamura tags Rusev. The King and Brute work together to whip Big E, but Woods tags in. Big E fights off Rusev but gets the dynamic dropkick. Nakamura runs into the swing kick and step-n complete shot! Rusev roundhouses Woods! Cover, TWO! Rusev grows frustrated as he glares at Woods. Fans rally as Rusev drags Woods into a corner.
Rusev puts Woods up top and throws heavy haymakers. Woods throws them back and boots Rusev away. Woods leaps over Rusev, to come back for a wheelbarrow, but Rusev blocks to a wheelbarrow suplex! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura returns and Rusev tags him in. They drag Woods up and whip again. Fireman’s carry to suplex! Sliding knee! Cover, TWO!! Woods stays alive so Nakamura takes aim. Woods counters the Kinshasa to a roll-up! TWO, but tag to Big E! Urenage backstabber combo! Big E runs Rusev over and hauls Nakamura up. Woods climbs, but Rusev distracts the ref. Lana trips up Woods! Nakamura boots Big E then tags Rusev. Nakamura runs but is sent out. Big E turns around into a MACHKA KICK! Cover, Woods saves it! The New Day will not die!
Nakamura throws Woods into buckles, but Woods dumps him out! Rusev runs but Woods dumps him out! Tag, and Woods builds speed! Woods FLIES, but is caught! Rusev and Nakamura double slam Woods down! Woods writhes but Rusev puts him in. Cover, TWO!! Woods continues to survive, but Rusev shouts to “CRUSH!!” Rusev stomps Woods, and puts on the Accolade! Woods endures being bent back, but he powers up to get an arm out! Rusev gets the arm back but Woods still gets closer tot he ropse. Nakamura pulls the ropes away! Big E grabs Nakamura and dumps him into the timekeeper’s area! Rusev lets Woods go to shout at Big E, but gets caught in a cradle! TWO!! Rusev runs in but misses. Tag to Big E, and Big E scoops Rusev. Woods climbs. UpUpDownDown! Cover, The New Day wins!!
Winners: The New Day, Big E pinning
Lana scowls as her two heavy hitters lose again. The New Day celebrate this win, but will they be celebrating something even bigger when they regroup with Kofi?
“What are you willing to do to get to Wrestlemania?”
They all follow roads. Some to glory, some to pain. But all roads lead home. The Big Dog overcame a true fight for his life, but now he wants it #OneLastTime. The Shield reunites, but will they be back on top? Vince McMahon tried to deny The Man, but will Straight Fire head straight for Mania? And Vince McMahon did very much the same to Kofi Kingston, but will that come back to bite the Planet’s Champion? There are tag titles a plenty, but who is taking them all the way to the goal? The Road to Wrestlemania enters the Fastlane!
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS The Miz & Shane McMahon!
Jimmy & Jey may have the titles #OnLock, but will Cleveland’s own bring championships home? The Miz and Shane look to truly be the Best Tag Team in the World, will they do Papa Miz proud?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we begin! Jimmy starts against Shane and “The Land” is strong behind their hometown here and his Co-Besty. Jimmy and Shane approach but Shane’s test kicks keep Jimmy back. Jey points out the shoes while Jimmy circlds with Shane. Jimmy runs into a jab! And then an arm-drag! And another arm-drag! Shane gets Jimmy with a Russian Leg Sweep! Tag to The Miz and Cleveland is ready! The Co-Besties give co-jabs and fancy foot work! Jimmy slides away and tags to Jey. Jey runs into Miz’s boot! Cover, ONE! Miz keeps on Jey with CHOPS! Cleveland chants “Miz is Awesome!” as Miz gives more chops to Jey. Miz whips but Jey reverses. Jey runs into a mule kick, and Miz goes up and over with a sunset flip! TWO, but Miz brings Jey over.
Tag to Shane, and they hit the Hart Attack! Cover, TWO! Shane puts Jey in the corner for mudhole stomps and fast hands. The ref counts but Shane back elbows at 4. Shane hits Jimmy for good measure, but Jey hits back. Jey headlocks, Jimmy tags in, and the Usos work together to run Shane over! Shane sits up in a daze while Jimmy looms closer. Jimmy headbutts Shane down then throws elbows. Jimmy drops one more headbutt then covers, ONE! Fans rally for Shane as Jimmy brings him up. Jimmy throws uppercuts and puts Shane in the corner. Tag to Jey and the Usos split the wishbone. Jey stays between Shane and Miz as he rains down rights and stomps. Jey wraps Shane in a chinlock but Cleveland continues to rally. Shane endures and reaches but Jey turns Shane away. Jey shifts to a facelock but the rally builds.
Shane feeds off the energy as Jey shifts back to a chinlock. Shane fights free, but gets the dragon whip kick! Cover, TWO! Jimmy tags in and hits Miz while Jey drags Shane away. Fans boo as Jimmy stomps Shane. Jimmy drags Shane to the ropes and chokes him, but stops at 4. Jey gets a sucker punch in! Miz protests but Jimmy wraps another chinlock on. Shane endures again while fans rally up. Shane fights and crawls for his corner, but Jimmy keeps Shane away. Jimmy drops a fist, then drags Shane away. Tag to Jey and Jey hits a leaping headbutt! Cover, ONE! Shane crawls to the ropes while Jey grows frustrated. Jey throws a big right, but into the float-over DDT from Shane! Both men are down but the fans rally up! Shane and Jey crawl, hot tags to Jimmy and Miz!
Miz hits the springboard ax handles! He hits Jey then flapjacks Jimmy! Miz gives It Kicks in the corner! He goes corner to corner for double knees! And then for more! Cleveland is fired up as Miz hits the A-List Lariat. Miz boots Jey then slides under Jimmy for a sunset flip! TWO, but Miz dumps Jimmy out. Miz takes off the jersey and climbs up high! Miz LEAPS and wipes both usos out! And right in front of Papa! Papa Miz applauds, too, as Miz puts Jimmy in. Miz ducks the dragon whip, hits the low DDT! Cover, TWO! Shane and the fans rally as Miz keeps his focus. Miz runs, but Jimmy ducks the boots! Roll up, TWO! Jey tags in and Jimmy rocks Miz with an elbow. Pop Up Samoan Drop! Cover, TWO!! Miz survives but Jey taunts Shane. “Watch this!”
Jey runs in, but into a full nelson! Jey resists the Finale to mule kick. Tag to Jimmy, but Miz fights back with elbows and boots. Miz goes up, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, but Shane breaks it! Shane throws hands on Jey! But Jey reverses, Samoan Drop Neckbreaker! Miz dumps Jey out, then gets Jimmy, Skull Crushing Finale! But the ref’s too busy helping Shane!! Cover counted, TWO!! Miz can’t believe how close they were! Miz keeps his cool as he drags Jimmy up. He goes after the legs now, and then the Figure Four! But Jimmy sends him into the post! Jey tags in and the Usos haul Miz up into an Electric Chair. The Usos make sure Papa Miz is watching. But Miz slips out and shoves Jey into Jimmy! Roll up, TWO!!
Miz puts Jey on the apron but runs into a kick! Jey climbs up but Miz hits back! Miz throws more lefts then climbs up. Jey fights back and hits a BIG hotshot! Jimmy and Miz are down, but Shane aims at Jimmy! But Jey gets in Shane’s way. They each want to leap! Jey leaps, Shane hits HIM!! Everyone is down and Cleveland is losing its mind! Miz sits up as fans cheer, including Papa! Papa says go up top, so Miz goes up top! Miz aims at Jey, for a frog splash! ONTO KNEES!! Cover, The Usos win!!
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall; still SmackDown Tag Team Champions
Jimmy & Jey take advantage of Miz’s gamble! The Usos keep the titles and move on towards Wrestlemania, but what does this mean for the Co-Besties? Miz and Shane still raise each other’s hands, and hug it out with Papa Miz. They raise Papa Miz’s hands, too, for his part in their run. And then Shane attacks Miz?! Shane fires hands and stomps Miz out!? Fans boo and ask “Why, Shane, Why!?”
Shane rips the “Cleveland is Awesome” shirt and uses it to choke Miz! And then he wipes the sweat with it, to throw at Miz. Shane gives Miz more stomps, right in front of Miz’s dad! Shane talks trash to Papa Miz, then grabs him by his face! He shoves Papa Miz down, then kicks Miz more! Shane drags Miz up for fists right to the head, then into a triangle hold! Shane makes sure Miz and his dad lock eyes as Miz is choked out. Papa Miz pleads that someone stop Shane, but no one can stop Miz from passing out. “That’s your son!” Shane shouts as he rubs his forearms into Miz’s face. Cleveland boos Shane out of the building, but he doesn’t care. Will Shane give us a reason why? Will Miz get revenge either way?
The Pack mocks The Shield.
Drew McIntyre says “The Shield rides again. One last time, to be broken by my hands.” Baron Corbin says that while the brothers have been dealing with dysfunction, these there have been dominating. Bobby Lashley says the fight brought them together, but this fight will finish it. This will not be a happy farewell tour, but a crushing and embarrassing defeat. “Believe that.” Corbin, McIntyre & Lashley feel they are the new power in the WWE, but will they feel true power tonight?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in Cleveland, playing his guitar as always. “On the Road to Wrestlemania, we’re in the Fastlane. We just saw Cleveland’s own Miz get his ass kicked by Shane.” Elias sees the future, and as far as he can tell, if that was Miz’s Dad, he’s not going to age well. But Elias is in Cleveland, and he can’t wait to be gone. He’ll head to LA and hang with his friend, LeBron. Elias ends his performance, and Cleveland doesn’t want an encore.
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Mandy Rose w/ Sonya Deville!
The Empress of Tomorrow may have gotten suckered by God’s Greatest Creation, but she got her and the Gladiator Gal back. Will Asuka be ready for any other tricks up Mandy’s sleeves? Or will Mandy still not be ready for Asuka?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Mandy and Asuka circle and tie up. Mandy gets a wristlock but Asuka switches it back quick. Asuka snapmares and kicks Mandy! Asuka gets a headlock but Mandy fights out to get her own headlock. Mandy gets a takedown but Asuka rolls through to a heel hook! Mandy reaches and gets the ropebreak fast. Asuka lets Mandy go and eggs Mandy on. Mandy runs into a takedown then a shoulder. Asuka puts Mandy in a corner then runs in. Mandy puts her on the apron but Asuka hits her back. Asuka keeps Sonya back but Mandy pounces! Mandy drags Asuka in but Asuka breaks free. Asuka blocks a kick, to the Ankle Lock! Sonya runs in but back out. Mandy waistlocks but Asuka standing switches. She rolls Mandy, TWO!
Sonya distracts again, Mandy hits the Golden Knee! Cover, TWO! Mandy rains down rights on Asuka but lets up at 4. Mandy drags Asuka up again for a big suplex! Cover, TWO! Mandy grows frustrated and she tries another cover, TWO! Mandy drags Asuka up and wrenches to a standing abdominal stretch. Asuka endures and Cleveland rallies for her. Mandy digs her elbow in but Asuka fights out. Mandy throws forearms then suplexes, but Asuka slips out. Asuka can’t German so she gets an Octopus Stretch! And she pulls back hard! Sonya starts searching under the ring? Mandy shifts and slams Asuka down! Cover, TWO! Mandy grows frustrated and throws haymakers on Asuka. Asuka grows angry as Mandy talks trash.
Asuka SLAPS Mandy, then again! She throws palm strikes, but Mandy whips. Asuka hops up and hits a missile dropkick! Fans fire up with Asuka as she fires off more palm strikes! Mandy can barely cover up, but she does kick. Asuka blocks it to give a kick of her own! Asuka runs corner to corner for a hip attack! And then the German Suplex! Asuka keeps moving, Sliding Wizard! Cover, TWO! Mandy shows toughness as she slowly stands up. Asuka grins as she stalks Mandy. Asuka kicks away on Mandy at the ropes, then runs. Mandy dodges the hip attack, Golden Knee! Cover, TWO! Sonya is frustrated for Mandy as she drags Asuka up. Mandy underhooks but Asuka flails. Asuka hits the pop-up knee! Sonya panics while Mandy is dazed.
Asuka drags Mandy up for forearms from both sides. Sonya finds what she was looking for: a kendo stick! Mandy ducks the roundhouse and shoulders Asuka away. Mandy whips but Asuak reverses. Sonya forgot to reset the skirt and Mandy trips on it! Asuka back heel kicks Mandy down! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall; still SmackDown Women’s Champion
The Empress wins because Fire & Desire were too busy trying to sneak the win. Mandy isn’t happy about it, will she forgive Sonya? Who will step up to Asuka for Wrestlemania?
The New Day look for Kofi Kingston.
What’s the big news? He doesn’t have any! No one has let him in the office. Wait, they’re making HIM wait when they invited him over? They knock again, but then barge in. Vince McMahon is there, and wants to know what this is about. What? He had Kofi waiting. No Vince was waiting for Kofi. No, Kofi has been waiting for 11 years. Vince talked about box office hits, but he’s had it for almost a dozen years! Please do not take this opportunity from Kofi after all Kofi has done for the company. The McMahons said the people will get what they want? Well people want Kofi! Kofi for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania! Vince says what will happen… is tonight’s WWE Championship is now a Triple Threat! And it’s up next!!
WWE Championship Triple Threat: Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan VS Kevin Owens VS Kofi Kingston!
The New Day will have to stay backstage, but that’s fine by them! The WWE Universe has wanted Kofi to have his moment, and this might be the night! Will Kofi bring the power of positivity to that organic championship belt? Will The Prizefighter make good on his own opportunity? Or will the Planet’s Champion remain the world champion?
Wait, hold on. Something’s not right. There’s been a sudden change, the match is actually later tonight. This is a Handicap Match?! Kofi against The Bar, in tornado rules?!
2v1 Tornado Handicap Match: The Bar VS Kofi Kingston!
This is clearly Vice McMahon’s doing, but why!? Is Kofi still in the world title match tonight? Will he even make it to the end of tonight?!
Cesaro & Sheamus have no complaints as they corner Kofi. Kofi fights against them but this is too much! Fans boo as The Bar stomps away on Kofi all over. Sheamus puts Kofi in a corner and The Bar throws hands. Fans chant “You Suck!” but Cesaro still whips Kofi corner to corner. Sheamus whips Cesaro in but Kofi fights back! Kofi sends Sheamus into the post then throws hands on Cesaro. But Sheamus comse back and The Bar again has the numbers. They rain down rights and grind knees in. Cesaro runs Kofi over, and Sheamus helps out for dual Half Crabs! Kofi endures while fans boo this Cleveland Screw Job!
The Bar drags Kofi back up and Cesaro whips Sheamus in for a pump knee! Cesaro adds a running European Uppercut, and then scrapes Kofi out to the floor. The Bar drags Kofi up to club him against the barriers. Sheamus throws EuroUppers, then Cesaro gut wrenches Kofi onto the barriers. The Bar hauls Kofi into the ring to club away on the apron. Fans still chant for Kofi and still boo for The Bar. Kofi revives and boots Cesaro into barriers! Kofi shoves Sheamus into another post! He kicks Cesaro back and into the ring. Kofi climbs up but has to ax handle Sheamus down. Kofi climbs again, and leaps, into a EuroUpper! The Bar coordinates to finish Kofi off. Cesaro powerbomb lifts, Sheamus adds a clothesline, Doomsday Bomb!
But The Bar isn’t through with Kofi, as Sheamus beats his chest. Cesaro holds Kofi up, for the BROGUE! Cesaro takes the cover, but doesn’t finish it! Fans boo even louder, but The New Day come to the ring! Only for Rusev and Nakamura to attack them first! KINSHASA for Big E! MACHKA Kick for Woods! A-Swiss-ted White Noise for Kofi! Cover, The Bar wins.
Winners: The Bar, by pinfall
What horrible abuse of power did we just watch? Is Vince McMahon never going to acknowledge Kofi’s accomplishments?
Backstage interview with Sasha Banks & Bayley!
The Boss & Hug Connection defend their titles tonight, and give a quick shout-out to Kofi. His heart is an inspiration to them. How do Sasha & Bayley feel being champion underdogs against Nia Jax & Tamina? Well yes, Nia and Tamina are strong, but these two welcome the challenge. They’ll never take the titles for granted, and they’ll fight for everything they’ve worked for. Sasha & Bayley are ready to defend the belts on all brands and become the best women’s tag champions ever. #BankonThat.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias, again.
The Drifter is giving fans the encore they didn’t want because he doesn’t care what fans want. “It’s a New Day. Oh, yes it is. Kofi just suffered the same fate as that moron, The Miz.” They all looked like some Cleveland Cavaliers: A bunch of beat up losers, just like the fans here. Can we finally put this Kofi talk to rest? And just admit to yourself that the Pittsburgh Steelers are the best. This ends Elias’ second session, will he try to go for a third?
Backstage interview with Shane McMahon.
What is his explanation for his attack on The Miz tonight? He doesn’t give one.
Raw Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: The Revival VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS Aleister Black & Ricochet!
The #TopGuys worked hard, and sometimes cheated, to finally get these tag titles, and they’re not about to give them up so easily. The GLORIOUS Duo got themselves this rematch by ruining the shot for the NXT air force! Will the Embodiment of the End and the One and Only show everyone not to underestimate them?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and The Revival talk trash. They get punched out of the ring, leaving the GLORIOUS Duo to brawl with Ricochet and Aleister! Aleister and Ricochet boot them out, then fake them out! Superhero landing and cross-leg sit-down! Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” while the other two teams talk strategy. Roode & Gable go to their corner and Ricochet officially starts with Gable. They tie up, Gable waistlocks to a takedown to another waistlock. Gable throws Ricochet around but Ricochet back flips out! Ricochet runs and rolls off Gable’s back to then handspring and headscissor Gable! He dropkicks Gable, too! Ricochet brings Gable up but Gable hits him with a right. Gable goes to monkey flip but Dash Wilder tags in.
Ricochet headscissors Gable but Dash grabs Ricochet! Tag to Dawson, assisted suplex! Cover, TWO! The Revival keep on Ricochet as Dawson whips and runs Ricochet over! Dash taunts “Ricky” as Dawson bumps him off buckles. Dawson CHOPS then stomps a mudhole into Ricochet. He drags Ricochet up to a fireman’s carry and tags in Dash. Assisted gutbuster drop! Cover, TWO! Dash drags Ricochet up for a EuroUpper. Fans rally and Ricochet pushes Dash away. Gable tags in and drags Ricochet up. Gable snap suplexes and floats over, TWO! The Revival talk trash while Gable drops legs on Ricochet’s arm. Gable pulls the arm back in a keylock but fans rally for Ricochet. Ricochet fights his way up and jawbreakers free!
Dawson tags in and is right on Ricochet as he hangs him out to dry. Dawson then drops a leg, an elbow and a headbutt down! He hauls Ricochet up for a big back suplex! Cover, TWO! Dawson fish hooks Ricochet’s nose then clamps on a vicious chinlock. Fans rally again and Ricochet fights his way up. Ricochet snapmares Dawson but Dawson shoves him. Dawson runs into a back elbow! Ricochet rocks Dash, then leaps, but Dawson keeps him from Aleister! Dawson puts him in an open corner but Ricochet boots back. Somersault shotgun dropkick! Both men are down but crawling. Roode tags in off Dawson, hot tag to Aleister! The Dutch Destroyer rallies on the GLORIOUS Duo with his strikes! Boot for Gable, and he sends Roode into Dash! Aleister sweeps the legs and drives in the knee! Aleister kips up, springboards, and quebradas!
Fans fire up with Aleister as he lifts Roode’s head. Aleister aims, but his kick is sent into Dawson! Spinebuster from Roode to Aleister! Roode coordinates with Gable and brings Aleister over. Tag to Gable, and he climbs up, But Aleister escapes the Glorious Combination. Gable elbows Aleister but runs into a boot. Ricochet tags in, Aleister Meteora to Roode! Gable rolling kicks Ricochet! Gable rolls Aleister for Chaos Theory, but Dash splashes Gable! Ricochet Shooting Star on Dash! Cover, but Roode breaks it! All six men are down but Cleveland is fired up! The teams regroup and Roode drags Ricochet up. Ricochet throws Roode out, Dawson tags in. Ricochet runs in at Dash but is put on the apron. He fights off both Revival members, and dumps Dash out.
Ricochet climbs, but Gable anchors him. Dawson haymakers Ricochet from the other side! Dawson climbs and drags Ricochet up, but Ricochet rocks him with a right! Ricochet climbs up now, and they stand all the way up. SUPER STEINER on the pile!! Everyone crashes and burns, and Cleveland loses their minds! The teams regroup again, and Ricochet drags Dawson back up and in. Ricochet and Aleister head back in the ring, but Roode clubs Aleister down. Ricochet climbs up but Dawson slips out. Roode whips Aleister into barriers! Ricochet sees that, and DIVES over the post! Ricochet hits Roode, but Gable tags in! Gable climbs up, and leaps at Dawson! Big crossbody! But roll through! TWO, and Gable victory rolls! TWO, and Gable ends up in a hotshot! SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, The Revival retain!
Winners: The Revival, Scott Dawson pinning; still Raw Tag Team Champions
There’s no time to celebrate! Dash scrapes out Aleister but Roode comes back for a GLORIOUS DDT! BLACK MASS for Roode! Ricochet hits the Landslide on Dash! Ricochet climbs up while Aleister watches guard. 630 senton!! The Revival might have retained, but they’ve still got the NXT air force hot on their tails. Will Aleister & Ricochet get a fair shot down the road? Or will they have NXT to worry about on the Road to Wrestlemania Weekend?
WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Samoa Joe VS Rey Mysterio VS R-Truth w/ Carmella VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!
Don’t worry, you’re not watching a rerun from last week’s SmackDown. The Destroyer heard the Fabulous Princess and La Muneca talking about title contenders, and decided to give all three men he beat another shot. Will Joe put all the talk to bed when he puts someone to sleep? Will Truth #BeLikeCena and win the title back? Or will the title go to someone else?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin this epic rematch! Truth rushes Joe and Mysterio headscissors Almas! Joe goes after Mysterio now and clubs away. He whips Mysterio but Mysterio slides under. Joe throws Mysterio and Mysterio slides, but into Almas’ facelock. Truth clotheslines Almas to also DDT Mysterio! Carmella coaches Truth up while Joe glares from the middle of the ring. Joe builds speed to DIVE! He barrels into all three opponents! Cleveland chants for Joe as he stalks Mysterio. Joe puts Mysterio in the ring, then puts Almas in. Joe CHOPS Almas to a corner, then CHOPS Mysterio in a corner. Almas CHOPS back, but so does Joe. Joe headbutts Almas then throws forearms on Mysterio.
Joe runs but Truth anchors his feet. Almas rocks Joe with a forearm, then actually works together with Mysterio, pop-up seated senton onto Joe! They bring Joe down but fight each other now! Almas boot feints to elbow Mysterio down! Cover, TWO! Truth throws Joe into steps then back suplexes Almas. Almas whips but Truth comes back with the spinning elbow! Cover, TWO! Zelina is relieved but Carmella keeps her cool. Truth asks “What’s up?!” and does the splits. Almas waistlocks but Truth standing switches. Mysterio springboards and huricanranas them both! Mysterio wheelbarrows Almas and gets both Almas and Truth again! Almas bails out and Mysterio goes after Truth. Truth reverses the whip but gets a kick. Mysterio wheelbarrows, but Joe runs him and Truth over with clotheslines!
Joe drags Mysterio up and throws heavy knees. Carmella and Zelina are both worried as Joe jabs away on Truth. Joe headbutts Truth down then drags him back up. Joe and Truth brawl while Zelina coaches Almas back up. Truth runs but into the sleeper hold! But Mysterio dropkicks Joe onto ropes! Mysterio dials it up but misses! Joe grabs Mysterio for a scoop, but Mysterio tornado DDT’s out of it! Cover, TWO! Mysterio puts Joe in a drop zone then climbs up top. Almas trips Mysterio up and boots Truth back down. Almas CHOPS Mysterio then climbs up to join him. El Idolo references Latino Heat, but Mysterio resists the superpelx. Truth adds on and Electric Chairs Almas. Mysterio SUPER STEINERS Almas off him!
Truth throws Mysterio out and covers Almas, but Mysterio breaks it with a slingshot leg drop! Mysterio covers Truth but Joe breaks it! Joe tosses Mysterio out and stalks Truth. Joe hits the back elbow to PELE! Mysterio springboards but into Joe’s arms! But Almas springboards to dropkick them down! Almas fires up and targets Mysterio. He drags Mysterio up, facelock and Uno Amigo! Dos Amigos! Fans boo as Almas goes for Tres, but Mysterio cradles! TWO, and Almas knees Mysterio low. Almas powerbomb lifts into the Gory Special! Truth dropkicks Almas down! Carmella rallies the fans as Truth covers Almas, TWO! Truth covers Mysterio, Ropebreak! Truth goes back to Almas and drags him up. He throws haymakers, then splashes Mysterio in the corner. Truth comes back but is put on the apron. Joe trips Truth off! Almas triangle corkscrew crossbodies Joe!
Mysterio climbs up top and leaps for a SUPER Huricanrana on Almas! All four men are down and Zelina is shocked, but fans are loving this. Truth drags Mysterio up to throw into the barriers and then into the ring. Truth dodges Zelina’s headscissors, but not her SUPERKICK! Carmella marches over and tackles Zelina! It’s a cat fight, and both Almas and Truth break them up. Joe urenages Mysterio! Cover, but Truth and Almas just break it! Truth throws hands on Joe, but Almas hits La Sombra on Mysterio! Cover, but Truth breaks that. Truth runs at Joe for a corner splash. Then he tells Almas to hit his move? CIEN KNEES for Joe! And then the shoulder tackles of Cena! Spinebuster for Joe, spin-out bomb for Almas!
Truth says “You Can’t See Me!” Five Knuckle Shuffle hits Joe! Almas runs back in but he gets the kick, to Scissor Kick! Cover, but Joe back sentons! Truth kicks Joe but misses the scissors. Joe sends Truth to the post, but Mysterio puts Joe on the ropes! Dial it up, 619!! Drop the Dime! But Joe dodges, and gets the Coquina Clutch!! Mysterio fades out, Joe wins!
Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission; still WWE United States Champion
The Destroyer makes Mysterio go night-night, and successfully retains. Who is left to step to Joe at Wrestlemania?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Nia Jax & Tamina!
The Glamazon, Beth Phoenix, joins commentary for this historic first defense of these brand new tag titles! The Boss & Hug Connection is strong as ever, but will it prove stronger than the Samoan Dynasty?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we begin this historic tag title defense! We begin with Tamina and Bayley at the bell. They tie up and Tamina powers Bayley to an open corner. Tamina backs off but with a shove. Bayley fires off furious forearms! Bayley then dodges Tamina and wrenches the arm. Tag to Sasha and they crisscross Tamina to whip her backwards. Sasha headlocks but Tamina brings her over to tag Nia. Things speed up and Nia scoops Sasha. Sasha slips out and fights back. She rocks Nia with a roundhouse and tags Bayley. But Nia fireman’s carries Sasha to use her as a weapon! Nia dumps Sasha on Bayley then covers Bayley, TWO! Nia keeps on Bayley with furious clubbing forearms. She drags Bayley to the corner and tags in Tamina.
Nia feeds Bayley to Tamina’s clothesline! Tamina covers, TWO! Tamina keeps on Bayley and brings her over for mudhole stomps. Tag to Nia and Nia gloats. Bayley hits back with body shots and forearms, but Nia headbutts her down. Tag back to Tamina, headbutt to uppercut to powerbomb! Tamina covers, TWO! The Samoan Dynasty grows frustrated with Bayley. Tamina keylocks Bayley but fans rally up. Bayley feeds off the energy and fights back. But Tamina headbutts her back. Bayely fights out of the corner, hotshot for Nia! Bayley flapjacks Tamina into buckles! She hurries for her corner but Tamina keeps her back. Bayley fights free, tag to Sasha! Sasha knees Tamina then climbs up for a crossbody! She fires off kicks then runs to run Tamina over! Cover, TWO!
The Boss grows frustrated herself now, but keeps on Tamina. Tamina uppercuts but misses in the corner. Sasha knees then climbs again. She leaps but Tamina gets under. Sasha wheelbarrows but Tamina back suplexes. Sasha lands on her feet and rocks Nia. Tamina rocks Sasha then tags Nia. Pop-up Samoan Drop! Cover, but Bayley breaks it! Nia goes after Bayley and tosses her out. Nia drags Sasha to put her in an open corner. Sasha dodges and hot tag to Bayley! Bayley knees Nia in the corner, then back elbow! Bayley runs in for another, but Tamina runs in. Tamina gets sent out, but Nia catches Bayley! Bayley elbows free and runs back in, but is put on the aprno. She hits Nia and dodges Tamina! Bayley dodges Nia, too! Nia hits the post, tag to Sasha. Bayley helps Sasha hit the meteora!
The Boss & Hug coordinate again, Sasha LEAPS onto Nia and Tamina! They somehow manage to catch her, but Bayley DIVES to bowl them all over! All four women are down but fans are fired up. A ring count begins and passes 5 before the champs sit up. They get Nia in at 8 and Sasha climbs again. Bayley tags in, Sasha hits Meteora. Bayley hits the Macho Elbow! Cover, but Tamina drags Bayley off! Sasha goes after her but gets an uppercut. Tamina gets up but gets the hotshot! Bayley runs at Nia, but into a powerbomb, only to huricanrana through! Cover, Boss & Hug win!
Winners: Bayley & Sasha Banks, Bayley pinning; still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions
But no time to celebrate, as Nia and Tamina attack! Fans boo as they stomp and punch Bayley. Sasha runs in but gets much of the same. The Samoan Dynasty throw Bayley and Sasha out of the ring. SUPERKICK for Bayley! Nia drags Sasha up to toss her over the announce desk! Fans boo but the Samoan Dynasty soaks it all up. And they spot Beth Phoenix! Tamina eyes the Glamazon, but even Nia isn’t sure about challenging a Hall of Fame female superstar. Beth and Tamina talk trash, and Beth fires off! Nia runs Beth over!
The Samoan Dynasty beat Beth down and put her in the ring! Fans boo harder as Nia runs, for a leg drop! Nia drags Beth over, Tamina climbs up, but here comes Natalya! The Queen of Harts saves her friend, but gets a SUPERKICK! The Samoan Dynasty beat both Natty and Beth down until referees finally rush the ring. Nia and Tamina leave with big grins on their faces, but will they regret showing such disrespect?
WWE Championship Triple Threat: Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan VS Kevin Owens VS ???
The Planet’s Champion swears to remain the world champion, because that is what both Earth and humanity needs! But Vince McMahon felt what this match needed was someone other than Kofi Kingston. And so, in steps the returning Prizefighter. The Kevin Owens Show returns to PPV with a title opportunity, will he make the most of it? But at the same time, there is still a triple threat stipulation! After Kofi got the beat down from The Bar, who is joining in? It’s Mustafa Ali! Can The Beacon of Light shine brightest in this sudden title opportunity?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Fans still want Kofi, but Vince McMahon made his decision. Ali, Kevin and Bryan approach, but Bryan tells them both they don’t deserve this match. Bryan has a purpose, but Kevin just punches him down! Ali helps out, too, and they club Bryan down. Kevin tosses Bryan out, and now takes Ali on 1v1. They circle and tie up. Kevin gets a headlock but Ali powers out. Kevin runs Ali over and things speed up. Ali jumps but into the fireman’s carry. He fights out, things speed up again, and Kevin runs Ali over. But Bryan returns to CHOP Kevin! Bryan CHOPS more, but Kevin CHOPS back. Kevin CHOPS Bryan in the corner and throws haymakers. Bryan bails out so Kevin goes back to Ali.
Kevin CHOPS Ali, and again. He whips Ali corner to corner, but Ali goes up and over. Things speed up again and Ali hits a flapjack dropkick. Cover, but Bryan breaks it. Bryan drags Ali up to give him No Kicks against the ropes. Fans still chant “Kofi! Kofi!” as Bryan whips. Ali holds ropes and dumps Bryan out but Kevin rolls Ali. TWO, and Kevin CHOPS Ali again. Kevin whips Ali but Ali dodges to DIVE onto Bryan! Ali runs back in to shoulder and slingshot, but Kevin shoves him down! Kevin takes aim from the apron and cannonballs! He takes out Ali, but then goes at Bryan! Cannonball into barriers! “Who’s the man now?!” Kevin puts Bryan in the ring and covers, TWO! Kevin keeps on Bryan with more chops, then a whip. Bryan reverses and gives Kevin a kitchen sink knee.
Cleveland still wants Kofi, but Bryan shakes his head. Bryan sees Ali return but Ali punches him first. Ali roundhouses Kevin then climbs up. Bryan dropkicks Ali off the top and to the floor! Fans are in shock, and boo Bryan as he soaks up the heat. Bryan goes to Kevin but Kevin fights back. Bryan stomps Kevin at the ropes, then puts him in a corner. He chops and kicks Kevin over and over, then focuses on the No Kicks! Bryan scowls at the fans before dragging Kevin up. Bryan wrenches the arm and brings Kevin to the mat. Kevin endures as Bryan traps the arm in a hammerlock. Bryan grabs the other arm and pulls back from elbows to fingers! Bryan stands on the arms for a torturous cover, TWO!
Kevin escapes to a corner, and CHOPS Bryan back! Kevin chops and haymakers then whips. Bryan goes up and over and keeps moving, to run Kevin over with a leaping lariat! Fans boo as Bryan gloats. Ali returns but Bryan stomps him down. Bryan throws Ali back out, and continues to tell Kevin he doesn’t deserve this match. Bryan gives Kevin more No Kicks, and the buzzsaw! Cover, but Ali breaks it! Bryan drags Ali up for a back suplex. Bryan smirks as he gives Ali the No Kicks. Ali ducks the buzzsaw and shoves! Bryan puts him on the aprno but Ali slingshots for the somersault facebuster! Ali fires up and fires CHOPS on Bryan. He whips Bryan but Bryan reverses. Ali goes up and over but Bryan clobbers him with a clothesline!
Only Rowan is on Bryan’s side as he gives Ali a dropkick. Kevin dodges Bryan to give Ali another cannonball! And another for Bryan! Ali SUPERKICKS Kevin, Kevin SUPERKICKS Ali! Kevin SUPERKICKS Bryan but Ali hops on for a sleeper. Backpack senton onto Bryan! All three men are down but stirring. Bryan gets to one corner and Kevin another. Fans are willing to get behind Kevin as he drags Bryan up for even more CHOPS! Kevin puts Bryan up top, then climbs up to join him. Bryan resists the superplex and he headbutts Kevin down. But Ali springs up and fires off hands on Bryan. Kevin adds on to Electric Chair Ali. Ali slips out to shove Kevin into Bryan, REVERSE-RANA on Kevin! Ali hurries after Bryan, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! But Bryan rolls away!
Ali goes after Kevin in the drop zone and climbs. 0-5-4 FLOPS! Kevin hits the STUNNER!! Cover, but Bryan barely breaks it in time! All three men are down again, but fans are firing up. Kevin drags himself on the ropes but turns around into a chop from Bryan. Kevin throws haymakers, but Bryan kicks back. Bryan misses a kick but denies a stunner, roundhouse! Kevin crawls to one corner and Bryan the other. Bryan aims at Kevin, but runs into a Pop-Up Powerbomb! Cover, TWO!? Kevin can’t believe Bryan survives! Bryan gets to the apron but Kevin’s on him. Bryan resists the bomb to back drop Kevin on the apron! Ali dodges Bryan’s knees to send them into the post! Guillotine catapult! Ali climbs up and aims at Bryan. Ali 450 onto Bryan and the apron!! He crawls while Bryan rolls away. Cover, but Rowan saves Bryan!
Rowan throws the jacket off and gets involved! SUPERKICK from Ali! SUPERKICK from Kevin! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS from them both! Rowan goes down but still on his feet, so Ali huricanranas Rowan into the post. Kevin builds speed, to FLY onto Rowan! But Bryan hits a flying knee on Kevin! Bryan puts Kevin in the ring, then climbs up high. But Ali anchors Bryan’s feet! Bryan fights with Ali on the apron, Ali CHOPS Bryan on the top rope! Ali lines up the shot, climbs up to join Bryan again, but Bryan shoves him away! Ali lands on his feet, dodges the knee, and then hits a SUPER TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up with Ali but he runs into Kevin’s Pop-Up APRON Bomb! Rowan wrecks Kevin! Rowan helps Bryan get up and in!
Bryan covers Ali while Rowan throws Kevin to the timekeeper’s area! Cover, TWO!? Ali still lives?! Bryan is furious and Rowan is shocked. Bryan drags Ali up and again says he doesn’t deserve to be in the match. He SLAPS Ali around each time, but Ali SLAPS back! Ali fires hands but Bryan shoves. Ali elbows Bryan away, hops up, but leaps into the KNEE PLUS!! Cover, Bryan wins!
Winner: Daniel Bryan, by pinfall; still WWE Champion
The Planet’s Champion remains the world champion, with a big help from Big Red. Will Bryan continue to represent Earth while shouting his rhetoric? Who will be his Wrestlemania opponent?
But things aren’t done here. Rowan palms and slams Ali to the mat! The message has been sent, but who will have a retort?
Charlotte Flair VS Becky Lynch!
This is not the first time The Queen and The Man have fought each other, and it surely won’t be the last. But this is the most important time these two have faced each other. Becky won the Women’s Royal Rumble, but Vince McMahon took that right from her. Becky raised Hell to get what she deserves, but got suspended and arrested. But now she has one last chance to make it to Wrestlemania. All she has to do is win, and the Raw Women’s Championship match with Ronda Rousey goes from 1v1 to a Triple Threat! Can the Lass Kicker overcome the stacked deck to take back what’s rightfully hers?
Charlotte mocks Becky hobbling out to the ring with the crutch. She offers to help Becky into the ring but Becky refuses. Becky doesn’t let her bad leg affect her confidence but it only makes Charlotte the more assured she has this. Especially seeing Becky struggle to take her jacket off with her bad arm. The bell rings, but the ref lets Becky know she’s gotta put the crutch aside. Becky tosses it away while Charlotte points at the Wrestlemania sign. They circle and Charlotte mocks the one leg hopping. Charlotte shoves Becky around but Becky hits back with furious haymakers! Charlotte shoves Becky again but Becky eggs Charlotte on. They tie up and Charlotte puts Becky in a corner. Charlotte goes after the bad leg but lets go at 4.
Charlotte mocks Becky’s punches but Becky comes back with more! But Charlotte hits back with the CHOPS! Charlotte kicks the bad leg and then kicks Becky to a corner. Becky takes swings but Charlotte still toys with her. Charlotte grins and the brawl continues. Charlotte wraps Becky’s bad leg against the ropes, but Becky hits back with her good leg. Becky boots and leaps for a Thesz Press! She rains down rights but Charlotte gets Becky off. Charlotte elbows the knee but Becky enziguris. Charlotte ducks it to put the bad leg in a Half Crab! Fans boo and Becky endures as Charlotte pulls back deep! Charlotte digs an elbow in, too, but fans rally for Becky. Becky turns things over and kicks away with her good leg. But Charlotte again cranks the bad leg and turns Becky over for the Crab.
Becky endures and kicks Charlotte off her. Becky gets to a corner and now Charlotte gets annoyed. Charlotte walks over but Becky tosses her out. Charlotte lands on her feet and takes the bad leg to throw into the apron! And again! Becky kicks her back! Becky hobbles as Charlotte returns. Charlotte chop blocks the leg from the front! Charlotte grins as she points at the Wrestlemania sign. Becky kicks, but Charlotte turns it into a Dragon Screw. Charlotte runs in but into an elbow. She deflects the boots to elbow Becky back. Charlotte puts Becky’s bad leg on the ropes to drop a knee on it! Becky limps to a corner but Charlotte’s on her again with CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again and again and again, but stops at the ref’s count of 4.
Charlotte puts the leg on the ropes again, but Becky dodges the knee drop! Becky kicks back, but Charlotte chop blocks again! Charlotte toys with Becky and Becky throws body shots. Charlotte drags Becky up but to a cradle! TWO, and Charlotte throws Becky with an exploder! Becky rolls out while Charlotte kips up. Charlotte struts then fetches Becky. Charlotte throws Becky sideways into barriers! The Queen mocks the fans who cheer for The Man, then puts Becky back in. Charlotte drags Becky to a drop zone then steps on Becky’s face! Becky kicks back but Charlotte kicks her down. Charlotte climbs but Becky shoves her down! Charlotte crashes into barriers!
Becky leaves her out there as the ring count climbs. The count passes 5 before Charlotte stands up. Charlotte gets in at 7, but Becky’s on her with a Disarm-Her! Charlotte rolls through and gets the Figure Four! Becky endures but here comes RONDA!! Ronda attacks Becky!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by disqualification; joins the Raw Women’s Championship match at Wrestlemania
The Baddest Woman actually helps out Becky Lynch, because that’s the fight she’s wanted all along. The Queen is furious, but The Man’s actually okay with that. Ronda points at the Wrestlemania sign, and all three will meet again. Who comes away with the title after such a star-studded match?
Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias, yet again.
The Drifter does come out for a third time, but fans aren’t so sure they want to see him right now. Elias still plays his guitar and sings. “Becky Lynch won, so I guess that makes her The Man. Everyone seems to love her, but honestly I’m not a fan.” Becky’s 15 minutes are almost up, and he’ll be glad to see them go. She’s so destined for failure, it’s surprising she wasn’t born in Ohio. Elias says it’s time for the main event, and the reunion of The Shield. But honestly, Elias has no faith in them, like every time the Browns take the field.
Elias finishes, but takes offense at the boos. But he’s just happy he never got interrupted once tonight. The reason for that is obvious: everyone agrees that Cleveland is the worst city to go to this close to Wrestlemania. This is his final performance, good night, and he loves none of you. But then, Lacey Evans makes her presence known! The Sassy Southern Belle struts down the ramp like always, then struts back up. Because Randy Orton gets Elias!! The Viper will strike any time, anywhere! But AJ Styles hits a Phenomenal Forearm on Orton! Styles found the time and place to deal with Orton, and took him down! Are these two through with each other? Or are they going to have more to say at Wrestlemania?
Six Man Tag: The Shield VS Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre & Bobby Lashley!
The Lone Wolf isn’t alone anymore, as he’s been teaming with the Scottish Terminator and Rocky Mountain Machine over and over to assert dominance over Raw. But along the way, they made the mistake of making light of the meanest, toughest and most dominant trio in a long, long time. Will Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose make the most of this #OneLastTime? Or is it going to be the last time for another reason?
Corbin’s pack makes their entrance as always, one at a time. But The Shield brings back the Shield entrance! They come down the stairs among the WWE Universe for what could truly be one last time. The Shield hops up on the apron and enter the ring. They and Corbin’s pack stare down while the referee does his best to keep the peace. And the fight is on! All six men brawl, and Ambrose throws out McIntyre while Rollins throws out Lashley and Roman throws out Corbin. Corbin regroups with McIntyre and Lashley while fans are fired up for The Shield. Things calm down and teams sort out. The bell rings and Rollins starts against Lashley.
Lashley clubs away on Rollins then tackles him to an open corner! He rams his shoulder in again and again, then runs corner to corner. Rollins hits back, runs but Lashley follows. Rollins dodges to slingblade Lashley down! The Architect brings Lashley up but Lashley puts Rollins in the corner. Corbin tags in to bump Rollins off buckles. Corbin runs into a boot, and then the buckle shot! Rollins brings Corbin over and tags Ambrose. Snapmare leads to sliding lariat and knee drop, topped off with an elbow drop. Cover, ONE! Corbin uppercuts Ambrose and tags in McIntyre. McIntyre chops Ambrose then whips him, only for Ambrose to throw him down by his hair. Ambrose puts Mcintyre in the corner, tag to Rollins and tag to Roman.
Ambrose is a step stool for Rollins’ forearm smash, and Rollins feeds McIntyre to Roman’s leaping lariat! Cover, TWO! McIntyre bails out and regroups with the pack. Fans fire up while The Shield give props to Roman’s lack of rust. McIntyre returns and stares down Roman. Roman and McIntyre circle and McIntyre kicks and clubs Roman down. McIntyre puts Roman in a corner and stomps away. McIntyre whips Roman corner to corner but Roman elbows back. Roman uppercuts and tags Rollins. They double whip and double shoulder McIntyre, to then split the wishbone! Rollins CHOPS McIntyre in the corner, then again. He whips McIntyre but McIntyre reverses, and McIntyre kicks Rollins down as he goes up and over!
Rollins bails out but Corbin clobbers him while the ref is distracted. McIntyre tags Lashley and Lashley rams Rollins into barriers! And again! Lashley refreshes the count and drags Rollins into the ring. Lashley covers, TWO! Rollins reaches but Lashley drags him up and to the corner. Tag to Corbin and Corbin throws body shots. Corbin punches Rollins down but Rollins punches back. Corbin shoves Rollins to run him over with an elbow! He puts Rollins in a half nelson chinbar and holds on tight. Fans rally for Rollins as he endures. Rollins gets up but Corbin knees low. Corbin drags Rollins up but Rollins lands on his feet! Rollins Peles! Both Rollins and Corbin are down, but McIntyre tags in. McIntyre blasts Roman but Rollins counters the bomb with a huricanrana! McIntyre whips Rollins away from Ambrose but Rollins kicks back! Hot tag to Ambrose!
The Lunatic rallies on the pack! Ambrose throws lariats on McIntyre, but McIntyre catches the crossbody. Ambrose pops out to roll up, TWO! McIntyre swings but it’s Ambrose who clotheslines him out. Ambrose climbs up high and LEAPS for a Lunatic Elbow! McIntyre is sent into barriers but Ambrose drags him back in. Corbin trips Ambrose but Ambrose punches him down. Lashley SPEARS Ambrose behind the referee’s back! Cover, but Roman breaks it! Lashley throws Roman into barriers but Rollins fights back. Lashley and Corbin toss Rollins into barriers and into the fans! McIntyre aims at Ambrose, CLAYMORE! But Ambrose rolls all the way out!
McIntyre demands a ring count begin immediately, and it does. The count passes 5 before Ambrose sits up. Rollins is down in the front row and Roman is crawling, but Ambrose gets in at 9! McIntyre rains down rights on Ambrose then drags him over. Tag to Corbin and McIntyre sits Ambrose up for Corbin’s stomps. Corbin drags Ambrose up to punch him right back down. Tag to Lashley, and he runs to ram his shoulder in. Cover, TWO! Lashley wrenches Ambrose’s neck but Ambrose endures. Fans rally and Ambrose reaches for The Shield’s corner. Ambrose fights up, but runs into a Complete Shot! Cover, TWO! Lashley taunts Roman but Rollins has also returned. Lashley tags McIntyre so they can mug Ambrose more. McIntyre deadlift suplexes Ambrose and covers, TWO!
McIntyre stomps Ambrose’s hand then dares him to keep fighting. He drags Ambrose up for another suplex, but Ambrose counters to a suplex of his own! Fans rally and Ambrose boots McIntyre. McIntyre tags to Lashley while Ambrose climbs. Lashley is on Ambrose quick, but Ambrose resists the superplex. Ambrose forearms and headbutts Lashley down, to leap over Lashley and get a neckbreaker! Both Ambrose and Lashley are down but crawling for their corners. Fans fire up, hot tag to McIntyre. McIntyre whips, but Ambrose rebounds for the Lunatic Lariat! Fans rally again, hot tags to Corbin and Roman! Roman rallies on Corbin! Corbin reverses the whip but gets the leaping lariat! Roman rocks Lashley and McIntyre, then boots Corbin down!
Fans fire up with The Big Dog as he takes aim, Drive-By Dropkick for Corbin! Cover, but McIntyre breaks it. Rollins springboards to clothesline McIntyre! Lashley grabs Rollins, but Ambrose bails him out. Ambrose and Rollins each kick Lashley, then each dropkick him! They both build speed, and DOUBLE DIVE! They take out McIntyre and Lashley, and Roman clotheslines Corbin out. Roman builds speed into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Corbin can’t believe it! Rollins throws McIntyre to the timekeeper’s area but Lashley does the same to Rollins. Ambrose runs on the announce desks to LEAP onto them all! Those four are all down, leaving Corbin and Roman alone in the ring.
Corbin drags Roman up but gets an uppercut! They brawl with big rights back and forth. They hit harder and harder, but Corbin knees low. Corbin runs, but into a fireman’s carry! He slips out to send Roman into the post! Roll-up, TWO! Choke Slam! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives while the brawling continues in the crowd! Lashley, McIntyre, Rollins and Ambrose move all the way to the back corner of the arena! They’re in the kickoff show’s set! Ambrose rains rights on McIntyre while Lashley bumps Rollins off a trunk. Back in the ring, Corbin has Roman on the top rope. Corbin climbs up but Roman resists the superplex. Roman fights Corbin off while McIntyre and Lashley turn things around on Ambrose.
Roman fights Corbin off with headbutts while Ambrose fights the others off with haymakers. The Big Dog slips under, SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Lashley and McIntyre put Ambrose on the kickoff panel desk, but Rollins is going somewhere higher? Ambrose leaps but is caught, so Rollins LEAPS onto them all!! They’re all down again! But Rollins and Ambrose rise from the wreckage! Roman is in the corner, he locks and loads, and says he’s got something for Corbin’s “b*tch ass.” Corbin catches the Superman Punch and puts Roman in the corner. Roman goes to boot but Corbin just slides under it. Corbin comes back, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! But we all know Roman isn’t done here.
Rollins and Ambrose return as Roman takes aim. But McIntyre and Lashley return to throw them down! Roman SUPERMAN Punches each of them! END OF DAYS!! Cover, but The Shield breaks it in time! Cleveland knows “This is Awesome!” as The Shield keeps each other alive. Corbin stomps and punches Rollins and Ambrose in turn, then goes back to Roman. Corbin dumps Roman out and coordinates with his pack. They clear off an announce desk and drag Roman over. It’s clear what they want to do, and McIntyre takes Roman’s role. But Ambrose and Rollins intercept! The brawl is back on, but Lashley goes to slam Rollins. Roman SUPERMAN Punches Lashley, and Rollins Curb Stomps Lashley into the desk! Rollins leaps over Corbin for Roman to SPEAR him! The Shield then goes after McIntyre, as the rabid Hounds of Justice of old!
And now fans know The Shield will do it themselves! They drag McIntyre up, “OOAH!!” SHIELD TRIPLE POWERBOMB through the announce desk!! Fans want “One More Time!” and there is another announce desk to use… Corbin is still moving, so he becomes The Shield’s prey. The Shield flanks the ring while fans chant “This is Awesome!” Corbin realizes the trouble he’s in, but there’s no running from this! SUPERKICK from Rollins, SUPERMAN PUNCH from Roman, Dirty Deeds from Ambrose! Fans are thunderous because they’re getting “One LAST Time!” They haul Corbin up, “OOAH!!” SHIELD TRIPLE BOMB! Cover, The Shield wins!
Winners: The Shield, Roman Reigns pinning
The end of an era, and the Shield hugs to celebrate. This one last ride was victorious, but is it really the last time? Is Ambrose really serious about not renewing his contract? Will Roman make an even bigger comeback in the months to follow? Will Rollins #SlayTheBeast? All we know is, the Shield is together with one last fist bump.
My Thoughts:
Well this was a rather wild Fastlane. Oddly enough, we don’t get two Kickoff matches because one becomes a main show match. It was for the best that Mysterio VS Almas didn’t happen in the Kickoff, their feud needs proper spotlight for a blow-off. Then the WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way rematch was amazing, and it’s natural for Samoa Joe to retain. I’m still hoping Joe VS Cena happens at Mania, those two never got to have their program because of Joe injured his foot at that time. The New Day VS Nakamura & Rusev was surprisingly good for a Kickoff match, and I’m hoping for a rematch down the line. In fact, it sounds like there might be tie-in to Kofi’s story to Wrestlemania, since Nakamura & Rusev attacked The New Day while Kofi was put in that Handicap Match.
In kayfabe, Kofi Kingston got done dirty by Vince McMahon using semantics to trick him. There is now heat on The Bar, Nakamura & Rusev as well as Vince. But in reality, we know this is just saving Kofi for the world title at Wrestlemania. And in both, this benefits Mustafa Ali, because he finally gets to shine in a world title match. The Triple Threat we got was great, Ali was incredible. But naturally, Bryan finds a way to win to also keep things goings towards Bryan VS Kofi. This story is taking a great dynamic. Bryan claims to be a “new” Daniel Bryan, when really, it’s Kofi. And by that, I mean the guy who fans love but the company “doesn’t”, and so the company does whatever they can to make Kofi miserable. And just like Bryan did at WM30, Kofi will overcome and be the champion.
The SmackDown Tag Team Championships match was great, but the one part I didn’t see coming was Shane turning on Miz! Though, Miz couldn’t really turn in his hometown. Keeping Miz the Face is a great move, and surely means Miz will win their grudge match at Mania. The SmackDown Women’s Championship match was only okay, but the twist of Sonya’s cheating screwing Mandy was a good move. There’s new tension between them, and then throw in EC3’s strange flirting, there might be something that could actually be interesting for Fire & Desire heading for Mania. The Raw Tag Team Championships match was also great, but I got scared when Ricochet and Dawson did that Super Steiner onto the group. It almost didn’t work out. I knew the Revival would retain, but I’m thinking the Dusty Rhodes Tag Classic should be Aleister’s & Ricochet’s focus (in kayfabe).
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match was good but also kinda short. Bayley & Banks win to stay strong, because there’s still SmackDown and NXT to compete on. Nia and Tamina going after Beth Phoenix and bringing out Natty means at least a women’s tag grudge match of Samoan Dynasty VS Natty & Beth. At most, it means Natty & Beth are the “legends” team in the possible multi-team match for the titles. The IIconics are surely the SmackDown team, and who knows how they’ll handle NXT being in on these belts. I’m just hoping that if it’s any team, is The Sky Pirates. But the prospect of Beth getting #OneLastMatch is rather interesting. Better than how WWE handled the finish to Flair VS Lynch tonight.
How is Becky supposed to feel like a conquering underdog if Ronda basically hands her a spot in the match? Or is a promo going to explain that’s to counter Charlotte being handed her spot in this? I can see Ronda wanting to ensure she gets the match we were supposed to get at Survivor Series, but this didn’t seem like the right way to do it. Ronda also isn’t helping this build with her “Wrestling is scripted” VLOG, but that’s a whole separate can of worms. Also, if they’d kept Ronda out of this, this could’ve been a great main event with a triumphant Becky rather than a weirdly grateful Becky.
But in the context that this is how they went about it, The Shield main event actually worked out. It was nostalgic, it was over the top, and it was a palette cleanser for the funk that the Flair-Lynch-Rousey mess left. Shield wins, naturally, and we close with the Shield Fist Bump here so that Wrestlemania can be about A) Rollins alone conquering The Beast and B) have THE main event be the Raw Women’s Championship, where we finally get Becky Lynch’s triumphant moment.
My Score: 7.9/10
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the 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
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!