Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: New Japan Cup 2019 Marathon!
AXS wraps up the New Japan Cup in one night!
NJPW and AXS wrap up the 2019 New Japan Cup in one night! THREE HOURS of action, all in a row! Who makes it through to the finals to then win it all?
Coverage will be as broadcast by AXS TV
Find gifs on http://frentique.tumblr.com/
OFFICIAL RESULTS: Quarterfinals
- Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay; Okada wins and advances to the semifinals.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr; Tanahashi wins and advances to the semifinals.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scenes for the 2019 New Japan Cup Quarterfinals!
The major tournament of the Spring continues into the third round’s Elite Eight! The Head Hunter, Yoshi-Hashi, fell to fellow Chaos member, the Stone Pitbull, Tomohiro Ishii! And Colt Cabana’s Cinderella run struck midnight as Cold Skull, Sanada, put him away with Skull End. But tonight wraps up the Quarters with two major main-event level matches! The Submission Master again meets The Ace in a rematch from 2018’s Finals! Will Zack Sabre Jr. stay undefeated in the Cup? Or will Hiroshi Tanahashi refuse to #JustTapOut? And before that, Chaos clashes again as the Aerial Assassin again challenges The Rainmaker! Will Will Ospreay finally overcome his mentor? Or will Kazuchika Okada take that step closer to revenge on Jay White?
Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay!
The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has defeated the current NEVER Openweight Champion the two times they’ve met before, but never say never to the Aerial Assassin! Will Okada stay perfect against Ospreay? Or will this be the time for a shocking upset?
The bell rings and fans cheer for Okada as he and Ospreay stare down from opposite corners. Okada and Ospreay circle and tie up, but break. They go again and Okada waistlocks. Ospreay standing switches but Okada drop toeholds to a switch. Ospreay switches and floats to a facelock. Okada stands and pries his way out to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls and breaks to spin to wrench Okada. Fans applaud the technical showcase as Okada handsprings through to his own wrench. Ospreay stands and spins through to snapmare Okada, but Okada reverses to the wristlock right away. Ospreay stands again and uses his foot to pry free to a headlock. Okada powers Ospreay to the ropes, but as he usually does, he fakes a chop on the break to pat Ospreay’s shoulders.
Okada kicks Ospraey for a headlock, but Ospreay powers out. Ospreay gets run over but gets right back up! Okada grins then pie faces Ospreay. Ospreay grimaces as he forearms Okada back. Okada returns the forearm and now it’s a brawl. Okada whips but Ospreay reverses and speeds things up for a monkey flip! Ospreay is ready as Okada bails out, but he fakes Okada out with a handspring superhero landing! Okada catches his breath on the outside but Ospreay waits. Okada gets in but Ospreay dropkicks him back out. Fans rally as Ospreay slingshots, but Okada dodges and boots. Okada whips but Osrepay leaps over to hit back! Ospreay uses the railing as a springboard but into an uppercut! Okada paces while Ospreay checks his face.
Okada looms over Ospreay before putting him in. Fans applaud as Okada continues this in the ring. Okada drags Ospreay up and scoops for a dumping slam. Then a slingshot senton! Okada mocks the superhero landing pose a moment then brings Ospreay back up. Okada bumps Ospreay off buckles then stands him up for back elbow after elbow. He then brings Ospreay out, but Ospreay fights back. Okada kicks and hits a neckbreaker, cover, TWO! Okada keeps on Ospreay with a chinlock and fans start to rally up. Ospreay endures as Okada drives his knee in. Ospreay gets up and fights out, but Okada knees low. Okada whips Ospreay corner to corner but runs into a back elbow. Ospreay runs out but into a tackle. Okada puts him on the top rope to dropkick Ospreay out! Ospreay crashes down but Okada catches his breath.
Red Shoes starts the ring count but it climbs to 10/20 before Ospreay sits up. Ospreay crawls at 13, stands at 15 and drags himself in. But Okada kicks at Ospreay right at the ropes, egging him on with trash talk. Ospreay drags himself to his feet but Okada forearms him back down. Ospreay drags himself up again and glares at Okada. Okada throws another forearm then eggs Ospreay on more. Ospreay stands again, blocks the forearm, and slingshots to body scissors Okada out! Fans fire up as Ospreay builds speed for the SASUKE SPECIAL! The Aerial Assassin knocks the Rainmaker down while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Ospreay fires up. Ospreay looms over Okada now before putting him in. Ospreay throws fast strikes on Okada then whips, but Okada reverses, Ospreay handsprings to enziguri! Cover, TWO! Okada crawls to a corner but Ospreay runs in corner to corner. Okada dodges and runs back in for a back elbow. He kicks but Ospreay reverses to a forearm. Ospreay runs but into a flapjack! Ospreay winces from his rib injuries, but Okada stalks him for an Aabama lift. But Ospraey slips out and kicks back. Okada counters with a boot then gets the Alabama lift again. Okada adjusts, reverse neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ospreay still lives but Okada keeps his focus. Okada goes to a corner and climbs up. Okada leaps and hits the Macho Elbow! Fans fire up, because Okada hits the Rainmaker pose! Only for Ospreay to roundhouse him down!
Both men are down but Ospreay gets to the apron. Ospreay’s ribs bother him again but he still climbs up. Ospreay springboards and hits the Pip Pip Cheerio flying forearm! Cover, TWO! Okada narrowly escapes but Ospreay keeps his focus. Ospreay drags Okada up for the underhooks, but Okada resists the lift. Ospreay kicks him in the face again and again, then again! He puts Okada back in for the underhook, lifts him up, STORM- Arm-drag! Okada shotgun dropkicks Ospreay into the corner! Both men are down but Okada is stirring. Ospreay slowly gets up as fans rally both ways. Okada and Ospreay meet in the middle and Okada throws a heavy right. Ospreay grits his teeth and hits back. Okada hits again, but so does Ospreay. Okada throws an uppercut, then another. He toys with Ospreay now, but Ospreay backslides! ONE, to a clobbering clothesline!
Both men are down again but Ospreay still has wrist control. Ospreay drags Okada up for another clothesline. He still holds Okada’s hand as fans rally up. Ospreay drags Okada up, wristlock wring out but Okada dodges to dropkick Ospreay in the back! Okada whips but Ospreay dodges another dropkick to standing Shooting Star! Okada gets the knees up! Point blank EuroUpper, but Ospreay pops up to roundhouse and hooking SUPERKICK! Okada is on his knees and Ospreay takes aim! The arm band comes off, but Okada ducks the back hand! Okada fireman’s carry and throw, but Ospreay counters with a stunner! Okada boots back but runs into a dropkickflip and enziguri! Ospreay hook SUPERKICKS again! Ospreay puts Okada up top, Electric Chair, and then the top rope?! SUPER ICONOCLASM!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives!
Fans are thunderous as both men slowly stir. Ospreay gets to a corner and to his feet. He aims again, Robinson Special spin kick hits! Ospreay calls for it now, springboards, but into Okada’s German Suplex! Okada holds onto the waistlock and drags Ospreay back up in the wristlock. He swings Ospreay out, but SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives again! Ospreay keeps going and climbs to the top rope. Shooting Star onto Okada’s back! But Ospreay isn’t done there, he’s back up top for another Shooting Star! Cover, TWO!? Okada still lives but Ospreay won’t let up. Ospreay runs, springboards, but into a dropkick! Okada drags Ospreay up fast, gut wrenches and tombstones! But Okada roars as he drags Ospreay back up and in, swings out, Rain- STORMBREAK- SPINNING TOMBSTONE!? And then, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; advances to the semifinals
The clash of Chaos ends with the Rainmaker going 3-0 against the Aerial Assassin! But will Okada’s quest of redemption continue from semifinals into the 2019 New Japan Cup Finals?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr!
The Ace knows what it’s like to #JustTapOut to the Submission Master, but he looks to redeem his 2018 defeat on the Road to G1 Supercard! Meanwhile, the 2018 cup winner wants to keep his streak going, will ZSJ look to go back-to-back in the tournament?
The bell rings and the cheers already build for Tanahashi as he circles with ZSJ. They approach and Tanahashi avoids ZSJ’s grip. ZSJ grins as he toys with Tanahashi, and ZSJ reels Tanahashi in for a headlock to cravat to armlock. Tanahashi rolls and gets ZSJ’s leg for a cover, but ZSJ immediately gets the headscissors. ZSJ squeezes but Tanahashi pops out to headlock. ZSJ slips out to a hammerlock and then cover, ONE! Tanahashi gets up and fans applaud this early exchange. The two circle again and fans rally behind Tanahashi. Tanahashi and ZSJ tie up again, and ZSJ kicks Tanahashi’s grip away. They go again and Tanahashi gets a leg but ZSJ grabs for Tanahashi’s. ZSJ rolls and gets the arms again, but Tanahashi gets the legs again.
Tanahashi has a toehold and ZSJ shouts in pain before getting Tanahashi with a hammerlock. Tanahashi wrenches the leg but ZSJ gets the arm again. ZSJ wants an armbar but Tanahashi blocks with the monkey grip. Tanahashi turns over and gets behind ZSJ but ZSJ gets away. Fans applaud again as the two stand back up. Tanahashi calls for a test of strength, but ZSJ hesitates to accept. ZSJ and Tanahashi go back and forth on the knuckle lock, but Tanahashi has the superior power. He brings ZSJ to his knees but ZSJ reverses. Tanahashi reverses back and brings ZSJ down again. Fans rally as ZSJ pries his way through to go after the fingers. ZSJ and Tanahashi push against each other, but ZSJ rolls through to reel Tanahashi in. Tanahashi gets up and rolls through to reel ZSJ in!
They go shoulder to shoulder now but ZSJ bridges to spin and reverse to a single wristlock. ZSJ wrenches Tanahashi’s arm back and forth but they go back to the knuckle locks. Tanahashi kicks and Northern Light Suplexes ZSJ! ZSJ gets up to check his arm but Tanahashi is on him with kicks. Tanahashi whips and sleeper holds, but ZSJ switches to his own. Tanahashi switches back, but ZSJ shifts through to Pele the arm. But he gets caught! ZSJ slips free and wrenches more, then steps over for a modified arm triangle! Tanahashi endures but ZSJ shifts to hammerlock stomp! ZSJ rests against ropes while Tanahashi writhes. ZSJ circles Tanahashi like a shark before going after the arm again. He bends it from finger to elbow for a keylock stomp! The Ace is in trouble while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns again as ZSJ paces around. He stands on Tanahashi’s legs then drags him up for an armlock. ZSJ tortures the arm again, wrenching through to a Fujiwara! Tanahashi endures as ZSJ grabs the other arm for a Rings of Saturn! Fans rally up as Tanahashi endures. ZSJ rolls through to a cover, TWO! ZSJ keeps his cool as he toys with Tanahashi again. Tanahashi only gets angry as ZSJ kicks him. ZSJ throws a BIG European Uppercut, but then he taunts Tanahahsi. Tanahashi forearms back and rocks ZSJ. ZSJ EuroUppers back, then gives another in the corner. He gives a third, then a fourth. Tanahashi fires up and gives them all back! ZSJ returns EuroUppers then w ips, but Tanahashi boots him away.
Tanahashi runs, forearm smash! Fans fire up with The Ace as he clubs and forearms ZSJ more. Tanahashi scoop slams ZSJ then hops up. Somersault senton hits, cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps his cool as he stands back up. He runs but ZSJ boots him. Tanahashi still runs but gets another boot. He goes again, but runs into ZSJ’s cobra twist! But Tanahashi switches it onto ZSJ! But ZSJ slips through to reverse it back! ZSJ locks it on but Tanahashi powers out back to his own! Tanahashi pump handles ZSJ for a slam! Taka Michinoku coaches ZSJ up but Tanahashi stands first. Tanahashi lifts but ZSJ slips through for another step-through armlock. ZSJ twists the arm! Penalty Kick outta nowhere!
Fans rally while both men are down. ZSJ clutches his own foot, he may have hurt himself from kicking Tanahashi so hard. Tanahashi and ZSJ slowly stand, and Tanahashi dumps ZSJ to the apron. ZSJ grabs Tanahashi for a rope-assisted Iron Octopus! Red Shoes counts but ZSJ lets go at 4. But Tanahashi gets ZSJ’s leg for a dragon screw! Then a dropkick to the bad leg, then another dragon screw! ZSJ tumbles into the ring, writhing while Tanahashi fires back up. Tanahashi grabs the leg for the figure four, into the Cloverleaf! ZSJ endures a hold now, but he slips through to reel Tanahashi in for a triangle! Tanahashi resists but ZSJ reels him in deeper. Tanahashi fades! Red Shoes checks on Tanahashi, but the fans give Tanahashi a second wind! Tanahashi powers up to pop out, back to his Cloverleaf! ZSJ scrambles to a ropebreak!
Taka grows concerned for ZSJ while both he and Tanahashi are down. Fans continue to rally and Tanahashi stomps ZSJ’s bad leg. He drags ZSJ up and whips but ZSJ reverses to a guillotine facelock. ZSJ goes after the arm for the hoverboard wristlock, but Tanahashi powers through to Twist ‘n’ Shout! But Tanahashi holds on to Twist ‘n’ Shout again! Tanahashi still holds on, for the hat trick! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he runs, to Slingblade! Cover, TWO! ZSJ escapes but The Ace takes control back while we go to another break!
NJPW on AXS returns again as Tanahashi stands up. ZSJ sits up but Tanahashi is on him. Tanahashi wants the full nelson but ZSJ pops through to his own! Tanahashi switches again but ZSJ gets around him for the Octopus! He has Tanahashi locked in and pulls back on the arm! Tanahashi manages to stay off the mat and he powers out! But ZSJ denies the dragon screw to instead PELE Tanahashi’s arm! But Tanahashi palm strikes back! ZSJ kicks and kicks but Tanahashi tanks them. Dragon screw escaped to a EuroClutch cover, TWO!! ZSJ hurries to kick again! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and ZSJ is beside himself! Taka panics while the fans are thunderous for Tanahashi again!
ZSJ grabs a wrist and drags Tanahashi up. He facelocks but then scoops, but Tanahashi slips out. Okana roll to a EuroClutch! TWO, into Napalm Death!! ZSJ has the legs and Tanahashi flails about! Tanahashi lost to this last year but he refuses to give up this year! He stomps and kicks ZSJ and gets a grounded dragon screw! Both men are down from serious leg pains while the fans reach that fever pitch. Tanahashi stands up and goes to ZSJ. He full nelsons but ZSJ slips out to a victory roll, EuroClutch, TWO!? Tanahashi narrowly escapes, but ZSJ EuroUppers! Tanahashi eggs him on so ZSJ gives more. ZSJ catches Tanahashi to a backslide but Tanahashi resists! Tanahashi spins ZSJ for a palm strike! ZSJ EuroUppers but Tanahshi Sling-Dogs! Into a Japanese Clutch now, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall; advances to the semifinals
The Ace ends the Submission Master’s Cup streak! Taka and ZSJ can’t believe it, but the tournament run is over! With no back-to-back winner possible now, will Tanahashi be the one to move on all the way to New York and Madison Square Garden?
OFFICIAL RESULTS: Semifinals
- Kazuchika Okada VS Tomohiro Ishii; Okada wins and advances to the finals.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS SANADA; SANADA wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scenes for the 2019 New Japan Cup Semifinals!
There’s no stopping things now as we get to the Final Four! The only members of Chaos remaining are The Rainmaker and the Stone Pitbull after they defeated Will Ospreay and Yoshi-Hashi, respectively. Now Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii must clash to find who is worthy of representing the stable in the tournament finals! And after The Ace put away the 2018 New Japan Cup winner, he takes on the Cold Skull! Will Tanahashi survive Skull End? Or will he learn the power of Tranquilo from Sanada?
Kazuchika Okada VS Tomohiro Ishii!
These two men are not only faction teammates, but they’re good friends. However, even friends can fight to see who is the better. Will they still be friends after giving their all in this match?
The bell rings and fans are thunderous already. Ishii and Okada stare down as they approach. Okada feels it out and he ties up with Ishii. They push against each other but Okada uses leverage to get Ishii back to ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, and Okada actually follows through to hit Ishii! Ishii is as surprised as anyone, and now he and Okada trade forearms! They go back and forth, fast and furious, until Okada kicks low. Okada headlocks but Ishii powers out. They collide and Okada bounces off of Ishii. Ishii dares Okada to try again, and Okada does. They collide again and again Okada bounces off of Ishii. Ishii runs now but Okada dodges to bounce Ishii, then run him over! Fans applaud for that display of power from The Rainmaker!
Okada brings Ishii up for elbows to the shoulders. He snapmares Ishii and runs to teasingly kick Ishii instead. Ishii gets up and throws furious forearms and headbutts! Okada throws forearms back but Ishii doesn’t budge. Ishii eggs Okada on so Okada throws more forearms then uppercuts. Okada runs but he really bounces off Ishii this time. Ishii toys with Okada now, then throws forearms. Okada takes them to give back a EuroUpper. Okada throws Ishii out to whip him at railing. Ishii reverses but Okada stops himself, only to turn around into Ishii’s powerslam! Both men are down but Ishii stands first. Ishii drags Okada up and into the ring, and he stalks behind him. He stands Okada up for a CHOP! Then another CHOP in the corner. Ishii chops more and more, making sure Okada stands to take them!
Ishii does not let up on Okada with those chops, making sure Okada stands up again to keep taking them. Red Shoes grows concerned but Ishii just toys with Okada now. Ishii stands on Okada’s face but Okada pushes him off. Okada drags himself up but Ishii starts slapping him around. Okada stands and dares Ishii to keep giving him chops. Ishii does CHOP Okada more, and more, and more. Okada’s chest is starting to turn red and purple like his trunks but he forearms Ishii back. Ishii CHOPS Okada off his feet! Ishii then drags Okada up for a suplex, but Okada blocks. Okada breaks free but Ishii chops him again. Okada reverses, kicks and DDT’s! Both men are down and stinging from the damage done but fans rally up.
Okada nips right up! He waits for Ishii to stand before rallying with forearms and elbows. He whips but Ishii reverses, only for Okada to lariat him down! Fans fire up with Okada while Ishii bails out. Okada slingshots and splashes Ishii down! The Rainmaker is back in control while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Okada puts Ishii back in the ring. Fans applaud as Okada returns. He drags Ishii up and scoop slams him. Okada heads to the top rope but Ishii runs in! Okada leaps over but runs into a boot. He runs back in and elbows Ishii. Okada drags Ishii up for forearm after forearm, but Ishii spits on him! Okada gives Ishii more forearms, but Ishii tanks them all. Ishii even backs Okada up as he takes the forearm shots! Ishii gives Okada one big forearm and it staggers him. Okada ends up in a corner and Ishii forearms back again and again! Ishii trash talks in Japanese but Okada returns the favor. Okada manages to back Ishii down as he takes those shots, then they start going back and forth!
Ishii fires from both sides! Ishii whips but Okada reverses, only for Ishii to deny the dropkick. Okada stands and Ishii runs in, but Okada catches him into a waistlock. Ishii denies the German but misses the enziguri. Okada misses his senton and Ishii runs for the sliding lariat, but Okada dodges. Okada Alabama Lifts to the reverse neckbreaker! Ishii writhes but Okada brings him back up. Okada scoop slams again, then goes to the top rope again. Macho Elbow! Okada hits his Rainmaker pose, but sees Ishii getting back up! Ospreay got Okada before but Okada won’t let Ishii do it to him! Okada boots Ishii then whips for the flapjack! Okada gets to the top rope again, and leaps for missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up while Okada keeps his cool. He drags Ishii up and gut wrenches but Ishii slips out and shoves. Ishii runs in, but into the Alabama. Ishii powerbomb counters! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Ishii is building speed. Okada boots and uppercuts in return, but walks into the German Suplex! Ishii roars and runs, to clothesline Okada down! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives again but Ishii drags him up. Ishii runs but into a dropkick! Okada drags Ishii up, gut wrenches, but Ishii reverses it! Okada fights out and now both men fight over the gut wrench. It’s Okada who gets the TOMBSTONE! But he’s not done there, wring out for a headbutt and clothesline!! Both men are down while we go to another break!
NJPW on AXS returns as Ishii and Okada get to a corner each. Ishii runs corner to corner for a heavy clothesline! Ishii then hoists Okada up top and climbs up to join him. SUPERPLEX BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!? Okada lives and everyone is surprised! The fans reach that thunderous level again as Ishii runs and hits the Sliding D! Cover, TWO!! Ishii cannot believe it but Okada still lives! Ishii drags Okada up again, suplex but Okada fights out! Okada goes to boot but Ishii forearms him. Ishii runs into another dropkick! Okada drags Ishii up and around for a backslide, but Ishii rolls through, RAINMAKER! But Okada holds on to stand Ishii up again, for- Ishii takes the lariat! Ishii headbutts again and again, but swings into a BIG German Suplex!!
Okada holds on and drags Ishii up again. Okada has the wrist again, wrings out, but into an arm-drag and armbar! Ishii pulls on the arm but Okada flails and turns. Okada wants a cover but Ishii pulls him back down! Okada reaches with his long legs for a ropebreak! Ishii lets go but the damage was done. Fans are thunderous again as Ishii drags Okada up to yank on the arm. Ishii whips and yanks, then reels Okada in, but Okada spins! Ishii dodges to enziguri! Then he runs, but into another dropkick! But he’s right back up!? Okada shotgun dropkicks Ishii down! Both Ishii and Okada are slow to stand, but Okada fires up and runs, into a lariat! Cover, ONE?! Ishii lariats again! Cover, TWO!!
Ishii roars as he drags Okada up again. He suplexes but Okada fights out to wristlock. Ishii headbutts backwards but runs into yet another dropkick! Okada drags Ishii up, wristlocks and wrings out, but Ishii dodges to copy the Ranimaker! But Okada tanks it! Okada forearms but Ishii headbutts. Okada swings but into Ishii’s suplex, only to slip out and gut wrench, SPINNING TOMBSTONE! But Okada’s still not done, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; advances to the finals
The leader of Chaos continues to prove why he’s their leader! Okada now makes it to the 2019 New Japan Cup finals, but who will meet him there?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS SANADA!
The Ace and The Cold Skull both know the Rainmaker awaits them in the final round. Who will outlast the other to then step to Kazuchika Okada for the cup trophy?
The bell rings and fans are fired up all over again! Sanada watches as Tanahashi poses for the crowd. Then he poses for them, too! And the crowd favors the hometown hero! Sanada and Tanahashi circle and tie up. They’re even in strength but Tanahashi gets Sanada to ropes. Sanada pushes Tanahashi back then gives a clean break. Fans applaud as he and Tanahashi circle again. They tie up again, and Tanahashi waistlocks. Sanada standing switches but so does Tanahahsi. They keep going with the switches, so Sanada wrenches the arm. Tanahashi reverses and wrenches back. Sanada rolls and breaks free to fireman’s carry takedown. Tanahashi headscissors back and squeezes tight. Sanada works his way up and out to then roll Tanahashi for a deathlock!
Sanada shifts to pull on those legs harder but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi drags Sanada’s hair but lets go at the ref’s count. Sanada pulls back but Tanahashi gets a headlock. Tanahashi wrenches hard but Sanada endures. Tanahashi shifts to a cravat but Sanada handsprings through the snapmare! Sanada runs but Tanahashi dodges. Tanahashi swings but Sanada dodges, then the double dropkicks cancel out! Fans duel again but Sanada’s clearly got more fans here. Sanada and Tanahashi circle again and tie up. Sanada catches the kick to push Tanahashi down, then he goes for it. He gets Tanahashi partway to Paradise but Tanahashi small packages! TWO, and Tanahashi trips Sanada up for a toehold.
Tanahashi wrenches Sanada’s leg and then stomps away. Tanahashi drops an elbow on the leg then wrenches harder. Sanada endures and tries the chinlock back but Tanahashi cranks the ankle. Sanada gets his free leg around Tanahashi, but Tanahashi stands up to stomp and elbow the leg again. Tanahashi makes it a butterfly deathlock now but Sanada continues to endure. Sanada drags himself backwards towards ropes but Tanahashi forearms him down. Fans rally up for the hometown hero as he CHOPS Tanahashi with open palm slaps. Tanahashi puts more pressure on the legs but Sanada refuses to quit. Sanada drags himself back and gets the ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go but keeps on Sanada with stomps.
Tanahashi stomps and stomps but fans still cheer Sanada. He whips Sanada but Sanada reverses. Sanada hurdles and hurdles and dropkicks Tanahashi! Tanahashi bails out but Sanada slingshot planchas Tanahashi down! The Ace is in trouble in Cold Skull Country while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Sanada returns to the ring. Tanahashi grabs the leg for a dragon screw! Fans actually boo Tanahashi but he just takes that as a sign he’s doing what he has to to win. Tanahashi drags Sanada up for a scoop slam into a drop zone. He hops up and poses for his somersault senton! And he hits it! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Tanahashi runs. Sanada sees it coming and dodges to dropkick the legs out! But his next kick is caught for another Dragon Screw! But then Sanada returns the dragon screw! Both men are down with leg pain but fans fire up again. Sanada and Tanahashi slowly stand, and Sanada stalks Tanahashi to the corner. He whips corner to corner but Tanahashi reverses. Sanada tumbles and springboards but misses! Tanahashi gets a grounded dragon screw!
Tanahashi keeps on the legs with the figure four, but Sanada resists the Cloverleaf. Sanada crawls as Tanahashi turns, Sanada gets the ropebreak. Tanahashi has to let go, but he won’t let up as he stomps Sanada’s legs. Tanahashi stands Sanada up to kick the legs. He runs but Sanada huricanranas, only to be blocked into the Cloverleaf! Tanahashi sits deep on it! Sanada endures as fans rally up! Sanada powers up and drags himself to the ropes, but Tanahashi pulls back harder! Fans give Sanada a second wind and he gets another ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go but the damage is done. Tanahashi drags Sanada back up and over but Sanada forearms. Sanada hits again and again, but Tanahashi catches the kick to dropkick the other!
Tanahashi drags Sanada up but Sanada uppercuts free! Tanahashi returns it, so Sanada uppercuts again. They go back and forth with those EuroUppers, then Sanada fires many forearms. Sanada spins but into the palm strike! Tanahashi full nelsons but Sanada breaks free. Sanada runs but into a scoop, only to slip out to the dragon sleeper! Sanada cranks back, but Tanahashi spins through, Twist ‘n’ Shout! Tanahashi holds on for another Twist ‘n Shout! He drags Sanada up again, but Sanada denies the hat trick for Anarchy Suplex, the draping neckbreaker! Fans rally up for Sanada as he stands back up. Sanada drags Tanahashi up for chicken wings and a Tiger Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Sanada won’t let up.
Sanada drags Tanahashi up in the dragon sleeper, and drops down into body scissors! Tanahashi endures Skull End as fans rally and Sanada squeezes tight. Tanahashi starts to fade! Red Shoes checks on him but Sanada lets Tanahashi free to head for the top rope! MOONSAULT onto Tanahashi’s back! Then MOONSAULT onto KNEES! Cradle cover, TWO!! Tanahashi was so close but so far from snatching that from Sanada. Fans rally and duel as Tanahashi and Sanada sit up. Sanada gets to a corner and Tanahashi runs in, but into an elbow. Sanada hops up, quebrada to dragon sleeper, but another cradle counter! TWO!! Palm strike! Tanahashi runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Tanahashi escapes to steal the dragon sleeper! But Sanada turns it around, but Tanahashi victory rolls! TWO and Sanada has it, TWO!!
Both men narrowly escape the other but now Tanahashi full nelsons. Sanada resists the suplex and slips out to Salida to a sleeper! Sanada cranks back and swings Tanahashi around! But Tanahashi reverses to an inverted Twist ‘n’ Shout! Tanahashi runs, Slingblade! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Tanahashi still has something to give. Tanahashi drags Sanada up and full nelsons, Dragon Suplex but Sanada lands on his feet! Sanada dodges, rolls and clutch, but Tanahashi pushes him away! Tanahashi rolls Sanada for the Japanese Clutch, but into SKULL END!! Sanada holds on tight, fans are thunderous, and Tanahashi taps!! Sanada wins!!
Winner: SANADA, by submission; advances to the finals
The Cold Skull makes The Ace tap out!! This may very well be the biggest New Japan Cup win for Sanada as he now moves on to face The Rainmaker! Who comes out of the finals the #1 contender to the Switchblade’s reign?
OFFICIAL RESULTS: Finals
- Kazuchika Okada VS SANADA; Okada wins and will challenge Jay White for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at G1 Supercard.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scenes for the Finals of the 2019 New Japan Cup!
This is it! A winner will be crowned to wrap up the tournament! The field of 32 is now just two as The Rainmaker looks for redemption while The Cold Skull wants his first taste of being at the top. Sanada came close to defeating Okada when they fought over the title last year, can he change the outcome this time? Or will Okada come closer to revenge on the treacherous Switchblade?
Kazuchika Okada VS SANADA!
One man returns to the New Japan Cup Finals. The other finally arrives after going the furthest he’s ever gone. Who goes even further, all the way to New York and the G1 Supercard? Who meets Jay White in Madison Square Garden?!
The fans are thunderously divided even before the bell. Sanada still has the home field advantage, but it may not be enough against THE franchise player. The bell rings and fans explode with cheers! Sanada shrugs it off as he circles with Okada. They tie up but back off. Okada and Sanada circle again and tie up. Okada waistlocks but Sanada standing switches. They go switch for switch, but Sanada wrenches to a wristlock. Okada rolls and wrenches back, but Sanada spins and trips Okada up for a toehold. Sanada wrenches the leg but Okada pries him off with a leg. Okada pulls on the arm but Sanada resists the armbar. Sanada gets Okada’s leg off him to go back to the toehold. Okada sits up to rear mount and waistlock. Sanada switches and has Okada now. Sanada shifts to the legs and pulls back again.
Okada endures while working on an escape. He reaches back but Sanada stands out of reach. Okada still gets an arm and pries Sanada off with a keylock. Sanada stands but Okada arm-drags him down. Sanada headscissors but Okada pops out and fans applaud. The dueling continues as both men back off and we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Okada and Sanada circle. They tie up again and Okada blocks Sanada’s knee. Okada rolls and wrenches to a keylock to bring Sanada back down. Sanada stands but Okada shifts to a hammerlock. Sanada headlocks out but Okada pries his way out to another keylock. Okada brings Sanada down again but not for long. Sanada spins and trips Okada to turn him into a Bow ‘n’ Arrow lock. Okada pops out to a cover, ONE and Sanada sweeps to a cover. ONE and the two stand off again. Fans applaud as Sanada and Okada circle again. Okada and Sanada tie up again, and Sanada lunges to get the leg. Sanada waistlocks but Okada grounded switches. Okada floats to a facelock then headlock, then grinds Sanada hard. Sanada hits back and powers out, but Okada runs him over with a shoulder.
Okada speeds things up but Sanada blocks the hip toss. Sanada body shots and flips off the leg to trip Okada up. Sanada puts Okada in Paradise! Fans can’t believe Sanada pulled it off! Sanada then dropkicks Okada out of Paradise! Sanada stalks Okada to a corner then whips corner to corner. Okada elbows him back then runs, but Sanada hurdles. Okada fakes out the other hurdle to throw Sanada out. Then slingshot splash wipes him out! Okada eyes that New Japan Cup trophy while adjusting his knee pads. He comes back to Sanada and puts him back in, which fans applaud. Okada takes his time following after then stands Sanada up. He bumps Sanada off the buckles, then throws in back elbows. Okada brings Sanada out to club and neckbreaker! Cover, ONE, but Okada keeps his cool.
Fans rally and duel again, but the Okada fans start to outnumber the Sanada fans. Okada snapmares Sanada and runs to basement dropkicks him down! Okada stalks Sanada to ropes and wraps on a chinlock. Sanada endures the knee as he’s being bent backward. Sanada fights his way up but Okada wrangles him back down. Okada keeps on Sanada but Sanada powers up and out. Sanada runs but into Okada’s sleeper hold! And then down to the chinlock again! Fans rally and duel while Sanada endures all over again. Sanada feeds off the energy to fight out again. He runs but avoids the sleeper to dropkick Okada’s leg out! Both men are down while Sanada catches his breath and Okada clutches his leg. But fans rally up and both men get back up.
Sanada rallies with forearms and elbows on Okada! He hits Okada with a back elbow but Okada avoids the standing moonsault, only to get a dropkick to the back! Sanada outsmarts Okada there and gets control while we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns and Sanada brings Okada up. Okada hits back then runs but Sanada hurdles. Sanada dropkicks Okada out of the ring, but slingshots. Okada gets in but Sanada lands on the apron. Okada forearms but gets dumped back out. Sanada builds speed but tumbles when Okada dodges. Sanada cannonballs off the apron onto Okada! Fans fire up as Sanada drags Okada up and in. Sanada covers, TWO! Cold Skull keeps his cool but Okada resists the back suplex. Okada elbows but Sanada whips. Okada dodges and speeds up to elbow Sanada down! Fans fire up with Okada now as he drags Sanada up. Okada whips Sanada corner to corner and elbows him. He kicks and DDT’s, then covers, TWO! Fans rally while Okada looms over Sanada.
Okada waits for Sanada to stand before the Alabama lift. Sanada fights out but Okada boots him back. Okada lifts again but Sanada sunset flips, only for Okada to jackknife back to Alabama, reverse neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Okada grows slightly annoyed with Sanada but he keeps on him with a scoop slam. Okada heads up top, and leaps for the Macho Elbow! He hits his Rainmaker pose! He wristlocks and wrings Sanada but Sanada elbows out. Okada clubs Sanada and whips but Sanada tumbles and springboards for a missile dropkick! Fans duel again as both men are down. Okada and Sanada slowly sit up but it’s Sanada who brings Okada up. Sanada forearms but Okada returns it. They go back and forth, then pick up speed! Okada rocks Sanada but Sanada EuroUppers!
Sanada drags Okada back up for a fireman’s carry. Okada slips out and waistlocks, but Sanada blocks the German. Sanada elbows free and runs in at Okada in the corner, only to be put on the top rope. Okada dropkicks Sanada down and out! Okada catches his breath while Red Shoes checks on Sanada. Red Shoes says Sanada’s okay so Okada goes out to fetch him. Okada whips Sanada into railing, then boots him over them! Okada drags Sanada back up from the other side and drags him out, draping DDT to the floor! Sanada writhes and clutches his neck while Okada walks away with a grin. The ring count begins and climbs to 10/20 before Sanada stirs. Sanada crawls over at 15, and gets in at 18! Okada just heads up top again as Sanada stands, for a missile dropkick! He blasts Sanada to the other corner! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps his cool while fans duel for both men. Okada drags Sanada up and gut wrenches, but Sanada revives to reverse to the dragon sleeper! But Okada gut wrenches again, only for Sanada to gut wrench! Sanada hits the tombstone! The hometown hero might have the fans back as he drags Okada up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Okada still lives but Sanada keeps focus. Sanada drags Okada up in the dragon sleeper, but Okada reaches with his legs. Okada manages to move forward, so Sanada shifts to a Tiger Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!! Okada survives again and we go to break!
NJPW on AXS returns as Sanada drags a dazed Okada back up. Sanada scoops for a backbreaker then heads up top. MOONSAULT onto knees! Okada and Sanada are both slow to standing again, but Okada drags Sanada up. He backslides and rolls Sanada for Rainmaker! But Okada drags Sanada up again, but Sanada dodges, only to get a dropkick! Okada brings Sanada up again, TOMBSTONE! And the Rainmaker pose! Okada drags Sanada up a third time, wristlocks and wrings out, but Sanda Salidas into Skull End!! Sanada cranks back on the dragon sleeper, then drops for the body scissors, but Okada rolls through! Okada swings, Sanada ducks and now Sanada swings but Okada ducks! Okada steals Skull End!! Sanada endures his own hold but rolls through like Okada did, to get it back!
Fans are thunderous as Okada endures the dragon sleeper. Sanada cranks and swings Okada around! Then body scissors! Fans are at a fever pitch as Okada is trapped! Okada looks to be fading, but he still flails and reaches back. Okada pops free to make it a cover, TWO!! Sanada uses the other side for the Skull End! Okada endures being bent the other way now, but he uses those long legs to kick around. Okada starts fading again, so Sanada covers, TWO!? Where did Okada find that? But Sanada climbs up, MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Okada managed to dodge and now both men are down again! Fans go past thunderous for these two men, and we go to one last break!
NJPW on AXS returns as Okada gets to a corner. Sanada and Okada both stand slowly, and Okada is up first. But Sanada runs in, only to get a boot. Sanada staggers but runs back in, only to miss. Okada runs back in, but into an elbow. Sanada hops up, Okada gets under and shotgun dropkicks Sanada! But Sanada’s back up! Okada blocks, but Sanada spins to roaring elbow! Sanada fireman’s carry to TKO! Cover, TWO?! Okada survives and Sanada cannot believe it! But Sanada fires up with the energy of the fans and brings Okada up. Sanda scoops for another backbreaker, but Okada grabs his leg. Okada is an anchor so Sanada stomps him out first. Sanada heads for the corner but Okada still grabs the leg. Sanada stomps Okada again then climbs, but Okada anchors a leg again! Again Sanada kicks Okada off, quebrada to dragon sleeper!
Okada uses the ropes to get the sleeper, the gut wrench, SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Then he drags Sanada up, but Sanada boots back! Okada still holds on, even as Sanada boots again and again. Okada swings but into a full nelson. Salida but Okada slips through to spinning RAINMAKER! Okada drags Sanada up once more, TRUE RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; 2019 New Japan Cup Winner; will challenge Jay White for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at G1 Supercard
He does it! Not only is Okada 5-0 all time against Sanada, not only is Okada a two-time cup winner, but he is the #1 contender to the title most synonymous with his career! Okada is presented the New Japan Cup trophy and he holds it high in the ring. Then he takes to the mic.
“The New Japan Cup… I WON!!” Lots of guys from NJPW went to America. Was this company not enough for them? The NJPW ring is the best in the world! To borrow one of Sanada’s expressions, Okada LOVES pro-wrestling! And speaking of Sanada, Okada knows Nagaoka was cheering for him. Okada promises that when he returns from America, they’ll have another match. And so, Okada now heads to Madison Square Garden to crush “that son-of-a-b*tch, Jay White!” Fans sure hope he does! But speak of the devil, here’s the Switchblade. Jay White and Gedo head down the ramp, that IWGP Heavyweight Championship in tow. Fans boo and jeer but White just smirks as he joins Gedo and Okada in the ring.
Gedo talks to Okada for White, but he gets booed just as much. Congrats on winning. Is something he won’t actually say. Because Hell awaits him! In New York and MSG, Okada will fall into the abyss! The idiots booing Gedo will join Okada, too! The one who sends you there will be the STRONGEST IWGP Heavyweight Champion ever, The Switch Blade, Jay White. White now speaks for himself as he talks to Okada in English. Fans drown White out with boos. White waits until the boos stop, then tells Okada that he never thought this would happen. White’s the champ and Okada’s the “sorry soul” trying to prove he’s worthy. But this is all very real. This is NJPW’s reality. But still, congrats.
Okada won the New Japan Cup and “the privilege” to step into the ring with White. Okada sure fought hard for this, but it’ll all be for nothing! “Because you can’t beat me.” Okada never will, and certainly not for the title. White is better and everyone knows it. White promises to walk in champion and walk out still champion! It will be 3-0 that White wins. And Okada will be down and out in the world’s most famous arena, because this is the Switchblade’s era! White drops the mic and leaves with the belt, Gedo following after. Okada picks the mic back up to say, “I have no clue what you just said.” But White, just know Okada’s on a whole different level!
Okada grins and White only gets riled up, but Okada continues to again announce his journey to Madison Square Garden! And he vows to return the IWGP Heavyweight Champion! Then in America, in NJPW, in the whole world, “I’m gonna make it rain~!!” The streamers and confetti rain down for Okada, but will fortune shine upon him in Madison Square Garden?
Backstage Interviews
Okada admits, “That was rough.” Okada’s title defenses were rough, as was his G1 Climax win, but this New Japan Cup was particularly tough. Just as you win one match, another is on the way. Okada was the favorite to win this year, and he did. But that’s not all, he has one more match. He has to start all over again. But he’ll just keep moving forward, all the way to MSG. Will Okada raise both the New Japan Cup trophy and the IWGP Heavyweight title in New York?
My Thoughts:
What a great selection for three hours of wrestling! Just as this tournament started to look like Tanahashi’s story back, it became all about Okada! All these matches had amazing story, and seeing them all together, you really got the sense of how it all came together. That was a great parallel where Ospreay counters Okada, and Ishii tries the same only to fail. It was great for Tanahashi to defeat ZSJ for that story of ending ZSJ’s cup streak, but how great was it for the hometown hero to win against such a great wrestler as Tanahashi. At the same time, it seemed better for someone else to take on Okada this time, we’ve gotten plenty of Okada VS Tanahashi in the last 12 months.
Okada winning against Sanada was natural, Sanada’s not quite there yet. But I really enjoy the tease that Okada will give Sanada another crack at it should Okada win. For that matter, White and Okada had a great exchange in the ring. Especially Okada no selling everything White said to stay on his message. The G1 Supercard is going to be great, with both the ROH and NJPW matches, but Okada VS White Round 3 is definitely the one to watch. AXS TV promises another two hours of NJPW next week to cover part of G1 Supercard, so it will be perfectly natural if we get Okada VS White as part of it, and that will be amazing.
My Score: 9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?
SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
- Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
- Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!
Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!
Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!
Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.
Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!
Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!
SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!
Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!
Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.
Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!
Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!
Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”
Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?
Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.
Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.
Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?
Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.
The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!
Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”
The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.
Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?
R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!
To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?
SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!
JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?
The Street Profits are here!
The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”
The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…
Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.
Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!
Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?
Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?
Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!
Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!
Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.
Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.
Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.
Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.
Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!
Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!
Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!
Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall
All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?
The Wyatts speak.
“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?
Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?
The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.
Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!
The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!
The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.
Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!
Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?
The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.
Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?
Giulia speaks.
“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”
Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?
Zelina returns backstage.
She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?
Damian Priest is here!
Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.
“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!
The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.
Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!
Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!
Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.
Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.
Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.
Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.
Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.
Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!
The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!
The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!
Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!
But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!
“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.
“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?
Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.
Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”
Cody Rhodes is here!
Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.
Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.
Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.
“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!
The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!
The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.
The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”
Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.
“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!
Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!
Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!
Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.
The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.
Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.
R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.
Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.
Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.
"TNA turned into TRICK-NA. Lets talk about it"@_trickwilliams #WWENXT
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/StU4pmi3oy
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Ratings:
- The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
- Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
- ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
- Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
- Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
- International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***
Results:
The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System
Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb.
Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.
KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.
AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.
Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali
Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.
Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.
Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.
This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”.
ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee
ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.
Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!
Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber
Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.
.@milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE make history as the first father/daughter tag team in TNA!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/3s8OhtYFPv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa
Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.
Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.
International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona
A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.
Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!
Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?
Go home TNA, you’re drunk.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
4 Corners Podcast: Never Over Until Its Over
Dave and Patrick break down the latest developments, scores, and stories from the NBA and NHL Playoffs.
4 Corners Podcast: Playoffpalooza
Dave and Tunney discuss all the awesome action that has been going on in the NHL and NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Is It Drafty In Here?
Patrick and Dave discuss the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, and the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
Bandwagon Nerds #290: Norm!
The Nerds recap trailers for Jurassic Park: Rebirth and Welcome to Derry, discuss delays to Avengers movies, and pay their...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/23/25)
What's with all the glowing?
Bandwagon Nerds #289: The Rest of Us
The Nerds discuss trailers for Ironheart and Superman, talk about the greatness that was Andor Season 2, break down casting...
Bandwagon Nerds #288: Disney In The Desert
Disney makes a controversial decision about where it is building its 7th theme park. Plus, loads of trailers, Thunderbolts* news,...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)
June will be electric!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrasslin Wrap-up!
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/30/25)
The greatEST SmackDown!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn't, Dreamer and Delirious can't book.
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/29/25)
B Block, FINAL ROUND!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/29/25)
Is ROH ready for the GORE?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (5/28/25)
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (5/28/25)
Dynamite in the desert!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/27/25)
A Block, FINAL ROUND!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/27/25)
Will NXT still be Absolute?
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/25/25)
Round 8, all together!
-
Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s WWE Battleground Results & Report! (5/25/25)
-
AEW Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s AEW Double or Nothing Results & Report! (5/25/25)
-
Coverage5 days agoMitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/26/25)
-
Coverage7 days ago
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/24/25)