Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/24/19)

Will Johnny Champion get payback on the Undisputed Era?

Published

5 years ago

April 24, 2019

NXT Champion Johnny Gargano got jumped by the Undisputed Era and now he wants payback! Will Johnny Wrestling survive the Savior of the Backbreaker?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Humberto Carrillo VS Jaxson Ryker w/ The Forgotten Sons; Double Count-Out.
Aliyah & Vanessa Borne VS Candice LeRae & ???; LeRae & Kacy Catanzaro win.
The War/Viking Raiders VS The Street Profits; The War/Viking Raiders win.
Johnny Gargano VS Roderick Strong; Gargano wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Humberto Carrillo VS Jaxson Ryker w/ The Forgotten Sons!

Ultimo Ninja has been a big hit on 205 Live but he returns to NXT! How will he do against the Gunner of this savage trio? Will Ryker continue to #DoUntoOthers?

The bell rings and Ryker stares down with Carrillo. Carrillo ties up with Ryker but Ryker waistlock slams him! Ryker then puts Carrillo in a corner to scrape his face. The ref backs Ryker off but Carrillo gets right up. They circle and Carrillo waistlocks, but Ryker trips him and suplexes him. Carrillo lands on his feet and boots Ryker back. Carrillo springboard enziguris! Cover, ONE! Ryker is up fast and he chases Carrillo in and out of the ring. Carrillo dodges and headscissors, then handsprings to back elbow! Standing moonsault on top, ONE! Carrillo grins while Ryker glares. Ryker hip tosses Carrillo into buckles!

Ryker stomps Carrillo in the corner then drags him up to the top rope. He clubs away on Carrillo in the Tree of Woe, then yanks him out for a scoop slam. Ryker clubs away on the mat, too, then grabs Carrillo for the Widowmaker choke slam! Carrillo rolls away but Ryker pursues! Ryker puts Carrillo into barriers and will not let up. The Forgotten Sons rally behind him as he rams Carrillo into the apron. Ryker shows no mercy as he throws Ryker OVER railing! Carrillo crashes and burns but Ryker does not leave him be! Ryker knees Carrillo over and over into railing, but they’re both counted out!

Double Count-Out

The match may be a draw but this fight is one-sided as Ryker drags Carrillo way up to snake eyes him on railing! But Lorcan and Burch appear! They fight off the Forgotten Sons and start swinging wild with steel chairs! Lorcan and Burch bark with Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler but Ryker is ice cold calm. Carrillo slowly stirs and Ryker suddenly ignites! He wants at Ultimo Ninja but Blake & Cutler pull him away. Will the Forgotten Sons make sure Carrillo, Lorcan and Burch never forget who they’re dealing with?

NXT Media finds Adam Cole in a photo shoot.

He’s annoyed that they’re interrupting. But they want to know how he feels about Gargano VS Strong. Is he excited to see what Strong does? Cole thought Gargano would be man enough to face the Undisputed Era’s leader, but guess not. As for Roddy, he’ll do what Cole would do, and that is beat Gargano into a pulp! Wait who is that smiling at him? It’s Matt Riddle! And the Bro is just up next on the photo shoot. But he’s chuckling at Cole upset over someone else getting at Gargano. So he thinks this is funny? Yeah it’s hilarious. What’s Cole gonna do about it? Cole has bigger fish to fry, so go ahead and have your photo shoot. Cole leaves and Riddle starts his turn. Will Cole be laughing when Strong proves him right against Gargano tonight?

Aliyah & Vanessa Borne VS Candice LeRae & ???

#BorneBougie were upset that Mrs. Wrestling beat Aliyah 1v1. They claimed they weren’t ready in New York, but are more than ready in Full Sail. But who will join Candice in this match? It’s… Kacy Catanzaro! Will the American Ninja Warrior help Candice prove Aliyah & Vanessa are all style and no substance?

The teams sort out and KC starts with Aliyah. Aliyah and KC hear the fans as they circle. Aliyah gets the leg to trip KC, then trash talks before dropping a knee. She also shows she has agility as she handsprings up. Aliyah whips but KC reverses to lariat in the corner. KC then shoulders in and gymnastic headscissor Aliyah down! KC even htis a flipping ax kick! Jackknife cover, TWO! Vanessa swipes at KC and Aliyah yanks KC down! Aliyah talks trash and slaps KC around before tagging in Vanessa. The diva duo double suplex KC up and down, Vanessa covers, TWO! Candice and fans cheer KC on but Vanessa clubs her back down. Vanessa clubs KC more then headbutts. KC gets to a corner and fans rally up.

Vanessa stomps a mudhole into KC then backs off at the ref’s count. KC crawls but Vanessa throws her away from Candice. Vanessa tags Aliyah while choking KC. Aliyah adds on with a draping armbar, then Vanessa straddle attacks! The #BorneBougie duo then snap KC off the ropes before Aliyah covers, TWO! Aliyah keeps on KC by pulling hair and then arms to stretch KC across the knees. KC endures and fans rally again. KC pries one arm free and elbows away but Aliyah pulls hair and shoves KC down. Aliyah drags KC and tags Vanessa. Another double suplex, but KC slips out to double neckbreakers! Fans fire up and KC gets a hot tag to Candice!

Candice climbs and missile dropkicks Vanessa down! She baseball slides Aliyah then shoulders into Vanessa for the jawkbreaker! Vanessa ends up in a corner, Candice runs in for a back elbow. Candice snapmares and step-up sentons her down! Candice gives Vanessa a neckbreaker and LIONSAULT! Cover, Candice and KC win!

Winners: Candice LeRae & Kacy Catanzaro, LeRae pinning

Mrs. Wrestling picked right in picking the little speed demon Catanzaro! They take the win here, but could this lead to a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship opportunity?

Backstage interview with Io Shirai.

The Genius of the Sky witnessed her best friend be beaten and broken by Shayna Baszler. “What Shayna did was terrible.” Io vows to get the Horsewomen back, but the get her first! Marina and Jessamyn do Shayna’s dirty work for her, and then hold Io still for Shayna’s running kick! The Queen of Spades and her sidekicks leave Io down, but not out. Will the revenge Io wants grow even stronger now?

It’s almost time for the Time Splitter to arrive.

Kushida signed his NXT contract on TakeOver night, and his Full Sail debut is coming. He vows to show the WWE Universe and NXT Universe that he can bring his own Japanese Strong Style to Full Sail.

NXT General Manager William Regal speaks on Kushida’s coming debut.

How excited is he? Incredibly excited but also relieved! It took a lot of hard work to make this deal happen. This is truly a great moment. But then currently NXT UK star, Kassius Ohno, appears. Regal congratulates Ohno on his UK run, and Ohno admits he’s been crushing it. This has been a humbling experience for Ohno to be the one teaching the young stars some genuine British wrestling. Ohno congratulates Regal back on signing Kushida. But who knows Japanese Strong Style better than Ohno? No one. So why not make Kushida VS Ohno for his debut? Regal thinks that’s an excellent idea. Next week, Kushida VS Ohno it will be! Will the Wrestling Genius be too much for the Time Splitter to handle in his first NXT match? Or is Ohno overestimating his own ability to solve the Super Junior?

The War/Viking Raiders VS The Street Profits!

It doesn’t matter what their names are, two Nordic behemoths are still two behemoths. Plus, they’re still the NXT Tag Team Champions! But will going back and forth between Full Sail and Raw cost them this match against the #CurseofGreatness?

But just as Rowe & Hanson make their way down the ring, Montez Ford FLIES out onto them! Ford puts Rowe in fast and the bell rings! Dawkins SPEARS Rowe then ROCKS Hanson! Tag to Ford and he climbs up. SPINEBUSTER to FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! The Profits were so close to snatching this one quick, but Rowe staggers to his feet. Dawkins tags in and goes at Rowe and Electric chairs. Ford climbs, and the Profits go for Doomsday, but Rowe escapes! Rowe runs Ford over! Hanson tags in and rallies on Dawkins with big hands! Hanson whips and scoops Dawkins for a sidewalk slam, then a low crossbody! Ford returns but Hanson flips him. Ford lands, dodges, and rolls off Hanson’s back. Hanson cartwheels and clotheslines! Hanson returns to Dawkins to wrench and ram with shoulders. He grinds Dawkins down and grinds a forearm into the shoulder.

Fans rally up and Dawkins powers up, but Hanson rams him back down. Hanson keeps on Dawkins but fans rally again. Hanson knees low and tags Rowe. Rowe scoop slams Dawkins, then uses Hanson as the human weapon senton! Rowe glares at Ford and stalks Dawkins. He whips but Dawkins reverses. Rowe goes up and over but runs into a haymaker! Both men crawl for their corners, hot tags to Hanson and Ford! They collide but neither man falls. They go again but still nothing. Third time but still nothing! Ford mule kicks, front kicks, but Hanson boots! Hanson and Ford both roar, then speed up! Ford dropkicks and rocks Hanson! Full Sail fires up with Ford as he back suplexes and holds Hanson up for the slam! Then he kips right up! Standing moonsault!

But Ford doesn’t cover, and Rowe runs in. Ford clotheslines Rowe out and tags Dawkins. Dawkins runs for the discus clothesline! Ford adds his own! Ford gets help for Sliced Bread! Cover, TWO! Street Profits are shocked but still moving. Tag to Ford and Dawkins brings Hanson up. The Profits double whip but Hanson breaks the line! Hanson handsprings to double back elbow! Tag to Rowe and Rowe drags Ford up for a HUGE exploder! Then Dawkins gets Ace Ten Mao! Tag to Hanson, Rowe shotgun knees Ford, then uses Hanson for the human weapon hip attack! Dawkins eats the rebound lariat German Suplex! Tag back to Rowe, and Ford is all alone. The Vikings drags Ford up for THOR’S HAMMER!! Cover, Rowe & Hanson win!

Winners: The War/Viking Raiders, Rowe pinning

The NXT Tag Team Champions are still dominant as ever! Will they lose those titles before going full-time to Raw? Or will they simply give them up for bigger and better treasures?

Backstage interview with Mia Yim.

With everything going on in the NXT Women’s Division, Shayna is still dominating and imposing her will. Mia doesn’t want to interrupt, but yes, Shayna’s seemingly unstoppable. Though it’s not the way Mia would do it, but look what Shayna did to Kairi and Io! Even Bianca Belair couldn’t get it done in two matches. In Mia’s match with Shayna, Mia learned a lot about herself and the Queen of Spades. Mia wants another shot, and she will prove to everyone that the Head Baddie in Charge IS a threat to Shayna’s reign. Will GM Regal honor this request and make it happen?

Johnny Gargano VS Roderick Strong!

Johnny Wrestling defied the odds and expectations by overcoming Adam Cole and the entire Undisputed Era in that insane TakeOver: New York Best 2 Out of 3 Falls Match! But then being a sore loser, Cole orchestrated an ambush on Johnny Champion his first night back at Full Sail. And despite what Cole expected, Gargano chose to take on the Savior of the Backbreaker who threw the first knee. Will Gargano start a win streak against Undisputed opponents? Or will it be Strong that earns himself a title shot before Cole gets his second?

The bell rings and Strong circles with Gargano. They tie up and Strong gets a takedown. Strong gets the facelock and gator rolls Gargano as he tries to get away. Fans duel as the rolling stops and Strong has the headlock. Gargano powers out but Strong runs him over. Things speed up again and Strong catches Gargano. Gargano spins but Strong cartwheels through. Strong misses and Gargano school boys, ONE! Gargano rolls Strong for the crossface but Strong rolls him back for a cover, ONE! Fans applaud but the action keeps moving. Strong forearms and headlock takeovers, but Gargano headscissors. Strong pops out but Gargano drop toeholds him and tries again! They roll around more and Gargano holds on. Strong gets to the bottom rope then out of the ring.

Gargano grins while Strong is seething. Strong slides back in but Gargano arm-drags and dropkicks him down, then clotheslines him out! Fans fire up with Gargano as he runs to the corner to SUPERKICK Strong! Strong staggers around the corner but Gargano keeps his eyes on him. Gargano baseball slides but into a wheelbarrow, half nelson slam onto the apron! Strong slowly drags Gargano up to CHOP him! Strong puts Gargano back in then stomps him down. He puts Gargano in a corner for shoulders but the ref counts. Strong stops to CHOP Gargano again. Gargano CHOPS back so Strong clubs him down. Strong drags Gargano up as fans rally. Strong gives Gargano a gutbuster and covers, ONE! Gargano can’t get away, Strong digs a knee into his back as he figure four threads the leg.

Fans rally as Gargano endures the modified Angelito stretch. Gargano turns and pushes Strong away but Strong comes back to stomp him! Strong brings Gargano up but Gargano hits back so Strong clubs him down. Strong lifts Gargano for an atomic backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Strong grinds his knee into Gargano’s face then stomps him out. Fans still duel as Strong looms over Gargano. Strong drags Gargano up into a corner for another CHOP! Gargano crawls to the apron but Strong drags him up to use the ropes to help in the Angelito! The ref counts and Strong backs off at 4. Fans boo and jeer as Strong drags Gargano up for yet another CHOP! Strong even CHOPS Gargano on the mat, and Gargano eggs him on! CHOP after CHOP then stomp after stomp! Strong covers, TWO!

Strong grows furious but tells Gargano, “It’s only gonna get worse!” He drags Gargano up and gut wrenches to the Canadian rack. Fans rally as Strong has Gargano in a Gory Especial! Gargano fights out with an arm, then arm-drags Strong to a corner! Gargano hits back but Strong clubs away. They go back and forth and STrong puts Gargano in a corner. Gargano boots, but Strong blocks, so Gargnao throws forearms! Strong shoves but Garganot osses him out. Strong drags Gargano out for another wheelbarrow! But Gargano arm-drags Strong into steps! Strong scrambles into the ring but runs into a swing kick. SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Strong survives and Gargano keeps his cool while checking that back.

Fans rally up as Gargano runs in to CHOP Strong! Strong hits back but Gargano wrings out the arm. Gargano swings a buzzsaw but Strong ducks to club Gargano’s back. Strong runs in but Gargano goes up and over to school boy kick Strong! Strong slumps out of the ring but Gargano slingshots. Gargano misses and Strong yanks him down. Strong builds speed but Gargano dodges the wrecking ball to give Strong CANNONBALL! Gargano puts Strong back in the ring and slingshots, but into a fireman’s carry! Strong tosses Gargano up but Gargano huricanranas and SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Strong survives and fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” for giving them this match. Gargano drags Strong up and CHOPS him in the corner. And again, this time sending spit and sweat everywhere!

Gargano does it again for even more spit and sweat flies! Fans want “One More Time!” so Gargano gives a THIRD helping! Strong flounders around but Gargano puts him up top. Gargano scoops Strnog but STrong slips otu to Olymipc Slam. Gargano slips out and boots Strong, to then hop up and leap. Strong catches Gargano, but Gargano slips out again, only to get caught again! Gargano fights out furiously but Strong just puts him on the apron. Strong sees the spear coming, and makes it a butterfly backbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives, but what else would he do in a match like this? Fans rally up and Strong throws hands.

Gargano keeps sitting up and then he hits back! Strong returns the elbows, but Gargano ducks to enziguri! Gargano runs into a boot and kick, but avoids the knee, only to get an elbow. But he gives a discus lariat! Gargano aims from the corner, DIY S- Buckle Bomb! Shining Wizard and backbreaker, to slam! Cover, TWO!! Gargano lives again but Strong won’t let up. Strong has the legs but Gargano resists the turnover. Gargano pries one leg free to kick away at Strong, then he reels Strong in for the crossface! GargaNO Escape!! Strong flails and kicks, but here comes ADAM COLE!

Gargano goes after Cole, but still avoids Strong’s suplex. Cole talks trash as Gargano elbows Strong away. Here come Fish & O’Reilly, but Riddle holds them off! Things get chaotic, and Strong taps Cole only to get an enziguri!! Cole accidentally hits Strong!! Gargano DIVES on Cole! Then slingshot DDT’s Strong! Cover, Gargano wins!!

Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall

That was an Undisputed disaster for Cole and the boys! Gargano grins as he gets the better of them again. Riddle and Gargano fist bump for the assist while the Undisputed Era try to sort this out. Strong is upset but Cole tries to apologize. O’Reilly & Fish keep the peace and the Era takes their leave. Will things continue to fall apart for the foursome?

My Thoughts:

A spectacular episode! I was surprised to see Carrillo back and going against Ryker, I really thought he was gonna lose. Of course, he didn’t win, either, but he sure took a beating. Lorcan & Burch coming to his rescue keeps their story with The Forgotten Sons going, but it also looks to set-up a Six Man Tag that sounds really good to me. I’m pretty sure The Forgotten Sons win that, however, to head for both the tag titles and perhaps the North American title. And Kacy Catanzaro was a great choice to join Candice against Vanessa & Aliyah, and naturally they won to give the Heels comeuppance. With NXT still owed a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships match but the Sky Pirates unable to do it now, I would hope a team like Candice & KC can be the ones to challenge whoever has the belts.

While Shirai is certainly being set up as Shayna’s next challenger, what with that beating tonight, but kudos to Mia Yim for calling Shayna out. I’m pretty sure Mia loses, and probably in some severe way similar to what happened to Kairi. Shayna VS Shirai is going to be great, so long as there’s a way to keep the Horsewomen out of it. Shayna was better as a Heel when she wasn’t constantly needing back-up, even if this is all so the Four Horsewomen can eventually fight the other Four Horsewomen. Maybe Mia and Bianca help Shirai out against common enemies.

Street Profits VS War Raiders was incredible! Profits were great with that opening attack and this was just fast and furious the whole way through. It’s a shame this wasn’t for the titles just so it’d fit the level of amazing. But it also isn’t completely kayfabe to wonder if Rowe & Hanson will just drop the belts like Asuka did when she was called up while still Women’s Champion. It’d be the easiest thing, because I honestly don’t see them losing except to reDRagon. And given the story with Undisputed Era, I don’t know if they’d be able to break off for separate matches. Gargano VS Strong itself was nearing title level action, but naturally the Era appears. Luckily it wasn’t to screw Johnny but to screw Strong. The Undisputed Era’s story is getting good, and throwing Riddle into the mix, the possibilities for the NXT Championship are excitingly unpredictable.

My Score: 8.5/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/3/24)

C’est vendredi soir!

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Le Cauchemar Américain et Le Phénoménal!

That is to say, The American Nightmare and The Phenomenal One! Before Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles fight over the WWE Championship at Backlash, they have one last face-to-face to say whatever needs to be said!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

8 Woman Tag: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Tiffany Stratton & Damage CTRL; Bayley, Naomi, Bianca & Jade win.
The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament VS New Catch Republic; The AOP win.
WWE Tag Team Championships: A-Town Down Under VS The Street Profits; win(s) and

PLAY BY PLAY

8 Woman Tag: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Tiffany Stratton & Damage CTRL!

Lyon, France fires up for the Role Model as she joins forces with The #BIG3 against the Spoiled Rich Girl, as well as Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane, all ahead of the big title matches at Backlash! WrestleMania saw Bayley, Naomi, Bianca & Jade all take down DMG CTRL, but will things be different now that they’re on #TiffyTime?

The teams sort out, and Naomi starts against the Pirate Princess. The fans sing for Bayley while Naomi and Kairi tie up. They go around, Naomi wrenches but Kairi DECKS her! Kairi drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up to get Kairi for a TWERK ATTACK! Naomi then kicks Kairi away, and the fans rally behind Naomi as she runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! And then ENZIGIRI! Naomi drags Kairi over, tags in Bianca, and Bianca slingshots in to handspring and MOONSAULT! The fans cheer, Bianca covers, TWO! Kairi survives but Bianca keeps on her. Bianca brings Kairi up, scoops, but Kairi kicks free!

Kairi whips but Bianca blocks! Bianca whips, catches Kairi and reels her in, to suplex! The fans cheer as she marches around, then SLAMS Kairi down! And kips up, too! Asuka runs up but is sent right back out! Bianca gets Kairi up, but Kairi URAKENS! Bianca wobbles, Bayley tags in! Bianca BOOTS Kairi but is upset Bayley tagged in. The fans want Bayley anyway, but Asuka drags Bianca out! Then Tiff tags in to attack the champ! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Bayley but Tiff keeps her composure as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and fans rally for Bayley, but The Kabuki Warriors bring her up. Bayley fights the double suplex, fires off hands, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Kairi adds a SLIDING D, then Asuka adds a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Bayley stays in this, but Tiff tags in again. Tiff brings Bayley up to CLUB her, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Tiff lets off at 4. Kairi has fun throwing up the double peace as Bayley flounders. Dakota tags in, she stomps a mudhole into Bayley, but Dakota tags Kairi. Kairi tags Asuka back in, then brings Bayley up.

Asuka climbs the corner, Kairi brings Bayley around, and sends her into Asuka’s HIPS! Asuka hops down to cover deep, TWO! Bayley is still in this but Tiff tags in again. Tiff brings Bayley up to whip her to a corner. Tiff runs corner to corner and handsprings in to BACK ELBOW! Tiff snapmares Bayley, runs, and cartwheels into an Alabama Lift, ALABAMA SLAM! High stack, Naomi breaks it! The fans fire up while Tiff is upset. Tiff frowns, stomps Bayley, then taunts the fans. But Bayley fires hands! Tiff CLUBS Bayley, stomps her, then sucker punches Jade! The fans boo but Tiff CLUBS Bayley, then sends Bayley into Naomi!

The fans boo more, but Bayley hits a SAIDO! Both Bayley and Tiff are down, and the fans are thunderous! Bayley and Bianca lock eyes, and are both conflicted being enemies for so long. But tonight is about common enemies, so Jade tags in! And she BOOTS Dakota! And grabs Asuka, for a CHOKE SLAM! Kairi runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Jade catches her for a BACKBREAKER! Jade tags Bianca and then she SPLASHES Dakota! Jade reels Dakota in, brings her up, and POWERBOMBS her down! Bianca then handsprings, gets a lift from Jade, DOMINATOR SPLASH COMBO! Cover, but Kairi breaks it!

Jade TOSSES Kairi out, but Asuka MISSILE DROPKICKS Jade down! Naomi runs up, gets around, BUBBA BOMB for Asuka! But TIFFY STOMPS get Naomi! But then BAYLEY2BELLY for Tiffy! Dakota SCORPION KICKS Bayley! Bianca torture racks Dakota for the KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca’s team wins!

Winners: Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall

The fans cheer “OUI! OUI! OUI!” as the EST finishes this one off! Bianca & Jade are going strong into their tag title match, and Bayley will now have to turn around and treat Naomi as much of an enemy as she does Tiff. Will the Role Model hold onto the gold? Or will she #FeelTheGlow?

A-Town Down Under speaks.

Austin Theory tries French by saying, “Bonjour, France. You get a gift tonight. You get the greatest undefeated tag team champs in their first title defense.” Grayson Waller then asks, “What’s that smell?” They both sniff and Theory says that’s red wine. No, Waller isn’t smelling that. It’s strong. Theory takes in a bigger whiff, and says that’s cheese. Nah, that’s just how the audience smells. Waller realizes what it is: smoke! Because that’s what The Street Profits want, right? Well, ATDU will show The Profits that they ARE the smoke! Will Theory & Waller return to the US still holding onto the titles? Or will The Profits be up as they take the gold?

Backstage interview with Bianca & Jade.

SmackDown returns, and Kayla Braxton says after tonight’s great win out there, are they confident in their chances at taking the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at Backlash? Jade says she and Bianca are always confident. Tomorrow night will be no different. And Bianca says with all this history against DMG CTRL, she is so ready for closure, for this to be done, because she is sick of talking about it! DMG CTRL has been coming at her for practically her entire career, and she’s ready for this to be over. We pan over to see Naomi and Bayley are here, too. Bianca says once they take the tag titles, she’ll be done with DMG CTRL for good. Hopefully.

Jade calms Bianca down and Bayley leaves. The EST apologizes for being the angriEST, but will that at least help her and Jade finally humble DMG CTRL once and for all?

Nick Aldis is with Carmelo Hayes backstage.

The SmackDown General Manager knows Melo belongs here on SmackDown after last week’s match with Cody Rhodes. Because two things Aldis asks of you on his brand: show up, and show out. Melo says thanks to “Slick Nick.” And despite what people are saying, Melo knows he almost beat Cody. Melo’s got momentum, he wants to keep it going, so he is declaring for the King of the Ring. Well, alright then. Aldis is sure they can talk about that. At the same time, here’s Bobby Lashley! Lashley says hey to Aldis and Melo, and congratulates Melo for being drafted to SmackDown. More importantly, congratulations on that impressive showing against Cody Rhodes.

And, now that they’re both on the same brand, if there’s anything Lashley can do for Melo, just call him. Melo says thanks, but he’s good. If you didn’t see last week, Melo’s a first round draft pick, went toe to toe with THE WWE Champion, he’s pretty much got it figured out. He appreciates the offer, though. Well, alright, big time. But Lashley will tell him that it’s not about the shots he shoots. It’s about making those shots count. Last week, Melo lost. Oh? Well when was the last time Lashley shot his shot? Melo looks to go but Lashley stops him. Here’s another piece of advice: be careful who you disrespect around here.

Lashley lets Melo exit, will the All Mighty have to teach HIM a lesson?

The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament VS New Catch Republic!

Akam & Rezar thought they were writing off The Big Strong Boi & Bruiserweight last week, but they only gave Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne motivation! New Catch Republic kept AOP from becoming NXT Tag Team Champions, will they also put a dent in their main roster plans? Or will this end up being the Final Chapter after all?

SmackDown returns and The AOP make their entrance. Akam and Dunne start, and Akam grabs Dunne by the neck! Akam SHOVES Dunne up and out, taunts him, then storms out, but into a GAMANGIRI! Dunne gets in to DROPKICK Akam, then DROPKICK again! And DROPKICK again! Akam stays up so Dunne runs up to HOVERBOARD KIMURA! Bate tags in and KICKS Akam! Then NCR fire off fast hands! The fans fire up, Bate goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Then again for another UPPERCUT! Bate keeps going, but Akam LARIATS him inside out! The fans boo but Akam tags in Rezar.

The AOP mug Bate, then shove Bate down. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Rezar talks trash on them in return. Rezar drags Bate up to suplex, but Bate throws knee after knee! Bate gets free, then he fires hands and UPPERCUTS! Bate reels Rezar in, but even he can’t suplex someone that big! Rezar fireman’s carries, so Bate slips around to a SLEEPER! Rezar goes to ropes, Dunne tags in and climbs up! Dunne FLYING STOMPS Rezar’s arms! Bate DROPKICKS Rezar out! Akam runs in but NCR DUMP him out! The fans fire up as Bate tags back in, then goes up top! Dunne sets up for Bate’s KNEE-BOARD SENTON!

The fans fire up as AOP goes down! Bate hauls Rezar up and into the ring, then springboards in to FLYING UPPERCUT! Rezar stays up so Bate runs, but into a pop-up! Rezar fireman’s carries Bate to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Rezar roars, the Final Testament is fired up, but the fans boo and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Rezar looms over Bate. The fans rally up while Rezar brings Bate over. Tag to Akam, and the AOP hit a SIDEWALK SLAM LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Kross is annoyed with the fans, but Akam dribbles Bate off the mat! Akam tags Rezar, the AOP mug Bate again, and then Rezar clamps on a BEARHUG! Bate endures the squeeze, even as Rezar thrashes him around! Bate fights up as the fans rally even harder! Bate wriggles free as he goes up and over to sunset flip, but Rezar YANKS Bate right up, only for Bate to DROPKICK! Rezar staggers back, Akam tags in and runs up on Bate!

Akam drags Bate away, but Bate fires hands! Akam keeps hold of an arm but Bate fires hands! “OUI! OUI! OUI!” Akam whips but Bate hits the REBOUNDER! The fans fire up as Bate crawls, hot tag to Dunne! The fans erupt as The Bruiserweight ENZIGIRIS Akam, GAMANGIRIS Rezar, then ENZIGIRIS Akam! Dunne STOMPS the hands then BUZZSAWS Akam down! Dunne fires up, the fans are with him, and he goes out to ASAI MOONSAULT Rezar down! Dunne runs back in, mule kicks and serves Akam SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO! Dunne goes up top, MOONSAULT, but he lands on his feet as Akam dodges!

Dunne rolls through to tag Bate! Akam runs up, but Bop up, BANG! Dunne BOOTS, Bate fireman’s carries!! The fans are thunderous for the AIRPLANE SPIN!! Bate goes around and around and around with Akam, then THROWS him away! Bate kips up, tags Dunne, then STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Dunne roars before the SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Rezar breaks it! The fans are loving this, but then Rezar grabs both men by the necks! Only for both men to bend those fingers! And DOUBLE SNAP! Then NCR run to CLOBBER Rezar outta the ring! The fans fire up, Dunne runs but Scarlett stands in the way!

The fans boo the femme fatale, but Bate DIVES past her to take out Rezar! But then Kross gets Bate for an F5 to the floor! Dunne PLANCHAS Kross for it! Dunne gets back in, but Akam hits an URENAGE! Tag to Rezar, the AOP set Dunne up, DRAG THE LAKE! Cover, AOP wins!

Winners: The Authors of Pain, by pinfall

The entire Testament was needed, but they still take down New Catch Republic! These teams are going to Raw via the Draft, will the feud only get wilder from here?

Nick Aldis is visited by Paul Heyman.

The Wise Man asks if Aldis got his memo. Aldis did. And request denied. Heyman wants Aldis to pull Kevin Owens & Randy Orton out of the tag team match set for Backlash? Why? How about for the sake of Kevin Owens? Or for Randy Orton, or for SmackDown as a whole. Heyman says he has tried and tried with Aldis, but fine, leave them in the damn match. What happens to Kevin and Randy is no longer on Heyman’s conscious. It is all on Aldis now. Good night. Heyman storms off, but Aldis asks if that’s by orders of The Tribal Chief. Heyman turns back around to say that’s not funny. Well, Aldis just knows that all communication with Roman Reigns goes through Heyman.

So, is Heyman in charge or not? Heyman says there is a difference between being in charge, and being in control. Heyman has not spoken to Roman since WrestleMania. Heyman then realizes he shouldn’t have admitted that, and Aldis asks him to repeat it. Has Heyman really not spoken to him since Mania? So when “Roman Reigns” pulled Roman Reigns from The WWE Draft, who really did it? Heyman says it wasn’t Roman who withdrew from the Draft. Heyman withdrew Roman from the Draft. But please understand what is going on here. Heyman had no choice. He cannot subject Roman to the chaos going on within The Bloodline right now.

And Aldis cannot subject Kevin & Randy to what will happen to them at the hands of The Bloodline tomorrow night. Aldis says if Heyman can take it on himself to pull Roman out of the Draft, then try pulling Kevin & Randy outta this match. Even right now, on the R-KO Show. Aldis wishes Heyman luck, Heyman storms off completely this time, but just what is going on with The Bloodline?

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/3/24)

Will the Ace go global?

Published

4 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Steven Mitchell

He’s here to show the world, he’s here to show the world!

Nic Nemeth finally gets his dream match with Hiroshi Tanahashi, and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship is on the line! But can the Wanted Man trump President Ace of the Universe?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff – Togi Makabe & Katsuya Murashima VS Boltin Oleg & Shoma Kato; Oleg & Kato win.
DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS SHO & Yujiro Takahashi; Sho & Yujiro win.
Yuya Uemura & Taichi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Yuya & Taichi win.
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Guerrillas of Destiny; Guerrillas of Destiny win.
Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Shota Umino & El Desperado VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Nemeth wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Jeff Cobb w/ Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira!

The Front Man and the Imperial Unit have battled over this belt before, and now, in “season 4,” we revisit the rivalry! Will ZSJ still have Cobb’s number? Or will Cobb finally be the star of NJPW World?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly might!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans cheer as ZSJ and Cobb shake hands. ZSJ then rushes in but Cobb avoids him. They feel things out, hand fight for control, and Cobb goes for a leg. ZSJ avoids being thrown but Cobb waistlocks. ZSJ drops, slips out, but Cobb keeps on him. They go around again, ZSJ gets away, and the fans cheer. The two knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, then Cobb blocks a leg pick with a facelock. Cobb pushes ZSJ to a lateral press, TWO!! ZSJ narrowly escapes and Cobb lets him know it. The fans applaud as the two reset, and they feel things out again.

They knuckle lock, ZSJ rolls back and wrangles Cobb. Cobb stands, slips through to wrench back. ZSJ turns around, has a cording hold, and then hooks a leg to make the arm-drag easier! Then he shifts right around to an ARMBAR! Cobb scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets off quickly. ZSJ and Cobb reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock again. They go forehead to forehead, then shoulder to shoulder. ZSJ facelocks but Cobb slips around to a waistlock, then spins ZSJ to a facelock, then headlock. Cobb hits the takeover, denies the headscissors, but ZSJ keeps trying. Third time’s the charm and ZSJ has Cobb down!

ZSJ squeezes tight but Cobb moves around. Cobb headstands, pops free, and then has a standing toehold! The fans applaud, but ZSJ works on his escape. He gets his left leg free, turns over and reels Cobb in, but Cobb turns that into a waistlock! ZSJ wrenches out but Cobb avoids the Pele! Cobb feints moonsault and ZSJ scrambles away! The fans cheer the standoff as the two reset again. Cobb and ZSJ circle, step closer, and knuckle lock again. They both try to clinch, but then Cobb slips around to a waistlock and SLAM! ZSJ scrambles away, clutching his side. ZSJ stands, Cobb storms up, and Cobb TOSSES ZSJ across the ring!

The fans fire up while ZSJ flounders to the apron, still clutching his side. ZSJ seems alright to continue as he gets back inside, so Cobb storms up on him again. Cobb HEADBUTTS the ribs! Cobb whips corner to corner hard and ZSJ bounces off buckles! ZSJ is getting frustrated with himself, but Cobb is right on him again. Cobb whips ZSJ back the other way and ZSJ again hits buckles hard! The fans rally for ZSJ as Cobb storms over. Cobb steps on ZSJ’s chest! Cobb then drags ZSJ up at the five minute mark. Cobb whips, ZSJ goes up and comes back, but is caught into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!

Cobb walks over to pick ZSJ up, then whips him to a corner. Cobb runs in but ZSJ avoids the back elbow! ZSJ goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! ZSJ stands but Cobb follows, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Cobb wobbles but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ fires a flurry of forearms, but Cobb DECKS him with just one! ZSJ is mad and he gets right up! The fans rally up as ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again! Cobb ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm! ZSJ has the fans behind him as he runs back in, only to get run over! GACHI- NO, ZSJ sunsets Cobb first! But Cobb rolls through!

Cobb rolls into the jackknife, TWO as ZSJ bridges up!! ZSJ spins Cobb around, but Cobb fights the backslide! Cobb turns things around to backslide ZSJ, but ZSJ rolls through to trap Cobb’s head! NECK TWIST! PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up again while ZSJ catches his breath. ZSJ still clutches his side, but he watches Cobb rise. The fans rally, ZSJ storms up on Cobb and waistlocks, but Cobb breaks free! Cobb wrenches, snapmares, and steals EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! ZSJ storms up on Cobb, fires forearms, but Cobb ROCKS him with just one! ZSJ walks it off, comes back with more, then a BOOT! Cobb swings, into a BOOT!

Cobb rebounds, but ZSJ BOOTS! ZSJ runs, but into a BOOT from Cobb! ZSJ drops to his knees, but Cobb drags him back up to suplex! ZSJ fights that to wrench and PELE the arm! ZSJ waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, but then Cobb is right back up! Cobb deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES ZSJ away! The fans rally as ZSJ ends up in a corner. Cobb rises, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Cobb then brings ZSJ up for a SPIN OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives heavy impact after heavy impact, but Cobb powers up his arm. Cobb runs, but ZSJ LARIATS with him!

Both men stay up but ZSJ does stagger. ZSJ and Cobb DOUBLE LARIAT again! We hit ten minutes, time is still on ZSJ’s side! But then Cobb LARIATS him down! Cobb runs, but ZSJ KICKS the lariat away! Scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives and the fans are thunderous again! ZSJ runs to KICK! That might’ve hurt ZSJ’s leg more than anything. ZSJ runs but Cobb blocks this kick! ZSJ SLAPS Cobb, so Cobb DROPKICKS ZSJ! Cobb then hauls ZSJ up to suplex, and he puts ZSJ up top! Cobb goes up top with him, then SUPER- NO, ZSJ slips around to a SLEEPER! The ref counts the ropebreak, ZSJ drops back at 4.

ZSJ considers his options, and gets under Cobb, for a POWERBOMB! Roll to a cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Cobb stays in this! But we’re at the three minute warning! ZSJ KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, then runs, but Cobb ducks the Penalty Kick to schoolboy! TWO!! ZSJ escapes, Cobb runs back up, and Cobb blocks a boto! Waistlock, O’Conner Roll, but ZSJ pops that into a SLEEPER! Cobb rolls back to get free, and deadlifts ZSJ into a pop-up! F 5000!! Cobb hurries to haul ZSJ back up, whip and TOUR OF THE- CRUCIFIX TAKEDOWN! ONE!! Cobb gets free fast, and he hurries to haul ZSJ back up! LARIAT! FALLING HAMMER!

Cobb swings again but into an omoplata! ZSJ wants the other arm, but Cobb moves around as we hit the two minute warning! ZSJ just shifts to get the other arm in the omoplata, then a traditional ARMBAR! Cobb holds hands, ZSJ breaks the grip! Cobb powers right through to deadlift ZSJ! Then a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!! Cover, COBB WINS!!

Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World TV Champion)

With 90 SECONDS to spare, Cobb ends ZSJ’s reign! The Imperial Unit wears gold once again, will “season five” be the biggest and strongest yet?

Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have been battling all up and down the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but now Gene Blast will have it out with The Rebel! Who proves they are truly ungovernable?

The bell rings and the fans rally for Yota already. Yota and Finlay stare down, but then back away as Finlay gets annoyed by the fans. Yota encourages the fans and they get louder for him. Finlay gets on a corner to throw up the Too Sweet, the fans boo him. Finlay hops down with a frown, and the two circle. Yota blocks a kick, headlocks, but Finlay powers up, only for Yota to hold on tight. Finlay rolls to a cover, ONE and Yota holds onto the headlock. Finlay powers up again, powers out this time, but Yota runs him over! The fans cheer, Yota grins, but Finlay bails out. The fans boo while Finlay paces. Yota gets on the corner and the fans fire up!

Finlay slides in, Yota hits him with a body shot first! Finlay goes to a corner, Yota RAMS into him, and RAMS him, and RAMS him again. Yota then brings Finlay around to whip corner to corner. Yota runs up but Finlay puts him on the apron! Finlay knocks Yota off the apron, then goes out to RAM him into railing, right in front of commentary! Finlay RAMS Yota in again and again, but the ref reprimands him. Finlay lets off, leaves Yota behind, and says it’s too easy. Yota writhes, the ring count starts, and Finlay waits. Yota rises up at 6 of 20, stands at 8, and makes his way in at 10. But Finlay is there to stomp away on him at the ropes!

Finlay drops a KNEE into Yota’s back, pulls Yota’s hair and a leg, but the ref reprimands. Yota has the ROPEBREAK, the ref counts, and Finlay lets go at 4. Finlay brings Yota up to suplex and BROKEN ARROW! Finlay flexes and fans do cheer the feat of strength. Finlay covers, TWO! Finlay mockingly says Yota is tough, HEADBUTTS away on Yota’s ribs! Then he drops a leg! Yota sputters but Finlay mocks the fans rallying behind him. Finlay whips Yota hard into a corner, and Yota falls forward. Finlay covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Finlay stands on Yota’s fingers! Finlay stomps Yota’s arm, then clamps on a chinlock.

Yota endures as Finlay leans on the hold. The fans rally up again, even as Finlay thrashes Yota around. Yota fights around, reaches out, but Finlay grinds him back down to the mat! The fans rally harder as Yota reaches out. Finlay sits Yota up so he can CLUB away on Yota’s face, then puts the hold on tighter! It’s almost a Bulldog Choke, but Yota fights to his feet! Yota reaches out but Finlay wrangles Yota back down! Yota is fading! The ref checks, and the hand drops once! The hand drops twice! But Yota opens his eyes and rises up! The fans rally and Yota stands to throw body shots! Yota is free, and he runs, but into an ELBOW! Finlay adds a SENTON!

Yota flounders away to a corner, and Finlay barks at him. Finlay aims from a corner as Yota rises, and fans rally with the barking. Finlay runs in, to UPPERCUT! And clothesline! And then Finlay brings Yota out, only for Yota to suplex Finlay into the corner! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay rolls away while clutching the back of his head, and Yota rises while catching his breath. The fans rally again and Yota stands. Yota fires up and runs in at the corner, to STINGER SPLASH! Yota keeps moving, to FLIPPING RANA! Finlay tumbles out, and the fans fire up as Yota builds speed! Yota DIVES and sends Finlay over railing!

The fans fire up with Yota while Finlay is down in No Man’s Land! Yota catches his breath again and the ring count starts. Finlay crawls through the gap, but we’re at 10 of 20 before Yota stands. Yota storms over and drags Finlay up at 15, then puts him in the ring. The fans cheer and Yota gets Finlay up. Yota half nelsons for a GUTBUSTER! Yota then snapmares Finlay into a body scissors squeeze! Finlay endures, moves around, but Yota grabs an arm in a cording hold! Finlay flails with his free arm but he’s still far from ropes! Finlay pulls at the body scissors but Yota just squeezes tighter! Finlay endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Yota lets off, and the fans applaud. Finlay coughs as he goes to a corner, and Yota paces. Yota storms over, brings Finlay back up, but Finlay blocks the suplex. Finlay throws body shots but Yota gives a hard body shot in return! Finlay falls over and coughs his way to ropes. The ref has Yota stay back while he checks on Finlay. But then Yota runs up to KICK Finlay into the corner! Yota stands Finlay up to CHOP! Finlay grits his teeth as his chest stings, but Yota brings him up to the top rope! Yota ROCKS Finlay, then roars, and the fans fire up! Yota climbs, brings Finlay up, but Finliay shoves him down!

Finlay adjusts, but Yota comes back to GAMANGIRI! Yota goes back up, brings Finlay to the top, but Finlay throws body shots! Finlay SUNSET FLIPS, but Yota holds on! Finlay pries Yota from the corner, but Yota sunset flips him back! TWO, but Yota kicks and whips! Finlay reverses, and scoops for BLUE THUNDER! Both men are down and Gedo cheers Finlay while the fans rally for Yota. Finlay hauls Yota up for the Canadian Rack, CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans are still behind him, but Finlay keeps his cool. Finlay drags Yota around, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota back drops Finlay away!

The fans cheer as Yota clinches, but Finlay fights free! Finlay gets Yota back in, picks him up, but Yota slips free of the bomb! Finlay dodges the knee, but runs into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Finlay writhes but Yota drags him back up. Yota suplexes for the ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives the brainbuster bomb and we pass 15 minutes, but Yota keeps his cool. Yota grins, even! Yota stands, brings Finlay to a corner, then goes up and up for the FLYING- PRIMA NOCTA! Finlay reels Yota in to bring him up and BUCKLE BOMB! Then suplex INTO OBLIVION! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and Finlay is beside himself!

The fans rally while Yota is down, but Finlay brings his kneepad down. Finlay stands, drags Yota up, but Yota is deadweight. The ref checks but Yota seems okay to continue, so Finlay drags him up! Yota fights the suplex so Finlay knees him low! Finlay brings Yota back up and in, slashes his throat, and suplexes, but Yota cradle counters! TWO!! Finlay runs up, into a clinch! BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! STOMP!! The fans fire up as Yota stands tall, but then he drops back down, needing to catch his breath. The fans rally up and both men stir. Finlay rises first, and he sits Yota up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, and Gedo says nice!

Yota sits back up, Finlay UPPERCUTS him again! Yota shakes his head as he sits back up, so Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Finlay taunts Yota, Yota stands, and Finlay UPPERCUTS! Yota shakes his head and comes back, but Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Finlay eggs Yota on, and Yota snarls as he storms back up. Finlay UPPERCUTS again and Yota drops back! Finlay says this is too easy, but Yota still smiles?! Yota rises, and he fires forearm after forearm on Finlay! Finlay UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Yota drops to a knee, Finlay says BANG! UPPER- BACKSLIDE! Roll through, Finlay blocks a knee to UPPERCUT!

Yota SUPERKICKS! Finlay UPERCUTS! Yota FOREARMS, then he dodges the lariat to JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO!! We hit 20 minutes as Yota hauls Finlay up to a fireman’s carry, and swings into the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Yota storms around. Yota waits on Finlay to rise, then runs in, to CURB STOMP! Yota roars, because he’s not done yet! Up and up, MARVEL CRUSH!! Cover off the flying stomp, TWO!! Finlay survives, but Yota just fires up again! The fans are with Yota as he aims from the corner! Finlay rises, but then Gedo gets on the apron! Yota runs Gedo off, but Finlay SPEARS first!!

Finlay hurries to get Yota up and suplex! STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE!? Yota takes a play out of Will Ospreay’s book (or Orange Cassidy’s, or Mark Andrews’), then runs in to GENE BLASTER!! But Yota says that’s not enough! The fans fire up again as Yota reloads in the corner! Finlay slowly rises, but Gedo distracts the ref! Yota runs in, into a SHILLELAGH SHOT!! Finlay drags Yota up and reels him in, for a POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO?!?! Yota survives and shocks Finlay! Finlay is furious, he gets Yota up for another POWERBOMB!! Then a flip-over, suplex, for OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

The Goatslayer may have won, but he still needed the ace up his sleeve to steal this one from Yota! Will Finlay stop at nothing to make himself the savior of this company? Or is he simply a false prophet?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The Wanted Man has wanted to show off ever since arriving in NJPW, and he started off strong taking this title off David Finlay. But now he gets what he wanted even more, and that’s a dream match with The Ace of the Universe! Will Nemeth take President Tanahashi to the Danger Zone? Or will we soon witness the birth of a Two Belt Ace?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who shows the world their true strength!

Tanahashi shows off the abs and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the fans rally up for Tanahashi. Tanahashi and Nemeth circle, tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. They break, reset, and circle again. They tie up, are in another deadlock, but Tanahashi gets around to waistlock. Nemeth reaches back, shoots around to get a leg then a waistlock, then shifts, but Tanahashi fights off the cobra twist. Tanahashi wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Nemeth rolls, slips around again, and tries from the other side. Tanahashi fights the cobra twist to roll Nemeth up, TWO! The fans cheer the exchange and even Nemeth nods as they reset.

Nemeth and Tanahashi circle, Nemeth gets a leg, and he brings Tanahashi down to a cradle, TWO! Tanahashi fights through the leg guard to get a headlock, but Nemeth fights around to roll Tanahashi. ONE, Nemeth facelocks, and he brings Tanahashii up. Tanahashi puts Nemeth on ropes, Red Shoes counts, and Tanahashi lets off slowly. Tanahashi says clean break, but then Nemeth runs up! Tanahashi arm-drags, arm-drags again, and has the cording hold! The fans cheer while Nemeth moves around. Nemeth stands, hooks Tanahashi’s leg with a leg, and then flips Tanahashi over to a cradle! TWO, and the two stand off again.

The fans applaud as both men reset. They feel out a knuckle lock, but Nemeth again goes for a leg. Nemeth waistlocks, and he still wants that cobra twist. Tanahashi drops but Nemeth tries for a ground cobra! Tanahashi clasps hands to resist that, then he rolls things to a headlock. Nemeth keeps his shoulders up, fights to his feet, and he hooks a leg to roll Tanahashi! Tanahashi manages to keep a shoulder up, so Nemeth flips around and has the roll from the other side! TWO, and Nemeth DROPKICKS Tanahashi down! The fans fire up as Nemeth swivels the hips! Tanahashi backs away to ropes to catch his breath.

Nemeth waits on Tanahashi, Tanahashi stands and they circle. They tie up, Nemeth headlocks but Tanahashi waistlocks. Nemeth switches, Tanahashi fights the lift, and then Tanahashi switches. Nemeth reaches around, switches again, but Tanahashi switches on him. Nemeth switches, and goes to throw Tanahashi out! Tanahashi fights that with elbows, then gets a leg, to DRAGON SCREW! Nemeth flounders out of the ring while the fans cheer! Tanahashi goes out after Nemeth, puts him in the ring, and the fans cheer. Tanahashi drags Nemeth up, bumps him off buckles, then fires up as he whips corner to corner.

Nemeth reverses the whip, runs in, but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up for the air guitar! Nemeth stands, Tanahashi runs up and dropkicks the legs out! Nemeth flounders, stands back up, and Tanahashi runs in, but into a dropkick right back! The fans rally while both men are down, but Nemeth grins as he evens the score. Nemeth stands, storms up on Tanahashi and grabs the leg. Nemeth stands on Tanahashi’s face, then DDTs the leg! Tanahashi clutches the knee, but Nemeth drags him around. Nemeth steps over, has a standing toehold, but Tanahashi kicks at him with his free leg!

Nemeth and Tanahashi struggle against each other, and Nemeth powers things into a cover! TWO, and Nemeth YANKS the leg! Then Nemeth cradles Tanahashi, TWO! Tanahashi is still in this and the fans rally behind him, even as Nemeth stalks Tanahashi. Tanahashi fires forearms! But Nemeth kicks the leg out! Nemeth gets the leg to YANK it, then he drops a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is tougher than that but Nemeth grabs the bad leg. Nemeth stretches the leg out, and adds a chinbar so he can bend Tanahashi around. Nemeth hooks the leg, pulls on it, it’s like a standing kneebar! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up!

Tanahashi endures, even as Nemeth makes it an ANKLE LOCK! Tanahashi slips under and brings Nemeth down with his own leglock, only for Nemeth to turn him back over! Tanahashi reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Nemeth stomps the leg as he lets off. Nemeth eggs Tanahashi on, so Tanahashi stands up and fires a forearm! Nemeth fires a haymaker! Tanahashi forearms again, Nemeth throws a forearm back! Tanahashi throws another forearm, so Nemeth kicks the leg out! Tanahashi eggs Nemeth on now, then blocks his superkick! But not the SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and the fans fire up!

Nemeth stands and shows he still has energy to spare. Tanahashi stands, Nemeth taunts him, “I thought you were a legend!” Nemeth whips, and Tanahashi CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again and Tanahashi fires up with them! Nemeth stands into a strike fest! Tanahashi scoops to SLAM Nemeth into the drop zone! Then Tanahashi goes up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nemeth is tougher than that but the fans rally with Tanahashi. Nemeth slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO, Nemeth sends Tanahashi out! But Tanahashi skins the cat! Then he TOSSES Nemeth! But now Nemeth skins the cat!

The fans fire up, Nemeth mocks the air guitar, but then Tanahashi dodges! Nemeth dodges, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down! Both men stir, the fans rally up, and Nemeth fires a haymaker! Tanahashi gives a forearm back! Nemeth fires another haymaker, Tanahashi fires another forearm! They stand, continue to trade shots, and then Tanahashi gets the edge! But Nemeth roars to HEADBUT! Both men wobble, Nemeth roars again, and he whips, only for Tanahashi to reverse and SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up and Tanahashi roars! Tanahashi goes up a corner, Nemeth stands, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up again as Tanahashi resets! Tanahashi climbs again while Nemeth is down, HIGH FLY FLOP!! Nemeth avoids disaster and Tanahashi writhes from his crash landing! But Tanahashi just fires himself back up! After all, as NEVER Openweight Six Man Champion, he can’t give up! Tanahashi runs in, but into SUPERKICK 101!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and we pass 15 minutes! Nemeth rises first, he takes aim again, and Tanahashi turns around into a kick! Nemeth runs, to FAMOUS- NO, Tanahashi stops the Famouser to SHOTEI! But Nemeth roars, swings, only for Tanahashi to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!

The fans are thunderous and Tanahashi gets running, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi drags Nemeth into the drop zone, but has him on his stomach! Tanahashi goes up to HIGH FLY FLOW, onto knees!! Nemeth turns over in time, and then covers, TWO!!! Tanahashi survives the crushing counter, and the fans rally as hard as they can for him! Tanahashi stands, DANGER- NO, Tanahashi shakes that off, then runs, but Nemeth dodges! DANGER ZONE!! But Tanahashi rises up and Nemeth reloads, to DANGER ZONE again!! Cover, Nemeth wins!!

Winner: Nic Nemeth, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

Nemeth got what he wanted in this dream match, and then he came out as the Top Gun! Will Tanahashi have to settle for being a Six Man Tag Team Champion for now?

As for Nemeth, he is given the belt, and he holds it up high. But he also shows Tanahashi respect with a hug, and Tanahashi shows it back by lifting Nemeth’s hand. Then the streamers fly! That took Tanahashi by surprise! But then FINLAY attacks Nemeth!! The Rebel also CLOBBERS Tanahashi! The fans boo as this War Dog is off the leash! Finlay rains down fists on Nemeth again, then he TOSSES Tanahashi out. Finlay gets the shillelagh from Gedo and he takes aim! Finlay takes a swing, but Nemeth dodges! Nemeth fires fists in return and the fans fire up! Gedo watches out as these two go all over the place, in all of the streamers!

Young Lions hurry in to stop this, but Gedo calls reinforcements! Here come Connors & Drilla! They get the pack leader outta there, clearly Nemeth isn’t going down easy! Nemeth gets the mic to tell Finlay he’s a coward! Nemeth was just in this ring with a legend, and he’ll do it every damn night! Finlay clearly takes the easy way out, because he’s a POS who attacks from behind! If Finlay had any balls, he’ll fight Nemeth fair and square. Nemeth will defend anytime, anywhere, because that’s how damn good he is! Hell, tomorrow night! Wrestling Dontaku Night 2, rematch for the Global title! Let’s do it!!

The fans like the sound of that! Finlay may have taken a cheap shot, but he’s still getting what he wants. Will the Rebel shoot down The Wanted Man and take back the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship? Or will Nemeth bring Finlay into the Danger Zone?

My Thoughts:

A great start to what I think is the first two-night Wrestling Dontaku ever. I will say, of the matches I skipped, The House of Torture winning over Moxley’s team is classic go-home math showing that Moxley will win out against Narita tomorrow on night two. That way, Moxley then faces Shota Umino next Saturday, May 11th, at Resurgence. Anyway, great NJPW World TV Championship match, and a great rematch from ZSJ and Cobb on top of it. Great win for Cobb, and that was the logical move after having lost to ZSJ the last two times. Also, feels like that’s why ZSJ beat Riddle after Riddle had a rather short run. If Cobb was to win this belt, they didn’t wanna make the Chosen Bros face each other, as great as that would’ve been.

Really good grudge match from Yota and Finlay, but I should’ve known Finlay would need to cheat to win. And as we saw at the end, Finlay wants the Global Championship back, what with losing out on the World Championship when he lost in the New Japan Cup. Great match from Nemeth and Tanahashi, great win for Nemeth, and doing back to back nights is some good stuff out of Nemeth and Finlay. I don’t know if they’ll steal the show, but they’ll definitely put on a real good match to help top off Dontaku.