Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Stomping Grounds Results & Report! (6/23/19)
It’s time to kick ass and take names!
It’s the first-ever WWE Stomping Grounds event!
WWE debuts a brand-new PPV with a lot on the line! Who will Baron Corbin’s guest referee be? Who escapes a steel cage THE WWE World, Heavyweight, Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – WWE Cruiserweight Championship Triple Threat: Tony Nese VS Drew Gulak VS Ariya Daivari; Gulak wins and becomes the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Lacey Evans; Lynch wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- The New Day VS Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn; Owens & Zayn win.
- WWE United States Championship: Samoa Joe VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins and becomes the new WWE United States Champion.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Planet’s Tag Team Champions VS Heavy Machinery; The Planet’s Tag Team Champions win and retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross; Bayley wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- Roman Reigns VS Drew McIntyre w/ Shane McMahon; Reigns wins.
- WWE World Championship Steel Cage Match: Kofi Kingston VS Dolph Ziggler; Kingston wins and retains the WWE World Championship.
- WWE Universal Championship: Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin w/ Special Guest Referee ???; Rollins wins and retains the WWE Universal Championship
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Stomping Grounds Kickoff Show!
Join Jonathan Coachman, Charly Caruso, David Otunga and Booker T as they recap and prepare for all the action tonight in Tacoma!
Big E and Xavier Woods join the panel!
The New Day speak to the preparation of WWE Champion, Kofi Kingston, for tonight’s intense steel cage match with Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler might be watching, though, so they can’t give away any secrets about the W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, Champion. Big E guzzles down and drenches himself in water, because he’s thirsty for victory. As for Woods kicking Ziggler, Ziggler kicked him first, so things were even. Ziggler is a grown man, he got what he got. Then what does Kofi have to do to remain champion without them? “Coach, he don’t need us!” 11 years, Kofi doesn’t need The New Day. New Day will have Kofi’s back from the back.
Woods knows Coach knows players gotta get it done on their own. The New Day will do that to Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn when they “stomp their grounds.” Do better, Coach! But will all three men of the New Day be victorious tonight?
Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.
Has the Lone Wolf found his special guest referee for tonight’s WWE Universal Championship? He’s had people knocking on his door all morning. But yes, he has picked his referee. And the guest ref is… a secret! Corbin will keep Seth Rollins on his toes until he’s pinned him on his back. What Rollins did this past week was sadistic and cowardly. At Super Showdown, the ref screwed up. At Stomping Grounds, Corbin vows to slay the Beastslayer and become the new WWE Universal Champion. Will Corbin’s ace in the hole go the way he hopes?
Ricochet joins the panel!
The One and Only challenges for the WWE United States Championship against Samoa Joe after winning a big Fatal 5 Way Elimination. Booker T gives Ricochet props for making it here, and Ricochet notes his whole journey has been amazing. How does he feel taking on one of the most dangerous men in the WWE today? Ricochet worked so hard and sacrificed so much to perfect his style, and he will not waste this opportunity. But Joe’s mean streak only proves he’s a bully. Ricochet will be in the fight for his life, and will force Joe to respect him.
But then Joe communicates via video chat! Don’t think for a second he isn’t listening! Respect? Ricochet’s been here for a cup of coffee and not a good one. Ricochet knows nothing about surviving and competing int he WWE. Joe will show Ricochet what he’s really won in that Fatal 5 Way. “Being amazing has never saved anyone from the beating I put on them.” Ricochet will sleep tight, but tonight is not his night. Ricochet says he’ll respond with actions, but will it be enough to get the gold?
The Planet’s Tag Team Champions address the WWE Universe.
At least, they would if the stage hands would get out of the way! Once the referees get clear, Daniel Bryan rants about the treatment of the tag team divisions! “That’s the kind of disrespect people have for the entire Tag Team Division.” It’s because of The New Day and Usos, who have amazing matches, treating the division like a joke! Swivel hips, throw pancakes, play practical jokes. But the Planet’s Tag Team Champions vow to SAVE this division from teams like Heavy Machinery. Tucker Knight, an All-American, Otis Dozovic, a Pan-American medalist, but they just talk about “having a great time.”
Can you imagine the poor example those two would set. It’s Idiocracy come to life! Tucker and Otis would make this all a giant joke! “We’re trying to save the tag team division from being a joke!” The entire world should be thanking them! But it’s not for them. It’s for an ideal. It is for the greater good of tag team wrestling, and the planet. “Blue Collar Solid is no match for champions fighting for the greater good.” Now keep refs out of his shot!
Shane McMahon smells something good.
It’s the smell of victory for Drew McIntyre against Roman Reigns. McIntyre tells Roman that he’s too emotional. The mere mention of his family and Roman freaks out. All McIntyre has ever done is tell the truth. The truth is, Roman’s family won’t recognize him and his children will scream in terror. If that upsets Roman, that’s on Roman. The truth hurts, but not as much as what McIntyre will do to him. Shane loves the intensity! But will he love the result of tonight’s grudge match?
Kickoff – WWE Cruiserweight Championship Triple Threat: Tony Nese VS Drew Gulak VS Ariya Daivari!
The Premier Athlete didn’t expect two challengers, but he welcomes the challenge! But will he be able to survive both the Philly Stretcher and the Stamina Monster? Or will one of them come away with the title, without even pinning or submitting the champ?
The introductinos are made, Nese repping the 205 Live brand all the way with his new gear. The belt is raised and we kick off the action!
Gulak dropkicks Nese right down! Tozawa goes at Gulak but Gulak throws him to a corner. Gulak runs into forearms from Nese. Nese gets Gulak in a corner and throws haymakers until Tozawa hurries back in. Tozawa throws haymakers on Nese but Nese elbows him back. Nese springs up but Tozaa gets under. Nese still lands on his feet! He also goes Matrix as Tozawa swings at him, to kip-up and kick back! Nese knee lifts and sweeps the legs, cover, TWO! Nese suplexes but Tozawa slips out. They standing switch and Nese rolls Tozawa, but Gulak runs in, only to get turned around into a German Suplex! Nese has two covers, TWO! Both men get free but Nese stomps Tozawa down. Gulak bails out but Nese slingshots out. Nese cartwheels over Gulak’s clothesline to SUPERKICK him away!
But Tozawa DIVES to hit Nese! The Tozawa Torpedo takes out Nese, then he CANNONBALLS onto Gulak! All three men are down but the fans are fired up! Tozawa crawls away from Gulak to fire up and go after Nese. Tozawa drags Nese up and in and climbs to the top rope. He leaps at Nese, missile dropkick hits! Cover, but Gulak breaks it just in time! Gulak grimaces as he goes to Tozawa. Tozawa throws Gulak out and drags Nese to a drop zone. Tozawa climbs again, but Nese SHORYUKENS! Nese leaves Tozawa stranded, for a top shelf kick! And then a gut buster! Cover, but Gulak breaks in again! Gulak drags Nese up for a suplex, but Nese slips out.
Gulak standing switches and inverted suplexes Nese to the apron. Nese hits back but Gulak puts him through ropes. Gulak elbows Tozawa then suplexes him into Nese! All three men are down again while we go picture in picture.
Gulak drags Tozawa up and headlock takeovers. Gulak traps an arm but Tozawa endures the combination of holds. Tozawa fights out and lifts Gulak, but Gulak is just a bit too much. Gulak fights out of the fireman’s carry to drag Tozawa up for headbutts. Gulak whips but Tozawa ducks and tilt-o-whirls to the Iron Octopus! Now Gulak must endure a submission! Gulak endures, but starts to fade. We return to single picture as Nese picks Tozawa off Gulak, to throw at him! Nese then whips and ROCKS Tozawa with a left hand! But Gulak LARIATS Nese! Gulak roars and dragon sleepers to the GuLOCK! Nese endures the full hold, sleeper and body scissors! But he works his way out and around, reaching for ropes. Gulak pulls the arms away to sink it in deep! But Tozawa DROPS IN!! The super senton outta nowhere!!
All three men are down again and Tozawa grins that he saved the match. Tozawa covers Nese, TWO! He covers Gulak, TWO! Tozawa backs off to catch his breath. Gulak fireman’s carries, but Tozawa slips out to shove and huricanrana! Tozawa tries again, and manages the fireman carry slam! And then a shotgun dropkick! Cover, TWO! Gulak lives but Tozawa keeps his focus. Tozawa lines up a shot and runs in, but gets tossed out! Nese elbows Gulak then runs, but Gulak tosses him out. Nese lands and kicks back! Gulak is down, Nese Triangle MOONSAULTS! Cover, but now Tozawa breaks it in time! Tozawa and Nese glare at each other. Nese CHOPS but Tozawa CHOPS back. Nese CHOPS again, but so does Tozawa. Tozawa CHOPS, then fakes Nese out to the JAB! Nese is in the corner but right back up to put Tozawa up top. SHORYUKEN again!
Nese climbs up to join Tozawa, but Tozawa resists. Tozawa and fans shout “AH! AH!” as he clubs away on Nese! Tozawa forearms NEse into the Tree of Woe! But Gulak jumps over Nese to SUPERPLEX Tozawa! But Nese sits right up to adjust and aim, 450 FLOP!! Gulak avoids the splash and drags Nese up, only for Nese to bring Gulak up in the Dude Buster! Cover, SHINING WIZARD! Tozawa covers Nese, TWO!! All three men are down but fans are loving it! Nese crawls to a corner while Tozawa sits up. Tozawa goes at Gulak with the kick, the swing, the slide and the rolling roundhouse! Nese comes back and shoves Tozawa right out hard! PREMIER KNEE! But Tozawa rolls Nese!! TWO, and Nese rolls Tozawa! TWO, to a deadlift, BUCKLE BOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Tozawa bails out to leave Nese and Gulak alone in the ring. These old rivals glare as they stand up. They grab each other by the bear, but Gulak throws elbow after elbow. Nese forearms Gulak then German Suplexes him into buckles! NEse brings down the pad, runs, but into an elbow! Gulak torture racks Nese, but Nese slips out. Tozawa runs in and shotguns Nese down! Gulak ducks the kick, torture rack, neckbreaker! Cover, GULAK WINS!!
Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall; NEW WWE Cruiserweight Champion
The Submission Specialist didn’t need a submission, and he beat the other challenger to take the title from the champ! Will Drew Gulak change the way 205 Live operates once and for all?
In the WWE, boots are made for more than just walking.
A Lady wants a belt. A Beastslayer won’t let his go so easily. The Big Dog wants to take a bite out of a Terminator, and a Show-Off wants to prove #ItShouldHaveBeenMe! Who walks on from here walking tall?
Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Lacey Evans!
They say ladies first, but The Man is the one who wants to get this over with! Will Lynch finally shut the Sassy Southern Belle up with this rematch from Money in the Bank? Or will a Woman’s Right be all it takes to take that last belt from the former Champ-Champ?
The introductions are made with Becky going out first. Lacey follows, in gear that already looks like she’s celebrating. The belt is raised and we begin Stomping Grounds with some Straight Fire!
The bell rings and Becky circles with Lacey. They tie up and Lacey powers Becky to a corner. Becky turns it around and talks trash. Lacey slaps Becky’s hand away then shoves her. Becky shoves back and the fans are already thunderous. Lacey waistlocks but Becky drop toeholds to a trailer hitch! Lacey grabs the ropebreak and Becky lets go at 3. Becky taunts Lacey as they circle and tie up again. Becky waistlocks and slams Lacey, but Lacey scrambles tot he ropes again. The ref counts but Becky yanks and slams Lacey! Lacey bails out but Becky pursues to club her down! Becky puts Lacye in and dodges the shoulder to knee and kick Lacey back.
Fans fire up as Becky gets in, and Becky catches the kick! Lacey asks Becky simply put it down, but Becky runs around to spin and throw Lacey! Becky bumps Lacey on buckles and then another corner, and then a third. Fans still cheer as Becky gets all four corners! Becky whips Lacey but Lacey reverses. Becky stops herself and elbows Lacey, but then springboards to kick Lacey back. Lacey gets out again which only annoys Becky. Fans chant “Lacey Sucks!” Becky wrecks Lacey with a baseball slide! Becky drags Lacey up and in, but Lacey kicks her back! Lacey crawls but Becky returns to backslide, TWO! Becky blocks another kick to dragon screw Lacey! Lacey punches Becky’s ribs! Lacey grabs Becky in a facelock, for a fallout DDT! Then Lacey gator rolls Becky to the apron and a post.
Lacey Bow ‘n’ Arrows Becky against the post by a leg and the ponytail! Fans boo as Lacey kicks Becky back in. Cover, TWO! Lacey stalks Becky to ropes and stomps away. She wrenches and wrings Becky out to then pull on the arm. Lacey kicks Becky in the ribs while fans jeer. Becky endures as Lacey pulls but she pops out to a cover! ONE, and Lacey bumps Becky off buckles now. Lacey stomps a mudhole into those ribs, then kicks Becky while she’s down. Lacey throws Becky down by her hair, and clamps on to an armlock. She hammers the ribs but Becky endures. Becky fights back as fans rally up, but Lacey hammers her to a cover, TWO! Lacey has the arm again and just hammers away! Becky still endures, but Lacey covers, TWO!
Lacey keeps on that arm while digging her knuckles and elbow into Becky’s ribs. Becky refuses to quit and fans rally up again. Becky kicks free then rolls Lacey, TWO! Lacey and Becky slowly stand but Becky throws hands. Becky whips but Lacey reverses to run her over! Lacey covers but Becky slips out! Becky mule kicks Lacey, then dodges in the corner for the jump kick! Becky grabs Lacey but Lacey elbows out. Lacey rams her shoulder into Becky’s ribs! Lacey hoists Becky up top but Becky fights back! Super armbar takedown!! Lacey flails and rolls to stack Becky, ONE! The armbar is back on! Lacey uses her legs for a ropebreak! Becky lets go at 3 and hobbles away. She runs in but gets sent into the buckles! Lacey hits her swinging bronco buster! Cover, TWO!
Lacey adjusts her outfit while catching her breath. She returns to Becky with the handkerchief to wipe herself off and throw it on Becky. Lacey adjusts her hair while fans boo. She toys with Becky but Becky shoves the tissue back in Lacey’s mouth! Becky throws off haymakers and uppercuts! Then she rallies with lariats! Becky gives back kicks and knees, then runs, but into a body shot! Becky boots Lacey back, then runs for big forearms! Lacey is down and Becky fires up with the fans. Becky stalks Lacey, takes aim, Straight Firearm! And more stomps! Becksploder! Cover, TWO!! Lacey still lives and Becky is beside herself. Becky drags Lacey to a drop zone and stomps her down to then climb up. Straight Fire Leg Drop FLOPS!! Lacey climbs while Becky writhes. Lacey slingshots but into knees! Becky rolls Lacey, TWO!
Becky grabs at the arm, but Lacey gets up and whips. Lacey follows but into a scoop. She escapes, and elbows Becky away. Springboard stunner! BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lacey loses her cool. Lacey drags Becky into the drop zone and climbs up. Becky springs up to yank Lacey off! And into the Disarm-Her! Lacey taps, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission; still Raw Women’s Champion
The Man denies the Lady again! Will this finally keep the Sassy Southern Belle out of her business? Who else will move up to challenge Becky for her belt?
Mustafa Ali will be the light of the WWE.
No matter who, no matter where, and no matter what the situation, he vows to protect, serve and inspire the WWE Universe.
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
The Advocate just came out of Baron Corbni’s office! Is he the referee despite what he said on Raw? And will Brock Lesnar follow? Those aren’t the questions to ask. Heyman wants to know if the WWE World and WWE Universal Champions are here tonight. And they are. So with both of them here, doesn’t that present multiple opportunities for The Beast in the Bank? Yes, it does. Heyman walks off, but did he really confirm or deny anything?
But then Corbin walks out, and he’s starting to think Kayla is after more than an interview. She wants an answer: has he chosen a referee? Yes, someone who won’t do any favors, who will call this down the middle. Corbin doesn’t need help to beat Rollins, he just needs someone who can do their job. Then when Corbin becomes champion, he’ll worry about Lesnar if he shows up. Will the Lone Wolf have to worry that far ahead? Or will he lose to Rollins even with a “competent” ref?
The New Day VS Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn!
Awwwww~ Tacoma~! While Kofi Kingston defends his W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, Championship, Big E and Xavier Woods will show these best frenemies what they get for sticking their noses in their business. Plus, this is finally a chance to get back at “Big O” for tricking them! But will Sami & Kevin ruin the New Day’s fun before the fairy tale is over?
The teams sort out and Woods begins with Kevin. They approach and Kevin SUPERKICKS Big E! Then SUPERKICKS Woods! Then another SUPERKICK! A fourth SUPERKICK! Kevin hurries up top for a SWANTON! Cover, TWO!? Tag to Sami and Saim drags Woods up for another SUPERKICK! Then a Blue Thunder Bomb!! Cover, TWO?! How is Woods doing this?! Tag to Kevin and Kevin climbs again, for a Frog Splash! Cover, TWO?!? Kevin and Sami are furious! How can Woods take all this damage?! Kevin rains down rights and then argues with the ref on the counts. Tag to Sami and Sami rains down rights of his own. Big E gets back on the corner and fans rally for the New Day. Kevin tells them to shut up but they only chant harder.
Sami drags Woods up for kicks to his face. Big E coaches Woods on but Sami punches Woods back down. Sami puts Woods in the corner then taunts Big E. Tag to Kevin and Kevin drags Woods around for stomps. Kevin backs off to taunt Big E while Sami gets cheap shots in. Then Kevin runs back in for a CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Woods somehow still has something left. Kevin taunts Big E more then drags Woods around for a back senton! Kevin mocks Woods to go tag Big E, before dropping another senton! Cover, TWO! Kevin mocks the New Day clap but fans genuinely clap. Kevin drags Woods up and puts him in the corner. Tag to Sami and Sami throws hands!
Sami stomps Woods, then distracts the ref for Kevin to get a cheap shot in. Sami slaps Woods, so Woods SLAPS Sami! Woods also CHOPS Sami, but Sami wrangles Woods to a crossface! Woods endures the hold as Sami cranks back. Fans rally up again and Woods rolls Sami, TWO! Sami anchors Woods down and drags him away. Sami tags Kevin and Kevin stomps Woods down. Kevin mocks Woods’ pain before bringing him up. Woods dodges the clothesline to enziguri Kevin! Kevin tags Sami and Sami hits Big E down! Sami stalks Woods and drags him up for a back suplex. Woods slips out to give Sami the back suplex! Both men are down but crawling.
Sami tags Kevin and Kevin runs, but Woods dodges the senton! Woods jumps for the corner but Kevin catches him. Woods turns around, wheelbarrow facebuster! Big E rises and returns to his corner! Hot tags to Sami and Big E! Big E throws Sami overhead! And again! And then belly2belly! Big E swivels them hips! But he has to hit Kevin down first. Sami gets up but gets a big elbow, then the Big Splash! Cover, TWO! Now Sami survives, but Big E keeps on him. Big E waistlocks but Sami fights out with elbows. Sami boots Big E then hops up to bring Big E in. Sami rains down rights and lefts, and grins as he facelocks, but Big E powers out of the tornado. Big E urenages Sami down! Cover, TWO!
Tag to Woods and the New Day coordinate. Woods tries but can’t lift Big E the first time. He gets it the second time for the human weapon, Big E splash! Sami writhes and Woods runs, banzai leg drop! Cover, but Kevin breaks it! Big E throws Kevin out then scoops Sami. Woods climbs up but Sami wiggles free. Woods jumps over Big E into Sami’s boot! Big E hits post, too, and the New Day is down! Sami tags Kevin and gives Woods a HELLUVA KICK! Then feeds to the POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, but Big E breaks in! Fans say “This is Awesome!’ as Sami runs into Big E’s lariat! SUPERKICK from Kevin! Woods denies the stunner for a rolling elbow! All four men are down but Tacoma is giving a standing ovation!
Kevin goes to a corner but so does Woods. Sami joins Woods on the apron, but Woods mule kicks. Big E runs and SPEARS Sami down to the ground! Woods kicks Kevin down into the drop zone! Woods climbs but Kevin trips him up! STUNNER! Cover, Kevin and Sami win!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, Owens pinning
After dealing out so much damage, the best frenemies finally down the New Day! Is this the start of Kevin and Sami turning things around?
Nikki Cross checks in with Alexa Bliss backstage.
The Loony Lass is excited for her friend and tonight’s SmackDown Women’s Championship match. The Goddess appreciates having Nikki in her corner. It won’t be Alexa against the world anymore. They wanted to be tag team champions together, but Bayley cost them that. Alexa also feels responsible, but Nikki says Alexa doesn’t need to feel bad. Bayley showed her true colors, so hopefully fans see her for who she really is. But that title is too special to belong to someone like Bayley. Which is why Nikki will love watching Alexa win. It’s them against the world, but will Nikki ever see she’s on the wrong side?
WWE United States Championship: Samoa Joe VS Ricochet!
The Destroyer lost the belt because of controversy, but Rey Mysterio was noble enough to give it back. Joe was less so when he still attacked an injured King of Lucha for even having the belt at all. Now the King of Flight steps up, can he succeed where even the living legend failed?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin!
Joe and Ricochet circle as fans chant, “Joe’s gonna kill~ you~!” They tie up and Joe wrenches Ricochet to then slap and kick away! Ricochet gets right up but Joe has his guard up. Joe grins as Ricochet stays back and they circle again. They tie up and Joe JABS Ricochet down. Ricochet keeps his cool while Joe dares him to come back for more. They tie up again and Ricochet ducks the jab this time to CHOP Joe! Joe just shrugs but he runs into Ricochet’s forearms. Ricochet runs and rolls off Joe’s back to then huricanrana Joe down! And dropkick him out! Ricochet builds speed and slides out but Joe dodges. Ricochet throws more haymakers but Joe rams him into the apron! Joe looms over Ricochet and throws him into steel steps!
Joe refreshes the count to then stalk Ricochet more. He drags Ricochet into the ring at the count of 5, then runs in at Ricochet in the corner. Ricochet goes up and over but runs into the urenage! Cover, TWO! Joe keeps his cool as he looms over Ricochet again. Fans duel as Joe stalks a crawling Ricochet. Joe drags Ricochet up for a CHOP and Ricochet falls back down. Ricochet gets to a corner but Joe is on him again. Ricochet CHOPS and forearms back, but runs into a back elbow! Joe covers, TWO! Ricochet is dazed and the referee checks on him. Joe comes back as Ricochet slowly gets up. Joe bumps Ricochet off buckles to CHOP him back! Ricochet throws forearms and whips, but Joe reverses. Joe back elbows and PELES! Cover, TWO! Ricochet lives and Joe grows annoyed.
Joe pulls Ricochet’s arms and wraps on a chinlock. Ricochet endures and fans rally up. Ricochet feeds off the energy and works his way up. He fights back with elbows and body shots but Joe clamps on tighter. Ricochet stands to jawbreaker out! Joe checks his chin while fans rally again. Ricochet stands and throws forearms on Joe. Joe hits Ricochet back with one big swat! Joe has Ricochet at the ropes and grabs the legs to yank Ricochet up into a powerbomb! Cover, TWO! Ricochet flounders away but Joe keeps his focus. Joe drags Joe up again for a snapmare and neck wrench. Ricochet endures but fans rally up again.
Ricochet reaches but can’t get ropes, so he works his way back up. He fights out with body shots again, but Joe CHOPS him back! Joe runs but into Ricochet’s dropkick-flip and enziguri! Ricochet ducks the lariat to PELE Joe back! Both men are down and fans fire up! Ricochet gets back to his feet but Joe follows. Joe swings but Ricochet counter punches. Ricochet then runs to forearm, but Joe stays up. Ricochet tries again, for another huricanrana! Joe is in a corner and Ricochet runs in to ram his shoulder in. Ricochet springboards and clotheslines Joe down! Joe bails out but Ricochet runs to FLY! Direct hit takes Joe down! Ricochet hurries to get Joe up and in! Ricochet springboards again, missile dropkick! But he’s not done, LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!
Ricochet keeps his cool as he heads for another corner. He climbs up and aims, but Joe gets up. Ricochet jumps over but Joe scoops him for a powerslam! Cover, TWO! Joe grows frustrated, but keeps his eyes on Ricochet as Ricochet stirs. Joe drags Ricochet up but Ricochet throws forearms and CHOPS! But Joe CHOPS back again! Ricochet stands so Joe whips, Ricochet handsprings, but into a full nelson! Ricochet breaks free but still gets a German Suplex! Joe runs as Ricochet rises to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Joe is shocked. Joe glares at Ricochet as he clamps hands on the shoulders. Joe drags Ricochet up for another urenage, but Ricochet fights out! Ricochet boots but Joe blocks it, to FLIP Ricochet!
Joe puts on the Coquina Clutch! But Ricochet climbs the ropes! Ricochet hotshots Joe down! Joe is in the drop zone, and Ricochet climbs up again! Ricochet 630 but he has to roll through! Joe LARIATS Ricochet, but Ricochet springs back up! CODE BREAKER! Ricochet keeps going and gets back up top! Ricochet tries again, 630 SENTON! Cover, Ricochet wins!!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall; NEW WWE United States Champion
Incredible! Ricochet’s first try, and he’s already a champion! The One and Only surprises himself more than anyone, but now he IS United States Champion! Will Ricochet ascend to even greater heights now that he’s got gold?
Ricochet is welcomed and congratulated by other WWE superstars.
Former and current champions alike welcome Ricochet, but even Triple H! The King of Flight clearly has the respect of The Game, but will Samoa Joe be coming back for revenge?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Planet’s Tag Team Champions VS Heavy Machinery!
Big Red Rowan and “The New” Daniel Bryan vow to save tag team wrestling in the WWE by ending the fun and the jokes. But perhaps the new YOLO County Tag Team Champions, Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic, will show them you can have fun and win at the same time!
The introductions are made, and the Washington crowd is strongly behind Aberdeen’s Daniel Bryan. The belts are raised and the teams sort out, we begin this champions vs “champions” match with Dozer and Rowan.
Dozer shimmies those legs but Bryan calls Rowan over. Fans hope he tags in, and he does! Bryan circles with a stomping and jiving Dozer, then they approach. Bryan kicks Dozer in the leg but Dozer shrugs it off. They circle and Bryan kicks again. Fans cheer but Dozer still isn’t bothered. Bryan and Dozer circle again and Bryan gets in another kick. Bryan kicks Dozer more, but Dozer keeps moving. More kicks land but Dozer blocks one to shove Bryan down! Dozer flexes but Tacoma boos. Bryan gets up and circles with Dozer again. They tie up and Dozer shoves Bryan again! Dozer shows off the pythons, brother! Fans still cheer Bryan as he stares down the shimmying Dozer.
Bryan and Dozer approach and Bryan gives more kicks! Fans chant “YES! YES!” and Bryan runs, but into a trophy lift! Dozer dumps Bryan down then suplexes Bryan up. Dozer holds him as Tucker tags in. Tucker takes a hand-off, and he keeps Bryan up for another five before dropping him! Cover, TWO! Tukcer keeps on Bryan with a headlock and he grinds Bryan to his knees. Fans rally for Bryan and Bryan powers out. Tucker runs Bryan over then things speed up. Tucker shows that agility to then LARIAT Bryan down! Cover, TWO! Tucker keeps his cool as he back suplexes. Bryan lands on his feet and Rowan tags in. Bryan kicks Tucker and Rowan crossbodies Tucker down! Rowan roars and drags Tucker to a corner for buckle bumps.
Rowan clubs away then runs corner to corner, for a big corner splash! He pushes Tucker to then dropkick him down! Cover, TWO! Rowan keeps on Tucker with a chinbar while fans cheer, “Please Recycle!” Tucker endures the neck wrench and fights his way up. Rowan throws Tucker back down and soaks up the cheers. Tag to Bryan and fans cheer louder as the Planet’s Tag Champions mug Tucker. Rowan whips Bryan in for the dropkick, then adds his own clothesline! Bryan drags Tucker to a post to swing the leg into it! And again! Bryan stalks Tucker as he crawls, then grabs the legs for a surfboard! Bryan stomps the knees! Tucker writhes while Rowan tags in. Rowan drags Tucker up for headbutts then drops elbows on the legs. Rowan runs to splash down! Cover, TWO!
Tucker crawls to a corner while Rowan argues with the ref. Rowan claws at Tucker’s face! Rowan clubs Tucker then whips him corner to corner hard. But Tucker boots back and dodges, to send Rowan into the post! Tucker crawls while Rowan falls to the mat. Hot tags to Bryan and Dozer! Dozer rallies on Bryan with big arms and shoulders! Fans boo as Bryan gets scooped for a spinning, spinning, spinning slam! Dozer runs at Bryan but gets sent into buckles! Bryan runs corner to corner to hit a dropkick! Then another! But Dozer pops Bryan up to a powerbomb! Cover, TWO!! Heavy Machinery was so close! But Dozer has Bryan in a drop zone and climbs up. Dozer banzais, but misses the Vader Bomb! Bryan grits his teeth as he fires up.
Dozer sits up and Bryan unleashes Yes Kicks! Bryan kicks Dozer over and over, then prepares the buzzsaw, but Dozer is the one powering up! Dozer takes more kicks as he pumps his hips! Bryan kicks and kicks but Dozer leans into them! Then he scoops and SUPLEXES Bryan! Dozer runs corner to corner for a splash! Bryan flops down, and Dozer has his target. Dozer pumps up and hits the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Tag to Tucker, and Dozer catapults Bryan into the belly2belly suplex! Cover, but Rowan breaks it! Rowan clotheslines Dozer down then kicks him out. The ref reprimands Rowan and the Big Red backs off. Tucker gets to his feet but Bryan gives his leg kicks! Tucker haymakers back but Bryan still kicks. Bryan kicks but misses, into a back suplex!
Tucker gets to a corner, climbs up, and MOONSAULTS! But flops!! He clips Bryan but it was far from what he wanted! Both men are down, and they crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Rowan and Dozer! Dozer and Rowan stare down and start brawling with haymakers! Rowan runs to bump shoulders but Dozer comes back to give it. Rowan clotheslines but DOzer stays up> dozer clotheslines but Rowan stays up. They both go and collide, butn either aflls! Rowan runs, Bryan tags in, Dozer dodges to scoop! Powerslam on Rowan, tag to Tucker! They grab Rowan, but he’s not legal! Bryan dumps Tucker out! Bryan climbs and leaps at Dozer, flying knee! Then he runs at Tucker, but gets a haymaker! Tucker climbs, to LEAP onto Rowan!! Tucker goes back to Bryan, but gets caught in a cradle! Bryan & Rowan win!!
Winners: The Planet’s Tag Team Champions, Bryan pinning; still SmackDown Tag Team Champions
Bryan’s brain beats Tucker’s brawn! Bryan and Rowan get through this by the skin of their teeth, but is this the last time Heavy Machinery challenges for the titles?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross!
There is a lot of history between the Huggable One and the Goddess that dates back to their days in NXT. Bayley was Raw Women’s Champion when these two first battled for a title, and Alexa won because things were too extreme for her. But now, a year later, Bayley has grown while Alexa has stayed the same. Yet Alexa’s “very special friend” doesn’t seem to see that. Will Nikki play into Alexa’s game? Or will Bayley hold on to this title to prove she isn’t just a placeholder?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin this rivalry revisited!
Bayley goes right to Alexa and shoves her. Alexa shoves back and now it’s a brawl! Alexa puts Bayley in a corner for stmops, but Bayley powers her out to another corner! Bayley throws furious haymakers, then runs in for a big knee! She rolls Alexa to a cover, TWO! Bayley drags Alexa up but Alexa powers her to a corner now. Alexa rams her shoulder in, then gets mad at the ref for counting. Bayley flapjacks Alexa on buckles! Then long darts her onto more! Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps her cool then runs in, but Alexa gets clear. Bayley changes direction to put Alexa in a corner. She bumps Alexa off buckles. Alexa turns it around to throw Bayley into buckles back! Alexa drags Bayley to a cover, TWO! The Goddess grows frustrated while fans duel.
Alexa puts Bayley on ropes to choke her! She lets up at 4 and Bayley shoves back. Alexa clubs Bayley down then wrangles her into a chinlock. Bayley endures while fans continue to duel. Bayley moves around and fights her way up. Alexa wrangles Bayley down with a chinbar! Alexa grins but Bayley fights up again. Bayley elbows free and scoops, but Alexa slips out to give Bayley a backbreaker! Alexa chokes Bayley on the ropes again, but lets up at 4. Alexa puts Bayley in a corner with buckle bumps, then bounces Bayley off the mat. The Goddess brings back a classic, the skateboard stomps! Cover, TWO! Alexa tries again, TWO! Alexa grows further frustrated, but Bayley throws body shots. Bayley runs and crossbodies! Cover, TWO!
Alexa clubs Bayley right back down, then drags her up by her ponytail. Alexa whips Bayley hard into a corner, then runs in, to SLAP her! Bayley checks her mouth while Alexa takes a bow. Alexa runs in to get run over by Bayley! Cover, TWO! Bayley stomps Alexa then somersaults for a rolling elbow! She keeps moving, but into that killer right! Nikki coaches Alexa on and Alexa goes at a dizzy Bayley, only to get a hotshot! Bayley knees Alexa back in, then climbs up top. Bayley leaps over Alexa but turns around into a facelock. She fights out to then run and knee Alexa down! Alexa bails out and regroups with Nikki. Bayley tells Nikki to back off, to then daredevil dropkick. Alexa dodges but not for long! Bayley has Alexa’s arm but Alexa uses that to yank Bayley into the post!
Alexa slams that arm on the ground a few times. Alexa clubs Bayley’s shoulder and puts her in the ring to cover, TWO! Frustration starts to boil up again as Alexa yanks and pulls on Bayley’s arm. Alexa wristlocks and drops a knee on the arm. Cover, TWO! Alexa grows further frustrated by Bayley’s toughness. Bayley gets to ropes but Alexa is on that arm again. Alexa laces the arm through to pull Bayley into ropes. She lets up at 4 but comes back for more. Alexa yanks on that arm but Bayley swings the other. Alexa catches her and rolls her to a bridging cover. Bayley gets up and powers out, but Alexa tilt-o-whirls, only for Bayley to saido suplex! Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps her cool as she gets to a corner.
Alexa stirs as fans duel again. Bayley aims, runs in, and sunset flip powerbombs Alexa into buckles! But Alexa slumps out of the ring! Nikki checks on her pal, but Bayley runs to DIVE! Nikki takes the hit! Alexa throws hands but Bayley counter punches. Bayley runs but Alexa sends her into steel steps! Alexa drags Bayley up, for a Sunset Flip Bomb! “This is MY title, Bayley!” Alexa drags Bayley up and in to stomp her more. Then Alexa climbs up top but Nikki gets in?! Nikki wants back at Bayley but this wasn’t the time! Bayley climbs up but Alexa sends her back down. Alexa moosnaults, but Twisted Bliss gets knees! And BAYLEY2BELLY! Bayley wins!!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall; still SmackDown Women’s Champion
Nikki costs Alexa and Bayley keeps her title! But just what is the truth here? Karma keeping Alexa from getting what she wants? Or Alexa getting what she deserves?
The WWE 24/7 Championship has had quite the week.
First, R-Truth gets tricked by Drake Maverick in disguise as Carmella! Maverick high-tailed it out of SmackDown to make it to his wedding, only for a certain someone to crash it! Maverick was in shock that Truth would ruin his special day and take away the title! The newlywed husband would drown his sorrows at the reception, but worse yet, his new wife is asking for a divorce!! Can Maverick salvage his marriage before worrying about his wrestling career?
The NEW WWE United States Champion takes pictures with the title!
Ricochet poses for the camera, and the Good Brothers give him congrats. They pose with him for some Too Sweet pics. Ricochet doesn’t want them fooling around, but then AJ Styles joins in. Now it’s a Phenomenal photo shoot. Styles compliments the champ, and says he’ll see him tomorrow on Raw. Wait, what? Is the new champion already up against a top tier contender?
Roman Reigns VS Drew McIntyre w/ Shane McMahon!
The Big Dog is a special talent and Shane McMahon knows that. Roman has won multiple Royal Rumbles and is a WWE Grand Slam Champion, but the Best in the World still beat him at WWE Super Showdown. Of course, it wasn’t without a lot of help from the Scottish Terminator, which is why Roman turns his attention to him. Will it be Roman or McIntyre kicking ass and taking names to prove they’re the biggest dog in the WWE Yard?
The moment Roman appears, McIntyre goes at him! They brawl on the ramp, a nd McIntyre whips Roman into barriers. But Roman returns the favor! They finally get in the ring and the bell rings as the fists fly. Roman bumps McIntyre off buckles and gives punches. Shane protests but McIntyre powers out before 10, only to get clothseline’d out! Shane checks on McIntyre but the ref tells him to back off. Roman decides to FLY! Roman wipes out McIntyre as Shane gets clear! Shane backs off even more but Roman pursues. Roman chases Shane through the crowd! Deja vu to Raw as Roman LEAPS, but into McIntyre’s haymaker this time! McIntyre throws Roman into steel steps, too, blasting them apart! He puts Roman in then looms over him.
McIntyre drags Roman up, bumps him off buckles, and CHOPS! McIntyre punches and stomps Roman then whips to suplex him overhead! Cover, TWO! Shane coaches McIntyre on and McIntyre rains down rights. McIntyre chokes Roman, but distracts the ref so Shane can get cheap shots in! Cover, TWO! McIntyre keeps on Roman with an armlock and chinbar. Roman endures the holds while fans duel. Roman powers his way up, pries free of the chinbar, and throws haymakers! McIntyre shoves and elbows Roman down! Cover, ONE! McIntyre stomps Roman from head to toe then hooks the mouth. The ref counts and McIntyre lets go at 4.
McIntyre toys with Roman then rains down rights. McIntyre makes sure Roman sees the big one. Fans say “Shane is Awful!” while McIntyre looms over Roman. McIntyre facelocks then deadlifts but Roman resists to snap suplex McIntyre back! Both men are down but slowly stirring. McIntyre sits up first but Roman uppercuts first! Shane hotshots Roman! McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER and jackknife covers, TWO! Roman won’t go down to such a cheap screw job. McIntyre hauls Roman up again for that deadlift suplex! Cover, TWO! McIntyre grabs Roman for another armlock and chinbar, but Roman endures as fans duel again. Roman gets up and pries free again, to headbutt! Roman throws hands but McIntyre shoves, only for Roman to kick. But then McIntyre clotheslines Roman! Cover, TWO!
Shane says it’s fine, just stay on him. McIntyre drops an elbow on Roman’s knee, and then pulls him into a grounded surfboard! Roman endures being pulled back while Shane says the timekeeper should be ready. The ref says Shane should stay away from the bell. McIntyre lets Roman go and shifts to a modified crossface! Roman endures all over again, but Shane again checks about the bell. Roman refuses to quit, and powers his way up to fireman’s carry! But McIntyre slips out and shoves Roman, only to run into the Samoan Drop! Both men are down but Shane keeps his confidence in McIntyre. A standing count begins and reaches 5 before McIntyre gets up. Roman slowly follows and throws haymakers. McIntyre returns them, then CHOPS!
Roman haymakers but McIntyre forearms. Roman uppercuts but McIntyre back kicks! McIntyre whips Roman into a corner but Roman comes out with clotheslines! Roman whips but McIntyre reverses, only for Roman to leap and lariat him down! Roman wants Shane to see this as he gives McIntyre point-blank lariats! He gets all 10 and runs, to BOOT McIntyre down! Fans fire up while Shane grows worried. Roman takes aim from a corner, locks ‘n’ loads, but Shane distracts the ref! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Shane! Roman won’t leave Shane alone, he leaps for another SUPERMAN PUNCH! McIntyre slides out but into an uppercut! Roman goes for but misses the Drive-By Dropkick! McIntyre has Roman in the position, Inverted Alabama Slam off the announce desk!
McIntyre puts Roman in, drags him up, scrapbuster slam! Cover, TWO!! Roman lives and McIntyre can’t believe it! McIntyre tries again by putting Roman in the corner. He hoists Roman up top, and CHOPS him before climbing up to join him. Roman trips McIntyre up and punches him into a Tree of Woe! McIntyre sits right up! But Roman headbutts him back, then punches him more. McIntyre throat chops, stands up, and SUPERPLEXES Roman down! Cover, TWO!! Roman still lives but McIntyre is too tired to be frustrated. But McIntyre kips up!? McIntyre aims at Roman from the corner and watches Roman slowly stir. Roman stands, McIntyre runs in but misses! Backslide, TWO! Glasgow Kiss rocks both men!
McIntyre hops up top again, aims at Roman, and leaps INTO A SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Both men slowly sit up but it’s Roman who roars! Fans fire up with Roman as he lets out the battle cry! But McIntyre kicks the spear away! Roman uppercuts, McIntyre gives another Glasgow Kiss, but Roman comes back with a SPEAR! Cover, but Shane yanks the ref out! Shane refuses to let his guy lose! Shane drags Roman up and around to a corner for stomps! The Best in the World throws off his jacket and takes aim from across the way. COAST 2 COAST!! Shane drags Roman over and lets McIntyre cover. He puts the ref in, who counts, TWO!! Roman still survives! McIntyre takes aim again, Roman stand,s SUPERMAN PUNCH! Shane urns in but is thrown out! Roman dodges McIntyre to SPEAR!! Cover, Roman wins!!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall
The Big Dog survives the Best Screwjob in the World! Shane and McIntyre both fall to Roman here, but is this the end of their war?
WWE World Championship Steel Cage Match: Kofi Kingston VS Dolph Ziggler!
The 11 year journey was a dream come true at Wrestlemania this year, but it wasn’t quite as inspiring to the Show-Off. Ziggler returned to the WWE bitter and jealous, claiming all the moments Kofi had on the road to Wrestlemania should’ve been his. Ziggler failed to prove #ItShouldHaveBeenMe at Money in the Bank, but he cites Xavier Woods’ interference as why he lost. Now he and Kofi will be locked inside steel. Will #Kofimania still live on? Or will Ziggler prove he is worthy of being the WWE World, Heavy, Weight, Champion~?!
The cage is lowered, the introductions are made and the belt is raised. The door is locked and the bell rings to begin this MITB rematch!
Ziggler and Kofi circle but keep a distance. Ziggler shows superkick but Kofi gets clear. Kofi tries Trouble in Paradise but Ziggler gets clear, too. The two get in each other’s face, and Ziggler shoves Kofi. Kofi shoves back, but Ziggler climbs the cage! Kofi anchors Ziggler back down and then yanks him off. Ziggler swings but into an arm wrench. Ziggler slips out and dropkicks Kofi down! The Show-off wants the door but Kofi grabs his legs. Ziggler shakes Kofi off but Kofi rolls Ziggler up! TWO, and Kofi dropkicks, only for Ziggler to block! Ziggler catapults Kofi, but Kofi uses it to climb! Ziggler anchors Kofi and yanks him down now. Kofk blocks the superkick to dropkick Ziggler! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps his cool while Ziggler crawls to a corner.
Kofi runs in for a corner splash, then throws European Uppercuts. He whips Ziggler corner to corner but misses the splash this time! Ziggler tosses Kofi into the steel more and Kofi scrapes against it. Ziggler drags Kofi up to rake his face into the steel more. Fans rally up for New Day but Ziggler brings Kofi across the way. Kofi blocks the bump but so does Ziggler, and Ziggler drops Kofi to a neckbreaker! Ziggler drags Kofi back up and throws him right into steel! Kofi bounces off and falls down but Ziggler circles him like a shark. Ziggler drags Kofi up again, digging fingers into Kofi’s face. There are no disqualifications so Ziggler can do that as he puts on the chinlock. Fans rally for Kofi but Ziggler shakes his head no.
Kofi powers up and fights free, but Ziggler throws him down by his hair. Ziggler throws Kofi into steel again! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Kofi with a crossface! Kofi works against the hold and fans rally up again. Ziggler drags Kofi back down but Kofi backs up to his feet. Kofi jawbreakers free! Ziggler staggers but comes back to put Kofi in a corner. Ziggler fires off fast body shots while fans boo and jeer. The Show-Off backs off, and runs back in, but into an elbow! Kofi boots Ziggler away, then runs to whip. Ziggler reverses but Kofi goes up to dropkick back! Both men are down but fans rally up. Kofi drags himself up with the ropes while Ziggler stands. Kofi rallies with clotheslines and chops! Then a dropkick! Kofi leaps for the lariat but Ziggler sends him into steel! Cover, TWO!
Ziggler keeps his cool as he drags Kofi back up. Ziggler puts Kofi in a corner and slaps him! He slaps Kofi over and over, and shouts “Look what you made me do!” Ziggler throws Kofi but Kofi sends Ziggler into steel! Kofi does it again! Ziggler flounders around but Kofi keeps on him, a third time off the steel! Kofi slaps Ziggler now, but Ziggler shoves him away. Ziggler kicks out a leg, but his famouser is sent into a steel beam! Kofi rolls Ziggler, TWO! Fans rally and Kofi leaves Ziggler behind to climb! Ziggler hurries after to anchor a foot! Kofi fights Ziggler off and continues, but Ziggler climbs up after him. Kofi and Ziggler brawl on the top rope, and Ziggler bounces Kofi off the steel. Ziggler tries again but Kofi bumps Ziggler back!
Kofi knocks Ziggler off the top! Kofi’s climb continues! But he sees Ziggler get back up, so he springboard crossbodies instead! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps his cool and climbs again. Kofi reaches the top but Ziggler scrambles after! Ziggler gets Kofi’s feet and drags him back down! Ziggler bumps Kofi off steel and Kofi falls back. Now Ziggler climbs, but Kofi hurries up! They’re both at the very top! Kofi headbutts Ziggler, but Ziggler tries to climb down the outside! Kofi anchors Ziggler on the top, but Ziggler kicks and flails! But Kofi clubs and drags Ziggler back, to the top rope, for another headbutt! Both men fall to the mat! Kofi and Ziggler crawl towards each other, and start brawling! Ziggler haymakers but Kofi gives it back. Now Ziggler headbutts, but Kofi hits SOS!! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler survives and Kofi is too tired to be frustrated.
Kofi crawls to a corner as fans rally and even duel. Ziggler stands and Kofi aims, Trouble in- Ziggler catches Kofi but Kofi slips out of the back suplex. Kofi boots but Ziggler catches it to a takedown and leg DDT! Kofi clutches the bad leg but Ziggler keeps on it. Ziggler rolls Kofi to have the leglock! Kofi endures and drags himself to ropes. Kofi gets the rope but there are no ropebreaks in the cage! Ziggler still twists and pulls, but Kofi uses the ropes to stand. Kofi climbs more, even with Ziggler on his leg! Ziggler yanks Kofi off, then SUPERKICKS! But Kofi hits the door! The door opens and Kofi starts slumping! Ziggler grabs Kofi to keep him inside! Ziggler drags Kofi up but Kofi grabs the steps to stay outside. Kofi and Ziggler have a tug-o-war, but Ziggler gets Kofi back in.
Kofi endures the heel hook more, and Ziggler sits up to get leverage. But Kofi stands and rolls to send Ziggler into a corner! Ziggler comes back but swings into Trouble- No, the ankle lock is back! Ziggler twists Kofi’s foot all over the place! And puts his full weight on the leg to anchor Kofi down. He even uses the ropes for leverage! Kofi endures, hops to his feet, and pulls Ziggler into an ankle lock of his own! Ziggler flails and kicks Kofi away. ZIGZAG!! Cover, TWO!? Kofi survives but Ziggler is too tired to be shocked! Ziggler dares Kofi to stand, but his superkick is countered with a hook kick! Kofi and Ziggler fight for control, and Kofi gets a facelock. Ziggler backs away towards the door! Ziggler feels his way through the doorway but Kofi anchors him. Kofi drags Ziggler while Ziggler kicks and flails.
Kofi powers Ziggler into the ring, then suplexes. Ziggler slips out but his legs give out. That doesn’t matter, he crawls for the dooor again! Ziggler reaches but those are his hands, not his feet, touching the ground! Ziggler does what Kofi did and grab that steel staircase! Kofi drags Ziggler by tights and boots, but Ziggler thumbs the eyes! Ziggler is free, and crawling out the door! But Kofi scrambles up to DIVE! Kofi gets out first!!
Winner: Kofi Kingston, by escape; still WWE World Champion
What an innovative yet risky way to win! Kofi dives to victory, and it is NOT Ziggler who has the title! Is this Ziggler’s last shot at the WWE Championship? Will he back for more? The New Day returns to celebrate with Kofi, but how long can Kofimania keep going?
On-stage interview with The New Day!
Charly congratulates Kofi on retaining the WWE Championship, but asks what is next for him? Kofi said it before and says it again: he respects Ziggler as a competitor. But Kofi also vowed to walk out of Stmping Ground our W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, Champion! And he did, BABYYYYY~! The New Day keeps the celebration going, but will it last through the summer?
Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre are furious backstage.
But Kayla comes by to ask some questions. After all the hype, Roman got the last laugh. McIntyre doesn’t care if Roman is laughing! McIntyre wants a rematch! Shane tells he’ll get it, on Raw! Roman will have to prove how bad he really is, when he takes on them both! And then Roman will finally learn the WWE is Shane’s Yard!
WWE Universal Championship: Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin w/ Special Guest Referee ???
Apparently the Lone Wolf still has a lot of pull with WWE management from his (failed) time as a Raw General Manager. But he cites that the ref was “incompetent” during the Super Showdown Universal Championship match, so now he gets his own handpicked referee to call this match. Is this what it will take for Corbin to finally be champion? Or will Rollins continue to #BurnItDown?
At the same time, with Paul Heyman spotted in the arena, will The Beast in the Bank still appear to cash-in? And if he does, will whoever wins this match stand a chance of staying WWE Universal Champion?
The introductions are made, and of course we need to see who Corbin even got to be special guest referee. Rollins makes sure to keep that promise of attacking whoever sides with Corbin by showing off that steel chair. The former Raw GM, former Golden Gloves boxing champion, former WWE United States Champion, former Mr. MITB, the man who retired Kurt Angle at Wrestlemania, and “Tacoma’s Favorite Son” grabs a mic but Rollins won’t let him speak. Rollins grabs the mic to say he doesn’t know who took the job, but warns them that they will get the same treatment as all the others. Rollins dares Corbin’s choice to come out so they can just get this over with.
Corbin picks the mic back up to continue where he left off. “After much deliberation,” Corbin chose… The Sassy Southern Belle, Lacey Evans! And yes, she walks out in a fashionable referee uniform! Rollins can’t hit Lacey, can he? She tells him to drop the chair, but Corbin lurking distracts Rollins. Lacey grabs the chair, then Corbin attacks from behind! Corbin stomps away on Rollins, then jams him with the chair! Referee Lacey doesn’t seem to care about any of this. Lacey is sticking it to Becky since Rollins is The Man’s man. Lacey asks for the chair and Corbin lets her have it. Corbin fetches Rollins while Lacey disposes of teh chair. The bell rings, and this match finally starts!
Corbin lifts and throws Rollins down! Cover, TWO! The count might have been fast, but you won’t see Corbin complain. Corbin follows Rollins outside to ram him into barriers! Then throws him into more barriers! Corbin drags Rollins up to bring him all the way over to the far side barriers! Lacey “reprimands” Corbin while fans say “This is Stupid!” Corbin rams Rollins into the post then puts him in the ring. By the way, Lacey wasn’t counting for them being outside. Corbin drags Rollins up but Rollins CHOPS and punches back! Rollins whips but Corbin reverses. Rollins dodges Corbin but Corbin slides out. Corbin slides back in to clothesline Rollins down! Rollins rolls to the ropes but Corbin stalks him to the corner.
Corbin drags Rollins up for haymakers, then grinds as he rams his knee into Rollins. Corbin runs to punch Rollins back down! Fans boo but Rollins gets back up. Rollins grimaces but Corbin rams his knee in again. Corbin runs again, but Rollins dodges to CHOP and punch back! Rollins whips but Corbin hits a DDT! Corbin watches Rollins crawl to a corner. Corbin looms over Rollins and whips him corner to corner hard! Rollins hits buckles then mat! Lacey mockingly checks on Rollins, but Corbin is on him again with another hard whip! Rollins tumbles up then down the buckles! Corbin drags Rollins around to throw body shots and haymakers in a corner. Fans tell Corbin he’s “Boring~! Boring~!” but Corbin puts Rollins up top.
Corbin throws hands then climbs up. Rollins fights back while resisting the superplex! Lacey reprimands Rollins as he headbutts Corbin away. Rollins leaps over Corbin, then runs, but into an uppercut! Corbin hops up and leaps for ax handles! Lacey “checks” on Rollins while Corbin mocks the fans. Corbin drags Rollins up for more haymakers, but Rollins gives them back! Rollins gets an edge but Corbin shoves him back. Corbin slides out then in again, but Rollins dodges to PELE! Both men are down and Lacey tells Corbin to get up. Rollins and Corbin both stand, and they brawl more! Corbin forearms, Rollins haymakers, then Rollins counter punches and chops! Lacey reprimands ROllins but he whips. Corbin reverses but Rollins reverses back for a rolling elbow!
Rollins dodges Corbin to hit a Slingblade! Rollins boots Corbin from a corner then hops up, blockbuster! Corbin is up but Rollins clotheslines him out! Rollins aims and runs, to DIVE! Direct hit! Rollins puts Corbin in fast then springboards, flying knee! SUPERKICK! Rollins covers but Lacey takes her sweet time counting, so Corbin gets out at “TWO”! Fans boo while Lacey tells Corbin to get up. Fans chant for Becky but Rollins runs at Corbin. Corbin puts Rollins on the apron but Rollins shoulder back in. Rollins slingshots but into a haymaker! Corbin joins Rollins on the apron and drags him up. Corbin choke lifts but Rollins hotshots him! Then slides out to powerbomb him through the announce desk!! Fans love that one!
Rollins gets in the ring and tells Lacey to count! Lacey reluctantly does, but she again takes her sweet time doing it. She eventually gets to 5, but even that long 5 is before Corbin moves. The count goes to 7 but Lacey pretends something is wrong with her boots. She gets to 8 but then says the match is going to be a No Count Outs?! The announcer announces it, to which Rollins still can’t believe.
WWE Universal Championship No Count Outs: Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin w/ Special Guest Referee Lacey Evans!
Rollins drags Corbin from the wreckage and into the ring. Rollins shouts at Lacey and says, “You asked for it!” Burn It Down! Mule kick, run, but Corbin bails out. So Rollins DIVES, into a haymaker! But he hits Corbin back out, to DIVE! Into an apron choke slam! Corbin gives Rollins another choke slam! Cover, TWO!! Lacey tried being fast but it wasn’t fast enough. Corbin keeps his cool, and from the look on his face, has an idea. Corbin drags Rollins around by his legs, but Rollins knows what this is! Ropebreak, not that Lacey would say it. Corbin yanks Rollins but Rollins lands on his feet! Rollins elbows Corbin, dodges him, then runs in. But into a boot! Corbin leaps but gets ropes! SUPERKICK!
Rollins climbs up again, FROG SPLASH! Cover, but Lacey reluctantly counts, and then pretends to get a shoulder cramp. Rollins and the fans are tired of this farce. Rollins glares at Lacey, then goes at Corbin. Corbin jabs and SMACKS him with a chair! Obviously these chair shots don’t count to Lacey. Corbin puts Rollins back in the ring and SMACKS Rollins more! Lacey again plays dumb to this. She “reprimands” Corbin about the chair, and he “apologizes.” Now Lacey has to make another adjustment: No Disqualifications…
WWE Universal Championship No Hold Barred: Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin w/ Special Guest Referee Lacey Evans!
And we thought Shane was trying to pull one over on Roman. Fans still want to see where Becky went, but Corbin drags Rollins up. But Rollins spins out to throw hands! Corbin shoves and pops Rollins up, but Rollins gives him a Falcon Arrow on the chair! Cover, but Lacey doesn’t even start this time! Michael Cole counts to 7 but it doesn’t matter! Rollins is starting to reach a breaking ponit, but between Lacey being an official and a lady, he isn’t allowed to. Lacey even SLAPS him! Rollins laughs it off, and the two argue. She SLAPS him again! Then kicks him low! Corbin comes back but Rollins punches him away! Lacey low blows Rollins! END OF DAYS!!
But here’s Becky!! She finally gives Lacey what she deserves! And it’s No DQ, after all! Becky forearms Lacey down! Then throws her into barriers! Then Becksploder into the barriers! Before raining down more rights! Real referees come out to pull Becky off Lacey and Corbin shouts for someone to get in. John Cohn is back from Super Showdown! Corbin reels Rollins in but Rollins slips out, SUPERKICK! CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall; still WWE Universal Champion
The Lone Wolf’s ludicrous conspiracy fell apart! Becky checks on her man, and he’s clearly thankful she helped out. #ManSquared stand tall as WWE Universal and Raw Women’s Champion, are they going to #BurnItDown with Straight Fire?
My Thoughts:
For the concerns and disappointments in the build, I have to say, WWE managed to salvage everything with the actual Stomping Grounds event. There were still some glaring flaws, but pretty much everything made up for everything up to this point. I still wish the WWE would treat Cruiserweights better, because to be honest, their title match did not deserve to just be a kickoff show match be default. Nothing personal to New Day, Kevin Owens or Sami, but they should’ve been the kickoff show. There was nothing on the line, and they made the first part into Kevin-Sami Spam Their Best But Woods Survives. It would’ve been more shocking and perhaps better served to the story if Kevin & Sami won faster or maybe dirtier than they did.
What we got was still a really good match, because of the four men in the match, but it wasn’t even for being #1 contenders to tag titles. Meanwhile, the Triple Threat was an actual Cruiserweight Championship match. And it was a great one! I knew all there guys were going to give it their all, and Gulak won as predicted. It would’ve been too much too soon for Nese to retain against two top opponents, and Tozawa was clearly in to take the pin from Gulak. This all works so that at WWE Extreme Rules, Nese finds his way to a rematch so that he and Gulak can go to the extreme to not only fight for the belt, but settle their feud that’s been long-standing since the dreadful Enzo Amore days of 205 Live. That could go either way, and would definitely raise the winner’s stock considerably.
I was really surprised in the moment that the Raw Women’s Championship was first up, but we know why now. Lynch VS Lacey was a good but I feel like the MITB one was better. Perhaps because of the story they had planned, that’s why. Obviously Lynch retains but sadly it seems like WWE is trying to make her VS Lacey a real rivalry. And good to see the SmackDown Women’s Championship match turned out about how I figured. Nikki costs Alexa, but for now, Alexa doesn’t seem that upset at her. Maybe that changes if something goes wrong again. Hopefully this means Bayley moves on to actual SmackDown superstars like Carmella, once she and Ember Moon deal with Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville. Again, if only Vince hadn’t ruined the Women’s Tag Division…
What a great surprise for Ricochet to win the United States Championship! And then he gets congrats from HHH! That must be a sign that WWE sees Ricochet’s value and is going to use it to the fullest. This match was great, too, so apparently Joe was for it, too. I really hope Ricochet brings back the United States Championship Open Challenge, we need to see him take on any assortment of superstars even without it being a PPV. Though, AJ Styles talking to Ricochet, that must mean that’s the plan for Extreme Rules. Bryan and Rowan were great in their kickoff promo, and their match with Heavy Machinery was also great. No idea who there is unless Kevin & Sami suddenly go Face to face Bryan & Rowan. Or that huge WWE Undisputed Tag Title idea I had given what Raw did.
Shane really tried his hardest to screw Roman over. I almost thought he was going to recreate the Montreal Screwjob having the bell ring to say Roman “submit” to McIntyre’s modified crossface. But luckily they didn’t go that way, even though it did lead to Roman winning to regain that ol’ Super Roman level of power. A handicap to count as the joint Shane-McIntyre VS Roman rematch on Raw is just gonna be the same and sadly it does no one any favors. The cage match was about how all cage matches go, but what really made it good was Kofi’s dive to escape. No one ever did that before, and I don’t know why, but it was great for Kofi to be the one.
I really thought there was going to be a cash-in while The New Day was on stage. On one hand, Lesnar needs to remind Kofi he’s a target, too, but then again, maybe he’s letting Kofi think he’s not a concern at all until a much bigger PPV, such as Summerslam. I guess Heyman teasing is enough for the WWE. Then the WWE Universal Championship, that was dragged out for way too long. Becky should’ve been on Lacey much sooner. I get they wanted things to escalate to that No DQ “restart,” but even that could’ve been done faster because I’m sure plenty of wrestling fans have seen the “biased referee” bit before. Lacey payed it perfectly, though, but this should’ve all been a half step faster. But hey, at least WWE can now market the real-life relationship of Rollins and Becky.
My Score: 8.2/10
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The storied rival has its final chapter!
For the last time, John Cena and Randy Orton battle over the WWE Championship! This time, it is on Backlash, in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Fatu wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch; Lyra wins and retains the title.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; Dominik wins and retains the title.
- GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee; Gunther wins.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton; Cena wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Backlash Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, Wade Barrett & Big E in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on this highly anticipated night!
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Byron Saxton is with The Morrigan and asks how she is feeling tonight. She looked up to Becky Lynch for so long, only for her to stab her in the back. And at the same time, Lyra has dedicated this match to Bayley. How is Lyra going to manage all her emotions? Lyra says there is so much going on in her head, but the way to deal with it is focusing on the main emotion: embarrassment. She gave herself “the ick” looking back and seeing how she ate everything Becky fed her. Becky would’ve had a friend for life in Lyra, but then Becky turned on her. And what did The Man expect? For Lyra to run home to Dublin and cry?
No! That shows Lyra that Becky underestimated her. Lyra meant it when she said she is the better wrestler now. Becky may still be the bigger star, but when that bell rings, Lyra will show that she was never a stepping stone. Becky becomes Lyra’s stepping stone, as well as the crowning name on the long list of opponents when Lyra retains the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lyra is locked in, but will the Luck of the Irish favor her in the end?
Vic Joseph joins the panel!
The Voice of NXT helps plug Battleground, but he also gives Lyra her props. From NXT UK to NXT USA, Vic has seen Lyra achieve her potential every step of the way. The NXT Women’s Championship match between Lyra and Becky was all about someone from the NXT roster stepping up and proving herself, and Lyra did just that. Lyra took the NXT Women’s title off Becky, but will Lyra keep the Women’s Intercontinental title from Becky? Or is #BeckyHogan going to step on Lyra to get ahead?
Jackie Redmond & Peter Rosenberg tag in for the panel.
Cole & Barrett have to go prepare for calling Backlash, so Jackie and Peter join Big E in looking back on memory lane. John Cena VS Randy Orton as a rivalry predates the iPod, Wikipedia, and even the original Xbox! 25 years later, will this truly be the end of an era for WWE?
Pershard Owens sings the Star Spangled Banner.
Talkin’ ’bout a detonator…
The fuse is let, and tonight is about to be explosive. Egos, attitudes, grudges, ambitions, motivations, and glory, it’s overflowing! WrestleMania was historic, but now everyone will face the Backlash!
WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest!
The Samoan Werewolf only just took this title “for the family” at WrestleMania, and yet now the stakes are raised! The Scottish Warrior wants to fight a real fighter, the Mega Star wants to redeem himself from his loss, and the Archer of Infamy wants to kill two birds with one stone by avenging his own loss while putting gold back around his waist. Will one of these challengers get what they want? Or will Fatu dog walk all of ’em, YADADA MEAN!?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really all gas and no brakes with it!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all four men look at each other. Knight talks some smack but St. Louis is loud for “FATU! FATU!” Knight runs up to throw hands on Fatu, Priest and Drew go after each other! Fatu fires back and they trade shots. Priest and Drew are on the outside while Knight throws hands “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Priest CLUBS Drew, Fatu TOSSES Knight, and then Fatu runs corner to corner. Knight dodges, Fatu hits buckles, and Knight hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! Priest is back in the ring, but Knight gives him a BIG back suplex! Knight WRECKS Drew with a dropkick, then RAMS into Fatu!
Knight slingshots to SHOUDLER TACKLE Fatu! Knight sunset flip BACKBREAKERS, then he dodges Drew to pop-up and POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as The Mega Star is unlocking that kavorka! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW- NO, Priest catches Knight, but Knight kicks free! DDT! Knight runs and DOUBLE ELBOW DROPS! Fatu shoves Knight, scoops, but Knight slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover on Fatu, ONE!! Fatu is tougher than that, but Knight drags Fatu up. Fatu RAMS Knight into a corner, fires hands, then he ROCKS Priest! Knight ROCKS Fatu, Priest ROCKS Fatu, and Knight runs, they HIGH-LOW COMBO!
The fans fire up for that teamwork, and then Priest & Knight POST Fatu! Fatu flops out of the ring, but Priest avoids Knight’s cheap shot! BELL CLAP! Drew RAMS Knight into Priest, then OVERHEAD SUPELXES Knight! Priest runs up, but into a SPIENBUSTER! Drew has Knight again, NECKBREAKER! Then a NECKBREAKER for Priest! Fatu is back, but Drew gives him a NECKBREAKER! Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew aims at Fatu. Drew runs up, but Knight LARIATS! Fatu SUPERKICKS Knight! Fatu kicks Knight out, ELBOWS Priest away, then goes up. Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest climbs up to the very top, SUPER STEINER!
Fatu flounders, Priest rises, and Priest clinches Knight for a FLATLINER! Priest goes out to run around the ring, and he FLYING AX HANDLES Fatu! Priest puts Fatu back in, then dodges a shot to ROUNDHOUSE Fatu! Priest knuckle locks Fatu, St. Louis wants tables, but Priest goes Old School to CROSSBODY Drew! Fatu runs up, Priest dodges, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Fatu flounders out, Priest runs to ELBOW Drew! And ELBOW Knight! Priest runs, and he LARIATS Drew up and out! Knight swings, misses, and Priest DREAMCAST KICKS! The fans fire up and Priest goes back out. Priest runs in but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS Priest onto the barriers!
The fans fire up with Fatu, and then Fatu stares down with Drew. The fans fire up even more as these alpha males step into the ring. This is the match-up Drew wanted all along, and the two men step up. The hands start flying and the fans fire up! The fans are strongly on Fatu’s side, but the hands keep going faster and faster! Fatu gets the edge, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew runs, but Fatu BODY CHECKS him! Drew is right up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans are thunderous, and Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK on Drew! The fans fire up again, and Fatu drags Drew to the drop zone.
Fatu climbs the corner as St. Louis declares, “This is Awesome!” Fatu nods, reaches the top, but Drew is up to CLAW Fatu’s face! The ref reprimands but that’s all he can do! Drew goes up to the top, but Knight trips Drew up! Knight puts Drew in the Tree of Woe to stomp away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner and back again, KNEE for Drew! Knight then climbs up, has Fatu on the very top, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight down! Fatu adjusts, but Drew sits up! SPIDER SUPLEX throws Fatu onto Knight! But Fatu’s right up to HIP ATTACK Drew!! And then he DIVES onto Priest!! Fatu is all fired up and the fans are thunderous!
Fatu goes up again, SEWANTON BOMB on Drew! Fatu geeks out, but gets B F T!! Priest has Knight, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Drew hits a CLAYMORE on Priest!!! Priest falls on Knight for a cover! DREW BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” and that might be an understatement now! Priest flops out of the ring, Fatu and Drew go to corners, and Knight finds his way to another. The fans rally, Fatu geeks out, and Fatu runs, into a FLYING HEADBUTT! And then a kick and FUTURE SHOCK!! Then Drew has Knight, but Knight wrenches out! B F- NO, Drew powers out, reels Knight in, FUTURE SHOCK!!
Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew calls his shot! Drew gives the countdown, “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE for Knight!! Cover, PRIEST yanks the ref!! Priest really does screw Drew this time! Drew is furious but Priest drags him out now! Priest and Drew throw hands and the fans fire up! Drew THROWS Priest and himself over the barriers! Fatu is up, he brings Knight around for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Fatu has Knight down, goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Knight rises up, goes to the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP FLYING AX HANDLE! And then the BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fatu survives and Knight is beside himself! Priest and Drew are brawling in the crowd! Priest SMACKS Drew off a road case! Priest makes Drew look into the camera, “He’s bored at work!” Priest ROCKS Drew, but Drew ROCKS Priest! They go up to some upper deck, and Priest ROCKS Drew again! They stand on road cases, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew reels Priest in, takes aim, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s face! Priest decides to do what Drew was planning, and with the straps down, SOUTH OF HEAVEN DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!!! The fans go nuts with Priest and Drew down in the wreckage!!
Producers and medical hurry to check Drew and Priest, but that just means Knight and Fatu are the only two left! Knight RAMS Fatu into the apron, then POSTS him! Knight hobbles but he brings Fatu back up to SMACK him off the desk! Fatu is on the desk, and Knight uses a piece that fell off to SMACK Fatu! Knight keeps Fatu on the desk, and he looks for a perch. The fans fire up as Knight climbs the corner! “L! A! KNGIHT!” NO, Solo Sikoa gets Fatu clear! Knight is furious but Solo tells him it’s not going down like that. Knight storms up on Solo, but a LARIAT hits outta nowhere!! IS THAT JEFF COBB?!?
The fans go nuts as now the Imperial Unit is Solo’s new enforcer! Cobb THROWS Knight around, POSTS him, and then runs to SPLASH Knight against the post!! Cobb drags Knight up, puts him in the ring, and Fatu sees what’s going on. Fatu is not happy with Solo bringing in reinforcements when he didn’t want it, but Solo still serves Knight up on a silver platter. Fatu doesn’t look the gift horse in the mouth, and he gives Knight a HIP ATTACK!! Fatu puts Knight in the drop zone, goes up and up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Fatu wins!
Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The Samoan Werewolf may not like Solo bringing in a ringer, but he still keeps his gold. Will nothing stop “the family” now that they’ve reloaded the arsenal?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch!
When they say, “Never meet your heroes,” perhaps those people were talking about this scenario right here. The Morrigan & The Man were bonded by their Irish blood, and by how the younger followed in the footsteps of the elder. They’ve battled over the NXT Women’s Championship and even won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. But the moment they lost those titles, Becky showed her true colors and betrayed Lyra! Becky called Lyra “recycling,” or rather, “less offensive trash,” but will Becky be the one thrown out this time? Or will Becky take away a title just as Lyra did to her back in the day?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who the real Lass Kicker is around here!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Lyra and Becky circle, tie up, and they go around. Becky puts Lyra in the corner, the ref counts, and Becky lets off to talk trash. Becky shoves, Lyra shoves, and the two reset. They tie up, Lyra waistlocks, Becky switches, and Becky SLAMS Lyra down. Becky smothers Lyra into the mat, then waistlocks again. Lyra fights up, ELBOWS free, then runs. Becky dodges and RUNS Lyra over! Becky flexes, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Things speed up, Lyra drops down then hurdles, but Becky hits an arm-drag, only for Lyra to ghost pin! TWO, and Becky arm-drags again!
The fans boo but Becky soaks it up. The two reset, tie up, and Lyra waistlocks. Becky elbows Lyra, whips her to ropes, but Lyra slides under! Lyra blocks a kick, trips Becky, and then turns Becky over with the REVERSE CRAB, to then go for the arms! MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Becky endures as Lyra swings her around! Lyra drops Becky, stands on the legs, and then hooks the legs up! Becky resists but Lyra still gets the arms to pull her back, into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky endures, Lyra rolls and pulls Becky back into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky still endures, but Lyra rolls her and pulls her back again! A third ROMERO SPECIAL! Then a cover, TWO!
Becky escapes, but Lyra waistlocks. Becky switches, Lyra spins through and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Becky scrambles and Lyra says she told her she’s the better wrestler! Lyra then dodges to ENZIGIRI! Becky bails out, the fans “WHEW~” with Lyra, and she WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Becky in the ring. Lyra climbs, but Becky trips her up! Becky THROWS Lyra down, then snarls as she rains down fists! The fans boo but Becky seethes as she paces around. Becky signals that she will be champion! She CLOBBERS Lyra, smothers her into the mat again, then HAMMERS away on Lyra! Cover, ONE!!
Lyra is tougher than that, but so is Becky given she has a bloody cut on her elbow. Lyra ELBOWS Becky but Becky CLUBS Lyra! Becky stands Lyra up to SLAP her! And CHOP her! And CHOP again! Lyra falls into a corner but Becky soaks up the heat. Becky stands Lyra up, runs corner to corner, but Lyra dodges! Becky hits buckles, but then she dodges to JUMP KICK! And BECKSPLODER! Lyra writhes, Becky covers, ONE!! Becky argues the count with the ref, then goes back to Lyra. Becky talks trash on Lyra, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lyra goes to the corner but Becky brings her around to TOSS her out!
Lyra is on the floor, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky THROWS Lyra into barriers, then SMACKS her off more barriers! “Is this your girl?” Becky tells Lyra’s fiancé to thank her! Lyra fires forearms off on Becky! Becky POSTS Lyra in return! Becky puts Lyra in the ring, covers, TWO! The fans rally for Lyra but Becky talks more trash. Becky SLAPS Lyra, pie faces her, but Lyra just stares defiantly! Then Lyra SLAPS Becky back! The SLAPS fly, Becky clinches, but Lyra cradle counters! Roll through, into a RUNNING FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Lyra feeds off that energy and she rises up! Lyra runs and LARIATS! And LARIATS! And SOBATS! KICKS! HEADBUTTS, KICKS again, then runs, cartwheel and ENZIGIRI! Becky staggers around, Lyra GUT WRENCH BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! Becky goes to the apron but Lyra drags her up. The fans rally m ore, but Becky ROCKS and ROUNDHOUSES Lyra! Becky climbs, but Lyra ROCKS her first! Lyra reaches the top, and fans actually duel as Lyra stalling SUPERPLEXES!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives, reminding us why she’s a Grand Slam Champion!
The fans rally up and Lyra has Becky for a fireman’s carry! Becky fights free, waistlocks, but Lyra switches! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Becky has the O’Conner, but wants the rope! The ref stops that! The fans boo and Becky “apologizes,” but then she runs up on Lyra! Lyra scoops, Becky slips free, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Becky is growing frustrated. The fans rally for Lyra more and Becky dares Lyra to get up. Lyra rises, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to shove Becky into buckles! Lyra runs up, Becky dodges, but Lyra stops the jump kick! Lyra DUMPS Becky out, takes aim, and PLANCHAS! Down goes Becky!
The fans fire up as Lyra hurries to put Becky back in. Lyra climbs the corner, takes aim, TURN OF FORTUNE!! Cover, TWO!!! Lyra is frustrated, but she hurries back up! MOONSAULT onto knees! Becky turns that around on Lyra while the fans fire up! Becky crawls her way over to Lyra, both women stand, and the forearms fly! Becky ROCKS Lyra but Lyra ROCKS Becky right back! The shots pick up speed, Lyra gets the edge, but Becky KNEES low! UPPERCUT into a hook! Becky fights the backslide, SLAMS Lyra down, ARMBAR!! Lyra clasps hands, rolls through, and she has the ARMBAR!!
Becky fights, rolls, high stacks, TWO! Becky steps over, DISARM-HER!! Lyra rolls Becky to a cover, TWO!! Becky clinches, MANHAND- ARM-DRAG! Cover, TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives and Becky cannot believe it! St. Louis is thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Becky is freaking out trying to figure out what to do. Becky just HAMMERS away on Lyra! The fans boo but Becky goes to the outside. Becky grabs a chair! The fans boo but The Man is getting desperate! Becky brings the chair in, the ref stops her, and they tug-o-war over the chair! Becky give sit up to the ref, but that lets her untie a buckle pad!
Becky drags Lyra up, brings her around and whips, but Lyra reverses! Becky stops from hitting steel but Lyra GERMAN SUPLEXES! And HEEL KICKS! MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! The fans rally while Lyra now thinks on what she must do. Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky fights free! Becky shoves Lyra into a buckle! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives one thing after another and Becky is going berserk! Becky HAMMERS away on Lyra again, and even DRIBBLES Lyra head off the mat! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Becky stands Lyra up.
Becky aims but the ref sees the bare buckle! The ref stops that, goes to fix things, but Lyra fireman’s carries! NIGHTWING DRIVER!!! The ref is too busy with the buckle! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Becky survives thanks to her shenanigans and Lyra is completely frazzled! Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky still fights! Clinch and MAN- NO, wheelbarrow for the victory roll! TWO, and Becky SLAPS Lyra! Roll-up, high stack, TWO! Lyra has a victory roll, LYRA WINS!!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Becky attacks Lyra! The Man is a sore loser! DISARM-HER!! The ref reprimands, pries at Becky’s grip, but Becky refuses to let go! More refs rush in, Becky still doesn’t stop, so producers are needed! Adam Pearce shouts right at Becky, and only now does Becky let go!! Lyra is down, potentially her arm and even her nose broken by the woman she once looked up to! Becky scowls, wants to go back for more, but the producers stand in her way. Did Becky still coset Lyra her title with all the damage she did? Or can The Morrigan rise up and keep her #ShinyShiny?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA!
Though it took a Fatal 4 Way to win it, and an Irish Ace in the hole to keep it, “Dirty Dom” thinks he is already the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, as well as the greatest Mysterio and the greatest luchador ever. But now, the Man with Zero Fear gets another shot, and hopefully it’ll be a fair one. Will Penta prove he is the greatest? Or will Dom have another dirty trick up his sleeve?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly El Campeon!
The bell rings and Dom circles with Penta. Dom talks trash but the fans rally behind Penta. Dom shoves Penta, so Penta DROPKCISK Dom! Penta runs up, Dom dodges and fires hands! Dom whips, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Dom tumbles, the fans fire up, and Penta runs in. Dom dodge the kick, comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans cheer because that was impressive, and Dom runs up again. Penta pops him up to SUPERKICK him upside-down! Then BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this and Penta nods respect. The fans rally for Penta while Dom goes to a corner.
Penta runs in, Dom pops him up to crotch him on the ropes! Dom then DROPKICKS Penta down to the floor! The fans cheer, Dom builds speed, and Dom DIVES to TORNADO DDT! Dom flexes and fans cheer because that was impressive, too! Dom refreshes the ring count then mocks Penta’s swagger. Dom stomps Penta, fans actually sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” Dom stands Penta up to CHOP, but Penta CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, then Dom dodges to SHOVE Penta into steel steps! Dom rolls into the ring and flexes. The fans cheer, Dom goes out to drag Penta up, and Dom puts Penta in.
Dom hears the fans dueling, tunes out the taunts, and he slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Dom argues the count. The ref defends it, so Dom just stomps away on Penta! Dom uses the Finn style jump stomps, then he rains down fists! Dom lets off to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, ROPEBREAK! Dom is annoyed and he CLUBS Penta into the chinlock. Penta endures, claws at the hold, and fights up. Penta fires body shots, but Dom fires knees! Dom whips, Penta KICKS him, then Penta dodges to come back, SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Dom bails out. Penta goes up, up, and from the post, SUPER CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as Dom and Penta crash down! The ring count starts, both men stir at 3 of 10, and Penta rises up. Penta pushes Dom into the ring, huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he climbs up the corner. Penta leaps, but into Dom’s kick! Dom snap suplexes, that’s Uno Amigo! Then another suplex, but Penta slips free! Penta shoves Dom, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Penta ducks the 619! Penta GAMANGIRIS, then slingshots to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and both men are down! The fans rally up and Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Dom runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!
Penta survives Liv’s move and Dom is furious! Dom runs up, Penta puts him on the corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta climbs, but Dom shoves him down! Penta CHOPS from the apron, then runs up, but Dom BOOTS him! Dom hops down, reels Penta in, but Penta fights the suplex! Penta ENZIGIRIS, then runs up, APRON DESTROYER!!! Both men are down and the fans go nuts! But wait, here comes Carlito! Judgment Day let Dom come out here alone, but Caribbean Cool isn’t gonna let this go down! But this is all so Finn & JD can get Penta up! Finn gets an idea and grabs a chair!
But the ref sees Finn! Finn’s improvising just cost him his chance! The ref EJECTS Judgment Day!! The fans fire up as now things are 1v1 again! Carlito can’t believe Finn messed this up! Penta FLIES onto Judgment Day! The fans fire up but wait, Finn avoided disaster! Where’d he go? Penta hobbles, rolls into the ring, and SUPERKICKS Dom down! Penta vows to finish this, but Finn returns! Finn distracts the ref now, and EL GRANDE AMERICANO is here! Grande HEADBUTTS Penta with that loaded mask!!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Prince almost screwed things up, but then he managed to turn things around with help from the supposed other greatest luchador in history! Will Judgment Day owe Chad Gable- Er, uh, El Grande Americano big time for this?
GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee!
Once again, Der Ring General lost a championship, at WrestleMania, against someone he surely felt was beneath him. And while his ego was still hurting, he lashed out against Michael Cole in an attempt to intimidate and silence commentary. Pat stepped up for his friend, got beat up for it, but he isn’t going to back down just because Gunther is a bully. In fact, Pat has always believed in standing up to bullies, which is why he’s getting back in the ring! Will Pat win one for all the underdogs out there? Or will Gunther unleash all of his anger and silence Pat for good?
The bell rings and Pat throws his shirt to the crowd! The fans fire up as Pat and Gunther circle. They feel things out, Gunther smirks but Pat is stone cold serious. The fans taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther ignores that. He and Pat tie up, and Gunther shoves Pat to a corner. Pat sees what he’s dealing with now, but he still comes back to circle with Gunther again. They tie up, Gunther headlocks and THROWS Pat! The ref checks Pat but Pat stands back up. Pat and Gunther circle again, tie up, and Gunther grabs an arm! Gunther wrenches Pat, wrangles him down and steps over. Gunther pie faces Pat around and the fans boo.
Gunther wrenches, wristlocks, but Pat rolls, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches! But Gunther breaks free! Pat avoids the chop and the fans fire up! Pat and Gunther circle again, and Gunther is oddly amused. Pat and Gunther tie up, and Pat headlocks! Gunther powers Pat to ropes, Pat shifts to a facelock, but Gunther puts Pat on the apron! Pat holds on, the ref counts, and Pat lets go slowly. Gunther pats Pat on the head, and Pat says okay. Pat ROCKS Gunther! Pat slingshots, runs, and fires forearms! Pat runs, into a CHOP! Pat is right down and coughing for air! Gunther drags Pat up, just to CLUB him back down!
Gunther stomps and kicks Pat around, pushes Pat, but Pat comes back to JAB! JAB! HAYMAKER! Pat fires hands, and even CHOPS! Gunther eggs Pat on! Pat CHOPS, the fans fire up, but Gunther wants more! Pat CHOPS, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down again! The fans boo as Gunther glares at Michael Cole. Gunther stalks Pat to a corner, talks trash, “You wanna play with the big boys, huh?” Gunther CHOPS Pat in a corner, CHOPS again, then stomps a mudhole! Gunther stops and Pat puts up his dukes! The fans rally, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down! The fans boo and Cole tells Gunther fine, just pin and finish it!
Gunther decides not to do that, he wrenches and whips Pat instead. Gunther CLOBBERS Pat, but Pat avoids the elbow drop! Pat KICKS Gunther! That NFL punt wasn’t quite enough, and Gunther snapmares Pat! Gunther KICKS Pat now! Pat writhes, but he still rises up! The fans rally behind Pat and he stands again. Pat roars, Gunther eggs him on, and Pat spins to CHOP! Gunther CHOPS, but Pat stays up to CHOP! Gunther BOOTS Pat down now! Gunther glares at Cole, dares Cole to help Pat, but Wade Barrett tells Cole to just sit down. The fans still taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” as Gunther goes back to Pat.
Gunther talks trash on the fans, then he brings Pat up. Gunther dares Cole to keep cheering his guy on. Cole says stop toying with Pat then! Pat SLAPS Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Pat, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat sputters, Cole says just end it then! Gunther looms over Pat, eggs him on, and Pat still rises up! Gunther clamps onto Pat’s head, and then has the SLEEPER!! Pat is already red from everything else, but wait! Pat pries at the grip! Gunther is amused as Pat manages the ROPEBREAK, but then Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat flounders and Gunther paces. Gunther laughs as the fans boo, because Gunther knows only he can end this.
Gunther soaks up the boos and he stalks Pat to ropes. Pat sits up, Gunther clamps onto him again, and Gunther uses a facelock to put Pat in a corner. Gunther CLUBS Pat, reels him in, and hoists Pat up top! Gunther CLUBS Pat, then climbs up. The fans rally for Pat, and he holds on for dear life! Pat fires elbows and he knocks Gunther down! Pat adjusts, and manages to MOONSAULT! Gunther moves, Pat lands out, GERMAN SUPLEX! Pat lands out?! PUNT!! PUNT!! And then a PUNT!!! Cover, ONE?!?! Gunther takes all those shots and is just pissed!! Gunther eggs Pat on, so Pat SLAPS him! Gunther eggs Pat on more, so Pat SLAPS again!
Pat SLAPS, Gunther CHOPS, but Pat just feeds off that now! The CHOPS keep going, and then Pat ELBOWS Gunther! The forearms go back and forth, Pat fires fast hands, Gunther guards! Pat runs, and he BOOTS Gunther! Pat keeps moving, to SUPERKICK! Shoutout to the Panama City Playboy, but Gunther reels Pat in for a POWERBOMB!! Cole says fine, just end this match already! Gunther clamps on the BOSTON CRAB!! But Pat endures! Cole goes to the apron to tell Pat to keep fighting! But Gunther drags Pat back to rain down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The fans cheer on Cole, but Gunther grabs him through the ropes!!
The fans boo as Gunther drags Cole into the ring! The ref reprimands and Cole says Gunther should just pin Pat already! Gunther pushes Cole around, has him by his tie, then reels Cole in! But Pat BOOTS Gunther! Gunther BOOTS Pat!! Gunther glares at Cole as Cole is on the outside again. Pat O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Pat bails out, Cole coaches him, but Gunther is on Pat again! Gunther suplexes, but Cole trips Gunther!! Cole holds Gunther’s foot down as Pat covers, TWO!!! Gunther is pissed, but Pat puts on the SLEEPER!!! Gunther flails, powers out, and short arm LARIATS!! Gunther drags Pat back up, and he stares Cole down before putting on the SLEEPER!!!
Pat is down in the body scissors and he’s turning purple! The fans rally as Pat still fights, but Gunther traps his arms, too!! Pat is still fighting even now!! Pat rises up, throws elbows, and the fans are thunderous! Pat fires shot after shot but Gunther wrangles him back down!! Pat is caught again, and NOW he’s out! Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
Gunther pushes Pat away and Cole is distraught. Cole goes to Pat’s side, feeling just a bit responsible for letting it go this far. Der Ring General grins as he still returns to his winning ways. Pat manages to sit up again now that he can breathe, and Cole helps him stand. Gunther and Pat stare each other down, and Gunther shows Pat a nod of respect! Gunther leaves, but will he be just as ruthless as he heads back for the mountaintop?
Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton!
Both men have been here in the WWE for 25 years, never wrestling anywhere else, and never wanting to go anywhere else. And while he’s “gone Hollywood,” Cena still became the #NeverSeenSeventeen. The Viper is still only at 14, but he hopes to change that tonight as he now has the homefield advantage. Will the Legend Killer add one more name to that hit list? Or will Cena still be the Last Real Champion?
The fans obviously sing along with Voices as their hometown hero makes his entrance. Orton already seems to be getting chills hearing his hometown sing that for him. Then things turn to “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” even before the music plays. Then things turn to “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” with the music, even as Cena wears his St. Louis Blues inspired merchandise. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the greatest of their generation!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Cena and Orton circle. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. The two break, the fans applaud, and the two reset. Orton and Cena circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock. They break again and the fans again applaud. St. Louis rallies behind “RANDY! RANDY!” which annoys Cena, but then he offers a handshake. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton steps up, Cena still offers, and Orton accepts. But then Cena pokes Orton in the eyes! Cena fires hands, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Orton runs Cena over, then he pokes Cena in the eyes!
The fans cheer, Cena bails out, and Orton goes to the corner so he can look down at Cena. The fans cheer more and Cena slides in. The two tie up, go around, and Orton puts Cena in a corner. The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, but he counters Cena’s punch! Orton ROCKS Cena, headlocks, and the fans duel, “You Can’t Wrestle!” “YES, HE CAN!” Cena powers up and out, ducks down, and hurdles over! Orton still runs Cena over again! The fans fire up as Orton headlocks, hits a takeover, but Cena keeps his shoulders up. Cena endures, fights up, and powers out. Orton runs Cena over yet again! Cena bails out and the fans boo.
Cena wants to walk!? The fans boo more but Cena doesn’t care. But Orton rushes out to CLUB Cena from behind! Orton ROCKS Cena, ROCKS him again, and they return to ringside. Orton ROCKS Cena, Cena rolls into the ring, and Cena comes back to LARIAT! Cena rains down fists, the fans boo, but Cena stops to catch his breath. Cena brings Orton up to bump him off buckles. Cena climbs up and fans boo more as Cena rains down fists! The fans still count along, and Cena goes to 7 before he hops down. But Orton kicks low! Orton bumps Cena off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count and Orton goes past TEN, to hit TWENTY!!
The fans fire up and Orton backs off. Cena staggers around, Orton reels him in, and UPPERCUTS Cena down! Cover, TWO! Orton drags Cena to center to stomp a leg! The fans cheer and Orton stomps Cena’s other leg! Cena clutches his ankle, but Orton stomps Cena’s hand! The fans cheer as Orton picks Cena apart, with a stomp to the other hand! Orton pushes Cena down and runs up, to KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Cena stays in this but Orton stays focused. Cena goes to ropes, rises up, but Orton is on him with a kick down low! The fans cheer Orton and he whips, but Cena reverses. Cena clamps on a SLEEPER! And becomes a backpack!
Orton stays on his feet and Cena slips down. Orton powers up and out, and he catches Cena for a SLEEPER! Cena endures, but he drops to a knee. Cena fights up, powers out, and he grabs the SLEEPER again! The fans boo but Orton powers up and out. Orton has the SLEEPER! Cena powers out, to have the SLEEPER! Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally while both men are down. Orton and Cena stir, Cena goes to the ropes, and Orton is up. Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start up those SHOULDER TACKLES! And then the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans boo but Cena smooths his hair. Cena smirks, raises his hand, and says the fans can’t see him!
Cena runs, and FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLES! Orton staggers, Cena fireman’s carries, but Orton slips free! Orton shoves Cena and LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Orton dodges then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up while Cena flounders to the apron! Orton storms over there, drags Cena through the ropes, but Cena slips through to roll Orton up! TWO, and Cena has a leg! Orton fights off the crossface, but Cena powers through! STFU!! Orton endures, reaches out, but Cena drags him from the ropes! Orton BOOTS Cena away and Cena goes back to the apron! Orton runs up, has Cena in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!
The fans fire up while Cena sputters, and Orton starts to hear those voices! Orton watches Cena rise up, R K- NO, Cena powers out, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE- RKO?!?! Orton turns that around at the last second and the fans are losing their minds! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise up, Cena has Orton, but Orton ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Orton! Orton kicks Cena low, but then Cena fires a body shot! Orton HEADBUTTS Cena, but Cena HEADBUTTS back! Orton ROCKS Cena again, but Cena ROCKS Orton again! Orton UPPERCUTS! Cena HAYMAKERS! Cena fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!
The fans fire up as Orton survives while Cena grows frustrated. Cena waits on Orton to rise up, the fans duel again, and Cena fireman’s carries! Orton grabs ropes, Cena pries him free, but Orton slips off the carry! Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start more shoulder tackles, but into an RKO!!! The fans fire up but Cena flounders away to a corner! Orton clutches his shoulder, the RKO continues to be a double-edged move when you get right down to it. But wait! Orton wants to go yard! But Cena avoids the Orton Punt! Fireman’s carry and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Orton survives again and Cena is beside himself!
The fans rally as hard as they can for Orton but Cena stalks Orton to a corner. Cena talks trash, and he mocks hearing those voices! Cena smirks as the fans boo, and then Cena decides to further copy Orton! Cena aims from a corner, runs up, but Orton dodges Cena’s kick! RK- NO, Cena shoves Orton into the ref!! The ref goes down, Cena has Orton again, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! But no ref means no pins! Cena smirks again, and he tells the fans, “Shh.” Cena goes outside, grabs the title belt, and Cole asks why he’s resorting to this. Cena says, “History.” Cena slips back into the ring with the belt, but Orton hits an RKO!!!
The ref stirs, Orton covers, and the ref counts! TWO!!!! The delay saves Cena and Orton is beside himself! Cena flops out of the ring, crawls off towards barriers, but Orton pursues. Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up on Cena. The fans call BS, but Orton thinks this is a good a place as any. Orton clears the desk! The ref reprimands but then Cena RAMS Orton into the ref!! The ref hits steel steps! Cena POSTS Orton, and the fans are dueling again! Cena sees the desk, and then smirks again. Cena decides to use another of Orton’s ideas, and he fireman’s carries Orton. But Orton slips free and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT onto the desk!!
Cena tumbles off the desk and to the floor! Then the desk breaks! They really made those sturdier than before. Orton mutters something while he clears space. Orton drags Cena up, SMACKS him off the pieces of the desk, then goes back to the ring. The fans fire up as Orton starts looking underneath the ring! Orton goes around the way, and tada! Orton brings out a TABLE! St. Louis fires up again as Orton sets the table up right where he found it, then he drags Cena over that way. Cena fires hands and SMACKS Orton off barriers! And off the steps! Cena fireman’s carries Orton, but Orton fights free! Orton fireman’s carries again!
Orton hits another ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, through the table!!! Once again, Orton gives Cena his move! Orton drinks some Prime Hydration, then goes back to Cena. Orton steps over Cena to drag him back up, and he puts Cena in the ring. “This is Awesome!” but the ref is still down! Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and he hears those voices again! Cena stirs, rises to his feet, and RKO!!! Cover, here comes a spare ref!! The count, TWO!??!?!? Another delay saves Cena and Orton is at a loss for words! The ref defends the count was fair, but Cena has the belt again! Cena aims, runs up, but Orton dodge! BELT SHOT on Eddie Durango! RKO AGAIN!!!!
Orton covers, he would’ve won ten times over! Nick Aldis and his producers hurry to ringside to finally check on both refs. Orton argues with Aldis, they need another official! Aldis says okay but there aren’t many left to work tonight! Orton is furious, so he just RKOS Aldis! And RKO for each and every producer! Even Jamie Noble!! The fans are thunderous as Orton unleashes that 2009 Viper! Orton looms over Cena, seethes, and goes with the last thing he has in his arsenal. Orton lines up a shot, Cena rises up, BUT R-TRUTH gets in the way! Truth pleads with Orton to spare his “childhood hero!” Orton just RKOS Truth!!
Cena is up, and he LOW BLOWS Orton!!! The fans boo, but Cena isn’t done there! He has the belt, and he CLOBBERS Orton with it!!! Cena puts the belt outside, the first ref returns, and he counts the cover! CENA WINS!!!
Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)
Cena’s first defense of his 17th world title is certainly one for the history books! It took multiple referees, tables, distractions, and even a friend/fan biting the bullet for him, and Cena comes out the other side still the champion. Cena takes the mic, and he shouts to cut the damn music! Cena says he doesn’t need the music, he needs competition. And he sure as hell doesn’t need the fans. “Drink it in, St. Louis. Because this is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title at the corner, but if this is what the Last Real Champion needs to survive the Viper, what more will it take for him to finish his Farewell Tour?
My Thoughts:
Despite the concerns from right after WrestleMania, this Backlash turned out amazing! It didn’t need a two hour preshow when there wasn’t gonna be a preshow match, but I get that they did so because this was the final Backlash for Cena, they needed time to talk about Cena becoming the 17 time world champion, and what facing Orton one more time meant to everyone. Cena VS Orton: The Final Time was definitely better than Cody VS Cena at Mania. There was a lot of talk of Cena “purposefully” giving a bad match at Mania and whether that saved it from actually being a bad match because of the meta, but I think they realized that this time, it had to be a legitimately good match.
And it was! It was great stuff from two icons of wrestling, no matter what anyone says. It’s that saying of “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” It didn’t flip the classic moment of Orton slapping the ref to get disqualified, but Cena did still took out two refs through the course of this. Great stuff with Aldis and all those producers, aka former/retired wrestlers, taking RKOs so Orton could unleash his anger. And while I figured R-Truth would play a part, I didn’t think we’d get him taking an RKO. Cena of course resorts to all the cheating ways to win, but this is Heel Cena after all, what else would he do? And now there is some real intrigue as to who is next for Cena as he continues his farewell tour.
To go back to the top, awesome move with the Fatal 4 Way opening tonight. All four guys got their stuff in, it was wild, and yet, Solo Sikoa still gets involved, just as they implied last night. Additionally, Solo brought in a new member to the team, also as they implied. Personally, I still wanted Hikuleo, just so that Solo would be leading the entire Guerrillas of Destiny, but maybe they want to wait until Tama and Loa are health. At the same time, I can’t fault them for going with Jeff Cobb because he’s Jeff Cobb. Cobb is sturdy, strong, athletic, and anyone who has watched NJPW, ROH and/AEW already knows what he’s capable of. You can tell already that this only ups the tension within the faction, and we might get Cobb VS Fatu very quickly.
Lyra VS Becky was great, with Becky really doing her best to Heel her way through this. I really thought she was going to pull off a cheap win thanks to the buckle or some other trick, but Lyra does prove herself the better wrestler tonight. Now, with Lyra holding her nose and then playing up the damage to the rest of her body, they could be setting up some injury angle where she has to take time off, maybe even vacate the title. Lyra’s fiancé was right there, this could be Lyra’s out so the two of them can have their wedding and honeymoon and all that while Becky goes for the vacated title. Bayley could even return to be a major roadblock to that title, and we get a great match from Bayley VS Becky to crown a new champion.
Dom VS Penta was great, and St. Louis seems to be a Dom friendly crowd. Naturally, Judgment Day had to help, but also a logical move for El Grande Americano to get involved because of how Penta superkick’d Gable. Penta will surely confront Gable and get a match with El Grande, this can lead us into something for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in June. As for Dom, things seem patched up in Judgment Day for now, but that could easily change at a drop of a hat. Honestly, Worlds Collide needs to be built starting this Monday, and maybe some AAA stars show up to call out “the greatest Intercontinental Champion/greatest Mysterio ever.”
And of course, for being a bit sudden, Gunther VS Pat was great stuff. It went about how I expected, with Pat just taking damage and getting back up. A little surprised Cole tried to help Pat cheat Gunther out of this, but it didn’t change the outcome. Gunther make Pat take a nap to get the win, but I did like the modicum of respect Gunther showed on his way out. Logan VS Jey is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event in a couple weeks, but much like Rollins, perhaps Gunther tries to change plans? Or maybe Gunther wants the Intercontinental Championship? Gunther should go for something, I’m just not sure what with all these other stories going on right now.
My Score: 9/10
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Will the Front Man have his Resurgence?
Hirooki Goto and Zack Sabre Jr. battle over the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, knowing that Shingo Takagi waits at NJPW Dominion!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Strong Survivor: Allan Breeze VS CJ Tino; Tino wins.
- Bea Priestly VS Viva Van; Priestly wins.
- Fred Rosser VS Matt Vandagriff; Rosser wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario; TJP & Templario win and become the new NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers; The Bucks & Good Brothers win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Ishii wins and retains the title.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS El Phantasmo; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr; Double Pinfall Draw, Goto retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa; AZM wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario!
No longer just for the West Coast, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson are World Class! But will they start to take over the world from the West Coast? Or will the Aswang & Lion Warrior conquer them for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly world class!
The teams sort out and then WCWC just attack! The bell rings, the fans boo, but Nelson stomps away on TJP! Isaacs TOSSES Templario, then WCWC double whip TJP. TJP leaps over the double lariat and Templario springboards to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as now TJP & Temp have Isaacs. They double whip him to DOUBLE ELBOW, then roll him into a wheelbarrow and BULLDOG! The fans fire up and Temp SPLASHES the leg! And SPLASHES it again! Then stomps it! Temp wrenches Isaacs, tags TJP, and they double whip to HIP TOSS, then TJP becomes Templario’s weapon for a GOURD BUSTER SPLASH!
The fans cheer and TJP covers, TWO! TJP stays on Isaacs with an UPPERCUT! Isaacs goes to ropes, Nelson talks trash, but TJP tells Nelson to “SUCK IT!” TJP UPPERCUTS Isaacs, whips, but Isaacs catches TJP to a suplex! TJP slips free and wraps on the IRON OCTOPUS! Nelson runs in, CLUBS TJP and BLASTS Templario! Then BOOT and BACKBREAKER, into a BODY CHECK! The fans boo but Isaacs rains down fists! Tag to Nelson and WCWC wrench TJP for a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! TJP staggers, Nelson dropkicks the legs out, then Isaacs deadlift suplexes TJP! Nelson covers, TWO! Nelson rains down forearms while the fans boo!
Nelson rains down fists, the ref reprimands, and Nelson “apologizes.” Nelson taunts Templario, bumps TJP off buckles, then tags Isaacs. Isaacs digs his boot into TJP while Nelson messes with TJP’s hair. Isaacs then BLASTS Templario while Nelson rains down fists! The ref reprimands WCWC but he also has to keep Temp from storming in. Isaacs & Nelson stomp away on TJP in the distraction and the fans boo. Isaacs taunts TJP to go tag Templario, then stomps him down! Isaacs clamps onto TJP’s arms for a motorcycle stretch! TJP endures, the fans rally, but Isaacs pulls on the arms! The fans boo WCWC while TJP still endures.
The fans rally harder for “T J P! T J P!” Nelson hijacks English commentary to talk trash, but TJP fights up to FLIP KICK Isaacs away! Isaacs hurries to whip TJP, but TJP goes Spider-Man to then slip under and RANA! The fans fire up while TJP and Isaacs crawl, hot tags to Templario and Nelson! Templario handsprings, then he fires forearms with Nelson! Templario gets the edge, trips Nelson, and things speed up. Nelson hurdles but Temp shoves. Nelson sunset flips, Temp rolls through but Nelson avoids the basement dropkick! Temp avoids a kick, rolls Nelson, but Nelson rolls through to RAM Temp! Temp comes back to SHOTGUN!
The fans fire up as Nelson tumbles out! Isaacs is in, Temp kicks but Isaacs blocks! Isaacs FLIPS Temp but Temp lands out! Isaacs whips but TJP tags in! Temp slips around Isaacs, shoves him to TJP for BOOTS, then TJP goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! WCWC regroups outside and the fans fire up. Temp holds the way open for TJP to Triangle Jump DROPKICK! Then TJP returns the favor so Temp can DIVE onto WCWC! The fans fire up with the Empire as they put Nelson back in. TJP goes up, up, and MAMBA- NO, Nelson dodges! TJP blocks a shot, SOBATS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Nelson dodges Temp but Temp goes up to DROPKICK back!
Isaacs is in, Temp dodges and V-TRIGGERS! Temp runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Isaacs and Temp bail out and the fans rally as TJP and Nelson go to corners. Nelson throws off the elbow pads and runs up, but into TJP’s TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again as Nelson flounders to the apron. TJP goes up, but Isaacs ROCKS him! Isaacs goes up, and stalling SUPERPLEXES! TJP flounders back up and Isaacs LARIATS him back down! Nelson hits a MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up! WCWC is furious, they whip to SPINEBUSTER and CATAPULT, for NO VASELINE!! Cover, Temp breaks it!!
Temp fires off on WCWC then runs, but into DOUBLE ELBOWS! WCWC soak up the heat, but they miss the Templarooni! The fans fire up as Temp dodges and uses Nelson to get up and RANA Isaacs! Temp then whips, Nelson reverses, but Temp drop toeholds Nelson into buckles! Wheelbarrow and GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, but Isaacs is back! He POP-UP UPPERCUTS Temp down! The fans boo but Isaacs drags Temp back up. Isaacs whips, Temp reverses, and TJP goes up and over to TORNADO- NO, Isaacs stops that! TJP waistlocks, Isaacs switches, but TJP ducks so Temp’s SUPERKICK hits Isaacs!
Temp runs up on Nelson, Nelson slips around to waistlock Temp, but TJP waistlocks Nelson! Nelson steps through the O’Conner but TJP reaches up to headscissor Nelson forward for Temp to reel in and pick up! EL TEMPLO!! TJP goes up to MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, ISAACS BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! TJP rises and THROWS Isaacs out! TJP aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Isaacs! Temp kicks away on Nelson, ENZIGIRIS, and TJP joins in. TJP Electric Chair Lifts and Temp goes up! Temp tightrope walks, FLYING FOREARM DOOMSDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Nelson survives and TJP is beside himself!
The fans rally up as TJP rises. Isaacs rolls back in, TJP holds him down with a facelock. Temp steps in, they double suplex, but Isaacs fights that to DOUBLE SUPLEX! TJP & Temp fight that, but Nelson anchors Temp! Isaacs shoves TJP into Temp, but TJP fireman’s carries Isaacs! Isaacs fights free, gut wrenches, but TJP turns that around!? Isaacs turns it back around, SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Nelson whips Temp and pops him up, POWERBOMB! Another catapult, another fireman’s carry, and again, NO VASELINE!! Temp writhes and the fans boo, but WCWC kips up! They keep after Temp with another fireman’s carry.
Nelson and Isaacs take Temp to a corner, and Nelson steps on Temp’s back to- NO, TJP avoids the splash! Temp slips free to ENZIGIRI Isaacs! Nelson CLAWS TJP’s eyes and goes up another corner, to POP THE- NO, TJP catches Nelson to a backslide, but Nelson rolls through to cradle! Temp tips it over, THE UNITED EMPIRE WINS?!?
Winners: TJP & Templario, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Nelson is stunned! He thought he had it, but the Lion Warrior gave Captain TJP the much needed assist! Nelson throws a fit before he and Isaacs storm off. Will all of NJPW, all over the world, soon belong to the United Empire?
8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers!
The War Dogs are still coming fresh off their win against The House of Torture, and now claim the right to be called THE Bullet Club! However, the Founding Fathers of Bullet Club seem to take offense. Matthew & Nicholas Jackson reunite with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, will they #ShowUsTheLight? Or will we see that David Finlay, Gedo, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors are the ones that’re #JustTooSweet?
The fans bark for the War Dogs, and then they throw up their Too Sweet. The fans chant, “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” and the Founding Fathers raise theirs, but the War Dogs attack! The bell rings, the fans are torn, but the brawl is on! Things spill out to the outside, Karl fires hands on Gedo, Finlay THROWS Matt over barriers, and then goes after Matt in the crowd! The fans fire up as Karl CLAWS Gedo’s face! Gabe sends Gallows into railing, but Nick TOSSES Finlay to ringside! Connors has Matt now and they brawl. Gedo CLAWS Karl’s face in return! Gabe and Gallows return to ringside, then go up the ramp.
Gabe and Gallows brawl, shout at each other, and then Gabe CHOPS! Gallows UPPERCUITS! Matt ROCKS Connors, and Finlay has Nick on the stage! Nick fights the suplex, then SUPERKICKS Finlay down the stairs! Finlay tumbles, Gallows CLUBS him, and they all set up for Nick to run and FLY! Nick bowls them all over and the fans fire up! Matt puts Connors in and Nick puts him in a corner. The Bucks whip Connors to a corner, then Matt LARIATS! Nick LARIATS! Karl JUMP KICKS! Gallows SPLASHES! Gallows scoops Connors and SLAMS him down! The fans rally up as Matt goes to a corner. He FLIES out onto Gabe & Finlay!
Anderson SENTONS Connors, Gallows SPLASHES, and then the Bucks coordinate! RISKY BUSINESS! The fans fire up for the Founding Fathers, and they call for the Too Sweet! The fans cheer as they wind up, but the War Dogs attack again! Finlay fires off on Matt, Gabe HEADBUTTS Gallows, Gedo has Karl and Connors has Nick! The War Dogs climb up in the corners, and they rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go all the way up to TEN! That’s forty total and the fans cheer! The War Dogs toss everyone out but Karl, and Gedo stomps him. Gabe SMACKS Gallows off railing, and Connors drags Karl up.
Connors whips Karl to the corner hard and Karl falls to the mat! Connors puts Karl in place, runs, and hits an ELBOW DROP! Connors drags Karl up, brings him around, and whips him into Finlay’s boot! Connors tags Gedo but Finlay digs his boots in. The ref counts, Gedo argues with him, but that lets Finlay & Gabe CHOKE Karl! Gedo storms up but Karl CHOPS him first! And CHOPS, but Gedo blocks to poke Karl in the eyes! The fans are torn, but Gedo CLAWS at Karl’s eyes! The ref reprimands and counts, and Gedo stops at 4. Gedo looms over Karl, pulls him back, and CLAWS at his face again!
The fans boo, the ref counts, and Gedo stops at 4. The fans are torn as Gedo throws up the Too Sweet, then he tags Finlay. Finlay stomps Karl to a corner, stomps a mudhole in, but stops as the ref counts. The fans rally and duel as Finlay stands Karl up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, runs corner to corner, and UPPERCUTS again! Finlay suplexes and THROWS Karl, then pushes him down for a cocky cover. TWO, but Finlay drags Karl away from his corner. Finlay bends Karl’s fingers while Gabe & Connors BLAST the OGs! Gabe grabs a mic to talk trash during the match! Gabe stomps Karl, and mockingly asks if this is 2013 again, when those “14-year-olds were still cool?”
Gabe mocks the Bucks and say they’re the Young CUCKS, because they’re bigger virgin nerds than anyone in this building! And F YOU, too!! Gabe tells Karl and Gallows that HE’s the resident bald white guy in NJPW now! But then Karl CHOPS Gabe! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe DECKS Karl, the War Dogs BLAST the OGs, then Connors feeds Karl to Finlay. Karl dodges, sends Finlay into Connors, but Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe whips, Karl reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Hot tag to Gallows! The fans fire up as Doc BOOTS Connors, ROUNDHOUSES Finlay, and YAKUZA KICKS Gedo! Gallows whips Connors into Finlay!
Gallows runs to SPLASH them both, then runs to CROSSBODY Finlay & Connors! The fans fire up but Gabe attacks! Gab e BITES Gallows’ head, talks trash, but Gallows UPPERCUTS! Gabe COMEBACK- NO, he runs into the 12 STEP PROGRAM! Both men are down from that modified Sky High and the fans fire up! Hot tags to Finlay and Nick! Connors still jumps in with Finlay but Nick rallies on them with his strike fest combo! SHINING WIZARD for Finlay, then a BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up again and Nick tags Matt. The Bucks mug Gabe, double whip, but Gabe reverses. Nick goes up and Matt SUPERKICKS!
Matt cravats, Nick helps, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD! Finlay is up, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS hit him first! Matt puts Finlay in the ropes, Nick goes up, DRAPING SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Matt tags Karl. Gallows joins in and the fans rally up. Gallows reels Finlay in, but Connors SPEARS him! Finlay hits Karl with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But he gets DSOUBLE SUPERKICKS again! The Bucks fake Connors out to DOUBLE DDT! Gabe blocks a kick, sends it into Matt, then UPPERCUTS! But Nick SUPERKICKS in return! Gabe rebounds, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!
Gabe rebounds again, to DOUBLE LARIAT! Gallows is back, he and Gabe DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Gabe CHOPs, CHOPS, and UPPERCUTS! Gabe runs, into a GUN STUN!! We never thought that move would return to NJPW but here we are! Finlay flounders, hot tag to Gedo! Gedo JAWBREAKERS Karl, SUPERKICKS, and the rest of the Dogs hold down the OGs! Gedo mule kicks Karl now to GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Karl escapes and the fans fire up! GUN STUN for Gedo!! Gabe runs up, dodges, COMEBACKER!! Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Gabe!
Connors & Finlay mug Gallows, double whip him, then Connors runs in, only for Gallows to DUMP him! Gallows DUMPS Finlay, too! YAKUZA KICK for Gedo, and into the E V P TRIGGER!! Matt says that’s not enough! Nick climbs up to be on Gallows’ shoulders! SUPER T K DRIVER!! The Bucks PLANCHA out to wipe out the Dogs! The Good Brothers top it off with a MAGIC KILLER on Gedo!! Cover, the Founding Fathers win!
Winners: The Young Bucks & Good Brothers, by pinfall
The War Dogs are beside themselves, but the OGs of Bullet Club still got it! The War Dogs step back into the ring, they look at their “senpai” while Gedo is helped to the back. The Bucks say no hard feelings, and offer the Too Sweet. War Dogs throw it up, just to Too Sweet with each other. It seems some things aren’t “4 life” like we thought. But with the Good Brothers back in town, will things be #JustTooSweet no matter where you look?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Stone Pitbull took this title off Gabe in the Windy City Riot, and now he defends it against another of the War Dogs! Will Ishii survive the 44 Caliber? Or will his reign not even last a full month?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got that dog in ’em!
The bell rings and the fans rally as Drilla and Ishii get face to face. Then Drilla fires forearm after forearm! Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, but Drilla RAMS Ishii! Ishii roars so Drilla fires more forearms! Ishii eggs Drilla on and leans into the shots! Drilla keeps throwing shots but Ishii backs him down! The fans rally behind Ishii, and he DECKS Drilla into a corner! The fans fire up and Ishii shakes off those forearms. Ishii CHOPS, and CHOPS, but now Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearms but now Drilla leans into the shots! The fans fire up as Drilla ROCKS Ishii. Drilla runs but Ishii CLOBBERS Drilla!
The fans fire up and Ishii suplexes, but Drilla slips free! Drilla waistlocks, Ishii fires elbows, and things speed up. Drilla hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans are torn but Drilla shakes out his arms. Drilla looms over Ishii, kicks him, and CHOPS him! The fans “WOO~” while Ishii wobbles, and Drilla CHOPS again! Drilla CHOPS Ishii to the corner, then CHOPS again! Ishii eggs Drilla on so Drilla winds up and CHOPS! Drilla stomps away on Ishii, the ref counts, but Drilla digs his boot in. The ref counts, Drilla steps off, and the fans rally. Drilla grins and brings Ishii up, but Ishii fires body shots!
Ishii backs Drilla down but Drilla snapmares and KICKS Ishii in the back! Ishii writhes, Drilla covers, TWO! Drilla is annoyed but Ishii is tougher than that. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, and hits a BIG back suplex! Ishii sputters and rolls to the apron. The fans rally as Drilla storms over to join Ishii. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla pushes Ishii and ELBOWS him down! Ishii LARIATS the legs out from under Drilla! Drilla hobbles up, runs in, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM on the floor! The fans fire up while the ref checks Drilla. Drilla is okay to continue, so Ishii drags him into the ring.
Drilla goes to a corner, Ishii runs in, and LARIATS! Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, but Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Drilla! The fans fire up more as Ishii shakes off that damage. Ishii drags Drilla up, but Drilla fights the lift with elbows! Only for Ishii to shift and SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but he’s frustrated with himself. Ishii kicks at Drilla rather mockingly, and Drilla stands in a huff! Drilla ducks the haymaker to ripcord and CHOP! Then he brings Ishii in for a PILE- NO, Ishii fights that, so Drilla grabs tights for a STUFF PILEDRIVER! Ishii writhes but Drilla also grits his teeth from pain, and the fans rally up.
Drilla and Ishii stir, and Drilla rises first. Drilla drags Ishii up, CHOPS and ROCKS him on repeat, and the fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! Ishii just stares Drilla down! Drilla CHOPS, ROLLING ELBOWS, but Ishii DECKS him! The fans fire up and Ishii finally feels that damage. Ishii clutches a shoulder but he storms up on Drilla. Ishii kicks Drilla, hoists him up top, and then climbs up after him. Ishii stalling SUPERPLEXES! But Drilla’s right up!? The fans fire up and Drilla returns, but Ishii LARIATS! Drilla HAYMAKERS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Drilla ROLLING ELBOWS, then ducks the enzigiri! Drilla runs, but Ishii stuffs the Gore!
Drilla wrenches free of the facelock, but Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla down! The fans fire up while Ishii staggers around. Ishii roars to fire back up and the fans are with him! Drilla slowly rises, Ishii runs, but Drilla catches Ishii to a MADE IN JAPAN!??! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives Drilla using Shingo Takagi’s move and the fans fire up! Drilla goes to a corner while the fans rally up. The fans are on Ishii’s side and that pisses Drilla off. Drilla aims and runs in, but Ishii KNEES him low! Ishii stands Drilla up, but Drilla SUPERKICKS! Ishii rebounds, but into the SPINEBUSTER! Drilla gets moving again, and he GORES Ishii down!! Cover, TWO?!?
Ishii survives and Drilla is beside himself! The fans rally while Drilla and Ishii are down again. Drilla sits up and slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Drilla stands and he brings Ishii up. Drilla reels Ishii in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla swats a lariat, ducks the other, but Ishii ducks the enzigiri to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Drilla and Ishii stir as the fans rally up more. They go to ropes, rise up, and they both run in! DOUBLE LARIATS! Ishii fires boxing elbows, but Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearm after forearm, but Drilla DROPKICKS! Drilla runs, but Ishii LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!
Drilla survives and the fans rally up! Ishii sits Drilla up, runs, and SLIDING- NO! Drilla catches Ishii into a clinch! URE- NO, Ishii slips free to waistlock! Drilla switches, ripcords and DROPKICKS! Drilla reels Ishii in and suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER!! But Ishii rises?!? His fighting spirit keeps him moving, but Drilla runs to LARIAT! Ishii stays up, UPPERCUTS, and ENZIGIRIS! Both men fall again and the fans fire back up! Ishii headbutts the buckles to fire up, and the fans are with him! Ishii runs again, to LARIAT!! Drilla tumbles, Ishii pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Drilla survives but Ishii powers back up!
Ishii hauls Drilla up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Drilla slips fere! Drilla shoves, then catches Ishii to wrench and Canadian Rack! DRILLA- NO, Ishii lands out! Drilla avoids a lariat, then another, and GORES!! Cover, ONE!?!? Drilla is shocked and the fans are thunderous! Drilla goes to a corner and he aims again! Drilla runs up, but Ishii turns leg lariat into POWERBOMB! And SLIDING LARIAT!! Ishii roars, suplexes, and BRAINBUSTERS!!! Cover, Ishii wins!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
The Stone Pitbull showed the young pup how it’s done! Will Ishii continue to prove no one is as NJPW Strong as him?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero VS El Phantasmo!
It was just last week at Wrestling Dontaku that The Alpha and Headbanga battled over the NJPW World Television Championship. They went 15 minutes for a time limit draw and both men want more! Will ELP get all he can when he takes this title from Takeshita? Or will Konosuke NEVER lose again?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives up!
The bell rings and the one hour time limit is on. ELP and Konosuke circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Konosuke headlocks, ELP powers up and out, but Konosuke runs him over! Things keep moving, ELP stays low then hurdles over, but Konosuke leaps over. Konosuke sidesteps, ELP rolls off Konosuke’s back, but Konosuke reels him in! BLUE THUNDER- NO, ELP sunset flips! But Konosuke rolls through! ELP still reels Konosuke in and tucks the arms, but then Konosuke wrenches free! ELP dodges the lariat, but Konosuke goes Matrix to avoid Sudden Death! The fans fire up as the two are in a standoff!
Konosuke and ELP reset, circle again, and the fans are dueling. Konosuke and ELP step up, and ELP CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and ELP eggs Konosuke on. Konosuke winds up, but then ROLLING ELBOWS! ELP falls, the fans are torn, but Konosuke stands ELP up. Konosuke whips, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then he somersaults to LIONSAULT! ELP bounces off the cover, and Konosuke is up to LARIAT ELP up and out! The fans are torn but Konosuke builds speed to FLY! Down goes ELP and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up, puts him in the ring, and then clamps on with a chinlock.
ELP endures, pries at the hold, but Konosuke shifts to go for an arm. The fans rally as ELP throws body shots, but Konosuke knees low! Konosuke whips, ELP reverses, but Konosuke FLYING UPPERCUTS ELP down! Konosuke clamps onto ELP with a double wristlock! ELP endures so Konosuke changes it to a COBRA CLUTCH! ELP fights around all the same, reaches out and has the ROPEBREAK! Konosuke lets go, ELP goes to a corner, and Konosuke storms up. Konosuke whips corner to corner hard and ELP bounces off buckles! The fans rally while ELP writhes on the mat. Konosuke watches ELP as he rolls away to ropes.
Konosuke stalks ELP, drags him up, and wrenches to put him in a corner. Konosuke whips ELP corner to corner, but ELP stops short! Konosuke runs in but ELP goes up and over! ELP runs in, but into a BOOT! Konosuke hops up, but ELP GAMANGIRIS him to the floor! The fans fire up and ELP builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Konosuke goes over railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke rises as the ring count starts. ELP aims from the ropes! ELP did this in Japan, he’s gonna do it in California! SUPER DUPER THUNDERKISS!! Direct hit and the front row almost gets wiped out!
A Takeshita fan talks trash while showing off her Konosuke art, but Rocky is mad and throws off his jacket. ELP drags Konosuke up, CHOPS him back over the railing, and the ELP fans all “WOO~!” ELP storms after Konosuke, CHOPS him again, then puts him in the ring. Rocky gets up on the apron! The fans boo and ELP jumps, but Konosuke dodges! Konosuke then sidesteps to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! ELP survives but Konosuke reels him in. ELP fights the suplex, but Konosuke powers through to suplex! ELP slips free, straitjackets and torture racks! BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!!
Konosuke survives, but ELP kips up and the fans fire up! ELP tunes up the band and the fans cheer him on. ELP aims at Konosuke, for SUDDEN- NO, Konosuke blocks it to fire off boxing elbows! Then a ROLLING- NO, ELP mule kicks, front kicks, but then Konosuke BOOTS! ELP BOOTS! Konosuke rebounds but ELP ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Rocky coaches Konosuke, the fans rally for ELP, and both men rise. ELP and Konosuke go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! ELP grins as the shots keep going back and forth! Both men stand, and the forearms keep going! Konosuke ROCKS ELP and eggs him on!
ELP returns to ROCK Konosuke, and the forearms fly again! The fans fire up as the shots go faster and faster! Then DOUBLE FOREARMS send both men staggering back! ELP and Konosuke go to the apron now, and the forearms fly again! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and ELP ROCKS Konosuke! And ROCKS him again! Konosuke just ROCKS ELP in return! And again, and again, and again! Konosuke has ELP up against the corner, and hoists him up! Konosuke drags ELP onto his shoulder, but ELP fights free!
ELP mule kicks, then he reels Konosuke in! Konosuke fights the tuck, so ELP kicks him low! APRON PILEDRIVER!! Konosuke falls to the floor and Rocky is stunned! We pass 10 minutes while ELP rises up. ELP hears the ring count so he refreshes it, then he goes looking under the ring! ELP brings out a table! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands. ELP ignores that to set the table up at ringside. ELP then fetches Konosuke, drags him to the apron, and tucks the arms! Konosuke fights the lift, and ROCKS ELP! Then POWER DRIVE KNEES! Konosuke reels ELP in, but ELP fights the Blue Thunder with elbows! ELP rolls into the ring, but Konosuke avoids the shoulder!
Konosuke KNEES ELP back down and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up the corner, and the fans are already worried about what he’s planning. ELP fights with body shots, and then adjusts his position on the top rope! Konosuke fires body shots, then SUPER LARIATS ELP down!! Konosuke hurries to cover, TWO!! ELP survives and Konosuke is furious! Konosuke drags ELP up, scoops him, but ELP slips free to gut wrench! But Konosuke turns that back around! TOMBSTONE!! But Konosuke holds on! Konosuke stands up, tucks ELP in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up!
ELP shakes his head, defiant against the damage done to him. The fans rally more but Konosuke brings ELP up. But ELP wrenches out, only for the ALPHA ELBOW to knock him down! POWER DRIVE- SUDDEN DEATH!! ELP hits first and the fans fire up! ELP hurries to reel Konosuke in, but Konosuke Alabama Lifts! And he spins ELP around for another BASTARD DRIVER!! And then a WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, and ELP is right up!! LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!!? WHAT?!?
ELP just runs again, goes up and up, and FLYING- ALPHA ELBOW!!! Cover, ONE!??! The fans are thunderous as both men defy expectations! ELP dodges a lariat to POISON-RANA!! Konosuke stands up but wobbles, and ELP ROLLING ELBOWS!! Cover, ONE?!?!?! HOW?!?! ELP shrugs it off to tune up! SUDDEN DEATH!! SUDDEN DEATH AGAIN!! And then C R 2!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Konosuke survives all of that and the fans are electric! Rocky is freaking out but “This is Awesome!” ELP is up, THUNDERKISS ATTACK! And then a somersault back to the apron, THUNDERKISS 86 SPLASH!!! Cover, ROCKY DRAGS THE REF OUT!!!
The fans boo as Azucar sours the taste of this one! The ref and Rocky argue, but ELP storms out to get Rocky! Rocky runs for it, but ELP SUPERKICKS him! ELP reels Rocky in and POWERBOMBS him through the table!! ELP goes into the ring, but the POWER DRIVE KNEE finds him! And then RAGING- CRADLE!!! TWO!!! Konosuke escapes, dodges, and ROLLING ELBOWS!! And then POWER DRIVE KNEES!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!? Konosuke throws off his elbow pad, winds up, and ALPHA ELBOWS!!! Then the RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Konosuke wins!!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
ELP kept his NJPW World TV Championship, but now Konosuke has kept his NEVER Openweight Championship! Is Konosuke going to prove he isn’t just The Alpha of AEW, but the Alpha of the World?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Shane Haste!
The Fierce Warrior took this title from The Front Man at the New Beginning in Osaka, and the Goto Revolution has been on a roll these last few months. ZSJ wants the spotlight back, but there’s also a catch: The winner here must defend against Shingo Takagi at NJPW Dominion in June! Will it be out of the frying pan and into the fire for Goto? Or will this be ZSJ’s resurgence?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the G in IWGP is still for Goto!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Goto and ZSJ stare down. Goto and ZSJ then circle, feel things out, and go around. They knuckle lock, then clinch, and ZSJ waistlocks. ZSJ shifts to a headlock but Goto wrenches out to wristlock. ZSJ rolls, bridges, spins and wrenches, but Goto headlocks! ZSJ hammerlocks, Goto goes to the ROPEBREAK, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. Goto and ZSJ reset, circle again, and the two tie up. ZSJ headlocks, grinds the hold, but Goto powers up and out. Fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” as he RAMS Goto! Goto rebounds to RUN ZSJ over!
ZSJ avoids the elbow drop, Goto avoids the Penalty Kick, and Goto hits a headlock takeover! ZSJ headscissors, Goto kips free and Goto deflects a boot, only for ZSJ to avoid the lariat! The fans cheer and the two reset again. ZSJ and Goto circle, feel things out, and ZSJ RAMS low! ZSJ whips, but Goto blocks a hip toss, only for ZSJ to do the same! ZSJ THROWS Goto down, then clamps on for the NECK TWIST! The fans fire up, and Goto goes to the apron. ZSJ steps outside and NECK TWISTS Goto again! The fans rally while ZSJ sits Goto up on the floor, and KICKS him in the back! ZSJ then UPPERCUTS, but Goto CHOPS!
ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Goto CHOPS, repeat! The fans rally while Goto falls back! ZSJ swaggers around a bit, rolls into the ring, and lets the ring count climb. Goto sits up at 7 of 20, stands at 10, and takes a moment before rolling in at 12. ZSJ kneels on Goto, the ref reprimands as they’re in the ropes, but ZSJ SNAPS the fingers! Goto bails out while clutching his hand, but the ring count starts again. ZSJ eggs Goto on, Goto shakes out the bad hand and rolls back in. ZSJ is after the hand again and SNAPS the fingers! ZSJ then wrenches the arm, steps over, and he reaches out to have the other arm! Goto endures this modified motorcycle stretch, but ZSJ wrangles him down!
ZSJ has a DOUBLE MOUNTED ARMBAR! Goto endures, the fans duel, and ZSJ pulls on the arms! Goto kicks around to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and kicks at Goto. ZSJ scuffs Goto, taunts him with more kicks, but Goto sits up. ZSJ kicks at Goto while taunting him more and more. Goto scowls and stands up. They shoulder bump each other, but then Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS back, then storms up on Goto in a corner. ZSJ pushes Goto, slaps him around, but Goto SLAPS! Goto CHOPS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and ZSJ uppercuts. Goto reverses, runs in, but into a BOOT!
ZSJ runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto rises, he drags ZSJ up, and he ROCKS ZSJ with forearm after forearm! Goto whips, runs in, and MURAMASA! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Goto stays focused and he brings ZSJ up. ZSJ fights the lift, pulls on an arm, and ZSJ wrenches. Goto fires forearms but ZSJ PELES the arm! Goto staggers, ZSJ runs, but then Goto follows again! Only for ZSJ to wrangle Goto to a FUJIWARA! Goto fights, ZSJ traps that arm, and then gets the other arm again! Goto endures the DOUBLE FUJIWARA! The fans rally, Goto fights around, but ZSJ steps over! Goto still gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but the fans rally back up. Goto sputters but ZSJ stands him up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto, has him on the ropes, then UPPERCUTS again! And again! ZSJ whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Goto and ZSJ stir, rise up, and Goto brings ZSJ up to ROCK him with a forearm! Goto eggs ZSJ on, so ZSJ ROCKS him back! Goto ROCKS ZSJ again, and again, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Goto ROCKS ZSJ, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and repeat! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, and the fans fire up more! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again, but Goto spins him! URA GTR!
Goto runs and LARIATS ZSJ down! The fans fire up and we’re only at ten minutes! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” and considering there’s a one hour limit on this, they can definitely keep going! Goto rises and fires up again. Goto stands ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops back! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ can’t make the cover and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ and the fans rally again. ZSJ makes it to ropes, stands back up, and he goes to a corner. Goto sits up, ZSJ runs in, PENALTY KICK! Deep stack cover, TWO!! Goto survives and the fans cheer again. Goto goes to a corner, ZSJ goes back to his, and ZSJ aims again.
ZSJ runs in but Goto puts him in the ropes! Then DRAPING SHOTO!! Both men are down again and the fans still rally! Goto rises and powers up! ZSJ sits up, into the BUZZSAW! Goto then drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI again! Goto roars, the fans fire up, and Goto dragon sleepers, for G T- NO, ZSJ catches the arm, backslides, TWO!! ZSJ steps over, hammerlock and then CLARKY CAT!! ZSJ has the arms trapped again but Goto fights around! ZSJ pushes on the arms for an almost standing Clarky Cat! Goto endures, even as ZSJ pushes down hard on the arms! And has a leg! CLARKY CAT: BAD BALLOON REMIX!!
Goto fights with his free leg, so ZSJ shifts to focus on just an arm, URESHI ARMBAR!! Goto endures, fights with his legs, and still manages the ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ lets go in frustration and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ to keep on Goto and the fans duel. ZSJ waits on Goto to sit up, and then he KICKS! Goto falls over, ZSJ paces, and Goto sits back up. ZSJ KICKS again! Goto falls back over, the fans rally, and ZSJ paces again. Goto sits back up, ZSJ eggs him on, and then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Goto falls in another heap and the fans continue to rally and duel. ZSJ lines up another shot to KICK, KICK, KICK! Goto blocks!
ZSJ SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and fires off fast SLAPS! Goto HEADBUTTS him in return! Shane is worried now as Goto HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Goto SLAMS ZSJ down, runs, and LARIATS ZSJ inside-out! The fans fire up as Goto drags ZSJ back up, fireman’s carries, and G T W!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Goto shrugs that off to drag ZSJ up and dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down to victory roll, then EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Goto escapes in time, and he clinches to a SLEEPER! Then roll, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! Goto fireman’s carries, ZSJ sunset flips, but Goto rocks it back, TWO!
ZSJ has the sunset flip, TWO!!! Goto narrowly escapes and the fans boo! Goto and ZSJ run back in, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Then they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! The fans rally up while both men wobble. Goto eggs ZSJ on, ZSJ runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Throw and G T- NO, ZSJ slips through, waistlocks, O’Conner BRIDGE, but Goto has a waistlock!! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!?!? The ref has to explain to the timekeeper to ring the bell, and then call it a DOUBLE PINFALL DRAW!!!
Double Pinfall Draw; Goto retains the title
ZSJ is pissed with the ref, and uses a GUILLOTINE CHOKE to take him down!! ZSJ grabs the world title, tosses it down at Goto’s feet, and the fans all call BS! ZSJ undoes his wrist tape, the fans tell the ref he sucks for this one, and Goto stands up to stare ZSJ down. This draw does not sit well with either man, but ZSJ pie faces Goto! ZSJ and Shane storm off while the fans boo, but there’s nothing that can be done about this decision now. Goto survived the rematch with The Front Man, will he be so lucky against the Rampaging Dragon?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa!
The CEO thought she was just getting one or the other for Resurgence, but that Double Count Out Draw in Chicago really upped the ante. Now both High Speed Bomb Girl and Fighting Gravure Idol get their shot, will one of them leave the Golden State wearing gold? Or will she still be #FourBeltsMone?
The introductions are made, the lavender belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Mone mocks Mina and AZM for being shorter than her, but it’s not like Mone is a towering titan herself… The fans boo Mone’s attitude as she calls for a Test of Strength. Mina and AZM tie up with Mone, then with each other. The three way Test of Strength is on, and Mina shimmies and shakes! The fans cheer but Mone is annoyed so she kicks Mina low! Mone then wrenches AZM, Gory Especials, but AZM arm-drags free! Mina arm-drags AZM, then dodges Mone. Mone ROCKS Mina, dodges AZM to arm-drag and lateral press, then rolls into the STATEMENT MAKER! AZM fights the crossface, Mina storms up and rolls things over!
Mina runs, and then slides, to hold hands with Mone and AZM as she does her dance! The fans cheer but both Mone and AZM are annoyed. They roll Mina to a DOUBLE COVER! TWO, Mina double covers them! TWO and everyone stands! AZM runs, trips Mone, and then Mina joins in for a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Mone tumbles out and the fans cheer. Mina has the fans fired up, but things speed up! AZM whips Mina to a corner, runs in, but Mina puts her on the apron! AZM slides in, sunset flips, TWO! AZM keeps moving but Mina catches her to a victory roll! TWO, AZM ducks a kick to roll Mina, but Mina rolls through!
AZM trips Mina, runs, but avoids Mone’s trip to DROPKICK Mina down! AZM kips up, the fans fire up, and then AZM runs again. But Mone trips her up right this time! The fans boo as Mone drags AZM out, SMACKS her off the apron, and throws forearms! AZM fires back, but Mina climbs up! Mina SUPER CROSSBODIES Mone & AZM both down! The fans fire up with Mina as she stands back up! Mina drags Mone up, puts her in the ring, and the fans chant, “We Want Mina!” Mina covers Mone, TWO! Mone is tougher than that and she CHOPS! Mone knuckle locks, goes up, and up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mone does her CEO dance, the fans are torn, but Mone runs in at the corner. DOUBLE KNEES, then she brings Mina out for a facelock. Mina wrenches free to CHOP! Mina fires up, the fans are with her, and Mina knuckle locks to go up, up, shimmy and shake, then CROSSBODY onto AZM! AZM bails back out, Mina and Mone run up, and Mone wrenches to suplex! Una Amiga! Mone hits another suplex, Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS! The fans are torn as Mone gives some Latina Heat. Mone runs in at Mina, blocks her boots and puts her in the ropes! AZM runs up, but Mone gives her DEADLY NIGHTSHADE!
Mone puts AZM under Mina, and then hits a DOUBLE STOCK DROP! Cover on Mina, TWO! Cover on AZM, TWO! Back to Mina, TWO! Back to AZM, TWO! Mone grows frustrated but her opponents are just that tough. Mina and AZM bail out and the fans rally. Mone goes to the apron, runs up, and DOUBLE METEORAS to the floor! The fans fire up and Mone smirks. Mone SMACKS Mina off the apron, puts her in, and covers, TWO! Mina is still in this but Mone looms over her. Mone soaks up cheers and jeers, stomps Mina, then drags her up. Mone Gory Especials, but Mina fights to kick at the legs! Mina Gory Especials, for a GORY BOMB!!
Mina SMASHES away on Mone’s knee! Then one BIG SMASH! The fans fire up for Mina and she reels Mone in. Mina hooks up the legs, does her dance, then DOUBLE STOMPS the knees! Mone writhes but Mina steps through, KNEE JAMMER on the left leg! Mina then SLAPS Mone’s leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! Mone endures, Mina thrashes around, but AZM DIVING STOMPS Mina! The fans fire up and AZM brings Mina in, only for Mina to power out! AZM kicks low, runs, and uses Mina to get Mone in LA MYSTICA! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Mone endures, but Mina runs up, only for AZM to drop toehold her onto Mone!
AZM has a DOUBLE FUJIWARA, then shifts to have a DOUBLE RINGS OF SATURN!! The fans fire up as AZM makes them both suffer, but they both push over to a cover! TWO!! AZM BOOTS Mone, BOOTS Mina, and fires up! The fans cheer AZM on as she climbs, but Mone trips her up! Mone calls to Mina and Mina ROUNDHOUSES AZM! Mone & Mina talk it out, and they both climb up! They bring AZM up, but AZM resists their suplex! AZM trips them into a Double Tree of Woe, for DOUBLE WOE STOMPS!! AZM drags Mone away to a drop zone, and then she goes back up! The fans fire up as AZM aims, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!!!
Mone writhes, AZM covers, Mina breaks it! Mina has AZM but AZM blocks the kick! The HEEL KICK still lands, and Mina runs, tilt-o-whirls, but AZM stays up! Mone runs up to DOUBLE BACKSTABBER!! All three women are down and the fans fire up! The dueling is all over the place, and Mone grabs each opponent by their hair. AZM and Mina both break free, and AZM ROCKS Mina! Mina ROCKS Mone! Mone ROCKS Mina! AZM ROCKS Mone! The forearms go around and around, then Mina and AZM mug Mone! The fans fire up as Mina just fires off furious hands! Mina and AZM drag Mone up, double whip, but then AZM ROUNDHOUSES Mina!
AZM tilt-o-whirls at Mone, but Mone fights that to CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as AZM stays in this, but Mone snarls. The chants of “C E O!” and “C E NO!” echo out, but Mone bumps AZM off buckles. Mone fires off forearms, then runs corner to corner! DOUBLE KNEES, and AZM sits down! Mone runs back in and METEORAS! Cover, TWO! AZM is still in this and Mone is frustrated. Mone drags AZM up, vows to end this, and she lifts AZM, only for AZM to RANA! Mina is up top, and she FLYING SLINGBLADES AZM! Cover, but Mone breaks it! Mone covers AZM now, TWO!! Mone grows further frustrated and she hauls AZM up!
AZM fights the Gory Especial, Mina victory rolls Mone! Mina then steps through and has the legs tied up! AZM runs up but Mina spins her, DDT SNAP LOCK COMBO! The fans fire up for Mina as she Electric Chair Lifts AZM! Mina spins Azm to hit a FALLING DRAGON SCREW!! Then Mina has the leg, FIGURE FOUR! AZM endures, the fans “WOO~” and Mina puts on the pressure! Mone is back and she METEORAS Mina! The fans are torn but Mone seethes. Mone says this is HER title! She SLAPS Mina, but Mina blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! Mina drags AZM over to join Mone, and she has both their legs!
The fans fire up as Mina steps through for a DOUBLE FIGURE FOUR!! That’s rather tricky but she keeps it on! The fans “WOO~” more as Mina thrashes! AZM and Mone endure, keeping each other from tapping! They SLAP Mina, Mina SLAPS them! Mina puts on as much pressure as she possibly can, but Mone and AZM work together to backstroke and ROPEBREAK! Mina lets them both go and the fans fire up again. “This is Awesome!” as Mina goes for Mone, only for Mone to bail out. Mina settles for AZM as we pass 15 minutes. Mina steps through, AZM throws her off! Mina ROLLING ELBOWS, then URAKENS!
Mina runs and SHOTGUN KNEES! Cover, TWO!! AZM survives but Mina is right on her with the IMPALER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!! AZM survives yet again and Mina is frustrated. Mina calls her shot and the fans rally up again. Mina drags AZM up, brings her around, dragon sleeper and GLAMOUR- NO, Mone rolls Mina up! TWO! Mina shoves Mone, jackknife bridges, TWO! Mone sunset flips, TWO! Mone Gory Especials but MZM shoves them both over! DOUBLE STACK, TWO!! Mone Gory Especials but AZM BOOTS Mina! AZM wrangles Mone to the AZM SUSHI ROLL!! TWO!!! Mone escapes, blocks a kick, and KNEES AZM down!
Mone runs up and SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMBS AZM! A shoutout to her Role Model, then she runs back in for DOUBLE KNEES! Mone has the Gory Especial, but AZM kicks off buckles to flip up and over! DESTROYER!!! Mina grabs AZM but AZM rolls through to the SUSHI ROLL! TWO!! ROLLING ELBOW from Mina! Mina fires up, aims, but AZM dodges the uraken to LA MYSTICA!! But Mina wrangles AZM for the GLAMOROUS COLLECTION CRADLE!! But Mone breaks it! Mina TOSSES Mone, ROUNDHOUSES her, then she blocks AZM’s kick! Mone trips AZM, steps through, but AZM drags her down to a cradle! TWO!!!
Mine escapes, AZM has her again, AZM SUSHI ROLL! TWO, but AZM gives it another try!! AZM WINS!!!
Winner: AZM, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Mone is stunned! She slid in one second too late, and the High Speed Bomb Girl just blew up her reign! The Money Train just got derailed and Mone is furious! She lost a corner piece of her treasure, how will she ever recover? She also argues with Mina, shoves her, and then runs away from her! These two go all the way to the back, will Mina get after Mone for her attitude?
As for AZM, she is now a double champion in her own right! This title can now sit alongside her Artists of Stardom Trios Championship, and then gets the mic to say, “I’m a new champion!” The fans cheer that! AZM says she’s so, so happy! She got her revenge on Mone from last year, and got to be a champion for it! She thanks everyone here tonight and the fans cheer her on. “You Deserve It!” AZM says, “It’s AZM time!” The fans cheer that! AZM is ready ready to make this her NJPW Strong! It won’t be a matter of who will step, but more a matter of who can keep up with the High Speed Bomb Girl!
My Thoughts:
An awesome Resurgence here, NJPW is really doing all they can to make NJPW Strong, well, strong again. Good stuff seeing Bea Priestly back in NJPW/Stardom after her release from WWE. Vince McMahon fumbled her but she’ll be back to what she was doing before moving to NXT UK. And between the IWGP Women’s Championship almost exclusively in Stardom, and a new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion being from Stardom, Bea has her choice of title stories. Speaking of, awesome move making the women the main event given how AZM is the new champion. That was a great Triple Threat, and it worked out for the best. Mone finally loses the belt but wasn’t in the finish, and now she and Mina can bring their animosity to AEW.
Great tag title match, and a rather surprising result with TJP & Templario winning. World Class Wrecking Crew just upgraded themselves to that name, and now they’re no longer champions, that’s kinda wild. But it does feel like the United Empire is making a play to have as much gold as they can, with Khan & Callum also holding the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Great stuff with the War Dogs tonight. That 8 Man Tag was a fun time, but Gedo was in the match so duh, War Dogs were gonna lose. Plus, it gives Good Brothers a strong win with their return to NJPW. Who knows where this goes, especially with their #ShowUsTheLight gimmick. Ishii VS Drilla was also great stuff, but I figured Ishii would win. Ishii seems to be going through the War Dogs, I wonder if Connors is next.
Konosuke VS ELP was great stuff, especially after we just got great stuff from them last week. ELP retained his title so it made sense Konosuke would retain his. I am not sure who takes this title off Konosuke, but it’ll have to be an insane match to do it. And then a great match of Goto VS ZSJ, but wow I did not think they’d pull that kind of draw. The fans weren’t happy, but I can see that they wanted to keep ZSJ strong but keep the title on Goto. Goto VS Takagi better be a slugfest to make up for it, though.
My Score: 8.9/10
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