Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 29, Part 4!
There can only be one!

NJPW and AXS move into Night 9!
The Rainmaker, Mr. Takeover, only ONE can stay undefeated in this year’s round robin! Who comes out of this THE leader in A Block and a step closer to the NJPW G1 Climax finals?!
Coverage of the G1 Climax 29 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Gifs to come courtesy of https://frentique.tumblr.com/
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Lance Archer VS Kota Ibushi; Ibushi wins.
- Will Ospreay VS Bad Luck Fale; Ospreay wins, by disqualification.
- EVIL VS Zack Sabre Jr; EVIL wins.
- SANADA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Tanahashi wins.
- KENTA VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scene for this pivotal round of the round robin!
The Rainmaker is undefeated in the A Block! However, there is another: KENTA is tied with the IWGP Heavyweight Champion! Mr. Takeover started his NJPW debut strong with four straight wins, but now he gets to test himself against the top champion! Okada has suffered losses to NJWP newcomers in the past, but can he break that streak and continue on towards the G1 Climax finals? Or will Kenta’s style be what fells the champ?
Lance Archer VS Kota Ibushi!
#EverybodyDies, but the Killer Elite hasn’t had the best run in his first G1 in years. Can he at least ruin things for the Golden Star this late in the game?
The bell rings and fans are strongly behind Ibushi. Archer doesn’t care because he towers over him. He pie faces, but Ibushi kicks the legs! Archer rushes but Ibushi ducks to fire more kicks. Archer grabs Ibushi but Ibushi breaks free to dropkick him back! Ibushi runs in but is put on the apron. He springboards back, but into a choke grip! But he pops out, only for his huricanrana to be blocked. Archer brings Ibushi to the ropes but Ibushi headscissors Archer out first! Ibushi gets back in and fans fire up as he aims at Archer. He runs, golden trip! Archer throws Ibushi into railing!
Archer stomps Ibushi then pulls his leg to throw it onto the floor. Fans boo but Archer tunes them out as he drags Ibushi back up. He throws big haymakers and sends Ibushi staggering deeper into the crowd. Then again! Archer BOOTS Young Lions to keep them away! A ring count begins as Archer drags Ibushi over to the ring. They enter in at 11 of 20, and fans cheer that this will continue in the ring. Archer stalks Ibushi and toys with him. He kicks Ibushi around but Ibushi sits up. Ibushi kicks back on that leg, then whips. But Archer reverses for a black hole slam! Cover, TWO! Archer is upset with the referee but that was a fair count. Archer goes back to Ibushi to club him down over and over. Fans rally for Ibushi even as Archer prepares that claw! Ibushi blocks but Archer sweeps the legs!
Ibushi clutches his ankle but Archer stands him up to LARIAT him down! Cocky cover, TWO! Ibushi won’t be beat by such ego. But Archer steps on Ibushi and grinds his foot in! Archer drags Ibushi up to club him down again! And he shouts at the fans who support Ibushi, too! But Ibushi gets up to fight back. The chop does nothing! Archer whips, but Ibushi blocks the Pounce with double knees! Both men are down but Archer is up first. Archer shakes out the cobwebs but Ibushi is on him with a strike fest! Ibushi runs in at the corner but misses the elbow. Archer runs in to hit his, but then Ibushi catches him for a powerslam! And a moonsault! Cover, TWO!
Ibushi says that isn’t all, and he stands back up. Archer follows but Ibushi climbs. Archer leaps up with a knee! Ibushi is rocked, and Archer climbs up to join him. Archer brings Ibushi up but Ibushi fights back. Ibushi slips down and has Archer for a bomb, LAST RIDE! Cover, TWO!! Archer survives but Ibushi doesn’t lose focus. He watches Archer go to the apron and is on him, blocks a punch to give a punch. Ibushi runs but into a BOOT! Archer climbs and springboards for a senton! Cover, TWO!! Archer is furious that Ibushi survives that springboard cannonball. Ibushi fires off more kicks, but gets a TOWERING choke slam!! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives again! But Archer still has his claw.
Archer drags Ibushi up as fans rally. Archer clamps the #EBD on! The Everybody Dies claw squeezes Ibushi’s head, but Ibushi gets the ropebreak! Archer lets up at 4 and the damage has been done. He drags Ibushi up again, full nelsons, but Ibushi pops through to victory roll! TWO, and Ibushi knees Archer down! Not a full Bomaye, but good enough! And now Ibushi drags Archer up by the wrists, for Archer to Kamigoye! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives a stolen form of his best move, but Archer is still on him. Archer positions Ibushi in a drop zone, then decides to climb! Archer reaches the very top, and MOONSAULTS, to FLOP! Ibushi avoided certain doom, and now has a target primed and ready! But he runs into a tilt-o-whirl! Ibushi escapes to ROUNDHOUSE Archer down!
Ibushi resets, “YAO!” BOMAYE!! Cover, TWO!?! Archer still lives and Ibushi is shocked. But he won’t stop there, either. He has the wrists, KAMIGOYE! But Archer is still up!? Archer shakes out the cobwebs, only to get a second KAMIGOYE! Cover, Ibushi wins!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; earns 2 points
The Golden Star triumphs over the terrifying titan! Does this give Ibushi new life in the G1? Or has Archer done enough damage to keep Ibushi from the finals?
Will Ospreay VS Bad Luck Fale!
The Aerial Assassin didn’t do so well against the taller Archer, but can he redeem himself against the Rogue General? Or will he simply be blown out of the sky by a Grenade?
Chase Owens grabs Ospraey at the apron! And Fale attacks! Bullet Club softens up the Chaos member before the bell! Fale keeps the referee from watching Chase and Jado mug Ospreay. Ospreay fights them off, and Chase gets the kendo stick SMACK! Ospreay knocks Jado away but then Fale grabs him by the hair! Fale yanks Ospreay up to the apron, but Ospreay fights him off, too! Ospreay hurries to springboard, Pip Pip Cheerio forearm! Cover, TWO and with power! Ospreay keeps going, throwing big forearms on Fale’s face. Fale blocks the whip with pure strength, and whips Ospreay into a Jado SMACK! Fans boo but the Master Heater gets away with it again. Fale stomps Ospreay to the corner and grinds his knee in.
The referee counts and Fale lets up, to then choke Ospreay on the ropes. The ref counts again, and Fale frees Ospreay. Fale stays back while Ospreay catches his breath. But then Fale clubs Ospreay’s bad shoulder and neck in the corner. Ospreay clutches the spot but Fale just elbows it again and again. Fale stalks Ospreay and peels at the KT tape more. He grinds a knee in and then stands on Ospreay’s body! The referee backs Fale off, but Chase sneaks some tearing of the tape. Ospreay grimaces as he sits up, but Fale is on him with a Camel Clutch! Ospreay endures being bent back with an already bad neck, and refuses to give up! He pries at the hold but Fale just clobbers him down. Cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Ospreay while Fale clamps on the shoulder. Ospreay endures as Fale leans on him, and fights his way up and out. Fale swats him once and Ospreay is on the ropes. Fale whips but Ospreay handsprings for an enziguri! Both men are down down, but Fale crawls towards Chase and Jado. Ospreay goes to the other end and runs in for a back elbow and many forearms! He just picks up speed as he fires off on Fale! Ospreay stops to bring Fale up for another whip. Fale reverses but misses the corner splash, to get another enziguri! Ospreay standing shooting stars! Cover, TWO! Ospreay grits his teeth and the fans rally up for him. He aims at Fale, Robinson Special hits! Ospreay fires up and calls for it! Springboard, but Fale uses the ref as a waepon to send Ospreay down!
And now Chase has Ospreay, but Ospreay slips out of the package driver to HOOK KICK! Ospreay dodges Jado, but not Fale’s splash! GRENADE!! Cover, but the ref is down because of Fale’s own treachery! Chase throws the ref in, Fale covers again, TWO!! Ospreay still lives! Fale drags him up again, powerbomb lift, crucifix, but Ospreay escapes Bad Luck Fale to HOOK KICK! Ospreay underhooks!? There’s no way… He gets Fale off his feet, but the back doesn’t let him finish. Hidden Blade instead! Cover, TWO! Ospreay tries old’ faithful, OSCUTTER HITS! Cover, but Chase yanks the ref right out! The Bullet Club is no better this year than last year!
Ospreay sees what just happened, but Jado is there! Ospreay blocks the kendo stick to deck Jado! Now Ospreay thinks he’ll have some kendo practice, only for Chase to attack! Chase lifts but Ospreay back drops out of the driver! Ospreay ducks and handsprings, but Chase SMACKS him with the kendo stick! Package Piledriver!! Fans boo but there’s nothing they can do as Chase drags up the ref. but here comes Red Shoes! He counts, only to dirty bird ’em! Disqualification!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by disqualification; earns 1 point
Fale is furious and he chases Red Shoes, but Red Shoes is too fast! Ospreay still gets points, but is there enough of the Aerial Assassin left to finish the Climax?
EVIL VS Zack Sabre Jr!
This is a rivalry that will never end! The King of Darkness and the Submission Master have met in New Japan Cups and G1 Climaxes, and the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Champion dominates the series. Will history repeat itself in another classic chapter of this growing feud?
The bell rings and fans cheer Evil as he and ZSJ stand off. They circle and tie up with a test of strength, but Evil kicks low to headlock. ZSJ endures the grind but Evil throws him with a takeover. ZSJ moves around to get back to his feet, then he slips through to keylock. Evil powers through and wrenches, and now it’s a fight of wrenching! ZSJ drops to Pele but Evil gets clear. ZSJ gets clear of the senton, and then both men swing and dodge! Evil stands while ZSJ scrambles to the far side. Fans cheer as they stare down and circle again.
ZSJ hits low and gets Evil with a headlock now. Evil powers out and the two collide. ZSJ runs again but Evil dodges the boot to run and run ZSJ over! Fans cheer as Evil looms over ZSJ. Evil drags ZSJ up and wrenches the arm. Evil brings ZSJ down to an arm surfboard, and digs his forehead into ZSJ’s shoulder blades. ZSJ endures and works on turning things around, but Evil powers him back down to his knees. ZSJ tries again, but again Evil powers him down! Evil keeps a knee in ZSJ’s back, but ZSJ gets up in a huff. ZSJ spins it but Evil spins through! ZSJ flips and switches, to get the abdominal stretch, only for Evil to snapmare out! Evil lifts ZSJ but ZSJ snapmares back, and neck cranks Evil!
ZSJ grinds his feet into Evil’s head and wrist. Red Shoes counts but ZSJ just steps on Evil’s legs. ZSJ drops down to double wristlock one arm, and then digs fingers into Evil’s face! Evil gets a ropebreak, so ZSJ lets go, only to stomp Evils head! ZSJ drags Evil up to throw European Uppercuts and lock on a cravat. ZSJ cranks hard but Evil fights back with body shots. Then he scoops ZSJ for a slam! But Evil falls, too, from the effort it took to power up like that. ZSJ is up first, and drags Evil up, but Evil fights back with forearms. Evil runs, but into a guillotine! But he powers out to a suplex!
Both men are down but fans rally up again. Evil powers up with it, and takes aim at ZSJ in the corner. Evil runs in, Bronco Buster! ZSJ scrambles away but Evil covers, TWO! Evil keeps his cool while ZSJ checks his face. Evil drags ZSJ up for a waistlock but ZSJ blocks with a leg hook. ZSJ goes for the arm at the same time, double wristlock. Evil shifts weight but ZSJ blocks that side, too. ZSJ elbows back but so does Evil. Evil shoves to forearm ZSJ in the back, then picks him up for a pendulum backbreaker! Evil grabs the legs for the Sharpshooter, but ZSJ rakes eyes! ZSJ drags Evil into a Triangle Hold! Evil endures, powers up, and BOMBS ZSJ down! But Evil’s glare says he isn’t satisfied. He grabs the legs fast, but ZSJ resists!
ZSJ slips out and gets Evil’s legs, to take the Sharpshooter for his own! But Evil scrambles quickly to a ropebreak! ZSJ holds on until 4, but now he’s evened things with Evil. He stomps the knee! Evil bails out but ZSJ follows. ZSJ is on the apron, but misses his kick! Evil trips him up and then hangs him up, assisted Magic Killer to the floor! Both men are down on the outside but fans are rallying. Evil and ZSJ each clutch limbs, but Evil gets moving first. Evil roars and fans fire up with him as he puts ZSJ in. He follows while ZSJ gets to a corner. Evil runs in at ZSJ, for a big corner clothesline! Fans cheer as Evil fires up more. Evil fireman’s carries but ZSJ resists! ZSJ sleeper holds, but Evil pulls and gives one arm a shoulder breaker!
Evil blocks a kick, gives it to Red Shoes, but ZSJ knows what’s coming! He blocks the mule kick into a kneebar! And then Heel Hook! Fans rally as Evil endures the shifting hold! Evil pries at the hold, then goes after ZSJ’s legs! He has a Heel Hook of his own on ZSJ! It’s become the Sharpshooter!! ZSJ now endures as Evil sits deep! But he gets a ropebreak of his own! Evil lets up, but now Evil has turned the tables. He goes back to ZSJ and fireman’s carries, but ZSJ slips out. Evil elbows ZSJ but gets a roundhouse to sweep! ZSJ gets to a corner to rest while Evil checks his own legs. Evil blocks the Penalty Kick! Then clubs the leg, spins, but into a EuroUpper! But he blocks ZSJ’s kick into a LARIAT! Both men are down again but fans rally up!
Evil hobbles up and slashes the throat. he spins ZSJ but ZSJ slips out and leap frogs to a victory roll! TWO and EVIL has hit! TWO, EuroClutch, TWO!! Evil escapes and SUPERKICKS ZSJ! Fisherman buster denied, Pele to the arm! Penalty Kick takes Evil down! But ZSJ can’t follow up, his legs and back are bothering him. ZSJ crawls to a corner while Evil again slowly sits up. ZSJ runs and hits another Penalty Kick! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ grows frustrated while Evil shakes out the cobwebs. Now ZSJ slashes the throat, and he drags Evil up. Evil resists the scoop but ZSJ fights through. Evil slips out to headbutt ZSJ down! He drags ZSJ up again, but swings into the Abdominal Stretch! ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Evil powers out to the DARKNESS FALLS!
But just like ZSJ a moment ago, Evil can’t cover! Both men are down again as fans rally up. Evil stands and slashes the throat once more. He spins ZSJ, but ZSJ trips him up! Roll to a crucifix, TWO! ZSJ kicks the lariat but uppercuts into a spin, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall; earns 2 points
For only the second time in their rivalry, the King of Darkness has won! Does this win help Evil stay alive? What of the Submission Master’s chances to this point?
SANADA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
The Cold Skull has proven himself a worthy competitor in this Heavyweight Singles Division, but he’s still on the outside looking in. Will he reach that next level by trumping the Ace? Or will the Once in a Century Talent roll on in this Climax comeback?
Both men take their elaborately decorated jackets off, and the bell rings on this showdown of generations!
The fans are already thunderous, but to everyone’s surprise, it’s for Sanada! Tananashi gets his fans louder, but it is still rather heavy in Sanada’s favor. The two circle and feel out the grapple. They tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. Sanada rolls to a drop toehold, and then laces the legs in a figure four. Sanada pulls but Tanahashi reaches back to get a headlock! Tanahashi grinds Sanada now, but Sanada gets to his feet. Sanada pops out the back to get a headlock of his own. Tanahashi endures now, and pries out to a keylock. Sanada falls to the mat and Tanahashi has the armlock. Tanahashi stands Sanada up for a wrench, but Sanada slips through to reverse it. Now Sanada has the keylock, but Tanahshi arm-drags free. Sanada headscissors but Tanahashi pops out, and the two stand off.
Fans cheer and now it’s more of an even duel. Sanada and Tanahashi circle again, and they approach for another knuckle lock. Sanada spins and wrenches, then reels Tanahashi in. Tanahashi spins out and wrenches back, but Sanada reverses. Tanahashi forearms Sanada to get the wrench back, but Sanada gives it back. The two stand off and both go for a kick! But they both block the kick! They argue over who lets go first, so naturally Red Shoes counts and they agree to do it together. But then Sanada trips Tanahashi up! Tanahashi resists Paradise, and then whips. Sanada reverses but Tanahashi sunset flips, but Sanada rolls through to get the legs! Paradise complete! And fans cheer as Sanada circles the trapped Ace! Sanada builds up speed, to dropkick Tanahashi out of Paradise!
Tanahashi crawls for a corner but Sanada is on him with elbows. Sanada puts Tanahashi in a corner to whip corner to corner. He runs in for a back elbow, then snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps on Tanahashi with a chinlock, but fans rally with “Go Ace! Go Ace!” Tanahashi fights his way up and fights out, but Sanada hits back. Sanada whips Tanahashi again, and dodges the basement dropkick! But Tanahashi dodges the moonsault! Both men are down but fans rally up. Tanahashi stands first and gives Sanada forearms to the ropes. Tanahashi whips but Sanada reverses, only to get a flying forearm! The Ace fires up with the fans and brings Sanada up again. He scoops and slams Sanada into a drop zone, then hops up, somersault senton! Cover, TWO!
Tanahashi keeps his focus as he and Sanada both slowly stand. Tanahashi runs back in but gets a boot! He comes back, only to get another. Tanahashi tries a third time, blocks the boot, and hits a Dragon Screw! Tanahashi runs, but Sanada basement dropkicks the legs out! Then catches a leg, to steal the Dragon Screw! Tanahashi gets a taste of his own medicine while Sanada gets his legs moving. Sanada stalks Tanahashi to a corner, and whips him corner to corner. Tanahashi reverse but Sanada tumbles and springboards to missile dropkick Tanahashi out! Then slingshots to splash him down! Fans fire up and Cold Skull hears them cheer! He encourages them to get even louder as he goes back to Tanahashi.
Sanada drags Tanahashi up and into the ring. Fans cheer as Sanada wants to win in the ring. Sanada drags Tanahashi up again, but Tanahashi fights back with forearms! Sanada gives back big EuroUppers! Tanahshi forearms but so does Sanada. Sanada runs into a scoop but slips out! Tanahashi escapes the sleeper to hit Twist ‘n’ Shout! But he holds on, drags Sanada up again, and hits a second! Tanahashi still holds on, but Sanada counters with a hanging Magic Killer! Just like Evil! Sanada grits his teeth as he stands back up. He drags Tanahashi up as fans rally. He fireman’s carries but Tanahashi resists.
Tanahashi fights back with clubbing forearms, but Sanada powers through! But Tanahashi still escapes, to take the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins through, only to get another Twist ‘n’ Shout! And SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahash hurries up top, High Fly FLOP! Sanada avoids the splash, to hop up and MOONSAULT FLOP! Tanahashi returns the favor to leave Sanada hitting the mat. Fans are thunderously dueling as both men stir. They each go to a corner, and it is Tanahashi that runs corner to corner, only to get an elbow. Sanada leaps but Tanahashi gets under the moonsault. Sanada tilt-o-whirls into the dragon sleeper! Tanahashi endures Skull End, so Sanada swings him around! But Tanahashi turns that into a cradle! TWO, and Sanada swings. Tanahashi ducks to roll him back, Japanese Clutch! TWO, into Skull End!!
Sanada has Tanahashi on the mat but can’t get the body scissors. But as Tanahashi bridges back, Sanada gets the legs wrapped! Tanahashi pushes through to roll and drag Sanada up in a dragon sleeper of his own! But Sanada flails and kicks, and Shiranuis up and over into Skull End! Tanahashi endures again, but now he Shiranuis for an inverted DDT! Both men are down but fans still rally! Sanada sits up first but Tanahashi follows. They stand, and Sanada throws a forearm. Tanahashi gives it back, and now we have a brawl! Sanada hits, Tanahashi hits, and repeat! Sanada gets the edge, but Tanahashi ducks the spin into a Dragon Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!?
Tanahashi doesn’t fret, he just goes up top again! Sanada stands, to get a High Fly Flow-Body! But Tanahashi won’t stop there! He hurries back up again, High Fly Flow!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall; earns 2 points
The Ace pulls off a huge win! Will he be able to contend for the top spot? Or will even this win not matter after tonight’s main event?
KENTA VS Kazuchika Okada!
Both men have gone 4-0 in A Block, but which is more impressive? The newcomer’s #Takeover? Or the IWGP Heavyweight Champion chasing history? Only one man will stand atop the block, who gives the other their first loss in the 29th G1 Climax?
The bell rings, and fans are immediately thunderous for this first-ever encounter!
Okada has the majority of fans on his side, but there are Kenta fans here. But Kenta doesn’t let it bother him as the two finally circle. They approach, but then Okada backs off. Kenta doesn’t blink as he and Okada approach again. They feel out the grapple, and Okada goes low. Kenta blocks and switches, but Okada pries free to a wristlock. Kenta reverses the wrench to a hammerlock, but Okada works on his escape. Okada drop toeholds free and waistlocks, but Kenta switches. They go to ropes and Red Shoes calls for the break. Okada slowly opens Kenta’s hold, and turns around, to fake the chop and give shoulder pats. Fans cheer for classic Okada, but Kenta just shrugs it off.
The two circle again, and they tie up again. Kenta waistlocks and drags Okada down to a facelock. He then shifts to go for a chinlock, then forces Okada for a cover. Okada kicks out fast, but Kenta is right back to the chinlock. Okada powers him back to ropes, but Kenta turns it around. Now Kenta copies Okada, only to SLAP Okada anyway! Okada just hits back with forearms. Kenta gives forearms, too, so now we have a brawl! Okada hits, Kenta hits, repeat. Okada EuroUppers then whips. Kenta denies the dropkick and dumps Okada out. Okada forearms back, but gets a kick as he comes in! And another! Kenta hops up, guillotine knee drop! Kenta has Okada down but he doesn’t let up as he stomps Okada out.
Okada is down on the ground, Kenta drops a knee from the apron! Kenta drags Okada up and throws him into a post! Kenta looms over Okada as he writhes, then sits him up to swiftly kick him in the back! Okada crawls but Kenta puts him in. Kenta covers, ONE! Fans cheer Okada’s grit but Kenta stomps him down. Kenta drags Okada up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kenta is on Okada with a chinlock, digging a knee into Okada’s back. Okada endures, but Kenta drives his knee in again. Kenta shifts to a neck wrench, getting those fingers into Okada’s eyes and nose. Kenta forces Okada down for headscissors, and grins as he squeezes the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. But Okada rolls and gets a ropebreak.
Kenta lets go at 4, and drags Okada up for a kick to the front this time. Kenta kicks harder, but Okada stays up. Okada even dares him to keep going. Kenta does, and then he kicks higher! Okada stands up and Kenta dares him to give something back. But that’s a trick to get the drop toehold into a mounted neck wrench! Okada endures but Kenta drops an elbow on the neck. Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps his cool as he wraps the chinlock on again. Okada endures and turns to get to his feet. Okada fights with elbows but runs into Kenta’s kitchen sink knee! Kenta hurries to swiftly KICK Okada in the head. Then he jumps, to scuff Okada’s face. Kenta even mocks the Rainmaker Pose! Kenta stomps Okada more, but Okada just gets mad. Okada takes those kicks to give back forearms!
Kenta knees low, then whips Okada corner to corner, but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but misses, Kenta kicks but Okada suplexes! Okada aims from a corner as Kenta slowly stands. He gives Kenta forearms, then whips, but Kenta reverses. Kenta misses his boot, but Okada hits his back elbow! Okada fires up with Nagoya! Okada whips Kenta corner to corner again, and hits his elbow this time. Then he kicks to DDT Kenta down! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his composure while checking his legs. Fans rally behind Okada as he watches Kenta stir. Kenta stands, Okada Alabama lifts, but Kenta slips out. Kenta’s kick is blocked, but Okada runs into a powerslam! Now Kenta drags Okada up, waistlock, but Okada elbows out hard. Okada runs in but gets a boot!
Kenta hops up, brings Okada in, tornado hotshot! Okada staggers away and Kenta leaps for the flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta drags Okada up again, fires off strikes, but Okada blocks. Okada swings, but into a Triangle Hold! Only to roll through and flapjack Kenta down! Both men are down but fans rally again. Kenta sits up first but Okada follows. They head for each other, and the forearms fly again! Okada, then Kenta, and back again. Kenta doesn’t back down as he keeps throwing big hits. Okada fires some, but Kenta kicks and SLAPS Okada! Okada fires off many forearms, then SLAPS Kenta! The forearms keep coming, fast and furious! Kenta kicks low then runs corner to corner, but Okada puts him up top to dropkick him down!
Kenta hits the floor, but Okada goes out to follow. Okada drags Kenta up to whip him into railing! Then Okada boots Kenta over! Fans fire up as the action inches closer to the front row. Okada drags Kenta back up and has him on the railing, but Kenta slips off to turn things around! Okada is hung out on commentary and Kenta kicks away! Kenta gets to the apron, and LEAPS for a guillotine double stomp!! Both men are down and Red Shoes checks on them. They’re both okay to continue, so he has them head for the ring. Kenta is up first and is in before the ring count begins. Okada doesn’t stir until about 7. Fans rally up and Okada sits up, and forces himself into the ring at 18! Kenta is ready, and springboards to missile dropkick! Then a corner to corner BOOT! Basement dropkick! Kenta fires up as he goes to finish this!
Kenta climbs up top again, aims and leaps, but Okada avoids more stomps. Okada shotgun dropkicks Kenta hard into the other corner! Okada runs, and copies the basement dropkick! He drags Kenta up and scoops to slam him down. Okada says he’s headed up top, and he shakes out the cobwebs as he climbs. But Kenta is up to punch Okada down! Kenta climbs up to join Okada, but Okada resists the superplex. Okada clubs Kenta back then forearms him over and over. But Kenta SLAPS Okada, and then adjusts, but Okada fights the superplex off again. Okada forearms Kenta down off the top, and leaps for the Macho Elbow! But into the Triangle!!
Kenta brings Okada around, LeBelle into #GameOver! Okada endures Kenta’s take on the crossface, but fans rally and give him strength! Okada turns around as he crawls, and though he can’t see, he reaches out for ropes! He turns more and uses his long legs for the ropebreak! Kenta lets go and is frustrated, but he won’t let up. He runs at Okada, knee into the ropes! Then the PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Okada still lives and Kenta can’t believe it! Kenta goes to a corner and takes aim again. Okada sits up, to get another Psycho Knee! Cover, TWO!? Okada survives but Kenta heads up top. Kenta leaps, DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO?!? Okada survives Kenta’s coup de grace, but that doesn’t bother Kenta. Kenta hears the fans rally for Okada as he slashes the throat!
Kenta drags Okada up, fireman’s carries, but Okada fights out. Okada clubs Kenta and scoops him, but Kenta flails. Kenta escapes the Tombstone to scoop Okada! But he repositions him into the fireman’s carry! GO TO- NO! Okada blocks the knee! And spins Kenta for a dropkick to the back! Then he whips Kenta for a dropkick to the front! Okada keeps going, bringing Kenta up for the scoop. TOMBSTONE! Rainmaker Pose! Okada brings Kenta up again, with the wristlock, but Kenta ducks to spin and LARIAT Okada! Both men are down and the fans reach another thunderous level! Kenta and Okada stir and head for each other. Okada forearms first but Kenta gives it back. They hit each other back and forth again, and we reach a 25 minute mark in the 30 minute limit! Time is of the essence now as the brawl continues!
Both men stand but neither man backs down from throwing forearms. Okada gets the edge, but Kenta comes outta nowhere with a HUGE counter! And another palm strike, and another palm strike, and another palm strike! Kenta then sits Okada up, only to miss! But he escapes the wristlock to get a sleeper! The moment Okada fades, Kenta sits him down to run! But Okada dropkicks Kenta down first! Okada staggers but he makes his way to Kenta. Kenta fireman’s carries! But Okada slips out, scoops, JUMPING TOMBSTONE! And then, wristlock to RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; earns 2 points
The IWGP Heavyweight Champion remains undefeated! He’s the first to 10 points! And we will hear from him when NJPW returns from break!
NJPW returns as Okada gets the mic.
“The fifth win!” Okada hasn’t done this in awhile, but he has three things to say. Fans love the return of the classic. First: nothing special. Second: Nothing particular, either. Third: “Thank you for rocking the house, despite the typhoon!” Okada continues to say that it might still be raining outside, but thanks for coming. Be careful on your way home, folks! Okada promises to return to Nagoya… Well, tomorrow night. But then he’ll be back again and we’ll see who wins the G1. To think Okada is gonna do it! What do they think? They agree! Then he’ll do his best for the Aichi prefix. He will win the G1, return to Aichi, and then Nagoya, too! He’ll always #MakeItRain!! Can Okada put his name in the history books as an IWGP Heavyweight Champion that wins it all?!
NJPW Media Backstage Interview
When it comes to Kenta, “he was pretty strong, as to be expected for a guy that won four in a row.” Kenta’s been wrestling a lot overseas, but Okada wants to make sure people see he’s on “that same level.” If Okada would have lost, he would’ve accepted it, though. “A guy that fights that fiercely, I have to square up and welcome him.” It is to show the generosity of the top wrestler in both NJPW, and the world. Will Okada maintain this undefeated streak? Or will he have to worry about Kenta keeping pace with him all the same?
My Thoughts:
Another great two hours from NJPW on AXS, but that was expected before this even aired. But just by how things work out, AXS is only able to give us the odd numbered nights, which is only the A Block. Luckily we have others at the Chairshot to keep us up to date on B Block. But either way, neither block is going to have disappointing match-ups. All five matches tonight were great, and with a variety of reasons why. Ibushi VS Archer was another great match to put over how menacing and strong Archer has become in his time off. But Ibushi wins for needing to stay strong, and because Archer isn’t at that top title level just yet. Maybe Archer goes for the NEVER Openweight after this.
Ospreay’s match with Fale took a great twist, where Red Shoes stuck it to Bullet Club and helped Ospreay in the process. This was like a flashback to last year’s G1 when the Firing Squad was just running a muck, and it was pretty well done. Evil VS ZSJ was another amazing match, and it’s great for Evil to get his second-ever win over ZSJ. ZSJ himself is in a similar spot to Archer, mostly here to give a boost to the wins his opponents get. Maybe Evil’s win here gives them a Rev-Pro British Heavyweight title match down the line, where ZSJ can make up for this loss. Tanahashi VS Sanada was great, but it seems the Ace Comeback trumps Cold Skull rising up in the ranks.
And Okada VS Kenta, a great match, if this is their first time around, their rematches are going to be incredible. I really wonder if Okada is going to make history, he really has been NJPW’s top guy even at his low points. He has to at least make it to the finals to face B Block’s best. At the same time, giving Okada the right to choose his own opponent, I’m not sure if NJPW would do that, unless he decides to give the B Block finalist a second chance for an even greater match. And I say “greater” because you know the finals will be spectacular by default.
My Score: 9.3/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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