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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SmackDown’s in Italy and that’s no bologna!
SmackDown’s in Italy and that’s no bologna! Well, they are in Bologna, Italy, and Seth Rollins is looking to crash CM Punk talking with Roman Reigns! Will the Visionary #BurnItDown?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura; Priest & Jimmy win.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and will challenge LA Knight for the title.
- Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration; Piper wins.
- Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Liv wins.
- The Street Profits VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; The Profits win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Randy Orton is here!
Bologna fires up and sing along with Voices as The Viper makes his way to the ring. The fans especially cheer when Orton does his signature pose on the corner! Orton grabs the mic as the fans keep singing. The music stops, the fans cheer, and they cheer on “RANDY! RANDY!” Orton goes to speak, but KEVIN OWENS is here! The fans boo but Kevin says he knows what Orton wants to do, but hear him out first. Kevin has something important to tell Orton, so please listen. Kevin was wrong. The fans tell Kevin off but Kevin says they heard him right: he was wrong. Kevin was wrong for attacking Orton and hitting him with a piledriver, he did not deserve that.
Cody Rhodes deserved everything Kevin did to him. Sami Zayn deserved everything Kevin did to him. But not Randy. Look, Randy, you picked Cody over Kevin and that angered Kevin. That angered Kevin to the point of doing something he regrets. And if anyone can relate to letting their anger make them do stupid things they regret, it’s Orton. Orton’s spoken on it! He talked about his anger making him do things he wished he hadn’t, and that’s the same for Kevin. They’re just human. Kevin wants Randy to understand, he means it. Kevin can forgive Orton for picking Cody if Orton can forgive Kevin for what he did. Then they can put all of this in the past where it belongs.
Speaking of leaving things in the past, does Orton wanna know why Kevin pulled Carmelo Hayes out of the ring last week? It was because Kevin was trying to save and protect Orton from himself! Because Orton surely doesn’t want to go back to the man he was, who used to kick people in the head. No one wants to see that! That’s not who Orton is anymore! Orton has grown, and he has changed for the better. But what they should do now is look to the future, and that future is WrestleMania! Kevin thinks he and Orton should become WWE Tag Team Champions! Think about it? They were so close just a few months ago! They should’ve been champions, but they let stuff get between them.
So Kevin wants them to get past that and go for the titles! The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Kevin tells them to shut their stupid faces. Orton, don’t listen to these idiots. Kevin asks what Orton says to his idea. The fans tell Kevin off again, but Orton says this is what he says. What he should do is run up the aisle and beat Kevin’s ass all over the arena! But… What Kevin said is intriguing. Orton has never heard Kevin admit that he was wrong. Orton wants to think about it for a minute. Hmm… Nope, scratch that. Take that halfhearted apology and shove it! The fans cheer, and Orton says Kevin can say whatever he has to in order to sleep at night.
Kevin can say this guy deserves this, that guy deserves that, but the only thing anyone deserves is Kevin having Orton kick him so hard that Orton gets a pat on the back from Roberto Baggio! The fans cheer that! Orton says Kevin used to be #FightOwensFight, but now he’s all “B*tch Owens B*tch.” The fans cheer that, too! Orton says Kevin regrets dropping Orton on his head with that piledriver and that he was saving Orton from himself. Well it’s a good thing Kevin dropped Orton on his head! Because now, Orton hears voices in his head! They counsel him, they understand! And does Kevin wanna know what those voices are saying now?
The voices say that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But not for Kevin, because in Vegas, at WrestleMania, Orton kicks Kevin’s head clean off his shoulders! The Viper is ready to strike, will he have far more than just an RKO in store for The Prizefighter?
Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura!
The Punisher teams up with #BigJim team up in a rather crisscrossed grudge match. Will Priest & Jimmy make McIntyre pay for his cheap shots and cheap tricks? Or will The Scottish Warrior & The King of Strong Style stand side by side as sinister manslayers?
SmackDown returns as Nakamura makes his entrance, followed by McIntyre’s. Priest doesn’t even wait, he just runs back up the ram to go after McIntyre! The fans fire up as these two brawl, #OnSight! Priest ROCKS Drew, Drew hits back, and Nakamura joins in! They mug Priest, but Jimmy FLIES! Direct hit on Drew and Nakamura! T he fans fire up and Priest helps Jimmy stand. They drag Drew up and into the ring, the bell sounds, and the fans fire up. Jimmy is the legal man but Drew still swipes at Priest. The ref keeps these two apart, Drew says up Priest’s, but turns around into haymakers from Jimmy! The fans fire up as Jimmy then mule kicks Drew!
Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! Jimmy gets the fans to shout, “UCE! OH!” but Drew takes a swing! Jimmy dodges and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! And then whips corner to corner, runs in, and SPLASHES into Drew’s arms! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Drew finally puts his kilt aside. Drew taunts Priest, then stalks Jimmy. Drew has Jimmy on the ropes and CHOKES him! Drew stops as the ref counts, only to get the legs. ROPE GUILLOTINE! Jimmy sputters, Drew taunts Priest, and then Drew drags Jimmy up. Jimmy JAWBREAKERS free, Drew staggers back and Nakamura tags in.
Jimmy dodges Drew, ROCKS Nakamura, then UPPERCUTS Drew! Jimmy runs but Nakamura trips him! Nakamura drags Jimmy out, SMACKS him off the desk, then runs up to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Jimmy flops onto the desk! T he fans fire up as Nakamura CHOKES Jimmy, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nakamura puts Jimmy in the ring, but drags him out along the apron. Nakamura runs up to KNEE LIFT! Jimmy sputters, Nakamura storms in, and Nakamura stalks Jimmy to the corner. Nakamura CLUBS Jimmy, puts him up top, and then backs up to run in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Jimmy flops back down, Nakamura pushes him to a cover, TWO! Nakamura stays focused as he drags Jimmy up with a facelock. Nakamura puts Jimmy in the corner, tags Drew, and then Nakamura gives Jimmy BAD VIBRATIONS! Drew adds a stomp, then he CHOPS Jimmy down! Jimmy sputters, Drew drags him around, and Drew stomps Jimmy’s hand!
Drew clamps on with a chicken wing and chinbar! Jimmy endures, reaches out, and fights to his feet. Drew throws him down by his hair! Drew then sucker punches Priest! Drew deadlift suplexes Jimmy! Jimmy writhes while Drew seethes, and Drew mockingly tells Jimmy to go tag out. Drew stands Jimmy up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Jimmy runs, but Drew CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Jimmy shakes his head, he’s tougher than that. Drew drags Jimmy into a top wristlock and he leans on the hold. Jimmy endures, fights up, and reaches out. Drew keeps him from Priest, KNEES low, then he sucker punches Priest again!
Drew taunts Priest, but turns around into a SAMOAN DROP! SmackDown returns to single picture while both men are down! The fans rally up while Drew crawls, tag to Nakamura! Nakamura drags Jimmy up, but Jimmy kicks! Nakamura blocks, but Jimmy hits the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy rises up, hot tag to Priest! Priest BLASTS Drew, then dodges Nakamura to ELBOW! And FLAPJACK! Priest runs corner to corner to ELBOW Nakamura, then runs to CLOBBER him! The fans fire up and Priest brings Nakamura up for a knuckle lock> The fans rally for Priest as he goes up the corner, and gives us some OLD SCHOOL CROSSBODY!
The fans fire up and Priest powers up his arm! Priest runs, but Nakamura BOOTS the lariat, then WHEEL KICKS! Nakamura aims from a corner, “YAO~!” But Priest LARIATS Nakamura down first! Cover, Drew breaks it! Drew drags Priest up to POST him! Jimmy steps in and SUPERKICKS Drew! Drew bails out, Jimmy WRECKS him with a dropkick! But Nakamura KINSHASAS Jimmy off the apron! But Priest then grabs Nakamura, SOUTH OF HEAVEN! Cover, Priest & Jimmy win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
It was a fast ‘n’ furious finish, but Drew doesn’t let it end here! He CLOBBERS Priest! Drew rains down fists, and reminds Priest that every time he sees Priest, he’ll- Priest grabs Drew by the neck! Drew breaks free to HEADBUTT Priest, then he DRIBBLES Priest off the mat! Drew rains down furious fists while the fans boo, but then Drew stomps Priest as he lets off. Priest slowly rises, Drew gives us the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE against the ropes!! Priest flops down in a daze and Drew tells him that he still blames Priest for having nothing. Every time Priest gets up, Drew will put him down until Priest stays down.
Drew slithers away, his rage never ending. Will nothing stop the Scottish Terminator from terrorizing Priest?
LA Knight finds Braun Strowman backstage.
The Monster of All Monsters is warming up for his match, and The Mega Star says #OneBigSOB is getting one big pump on. And Knight thinks about Braun VS Fatu, Braun better smack Fatu back to factory settings. And here’s the thing, these guys work with numbers, so Knight will be keeping his eyes on that match. Knight turns to go but Braun has him hold on. Braun will say, if there’s one thing he can’t wait for, it’s to #GetTheseHands on Fatu tonight. But you know why? Because Nick Aldis told him a bit ago, that the winner will get their shot at the US Championship. And as Braun sees it, winning that title punches his ticket to WrestleMania.
Knight says oh yeah? Braun says yeah. Knight says YEAH, and heads out. Will Knight have to fight Braun or the Samoan Werewolf on this Road to WrestleMania 41?
Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton have video interview.
Joe Tessitore welcomes the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner and the WWE Women’s Champion and thanks them both for taking this time. To start with Tiffany, we saw last week that there is a fire in her we haven’t seen before. What is the mindset just four weeks away from WrestleMania? Tiffany starts to speak, but Charlotte speaks up to say The Queen should speak first. And she couldn’t agree more, Tiffany finally looks like a star. Charlotte had a hard time trying to buy into the hype, but Charlotte always brings out the best in others. Tiffany speaks up now, saying Charlotte couldn’t see it?
Charlotte condescendingly says, “There she is!” Tiff is just like day one: Pick me! Pick me! Charlotte says she chose Tiff because Charlotte pities her. Tiff came out with a sob story about the comparisons to Charlotte, but Tiff’s the only one delusional enough to make those comparisons. Newsflash: Everyone is compared to Charlotte. Tiff is not special. Tiff feels special, being the one with the title on her shoulder. Charlotte points out Tiff got it via a cash-in. Oh, well, Tiff still earned it, and has proven worthy of it week after week. Oh, really? Earned because of a cash-in? Delusional, just as Charlotte said.
Here’s the thing: WrestleMania 41 will be the pinnacle of Tiff, while Charlotte gets to shine her light on some undeserving girl who, just because she’s blonde and can do flips, thinks she compares to Charlotte. No, Tiff has not earned that. Wow, delusional? Does Charlotte forget how at the start of Tiff’s career, Charlotte was actually one of her biggest supporters? Charlotte told Tiff she’d be a star, and Tiff looked up to Charlotte. But then they were in the ring together, and Tiff saw the real Charlotte. Charlotte couldn’t even look Tiff in the face because Charlotte knows Tiff is the woman to take her throne.
Charlotte mockingly says she’s tearing up. Yes, Tiff, Charlotte said Tiff was a star in the making. But what? Did Tiff expect Charlotte to come to the ring, give her a high-five, a big hug, and say, “Yes! We can do this, girl!” No, Charlotte is the only woman in the locker room that tells the truth. She is not here for friends, she is here for competition. Tiff says this is what Charlotte does! She finds the hottest ticket and throws water on it. It worked in the past but it won’t work on Tiff. Charlotte says Tiff’s not even the hottest ticket on SmackDown! Let alone this entire company. But tell Charlotte, what does she do?
Tiff says she just said, Charlotte finds the hottest new thing, pours water on it. The thing is, Tiff, you have never been across from Charlotte, only underneath her, struggling to catch your breath. Tiff says the only one struggling is Charlotte keeping up with the fans that don’t even want her back. Charlotte says the fans are either wooing or booing, take your pick. Tiff has her entire career to beat Charlotte’s accolades and- And Tiff will lucky to even have a job at Charlotte’s age. Tiff says this year, WrestleMania, she cements what she already knows: The WWE Universe does not bow to Charlotte, they run on #TiffyTime. See you at Mania.
The Princess has stepped to the Queen, but who will be on the throne atop the WWE Women’s Division?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman!
As if this match wasn’t one to watch before, now there are championship stakes on the line! Will the Samoan Werewolf #GetTheseHands? Or will he bring down #OneBigSOB to go after LA Knight?
SmackDown returns as Braun makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. Braun and Jacob circle, and then Braun RAMS Jacob into a corner! Braun fires hands, then HEADBUTTS! Braun runs corner to corner, Jacob dodges and Jacob ROCKS Braun! Jacob RAMS into Braun again and again, stops as the ref counts, and the fans fire up. Jacob runs corner to corner, but Braun CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again as Jacob flounders to a corner. Braun runs up, but Jacob BOOTS him back! Jacob runs up, but Braun BACKDROPS him away! The fans fire up while Jacob tumbles. Braun runs up to LARIAT Jacob up and out!
The fans cheer as Braun paces, and then Braun goes out after Jacob. Braun puts Jacob back in, storms back into the ring, and he stomps Jacob. The fans rally and sing, Braun whips corner to corner hard, and Jacob falls in a heap! Braun enjoys the singing, and he runs in at the corner to SPLASH! Jacob falls in a heap again, then bails out. Braun says it’s time and the fans cheer! Braun is on the tracks, STROWMAN EXPRESS is sent over the desk! Braun tumbles, Jacob goes to the apron, and Jacob aims, to FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Braun at the Hydration Station! The fans fire up and Jacob grins while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob looms over Braun, drags him up, and SMACKS him off the desk! Jacob refreshes the ring count, then stalks Braun. Jacob HEADBUTTS Braun, brings him around, and SMACKS him off the steel steps! Braun staggers away, Jacob storms over, and Braun UPPERCUTS! Braun brings Jacob around to send into the other steel steps! Jacob tumbles to the floor and the fans rally up. Braun stalks Jacob, stomps him against the barrier, then refreshes the ring count. Braun conducts the Bologna choir here, then goes back out after Jacob. Braun shoves Jacob into the ring, but Jacob KICKS Braun in the ropes!
Jacob fireman’s carries!? Braun fights free, runs, but Jacob dropkicks the legs out! Jacob keeps moving, and he LARIATS Braun down! The fans rally more while Braun writhes. Jacob soaks up the cheers, then he stalks Braun. Jacob CLUBS Braun, eggs him on, then twists Braun with the neck wrench. Braun endures, fights around, but Jacob puts on the pressure. Braun powers up, rises to his feet, and he pries Jacob’s hands away! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! Jacob storms up on Braun but Braun CHOPS! Braun runs, into a SUPERKICK!
Jacob fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up as Jacob adds a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and the fans rally up again. Jacob stalks Braun, goes to the corner, and he runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Braun sputters, Jacob geeks out and the fans fire up! Braun rises up!? Jacob runs in and SPLASHES, then he tells Braun he’s done! Jacob goes corner to corner again, but Braun runs to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Braun rises, but so does Jacob! Braun ROCKS Jacob, ROCKS him again, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! The fans fire up and Braun stands Jacob up, for a CLUB to the chest!
The fans fire up more as Braun rips his shirt away! Jacob falls out of the ring while the shirt is a free souvenir to a fan! Braun then gets on track, STROWMAN EXPRESS sends Jacob onto the desk! The fans fire up while Braun catches his breath. Braun storms around to bring Jacob up and into the ring. Braun slides in, but Jacob runs up! Braun dodges and SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up with Braun, but then TAMA TONGA is here! Braun TOSSES Tama! Braun scoops Tama, but SOLO SIKOA ATTACKS!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE US Championship)
The fans boo and even Jacob is upset. Solo & Tama hand Braun the win! That means Braun is going to face Knight! But Solo and Tama keep beating up on Braun, and Jacob joins in. But Braun gets up to CLOBBER Solo, TOSS Tama, only for Jacob to BODY CHECK Braun! But here comes LA KNIGHT! The Mega Star runs out here, he DECKS Tama, then he jumps into the ring! Knight dodges Solo to fire off JABS on Jacob and Solo! Tama CLOBBERS Knight, then he fires hands! The fans boo while Jacob runs in, but Knight dodges! Jacob POSTS himself! Knight HOTSHOTS Tama, and Braun CLOBBERS Solo!
Braun ROCKS Jacob, then Knight LARIATS Jacob up and out! The official announcement is now made, it will be Knight VS Braun for the US Championship in the UK! It’s London calling next Friday, will the Knight still be the champion?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and last week, these two interrupted the interview with Jade Cargill, and got themselves into this match tonight. But now that we know it was Naomi who attacked Jade, why do Liv & Raquel keep bothering Jade? Because, Cathy, if you were paying attention, you’d know Jade allowed everyone to still think it was Liv & Raquel who attacked her. Meanwhile, Jade had all the time in the world to update her Instagram, yet not enough to clear Liv’s name. So this is personal now.
Probably like how it was personal when Liv & Raquel beat Jade’s former friends, Bianca Belair & Naomi, to become the first-ever, history-making, record-breaking and GREATEST Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time! But she will say, she is impressed with what Naomi did. Too bad she didn’t finish the job. Tonight, Liv will do that for her. #WatchMe. Liv & Raquel leave, but will they survive the storm that’s headed their way?
Jacob is furious backstage!
He kicks and throws random stuff, but Solo tells him to calm down. Calm down?! Jacob CHUCKS a trash can and asks calm down about what?! Is this better?! He CHUCKS boxes, but Solo wants Jacob to listen. From what he and Tama saw, it looked like- LIKE WHAT?! What’d Solo “see?” Solo says they were just trying to help! Help who? Help yourself, Solo?! That match wasn’t nobody’s business, and it damn sure wasn’t Solo’s business! When Jacob is taking care of his, Solo better watch himself. Jacob storms off, Solo looks to Tama, and Tama stays silent. Is Solo only tearing down his own Bloodline?
Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca, the inaugural Queen of the Ring, wants to reign once again, and that starts with going after the Women’s United States Championship. But to get to Chelsea Green, Zelina has to make it through the Head of Security! Will Piper shut down the opposition? Or will we be seeing Vega heading for Vegas?
SmackDown returns and Zelina makes her entrance, an all new song, tron and gear to show this is her next chapter. The bell rings and Chelsea already talks trash on Zelina. The fans rally, Zelina and Piper step to each other, and Piper easily bumps Zelina back. Zelina laughs and SLAPS Piper back! Piper grabs Zelina, TOSSES her to a corner, then runs up. Zelina dodges, runs, dodges again, but Piper scoops! Zelina slips free, waistlocks, and they go to ropes. Piper bucks the O’Conner Roll, but Zelina avoids the elbow drop! BASEMENT KICK! Zelina fires up, runs and tilt-o-whirls, to then RANA Piper into the corner!
Zelina runs up, kicks low, then reels Piper in! Zelina hops on but Piper pops out of Code Red! Zelina whips but Piper blocks with ease! Piper then CLOBBERS Zelina with a shoulder tackle. Piper drags Zelina up, CLOBBERS her again, and then drags her back up. Piper CLOBBERS Zelina a third time, and she salutes her champion. Piper drags Zelina but Zelina spins to TWEAK the arm! Piper staggers, Zelina UP KICKS her! Zelina hurries to run the ropes, but Piper TOSSES her out! Zelina gets up to KICK Piper’s leg! Piper staggers, Zelina hops on, SLEEPER! Piper endures, reaches out, but Zelina squeezes tight!
Piper THROWS Zelina down into the drop zone! Piper stomps Zelina, then goes up the corner. The fans rally, and Zelina YANKS Piper down! Zelina fires hands, the fans fire up, and Zelina climbs up the corner. Zelina rains down fists and fans count all the way to sette (seven in Italian) before Piper DUMPS Zelina to the apron! But Zelina GAMANGIRIS back! Chelsea & Alba shout at Zelina, Zelina shouts back and storms into the ring, but Piper is there to URENAGE! The fans are torn while Zelina flounders, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Piper has Zelina in a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, even as Piper thrashes her around. The fans rally, Zelina pries at the hold, but Piper ripcords, only for Zelina to duck under and roll her up! TWO, and Piper CLOBBERS Zelina! Piper frowns as she looms over Zelina. Piper drags Zelina up, whips her into the corner, and then Zelina falls in a heap. Piper paces, then storms back up to stand Zelina up. Piper THROWS Zelina into the neighboring corner, then she storms back up. Piper drags Zelina up to TOSS her into another corner! Piper soaks up the heat, Chelsea reprimands the fans, but Piper drags Zelina to a cover, TWO!
Zelina stays in this but Piper stalks her. Piper drags Zelina right up into the COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Chelsea gets annoyed. Piper ripcords and HEADBUTTS Zelina down! Piper soaks up more heat, then she stalks Zelina. Piper drags Zelina up, whips her to a corner hard and Zelina falls in a heap! Zelina crawls, Piper tells the fans to go to Naples, then she rains down fists on Zelina! Piper YANKS Zelina right up into a scoop, but Zelina fires elbows! Piper puts Zelina in a corner, but Zelina BOOTS back! Zelina goes up, but Piper SMACKS her first! Piper then military presses for the- SLEEPER! Zelina gets Piper again!
The fans fire up while Piper endures! Chelsea is upset, Piper reaches out, but Zelina holds on tight! Piper RAMS Zelina into a corner, is free of the sleeper, then she runs back in. Zelina slips around to crucifix for an IRON OCTOPUS! Chelsea panics while Piper endures! Zelina then slips into a sunset flip, TWO! Piper stays in this but Zelina SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Zelina hurries to get Piper up, but Piper grabs Zelina by the hair! Zelina ELBOWS free and Piper goes to a corner! Zelina runs in and METEORA! The fans fire up as Zelina kicks Piper out. Zelina goes up, up, and METEORA! Cover, TWO!
Piper stays in this and Zelina isn’t sure what she has to do! Zelina waits on Piper to rise up, and then she hops back on! CODE- NO, Piper slips free again! Piper runs, but Zelina drop toeholds Piper onto ropes! Zelina dials it up, but Piper gets up, so Zelina tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives, Chelsea shouts at Zelina, but Zelina DECKS Chelsea! So much for having her Secret Her-vice out here! Zelina redials and 619 on Piper! But Alba storms up! Zelina KICKS Alba, but Piper CROSSBODIES!! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
Despite what the card says, Zelina was basically up against three opponents tonight. Will anyone ever get a fair fight against the Green Administration?
Backstage interview with Jade Cargill.
Cathy apologizes for last week because of Liv & Raquel, but tonight, Jade faces Liv 1v1. Is Jade feeling ready for Liv being this is Jade’s first match back? Jade says, “How do I feel? You was right there, you could see exactly how I feel. Liv tried it that night. And since she wants to try and disrespect me and run her mouth, I’ma show her. And when I’m done with her… Naomi, all eyes on you. So I know you’re watching right now, and this is just a little preview of what I’ma do to you.” Will the storm be fiercer than ever before?
The darkness is looming.
The smoke is back, and is that a glimpse of dice? The number 4 is back, but what does it mean?
Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The whodunnit may have been solved, but the problem still remains that Jade left everyone wondering, pointing fingers and making accusations. But while Jade had her reasons, will she also shut Liv up about her bad reputation being further tainted? Or will it be Judgment Day’s night here in Bologna?
The bell rings and Liv runs up, into a BOOT! Jade dusts her boot off while Liv flounders of the ring. Raquel helps Liv stand, but Jade storms out after them both! Raquel tells Jade to watch herself, but Jade still storms up on Ricky Desperado. Liv runs up, but Jade SMACKS her first! Jade THROWS Liv into barriers, THROWS her into the ring, then flexes. The fans cheer, and Jade storms in after Liv. Liv kicks low, runs, OBLI- NO, Jade stops that to scoop Liv! Liv slips free, but Jade ducks the enzigiri! Liv avoids the boot, but Jade stops the Code Breaker! Jade tosses Liv, scoops her, and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Then kips up!
The fans fire up and Jade revels in it. Liv says they should just go. Raquel & Liv hurry away but Jade chases them up the ramp! The fans fire up as Jade CLOBBERS Liv! Raquel doesn’t even realize it, and Jade drags Liv back to ringside! Liv fights back, Jade SMACKS her again, then puts her in the ring. The fans cheer, Jade stalks Liv to a corner, and she runs up, only for Liv to dodge! Jade hits buckles, Liv back body blocks! Liv comes back, SHINING- NO, Jade catches Liv to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Liv survives but Jade is rather amused. Jade drags Liv up and clamps onto the arms, but Raquel says to leave Liv alone!
Jade shoves Liv down to storm up on Raquel. Raquel gets away, and Liv runs up! BACKSTABBER! Jade tumbles, Liv hurries to get her up, and Liv POSTS Jade! Jade flops to the apron then the floor, the fans fire up, and Liv smiles as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Liv has Jade down with a chinlock. Jade endures, fights around, and fights up to her feet. Jade fires body shots, but Liv jumps on for the SLEEPER! Liv brings Jade down, but Jade fights around! The fans rally as Liv squeezes tight, body scissors wrapped on. Jade still fights, still rises, and she RAMS Liv into a corner! And again, and again, and again! Liv lets go, Jade runs back up, but Liv BOOTS her! Liv reels Jade into a facelock, and manages a snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga, and Liv hits Dos Amigas! The fans are torn as Liv brings Jade up for THREE AMIGAS! Liv gives some Latina Heat and the fans fire up!
Liv runs to ENZIGIRI! Jade flounders to ropes, Liv runs in, but Jade again denies Oblivion to hit a GERMAN SUPLEX! Liv flops out of the ring and the fans rally up again. “This is Awesome!” as Jade kips up again! Jade then CLOBBERS Liv! And CLBOBERS her again! And then FLAPJACKS, to SUPERKICK! Liv ends up in a corner, Jade runs in and ELBOWS her! The fans fire up as Jade goes again, ELBOW! Jade says one more, and she catches Liv to SPINEBUSTER her! The fans fire up as Jade smiles and grabs an arm. Fans cheer “MAMMA MIA!” as Jade RIPCORDS Liv into a fireman’s carry! F5!!
Jade kips up a third time and the fans fire up again! Jade finally covers, TWO! Liv survives, Jade showing off a little too much. Jade decides to just finish this, and she chicken wings Liv. But NAOMI is here! The Glow has a caution tape based outfit, a very clever reference, and Jade runs at her! Naomi gets away, and INTO OBLIV- BACKBREAKER!! Jade still refuses to let that happen, but now Raquel distracts the ref! Naomi CLOBBERS Jade with a title belt!! Jade is down, the fans boo, but Naomi hides! Liv rises, and runs INTO OBLIVION! Cover, Liv wins!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
A huge assist from Naomi, and now Naomi picks the bones! Naomi rains down fists on Jade, the fans boo, but nothing is stopping Naomi from beating Jade down! Naomi stops just to talk smack, and then she SLAPS Jade! Naomi grabs Jade’s wrists to sit her up, and STOMP her down! Naomi then puts Jade in the ropes for the HEATSEEKER! Jade flounders, stands up on the apron, and Naomi BLASTS her down! Jade hits the desk then flops to the floor! Naomi shows her dark side, will Jade have no choice but to #FeelTheGlow?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Cathy catches Drew on his way out and brings up his pattern of attack on blindsiding Damian Priest. Where does this end? Drew says he didn’t start this, but he will end it. He explained things so simply last week that even a five-year-old could understand all the problems Drew has with Priest. Every time Drew got screwed over the past year, Priest was there like a vulture to pick the bones. In fact, Priest would probably brag how, “I beat Drew McIntyre in a tag team voice!” Drew mocks Priest’s voice, and says that what Drew would love for anyone, but especially Priest, though he’s probably not capable of it…
Drew would love for someone to verbally explain to him how he’s wrong. Drew tells the truth. Try to poke holes in his logic, but you can’t. But to Priest’s credit, he is as tough as he is stupid. Priest will surely pick himself up like he does every time, but Drew will put him back down. You know where to find him next week, in the land of the first and only British WWE World Champion. See you in London, mate. Arrivederci! Drew reaches the parking lot, only to cross paths with Seth Rollins. Rollins smirks, then continues on to gorilla position. The fans already sing for The Visionary, will Rollins have his face-to-face-to-face with Roman Reigns and CM Punk?
The Street Profits are here!
Bologna fires up for the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins, who have a new theme song to go with their newest reign. Ford & Dawkins get the mics as the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Ford tells Bologna, he’s heard they’re very generous and beautiful. But he’s got some news for you: For the first time in FOUR YEARS, the Profits are the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! The fans cheer, and Dawkins gets everyone to join in on “HEY! HEY! HEY!” Dawkins says, “I mean… It’s about damn time. SIUUU~!” The fans join in on that, too, and Dawkins smiles.
But real talk, for the past four years, a lot of doubts have been creeping in. The Profits were questioning each other. But them holding these titles right here… “You Deserve It!” Dawkins says the Profits holding the titles now made it all worth it. Ford knows they’re celebrating, but to be serious for one second… For the past four years, the fact that no matter what happens, peaks and valleys, highs and lows, he can always count on his brother. The fans cheer that and the Profits do the secret handshake. But wait! Legado Del Fantasmo comes out here. The fans boo as Santos Escobar leads Los Garza to the ring to ruin the fun.
Santos says, “Signore e signori <ladies and gentlemen,>” it is an honor to be here in Italy. And this, what a moment. The Profits finally capture gold again. Beautiful. Too bad it will end abruptly! His familia, these two handsome, chiseled Latinos are pissed! They are angry just like the fans, but they are ready to take those titles off- “YES BOY~!” Pretty Deadly joins in now! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince have the mics, fans join in on “YES BOY~!” Kit tells Santos that he can run his mouth all night long, but what he’s forgetting is that a few weeks ago, Pretty Deadly earned the right to call themselves the #1 contenders.
The fans cheer, and Elton says what Legado needs to do is step aside. Santos shouts they will NOT step aside! Pretty Deadly says so scary~! Santos says the Profits chose to believe Pretty Deadly’s pathetic gossip, that is why they’re in this mess. By the way, Profits, Santos offered them the chance to apologize and you didn’t, so now this is personal! So Pretty Deadly should STAY OUT OF IT! Ford tells Santos, “Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa. Whoa.” The fans cheer, and he tells to listen here, “mi amore.” Pretty Deadly have their title shots. But y’know what? Legado looks feisty tonight, wanting to get in a fight, right here in Bologna!
The fans like where this is going, and Ford says how about he says something they can all understand: Tonight, let’s get it on, chicos! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Santos & Los Garza are fired up, but will the Profits get caught in a trap game? Or will they use Angel & Berto as tune-ups for facing Pretty Deadly?
The force of nature draws closer.
Fire, thunder, and now a silhouette, as well as glimpses of this mysterious newcomer. Is WWE ready to ANIMO?
The Street Profits VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
SmackDown returns, the match already going, and Ford drags Angel down to a cover, ONE! Angel is tougher than that but Ford keeps on him. Ford runs, and ROLLING THUNDER SPLASH! Ford SMACKS Angel off the mat, covers, ONE! The fans rally while Ford paces. Ford runs, and he KICKS Angel to ropes! Ford then stands Angel up, but Angel stomps a foot! Angel CHOPS Ford, tags Berto, and they mug Ford. Berto taunts the fans, but Ford CHOPS! The fans fire up, Ford ducks a kick but not the GAMANGIRI! The fans boo but Berto drags Ford up to CHOP! Berto tags Angel, they shove and double hip toss for TU LO SABE! DOUBLE SUPERKICK!
The fans boo but OFF COME THE PANTS! Angel throws the pants at Dawkins! The fans boo, the ref stops Dawkins from storming in, and Angel KICKS Ford! Angel puts Ford on the top rope, then climbs up to CLUB away on Ford’s neck! The fans boo but Los Garza just soak up the heat. Angel puts Ford in the Tree of Woe, then tags Berto. Los Garza stomp a double mudhole into Ford! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Angel steps out. Berto tags Angel back in, they mug Ford more, but the fans rally up. Angel swaggers, mocks the clapping, so the fans boo. Angel runs back in, but Ford dodges! Berto hurries to tag and stops Ford.
Ford kicks, Berto YANKS Ford up, but Ford lands on his feet! Ford then dodges Berto, and Berto almost runs into Angel! Hot tag to Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins rallies on Los Garza! Then CYCLONE SPLASH for Berto, followed by the ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up as Dawkins whips, but Berto reverses. Angel distracts the ref while Dawkins hurdles Berto, and Santos DUMPS Dawkins out! The fans boo as Legado gets away with one! Berto builds speed and he DIVES! Down goes Dawkins and Legado fires up, only for fans to boo more. The Profits are down right now while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Angel has Dawkins in a chicken wing stretch. Dawkins endures and the fans rally up. Dawkins fights up, fires body shots, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Angel covers, TWO! Santos is annoyed but the fans taunt Legado as Angel stands Dawkins up. Tag to Berto, Berto taunts Ford, and Los Garza hit a LEAP FROG ATTACK! Berto feeds Dawkins to Angel’s HAYMAKER! Dawkins falls, Berto drags him to a cover, TWO! The fans rally for the Profits but Santos makes the pecs dance as a way to stay cool. Berto CHOPS but Dawkins ROCKS Berto! Berto kicks, CLUBS, and scoops, to then SLAM Dawkins!
Berto soaks up the heat, rolls back and MOONSAULTS! The fans fire up, that was a good move. Tag to Angel and Los Garza put Dawkins in the ropes. Angel KICKS Dawkins’ leg out! Angel taunts Dawkins, but he sucker punches Ford! The ref has to stop Ford, Angel BOOTS Dawkins down, and then Angel taunts Ford. But Dawkins ROCKS Angel! Angel blocks a kick, spins and lifts Dawkins into a Gory Especial! Angel marches to the ropes, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, Ford breaks it! Berto protests, but then he whips Dawkins to the corner. Dawkins BOOTS Berto, ELBOWS Angel, then FLAPJACKS Berto!
The fans fire up while Dawkins crawls! Hot tag to Ford! Berto runs up, but Ford GAMANGIRIS! Ford LARIATS Berto, BLASTS Angel, then dodges Berto to LARIAT again! The fans fire up with Ford and they pump up with “HEY! HEY! HEY!” Ford runs corner t corner, Berto puts him on the apron! But Ford ROCKS Berto back! Ford climbs, Berto staggers around, and Ford leaps over! Berto comes back, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Ford covers, TWO! The fans rally, Santos is getting frustrated, but Ford puts Berto in the drop zone. Ford climbs, Angel grabs at him! Ford kicks at Angel, but Berto runs up to GAMANGIRI!
Los Garza both climb up to get Ford, and they hoist him up for the M T- NO, Ford lands out on his feet!! Everyone is shocked and Bologna is electric! Los Garza hurry down but Ford still BLASTS Berto! Angel grabs at Ford, Dawkins CLOBBERS Angel! Angel dangles in the ropes while Ford goes up after Berto! Santos panics as Ford hits a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down, Ford reaches out to cover, TWO!! Berto survives and the fans are thunderous again! Santos coaches his team while Berto and Ford flounder. “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Dawkins tag in! Angel dodges Dawkins to DROPKICK!
Angel runs, but Dawkins SPINEBUSTERS! Berto runs up, Dawkins TOSSES him out! Los Garza regroups outside, the fans rally for Dawkins, but Santos gets on the apron. Dawkins DECKS Santos! Dawkins fires up with “SIUUU~!” and he builds speed! Ford tags in as Dawkins FLIES! Direct hit on all of Legado! Dawkins puts Angel in, Ford goes up! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
Ford hit Angel from on high, and the Profits are rolling into their tag title defense! Will they still be golden through this tour? Or will Kit & Elton finally be crowned WWE Tag TEam Champions?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
The door opens, and Paul Heyman steps out! The Wise Man tells his Tribal Chief to wait just one moment while he goes to check things. Will everything be in order for the return of Roman Reigns?
DIY finds Pretty Deadly backstage.
Tommaso Ciampa sarcastically says, “There they are! Pretty Deadly, the #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team titles.” Johnny Gargano says they must be excited. Actually, they are. Very excited. Because they’re getting to challenge The Profits next week, in the motherland, in London’s O2 Arena! Ciampa again sarcastically says, “Cheerio, mate! That’s great! Seriously, we’re happy for you guys.” They may have had their differences in the past, but if anything, this just made their relationship stronger. So how about some quid pro quo? Next week, DIY will make sure Pretty Deadly wins against the Profits, and they’ll be the champions!
A career defining moment in front of their home crowd. And in return, DIY take their rightful place as first in line for a match for the titles. Oh, so what DIY is saying is, a little “You scratch our backs, we scratch yours.” Exactly! Gargano had his heart broken in his hometown, and he’d hate for that to happen to Pretty Deadly. So what do they say? #YESBOY? Clever! But NO BOY~! Pretty Deadly says see you around. They leave, and Motor City Machine Guns walk in, spooking DIY. Sorry, but it just didn’t seem like that went well. But DIY, welcome to the back of the line where guess who’s waiting! A team you deceived and pissed off, just waiting for a chance to beat your asses.
And it’s MCMG, by the way, in case you weren’t sure. Sabin & Shelley head out, DIY argues about what to worry about more, but one thing at a time. Will Kit & Elton become the champions in London? Or will the Profits stay up on this Road to WrestleMania?
Roman Reigns heads to the ring!
Bologna puts the ones up for the OTC, YTC, THE Tribal Chief, as he walks out with Paul Heyman. Roman raises his finger, the pyro goes off, and Roman continues down the ramp. What will he have to say to CM Punk and Seth Rollins? We’ll find out in moments, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Roman finishes his walk into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Roman raises his finger for more pyro! The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” and Heyman hands off the mic. Roman nods, the fans sing for him, then the fans cheer. Roman finally says, “BOLOGNA! Acknowledge Your Tribal Chief.” The fans cheer, and Roman says, “Your OTC loves you. So that’s why I’m gonna tell you what’s been on my mind. Last month at the Rumble, CM Punk screwed me.” The fans boo that, and Roman says last week in The Garden, Roman screwed CM Punk! The fans cheer that, but Roman says that’s not all.
Because also at the Rumble, Seth Rollins tried to kill Roman! But it’s okay, because in The Garden, Roman tried to kill Rollins! The fans cheer and chant “O T C! O T C!” Roman says here’s the deal: The OTC came a long way, so he’s going to take his time. He’ll be here for a good 15, 20 minutes, so if anyone wants to come confront their Tribal Chief, then PLEASE… let Roman know. Roman paces and waits, and “BURN IT DOWN!” The fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way down the ring in a cross between blue suit and raincoat. Rollins steps into the ring, grabs a mic, and the fans keep singing.
Rollins tells Roman, “You messed up! You don’t understand how dangerous CM Punk is. You don’t understand how dangerous he is to the future of this industry, to the future of this company. You should’ve let me finish CM Punk when I had the chance!” The fans are torn, but Rollins says he gets it. This isn’t about Punk. It’s never been about Punk. This has always been about Roman and Rollins. They came into this company together. There is no Roman without Rollins, there is no Rollins without Roman. And they cannot coexist in the same space at the same time. The fans cheer that, and Heyman has a rather sinister smile on his face.
Rollins says this story of theirs has a lot of pages written, and it is about time they added another chapter. Fans like where that is going. Rollins unbuttons his jacket, but here comes C M PUNK! The fans fire up and Heyman is upset that Punk couldn’t wait. The fans sing along with Cult of Personality as Punk walks out on stage. Punk kneels and says, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” The fans cheer as Punk continues down to the ring to join Rollins and Roman. The mics drop aside already, but Punk grabs a mic for himself. Punk then climbs up onto the corner, and he holds up the mic to show the tape wrapped around that hand.
As the song fades out, Punk says, “This right hand is not taped up to hold a microphone. But before the circus kicks off, let’s talk about some facts. Big Chief, Grimace, neither of you have ever beaten me without the other one’s help. Think about that! Because you can’t! And Roman, I didn’t screw you. I know it’s been awhile since you’ve been in one, but in the Royal Rumble, it’s every man for himself. Your Wise Man should’ve clued you into that. And you wouldn’t even have made it to the Royal Rumble if I didn’t save your family’s ass in WarGames. Of which, by the way, I am owed a favor, Paul…” The fans like the sound of that.
Punk says no, before that, he wants to thank Heyman for delivering the Tribal Chief here on a silver platter for Punk. Punk appreciates that. Roman scowls as he looks at Heyman, and Heyman defends his innocence. But then Punk CLOBBERS Roman from behind, using the mic! Punk rains down fists, Heyman gets out of there, and Rollins is conflicted. He doesn’t really like either guy, so doe she let Punk just beat Roman up for him? Well, Roman turns things around, but Punk turns it back around, so Rollins goes after Punk! The fans fire up as Rollins and Punk scrap, but Roman THROWS Rollins aside! Roman fires hands on Punk!
The fans fire up as Roman fires hands and even HEADBUTTS on Punk in a corner! Rollins JUMPS onto Roman! The fans fire up, refs rush out here, Rollins stomps Punk! “This is Awesome!” as Roman puts Rollins in a SLEEPER! Roman puts Rollins in a corner, Punk storms back up, and Roman RAMS into Rollins! Rollins CLUBS Roman, Punk throws hands, and as the refs try to stop this, the fans chant “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” It is a three man scrap, Rollins KNEES Roman but then rains down fists on Punk! Producers and security step in, the fans boo, but Punk goes out to the desk! Punk is all fired up, as are the fans!
Punk tells Roman and Rollins that PUNK is Best in the World! And then he points to WrestleMania! Heyman says no! HELL NO! Rollins and Roman go after each other again, and then Punk grabs at them both! Punk drags Roman out, throws more hands, but Rollins DIVES onto everyone! Rollins bowls Punk, Roman, and the cluster into the desk! Jamie Noble tells Rollins to leave it at this! Rollins tells Punk and Roman that if they want a piece of him, they’ll do it at WRESTLEMANIA! And then he DROPKICKS Punk down! Rollins fires more hands on Punk, Punk throws them back, and Aldis says to stop this! Roman has steel steps!
Roman CLOBBERS Punk! And he CLOBBERS Rollins! The fans fire up as Aldis tells Roman to stop! Roman stands tall over Rollins and Punk, and even HE says WrestleMania is where to go! Rollins and Punk get back up, this chaotic brawl continues, but SmackDown has to call it a night! Will these two brawl all the way from here to the UK and beyond?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode for SmackDown, but something felt a bit odd about how things were arranged. While there are many times the main event is “made” thanks to some promo segment, I don’t think it should happen the way they did it tonight. The Profits’ segment should’ve started the second hour. We’d still get the good promo segment we got, and the great match from Profits VS Garza, followed by those additional promos with Pretty Deadly, DIY & MCMG. Then, Jade VS Liv could’ve been the de facto main event match before going into the triple threat promo closer.
Profits win tonight to have momentum, but does that mean Pretty Deadly wins in London? Profits being transitional champions doesn’t feel right, unless we get some tag title hot potato going into WrestleMania. And speaking of Jade, Naomi getting involved did a good job in protecting Jade in the loss, and then Naomi got to do damage to Jade. That grudge match is going to be great, and this could probably go either way. Naomi started this with the attack, Jade got her revenge at Elimination Chamber, and they’ve gone back and forth on SmackDown already, it probably depends on the go-home match going into what I would assume WrestleMania.
Very good opening promo from Orton and Kevin to set up their WrestleMania match, but hopefully this build doesn’t hit rough patches like we’re seeing some of these other ones. The main example is Jey and Gunther, but another example might be this Charlotte VS Tiffany one. Last week was very exciting because of the brawl, but then the video chat interview was clunky. I can’t be sure, but it felt like Charlotte was going out of her way to bury Tiffany by mostly just speaking over her and not really letting Tiff get her point across. Tiff did finish strong, but I can’t be sure how much more they can do with a literal month left before Mania when we’ve had the brawl and the promos.
Very good match from Priest & Jimmy VS Drew & Nakamura, and a very good win for Priest & Jimmy, only for Drew to attack. They might as well make Drew VS Priest official for Mania already, Drew even said in his promo that he doesn’t need to say anymore. Priest can surely have his retort promo, but he’d again be saying Drew is his own worst enemy. If nothing else, Priest VS Drew should also be more than just a standard match given the heat between them. Priest is Street King of New York, make it a Vegas Street Fight so these two can go all out. Very good showing from Zelina against Piper, but of course Chelsea & Alba help Piper win. I’m still thinking Six Woman Tag: Zelina, B-Fab & Mia Yim VS The Green Administration.
Very good stuff with this US Championship story. Jacob VS Braun was really good, and the interference from Solo & Tama was a great way to have Jacob lose without really losing. Knight VS Braun for the US title will be great, and there are clearly more signs that Jacob VS Solo is coming. I’m thinking Knight beats Braun somehow, and then Jacob will get his turn. The question will be when and how things fall apart for Jacob and Solo. Solo could cost Jacob another opportunity, or screw him over during the actual title match, but there’s time to build all of this for a great WrestleMania moment.
And a very good promo segment to close, but a much better brawl. I feel like part of the problem was they were getting really close to the end of the show, and SmackDown does not get to do overrun or anything like that while still being on USA Network. This of course sets up a Triple Threat of Punk VS Roman VS Rollins, though I hope that doesn’t end up the “favor.” The “favor” should be either Heyman compelling Roman to let Punk win, or having Heyman politic this into Night One’s main event so Punk can say he’s had a Mania main event, the thing Rollins vowed to make sure Punk would never get. And at this point, hard to say who wins, depends on what title plans await for Backlash.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.20.2025
Coming off a Sacrifice with a few moving pieces and mixed reception we get to see how iMPACT follows it up!
We’re coming off Sacrifice with a couple really good matches (Tessa vs Lei & Mustafa vs Santana), some solid story implications with Nic Nemeth’s heel turn, Elegance Clique winning the Knockouts tags and having Meta-Four members show up to make a claim, and Mustafa adding really great heat at the end of his match with beer spot.
So while not everything was great wrestling, things were pretty logical. Now let’s see what we get moving forward.
El Paso is FIRED UP for @mexwarrior! @AJFrancis410 @KCwrestles
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/kjR9syryWY pic.twitter.com/cyLdypp6ur
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Northern Armoury w/Eric Young vs The Rascalz: Rascalz win via Feed Em to the Lions – ** 1/4
- Mustafa Ali vs Mike Santana: Santana wins via Count Out – ***
- Rosemary & Savannah Evans vs Xia Brookside & Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- The System w/Lish vs Guitar Guys (Elijah & Joe Hendry): Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4
Results:
Oh God, Masha comes out to talk. She has literally zero aura speaking English. Yes she needs to cut promos to get better, but hot damn is she a charisma vacuum. Thankfully Tessa cuts her off and gets a resoundingly negative crowd reaction but she looks like a complete snack in the casual black and glitter covered outfit. Tessa makes her claim, but it’s just a distraction and Jacy Jayne blindsides Masha. I do like this concept of using Tessa’s legit heat to steer into her being a heel gateway for NXT female wrestlers to attack.
Santino comes out, scolds Jacy a little and says next week is Masha vs Jacy. He then runs down Tessa and bans her from ringside next week during their match.
Did @AriannaGraceWWE say Surprize?! @milanmiracle
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/kjR9syryWY pic.twitter.com/xmsGUBbVIh
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 21, 2025
Northern Armoury w/Eric Young vs The Rascalz
We know I don’t find the Armoury jabronis interesting, so I refuse to learn their names as they’ll never amount to anything.
Wentz and Trey get early tandem offense against Jabroni with hair, a few quick tags, PK kicks, Dropkicks, the loser children need to take short cuts and distract the referee poorly just to get an advantage. Very basic tandem offense from Jabronis with Arm Wringers into stomps and a near fall that means nothing. Bald dork has Wentz in a Rear Naked, but Wentz breaks out of it and pulls off the Back Handspring Knee Lift so he finally tags out, Trey comes in hot, Missile Dropkick kills bald, hair gets knocked off the apron, Rascalz go for a tandem spot but more cornball heel distraction tactics, it back fires on the loser squad, Rascalz with some locomotion corner offense. Mayu Launcher into a Spinebuster from Trey, Feed Em to the Lions and the Rascalz win with ease.
Post-Match, Armoury and EY surround Rascalz, but Ace runs down with a chair to make the save.
Fir$t Cla$$ Penthouse, KC and AJ playing with the crowd who hates them. AJ calls the crowd “muy pobre”and Chavo walks out to a huge pop, then Frankie Kazarian even pops out. Oh Frankie is still bitter about 2012 when him and Daniels lost the tag titles to Chavo and Hernandez. Turns into a Trios Match next week, Chavo, Octagon & Laredo vs Kaz & First Class.
.@MeanGiaMiller attempted to catch up with @XiaBrookside but was interrupted by @WeAreRosemary!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/kjR9sys6Mw pic.twitter.com/7Dw04fUzWx
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 21, 2025
Mustafa Ali vs Mike Santana
Santana charges immediately, Ali slides out but Santana dives after him and connects! The bell hasn’t even rung yet and Santana is sending Ali spilling over tables and equipment. Santana keeps beating his ass, asks the crowd “Should I kill this puto?” gets a big pop, Ali tries to slip the Brainbuster but Santana stays one step ahead. Santana thinks he’s the Rock and tells Ali his soul belongs to him, and Ali tries to run away into the ring, Santana catches him, the bell finally rings, and Ali manages a Frankensteiner for space, Santana powders and Ali connects with a Dropkick on the bad arm. Ali continues his first bits of offense just wrapping the bad arm against the ring post, throws Santana back in, Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and then a Key Lock on the bad arm. Ali is slowly things down masterfully since he did eat a fast beating for the first few minutes.
The crowd fires Santana, he manages to Arm Drag out, connects with a Round Kick, looks for the Rolling Neckbreaker again but Santana catches him on his shoulders, Spicolli Driver. A few move counters from both, Ali tries a Victory Roll but Santana holds on and turns it into the Rolling Buck Fifty for a two count! Santana goes to the top rope for the Frog Splash, Ali powders, walks to commentary says he already won and he’s the addiction that Santana will never beat, and walks out into the crowd and allows himself to be counted out.
Clever wrinkle to set up a rubber match.
RYAN NEMETH TIME! OUR LITTLE BROTHER! Nic lost his voice or smoked a pack of Marlboro Reds before the show. A pretty stock standard heel promo claiming that the Nemeths were the reason for the TNA buzz a year ago and the Hardys show up late to take all the credit. Leon Slater also has zero aura and no speaking ability, but referring to Ryan as Nic’s “Bug Eyed Brother” was a little funny. Nic versus Leon is hinted at for next week but a brawl starts anyway and Nic Superkicks Leon after Leon takes out Ryan.
Rosemary & Savannah Evans vs Xia Brookside & Lei Ying Lee
Xia calls out Savannah to start the match, a few overhand chops gives her some steam early, but she tries to charge, eats a Back Elbow, Savannah tags in Rosemary, and Rosemary barks at her to get some aggression out. Headscissors, into Broken Wings into a Snap DDT for two. Xia tags in Lei, Rosemary decides to tag out immediately, so Lei is trying to chip down the tree, but she catches a Round Kick and lands a Sitout Chokebomb for a near fall. Savannah puts her on the shoulders, Lei fights it off, but gets caught in the Samoan Drop anyway for another near fall. Savannah tags out in the heel corner but chokes Lei a little to get the referee’s attention so Rosemary puts her in the Upside Down, and then continues to isolate Lei. Splash in the corner into an Exploder Suplex for yet another two. A few Vader Hammers into a Sleeper Hold from Rosemary. The crowd tries to ramp up Lei, but Rosemary cuts off the comeback attempt, looks for a Heel Hook, but Lei kicks her off, gets stopped but eats an Enzuigiri.
Simultaneous tag and Xia is taking it to Savannah. Xia and Lei have some nice Tandem strikes, only two. Savannah grabs Xia, Rosemary tries to mist Xia, but Xia ducks and the mist hits Savannah. Lei knocks out Rosemary, attempts the TKO on Savannah but doesn’t get all of it, and apparently the Thunderstruck has been changed to a Spinning Heel Kick…and I hate it. Okay match with a bad finish.
ASH and Heather come out for their celebration with cake, nice dresses and bootleg Chippendales. But Meta-Four interrupts, thankfully. Jakara Snackson in the house! Spitfire also comes out, and I’m never mad at Dani. OH, Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley also. Business picked up…or something went up…yeah…this is good entertainment. And there was something for everyone with the Chippendales early and then 4 women’s teams.
.@SteveMaclin WILL NOT join The Northern Armory!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/kjR9syryWY pic.twitter.com/pIcT2Hil5K
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 21, 2025
The System w/Lish vs Guitar Guys (Elijah & Joe Hendry)
Well at least they didn’t bring up Hendry 32 times during the show and still end on him. I’ve loved the gimmick since Day 1, but overdoing it is bad for anyone.
Myers and Hendry start, Myers tries to mouth off but Hendry pops him with a Slap, Scoop Slam, Arm Wringer, tags out to Elijah and Myers scatters to tag out. Elijah with a few Lariats and the Rope Walk with Elijah. Hendry and Elijah clear the ring as we go to commercial. When we get back I’m gonna guess the System will have magically won back the momentum through heel commercial tactics.
Holy wow! Hendry has Eddie in the Stalling Suplex and lands it! Somehow the heels weren’t winning, but Eddie does kick out at one. So Hendry tags out, Elijah a few Arm Wringers into a Double Duck Jumping Lariat. But now Lish mouths off and Eddie connects on a Sliding Dropkick. So they delayed the heel team taking over for right out of the break. Look at that, changing it up. Eddie throws Elijah into the steps, rolls him in, tags out and Myers goes for the Sleeper Hold slow down heel thing, then hits a Dropkick into choking him with his boot. Eddie tags in, choke on the ropes, Lish gets involved in the choke too, and System is staying in control. Quick tags galore have Elijah gasping for air and Hendry is getting frustrated.
Elijah finally manages something to tag out, Hendry hits the Sack of Shit Kip Up on Eddie, Myers tries a Crossbody but he’s caught into Sack of Shit and Kip Up, the turn around and now calling for the Standing Ovation. But Eddie takes out Elijah, Rolling Forearm from Eddie into a Spear from Myers for a near fall. Myers looks for Roster Cut, but Elijah picks the ankle, Hendry fights off Myers, but Eddie catches him. They want System Overload, but Hendry gets out of the Backpack Stunner, catches Myers with the goozle and Elijah keeps Eddie out of the picture. Standing Ovation and we’re done!
Overall Score: 5.5/10
Full transparency, this was an easy watch. It didn’t feel like two hours, but it also didn’t really accomplish much. A very empty calories show with a bunch of set up for next week. I will say I totally loved the Ali and Santana match and finish. Ali forcing an unsatisfying finish can’t have Santana feeling good about the “win”, and I love how he’s saying he’s the one addiction that Santana can’t beat. So if Ali gets re-routed to a different feud or two and Santana starts acting like an addict going through withdrawal and NEEDS a rubber match at Slammiversary, I think that would be great to acknowledge Ali’s intelligence, plays in the addiction thing without being overly insulting since it’s focusing on a metaphorical addiction and not making light of something more realistic.
So regardless, a very inoffensive show. Jacy Jayne, Meta-Four and Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley showing up makes the Knockouts Tag feel less pathetic. And of course, Chavo was fine, the Dom mention was hilarious and Kaz being so petty he still hates Chavo because of 2012 is a level of petty I wish I still had in me.
Tolerable show, but nothing really worth the two hours.
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