Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (7/24/19)

The Breakout grows stronger!

Published

5 years ago

July 24, 2019

Steven Mitchell

The NXT Championship Three Stages of Hell take form!

Before going around one more time, Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano choose their stipulations! What will each man pick in order to settle their NXT Championship feud? Plus, the Breakout Tournament begins the semifinals!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

NXT Breakout Tournament Semifinal: Jordan Myles VS Angel Garza; Myles wins and moves on to the finals.
Bianca Belair VS Xia Li; Belair wins.
Io Shirai VS Kacy Catanzaro; Shirai wins, by disqualification.
Keith Lee VS Damian Priest; Priest wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The NXT Championship Celebration Tour BAYBAY, came to a screeching halt.

Adam Cole had a lot of fun rubbing his win in the faces of the Gargano Family and the Cleveland indie prospects, and even had a successful Download Festival match (not that anyone outside the live audience has gotten to see it…) But when he tried to make a pawn out of Twan Tucker, Cole got a rude awakening as Johnny Wrestling came to get even with him! The brawl that ensued would force NXT General Manager, William Regal, to give us a third match between Cole and Gargano for TakeOver: Toronto! But to make this trilogy truly epic, this time isn’t just 2 Out of 3 Falls, it is THREE STAGES OF HELL! Each man gets to choose a stipulation, and so does William Regal for the if-necessary third round. Who comes out of this finale finally THE NXT Champion?

NXT Breakout Tournament Semifinal: Jordan Myles VS Angel Garza!

As TakeOver: Toronto quickly approaches, this inaugural tournament with a golden opportunity at the end heats up! The third generation luchador leaped over Joaquin Wilde while the Austin anime action hero come to life overcame Boa. But now it is speed versus speed and stunning smile versus stunning smile in the semifinals! Who is first to qualify for the finals in Toronto?

The bell rings and the semifinals officially begin with fans dueling. Garza offers a handshake, and Myles takes it, only to be left hanging. Garza does some last stretches, but Myles shrugs it off. They tie up and go around. Myles waistlocks but Garza standing switches. Myles drops down and gets Garza in an armlock. Garza headscissors but Myles pops out, and the two stand off while fans continue to duel. Garza calls for a test of strength, and he wristlocks Myles around. Myles reverses and smiles as he wrenches Garza back. Myles switches to a short armlock but Garza uses ropes to flip through! Garza wrenches one way then the other to another wristlock. Myles rolls and slips through to another arm-drag takedown! Myles has the armlock and another smile as he grinds Garza down.

Garza endures as fans rally up. Garza fights up and whips out, but Myles reverses. Things speed up and Myles dodges a punch with a cartwheel. Myles back flips and dropkicks Garza down! Then he shoots that three pointer! Garza is on the apron and eggs Myles on. Myles runs over but Garza drops down. Myles jumps the sweep and wrecks Garza with a dropkick. But when he goes out onto the apron, Garza sweeps the skirt out from under him! Myles crashes and burns and Garza grins now. Garza then drags Myles up to throw him into steel steps! And into barriers! Garza leaves Myles behind in the ring, and tears off the pants! Fans fire up while Myles slowly stirs. The count passes 5, but Myles is in at 8, only for Garza to kick him back down! Garza rains down rights then toys with Myles.

Garza brings Myles up and underhooks, to lift Myles into a butterfly backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Myles writhes but he still survives, but Garza still grins. Garza looms over Myles to knock him down. Garza then drags Myles into a camel clutch. Myles resists but Garza clubs him in the head to finish the Caballo clutch! Myles endures the invention of Gory Guerrero and gets his arms out. He reaches for ropes but Garza grabs each arm to bring them back. Garza jumps to stomp, but Myles spins to sunset flip! Cover, TWO! Garza SUPERKICKS Myles right down! Cover, TWO! Myles survives again but Garza kicks him from the ropes. Garza grinds his feet into Myles but the ref counts. Garza backs off to then Penalty Kick Myles in the corner! Then he bumps Myles off buckles, and again!

Fans still duel as Garza stalks Myles. Garza eggs Myles on, then stands him up. Myles blocks the bump this time, and elbows Garza back. Myles gives Garza some buckles, and some kicks! He fires up and dodges, to run and rally with big forearms! Garza flounders and Myles sweeps the legs to then dropkick him down! Myles kips right up and fans fire up again. Myles runs in at Garza, discus corner clothesline! Garza drops down and Myles climbs up top, but Garza rolls away. So Myles springboards, but into Garza’s dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Garza is furiously shocked! But Garza drags Myles over, climbs up, and moonsaults, but lands on his feet as Myles dodges. Myles blocks, sweeps and SUPERKICKS! Myles fires up again, runs in, another discus clothesline!

But Myles isn’t done there, he waistlocks and deadlifts Garza for a bridging German Suplex! He also manages to hook a leg, and he wins!!

Winner: Jordan Myles, by pinfall; advances to the finals

Myles even shocks himself! He didn’t think he got Garza with that, but he did! And now Myles smiles all the way to the finals! Will it be Cameron Grimes or Bronson Reed that meets Myles in Toronto?

But wait, Shane Thorne shows up and goes to commentary?

“The Worst” doesn’t get what the point of debuting new stars is when he was here all along! Even on their best days, the Breakouts aren’t even on his level! They don’t have the talent, skill and good looks Thorne has on his worst day. Thorne has been here for three years, jumping off scaffolds while the others were stuck in obscurity. But Thorne doesn’t even care about this Breakout tournament, because he’ll find a way to breakout all on his own. What will Thorne do to be a thorn in the side of these new superstars?

NXT hears from Johnny Gargano.

Johnny Wrestling seems to reference Tommaso Ciampa with how he frames this video. “TakeOver: Toronto, Gargano-Cole III.” Cole involved Gargano’s family and made it personal. In New York, Gargano said he’d do whatever it took to finally be NXT Champion, and he did. Gargano won in New York, but that’s not even what this is about anymore. In Toronto, Gargano will do whatever it takes just to beat the hell out of Cole. Cole can bring weapons, his boys, but he just needs to bring that title. Because Gargano’s choice is a stipulation he knows very well, and has come to enjoy. Gargano’s stipulation… is a Street Fight! “Oh boy.” Will either man even have anything left after such a first fall to make it to the second?

Bianca Belair VS Xia Li!

The EST is back and takes on the spiciest superstar for the first time ever! Bianca wants to fight her way back to NXT Women’s Championship contention, but the martial arts expert wants to have her first taste! Who comes out of this match red hot in the midst of the summer heat?

The bell rings and Bianca tackles Xia right to a corner! She rams her shoulder in again and again until the ref backs her off. Bianca stomps Xia down then backs off again. Xia hits back but Bianca clubs her down. Bianca shows she is the fiercest right now as she throws Xia to a corner. Xia dodges but Bianca grabs Xia’s hair! Xia goes to elbow out but she gets chicken wings, for the Glam Slam! Shout out to Beth Phoenix, then a handspring moonsault! Bianca kips up to remind us she’s also the nimblest! Xia bails out while Bianca tells her to kiss this. Bianca then goes to fetch Xia at the apron. She hip tosses Xia in, and then stalks her to the other side. Xia elbows back, but runs into Bianca’s arms for a Fall Away Slam! Bianca doesn’t even need to fall with her to do it, because she’s also the strongest.

Bianca eggs Xia on, and toys with her. Xia shoves back, but Bianca clubs her down. Bianca drags Xia up for a suplex, and holds her up for some squats! But Xia slips out to kick away on Bianca’s legs! Then on Bianca’s chest in the corner! Xia whips but Bianca reverses, but Xia goes up and jumps over! Xia comes back but Bianca runs her over! Bianca drags Xia up, torture racks, and hits the KoD! Cover, Bianca wins!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall

The Kiss of Death puts another one away, but Bianca is not satisfied. She wants at the title, but when and where will she get her next chance?

Killian Dain is back in the film room.

“I’ve heard what everybody’s saying.” He wasn’t going to attack anybody from behind. But Matt Riddle isn’t just anybody. Matt Riddle is a “somebody.” A former UFC fighter, and the toughest in his world. The Beast of Belfast brutalized the Bro because in his world, there is no discipline, no weight classes and no rules. Putting Riddle through that stage was just a glimpse of Dain’s world. Dain can’t wait to show Riddle everything, and welcome him to his world. What will happen to Riddle when he enters Dain’s world between those four corners?

Mia Yim strikes again!

Jessamyn Duke was wrapping up in the WWE Performance Center when the Head Baddie in Charge got her just like she did Marina Shafir! A slam of the locker door, “Surprise, motha f****!” Mia would slam Jessamyn into a counter then kick her into the lockers. “You think this is a game?!” Mia uses a second locker door to SMASH Jessamyn’s arm! The HBIC ain’t nothin’ to play with, but will these guerrilla tactics force Shayna Baszler to give Mia a title match?

The NXT North American Champion, Velveteen Dream, is here!

Fans cheer as the Patrick Clark Experience makes his way out, sporting a new take on his Hollywood Dream jacket. Dream takes up the mic and says, “The only way that the Dream will step down as the NXT North American Champion is the day the Dream dies!” And that day the Dream dies, Dream will go straight to hell! Because that’s what it would feel like to be without this title. Because that’s what it felt like the day Roderick Strong sold his soul to Satan himself to win over Dream. Dream couldn’t even finish that sentence.

Strong is a hell of a man, and Strong can go all night. But no matter who or what Strong is, if he gets the Experience he wants, the same Experience everyone wants, it’ll be the same as before! “The spotlight will hit, the Dream will be over, and just like that, Strong will know he is not big enough to ride this ride.” Fans like the sound of that. But Dream does feel there is someone big enough and bad enough. If they’re within the sound of Dream’s voice, then Dream wants to experience them! But here comes Roderick Strong himself to respond!

“Oh, wow, Dream. Cool story.” But Strong doesn’t think Dream believes his own words. But at least now Strong knows why Dream’s been ducking him. “You’re scared.” Yes, he said it! Even with those glasses on, Strong can see it in his eyes. So Dream takes the glasses off to show his eyes. But Strong says he is not only the most deserving challenger on this continent, he is also the real deal and could take the title like that! So Strong wnats Dream to listen: “Give me what I want.” Dream VS Strong, TakeOver: Toronto! The result: The Experience DIES! And that is Undisputed.

But wait, is that… PETE DUNNE!? The Bruiserweight is away from NXT UK to be here on NXT Prime! And while the longest reigning WWE United Kingdom Champion finally lost that title, he has come back for a title he’s wanted ever since the One and Only had it. And he also gets some revenge on Strong by grabbing and SNAPPING the fingers! Strong goes reeling, and now Experience is alone with Bruiserweight. Dunne smiles at the title, but Dream holds it close. Dream leaves without a word, but will NXT GM William Regal have something to say about this potential Dream match?

Roderick Strong storms his way to William Regal’s office.

Just the man they each wanted to see. What is Dunne doing here?! And who does Dunne think he is staking a claim at Strong’s opportunity? Strong pinned Dream, so he should be next in line! Not Dunne! Regal does agree, but he was talking with Johnny Saint, the NXT UK GM. They’ve talked it out, and they agreed that Dunne would be part of the NXT Prime roster for a little while. Oh just great! But TakeOver: Toronto was going to be Dream VS Strong, as it should. But now it’ll be Dream VS Strong VS Dunne for the title! Oh of course! This favoritism again. But Strong will accept that, so long as he gets Dunne next week to make sure he doesn’t make it to Toronto. Regal will consider that, but for now he dismisses Strong. Will Strong and Dunne get even with each other on the road to their shared Experience?

Io Shirai VS Kacy Catanzaro!

The Evil Genius has changed just about everything, from her entrance to her gear to her attitude, after losing another NXT Women’s Championship match. But will this change of character change her luck and get her back on top?

The bell rings, and Shirai shotgun dropkicks KC down to a corner! THen corner to corner meteora! Shirai drags KC up, underhooks, and hits a butterfly backbreaker! But here comes CANDICE LERAE! Mrs. Wrestling wants revenge and she goes right at Shirai!

Winner: Io Shirai, by disqualification

Enziguri rocks Shirai out of the ring! Candice then DIVES and takes Shirai to the barriers! Fans are fired up as Candice grabs herself a chair. She chases Shirai into the ring but then Shirai bails out. Candice is furious but Shirai just shrugs this sneak attack off. Shirai no longer wants friends, but she’ll surely regret making an enemy of Candice. When and where will Shirai have to face the consequences of her actions?

NXT hears from Adam Cole.

“Once again, NXT Management trying to screw over the Undisputed Era.” First, Roderick Strong, the rightful #1 contender to the North American Championship, now has to face two men for no reason. Strong is one of the best, so Cole has faith Strong will walk out the new champion. Then the Street Profits accept the challenge of O’Reilly and Fish. Toronto is becoming the Undisputed Era’s prophecy of holding all the gold realized! Which brings Cole to him and Gargano. Gargano claims his fall will be the definitive one, but as far as Cole is concerned, what is definitive is just a classic wrestling match. You know, the stipulation Cole beat Gargano in at TakeOver: XXV. How fitting that Johnny “Wrestling” will lose and no longer be able to use that name anymore. And that is Undisputed. But will Cole really be able to repeat TakeOver: XXV knowing he’ll still have Gargano’s Street Fight to deal with?

Keith Lee VS Damian Priest!

The Limitless One has been in NXT for a full year already, but he doesn’t feel very fulfilled. Opportunities should’ve come his way but for some reason they just didn’t. And now he looks to ascend and become infinite! But can he do so against the Archer of Infamy?

The bell rings and Lee circles with Priest. Fans sing “Oh~ Bask in His Glory~” for Lee but Priest just smirks. Priest and Lee tie up, and Priest wrenches Lee to a wristlock. He reels Lee in for a headlock then shifts to a hammerlock and back to the headlock. Lee powers Priest up with one arm, but Priest holds on. Lee powers out and the two collide. Neither titan topples, and they both smirk. Lee wags his finger, but Priest says he’ll run again. Only to kick away on Lee! Lee shakes it all off and keeps his cool. The two put up their dukes, and Priest dodges those fast hands from Lee! Lee dodges Priest’s kicks but so does Priest, even as Lee leaps for a sabat! Fans are shocked but the two just smirk.

Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” while Priest relaxes against ropes. But Lee has the fans chanting, and that annoys Priest. Priest rushes Lee but things speed up, Lee rolls over the back to run Priest over! Lee drags Priest up with one hand for a knuckle lock. Priest endures and pushes Lee, but Lee reels him in for a one-arm lift! Lee puts Priest down but Priest forearms free. Priest backs off, and baits Lee into a corner. Priest kicks a leg out then fires off strikes! The ref counts and Priest backs off, to come back and stomp Lee into the buckle! Lee is rocked as Priest brings him back up. Priest tries to suplex but Lee is too massive and mighty for that. Lee shoves but Priest counter kicks and clotheslines. Lee stays standing, but Priest kicks him again to then hit a discus clothesline! That takes Lee down! Cover, TWO!

Priest stays on Lee with a chinlock, digging his knee into Lee’s back. Lee endures and fans rally up for him. Lee pries free but Priest knees low. Priest goes to suplex again, but can’t get Lee up. Priest throws another forearm, but Lee blocks the whip. Lee reverses but Priest goes to the apron. Priest dodges then blocks, but Lee knuckle locks back! Priest powers back and climbs up the ropes, to go Old School for a crossbody! Cover, TWO and with power! But Priest isn’t upset, he actually seems to like Lee has this much left. Priest drags Lee up by his jaw, but Lee clamps on. Priest clubs Lee down, but Lee comes up. Lee denies the bow ‘n’ arrow pose, and holds on even as Priest clubs him again. Priest can’t break free or club Lee down. Lee clubs Priest down now! And again, and again!

Lee shoves Priest to a corner for a heavy left! Then runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Priest is dazed but he’s still in this. Lee drags Priest up again and into a bomb, but Priest spins out. Lee elbows Priest but Priest elbows back! And boots back! But Lee counters, swings, but Priest throat chops! Priest manages to hit the Falcon Arrow on Lee!! Cover, TWO!! Both Priest’s power and Lee’s resilience are incredible! But this is far from over as Priest drags Lee back up. Priest fires off hands and kicks, and a spinning elbow, but Lee gives that one back! Priest boots, Lee Grizzly Magnum CHOPS! Lee whips, runs, and POUNCES! Priest flew to the corner! Fans fire up with “Keith Lee! WOOP WOOP!” and Lee gathers their energy.

Lee goes over to Priest but Priest bails out. Lee follows and puts Priest back in. Priest knees Lee out, then catches his breath while Lee is down. Lee climbs back up as the count climbs, but Priest FLIES out, to be caught?!? Lee has Priest up for a bomb, but Priest slips out to ear clap and BOOT Lee into the steps! Priest grins as he watches Lee wince. But then Lee gets up with a glare on his face! Lee backs Priest down and they go into the ring. Priest uses the ref as a shield! For a sucker Cyclone Kick! And the Reckoning rolling cutter!! Cover, Priest wins!!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall

The Archer of Infamy denies Lee from being infinite! Will Priest continue to #LiveForever by any means necessary?

My Thoughts:

A really good episode of NXT right here! This week’s Breakout Tournament match was great, even with it being less high impact and high speed. We get a lot of character out of Myles and Garza this time, which is perfect because these two guys have a lot of charisma. I was shocked Myles wins with a German Suplex, even if it had that modified bridge. This is going to be huge for Myles since the finals will be at TakeOver: Toronto. Bronson Reed VS Cameron Grimes next week might be the high impact match since both guys are big and bulky. Either guy would be a great test for Myles as far as clash of styles, but I feel it has to be Grimes that wins. I’m more aware of who Grimes was as Trevor Lee than Reed was as Jonah Rock.

I did not expect Belair VS Li tonight but they did really great, especially with Belair being so aggressive and dominant. Maybe Belair comes out after Toronto primed for another shot at the title. And it’d be great if it was Mia Yim as champion, because those two had a pretty solid series. Mia was amazing with this second ambush segment. This is a great way to write in how the Horsewomen won’t be able to help Shayna this time, and I expect Mia and Shayna to have an amazing match for that reason. I thought Shirai VS Catanzaro was going to be a squash, but Candice attacking was even better! Between this and Dain VS Riddle, TakeOver: Toronto might as well have multiple grudge matches to rev things up at the start. These just feel too important to make for the “post” TakeOver episode.

Gargano and Cole did great with their stipulation selection promos. I’m only a touch disappointed in Cole choosing a normal match, but he does have a point that the TakeOver: XXV match was that and he won. Their match has to go to the end, because then we can get the amazing moment of Regal announcing his stipulation is something truly wild, probably Last Man Standing. Dream, Strong and Dunne had a great segment together, and it’s pretty great that we’re getting a Triple Threat for the NXT North American Championship. Also this gives us an understanding of what Trent Seven has been talking about on NXT UK about Dunne being busy somewhere else. Dunne might very well be the winner instead of Strong, or he could technically be why Strong wins at all. I still predict Toronto is all or nothing for Undisputed Era’s prophecy.

The main event tonight was great! Priest VS Lee was so good, and it totally works for Priest to resort to cheap tactics to win. It will up his Heel status while also pushing Lee’s story of feeling down. Lee’s pursuit of “becoming infinite” is going to be a great story to carry him and NXT through the summer towards TakeOver: WarGames III/Chicago on Survivor Series weekend. If anything, Lee moves up to be in position for a title by then, and I really, really hope this year’s WarGames match has the Undisputed Era in a Winners Take All situation against big names like Lee, Riddle and maybe Street Profits in a rematch assuming they lose to reDRagon. I say Street Profits because I don’t see another new tag team springing up in the time between then and now.

My Score: 8.6/10

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

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Coverage

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

Will the Ace go global?

Published

45 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

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

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.2.2024

Under Siege is tomorrow! Yeah the card looks pretty awful, but maybe this Go Home will spice things up!

Published

21 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Not gonna mislead anyone here, Under Siege looks nearly as bad as a Steven Segal film by the same name. Lots of useless tag matches, only really the X Division title to care about. It reminds me of a “Road to” show that New Japan does. Bunch of worthless matches with a few story wrinkles but entirely skippable.

Hopefully something crazy happens or the show is good enough to cover the bad card. But let’s hope something happens tonight to maybe create some reason to watch.

.@TheSamiCallihan debuts the first episode of #DMTV! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/OWrTeBtRZ6

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

Ratings:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin: Ali wins via 450 – **
Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich: Lish wins via Russian Death Device – ** 1/4
Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – *
#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz: Ace wins via The Fold – ***
TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita: Grace retains via Juggernaut Driver – *** 1/2

Results:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin

Ali with a simple Headlock takeover, Bey fights back up and tries to create something with a rope run; but Ali gets the best of things with a Back Elbow. Ali gets cocky as Bey retreats to the corner, Bey turns things around quickly, lands the 10 Count Punches in the corner, Ali tries to fight back but Bey snaps off a quick DDT for a near fall. As Bey goes to continue the offense, Ali Drop Toe Holds Bey into the ropes neck first. Ali again, demonstrating some of the worst in-ring trash talk, Bey turns things around since Ali is running his mouth too much. Ali gets set in the Tree of Woe, Bey goes across to another corner and does a Coast to Coast Elbow Drop as Ali tries to sit up. Honestly, stupid looking since its obviously too coordinated. No one would stay half sat up just to eat an elbow.

While the move looked cool, I now care significantly less about what’s going on. Illogical spots just because “they’re cool”, should not be rewarded. Bey controls the match after the stupid spot, hits his Corner Uppercut Hip Attack, Ali tries to duck a few moves and create something but eats a Spinebuster for 2. Art of Finesse attempt, but Ali shoves him to the outside. Working back inside Ali goes for his Rolling Neckbreaker but Bey connects with a Roundhouse Kick to stop Ali in his tracks. Fighting Spirit spot, they run into the ropes, Ali has a bad Double Leg takedown that he tries to turn into a Cradle with feet on the ropes, but Ace pushes the feet off.

As security starts to move on Ace, Ali hits a Suicida, then Bey connects on a Tope con Hilo. Bey starts rocking Ali, hits the Kudome Valentine but Ali manages to pull himself under the bottom rope just enough to avoid losing. Bey climbs the corner, Ali German Suplexes Bey to the apron, Ali goes for the 450, misses, Bey goes to finish the match but the security get involved again, hit Bey with the flag and then Ali lands the 450 for the win.

I liked when the Security Guards were window dressing instead of mooks to cheat with. This just makes the matches dumber and significantly less interesting, especially when its nameless mooks and its not even a talent getting heat.

Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich

Dani starts strong and fast, forearm shots, lariats and a quick near fall sends Alisha retreating to the ropes to get some advice from Masha. Dani goes to attack Lish, Lish with a Drop Toe Hold, Masha takes advantage of the distracted ref and Lish hits a Satellite DDT and then taunts entirely too much. As Lish talks too much, Dani stands up and starts beating the hell out of Lish, Suplex into the rope assisted Blue Thunder Bomb. Dani goes for the Luna Landing, but Masha climbs on the apron, distraction happens, then Lish goes after Jody and the ref stays distracted with Lish. Masha slides into the ring, Roundhouse Kick into the Russian Death Device and Lish turns around for the win!

Sami’s little segment is aptly named DMTv since it feels like a weird hallucination or trip with the way he does stuff.

Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner

Am I supposed to care about this? Hammerstone looks like he’s chiseled out of granite and Deaner looks like he’s fished out of a trailer park. Hammerstone says a lot of how I feel that the Deaner schtick is pathetic. Deaner says he’s given the power to add a stipulation, Hammer says Arm Wrestling Match, Deaner wants a Sin City Street Fight. So we know what the crowd will pick. Christ this is so carny even Court Bauer blushed.

Deaner bonks Hammer with the mic, low dropkick, goes to grab a trash can lid and hits Hammer…but it just pisses off Captain Hammer. Stomps a mudhole in him, Irish Whip into a Back Elbow and Hammer deposits him to the outside to utilize the gimmick I would assume. This is going on much longer than it should, Deaner finds a chair, clocks Hammer once, goes for Twice, but this isn’t Kpop; so Hammer says no and hits him with a Backbreaker. Then Hammer hits him with a chairshot, 10 Count Punches in the corner, Sack of Shit, Deaner goes for the Ricky Morton lean against the ropes and sell to the crowd spot, but Hammer leans into him and starts using the chair again.

Deaner does his nerd Hulk Up, tries to call for a Body Slam but Hammer doesn’t move and drops the dweeb down. Deaner is back to the begging the crowd Ricky Morton spot…but the crowd doesn’t care since Deaner is a jabroni. Hammer tosses Deaner like a pizza ribs first into the back of the chair and just takes a few moments to revel in his handwork. Deaner fights back, lands a few right hands, tries to call for the Body Slam again like an idiot, gets Hammer half way and falls over so Hammer just rains down punches (can we end this waste of time please). Hellavator, I mean Nightmare Pendulum but Deaner floats over and lands the Scoop Slam onto the steel chair for only 2.

The crowd starts chanting for table, so of course Deaner obliges…this is going on so damn long. Hammer no sells the forearm, Vertical Suplex, goozle, and then Hammer Chokeslams Deaner through the table and calls to for the Torture Rack. Deaner is Rack’d and dead. ‘Bout damn time.

Like a Torpedo, Something is there…

Trent The Seventh and Ball Of Speed, alongside Broken Matt Hardy, are geared up to render The System obsolete tomorrow night at #TNAUnderSiege! pic.twitter.com/laEOlXayIc

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

I’m mad at myself that I popped for Ball of Speed. I’m not even sure why, but I like it.

"Can you please get fired?"

.@joehendry's live apology transformed into a new hit about @AJFrancis410! The "apology" song took things HIGHER than ever! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/6P7pDFbK3p

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it at least 3 dozen times, Joe Hendry is a treasure. Starting with a medley of the insult songs to lead into the Creed parody is genius. Odd apology, but I respect it. “Can you please get fired…”, such a great song.

#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz

Typical Junior style start with counters and some chain wrestling and then a quick tension spot where Trey slaps Ace and then they fire off on each other for a few seconds before they get broken up because its just a shmoz. Trey baits Ace to the outside, Up and Over but Ace lands on the apron and then Wentz picks the ankle as Trey feigns injury to distract the referee. Back Rake back into the ring and just insulting Knife Edge Chops at a deliberate pace. Commercial break happens and Trey is still in charge. Ace shoots the Double and turns it into a Jacknife Cradle for 2 but Ace is still visibly hobbled.

Trey tries to keep Ace grounded but he tries to fire up and Trey finds different ways to keep Ace grounded including a Running Bodyscissors into Full Mount. Kick combination rush from Trey as he goes for the Asai Moonsault to punctuate it but Ace gets the knees up. Short range Knee Strike, Click Click Boom, Corner Splash Seated Lariat spot into a Triangle Kick for 2! Ace looks to set up The Fold, Wentz distracts, Trey grabs tights! But Ace kicks out! Trey with the Backflip Back of the Head Dropkick. Bey levels Wentz and Trey is talking shit to the fans, Ace goes for the Crucifix Pin, but kicks out at 2.

Jackie Bryant Headlock Kick from Trey, but Ace blocks it. Triangle Kick misses, Ace tries to jump on him but misses, Cheeky Nandos, then Trey heads up but Ace cuts him off. They struggle on the top rope, Trey Bell Claps Ace, Ace tries to duck but Trey turns it into the Sunset Flip, locomotion float away, Ace Face Stomp into The Fold! Ace wins!

.@TheEricYoung and @Walking_Weapon make their intentions clear: they're walking into #TNAUnderSiege ready to take down @SteveMaclin and @FrankieKazarian! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/idI78rvsYJ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

The Bald Bearded Canadians, good ole team BBC…wait…

TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita

They start off respectfully, which is what you expect since Miyu is well respected in this generation. A few Headlock Takeovers, Shoulder Blocks and finally Miyu drops Jordynne with a Switchblade Kick. Miyu goes to follow up, but Jordynne catches the kick and T-Bone Suplex gives Jordynne a near fall. Juggernaut Driver early, but Miyu counters, rams Jordynne into the corner, Triangle Kick from Miyu for 2! Cravat into Knee Strikes and then a PK to the spine keeps Miyu in control. Miyu lets Jordynne up and they trade strikes a bit, Jordynne’s arms prove to be a little stronger than Miyu’s legs, takes out the legs and then the Jackhammer on the floor from Jordynne!

Jordynne tries to roll Miyu back in, but Miyu continues to roll out to buy some space, Jordynne goes for a dive and eats a foot. Miyu looks for an Apron Death Valley Driver, Jordynne fights it a while but Miyu eventually gets her over and down on the apron for 2. Miyu with a Headlock Takeover, but both ties the other one up and the ropes save the awkward but effective exchange. Strike exchange number 2. Miyu no sells a few Scoop Slams and lands Round Kicks. Spinning Backfist and Round Kick connect simultaneously for both women to drop.

Jordynne charges, Pink Striker tries to block with the front kick, but Jordynne plows through with a Back Elbow. Kinniku Buster attempt but Miyu knows how to get away from that and fights off with Knee Strikes, Jordynne is rocked but fights back up and Avalanche Back Body Drop for 2! Jordynne no sells a Roundhouse Kick, Miyu no sells a Lariat then another kick from Miyu and a Back Kick to the face for 2. Skull Kick attempt, blocked, Juggernaut Driver out of nowhere to retain!

Overall Score: 6.25/10

The second half of the show was pretty damn good, but God was the first half useless. Hammerstone and Deaner went on far too long, that was dumb, it looked dumb, I felt dumb watching it. Ali’s match was garbage with the stupid spot monkey indie garbage spot. If I want to watch wrestling that makes less sense than Chinese Dramas with Hindi subtitles, I’ll watch AEW and have a stroke.

Thankfully, Joe Hendry got a good chunk of time, the Trey and Ace match was pretty good and overlooking the stupid run in after match stuff, the Knockouts match itself was pretty damn good. So the new bookers have really consistently done this stuff, where there’s a ton of overbooked stupidity, but they sprinkle in enough okay stuff to make me not completely lose faith. OH – and we do get Kushida versus Gresham tomorrow, so at least that strengthens the lackluster card.

Lets see if they ever figure out how to really book, or if they eventually go full TNA 2015.

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