Who is truly Undisputed?

Drew McIntyre crossed the line at Elimination Chamber, and now he MUST defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes! Will this finally settle the score between them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Dr. Wagner III; Melo wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Kiana James & Giulia; Charlotte & Alexa win and will challenge for the titles.
• WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Tag Turmoil: Damian Priest & R-Truth win and will challenge for the titles.
• Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae VS Oba Femi; Oba wins.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Cody Rhodes; Cody wins and becomes the new Undisputed WWE Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Randy Orton is here!

Portland, Oregon cheers as The Viper makes his way to the ring, and they sing along with Voices as he fist bumps and high-fives the front row. Orton then steps into the ring, hits his pose on the corner, then grabs the mic. Orton takes a moment to hear the fans cheer him on, and he tells Portland, “Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!” The fans cheer and even chant “R K O! R K O!” Orton says he got here earlier today, he swears he was on time. Let’s say it was this morning. And that sign was already up. The fans cheer as Orton points to the WrestleMania sign. Orton says he glanced at it throughout the day.

And it got him to thinking. Orton’s a numbers guy, he knows how many WrestleManias he’s been in, but he was thinking about each individual WrestleMania he was in. There’s been TWENTY of them! And then Orton realized… He’s only main-evented two. The fans boo that low number, but Orton says it goes to show that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done, how many world titles or any titles you’ve won, or many records you’ve set, there’s no guarantee you’re going to Mania, let alone main eventing it. Orton says, “But here we are.” And he can officially say that Randy Orton IS going back to the main event of WrestleMania!

The fans cheer again, “R K O!” “You Deserve It!” Orton says okay, he’s never been the guy to stand in this ring and say he’s the best. He’s just not wired that way. But he does let his peers do the talking, and a lot of them, it really blows his mind, they put him in that category. Men Orton admired growing up, like Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Harley Race, they put Orton in that category! Hell, JBL used to sit at that desk, week in and week out, watching Orton do his thing, and JBL would say that Randy Orton is what you get if you were to build a pro-wrestler from the ground up. The way that makes Orton feel is something else,

So when Orton looks in the locker room now and sees the men he shares that locker room with, the amazing, talented men he shares a locker rom with, it makes Orton proud as hell to know he is still doing this after all this time, and people still consider him at the top of his game, in the spot that he is in! The fans cheer that! Orton says don’t get it twisted, this opportunity wasn’t handed to him, no one gave it to him, he earned this sumbish! Now, when it comes to the main event of WrestleMania 42, he doesn’t know who his opponent’s gonna be, but we’ll know in a few hours. Needless to say, Orton feels very different about the two possibilities.

“Whether it’s Drew McIntyre…” The fans boo that name… Or whether it’s Cody Rhodes.” The fans are torn on that name. Orton says it doesn’t matter, he isn’t leaving Vegas empty handed. He goes in with a chip on his shoulder, and he leaves with the Undisputed Championship around his waist! The fans cheer that! Orton says that he plans on accomplishing that one way: By using the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment. The R K- Wait! The lights go out? Because TRICK WILLIAMS is here! Portland chants “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” as Trick stands on stage. Trick shakes off his fur coat to show off the denim.

Trick has them cut his music, and he says reporting to us live, the sexiest and most entertaining superstar alive, Trick Williams has finally arrived! “And the truth is, Randy, I’ve got voices in my head, too. And they telling me I got a bone to pick with you. Because we all know Trick Williams should be in the main event of WrestleMania getting that title shot!” The fans boo that, but Trick says he has another problem that might be bigger than that. Orton came out on Saturday, came to Trick’s Chamber, and standing on his tippy toes, he told Trick he wasn’t 6’5″! The fans boo but Trick is here now, in Orton’s ring! Orton says yeah, let’s go ahead and measure!

Trick says he and Orton are eye to eye, and it ain’t cuz of these lemon pepper step- RKO!! The fans cheer as The Viper shuts Trick up! Trick still needs to learn not to get too close, because Orton can strike outta nowhere! But to Orton’s point, will it be American Nightmare or Scottish Terminator that meets him in Sin City?

Carmelo Hayes talks with Nick Aldis.

The United States Champion shakes hands with the SmackDown General Manager, and asks “Slick Nick” about tonight’s Open Challenge. Aldis says Melo’s been doing a tremendous job as US Champion, fighting with integrity and honor, and that’s a great thing for SmackDown. Melo says he was worried about this, because they’ve always been a little tense… Aldis says yeah, but that’s all in the past. For tonight, the requests are coming in from all over WWE and even all over the world. But one in particular will be a tremendous match-up. Melo asks who it is, but then says never mind, he’ll just see them out there,

Aldis says alright, and Melo heads out. Aldis says now that is a champion. Then just who is it that thinks they can dethrone H1M?

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS ???

SmackDown returns and Melo waits on the corner. Who is here to challenge him? AAA’s Dr. Wagner III! Will the AAA Latin American Champion soon add another title to his collection?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Wagner then DROPKICKS Melo right into a corner! Wagner gets moving and CANNONBALSL! The fans fire up while Melo goes to the apron. Wagner runs up but Melo blocks a shot to ROCK Wagner! Melo slingshots but into an ENZIGIRI! Melo falls, Wagner goes to the apron, and Wagner CANNONBALLS Melo down! Wagner puts Melo in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Melo toughs it out but Wagner scoops him for a SLAM! Wagner goes up a corner, Melo stands, and Wagner MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Melo survives but Wagner drags him up to scoop again.

Melo fires elbows then whips, then blows past Wagner to roll off Wagner’s back and DROPKICK in return! The fans cheer as Melo then baits Wagner in, dodges him, and runs. Wagner dodges but Melo kicks low. Melo tries to suplex but Wagner’s much taller and sturdier. Wagner suplexes but Melo cradle counters! TWO, but Melo gets moving! Only for Wagner to FLAPJACK him! Wagner whips, Melo grabs ropes, then Melo dodges Wagner to put him through ropes! Melo KICKS away at the legs, then puts Wagner in place for the FADE AWAY JUMPER! The fans fire up as Melo flexes, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Melo watches Wagner go outside, so he goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Wagner and the fans fire up with Melo! Melo drags Wagner up, puts him in the ring, then hurries to cover, TWO! Melo gets moving, but he runs into another FLAPJACK! And then a BOOT! Wagner huffs ‘n’ puffs but he still covers, TWO! Wagner drags Melo around, stands him up, and CHOPS him to the corner. Wagner fires body shots and a CHOP, then snapmares for a CHOP to the back! Then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Melo survives but Wagner keeps close. Wagner stands Melo up, whips him to ropes, btu Melo reverses. Melo kicks a leg out, then hits the NO LOOK DDT! Cover, TWO!

Melo is a bit stunned but Wagner isn’t a champion himself for no reason. Melo brings Wagner up, CHOPS him down, then brings him up again. Melo CHOPS Wagner again, and Wagner drops to a knee. Melo stands Wagner up, btu Wagner CHOPS Melo down! Wagner stomps Melo, puts him in the corner, then RAMS him! Wagner whips corner to corner, runs in, and CHOPS! Wagner puts Melo up top, climbs up, but Melo fights back! Melo fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, but Wagner hops down. Wagner ROCKS Melo, then goes right up top! SmackDown returns to single picture for the SUPER DUPER PLEX!!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Wagner crawls to the cover, TWO! Melo survives, but now he and Wagner throw hands! The fans rally, Wagner CHOPS but Melo CHOPS back! Wagner HEADBUTTS, then he ducks a lariat, but Melo ENZIGIRIS! But Wagner LARIATS on return! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wagner crawls his way over to cover, TWO! Melo survives but Wagner stands him up. Wagner whips, Melo reverses, then Melo ducks ‘n’ FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Then Melo kips up! The fans cheer and Melo fires off CHOP after CHOP! Wagner shoves Melo, Melo rebounds, but Wagner picks him up!

Melo slips free and tilt-o-whirls for LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! #DirtyDiana didn’t do it, but the fans rally behind H1M again. Melo aims, runs up, and FIRST- NO! Wagner turns the code breaker into a POWER- RANA from Melo! But Wanger rolls through to high stack, TWO! POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Melo survives again but Wagner takes aim now. The fans rally up as the elbow pad comes off. Wagner then runs, DISCUS- SUPERKICK from Melo! But the ROLLING ELBOW hits after all! Wagner scoops Melo, but Melo slips free and CLUBS Wagner! Wagner goes to a corner, he BOOTS Melo away, then he goes up! FLYING- FIRST 48!!

The fans fire up as Melo turns things around on Wagner! Cover, TWO!! Wagner survives and Melo is stunned! Melo hurries up the corner to go to the tried and true NOTHING BUT- NO! Melo misses! STEP-UP KNEE from Wagner! Then Wagner Electric Chair Lifts Melo! Spin and POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Melo barely survives but the fans are thunderous! Wagner goes up the corner, steadies himself, and MOONSAULT FLOP! Melo goes up now, and he tries again! NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, MELO WINS!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

It took a big three pointer to do it, but Melo scores the win! He shows respect to Wagner by helping him stand and handing him his belt. Melo raises Wagner’s hand, will we see Wagner back in WWE some day? And who will be next to challenge H1M for the gold?

Backstage interview with Ilja Dragunov.

Cathy Kelley is with the Mad Russian Dragon as he applauds that match. Cathy says another successful defense for Melo, who even gave the chance to Ilja last week. Ilja rejected that, but why? Ilja says he will answer that with his own question: How can you keep losing and still feel you deserve a shot? Others can do that, but Ilja never wanted to be like those other people. Well, that is a unique mindset, how did he develop that? From the greatest warrior he’s ever known: his mother. She was a kind-hearted woman, ridiculed every day by other people, but she was fighting just to survive. She worked, sacrifice, and carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.

So when people call Ilja a warrior, that means something to him. That means carrying the burden of being his mother’s son. He is simply carrying the weight, same as she would. Until he can be that warrior again, he will wait. The Miz says, “Wait? Wait? Back in my day, we were always taught to seize every opportunity. Always say yes! Yet, Carmelo Hayes offers you a United States Title match and you say NO? Why? Because mommy wants her little boy to be a warrior?” Ilja asks what Miz just said, but then Kit Wilson “apologizes” for interrupting. But what Miz is saying is Ilja’s masculinity has him so obsessed with violence that he’s become one thing: TOXIC.

Ilja wants to get this right: Miz thinks he should take the opportunity; and Kit thinks he should confront his violent tendencies. Then the only answer here is stepping into the ring. Fighting is always the answer. Ilja heads out, Miz says as locker room leader, this is Kit’s opportunity. Kit says no, Ilja was talking about Miz. Miz says Kit’s got this, and then he leaves. Did two men stick their feet in their mouths, only for one of them to get stuck in this situation?

Damian Priest talks with Nick Aldis.

The Archer of Infamy knows that with WrestleMania, everyone wants on the card, things are tough, but he heard he has a match tonight. Who is it against? Oh, he didn’t tell Priest? Who- “WHAT’S UP?!” R-Truth steps in! Truth asks if Aldis told Priest. Dawg, you in big trouble. What? You in turmoil. Well, so is Truth. Truth, English please. Aldis says they’re a team for Tag Team Turmoil! Didn’t Priest know about this? Is this okay? Truth says they could be a great team. Priest says yeah, sure, let’s do it. The new team heads out, and Aldis turns around to see Drew McIntyre. Drew says he had a chance to calm down since last week, so let’s be reasonable.

Drew says he is the face of this brand, and they made an agreement. If he won this title off Cody, Cody was not going to get a rematch without winning the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber. Cody won neither, so make things right and cancel tonight’s match. Make things right? Be reasonable? Aldis says what’s unreasonable is Drew looking Aldis in the eyes and telling him time and time again that he’d leave things alone and let them play out, but couldn’t do it! Drew went back on his word, so Aldis doesn’t have to keep his. Now, it is time to put up or shut up! Defend the title against Cody tonight, unless… he wants to forfeit?

Drew says it always feels like Drew VS The World. He’s beaten Cody before, he’ll beat Cody tonight. The only way Cody gets this title is if he pries it from Drew’s cold, dead hands! Aldis says then hold on tight. The match is still on, but will Drew regret screwing Cody over time and time again?

Nia Jax & Lash Legend are here!

The NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are in Portland, and they’re ready to celebrate! The ring is already decorated with balloons and the red carpet, champagne on ice! The Irresistible Forces strut down the ramp and right to the ring, belts in hand. The fans boo as they get mics, and Nia starts by saying, “Soak it all in, Portland~! Get a real good look at two six-foot thoroughbred stallions!” Lash says that’s right! Nia says now with these titles, they have the entire tag division on lock! Two of the most dominant women in the WWE! But they’re generous champions. They’re not just gonna settle. So any and all challengers are welcome!

“But to be fair, it won’t make a difference!” Lash says Nia is absolutely right. If anyone is brave enough to step to them, and try to take these tag team titles, just know if you run up, you gonna get done up. And all of those in the back, this is your first, last and only warning: The Irresistible Forces ain’t going nowhere. Thank you! So with that said, since it is also Women’s History Month, it is only fitting for them to toast! Cheers to the most grand, most dominant WWE tag team champions! They each take a glass, they clink, and they even get pyro! Only for Charlotte Flair to make her entrance!

Portland cheers The Queen, and she’s also got Lil’ Miss Bliss with her! The fans “WOO~” as #Charlexa have the mics. Alexa says, “Wow, Nia… Really happy for ya. Looks like you finally a coattail to ride all the way to the top. Looks like it’s really working out for ya. But we remember what actually happened. The only reason we lost those titles to The Kabuki Warriors is because you two cheaters interfered in our matches.” Nia & Lash act like they don’t know what she’s talking about, but Charlotte says if the champs want challengers… You’re looking at the next ones in, ladies. The two step into the ring, and they step up to Nia & Lash.

But wait! Giulia & Kiana James are here! Kiana has the mic to says, “Ladies, ladies, wait a minute. Do you all have some sort of memory issue? Because two weeks ago, I was in a Triple Threat match against Nia and Charlotte. And remind me who won that match again?” Charlotte says she doesn’t remember. Kiana says it was her! You all know it! And who pinned Alexa in Elimination Chamber? Oh, also Kiana. Giulia & Kiana plan on going to WrestleMania one way or another. Giulia says in Japanese that yes, yes, she can beat them, and them, and especially Alexa! That is to say, Giulia & Kiana walk into Vegas with the tag team championships!

Kiana tells Charlexa to do them all a favor and just step aside. Charlexa steps up instead, but Aldis has everyone hold on and take a breath. This is SmackDown! We don’t prove whose worthy of a title shot with a debate, we do it with action. Portland deserves some action, so we get Charlexa VS Kiana & Giulia, right now! The celebration for Nia & Lash is being cut short, but they at least get to enjoy their peers fighting it out. Will The Queen & Lil’ Miss Bliss head back for the gold? Or will they all succumb to Miss Management & Beautiful Madness?

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Kiana James & Giulia!

SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Giulia ROCKS Alexa. Giulia runs but Alexa arm-drags her down! Alexa has the armlock, she brings Giulia over, and tags in Charlotte. Alexa wrenches and YANKS Giulia, then Charlottoe gets her the boost to DROPKICK! Giulia rebounds but Charlotte RAMS her! Kiana tags in, but Charlotte RUNS her over! The fans fire up while Charlotte waistlocks. Kiana fights the hold, ELBOWS free, then whips Charltote. Charltote goes up and over, she BOOTS Kiana, then she BOOTS Giulia! The fans fire up as Charlotte then CANNONBALLS onto Giulia & Kiana!

Charlotte fires up with Portland and she brings Kiana back up. But Kiana POSTS Charlotte! Kiana then puts Charlotte in, pushes her to a cover, TWO! Kiana stomps away on Charlotte, then DECKS Charlotte with a right hand! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives but Kiana drags her up. Kiana bumps Charlotte off buckles, tags Giulia, and Giulia snapmares Charlotte for a basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Tag back to Kiana and she ROCKS Charlotte! And ROCKS her again! Then RAMS her into a corner! The fans rally but Kiana RAMS charlotte, then handsprings back for another RAM!

Kiana snapmares Charlotte, dribbles her off the mat, then STANDING MOONSAULTS, but onto knees! Charlotte hurries to BOOT Kiana! Kiana rebounds to BOOT Charlotte! Both women wobble, and they both fall down! The fans cheer while they reach out for their corners, hot tags to Giulia and Alexa! The fans fire up as Alexa RUNS Giulia over again and again! Then SHOTGUNS her down! Giulia swings but into a wrench, SLAP, ROCK, KNEE and DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Alexa as she gets moving, SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Alexa drags Giulia up but Giulia ROCKS Alexa again and again!

Giulia whips, Alexa reverses, but Giulia sunset flips! Alexa rolls through to basement DROPKKICK! Giulia flounders but Alexa runs up to DROPKICK her outta the ring! Alexa goes to the apron, CROSSBODIES, but Kiana is there to catch her! And SNAKE EYES off the apron! Kiana rolls in, Giulia YAKUZA KICKS! Giulia CHOKES Alexa while SmackDown goes picture in picture!

The ref reprimands but Giulia puts Alexa back in. Giulia pushes Alexa to a cover, TWO! Tag to Kiana and she drags Alexa around. Kiana steps over to HIP DRO! Kiana taunts Charlotte before she ROCKS Alexa! And ROCKS her again! Alexa wobbles, but Kiana DECKS her! Kiana puts Alexa on ropes to CHOKE her! The ref counts, Kiana stops at 4, and Alexa coughs and sputters. Kiana BLASTS Charlotte off the apron! Kiana then puts Alexa in the corner, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Kiana storms back up, but Alexa BOOTS her! Alexa hurries for her corner but Kiana grabs her first! Kiana bumps Alexa off buckles, tags Giulia, and Giulia CHOKES Alexa on the ropes!

Giulia bends Alexa back, taunts her the entire time, then runs to DROPKICK Alexa in the back! Cover, TWO! Giulia drags Alexa around, hooks up the legs, and pulls on the arms! Giulia SURFBOARD STOMPS Alexa down! Tag to Kiana, and Giulia sends Kiana in, only for the splash to miss! Alexa ELBOWS Giulia away, TOSSES Kiana, and hurries for her corner! But Giulia gets a leg! Alexa KICKS her away, but not Kiana grabs a leg! Only for Alexa to dodge the elbow! Hot tag to Charlotte! Charlotte goes up, up, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Charlotte fires up, and she CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS Giulia down, runs, but Kiana dodges!

Charlotte comes back and handspring LARIATS! SmackDown returns to single picture as Portland fires up for Charlotte! Giulia runs up, but into a scoop! FALL AWAY SLAM! Giulia lands next to Kiana, and Charlotte kips up! The fans fire up for Charlotte as she struts, then steps on Giulia & Kiana as she heads for the corner. Charlotte goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Kiana survives but Charlotte smirks. Kiana goes to a corner, Charlotte runs in, but Kiana BOOTS her away! Giulia sneaks the tag before Charlotte BOOTS Kiana! Giuila BOOTS Charlotte! Kiana hits a CODE BREAKER, Giulia hits the SAIDO! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up as Charlotte survives. Giulia throws a little fit before she rises up. Giulia drags Charlotte up while the fans rally, scoop and NORTH- NO, Charlotte slips free! GERMAN SUPLEX! Giulia flounders, Kiana runs in, but Charlotte BOOTS her! Alexa adds a tilt-o-whirl DDT! NATURAL SELECTION on Giulia! Cover, CHARLEXA WINS!

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The former champions win out, and now they’re on a direct course to facing Nia & Lash again! Will the Queen & #Blisster end the Irresistible Forces’ run before it even begins?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Cathy Kelley asks if Cody has a moment, and she brings up the Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, putting every obstacle in Cody’s path. Tonight’s match is Cody’s last opportunity before WrestleMania, how does he navigate it all? Cody says he just wants to “point at the dang sign.” Obstacle after obstacle, the only one that remains is Drew himself. What Cody would hope is that next time we speak, it’ll be with him as the NEW Undisputed Champion. Cathy wishes Cody luck, then heads out, and Sami Zayn steps in. Sami says he knows things have been icy between them, and he isn’t trying to get in Cody’s head or anything…

But this match, it’s crazy that this is even happening to begin with. Oh? What’s crazy about it? Sami says is Cody kidding? What’s crazy? Cody beat Sami to qualify for Elimination Chamber, controversy what it was, and Sami let that go. But then Cody lost Elimination Chamber. The whole point of Chamber is the winner gets the WWE Championship opportunity, and Cody lost! Yet Cody still gets tonight’s match, so once again, it all falls into Cody’s lap. Cody gets a second chance, but you know who isn’t? Sami.

Cody asks, “What is this?!” Second chance, first chance, what it sounds like is Sami posturing and politicking for a title match with Cody, and Cody hasn’t even won the damn thing! Wow, that’s what Cody thinks this is? Sami is being self-serving? Cody thinks Sami is angling his way in? He’s snaking his way into a WWE Championship match? Cody doesn’t know! Why doesn’t Sami just spit it out! Sami doesn’t know either!! Sami came here to say good luck. But it turned into all of this. Sami just wanted to say good luck. Because Cody may not believe it from how Sami’s been acting the last few weeks, but Sami is rooting for Cody. Sami wants what’s best for Cody.

So go out there, do what Cody Rhodes does best, and become WWE Champion… again. Cody says okay, and he heads out. Sami is still frustrated, and he slaps water bottles away. Will Sami be able to sort out what’s going on between his heart and his mind?

WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Tag Turmoil!

Once again, MFT holds the titles, but five teams are about to fight it out to take them on! But luck of the draw will have a lot to do with it, so who ended up the first ones out? It’s MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin got those titles before, can they make it back to the titles again? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and MCMG are starting against… FRAXIOM! The teams sort out, Shelley starts against Nathan Frazer, and they shake hands to show there is sportsmanship. They circle, tie up, and Frazer headlocks. Shelley wrenches to wristlock but Frazer slips to wrench back. Shelley spins, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Frazer rolls, handsprings, and cartwheels to then wrench back. Shelley breaks free to CHOP! The fans “WOO~” and Shelley brings Frazer up. Shelley snapmares but Frazer handsprings through! Frazer DROPKICKS and it clips Shelley enough. Sabin tags in as Frazer whips, Shelley reverses, but Frazer FLYING FOREARMS!

Shelley bails out, Frazer builds speed, but he fakes Shelley out to handspring back. But Sabin CLOBBERS Frazer! Axiom tags in, he runs up, and he steps over the roll up! ONE as Sabin sunset flips, but Axiom rolls through. Sabin turns the high stack into a sitting cover, TWO! Both men stand, Sabin wrenches Axiom to a backslide. Axiom rolls through, Sabin steps over, but Axiom trips him to step over. Sabin trips Axiom, rolls to ghost pin, TWO! Both men stand again, Axiom blocks a kick to spin Sabin. Axiom headlocks, Sabin powers up and out, but Axiom turns the hurdle into a FLAPJACK! The fans cheer the high speed exchange!

Axiom waistlocks, drags Sabin up, but Fazer tags in as Sabin bucks the O’Conner. Axiom kips up, SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF, but Shelley tags in. Shelley blocks Frazer’s kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Tag to Axiom, and Fraxiom starts up the speed combo! DDT takes Shelley down! Mule kick, front kick, and DROPKICK for Sabin! MCMG regroups outside and the fans fire up! Frazer DIVES and takes out Sabin! Axiom DIVES to take out Shelley! And then repeat! The fans fire up while MCMG is down! Fraxiom is in control while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Sabin tags in. MCMG whips Axiom to the corner, but Axiom ELBOWS Sabin, goes up and over Shelley to then duck under Sabin, hot tag to Frazer! The fans fire up as Frazer ROCKS Sabin, GAMANGIRIS Shelley, then springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! Shelley tumbles out, Sabin joins him, but Frazer FLIES out onto MCMG! Frazer puts Sabin in, springboards, but Sabin gets under! Frazer handsprings through, JUMP KNEES, but Shelley tags in before the whip. Sabin reverses, and MCMG starts up the Dream Sequence! DETROIT FACELIFT! Then Shelley tags Sabin back in!

Sabin says going up! Sabin turns Frazer while Shelley climbs, but Axiom YANKS Shelley down! Frazer rolls Sabin up, TWO! Sabin hurries up, rolls Frazer, but Frazer rolls through! Axiom tags in! Feed to the GAMANGIRI! Then Axiom goes up, LEG SEWEP DROPKICK COMBO! Cover, Shelley gives Sabin the ROPEBREAK! But Frazer SWATS it! Fraxiom ELIMINATES MCMG! The fans and the MCMG are stunned, but no time to rest! Los Garza rushes out here!

Fraxiom VS Los Garza!

Angel y Berto go right after Fraxiom! Angel TOSSES Axiom while Berto stomps away on Frazer! Berto whips corner to corner, Frazer reverses, but Berto goes up and over! Berto rolls Frazer, TWO, but deadlift POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Frazer survives but Berto tags Angel. Los Garza DOUBLE PUMP HANDLE SUPLEX Frazer, then high stack, but Axiom breaks it! Berto SUPERKICKS Axiom, Frazer SUPERKICKS Berto! Angel pops Frazer up, FLAPJACK PUNT!! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives but Angel hurries up a corner. But Frazer goes up after him! Axiom tags in before the SUPERPLEX! Roll through and CHASING THE DRAGON! Cover, Berto breaks it!

Berto gets Frazer up, whips him to a corner, but Frazer goes up to RANA Berto out! Angel BOOTS Axiom, goes up, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom goes up to get Angel while Frazer goes up the other corner. But Berto SHOVES Frazer and Frazer hits barriers! Angel hits Axiom with a SUPER BULLDOG! Tag to Berto, and Los Garza hoist Axiom up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza ELIMINATE Fraxiom! But they can’t rest, either! Because THE WYATTS are next up!

Los Garza VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6!

The fans cheer and the fireflies come out as Uncle Howdy leads the way. Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis want the titles back, but will they make it to the end of this turmoil? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns as Lumis has Berto in a headlock. Angel tags in as Berto powers up and out, then Berto drops down for Angel to hold the ropes open! Lumis falls out hard! Angel talks trash on Lumis, then CLUBS away on him! Angel SMACKS Lumis off the apron, pushes him into the ring, then clamps on with a chinlock. Angelo CLUBS Lumis again, tags Berto, and they mug Lumis. Basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Lumis around for a HALF CRAB! The fans rally as Lumis endures, and Lumis fights to turn over. Lumis kicks and kicks and KICKS Berto away! Berot hurries to BLAST Gacy first! And BUZZSAW Lumis down!

Berto whips Lumis to the corner, LARIATS, then tags Angel. Angel ENZIGIRIS, Berto LARIATS, and Angel SPLASHES! Feed to Berto, he lifts Lumis, and Angel goes up! DOOSMDAY POWERBOMB! Cover, Gacy breaks it! The fans cheer and Gacy hurries back to the corner. Lumis crawls, Angel anchors him, but Lumis breaks free to SUPERKICK! Hot tags to Berto and Gacy! Gacy fires off haymakers on Berto, then on Angel! Gacy whips, Berto reverses, but Gacy whips Berto away to BOOT him! And then BOOT for Angel! DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up with Gacy and he deadlifts Berto for the BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Gacy drags Berto up, tag to Lumis. Lumis reels Berto in, but Angel rushes in! Gacy & Lumis DOUBLE SUPERKICK him down! Angel is down, the ref checks on him, but TONGA LOA drags Gacy out of the ring! The fans boo but the ref misses it! Lumis sees Tama Tonga, swipes at him, but Berto rolls Lumis up, with tights! LOS GARZA ELIMINATE THE WYATTS! The fans boo as MFT screws over the biggest threat to their reign! But Gacy DIVES onto Tama & Loa! Los Garza still has to regroup fast as here comes Priest & Truth! They let The Wyatts and MFT brawl past them first, then they go to the ring. Truth asks the fans, “WHAT’S UP?!” as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Los Garza VS Damian Priest & R-Truth!

Truth steps up, but Angel runs up! Truth TOSSES Angel out, has the fans fire up, then he goes out after Angel. Angel slides back in, but Truth picks up the Mexican flag vest. Truth tries to figure out which way it goes, but then uses it to OEL~ Angel! But then Angel SUPERKICKS Truth down! Angel drags Truth up, snapmares him to the ropes, then CHOKES him! The ref counts, Angel stops, and he tags Berto. Berto sits Truth up for the DOUBLE KICK SANDWICH! Los Garza soaks up heat while Truth sputters. Berto shoves Truth to the cover, ONE!! Truth is tougher than that but Berto drags him back up,

Berto snapmares and runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Truth survives again but Berto CHOKES him on the ropes again. The ref counts, Berto backs off, but Angel gets a BOOT in! Priest protests but Angelo drags Truth to the corner. Berto digs his boot in, stops as the ref counts, and Berto tags Angel. Angel sends Berto at Priest! Then Angel SPLASHES Truth! Angel then holds Truth up for Berto’s LEAP FROG ATTACK! Angel DECKS Truth, covers, TWO! Truth survives again but Angel clamps onto him with a chinlock. Truth endures, fights up, and fires body shots. But Angel CLUBS Truth down!

Angel wags his finger, then winds up, but Truth avoids the lariat! Angel rebounds but Truth CALF KICKS! Truth and Angel are both down, and they crawl for their corners, hot tags to Berto and Priest! Priest rallies on Los Garza with haymaker after haymaker, and KICK after KICK! Even SPIN KICK after SPIN KICK! Los Garza go to corners, Priest runs and ELBOWS Berto! SmackDown returns to single picture as Priest runs to ELBOW Angel! Priest LARIATS Berto, then FLATLINERS Angel! The fans fire up with Priest as he powers up his arm. Priest winds up, runs, but Berto bails out! The fans boo but Priest goes out the side.

Priest runs around the way, and he POUNCES Angel onto the desk! The fans fire up, but then Berto WRECKS Priest with a dropkick! Berto keeps moving, and he DIVES! Priest is sent into the desk! Berto puts Priest in, but Priest guzels! Berto slips free, springboards, and FLYING CHUCKS! Berto puts Priest in the drop zone, goes up the corner, and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Priest survives and Berto can’t believe it! The fans rally up as Berto drags Priest up, but Priest counters to a BROKEN ARROW! Truth wants in, so Priest tags him! The fans cheer as Truth ROCKS Berto again and again, then ducks ‘n ‘dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE!

Truth SHOULDER TACKLES gain, then hits Berto with the SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans fire up and Truth says, “You Can’t See Me’! Truth runs for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! #RonCena gets Berto up, but Berto slips free! So Truth drop toeholds and steps through, S T F!! But Angel SPLASHES onto Truth! The fans boo as Angel drags Truth up, but Truth dodges the lariat! Priest tags in, Truth does his dance, and they sucker Angel into the ROUNDHOUSE! Priest steps in, “This is Awesome!” as he and Truth BELL CLAP Los Garza! Then a guzel for Berto, fireman’s carry for Angel, SOUTH OF HEAVEN and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, Truth & Priest win!

Winners: Damian Priest & R-Truth, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Champions)

From new team to new contenders, Priest & Truth are ready to go after MFT! Though, they might still be brawling with Wyatts even now. Will Priest & Truth have to wait until that sorts out to get their shot?

Randy Orton and Sami Zayn cross paths backstage.

Sami says hey, first of all, he heard everything Orton had to say, and he’s really happy for Orton. Orton thanks Sami for that. Sami asks Orton if he can ask him something. Orton says sure, and Sami says Cody qualified for Chamber because Drew got involved. Sami tried to do the right thing, but that’s whatever. In Chamber, Drew got involved again, Orton did the same thing back to Cody. So Sami just wants to know… How does he do it? How does Orton talk about Cody like he does, saying he’s one of Orton’s closest friends, and then he’s able to drop Cody the second he turns his back. How?

Orton asks if Sami wants him to be honest. Yes, please. Orton says sometimes, you gotta be selfish. Then Orton doesn’t think that makes him a bad person? Orton isn’t sure about all that, but it did make him a 14-time world champion. Well, Sami can’t argue with that. Sami says good luck at Mania, he really hopes Orton gets number 15. Orton appreciates that. And he tells Sami that he believes in Sami, too. Sami just needs to believe in himself. Everyone knows that one day, Sami will have world championship gold around his waist. But Sami just needs to try listening to the voices. Orton heads out, and Sami does think on that.

Sami then looks and sees Aleister Black & Zelina Vega. They say don’t worry about Orton, Sami, he can’t help himself. It’s the nature of the beast. Aleister & Zelina head out, but will they continue to shadow Orton until Orton himself gives into the darkness?

Rhea Ripley is here!

Portland cheers as Mami heads to the ring. She grabs a mic, and she tells SmackDown that she promised to be here, and she’s here. “So Jade, since you seem to have a lot you wanna say to me… Why don’t you come out here and say it to my face?” The fans cheer that, because here comes The Storm! The WWE Women’s Champion goes to the ring in her fluffy purple jacket and matching attire to fetch herself a mic. Jade circles with Rhea while the fans are torn, and Jade… offers a handshake? Rhea accepts it very carefully, but Jade doesn’t do anything underhanded. Jade explains that she gave Rhea that handshake because Jade does respect Rhea.

Jade respects Rhea’s accomplishments, she respects how the fans love Rhea, and how Rhea earned her way to see Jade at WrestleMania. As someone who works hard in the gym, Jade respects Rhea working hard to build the body she has. She does respect that. But she’s not impressed. Sure, Rhea’s arms are big, but Jade’s are bigger. Rhea’s legs are muscular, powerful even. But Jade’s are stronger! Hell, JADE is more powerful! And she is more worthy of the WWE Women’s Championship. Come WrestleMania, Jade beats the hell outta Rhea, and there’s nothing Rhea can do about it. Because Jade’s That B*tch!

The fans boo but Jade gives a mic drop. Rhea smirks and offers a handshake back. Jade accepts it, and Rhea explains that handshake is because Rhea respects the honesty. Rhea knows now what Jade does think of her. And maybe Rhea doesn’t impress Jade physically. But Rhea has to say, Jade does impress Rhea… physically. Jade’s shoulders might be bigger, Rhea will admit. Jade’s arms, too. And maybe her legs. And from the feeling of it, maybe even her head. But if Jade hits Rhea with her best shot, does Jade really think that Rhea will go down and stay down? Rhea says no. But if Rhea hits Jade with her best shot, there’s absolutely no way Jade gets back up.

The difference between them is that Jade’s body is built for show. Rhea’s body is built for fighting! Jade works out so she’s more aesthetically pleasing, Rhea works out so that her body can survive and thrive within the business! So when the bell rings, Jade can flex all she wants, it doesn’t matter! Because Rhea is going to FIGHT! And Rhea will take the title from Jade, and with force. And there’s not a damn thing Jade can do about it! Because Rhea is That B*tch! Mic drop from Mami and the fans are fired up! Jade and Rhea leave it at this, if only for now. We still have 43 days to go, who will back up their words with actions?

Johnny Gargano is still in a literal slump.

Alex Shelley is there and he says they’ve all known each other for a very long time. Candice didn’t marry this, what happened to the real Johnny? She’s been wondering that herself! Gargano ditched Candice during her match last week! Sabin asks what the hell! MCMG lose their shot at the tag titles, and Shelley’s first thought is to come back here and console Johnny? Well, Shelley feels everyone’s been really mean to Johnny lately, it’s time to let it go. Sabin asks Shelley why he didn’t break the pin at the end there. Shelley did! He put Sabin’s leg on the ropes, Frazer knocked it back off! Just look at the replay!

Sabin says let Candice handle Johnny, they need to talk. MCMG heads out and Candice says Johnny can’t keep doing this. He needs to get up and get back to being Johnny Wrestling! The man who believed he could do it yourself! Gargano sits up, and he gets on his feet. Johnny says she’s right. Let’s go! Wait, where? TO THE RING! Huh!? W-Well, okay! Candice follows Gargano, but what is Johnny thinking now?

The Wyatts speak.

Bo Dallas tells Solo Sikoa, “You keep putting your family members in compromising positions, without understanding the weight of consequence. You’ve become attached to something that does not belong to you. I will not rest until it is returned to me. Your family will constantly be looking over their shoulders, and will soon learn there is nothing left to do… but run.” The message has been sent, but will Solo care to listen?

Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae are in the ring.

SmackDown returns as Candice is pleased to see Johnny pacing again. He has the mic and says Candice is right. inside this ring, he is one of the best pro-wrestlers int he world, and he is tired of pretending that he’s not! It is about time everyone remembers who he is, but more importantly, it is time that HE remembers! He needs to be Johnny Wrestling again! And that starts TONIGHT! The fans do like where this is going, but Johnny says this is an open invitation to anyone in the locker room! Come on out here and get in this ring right now! Wait, even though Johnny’s not dressed? Who accepts this sudden open challenge? OBA FEMI DOES!

The fans fire up for “O~BA!” as he struts to the ring, and Johnny might be depressed again. But is Johnny about to be crushed by The Ruler instead?

Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae VS Oba Femi!

The bell rings and Johnny revs himself up! Johnny runs up, but Oba scoops him! Johnny slips free, fires forearms, then wrenches. But Oba just spins Johnny around to CHOP! Johnny sputters away, but Oba runs in at the corner, UPPERCUT! Oba keeps going, UPPERCUT! And then UPPERCUT! Johnny sputters as Oba UPPERCUTS again! And again! Oba finally stops so that he can pick Johnny up! SHOTPUT! The fans fire up with Oba, and he gets Johnny back up for the FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

Candice sighs. Just as Johnny was getting that fire back, it gets extinguished. Johnny is back to being in a slump, will he ever get out of this one?

Jade Cargill crosses paths with Mia Yim.

Michin asks if Jade forgot about her already. Because Michin done been waiting for her pound of flesh. Oh, Jade didn’t forget, she just has a million more important things going on. Speaking of, why’d Mia let Rhea skip the line? Cuz Rhea earned her shot. When Mia gets hers and takes that title, then Mia will worry about Rhea. Well, Jade’s done talking, she’ll see Mia next week! Jade heads out, and Mia has the fight she wants. Will Mia truly be the Head Baddie in Charge? Or will #ThatB*tch just make an example out of her?

Nick Aldis walks the halls.

But then he senses something. He looks left, then right, then back to the left and surprise! Danhausen! Aldis says hello and shakes Danhausen’s hand, and Danhausen says sorry, he was looking for the boss of SmackDown. He still needs his demandhausens met. Right, well, Aldis is the GM, nice to meet you. Oh, well, then hello, you can get Danhausen his Hall of Fame induction, and perhaps a mentor that will take Danhausen straight to the top! Aldis says it’s not really his job to- Oh, wait, hold on. Aldis walks down the way and yes, The Miz is there! Miz says hey, Aldis, he is trying to help all these young superstars, but-

Aldis knows, and he says it is fantastic. A man of Miz’s career accomplishments giving of his time and energy so selflessly to shape the future. And Aldis has someone for Miz to mentor! The brand new superstar, Danhausen! Danhausen says O M G, the Most Must-See WWE Superstar of All Time! This is Danhausen! No, Aldis, Miz needs someone he can teach his core values to! Master, Inspire, Zone-in! Yeah! NO! Ew, not some goth kid no one invited to the party! Danhausen says no, Miz is perfect for this! He has his legendary career, after all. So, Miz will help make Danhausen WWE Champion, then get his own show!

Miz is not mentoring him. Yes he is! No, he’s not! Yes he is! Because if he doesn’t, Miz is cursed! Miz laughs that off, but then Danhausen brings up Dom on Monday. Miz says look- Wait, where’d he go? Danhausen disappears as quickly as he came, but what will the curse do to Miz until he accepts the demandhausens?

Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Cody Rhodes!

For the better part of a TWO YEARS, The Scottish Terminator has complained, whined, moaned, accused, deflected, justified, blamed, and pretty much done everything but accept that he is his own worst enemy. And even now, after doing everything he could to take the title and keep the title, he still has to face the American Nightmare because of what he’s done. But will Drew now do anything he can to screw Cody over once and for all? Or will justice be served on the Road to WrestleMania?

The fans sing along with Kingdom as Cody makes his entrance, including the “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody continues to the ring, and he hands his weight belt to a young fan dressed in his own Cody costume. Cody then gets the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro before stepping into the ring. Then Drew makes his entrance, and Portland boos the entire time. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and in the end, there can only be one!

The bell rings and Drew tries to just walk!? The fans boo but Cody chases Drew down and CLOBBERS him at the ramp! The fans cheer now as Cody throws Drew into the LED tron! Cody fires hands, chases Drew back down the ramp, and sends him into railing while he does! Drew staggers along but Cody CHOPS him! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him! Cody whips Drew into and over the barriers! Cody drags Drew back to ringside, ROCKS him again, and BODY BLOWS! Cody fires hands, then borrows a fan’s drink to SMASH it on Drew! Drew stumbles around, Cody puts him in the ring, and Cody runs up, but into a throat chop!

The fans boo but Drew ROCKS Cody now. Cody staggers around, Drew CHOPS him, then Drew whips. Cody reverses to kick, drop, and RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs, springboards, DISASTER KICK! Drew goes to a corner but Cody fires hands! Cody climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along to nine. Cody winds up, and hits TEN! The fans cheer again while Cody snarls. Cody whips corner to corner but Drew reverses. Cody goes up, but Drew KICKS him outta the sky! The fans rally for Cody, crawls to a corner, and Drew runs up to clinch and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Drew snarls while Cody goes to the other corner.

Drew storms up on Cody, clinches again, and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES again! The fans boo while Cody flounders out of the ring. Drew smirks as he follows, and he whips Cody at the steps. Cody stops himself, then sends Drew into the steps! Cody hurries back inside, then builds speed! Cody DIVE into a forearm! The fans boo as Cody flops down, but Drew SMACKS Cody off the steps! They go up the steps, and Drew POSTS Cody! Drew then scoops Cody, for an APRON SIDEWALK SLAM! Cody writhes but Drew snarls as they go back into the ring. Drew stalks Cody while the fans rally behind the American Nightmare.

Drew stands Cody up, but Cody ROCKS him first! And CHOPS! And BODY BLOWS! Cody runs, but into an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Drew stomps Cody on the head! The fans boo and Cody writhes, but Drew looms over Cody. Drew drags Cody up, facelocks, and deadlift suplexes! Cover, TWO! Cody toughs it out but Drew just clamps on with an armlock and chinbar. Cody fights up, fights around, and the fans rally as Cody ROCKS Drew! And ROCKS him again! Drew kicks low, CHOPS, then back suplexes! Cody lands out to ROCK Drew again! Drew ROCKS Cody, CHOPS him, then runs, only for Cody to follow and FLYING FOREARM!

Cody goes to a corner while Drew staggers around. Drew runs up, but Cody goes up and over, to then SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Cody, he goes to the ropes again, CODY CUTTER! The fans stay fired up, but Cody won’t stop here! Cody stalks Drew, looks to the Mania sign, and calls his shot! Cody dragon sleepers, but Drew drops down! The fans boo as Drew bails out again. Cody snarls and storms out the side. Cody reaches through the corner, but Drew YANKS Cody into the post first! Cody clutches that arm, but Drew SLAMS it into the post! They go into the ring, Drew stomps Cody around, then wraps the bad arm around the ropes!

The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew makes Cody suffer until the count of 4. Drew stomps Cody, drags him up, then wrenches to ARMBAR DDT! Cover, TWO! Cody gets the good arm up but Drew stalks him again. Drew clamps onto the bad arm for a double wristlock! The fans rally for Cody as he endures, and Cody fights up to fire body shots! Cody ROCKS Drew again and again, but Drew hits an ARM CODE BREAKER! Then he isolates that arm to STOMP it! Cody writhes then crawls away while Drew seethes. Drew stalks Cody again, and KICKS the arm! Cody flounders while Drew takes a bow, soaking up heat from the fans,

Drew points to the Mania sign, then he goes up, up, and up the corner, only for Cody to ROCK him! Cody goes up after Drew, fires hands, but Drew hits back! They go back and forth, then Cody goes to the very top. The fans rally as Cody drags Drew up to join him, for the SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down but the fans fire up again! Both men rise, and Drew fires a haymaker! Cody fires back! Then Cody trips Drew, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up and “WOO~” while Drew endures! Drew reaches out, crawls back, and has the ROPEBREAK! Cody drags Drew back! But Drew YANKS the bad arm!

Cody finally lets Drew free, and Drew goes to the apron. Drew hobbles but the leg gives out. Drew gets mad now as he leans on the desk for support. Cody builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Drew! Cody leans on the desk now, then stands back up. The fans rally up as Cody looks at the desk. And he clears it off! The fans fire up as Cody drags Drew up and SMACKS him off the desk! Cody gets on the desk with Drew, stands him up, and dragon sleepers! But Drew SMACKS Cody! Cody lets go, but the desk breaks under their weight! The fans boo, that’s not how that should go! Drew and Cody crawl, Portland wants tables, and Cody finds out!

The fans cheer as Cody sets “Slim Jim” up, but Drew CLOBBERS Cody first! Drew takes the table, stands it up, and he drags Cody over. Drew CLAWS Cody’s face, then reels him in! POWERBOMB through the table!! The fans are torn but the ref lets it slide, they can’t let that cost Cody the match. Drew gets Cody in the ring, and he puts Cody in a dragon sleeper?! CROSS RHODES?!? Drew covers, TWO!!! Cody survives his own move and Drew is stunned! Drew still kips up, goes to the corner, and gives us the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE” CLAY- SUPERKICK from Cody!! Cody runs up, and CLAYMORES?!? Cover, TWO!!! Now Drew survives his own move!

The fans rally up as Cody goes to the outside. Cody climbs a corner, watches Drew slowly stand up, but Drew runs up! Cody leaps over, but turns around into a scoop! Drew spins and the ref ducks to avoid Cody’s boots! Cody slips free, he whips Drew, but Drew stops short of hitting the ref! Drew ELBOWS Cody, then swings, but Cody blocks! Cody ROCKS Drew, springboards, but Drew gets the ref in the way! Cody and ref collide! The fans boo as down goes Charles Robinson! Cody is stunned, but Drew kicks low and- NO, Cody wrenches free to kick Drew! Cody underhooks, but Drew BACKDROPS free!

Drew runs up but into a BOOT! Cody runs up to ROCK Drew! Cody runs corner to corner, but Drew dodges the splash! Drew then ROCKS Cody, CHOPS him, and whips. Cody ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody knows the ref is still down, so why bother covering? Cody hobbles and asks for another ref to show up. And here comes another ref! But CLAYMORE!!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives survives being hit outta nowhere! Drew is beside himself but the fans rally as hard as they can! Drew looks up at the ref, and it’s Dan Angler! Drew thinks Dan is putting the fix in again but Dan defends his count.

Dan asks Drew calm down and respect his authority. Drew nods, goes to Cody, and he drags Cody up to POST him! Then Drew drags Cody out of the corner, just to POST him again! Cody grimaces as he slumps down in the corner. Drew snarls, the ref reprimands, and Drew says okay, he understands. GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT!! DOWN GOES DAN! The fans boo as Drew goes out and he grabs a chair! Drew brings it to the ring, but wait! JACOB FATU snatches it from him! The fans cheer as the Samoan Werewolf keeps this clean! And Cody rolls Drew up! Charles is back to count it, TWO!! Drew kicks, underhooks, FUTURE SHOCK!!

Drew hurries to a corner, he snarls at Fatu but focuses on Cody! Countdown start, CLAYMORE misses as Cody ducks! The fans fire up again as Cody hurries to run up the corner! SUPER CODY CUTTER!! The fans are thunderous as Cody gets Drew again, CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, Cody wins!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (NEW Undisputed WWE Champion)

The American Nightmare’s nightmare is over! Cody gets the belt back, points to the sign, and even gets pyro! Cody is going back to WrestleMania, but that means he must face The Viper. Will Cody and Orton be able to fight for the world championship while still staying friends?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown, though what held it back is really more the uncertainty of WrestleMania in some areas, and the… disappointing moves in others, I suppose. When Orton won Elimination Chamber, even with Drew being partly responsible, that was a great twist because we all thought it’d be Drew VS Orton. But given on the very same night, Aldis then made this match, it was perhaps a given they were just gonna screw Drew again. If it were me, Fatu would’ve shown up to screw Cody, revealing it was Cody all along with that Fatu whodunnit from last least year. Now granted, Cody VS Orton is still strong story, strong star power, and they can turn things around with the build.

After all, we got more great stuff with Sami Zayn and his internal conflict. Sami getting in another argument with Cody, then turning to Orton to ask about how to be a friend yet also cutthroat, there’s gotta be something to come from that. Honestly, I kinda thought Sami was gonna be who screws someone over in the main event tonight, but who knows. I do feel that when that moment happens, the fans will go wild in a positive way. Sami’s needed something to break through to the world title, and maybe being a bit more like his best frenemy, Kevin Owens, will be that very thing. Also, fun stuff with Orton giving Trick an RKO.

Great US Championship match, Wagner III was a great surprise. There were some clunky spots but this is the first time Melo and Wagner have had a match against each other and I doubt they had much time to practice beforehand anyway. Great win for Melo, and good promo from Ilja to give his reasons for not just accepting the challenge. Good stuff with Miz and Kit, and Ilja will certainly destroy Kit. Miz also had a good promo with Danhausen, I don’t see “Mizhausen” happening so maybe we just get Miz VS Danhausen. Between Danhausen, Oba Femi, and Royce Keys, WWE is gonna need to decide which brands get which “free agents.”

Speaking of Oba, of course he answers the open challenge to destroy poor Johnny Gargano. Johnny continues to be funny with his depressed planking and what not, but he probably does need to snap out of it. I just don’t know what he does when he has no tag partner and is not really in any of the singles divisions. Maybe he and Candice just need to move to Raw to freshen up some stories. Great Tag Team Turmoil, but I’m pretty sure they advertised six teams this morning, and then it just ended up five. Did they choose not to add a returning or debuting team? Though ironically, they debuted Priest & Truth as a duo, and then gave them the win.

Priest & Truth VS MFT would be some good stuff, especially if it is classic Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa given they interfered tonight. But MFT and Wyatts are literally still feuding cuz they couldn’t just let the Wyatts have the lantern back. I just hope Priest & Truth don’t get screwed out of something just because the Wyatts and MFT can’t leave each other alone. Maybe it’s the other way around and Wyatts cost MFT? Then Wyatts and MFT can have it out for the lantern at Mania in some really wild No Disqualification match. As for MCMG having an argument about Gargano, I wonder if they get in on the Gargano story…

Very good promo from Rhea and Jade to start their title match build. Them making it about physical stature and strength is fine, better than getting personal or even reusing the material they used on socials. And then Mia getting her shot against Jade next week, Jade is of course winning, but if Mia looks strong in the match, it could add some credibility to what Rhea is saying about Jade having “show muscles” and not “go muscles.” Good celebration promo from Nia & Lash, but of course Charlotte & Alexa interrupted, to which of course Giulia & Kiana interrupted them. Very good tag match, but they didn’t do a good job making it clear it was a contender’s match until it was basically all over. I still hope we get multiple teams challenging for the tag titles at Mania, but I suppose that depends on what Raw decides for AJ Lee’s Intercontinental Championship defense.

My Score: 8.8/10

A celebration with golden opportunities!

On one show, NJPW not only celebrates their 54th anniversary, but they hold New Japan Cup matches AND the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Yuya Uemura VS Masatora Yasuda VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Daiki Nagai; Drilla & Nagai win.
• 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
• Yuto-Ice & Gedo VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
• Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi VS Don Fale & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Tsuji & Takagi win.
• 10 Man Tag: Shota Umino, Satoshi Kojima, Aaron Wolf, Tatsumi Fujinami & LEONA VS The House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
• 2026 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Jake Lee VS YOSHI-HASHI; Jake wins and advances.
• 2026 New Japan Cup Opening Round: OSKAR VS Callum Newman; Callum wins and advances.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ichiban Sweet Boys VS Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X; Taiji & X win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS Master Wato; Douki wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

2026 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Jake Lee VS YOSHI-HASHI!

The Silent Jester could not take THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Yota Tsuji at the New Beginning in Osaka, but this tournament could be his way back. Will this Smart Bastard have the plan to make it to the top? Or will the Head Hunter show him what it means to #GetBackUp?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “YOSHI-H’SHI!” Jake pretends to conduct the choir as always, and the “JA-KU! JA-KU!” chants do show up. Jake turns around to taunt Hashi, but Hashi CHOPS him! The fans cheer as Jake is stinging! Hashi CLUBS Jake, ROCKS him at the ropes, then whips. Jake grabs ropes to then bail out. The fans boo but Hashi waits on Jake. Jake catches his breath while clutching his stinging chest. Hashi slides out after Jake, but Jake slides in. The fans boo again but Hashi slides back in. Jake slides back out, but Hashi slides out the side. Jake thinks he’s so clever, but then he turns around and doesn’t see Hashi.

Jake wonders where Hashi went, goes looking, and shrugs. The fans chuckle as Jake asks where Hashi went, and surprise! Hashi pops out from under the apron! Hashi CLUBS Jake on the back while the fans cheer. Hashi then SMACKS Jake off the apron, brings him around, and whips him into the POST! Jake stumbles around while the fans cheer. Hashi CHOPS Jake again, then CLUBS him again. Hashi lines up a shot and runs up to SHOTGUN Jake down! The fans cheer Hashi on as he fires up! Hashi then goes to Jake, drags him up, and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud, but then Jake takes a swing! Hashi ducks it and trips Jake up!

Hashi drags Jake out to SMACK him off the apron again! Hashi winds up and whips, but Jake reverses it! Jake POSTS Hashi! Jake drags Hashi up to then lift and APRON FACEBUSTER! Jake jokes that he’s still stinging, but then he gets very serious. Jake frowns as he goes to Hashi, steps on him, but the ring count starts. Jake puts Hashi in at 5 of 20 and the fans applaud. Jake covers, TWO! The fans cheer Hashi on, but Jake brings out his black rubber glove! Jake puts the glove on, stalks Hashi to the ropes, then he opens Hashi’s mouth! Jake gives Hashi the gum check! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Jake fakes throwing the glove at them.

Jake paces while Hashi sputters. Jake stomps Hashi around, then drags him back up. Jake whips Hashi to ropes for a KNEE! Then another whip and another KNEE! Another whip but Hashi reverses, only for Jake to KNEE him again! Jake runs, but Hashi DROPKICKS the legs out! The fans fire up while both men are down! Jake clutches his knee now while he crawls to a corner. The fans rally, Hashi and Jake both stand, but Hashi runs in at the corner to CHOP! Hashi whips, Jake reverses, but Hashi ROCKS him and CHOPS him! Hashi then hoists Jake up onto the ropes, runs, and DROPKICKS Jake out of the ring!

The fans fire up with Hashi as he goes out to fetch Jake. Hashi brings Jake around to the crowd! The fans hurry out of the way and Hashi tells Jake that they’re NOT going bowling! Hashi whips Jake into the apron! The fans cheer as Hashi keeps outsmarting Jake, then he puts Jake in the ring. Hashi goes up the corner, and hits the FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Jake survives but the fans rally behind Hashi again. Hashi brings Jake up, reels him in, but Jake fights the lift! Jake BACKDROPS Hashi away! The fans rally again but Jake frowns as he waits on Hashi. Jake runs up, but Hashi blocks the kick! Jake still ROCKS Hashi with a forearm!

Jake has Hashi in the corner, hoists him up top, then climbs up after him. The fans rally as Jake brings Hashi up, but Hashi fights the suplex! Hashi fires body shots, then hops up to SUPER SUNSET FLIP RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Jake survives and the fans fire up! Hashi brings Jake up, full nelsons, but Jake elbows free! Hashi ROCKS Jake, but Jake just frowns. Jake ROCKS Hashi, but Hashi comes back to ROCK Jake! The forearms go back and forth, then Hashi winds up to CHOP! The fans fire up while Jake sputters again. Jake asks for mercy, but Hashi says no. CHOP! Jake falls and the fans fire up again!

Jake sits up but Hashi CHOPS him down again! Hashi scuffs Jake, steps on his face, then drags Jake up. Hashi fires a flurry of forearms, but Jake CLUBS Hashi’s other arm! Hashi clutches the elbow, but comes back, only for Jake to ROUNDHOUSE! Jake hits a fighting stance while he grins, and Hashi flounders to the corner. Jake takes aim, runs in, and- LARIAT from Hashi! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Hashi rises, roars, and runs, but Jake blocks the lariat! So Hashi CHOPS! Hashi then ducks Jake’s lariat to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Cover, ONE!! Jake goes nuts like he did in Osaka! The fans aren’t sure what to make of it, but Hashi SUPERKICKS!

Hashi runs to LARIAT! The fans fire up with Hashi and he brings Jake back around. Hashi scoops, SLAMS, then goes up the corner! Hashi aims for the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Jake survives and the fans fire up again! Hashi roars, he brings Jake back up, and he reels Jake in for another full nelson! Then the pump handle, but Jake slips free! But Hashi blocks the knee! And LARIATS! Hashi then tucks Jake in, for a PUMP HANDLE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Jake survives again but Hashi drags Jake back up. Full nelson, pump handle, and KAR- NO, Jake slips free to have a KATAGATAME!! Hashi endures but Jake drags him down!

The fans rally as Hashi fights the head-and-arm triangle, stands up, and reaches out for ropes. But Jake KNEES low! FACELOCK GUILLOTINE!! Hashi flails, reaches out behind him, but Jake drags him down and rolls him to center! The guillotine is on TIGHT! Hashi reaches out, but he’s fading! HASHI IS OUT! JAKE WINS!!

Winner: Jake Lee, by submission (advances to the next round)

Hashi gave Jake a run for his money, but Jake was the one to #TurnItAllAround! Will the Silent Jester use the Cup to become king?

2026 New Japan Cup Opening Round: OSKAR VS Callum Newman!

The giant German knows the United Empire is coming after everything, including the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. But can Oskar at least block The Prince’s path to the Cup? Or will he suffer the Prince’s Curse instead?

Callum doesn’t wait, he just rushes Oskar during the introductions! But Oskar catches him, then THROWS him back! The bell rings and Oskar rushes Callum! Callum dodges, KICKS, then slaps Oskar around. Callum taunts Oskar, fires a forearm, but Oskar just frowns. Callum throws more shots but Oskar just leans into them! Callum CHOPS but Oskar isn’t even bothered! Callum apologizes and goes to run but Oskar grabs his arm! Callum says hold on, no fair! But Oskar CHOPS him down! The fans cheer while Oskar paces around Callum. Oskar stands Callum up to CHOP him down again! Callum staggers away to a corner but Oskar’s right on him with stomps!

The ref counts but Oskar says okay, okay, and backs off. Callum sputters but the fans rally for Oskar as he stomps Callum again. Oskar whips corner to corner hard, and Callum tumbles against the buckles! The fans cheer as Oskar flexes, then Oskar storms up on Callum. Oskar whips corner to corner again and Callum hits chest first! Oskar runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, then Callum runs up, but into a BACKDROP! Callum does an extra rotation before he crash lands! Callum flounders out of the ring, leans on the commentary desk, but Oskar steps out to get him. Oskar SMACKS Callum off the desk, then follows Callum as he staggers away.

Oskar CLUBS Callum, CHOPS him down, then tells fans to move! The fans indeed move, and Oskar definitely goes bowling with Calum’s body! STRIKE! Callum ends up in the back row of these floor seats, that’s more like a homerun! The fans cheer Oskar on as he goes to fetch Callum. Oskar drags Callum up, and headlocks him to bring him back to ringside. The fans applaud as Oskar puts Callum in the ring. Oskar steps back in, then talks trash on Callum. Callum sits up but Oskar is on him with a scoop and- NO, Callum slips free! Callum goes to a corner, and narrowly avoids the boot! Callum ENZIGIRIS Oskar, then puts the leg in the ropes.

Callun ENZIGIRIS Oskar again, then mocks Yuto-Ice! “Bombaclat!” DROPKICK to the leg! Oskar falls but the fans rally up. Callum runs to then PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE!! Callum just KICKS Oskar back down, covers again, TWO! The fans cheer Oskar on but Callum stays on him with a stomp on the leg. Callum CHOPS Oskar, stomps the leg more, then turns Oskar over. Callum grabs the bad leg, hooks it up, then STOMPS it! Oskar clutches the knee while Callum paces. The fans rally again but Callum climbs the corner. Callum aims for the DIVING- NO, Oskar avoids the stomps! Callum runs back in, but Oskar BOOTS him away!

The fans cheer as Callum tumbles, and Oskar shakes out the bad leg. Oskar runs to drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but the fans still rally for Oskar. Oskar shakes his leg out, but it’s still hard to walk on it. Oskar grits his teeth and the fans rally harder for him. Oskar grabs Callum but Callum fights the lift! Callum SPITS at Oskar, dodges his lariat, then CLUBS the bad leg! BLINDSIDE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Oskar is still in this, but Callum stays on him. Callum blows SNOT on Oskar, then tells the fans to shut up as they boo. Callum SPITS at the fans now! Callum drags Oskar up, but Oskar fights the Half Hatch!

Oskar scoops, but the leg gives out! Callum KICKS, ROCKS, and ROLLING ELBOWS, but then Oskar catches him to a NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! Callum flails, reaches out, but Oskar drags him down into the body scissors! Callum endures, reaches out, then pries at the leg scissors. Callum YANKS the bad leg and that makes Oskar let him go! The fans rally for Oskar while he and Callum are both down. Callum slashes his throat, vowing to end Oskar now. Callum runs but Oskar blocks the Penalty Kick! The fans fire up as Oskar stands, but Callum fires forearms and palm strikes! Oskar throws the leg down but Callum ENZIGIRIS! Oskar staggers into the ref!

Callum runs up and JUMP KNEES Oskar out! Both Oskar and ref are down on the outside! Callum takes aim from around the way, then runs in to DROPKICK Oskar into chairs! Callum stands and he flips off the fans as he soaks up the heat. Callum then drags Oskar up and into the ring, and he talks trash that it’s time to put this away. Callum tells Oskar to get up, then he runs in, but into a pop-up! NIGHTMARE SLEEPER!! Callum flails, reaches out, but Oskar keeps him from ropes! Callum CLUBS at Oskar, but then he TAPS! But the ref is still down!! The fans boo as Oskar misses out on his victory! Oskar shouts for the ref but that doesn’t change anything.

But then Zane Jay slides a chair into the ring! Oskar steps on the chair, and he dares Zane to do something! Oskar reaches down for the chair, but Callum runs up! EXCALIBUR onto the chair!! Callum tells Zane to fetch the ref and Zane does just that! Callum then runs up on Oskar for a second EXCALIBUR!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!

Winner: Callum Prince, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Perhaps a lucky break for Callum, but it helped him slay this giant! Will nothing stop The Prince from becoming king in NJPW? But as Callum adds insult to injury, making Oskar kiss the crown tattoo on the wrist, YUTO-ICE rushes out here! Callum runs away, but will he have to fight the other Knock Out Brother down the line?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ichiban Sweet Boys VS Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X!

It was at New Year Dash that Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita became the NEW champions, and they’ve been on a mighty run ever since. However, the Bone Soldier & Mr. Xtreme want payback for taking the pin back then. Will things be very different now that it’s 2v2 and not a Fatal 4 Way? Or will Eagles & Fujita prove that no matter what, The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if the Unbound can be mighty!

The teams step up, but Red Shoes wants them to sort out. The Robbies start shoving, then Taiji shoves Eagles, so Fujita shoves Taiji. Red Shoes wants them to calm down and sort out, but the teams say just go ahead and ring the bell. Red Shoes obliges and the bell rings, and QUADRUPLE DROPKICKS all cancel out! The fans fire up as the teams start brawling with forearms! The Sweet Boys kick low, then double whip, but Unbound Company reverses! The Sweet Boys RANA, but Unbound handspring through! Unbound Company then TOSSES the Sweet Boys out, then build speed, only for the Sweet Boys to come back and DOUBLE GAMANGIRI!

The fans fire up again while Unbound Company bails out. The Sweet Boys both set up on the apron, only for Unbound Company to YANK them down! Now Unbound Company gets in the ring, and Taiji gives X the boost to go up, up, and ESCALARA! Down go the Sweet Boys and the fans fire up! Taiji goes out and stomps Fujita, then X puts Eagles in the ring. Taiji brings Eagles up, the Unbound Company double whips to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then wheelbarrow and VICTORY SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Eagles stays in this but X stays close. X drags Eagles up, SMACKS him down, then brings him around again.

X scoops Eagles, SLAMS him by the ropes, and Taiji slingshots for the ELBOW DROP! X goes out to slingshot and stalling SENTON! Cover, TWO! Eagles is tougher than that but X keeps close. X drags Eagles up, but Eagles CHOPS! And CHOPS! And- NO, X blocks and he CHOPS Eagles down! The fans rally as X whips, but Fujita tags in! Eagles reverses, Fujita trips X, and Eagles KICKS X for Fujita to SOMERSAULT SENTON! Eagles basement DROPKICKS X! Taiji runs in, but into DOUBLE ELBOWS! WISHBONE SPLIT! DOUBLE KICK SANDWICH! The fans fire up for the Sweet Boys, and Fujita brings X back up.

The Japanese Young Punk wrenches and whips X to the corner, then CHOPS! X is stinging but Fujita snapmares him and runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! X shakes his head and the fans rally up, but Fujita brings X around. Tag to Eagles and the Sweet Boys mug X. The Sniper of the Skies puts X back in the corner and digs his boot in. Fujita adds his boot, but Red Shoes counts. The Sweet Boys stop at 4, then Eagles snapmares X to turn him over. Eagles hooks up the legs, and Fujita intercepts Taiji with a drop toehold! Taiji falls onto X, and then Fujita lifts Taiji for Eagles to have the legs! Fujita then clamps onto X, BOSTON CRAB CAMEL CLUTCH CHIMERA!

The fans cheer as The Sweet Boys make both X and Taiji suffer! Red Shoes counts, The Sweet Boys set Taiji free, but Fujita holds onto X! Eagles runs to basement DROPKICK X in the clutch! Cover, TWO! X toughs it out but Eagles tags Fujita. Eagles keeps X down for Fujita to CHOP him on the back! X talks trash on Fujita for that, but Fujita deadlift suplexes X, then rolls through to the ARMBAR! X clasps hands, fights around, but Fujita pulls on the arm! X kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Fujita lets X go, and Fujita tags Eagles. Eagles steps on X, then starts up, “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”

Eagles pie faces X, and even slaps him on his bald head, as he keeps it up. “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” X eggs Eagles on then, so Eagles KICKS him! And KICKS him! And KICKS again! X wobbles, Eagles runs, but X blocks the kick! X CLUBS the leg, but Eagles CHOPS back! Eagles runs, but into the TIGER WALL KICK! Eagles ducks the roundhouse, but the PELE finds him! The fans fire up while both men are down! The Robbies crawl, and X kicks past Eagles to hot tag Taiji! The fans fire up as Taiji springboards in and SEATED SENTONS Eagles! Taiji BLASTS Fujita, then fires off on Eagles!

Taiji whips, Eagles reverses, but Taiji tilt-o-whirls through! Fujita runs in but Taiji catches him, too! FLATLINER DDT COMBO! Then Taiji has Eagles in the double chicken wing, then spins him and tucks him, CARNE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Eagles toughs it out, but Taiji goes to a corner. Taiji runs up, LA MYSTICA, but Eagles rolls through to roll Taiji up! TWO, Eagles steps through, but Taiji BOOTS him into buckles! Roll-up, TWO, but into the BONE LOCK!! Eagles scrambles forward, but Taiji rolls him away! X HANDSPRING KICKS Fujita down! Eagles endures but Taiji pulls way back!

The fans rally as Eagles continues to fight! Eagles kicks his way backwards to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Taiji lets go in frustration. Taiji says BANG, then hoists Eagles up! BLOODY- NO, Eagles fights Blood Cross, wrenches out, but Taiji breaks free. Eagles blocks a kick, and a punch, for the SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down again and the fans rally up. Hot tags to Fujita and X! They fire forearms and the fans fire up! Fujita gets the edge, whips, but X handsprings through to BOOT! Fujita comes back to CHOP! Fujita runs, X dodges and handsprings, but no cutter! Fujita ROCKS X, but X says F U!

X swings, Fujita catches him and spins him to drop toehold! Fujita ties up the legs, turns and has the arms! NEMOS SPECIAL!! Eagles intercepts Taiji with a RANA! Taiji tumbles out, Eagles DIVES to wipe him out! The fans fire up while X still endures! X flails, pries at the chinlock, but Fujita holds on, until X BITES Fujita’s fingers! Red Shoes reprimands but Fujita lets X go first. The fans rally up as Fujita shakes out his hand and stalks X. Fujita drags X up, reels him into a waistlock, but X fights the lift with elbows. Fujita holds on, then ducks an elbow to ROCK X! The fans rally as X stands, and Fujita ROCKS him again!

X drops to his knees but he shakes his head. X stands back up, gets in Fujita’s face, but Fujita ROCKS him again! Fujita swings, but X ROCKS Fujita! Then ROCKS him again! Both men roar, but X fires the flurry of forearms! X runs, but Eagles BOOTS him! Taiji BOOTS Eagles! Then the brawl is on again! The fans rally up but Red Shoes reprimands. X ROCKS Fujita, Eagles ROCKS Taiji, but then X goes after Eagles! The Robbies trade forearms while Fujita and Taiji throw hands! Red Shoes reprimands again, but the four are slowing down. X ROCKS Eagles, Fujita takes a swing, but X blocks the chop! Taiji BOOTS Fujita’s arm!

Eagles SOBATS Taiji, then uses X to get up and ASAI DDT! But X storms up, into the ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! ENZI- NO, X duck sit, then backflips over Eagles to deadlift POWERBOMB! Fujita runs up, but X ducks the Penalty Kick! X kips up then PELE- NO, Fujita catches X to a wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX! Fujita roars, but X rises! Only for Eagles to scoop him! X slips free, shoves Eagles at Fujita, but Eagles slides under! Fujita now scoops X, SWEET BUSTER!! Fujita covers, but Taiji breaks it! The fans fire up again while all four men are down. But then Fujita deadlifts Taiji, and Eagles SUPERKICKS Taiji into the GERMAN SUPLEX!

The Sweet Boys fire back up, and they vow to end it! They focus on X, and just like New Year Dash, they double torture rack! But X powers up the core to DOUBLE POISON-RANA!! The fans are thunderous as X runs and handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X on Eagles! Eagles is down, and now X drags Fujita up. The fans rally even harder as X winds up, but Fujita SMACKS him down first! Fujita roars, vowing to end this! Deadlift into the torture rack! But Taiji JUMP KNEES Fujita! X is free to SCREW KICK! Then he brings Fujita around to feed to Taiji! BLOODY KILLER!! And then X goes up the corner!

The fans are thunderous as X aims, but Eagles anchors him! X BOOTS Eagles away, Taiji GAMANGIRIS, then Taiji GOLDEN TRIANGLES! X aims at Fujita, X EXPRESS!!! Cover, TAIJI & X WIN!!

Winners: Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

The New Year Dash didn’t go their way, but Bone Soldier & Mr. Extreme have now turned the tide! NJPW is now #SuperExtreme! But FRANCESCO AKIRA & JAKOB AUSTIN YOUNG attack! The fans boo as the Crown of Fire and #DangerousJAY ruin the celebration! Then Akira gets a chair and lets Jakob JAM Taiji up! And JAM X, too! Jakob CHOKES Taiji with the chair while Akira saunters into the ring. The fans tell the Empire to go home, but instead, Akira puts a chair around X’s neck! Akira demands a mic and a mic is brought. Akira tells X, “You don’t deserve these belts! You don’t deserve to be here! And now, I am gonna do to him what I was gonna do to Hiromu in Osaka!”

The fans boo as Jakob hands Akira the other chair. CON-CHAIR-TO GUILLOTINE!!! The fans boo as The Empire holds up the belts. Akira’s rage and envy have boiled over, but will he be the one burned? Or is The Empire taking over by force?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS Master Wato!

Japones Del Mal may have lost his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship at New Year Dash, but he’s done anything and everything to hold onto this title. Will tonight be no different? Or will the Way to the Grandmaster give us something more to celebrate on this 54th Anniversary Show?

President Hiroshi Tanahashi is here for the formal presentation of this main event. Tanahashi makes the introductions, then raises the belt. The fans cheer, but will the House of Torture find a way to ruin all the fun?

Douki takes his time taking off his hood, but that’s because that’s NOT Douki! The REAL Douki attacks Wato from behind! The other one was SHO in a disguise! The bell rings and Douki wheelbarrows Wato! Wato arm-drags free, then KNEES low! Wato sunset flips and reels Douki into VENDEVAL!! Douki flails and fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Wato lets go as Red Shoes counts, and he is still annoyed La Oscuridad even pulled this trick at all. Wato KICKS Douki, KICKS again, and KICKS again! Douki is in the corner, Wato whips him corner to corner, and Wato runs in, only for Douki to put him on the apron.

Wato GAMANGIRIS Douki, then springboards, but Douki hides behind Red Shoes! Sho YANKS Wato down! The fans boo the Murder Machine more but he drags Wato up to POST him! Wato falls in a heap while Sho plays dumb. Douki goes out to fetch Wato, and wrenches him to whip into chairs! STRIKE! The fans boo Douki but he just storms up and fetches Wato. Douki POSTS Wato, then brings him up to lift and RAM into the post! Wato gets spit up the middle, but then Douki dragon sleepers, DRAPING REVERSE DDT to the floor! The fans boo more but Douki leaves Wato behind for the ring count to handle.

The fans rally for Wato but he’s still down at 10 of 20! Wato stirs, rises up at 15, and the fans rally harder! Wato hears 18 and springs to life! Wato is in at 19! The fans cheer but Douki is on Wato with a DDT! Douki then drags Wato up to DDT again! And DDT again! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Wato is still in this. Douki clamps onto Wato with a chinlock, but Red Shoes makes sure it isn’t a choke. Wato endures, claws at the hold, and he fights around as the fans rally harder. But Douki pushes Wato down for a headscissors! Douki squeezes tight but the fans rally for Wato all the same. Wato kicks his way forward, reaches out, and makes the ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer but Douki holds on. Red Shoes counts, Douki lets go at 4, and Douki taunts Wato. Douki scuffs Wato, eggs him on, but the fans rally up. Douki sits Wato up but Wato fires body shots! Wato KICKS and KICKS, then runs, but Sho trips him up! Douki rolls Wato, then rolls him through for the ITALIAN STRETCH #32! The fans rally for Wato as he endures! Douki puts on the pressure but Wato fights around. Wato moves around, and he even drags Douki along as he goes to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Douki again holds until 4! Douki watches Wato go to the corner, then runs in and LARIATS!

Douki turns Wato to lift him into the Gory Especial. But Wato fights free and has the backslide! TWO, and Douki HELL STABS! Wato goes to a corner, Douki runs in, but Wato dodges! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up while both men are down! Wato drags himself to the ropes, runs up on Douki and CLOBBERS him! And CLOBBERS him again! Wato whips and CALF KICKS Douki down! the fans fire up but Sho gets on the apron. Wato grabs Sho, then mule kicks Douki! Wato sweeps Sho’s legs, then sends Douki into Sho! Wato then runs to RANA Douki! Douki tumbles out and regroups with Sho while the fans rally up.

Wato build speed and he FLIES! Down goes La Oscuridad! The fans fire up for Wato as he rises back up. Wato fires up, and he brings Douki back up. Wato puts Douki in, climbs the corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS Douki down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wato fires up again! Wato drags Douki up to wrench and clinch, but Douki fights the lift! Wato KNEES Douki, tries again, but Douki wrenches out! Wato ducks the lariat to waistlock, but Douki fights the lift! Douki elbows free, tries to run, but Wato reels him in. Douki uses the British Escape, but Wato ducks the enzigiri! Wato shoves Douki, then runs up, but into a BOOT!

Douki goes to the apron, but Wato avoids Daybreak! Wato runs, tilt-o-whirls, and hooks Douki up! RECIE- NO, Douki fights the lift! So Wato sunset flips! TWO, but into VENDEVAL!! The fans fire up while Douki endures! Douki rocks the boat, moves things around, but Wato rolls Douki away to center! But Douki makes it a jackknife bridge! TWO, and Douki blocks a kick! Douki spins Wato around for the Gory Especial! But Wato sunset flips that! TWO, and into VENDEVAL!! Douki flails and the fans rally! Douki endures, rocks the boat again, but Wato puts on the pressure! Sho YANKS Red Shoes out!

The fans boo but Sho stomps away on Wato! But here comes YOH! The fans cheer as Direct Drive runs Murder Machine off, but then DICK TOGO ATTACKS! Yujiro Takahashi is here, too! They all beat up on Yoh & Wato! Toru Yano runs in but he also gets mugged! The fans boo as The House stands Wato up. The fans tell them all to go home, but they double whip Wato corner to corner. Dick runs in and ELBOWS Wato! Sho LARIATS, then Yujiro LARIATS! Then they snapmare Wato, and Dick goes up! DICK CHOP!! The fans boo but Sho puts Red Shoes in. Douki covers, Red Shoes counts, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans cheer!

The fans rally for Wato as hard as they can while Douki drags him up. Douki torture racks Wato, swings him, but Wato slips free! Wato whips, Douki blocks, and Douki has the Gory Especial, then the clinch! DODON NO JUSTU KAI! Cover, TWO!! The fans cheer as Wato survives again! Douki is frustrated, but he vows to end it! Douki wheelbarrows Wato for the- NO, Wato swings around, and he reels Douki into VENDEVAL!! Douki flails, moves around, but Dick gets on the apron! Yano YANKS Dick down! Yujiro tries but Yoh YANKS him down! Douki flails, but then he grabs Red Shoes!

Young Lion Tatsuya Matsumoto gets in there, but DON FALE is here! And he SHOVES Tatsuya down onto Red Shoes! The fans boo even harder as Fale stomps Wato! The Rogue General drags Wato up, but Wato fights the lift! Aaron Wolf gets in and fires hands on Fale! This is for screwing him out of the Cup! Wolf DECKS Fale, then chases him out of the ring! The fans cheer as Hontai drags the House away from ringside! Wato fires up, brings Douki from the corner, but Douki has the death pipe! Douki swings, but Wato dodges! Crucifix takedown, then RECIENTEMENTE!! But he can’t make the cover!

The fans fire up with Wato again as he rises up! Wato sees the pipe, and he decides to pick it up! Wato thinks about using it on Douki, but says he doesn’t need to! ROUNDHOUSE instead! The fans fire up with Wato again and he shouts for Red Shoes or any ref to get in here! Marty Asami shows up, and Wato winds up. Wato runs, and SLINGBLADES!! The fans cheer the shoutout to The Ace! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives and Wato is beside himself! But Wato just fires back up and goes to the corner! Douki flounders as Wato aims, and springboards for the FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives again!

The fans rally even harder for Wato as he waits on Douki. Douki sits up, but he ducks the buzzsaw! and he shoves Wato at Marty! But Wato STOPS the low blow! The fans cheer as Wato then whips Douki for the scoop, torture rack, and AIRPLANE SPIN! The spin then transitions into a waistlock, for the TSUTENKAKU GERMAN!!! Bridging cover, TWO?!?! Douki survives and no one can believe it! The fans cheer Wato as hard as they ever have, and Wato rises up! Wato waistlocks, but Douki grabs the ref! The ref SMACKS Douki! RECIEN- NO, Douki KICKS the ref while fighting free of the driver! Wato is stunned as another ref goes down!

Douki grabs the “Black Mirror” from under the ring! Wato storms over but Douki RAMS him low! Douki slides the mirror into place, DAY- NO!! Wato stops the DDT and he pops Douki around! But Sho slithers in and LOW BLOWS Wato!! The fans boo again but Douki hits an IMPALER DDT onto the mirror!! Sho then shoves Marty in, and Douki has Wato for the wheelbarrow! SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!!! Bridging cover, DOUKI WINS!!

Winner: Douki, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

It took everything but the kitchen sink to screw Wato over, but the House of Torture did it to keep this title on Douki! Will Wato ever reach the top of the mountain running into bad luck like this?

As for the House, Sho almost mockingly holds the ropes open for President Ace to step in. Tanahashi storms up to the apron and that scares Sho off. Douki then tells Tanahashi to put the belt on him. Tanahashi reluctantly obliges, with help from Marty. The fans boo as these jokers keep getting away with it. Douki then dismisses Tanahashi so the ref can lift his hand in victory. Douki then gets the mic, but he tells the fans to shut up for a second. The fans instead cheer Wato on. Douki says HE won, so Wato should just go away already. The fans boo that, but Douki just laughs.

Douki then has the audacity to tell Tanahashi that he’s “a finished man,” and seeing him with a belt is an eyesore! He should just go away, too! The fans boo again, but Douki continues by asking if they understand why he’s the one closing this anniversary show. They probably don’t, cuz they’re all idiots! To put it plainly, Douki IS NJPW! Douki IS the greatest Junior Heavyweight Champion in this company’s 54 year history! The fans boo because he’s more like the worst. But wait, Yoh returns! The fans cheer Yoh on as he mockingly applauds Douki, then steps into the ring. Yoh gets right in Douki’s face, and Douki holds up the belt.

But then SHO returns, and he CLUBS Yoh on the back! The fans boo, but then Yoh hits Sho with EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! The fans go nuts as Yoh then catches Douki, for EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Evil himself is gone from NJPW, but Yoh sends a message to the House he built using his move! Yoh is even wearing an Evil merch shift, now that we look closer. Yoh holds up the belt, then takes the mic, and he laughs a la Evil! Yoh does his best Evil impersonation as he tells Douki, “Oi, listen to me, ya idiot. I heard you’re a god? Well, gods grant wishes. So please grant my wish. The next challenger for this idiot is ME!” The fans cheer that!

Yoh says a title match between him and Douki, that will be Douki’s anniversary gift! Yoh then says you better, better, better, better, better, BETTER… remember that! The fans cheer as Yoh’s imitation of Evil is over. Yoh then asks about this “Pshew” noise he just heard. It was absolutely perfect until the “pshew.” What’s going on? Does Yoh have to do this properly? Yoh tunes his voice, and gives a very formal announcement that this is the NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship challenger, Direct Drive, YO-OH~! Yoh then poses with the belt and the streamers fly! The fans cheer as Yoh gets to close out the show instead of Douki!

But now that Yoh is stepping up to the plate, will he be ready for everything the House will throw at him? Or will the House make sure everything is theirs?

My Thoughts:

A great NJPW Anniversary Show, with very good momentum builder matches, and it was cool to see them bring Tatsumi Fujinami in for the show given his legacy in NJPW. Great New Japan Cup matches, Hashi VS Jake really mixing the comedic with the hard-hitting, but I figured Jake was winning that. Oskar VS Callum was just hard-hitting from the start, and Oskar got to look like a monster. Cheating him out of this was the best outcome, and Callum gets Heel heat as he moves on. They teased Callum and Yuto fighting it out, and perhaps that means Yuto makes it through Ryohei Oiwa in their first round match to give us Callum VS Yuto.

Awesome Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match, and awesome win for Robbie X & Taiji Ishimori. Akira & Jakob attacking was a little surprising, and Akira actually getting away with the chair spot was very surprising. I would think Robbie X will still compete in the title match, as they can schedule it for Sakura Genesis in a month. Maybe Akira & Jakob win, maybe not, but I bet the match will be great either way. Great main event, and I do appreciate how House of Torture is busting out some new tricks. The typical overbooking did save Wato’s power level, and I liked Yoh copying Evil. I would hope Yoh wins this belt off Douki, there’s only so much Heel heat you can build before it sours.

My Score: 9/10