Will Bron Breakker do even more damage to Main Event Jey?

After blindsiding him on last week’s Raw, Bron Breakker will face Jey Uso straight up! Will Seth Rollins’ vision still become a reality?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AJ Styles & PENTA VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh w/ Carlito; Finn & JD win.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Becky Lynch VS Roxanne Perez VS Natalya; Roxie wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
• Sheamus VS Grayson Waller w/ Austin Theory; Sheamus wins.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Kairi Sane VS Rhea Ripley VS Zoey Stark; Rhea wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
• Jey Uso VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman; Jey wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

Logan Paul is here!

Greenville boos hard as The Maverick makes his way to the ring, the same smug grin as always. Logan grabs the mic, then says, “EY YO! Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” The fans boo but Logan tells Greenville, “It is a fact that I will beat Jey Uso next Saturday. And when I return to this ring next Monday on Raw, Logan Paul will be your NEW World Heavyweight Champion!” The fans boo more, but Logan asks what’s wrong. They don’t like facts? Perfect! He has more for ’em! FACT: Jey Uso is the current World Heavyweight Champion. “YEET!” FACT: Jey Uso tapped out Gunther at WrestleMania. “YEET!”

Logan says no yeet, but the fans “YEET!” No, NO yeet! “YEET!” Okay, fine, YEET! Four letters, one world, two brain cells between all ya’ll! But FACT: Logan Paul won a singles title 12 YEARS faster than Jey! FACT: Jey cannot handle being a world champion! FACT: Jey Uso has eyes on everyone in this company except Logan Paul. And the biggest fact of them all, and Logan’s favorite: Logan has knocked out Jey Uso THREE TIMES! THREE TIMES, he has left Jey out cold on the floor! And guess what? Sorry, Greenville, but Logan does it again this Saturday. And when he does, Logan Paul will become the NEW-

WAIT! Gunther appears, and fans actually cheer! That shows how much they dislike Logan! Der Ring General goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and then looks Logan over. The fans chant “You Tapped Out!” at Gunther and Logan laughs. Gunther tells Logan, “You seem very confident that you can beat the guy that has beaten me for my World Heavyweight Championship. So I need to assume that you’re standing out here, believing that you’re better than me. That’s very confident. And I think that’s good. Confidence, as we both know, is what drives us in life. It’s what got us here. And to be quite honest, and if everyone here was honest for one second…

“Those people should show you way more respect than they do.” The fans boo but Logan nods along. Gunther says c’mon, we might all just be jealous of this self-made social media mega star. With his own hands, Logan built a digital empire! If Gunther is being ho nest, there are things he could learn from Logan. Logan says yeah, Der Ring General knows business! He knows Logan is good for business! Gunther is so smart! Logan and Gunther can talk later, just- NO, Gunther isn’t done. There are things Logan can teach Gunther. Social media, yes, Gunther could use help. And the entrepreneurship, the business mind, Gunther could use that.

Imagine the headlines! YouTuber becomes world champion! Logan as World Heavyweight Champion would be great for business. Logan says, “Who knew Gunther, Der Ring General, knows business? He got a suit and everything! He’s basically in the LoGang.” Logan loves it! Gunther says yes, business. That is what this is to Logan, right? Understand one thing: To Logan, it is business. But to Gunther, all of this here is very personal. The fans applaud that. Gunther says beating Jey Uso for the world title is very personal to Gunther. So if Logan were to take that away from him, Gunther will take that as a personal disrespect.

So maybe ask Pat McAfee how Gunther deals with being disrespected by non-wrestlers. That guy at least showed some heart! But Gunther looks at Logan and doesn’t see heart! If Logan beats Jey and then squares off with Gunther in Phoenix, none of those other accolades mean a thing! They’ll square off, the bell will ring, and Gunther will eat Logan alive! The fans cheer that! Gunther and Logan stare down a moment before Gunther leaves. Logan asks what’s up, and he wants Gunther to step up. But then in sneaks Jey Uso! The fans “YEET!” and Logan turns around, SUPERKICK!! The fans cheer as Jey gets even with Logan!

Jey takes the mic, and he tells Logan, “FACT: I’ma see you on Saturday! And Gunther, I’ma see you in Phoenix! Four letters, one word! UH UH, YEET!!” The fans are all fired up, but will Main Event Jey be Saturday Night’s Main Event Jey?

Jey Uso returns backstage.

And the first to find him is Paul Heyman… The Wise Man smiles and sips his coffee. “Now that was interesting. Logan Paul wants to talk about facts. Let me give you some facts rooted in wisdom. Everybody says I betrayed Roman Reigns, everybody says I betrayed CM Punk. But to betray somebody, you have to stab them in the back. You have to do something untoward that they don’t see coming. So I want to tell you this, straight to your face so that I can’t be accused of betraying the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso. Tonight, you are going to fight Bron Breaker. Fact: The title is not on the line. Fact: I would rarely negotiate a match like that.

“Fact: I did negotiate that. Fact: Bron Breakker is not looking for your title. Fact: Bron Breakker is looking to slow down your momentum. You’re that great of a champion! Fact: Whether it’s you or Logan Paul or Gunther, you’re all short term. The long term plan for the World Heavyweight Championship? Fact: It’s Seth Freakin’ Rollins.” The Wise Man finishes his coffee and excuses himself. Don’t have the coffee, it’s no good. Jey has a lot on his plate, did Heyman just heap a whole lot more on it?

AJ Styles & PENTA VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh w/ Carlito!

The Phenomenal One teams with #CeroMiedo to take on the common enemy that is Judgment Day! Will the math work out so that Styles & Penta are primed for another shot at the Intercontinental Championship? Or can The Prince & The Irish Ace gatekeep for Dirty Dom?

Raw returns as the Judgment Day are already in the ring. The teams sort out, Styles starts against JD and the two tie up. JD pulls Styles’ hair, puts him in a corner, but Styles turns things around. The fans rally behind Styles, he lets off of JD slowly, then eggs him on. JD kicks low, but Styles blocks the buckle bump. Styles bumps JD, CHOPS him, then whips corner to corner. Styles runs in, but JD BOOTS him! JD runs up, Styles BACKDROPS him away! The fans fire up and Styles wenches. Styles keeps JD from Finn but JD rolls, rolls, kips up and gets under to BACKDROP! JD has the wristlock and he grinds Styles down.

The fans boo but Styles fights up. Styles powers up and out, hurdles then drops down, but JD avoids the dropkick! JD soaks up heat then runs, but Styles DRPOKICKS after all! Styles tags Penta and the fans fire up! Styles wrenches JD and Penta KICKS that arm! Penta mule kicks JD, then brings him around. The fans fire up but Finn runs in. Penta BOOTS Finn, BACKBREAKER for JD! BACKBREAKER for Finn! Penta then TOSSES JD while Styles TOSSES Finn! The fans fire up for Penta & Styles, and they DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down goes Judgment Day and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Penta endures while JD grinds him down. Penta fights up but JD KNEES low! JD snapmares Penta, tags Finn, and Finn slingshots to STOMP! Tag back to JD and JD slingshots to SENTON! The fans boo but JD soaks that up. JD stomps Penta, then he puts Penta up top. JD CLUBS Penta on the back, climbs up, but he goes for the mask! The fans boo, but Penta fights JD off! Finn tags in, he goes up and CLUBS Penta! Finn then goes for the mask! The fans boo more but Penta fires body shots. Finn falls back, JD tags back in, and JD is back up to CLUB Penta! The fans rally, JD SUPER BACK- NO, Penta CROSSBODIES!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Penta and JD crawl, hot tag to Finn and he CLOBBERS Penta! Finn stares down with Styles, stomps Penta, then bumps him off buckles. Finn soaks up heat, then he drags Penta up for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this but Finn stays on him with a chinlock. Penta endures, the fans rally up, and Penta fights up to fire body shots. Finn KNEES low, whips, but Penta KICKS! Penta ROCKS JD, too, then SLING-DOGS Finn! The fans fire up while both men are down! Penta crawls, hot tag to Styles! The fans explode as Styles fires off a Phenomenal Blitz on Finn! SLIDING FOREARM!

The fans fire up with Styles and he runs up to LARIAT in the corner! Styles fireman’s carries but Finn CLAWS the eyes! Tag to JD, but Styles snatches Finn into the CALF CRUSHER! JD is up top, DIVING SPLASH but onto Finn! Styles uses Judgment Day against each other, and gives JD an ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! JD survives and Styles is stunned! The fans rally even harder as Styles runs up on JD. JD puts him on the apron but Styles throws hands. JD blocks then ROCKS Styles! JD runs up again, but Styles jumps the slide! Styles ROCKS Finn, then ASAI MOONSAULT DDTS JD to the floor!

The fans are thunderous as Styles drags JD up and into the ring. But JD distracts the ref so Carlito can POST Styles! The fans boo more but Judgment Day is back on top as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and the fans rally as Styles endures a chinlock from Finn. Styles fights up, fires body shots, then ROCKS Finn! Styles spins, Finn dodges the discus, but then DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Styles and Finn crawl while Carlito helps JD back up to the corner. Finn goes to rpoes, hot tags to JD and Penta! JD stumbles, Penta CROSSBODIES! Penta rallies on JD with LARIAT after LARIAT, then a RANA! The fans fire up with Penta and he whips corner to corner. JD reverses, runs up, but Penta pops him up, SUPERKICK while JD is upside-down! The fans fire up as Penta then triangle jump LARIATS Finn!

Penta runs, but into JD’S SPANISH FLY! Both men are down again and the fans rally! JD tags Finn and Finn hurries up the corner! COUP DE- NO, Penta dodges! Finn hobbles, comes back, but Penta mule kicks, front KICKS, and ENZIGIRIS! Finn flounders, Penta clamps onto his arm! Penta has the other arm, “CERO! MIEDO!” SACRIFICE!! Penta then stands Finn up, pump handle and nelson, but Finn victory rolls! TWO, and Finn SLINGBLADES Penta! Finn hurries to a corner and has a wild grin! SHOT- SUPERKICK!! Penta hits first, then he hurries up top! But JD distracts the ref with a chair! Carlito grabs at Penta, but Penta kicks him away!

Penta hops down, GAMANGIRIS Finn, and Styles CLOBBERS Carlito! JD DIVES onto Styles! Penta FLYING DESTROYERS JD to the floor!! The fans are thunderous but then EL GRANDE AMERICANO grabs Penta’s mask! LOADED HEADBUTT!!! The fans boo as Grande gets away with another one! Finn sees that but the ref didn’t! Finn puts Penta in, climbs up the corner, and COUP DE GRACE!!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!!

Winners: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, by pinfall

Give un grande assist to Americano, again! Penta keeps getting screwed, will he make sure to settle things with Chad- er, whoever is really under that mask? As for Styles, will he be able to get through the Judgment Day boys to get his shot at Dom?

Backstage interview with Iyo Sky.

Cathy Kelly is with the Women’s World Champion and congratulates her on the win last week. As a former Miss Money in the Bank, what are her thoughts on tonight’s qualifiers? We all know her own experience with the MITB match, but now that she’s on the other side, how is she feeling with being a potential target? Iyo says she knows what it takes to win MITB, but she’ll be ready for anyone. After all, she’s the Genius of the Sky! Becky Lynch walks over and asks, “Oh, are you now?” Becky recalls that Iyo’s never beat Becky 1v1. Iyo says she’ll be ready for anyone. Well, Becky put down one champion, she’ll have no problems putting down another.

With that, The Man goes to gorilla. The jacket says “Back in Business,” but will this qualifier be a huge step towards Becky being back on top?

Logan Paul is on the phone.

He’s telling someone to come pick him up, he doesn’t wanna be hear anymore. He got superkick’d in the face! But then Seth Rollins steps in. Logan tells his friend he’ll talk later, and then tells Rollins that now isn’t the time. Rollins says hey, he gets it! Just hear him out. That big match this Saturday, World Heavyweight Championship… Jey Uso is gonna get hurt tonight. He stuck his nose in Rollins’ business where it doesn’t belong, and now whether he walks or is wheeled out of here on a stretcher, come Saturday… Jey won’t be 100%. That means the odds are in Logan’s favor. And if Logan can get past Jey… And if he gets past Gunther… Rollins will be waiting on the other side.

Rollins says Logan will know who to thank, should he have that World Heavyweight Championship. And maybe, they run it back from Mania a couple years ago. But this time… the World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line. Just think about it. Rollins leaves, and then New Day are seen talking with Grayson Waller in the background. It sounds like a lot of people are scheming and trying to use others as pawns. Will all these plans work out how the schemers want them to?

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Becky Lynch VS Roxanne Perez VS Natalya!

Raw returns as The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez, has joined The Man and the Queen of Harts in the ring. The bell sounds, the fans rally, and the three watch each other. Becky wants to work together with Roxie against Natty? The fans duel as Becky talks things out with Roxie, and Roxie storms up on Natty, only for Becky to snatch Roxie by her hair! Roxie fights back to TOSS Becky! Natty rolls Roxie, TWO! Roxie whips, Natty reverses, but Roxie handsprings! Roxie SLAPS Natty, then takes a bow. Natty says okay, and she blocks the kick to THROW Roxie down! Natty runs, Becky trips her and drags her out! And then THROWS her into barriers!

Becky storms back in and stares down with Roxie. The two circle, talk trash, and the fans fire up. The two tie up, Roxie fights the clinch to arm-drag and JAPANESE LEG CLUTCH! TWO and Becky has an arm! Roxie fights to roll Becky up, then into a CROSSFACE! Becky knows this move from her old rival, rolls it back to a cover, ONE and Roxie ghost pins! ONE, Becky stands and steps over, DISARM- NO, Roxie scrambles to sunset flip, ONE! CROSSFACE! Becky scrambles around, but Natty is back! She DROPKICKS the whole thing apart! The fans cheer and Natty brings Becky up. Natty snap suplexes, then brings Becky up to snap suplex again!

Natty covers, ONE, but Natty hurries to get Becky’s legs! Natty steps on the legs, hooks them up, and SLAPS Becky in the side! Natty gets the arms and has the ROMERO SPECIALA! The fans cheer and Becky endures! Natty sets Becky down on her knees, BOOTS her down, then goes for the Sharpshooter! Becky fights it, rolls Natty and has the DISARM-HER!! Natty endures, but Roxie is back! SPIKE-RANA! Roxie keeps moving, but Becky dodges the Satomura knees! Natty trips Roxie, Roxie BOOTS her into Becky, but Natty fights the clinch! Natty arm-drags Becky, Roxie BOOTS Natty! Natty ROCKS Roxie, then rebound SIT-DOWN!

Natty steps on Roxie, then basement BOOTS her! Becky runs up and waistlocks! Natty switches, Becky EBLOWS free, then Becky whips. Natty reverses, Becky ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides out. Becky looks for Roxie, Roxie slips past her to go for Natty! Natty dodges and WRECKS Becky! But then Roxie DIVES onto them both! The fans fire up for the Prodigy while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Roxie tilt-o-whirl RANAS Natty! Roxie runs up and UPPERCUTS Becky! Then she UPPERCUTS Natty! UPPERCUT for Becky! UPPERCUT for Natty, but then Roxie dodges Becky! The forearm hits Natty, then Roxie tilt-o-whirls Becky for the clinch. Natty adds a DISCUS to the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover on Becky, TWO! Natty has the legs, but has to block a kick from Roxie! Natty trips Roxie, and she has them both! But they both kick free! Roxie SUPERKICKS Natty! And SUPERKICKS Becky! The fans fire up as Roxie positions Natty and Becky side-by-side. LIONSAULT! Cover on Natty, TWO!

The fans fire up while Roxie grows frustrated. But Roxie dodges Becky, only to return into the clinch! Roxie arm-drags Becky again and has the cover, TWO! Becky is up, Roxie SOBATS! Roxie hops on, Becky pops free, and then MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, NATTY BREAKS IT! The fans fire up and Natty covers Roxie! TWO, and the fans fire up again! All three women are down and Greenville is loving it! Becky and Natty trade shots, bigger and faster, and then Natty gets the edge! The fans rally, Natty runs, but Becky ROCKS her! Becky runs, Natty follows and ROCKS her back! Natty then waistlocks, but Becky grabs buckles!

Roxie returns and climbs the corner! Roxie climbs over Becky to SUNSET FLIP BOMB GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Cover on Natty, Becky SHINING WIZARDS! All three women are down again and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and duel even harder, but Roxie has won over the majority! Natty bails out so Roxie and Becky trade shots now! SLAP for SLAP, faster and faster, then it’s just a fist fight! Becky ROCKS, UPPERCUTS, and SOBATS! Becky whips, Roxie reverses and clinches, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roxie can’t make the cover but she has Becky in the corner. The fans fire up as Roxie climbs again. Becky stands, ROCKS Roxie first, and now fans want tables!

Becky climbs up to get Roxie, but Roxie fires back! They brawl, Becky brings Roxie up, but Natty joins in! Natty brings Becky off the corner, but then RAMS her into Roxie! Then SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives but Natty ROCKS Roxie! Natty climbs up to get Roxie to the top rope! SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Roxie survives but Natty isn’t done! Natty steps through on the legs, and has the SHARPSHOOTER!! The fans fire up while Roxie endures! Roxie reaches out, but then Becky BULLDOGS Natty! DISARM- NO, Natty rolls it, ONE!! DISCUS LARIAT from Natty to Becky! Natty trips Roxie, and has the legs!

Roxie scrambles around, reaches out, but Natty still steps through! And she adds Becky! SHARPSHOOTER HALF CRAB COMBO!!! The fans are thunderous as Natty shows those Hart family skills! Becky has the ROPEBREAK, Natty lets her go but focuses on Roxie! Roxie rolls, Natty holds on, SHARPSHOOTER!! Becky is up, clinches Natty, MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, but LYRA drags Becky out! The Morrigan gets revenge on The Man, then fires off hands! The fans are loving it as Lyra RAMS Becky into apron, then barriers, then fires more hands! Becky SHOVES Lyra away, hurries back in, and she BOOTS Lyra down!

Becky wants Natty but Natty trips Becky! Lyra drags Becky out, no one gets her but Lyra! POP ROX on Natty!!! Cover, Roxie wins!!!

Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)

Lyra is still fighting The Man, but The Prodigy gets to celebrate! Her first night as a full-time Raw superstar and she’s already in her first MITB Ladder Match! Will Roxie skyrocket right to being Miss MITB?

Jey Uso is in the locker room.

Sami Zayn walks in to check on his dawg. Sami knows Jey has a lot going on right now, but Sami wants to let Jey know that the Rollins stuff, Sami will handle that on Saturday. Jey does have Bron tonight, but Sami has Jey’s back just in case. Jey says thanks, and they secret handshake. Sami heads out, will Jey be able to survive Rollins’ attack dog so that Sami and CM Punk can put them down?

Adam Pearce talks with The Alpha Academy.

The Raw General Manager just wants to make sure everyone is on the same page here. Akira Tozawa wants this match with Rusev? Yes. Okay… Medical cleared Tozawa, so next week, he goes 1v1 with Rusev. Pearce wishes Tozawa luck. Chad Gable and Ivy Nile walk in and Gable scoffs. Tozawa’s gonna need a lot more than luck. Rusev will end Tozawa’s career just like he did that clown, Otis. Frankly, Gable will enjoy seeing Alpha Academy put down for good. Tozawa steps to Gable but Maxxine tells him Gable isn’t worth it. The Alpha Babies leave, but will the Stamina Monster stand a chance against The Redeemer?

Pearce asks why Gable is even here, and Gable says he knows the Creeds have their tag title match next week. But what about him? He wants MITB qualifiers for himself and Ivy. Uh, didn’t they already have this conversation? But then in steps The New Day! Pearce asks rhetorically, “Doesn’t anybody knock around here?” But New Day is happy to see Gable. They wanna talk business. The Triple Threat for the World Tag Team Championships, that’s big. Gable says it is nothing personal, but those titles are coming home with the Creeds. Maybe, maybe not. But they should all be able to agree that the War Raiders should not win, right?

Pearce says good talk, take it anywhere but here! Woods says that’s fine, it smells like midlife crisis in here anyway. The New Day leave with Gable & Ivy, will there be an alliance going on here? Or will it not matter once Erik & Ivar are unleashed?

Sheamus VS Grayson Waller w/ Austin Theory!

The Celtic Warrior was supposed to face The Aussie Icon last week, if not for Waller passing the ball to Theory. Will Sheamus bang up Waller with this banger like he was supposed to? Or will Waller “avenge” A-Town Down tonight?

Raw returns to the ring as A-Town Down Under is already ringside. Theory gives Waller a last little pep talk and the bell rings. Waller and Sheamus circle, Waller gives testing kicks and rather mockingly slaps. Sheamus shrugs those off, then catches the leg! Waller slips free and SLAPS! Then he runs away! The fans boo but Sheamus pursues! Sheamus chases Waller into the ring, but Waller headlocks. Sheamus powers up and out, RAMS Waller, but neither man falls. Waller circles around, headlocks, but Sheamus powers up. Waller holds on, the fans rally for Sheamus, and Sheamus powers out. They RAM shoulders again but are still standing.

Sheamus picks Waller up to RAM him into the ring! The ref counts, Sheamus lets off, but Waller turns things around. Waller lets off and they tie up. Sheamus wrenches and has a top wristlock. Sheamus shifts to a cobra clutch but Waller slips out the back to waistlock. Waller wrangles Sheamus but Sheamus fights up. Sheamus drop toeholds, then chinlocks. The fans rally for Sheamus as Waller fights up. Sheamus puts Waller in a corner, but he lets off as the ref counts. Waller sucker punches, then fires off fast hands and kicks! Waller whips, Sheamus blocks, and Sheamus whips, only for Waller to block the hip toss!

Waller fires a body shot, then switches things around, but Sheamus blocks Waller’s hip toss! Waller apologizes, but Sheamus SLAPS him down! The fans cheer and Waller checks his face. Sheamus stands Waller up, for an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! The fans rally, Sheamus storms up and TOSSES Waller across the way! Then Sheamus runs up and TOSSES Waller back the other way! Waller flounders, Sheamus LARIATS him up and out, and the fans cheer. Theory stifles a laugh, but this is what Waller deserves. Sheamus goes out, he stares Theory down, and Waller POSTS Sheamus! Then SHOVES him into the desk!

Waller runs, slides, and LARIATS down! Waller says take notes, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and the fans cheer for Theory! Waller is annoyed, but he stands Sheamus up. Waller fires elbows, then a CHOP! Sheamus seems more annoyed than hurt. Waller CHOPS again, but Sheamus just stares Waller down! Waller CLUBS away on Sheamus but Sheamus eggs him on! Waller fires shots, but then Sheamus puts Waller in the corner to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Waller tries to get away, Sheamus brings him back in, and CHOPS him some more! The fans fire up with Sheamus and he whips corner to corner. Waller goes up and STOMPS Sheamus down! Waller bails out and says he’s doing better than the fans would.

Waller runs in, somersault and FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Sheamus stays in this and the fans fire up! The fans rally while Waller climbs the ropes. Waller goes along the ropes, BALLER- KNEE CAPPER!! The fans fire up and Sheamus grins. Theory can feel that shot to the jaw, and the fans fire up for The Fella! Waller stands, Sheamus runs in and LARIATS! Then scoops and POWERSLAMS! Sheamus huffs ‘n’ puffs and brings Waller up for a cravat. Waller endures as Sheamus thrashes him around! Sheamus lifts Waller like that, that’s quite the neck wrench! Then SWINGING SNAPMARE! Sheamus then clamps on with the DUBLIN GRIN!!

The fans rally, Waller has the ROPEBREAK, and Sheamus lets go. Sheamus stands Waller up, Waller BOOTS him, and Sheamus runs up. Waller dodges to ROLLING ELBOW! Sheamus tumbles out, Waller storms up, and the fans boo as Waller puts Sheamus on the ropes. Waller gives BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count, Sheamus stops Waller at four! The fans fire up as Sheamus fireman’s carries Waller! APRON BODY SLAM!! And then Sheamus drags Waller up now! The fans fire up, but Waller ducks right out! The fans boo but Waller says he doesn’t need this. Theory stops Waller from leaving, they argue, but Sheamus grabs Waller by the head!

Waller suffers BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! Theory tries to hide his smile but yeah, this is what Waller gets. The fans cheer as Sheamus gets all TEN! Waller sputters, the fans are thunderous, and they join in on Sheamus calling for his shot! BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall

The Celtic Warrior sweeps A-Town Down Under! But will he finally get what he wants in one more Intercontinental Championship match?

Satellite video interview with Tyrese Haliburton.

Before the show, Michael Cole & Pat McAfee had a video call with the star play of the Indiana Pacers, and they reveal that Tyrese is in the WWE 2K25 Dunks ‘n’ Destruction DLC! Tyrese is excited that he got to experience the WWE first hand, and is honored that he’ll be a playable character. Cole brings up last June, SmackDown, how Tyrese and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks squared off then. They face off in the NBA Finals, how does that feel? Tyrese says he knew they’d face the Knicks again, and so here we are. A special rivalry here, Tyrese is ready for that. Pat says there is a deep hatred here between these teams, how will it feel to add the newest chapter?

Tyrese says yeah, this is a big rivalry, going back to the 90s. It feels like Rock VS Austin for him. The fans love this stuff, so he is excited to be part of it. Last year, Tyrese didn’t know what he was getting into. Now understand the long story of this rivalry, it’s even more fun. He looks forward to the series. Cole hopes by this Saturday, the series’ day off, Knicks will be up 2-0. Pat says don’t listen to this trash, Tyrese! Cole’s point is that Tyrese will be free to watch Saturday Night’s Main Event. Any predictions on the main event of Jey Uso VS Logan Paul? Tyrese says Logan is his guy, he’d love to choose Logan. But he knows his heart is with Jey. YEET!

Cole & Pat congratulate Tyrese, thank him for the charity of upgrading that one lucky young fan, and wish him luck in the series. Will it be Pacers or Knicks that become this year’s NBA World Champions?

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Cathy Kelley is with Der Ring General and brings up how he said he didn’t care about who won between Jey and Logan. But with others now targeting the title, is Gunther’s game plan different? But wait, Seth Rollins steps in again. Rollins tells Gunther, “It’s been awhile. Been awhile since we shared the same space. I just wanted to let you know that the work you did with my World Heavyweight Championship… That was pretty good, man. That was pretty good stuff. You were a pretty good champ.” Gunther says that is an “interesting conclusion.” Gunther heard about this long term plan. But for a Visionary, Rollins is sure short sighted.

Because Rollins is definitely not the “long game” around here. Gunther is the future around here. Rollins takes a breath and says okay, he’ll cut the crap. Rollins is here out of professional courtesy to someone he thought he had respect for. So to give it to Gunther straight: IF Gunther happens to find that World Heavyweight Championship around his waist again, he will be treated no different than anyone else. Gunther will make himself a target. Well, then please! Gunther cannot wait! He is eagerly awaiting it. Gunther leaves, will “the vision” fail with Der Ring General in the way?

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Kairi Sane VS Rhea Ripley VS Zoey Stark!

After being gone for the better part of five MONTHS, The Pirate Princess returns! But will she get her hands on the golden ticket to Los Angeles? Will Mami be the only one on top? Or will the Sin City Soldier finally have something to call her own?

Raw returns as Kairi makes her entrance. Kairi throws “gold doubloons” to the fans before she joins everyone else in the ring. The bell sounds and Zoey RAMS Kairi, continuing where Pure Fusion Collective and DMG Control left off! But then Rhea storms over to THROW Zoey away. Rhea runs up but Zoey swings around to crucifix takedown, cover, ONE!! Kairi sunset flips Zoey, but Rhea YANKS Kairi away for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Kairi tumbles out, Zoey DROPKICKS Rhea! Zoey stomps and CLUBS away on Rhea but the fans boo. Zoey pie faces Rhea but the fans rally, “Let’s Go, Mami!” Rhea shoves Zoey, but Zoey knees low!

Zoey whips, Rhea RUNS Zoey over, and Rhea dusts herself off. Rhea runs, Zoey drops down then hurdles over. Rhea leaps over, Zoey kips up, but Rhea DROPKICKS Zoey! The fans fire up and Rhea stalks Zoey, but Kairi jumps on for a SLEEPER! Rhea THROWS Kairi off, runs in at the corner, but Kairi BOOTS Rhea! Kairi runs up, Rhea gives her an alley-oop, and Zoey ROCKS Kairi! Zoey whips, Kairi goes up and over, then RANAS Rhea! Kairi kips, the fans fire up, and Kairi builds speed. But Zoey SNIPER DROPKICKS Kairi first! Zoey clutches her own knee, that move may have backfired! Kairi and Rhea stay back as the medic hurries in.

The medic checks Zoey while the ref has Kairi and Rhea wait, and Raw takes a break.

Raw returns, Rhea and Kairi are now 1v1 without Zoey. Rhea CLUBS Kairi, Kairi fires a body shot, but Rhea stomps Kairi down. Rhea drags Kairi up, whips her to a corner, but Kairi goes up! Kairi CROSSBODIES, but into Rhea’s arms! The fans cheer as Rhea FALL AWAY SLAMS Kairi! Cover, TWO! Kairi survives but Rhea drags her around to tie up the legs! PRISM LOCK!! Kairi endures while Rhea holds her off the mat! Kairi still claws her way forward, and then rolls Rhea into buckles! Kairi fire sup, the fans cheer, and Kairi runs in, forearm SMASH! Kairi snapmares Rhea, goes up the corner, but Rhea is on her!

Rhea and Kairi scrap, but Kairi’s HEADBUTT sends her back! Kairi leaps, but Rhea DROPKICKS her out of the air! Cover, TWO!! Kairi survives from that crash landing and Rhea can’t believe it! The fans rally and duel while Rhea thinks on what to do. The ref checks with Kairi and she’s able to continue. Rhea drags Kairi up, pump handles, and smiles before the RIP- NO, Kairi slips free! URAKEN! Rhea wobbles, Kairi fires up, and Kairi SHOTGUNS Rhea to a corner! Kairi storms around, and the fans fire up as she runs in, SLIDING D! Kairi shoves Rhea to the drop zone, then she goes up the corner! InSANE ELBOW into BOOTS!!

Rhea hits another antiair attack and the fans fire up! Rhea crawls over to Kairi and ROCKS her with a forearm! Kairi falls back, but then rises up. Rhea eggs her on, so Kairi ROCKS Rhea! The fans rally as Rhea comes back to ROCK Kairi! The forearms go back and forth, the fans dueling with each one! Kairi fires a flurry and then CLUBS Rhea. Kairi URA- NO, Rhea ducks and HEADBUTTS! Pump handle and RIPTIDE!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)

A strong return for Kairi, an unfortunate fall for Zoey, and victory for Rhea! Will will all be watching #MamiInTheBank after Saturday, June 7th?

Rusev speaks.

“Tozawa, Tozawa, Tozawa… I admire your courage, and your loyalty to your friend, but you must be high on cheers and applause to challenge me. I was just trying to do what’s best for you. I was trying to fix you, like I fixed myself. And you go and challenge me, you ungrateful little man. I was born in the depths, I am the son of thunder, who are you to challenge me? A weed unto a blade. But now, you have my attention, and now you have a problem. You should’ve thanked me and walked away. Instead, you listened to them and not your brother. Remember, your ego might get you cheered. But your arrogance will get you slaughtered.

“But Tozawa-san, next week on Monday Night Raw, I will embrace your challenge with open arms. And after I beat you senseless and I tap you out, I am going to forgive your stupidity, and forget your existence.” The Redeemer has spoken, will there be any hope for Tozawa?

The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

They’re all still pumped from that win, and Dominik knew they’d get it. Dom can’t wait for Liv to come back, too. Finn steps in, high-fives with JD, but then everyone stops cold. Raquel asks, “What is she doing here?” Pan over and it’s ROXANNE PEREZ!! Roxie smiles and Finn says hey, just play nice. They’ve been chatting, and Finn would like to take this moment to formally introduce Roxie to the Judgment Day. Roxie says hi, and Finn says it’s just how Dom was saying weeks ago! They really do need new members around here. Dom says they should talk with Liv about this. Finn says no, Liv’s gonna appreciate this!

Dom has Finn, JD and Carlito all covering his back, and so now Liv & Raquel have Roxie. Dom says they should really talk this over with Liv. Finn says no, no, no, relax. Roxie isn’t a member of the Judgment Day. But sometimes, they just need some help. And in that case, they have Roxanne. Roxie says she is still trying to find her place around here on Raw, and she really admires what Judgment Day has been doing. Plus, she brought presents~! Oh? Roxie hands Dom a box, and Dom opens it up. NUGGIES! Dom can’t say no to a good chicken nugget. Roxie gives Carlito a bag, and inside are fresh apples! Carlito can’t say no to a good apple.

Raquel says she and Roxie have been introduced. There’s nothing she needs from Roxie. She can go now. Finn says it’s fine, and Roxie leaves. Raquel says Liv will hear about this. Finn says he can’t wait. JD is stressed being stuck in the middle, but is the dysfunction of Judgment Day only going to get worse?

Jey Uso VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman!

The World Heavyweight Champion has already been told by the Wise Man, The Maverick and Der Ring General that he won’t even make it to summer with his title. And they might even feel he won’t make it through tonight against the badass attack dog! But the fans here in #YEETVILLE certainly believe in Jey! Will Jey prove his doubters wrong once again? Or will he be limping into that title match in Tampa?

The bell rings and the fans are torn between YEET and barking. Jey dodges Bron to throw hands, but then Bron knees low! Bron RAMS Jey into the corner again and again, then tells the ref to shut up. The ref says respect his authority, but Bron kicks Jey around. Bron stands Jey up but Jey fires hands! “YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Bron reverses, but Jey goes up and over to UPPERCUT! “YEET!” The fans fire up, Heyman is annoyed, but Jey eggs Bron on. Jey then runs in and LARIATS Bron up and out of the ring! “YEET!” and Jey builds speed! Jey DIVES and down goes Bron at the ramp! Main Event Jey is in control of the main event while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more as Bron has Jey in a headlock. Jey powers up and out, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds speed to LARIAT! The fans fire up for that 23 miles per hour shot and Bron looms over Jey. Bron stalks Jey to the ropes, CHOKES him, then lets off at 4. Bron rains down forearms from all sides, then stops to let Jey breathe. The fans are torn but Bron soaks up both cheers and jeers. Heyman is pleased as Bron storms back up. Jey shoves Bron, then BOOTS from the corner! Jey goes up, fakes Bron out, then CROSSBODIES, but into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Bron laughs, he’s amused by Jey’s toughness.

The fans rally as Bron kicks Jey to the apron. Bron stomps Jey on the apron, but stops as the ref counts. Bron drags Jey up, puts him in the corner, but the fans rally for “UCE! OH!” Bron OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Jey tumbles but is somehow still in this. Bron grins as he storms back up on Jey. Jey reaches out but Bron drags him up by his beard! Bron says Jey is a bum! A BUM!! But Jey blocks his punch to ROCK Bron back! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks, puts stank on it, and DECKS Bron! The fans fire up and Jey runs in, BACK BODY BLOCK! PELE! And then Jey goes to the corner to say “UCE! OH!”

Jey runs up and HIP ATTACKS Bron! The fans fire up and Jey covers, TWO! Bron stays in this and Heyman is worried, but the fans rally while both men are down on the mat. Jey huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises up, and he stalks Bron to the ropes. Jey runs up, Bron blocks a kick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Bron tumbles out, Jey builds speed, and Jey DIVES, but Bron catches him! And SMACKS him off the desk! And then into the steps! Bron puts Jey back on the desk, and he goes to the apron! The fans fire up for the FLYING BULLDOG to the desk!! Both men crash ‘n’ burn and the fans go nuts while goes to break!

Raw returns once again and Bron tells Jey he’s a stubborn SOB! Jey can’t win, but he’s trying to take this from Bron! Bron SLAPS Jey, then dares him to hit back! Jey SLAPS Bron! The fans fire up, but Bron kicks low and reels Jey in! Jey slips free to fire hands! Bron fires back, the shots keep going, “YEET! BOO!” The fans fire up and Jey fires more “YEET!” Another pop, lock, and- JUMP KNEE from Bron! Jey comes back to ENZIGIRI! Bron rebounds but Jey dodges the lariat! POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Bron survives and Jey is surprised, but the fans fire up all the same. “This is Awesome!” as Jey goes to the corner.

Jey stares down Heyman, then climbs up. Bron rises and he ROCKS Jey! Bron UPPERCUTS Jey, climbs up to get him, but Jey fights the superplex with body shots! Jey HEADBUTTS Bron down, but Bron springs right back up! SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Bron is beside himself! Heyman stresses out but Bron brings down the straps. Bron roars, runs, and- SUPERKICK!! Jey hits first, covers, TWO!?! Bron survives and Jey is furious! Jey goes to the ropes to wait on Bron. Bron stirs, Heyman glares at Jey, but Jey goes to a corner. Jey aims as Bron rises, but wait! Heyman gets on the apron!

Jey stares Heyman down, storms up on him, but Bron goes out to get a chair! Bron sneaks back in, but JeY SUPERKICKS Bron first! The ref gets the chair out of teh way and Jey builds speed. That lets Heyman trip him up! The fans boo as the ref missed it! Jey is done with Heyman and storms out after him! Heyman takes off his jacket, is he gonna stand his ground? ROLLINS ATTACKS FROM BEHIND!!

Winner: Jey Uso, by disqualification

The fans boo as Rollins uses all his pawns to get the jump on Jey! Rollins throws Jey into the ring, throws off his jacket, then storms in. But Jey fires hands! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Bron CLOBBERS Jey! The fans boo as Rollins & Bron mug Jey! But here comes SAMI! The fans fire up as Sami rushes out here to help his dawg, but that’s still a 2v1 situation! Sami is wary, but the fans are already chanting for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” And so here he is! Rollins is upset as the Second City Saint storms to the ring to stand alongside Sami! Now the numbers are even as Greenville sings Cult of Personality!

Sami and Punk look to each other, then they look at Rollins & Bron. They brawl and the fans erupt! Sami LARIATS Rollins out, Punk DECKS Bron! Then they go out, but Bron SMACKS Punk! Rollins and Sami brawl on the desk while Bron HAMMERS Punk! Bron CLOBBERS Sami, throws knees into him, then Rollins RAMS Sami into barriers! This all spills into the crowd! The fans fire up as they’re closer to the action! Punk is up and he DIVING AX HANDLES from the barriers! Punk & Sami keep after Rollins & Bron, will they be brawling all the way to Tampa Bay? As for Jey, he stands up to get his belt, but the ONE LUCKY RIGHT lands!!

Logan grins as he gets his fourth sucker punch on Jey! Will cheap shots like that be all Logan needs to become THE WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here to both build MITB but also act as go-home to SNME. I do want to give well wishes to Zoey Stark on behalf of everyone at The Chairshot. While we’d last seen Zoey back on SmackDown, April 11th, the Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet, and while she has had matches on Main Event, aka the Hulu show (why in the world is it still on Hulu, by the way?) I feel like the combination of Zoey and Kairi returning to such a big time match, going at that kind of pace, maybe ring rust was a factor. We can only hope and pray for a speedy recovery.

As for that Triple Threat, it kinda felt like Rhea was winning either way, and she and Kairi were able to adlib a very good 1v1 from the point after Zoey went down. Very good promo from Iyo and Becky before Becky’s Triple Threat with Roxie and Natty. Great match, and I figured Lyra would cost Becky, there’s still unfinished business there. Those two can fight for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship while Roxie goes for the MITB briefcase. Great match from Penta & Styles VS Finn & JD, but of course El Grande interfered. Penta VS Grande is just a given at this point, it’s just about when and where.

Great promo segment from Judgment Day with Roxie. Roxie not officially joining up is basically no different than when Liv was hanging around, so this is clearly going to lead to Liv VS Roxie as part of Judgment Day once again falling apart. Speaking of falling apart, tonight has to be the true beginning of the end for A-Town Down Under. Sheamus beat up Theory and Waller stayed far, far away. Sheamus beats up on Waller and Theory makes sure Waller doesn’t get away. That and New Day talking with Waller, they could be pulling a Karrion Kross and getting Waller to think he doesn’t need Theory anymore and that sparks a fight between Waller and Theory.

Good promo with all the people in Pearce’s office, including Pearce himself. No respect for the Raw GM, no respect. But New Day trying to broker a deal with American Made, aka they’re gonna gang up on Erik & Ivar but then maybe that backfires, that’s good stuff. Rusev has a very good promo telling Tozawa how foolish and doomed he is, but I would think maybe Otis returns at some point during that match being in a much angrier mood. Rusev VS Otis where Otis is just a machine would be some great stuff. That Tyrese Haliburton interview was a whole lot of nothing, though. Yes, it’s nice to hear he’s in 2K25, and yeah, they had him and Brunson play out their NBA feud on WWE TV last Summer, but they could’ve just said all that and not worried about some prerecorded interview from before fans were even in the building.

On the flip side, more great stuff with this world title story. Logan Paul had a good opening promo with Gunther to tease that possibility, and I like that it set Logan up for Jey’s retaliation. I feel like Cathy Kelley’s promo later didn’t go with what Gunther said in his. Gunther kinda does care who wins the title with his line about taking things personally, but I suppose the point is that he’ll just beat everyone up real bad until he’s champ again. Good promo from Rollins and Gunther in that moment, too, teasing that possibility, too. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rollins and/or Bron get in on MITB to double their odds of taking that title.

Great main event match from Jey VS Bron, but maybe not as good as their previous ones. At the same time, Rollins “ruins” it anyway with his attack, which brings out Sami and Punk for a great brawl that helps end the show. And Logan getting one last shot on Jey, that’s not just getting heat back on Logan but also giving us the go-home math. Jey will somehow find a way to win, and while Gunther VS Jey all over again might be too much for some, do we really want Logan Paul as a World Heavyweight Champion? At least, at this point, with it being at the expense of Jey Uso? I’d think not.

My Score: 8.8/10

Oh~, we’re halfway there~!

Best of the Super Juniors enters round 5, and time to see who stays alive! But will Hiromu Takahashi get tired facing Clark Connors and Wheel-san?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Mack wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS Titan; Knight wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Robbie X; Robbie wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS MAO; Yoh wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Dragon Dia; Kushida wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira; Wato wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS SHO; Desperado wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Clark Connors; Hiromu wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings!

Kosei Fujita: 3-1, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-1, 6 points
Clark Connors: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie X: 2-2, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-2, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-2, 4 points
Master Wato: 2-2, 4 points
KUSHIDA: 2-2, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-3, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-3, 2 points

Here are the current B Block standings!

Nick Wayne: 3-1, 6 points
Titan: 3-1, 6 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-1, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-2, 4 points
MAO: 2-2, 4 points
SHO: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-2, 4 points
YOH: 1-3, 2 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-3, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 1-3, 2 points

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Nick Wayne!

Last round, The Funky Weapon quite truly won by the seat of his pants against Yoh, but The Prodigy finally hit a stumbling block going up against Kevin Knight. But will Nick brush himself off and get back to winning? Or will Taguchi continue to pull off some strangely shocking victories?

The bell rings and the fans rally. Nick and Taguchi circle, tie up, and Taguchi waistlocks. Nick works on the escape, standing switches, but Taguchi wrenches free. Nick rolls, wrenches in return, but Taguchi rolls and wrenches again. Taguchi hammerlocks, headlocks, and grinds, but Nick powers up and out. Taguchi runs Nick over, then swivels the hips! The fans cheer and Taguchi runs, but Nick drops down, hurdles over, and UPPERCUTS Taguchi down! Nick handsprings, and he swivels those hips! The fans cheer, Nick covers, TWO! Nick stays cool, stands Taguchi up, and ROCKS him! The ref reprimands about closed fists, and Nick apologizes.

Nick stands Taguchi up to CHOP! Taguchi fires body shots, but Nick snapmares and leg drops! Cover, TWO! Taguchi is tougher than that but Nick stays cool. Nick brings Taguchi up, but Taguchi fires body shots! Nick kicks low, runs, but Taguchi somersaults and HIP ATTACKS! The fans cheer and Nick bails out, only for Taguchi to run and HIP ATTACK Nick off the apron! The fans rally, Taguchi triangle jumps and CROSSBODIES! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up! Taguchi fist bumps a young fan before he puts Nick in the ring. Taguchi runs, runs, and HIP ATTACKS but misses as Nick moves!

Taguchi tumbles out, Nick builds speed, and Nick FLIES! Direct hit on Taguchi and the fans fire up! Nick clutches his banged up shoulder but he puts Taguchi in the ring. Nick fires the fans up, climbs a corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans cheer while Nick grows frustrated. Nick paces while Taguchi slowly rises. Nick waistlocks, then shifts up to the half nelson. Taguchi fights the full nelson, booty bumps Nick away, then fakes the run! HIP ATTACK into the atomic drop! Nick handsprings, but into an atomic drop! The fans cheer and Taguchi runs, HIP ATTACK!

The fans cheer and Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style! “ORYA~!” KETSUYE! Cover, TWO!! But Taguchi has OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Nick endures, reaches out, but Taguchi pushes on the foot! Nick still fights forward, only for Taguchi to drag him back! Nick reaches up to headscissor Taguchi away! Then he SUPERKICKS! Nick goes up, up, and WAYNE’S- FLAPJACK! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Nick endures again, but Taguchi drags him from the ropes! Nick rolls, but Taguchi holds on! The fans rally as Nick still endures, still crawls forward, and still has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Taguchi slowly lets up.

But then Taguchi YANKS Nick back! Nick uses that to ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Taguchi flounders, but Nick takes aim again. Nick winds up to ROUND- NO, Taguchi ducks then ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi chicken wings, DODON- NO, Nick victory rolls it! TWO! ROUNDHOUSE! And then into WAYNE’S WORLD!! Cover, NICK WINS!

Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)

Nick with the rebound and he scores! The Prodigy is back on top, will he keep making history with every win? Will Taguchi still make the finals after falling down?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

The American Ninja got lost on the Way to the Grandmaster, but the Heel Master put out the Crown of Fire. Can Mack scratch and claw and even backflip his way back up the block? Or will Kanemaru be toasting another win?

No real surprise that Kanemaru attacks Mack during his entrance! He BOOTS Mack off the apron, the fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Kanemaru stomps away! Kanemaru then SMACKS Mack off a fan’s chair! And another chair! And then he JAMS Mack up with a chair! Kanemaru CLUBS Mack, stomps him, then brings him up to BOWL into chairs! Not quite a strike but Mack still writhes. Kanemaru drags Mack up and brings him back to ringside. Kanemaru POSTS Mack, the fans boo more, and the ref again reprimands. But Kanemaru CLUBS Mack, and more fans move aside. But Kanemaru POSTS Mack again!

Kanemaru stalks Mack, sends him into the ring, and the ref finally calls for the bell! Kanemaru stomps and snapmares Mack, then goes after the mask! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru stops at 4, and then he bullies the ref! The ref reprimands so Kanemaru goes back to stomp Mack! Kanemaru stomps away, then he digs his boot into Mack’s head! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru stops at 4, and he kicks at Mack. The fans rally, Kanemaru CLUBS Mack, and Mack crawls. Kanemaru stomps Mack, runs, but Mack HADOUKEN PUNCHES! Kanemaru goes to the apron and Mack builds speed! But Kanemaru rushes in and shoves the ref into Mack!

The fans boo as ref and Mack both fall! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Mack down, then he grabs his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a big swig, stands Mack up, and he wants the mask! Mack tries to fight it but Kanemaru YANKS the mask off!! But surprise! Mack had a second mask on underneath! Kanemaru aims at Shiro Mack, but Mack ducks the Whiskey Mist! Roll up and TWO! Kanemaru cradles, TWO! Mack has the stack again, TWO! Kanemaru pokes Mack in the eye! Victory roll, but Mack sits on it!! Cover, MACK WINS!!

Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)

Kanemaru is beside himself, but he should’ve realized that Mack’s mask covers his eyes! Mack snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, will he continue to rise? Will the Heel Master just have to try even harder to cheat his way to the top?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS Titan!

The Jet brought Nick Wayne down to earth to stay alive, and now he’s facing another top contender in El Inmortal. Will Knight continue his ascent? Or will Titan ground Knight’s flight plans?

The bell rings and the two rush in! Titan trips Knight, then runs. Knight drops down, hurdles over, but Titan leaps! Knight wrenches and whips Titan, but Titan goes up and over and handsprings away! The fans fire up and Titan runs in, but Knight hurdles the lariat! Knight DROPKICKS Titan out of the ring, then kips up! Knight builds speed, but Titan moves! Knight slides out, goes to the corner, and PLANCHAS, but Titan dodges! Titan builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and they almost hit the timekeeper’s table! The fans fire up, Titan puts Knight back in, and he springboards to DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!

Knight stays in this but Titan stays on the leg! TRAILER HITCH! Knight scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go but the fans rally up. Titan KICKS Knight’s leg, stomps Knight down, then brings him up. Knight fires a forearm, then fires another! Knight eggs Titan on, so Titan SOBATS! The fans rally, Titan whips, but Knight goes up and over to then run and- NO, Titan goes Matrix to dodge, and then he CALF KICKS! Knight rebounds to LARIAT! Titan kips up to PELE! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Knight and Titan rise. They go to corners, Knight runs in, but Titan BOOTS him! Titan skins the cat, but Knight leaps up!

Knight brings Titan up but Titan HEADBUTTS him away! But Knight returns to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up and Knight somersaults, UFO onto knees! Titan hurries to stand Knight up, and he RIPCORD SLAMS him down! Titan goes back to the apron, springboards, LANCER!! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives those double stomps and the fans fire back up! Titan fires up, too, and he reels Knight in. Knight fights the lift, wrenches out, and CHOPS! The fans cheer, Knight whips, but Titan reverses to TORNADO D- NO, Knight stops the DDT to SKY- NO, Titan arm-drags and then SUPERKICK! The fans rally as Titan fires up again!

Titan runs corner to corner and back again, but Knight stops the Frame Out to SKY2HIGH!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and the fans fire up again! Knight powers up, takes aim, and Titan rises. SATELLITE DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives again and the fans stay fired up! Knight whips, DROPKICKS, and almost lands on Titan after! Knight hurries to the corner, climbs up, and MOTHERSHIP UFO SPLASH!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!

Winners: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)

Knight didn’t even have time to say how tsuyoi he is, but he proved it with this win! The Jet’s course correction is working out, but will he still reach his target destination? Will El Inmortal be able to revive as we move into the latter half?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Robbie X!

The Japanese Young Punk had to clock out against the Time Splitter, and Mr. X couldn’t handle a shot of 100 Proof. But redemption is just a three-count away, will this Ichiban Sweet Boy be sweeter than Too Sweet? Or will it be all aboard the X Express?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle slowly. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Fujita powers Robbie to ropes. Robbie turns things around, Fujita turns things around, but then Robbie turns it back around. The ref counts, Robbie lets off to CHOP, then he eggs Fujita on. Fujita fires a forearm, Robbie fires back, and repeat! The fans rally as the forearms keep going, and Robbie gets the edge. Robbie CHOPS, eggs Fujita on, but Fujita CHOPS! Fujita runs, Robbie drops down, then hurdles into a dropkick! Fujita says he’s smarter than Robbie, and he CHOPS him. And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Robbie sputters but Fujita whips.

Robbie reverses, Fujita reverses again, and Fujita runs in, only for Robbie to put him on the apron. Robbie then runs to HANDSPRING KICK Fujita down! The fans rally while Robbie goes out and BOOTS Fujita down! Robbie tells fans to move so they move, and Robbie whips Fujita to BOWL him into chairs! STRIKE! The fans cheer while the ref checks Fujita. Robbie storms over to drag Fujita from the chairs, then SMACKS him back down! Robbie brings Fujita up to POST him! Fujita falls in a heap but the fans rally up. Robbie SMACKS Fujita off the apron, then he goes deep into the crowd, to run back and DRIVE-BY DROPKICK!

The fans cheer that shot while Robbie brings Fujita back up. Robbie puts Fujita in the ring, covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out but Robbie sits him up. Robbie KNEES Fujita in the back, then rips at the shoulder tape! The ref reprimands but Robbie SPLASHES the bad arm! Then rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Fujita is still in this and Robbie grows frustrated, but the fans rally up. Robbie stomps Fujita’s bad arm, then brings him up. Fujita CHOPS but Robbie blocks! And Robbie BITES that hand, to then STOMP that hand! Robbie runs, but Fujita LEG LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans rally back up.

Robbie crawls to the far corner, Fujita runs in and CHOPS! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in again, but is put on the apron. Fujita avoids a shot to DECK Robbie! The fans fire up as Fujita aims, and he springboards in for a MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Fujita keeps moving, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Robbie toughs it out but Fujita stays focused. Fujita drags Robbie up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Robbie knees free! Fujita ROCKS Robbie first, then runs up. Robbie puts Fujita in the corner, blocks a kick and puts the leg in the ropes. Robbie KICKS the leg, then SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE!

The fans fire up and Robbie snapmares Fujita. Robbie runs and SHOOTING STARS onto knees! Fujita cradle covers, TWO! Robbie survives and the fans rally up again. Robbie coughs and sputters as he crawls to the ropes. Fujita runs up but Robbie BOOTS him! RObbie goes to the apron but Fujita GAMANGIRIS! Fujita suplexes Robbie back in and holds him, for the SLAM! But that’s Uno Amigo as Fujita brings RObbie up. Robbie fights the suplex to wrench, but FUjita wrenches to drop toehold! But Robbie cradle counters! TWO!! Fujita hurries up, but Robbie SUPERKICKS! But Fujita comes back, blocks the next kick, and he CHOPS!

Robbie PELES but misses! Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Robbie survives but Fujita roars, and the fans fire up with Fujita! Fujita torture racks Robbie, but Robbie fights with elbows! Fujita still throws Robbie but Robbie lands out! Robbie waistlocks, Fujita switches and O’Conner Rolls, CHAOS THEORY! But Robbie lands out! Robbie avoids Fujita’s kick, to handspring and LETHAL INJECTION X! Robbie goes up, X EXPRESS!! Cover, Robbie wins!

Winner: Robbie X, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)

Robbie’s got that dog in him, and he manages to get back on a winning track! Will he still make this the X Block before the end? Or can Fujita rise again as The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS MAO!

It was a rather cheeky loss to Taguchi for Direct Drive, and though the Idol Warrior put on a wild main event with The Rogue Luchador, he also fell. Who stands back up with head held high here at the halfway point?

Yoh shows off the dancing pecs, but Mao shows he can do that, too. The bell rings and the fans duel already. Mao and Yoh slowly circle, then approach. Mao puts his hands up, but then into his pockets! A very Orange Cassidy move. Yoh decides to not do that, but then Mao kicks low and headlocks! The fans rally, Yoh powers up and out, but Mao runs Yoh over! The fans cheer, Mao runs but then rolls over the dropdown. Mao manages a NO HANDS ARM-DRAG, and a NO HANDS RANA! Then a DROPKICK, and a kip up! The fans cheer this Freshly Squeezed tribute. Mao stomps Yoh in the corner, digs his boot in, but the ref counts.

Mao steps off at 4, and then manages to facelock. Mao puts Yoh on the ropes, but the ref calls for the break. The ref then counts, so Mao takes his hands out of his pockets! Yoh falls on his face! The fans applaud and Mao brings Yoh up. Yoh ROCKS Mao, but Mao puffs up to be Tsukakui! Yoh fires another forearm, but Mao is Tsukakui! Yoh fires another, but Mao is still Tsukakui! The fans cheer but Yoh is in disbelief! Mao kicks low, whips, but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS! The fans cheer while both men are down. Yoh kips up, the fans cheer more, and Yoh goes to Mao. Yoh brings Mao up, scoops and SLAMS, then he puts his hands in his pockets!

The fans cheer and Yoh soaks it up. Wait, did Mao put his hands back in his pockets? Yoh drops an ELBOW with hands in pockets! Kneeling cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO, and Yoh SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! The hands are out of the pockets but the fans still cheer. Yoh goes back for Mao and stands him up. Yoh reels Mao in, but Mao fights the suplex! The fans rally, Mao powers up, but Yoh suplexes! Mao cradle counters, TWO! Mao says “Look!” HAYMAKER! UPPERCUT! Then feint and DDT! The fans cheer and Mao brings Yoh back up. Mao scoops for the MICHI- NO, Yoh slips free! Yoh waistlocks, Mao switches, but Yoh switches!

Yoh wants the nelson but Mao fights it off. Yoh waistlocks but Mao fights the German Suplex. Mao throws elbows but Yoh ducks them to be face to face with Mao! Mao and Yoh seem mesmerized by each other, and Mao takes Yoh’s face in his hands. The fans, perhaps mostly the ladies, fire up as Mao and Yoh close their eyes. But then Mao slips under and waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Mao says he outsmarted Yoh, and now he powers up. Yoh rises, Mao runs in, OSAKA- NO, Yoh ducks the uppercut to wrench and DDT! Cover, ONE as Mao goes Matrix! DOUBLE CHOP, cover, ONE as Yoh goes Matrix! They go chest to chest, then Mao kicks low.

Mao whips Yoh to a corner, runs in, but Yoh dodges to then TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up with Yoh and he tunes up! SUPER- NO, Mao goes Matrix, then UPPERCUTS! Mao runs, but Yoh JUMP KNEES! Yoh runs, but the ref is a shield! Mao runs but Yoh turns the ref around on Mao! Mao dosidos with the ref, then slips around Yoh to hop up. Yoh slips out but Mao then leap frogs the ref, to come back and LEAP FROG CUTTER! The fans fire up and Mao calls his shot! Mao aims from the corner while Yoh is down. Yoh slowly rises, the fans rally, and Mao runs up, SAMURAI- NO, Yoh dodges the kick to SUPERKICK!

Yoh suplexes but Mao fights it! The fans rally as Yoh still hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Mao survives and the fans fire up! Yoh rises, roars, and he runs in, but Mao hits a SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up as Mao shouts out The Ace, then goes up, up, and HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives as Mao isn’t quite The Ace, but Mao calls for another big move! Mao runs, but Yoh ENZIGIRIS! Then POISON-RANAS! Mao sits back, Yoh runs up, ZOMATO!! Cover, TWO?!? Mao survives but Yoh just fires up! The fans rally with Yoh and he full nelsons! DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, YOH WINS!!

Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mao earns 0)

So many great references to other great wrestlers, but it is Yoh who makes it count! Will Yoh keep things fresh as he keeps fighting for the top spot? Will Mao be able to recover from falling down the block?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Dragon Dia!

The Time Splitter took that win from Fujita after a technical masterclass while the Infinite Carat Diamond had quite the fireworks show with Hiromu. Who will keep up their momentum as we roll through the halfway point?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, Dia avoids Kushida’s leg trap, then things speed up. Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides to then tilt-o-whirl arm-drag! And DROPKICK! Kushida bails out, Dia builds speed, but Kushida uses a Young Lion as a shield! Dia stops and Kushida goes around the way. Dia storms out and pursues, but Kushida slips into the ring. Dia avoids the kick, then trips Kushida up to slingshot and CORKSCREW SPLASH! The fans cheer and Dia goes back to Kushida. Dia CLUBS Kushida, has him in a corner and stomps. Dia whips corner to corner but Kushida reverses.

Kushida runs up, blocks Dia’s boot, and has the ANKLE LOCK! Dia hobbles and hops to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Kushida lets go at 4, but Kushida runs to DROPKICK Dia to the floor! The fans cheer while Kushida goes out after Dia. The ring count starts already but Kushida stomps Dia. Kushida steps through and has the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Dia endures, Kushida pushes the count past 10 of 20! Then to 15! Kushida lets go at 16, rolls in, but Dia hobbles up! Dia rolls in at 19.5! Kushida drags Dia up, TOSSES him back out, and Dia hobbles on his bad leg. Kushida then goes out to fetch Dia and hits a SHIN BREAKER!

Dia hobbles and falls but the fans still rally. Kushida refreshes the count, brings Dia up, and then puts Dia in the ring. Kushida holds onto Dia’s arm to then drag him to the corner. Dia goes outside, but Kushida YANKS him into the POST! Dia clutches his arm and the fans rally again. The ring count starts again but Kushida puts Dia back through the corner, to YANK him into the POST again! Kushida leaves Dia behind at 10 of 20 but the fans rally up. Dia rises at 14, stands at 17, and rolls in at 19! Kushida is annoyed but he drags Dia back up. Kushida snapmares Dia and scrapes his sole off Dia’s face! Then Kushida handsprings and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Dia toughs it out. Kushida drags Dia up, CHOPS, then whips. Kushida catches Dia into the SLEEPER! Dia endures but Kushida wrangles him to the mat for a chinlock. Dia still endures and the fans rally up. Kushida headstands to put on the pressure, then drops back to crank the hold! Kushida pulls back on the hold, it’s almost a Bulldog Choke! Dia fights up and the fans rally again. Dia fires body shots, breaks free, but Kushida KICKS him in the back! Dia drops to his knees and crawls to the ropes. Kushida goes up the corner and leaps, but Dia dodges the knee! Dia BOOTS from the corner, then RANAS!

The fans rally while both men are down. Dia and Kushida stand, but Dia SOBATS, LEG SWEEPS, and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Kushida is tougher than that but Dia CLUBS him down. The fans rally more as Dia brings Kushida up. Dia whips, Kushida reverses, but Dia grabs ropes. Kushida runs up, Dia dodges and Kushida tumbles out! Dia builds speed and he FLIES! Direct hit on Kushida at the ramp! The fans fire up while Dia and Kushida are both down. Dia clutches the bad arm but he still stands up. The fans rally and duel, Dia fires himself up, and Dia brings Kushida around to send into the ring.

Dia aims from the apron as Kushida rises. Dia springboards, Kushida gets under, but Dia returns. Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the SHOTEI finds him! Cover, TWO! Dia stays in this but Kushida watches him closely. Dia rises, Kushida runs up, and Kushida goes for the arm! Dia slips free to CHPO, CHOP and CHOP! Then he intercepts the fastball with an ENZIGIRI! But Kushida KICKS the leg! And KICKS! Dia jumps the third to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans fire up and Dia lines up a shot. SOBAT and Kushida falls over! Dia covers, TWO! The fans rally, Dia watches Kushida rise, and he runs to roll, REPTILI-

NO, Kushida stops the Reptilian to fireman’s carry! Kushida aims for a corner but Dia lands safe on the apron! Dia GAMANGIRIS, then goes up the corner! Kushida comes back to HANDSPRING KICK! Dia sits back on the top rope, and Kushida climbs up after him! The fans rally as Dia fires CHOPS! Kushida grabs Dia’s bad arm for the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! But Dia slips out underneath! GAMANGIRI again! Dia climbs back up and he goes tot he very top! ASTRO SCISSORS! Dia runs up, REPTILIAN, DOUBLE CORK!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up! Dia calls his shot and he goes to the corner!

Dia climbs, takes aim, and Kushida rises. D D D- NO, Kushida stops the 4D, then ripcords to ROLLING ELBOW! Dia wobbles, but he roars! Kushida winds up, but Dia blocks the Shotei! Dia SOBATS again, then roars before he- NO, Kushida ducks the enzigiri to PENALTY KICK the bad arm! Kushida runs, tilt-o-whirls, and HOVERBOARD TAKEDOWN!! Dia endures, fights around, reaches out, but Kushida rolls him away! HOVERBOARD!! Dia TAPS, Kushida wins!

Winner: Kushida, by submission (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)

Dia’s a skater boy but he wasn’t ready for the Hoverboard! Will this diamond ever get some NJPW gold? As for Kushida, he’s building up momentum, are we gonna see some serious ish?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Taiji Ishimori!

The Sniper of the Skies got cheated by Sho and the House of Torture, but the Bone Soldier simply failed to bring down Titan. Both men have reloaded, but who will hit the bull’s eye and score?

The bell rings and we already get “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” Taiji paces around the outside in annoyance, but then comes back to circle with Eagles. They feel things out, Taiji waistlocks, then wrenches to a wristlock. Eagles rolls, wrenches and wristlocks back, but Taiji rolls to trip Eagles. Taiji has the leg for a toehold, and he fights off Eagles’ chinlock. Eagles uses his free leg to hook Taiji, but Taiji clasps hands to fight the armbar. Eagles pushes Taiji down, rolls and wants the leg, but Taiji has the ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer as Eagles lets go, and the two reset. They tie up, Taiji wrenches the knuckle lock into a double knuckle lock cover. TWO as Eagles gets an arm up! Taiji pushes that arm down, TWO as Eagles gets the other arm up! Taiji pushes that down, TWO as Eagles bridges! Taiji jumps up but Eagles uses that to get up and RANA into the leg lock! Taiji scrambles to have the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer the technical exchange while Eagles lets go. Eagles tells Taiji it was that close, and the two reset. They approach but Taiji kicks low! Taiji whips but Eagles blocks by holding ropes! Taiji kicks Eagles low again! Taiji whips, Eagles reverses and tornado arm-drags!

The fans fire up as things speed up, and Eagles hurdles to then RANA! Taiji tumbles, Eagles eggs him on, then WHEEL KICKS him down! Taiji bails out, the fans fire up, and Eagles builds speed. Taiji moves so Eagles springboards and backflips. Eagles then goes to the side, PLANCHA, but Taiji moves back! Taiji kicks low, whips, but Eagles stops from hitting the post! Eagles SOBATS Taiji, then cravats and uses the post for an ASAI- NO, Taiji stops Eagles from going over, and LAWN DARTS him into the post! Eagles clutches his shoulder and the ref checks on him, but that lets Taiji remove the blue corner buckle pad!

The fans rally for Eagles as he hobbles up. Eagles has a Young Lion help pop the arm back into place! Eagles storms in but Taiji wrangles him by that bad arm! Taiji stands on the joint, the fans rally for Eagles, and Eagles fights around. Taiji drags Eagles up, wrenches, and hammerlocks to then RAM the arm into the bare buckles! The ref reprimands Taiji using the Bullet Club Special but Taiji just clamps onto Eagles’ bad arm! Taiji drags Eagles up, just to SAYANAGI him down, and he has the arm again! Eagles endures as Taiji grinds the shoulder. The fans rally, Eagles fights around, and Eagles kicks away from below!

Taiji grinds the arm, but Eagles fights to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji lets go, and Eagles clutches that arm. Eagles says he’s fine to continue, then goes to ropes. Taiji reels Eagles in and scoops, but Eagles escapes the lawn dart! Taiji narrowly avoids hitting the bare buckles, and he ELBOWS Eagles! Taiji runs, Eagles slips around, CHOP BLOCK and then BLINDSLIDE LARIAT! The fans rally as Eagles rises, and he KICKS Taiji! And KICKS! And KICKS! Eagles runs, but Taiji blocks the leg lariat! Taiji CLUBS the leg, whips, but Eagles reverses. Taiji handsprings, but into an ENZIGIRI! Both men are down and the fans rally up.

Taiji writhes, Eagles goes to the opposite corner, and Eagles runs in! DOUBLE KNEES! Taiji stays up so Eagles BASEMENT 619s! Taiji sits down, and Eagles METEORAS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Taiji stays in this but Eagles stays on him with a SPINNING TOEHOLD! Eagles then goes up the corner, but that bad arm slows him down. Eagles still aims, WARP 4- NO, Taiji moves! Taiji runs up, Eagles KNEES low, then KICKS high! Taiji goes to the corner, and Eagles runs up, but Taiji dodges. Taiji comes back, blocks boots, and he puts Eagles in ropes! ENZIGIRI, and then Taiji runs side to side. But Eagles slips out to springboard and SNIPER DROPKICK!

The fans fire up and Eagles has the legs! But Taiji rolls Eagles, TWO! BONE LOCK! Eagles rolls to a cradle, TWO!! Taiji runs up, Eagles dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! SUPERKICKS! ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up as Eagles cravats, ASAI- NO, Taiji slips free to JUMP KNEE! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Taiji and Eagles stir as the fans rally, and they sit up. Taiji fires a forearm, but Eagles gives it back! The forearms go back and forth, then they stand up. Taiji fires forearms but Eagles KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS again! Eagles winds up, Taiji ducks the roundhouse to LARIAT! Eagles says I’ll Be Back, but Taiji LARIATS again! Cover, TWO!

Eagles survives and Taiji grows frustrated, but the fans rally back up. Taiji snarls and hobbles over. Taiji stands Eagles up, runs him in, and POSTS the bad shoulder! Taiji brings Eagles around to hammerlock and scoop, SHOULDER BUSTER!! Eagles writhes and the fans rally, but Taiji takes aim. Taiji tilt-o-whirls, but Eagles turns La Mystica into a BACKSLIDE! TWO, and Eagles steals BONE LOCK!! Taiji endures his own hold, but then Eagles shifts around, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taiji endures as Eagles thrashes around! Taiji fights his way around, but Eagles drags him back! Eagles KICKS away on the leg!

Eagles steps through, but Taiji manages a cradle! TWO!! Eagles escapes, roll up with bridge, TWO! Taiji escapes, goes for the leg, but Eagles sits down! TWO and Taiji sunset flips! TWO and Eagles prawn holds! TWO and Eagles rolls through! Taiji dodges a kick, but Eagles blocks a kick to fire strike! TURBO- LA MYSTICA!?! And BONE LOCK!!! Eagles fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away! BLOODY CROSS!!! Cover, Taiji wins!!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)

It was a shootout at the end, but Taiji is number one with a bullet! Will Taiji continue to win #ByGrace? Will Eagles still be able to fly after being shot down like that?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira!

A battle of water and fire will surely make for a steamy showdown. But where the Way of the Grandmaster overcame Ninja Mack, the Crown of Fire is seething over Kanemaru cheating him. Will Akira burn Wato up? Or will his fire be put out again?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Wato and Akira circle, feel things out, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Akira digs in his heels to put Wato on the ropes. The ref counts, Akira lets off slowly, promising a clean break. But then Akira shoves Wato and eggs him on. Wato shoves back, but Akira slips around to waistlock. Akira SLAMS Wato down, floats to a facelock, btu Wato switches. Wato facelocks, Akira slips free but Wato has a lateral press. Akira moves around but Wato facelocks then chinlocks. Akira fights up, Wato waistlocks, but Akira slips away. The fans applaud this opening exchange as the two reset.

The two go again, and Wato waistlocks then headlocks. Akira fights up, powers up and out, but Wato RUNS Akira over! Akira is right up but Wato RUNS him over again! Akira is up to BOOT Wato! Akira runs, Wato dodges and Wato RUNS Akira over again! The fans cheer and Wato rolls Akira into VENDEVAL, but Akira makes it a cradle! TWO, Wato wants Vendeval again but Akira has the ROPEBREAK! Wato lets go, but then stomps Akira! Akira stands up to CHOP! Wato CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Akira is in the corner and Wato ROCKS him. Wato whips corner to corner, runs in, but Akira puts Wato on the apron.

Akira swings, Wato blocks and ROCKS him! Wato springboards but Akira dodges. Wato comes back into a CALF KICK! The fans fire up while Wato bails out. Akira hurries to the ropes to PLANCHA! Down goes Wato and the fans fire up! They cheer “A! KI-RA!” as he stands Wato up. Akira CHOPS Wato, then brings him around the way. Akira turns Wato and says hey to the fans. Take pictures! Akira has Wato in the headscissors squeeze! Crowns up! The ref reprimands, Akira lets go, and then Akira brings Wato into the ring. Akira covers, TWO! Wato toughs it out but Akira stays cool. The fans rally as Akira clamps on with a chinlock.

Akira traps an arm as he grinds Wato down, then pushes him down so he can omoplata the arm! The fans rally as Akira grabs Wato’s other arm, and uses it as a RECLINER! A very Zack Sabre Jr. kind of move as Wato endures! Akira sits up, but Wato fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Akira lets go and the fans rally up again. Akira kicks at Wato mockingly, talks some trash, then CHOPS! Wato snarls as he falls back to the corner, and then he CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! And again! Akira CHOPS again and Wato goes back to the corner. Akira runs corner to corner but Wato dodges the splash! Wato reels Akira in, but Akira fights the back suplex!

Akira runs, Wato CALF KICKS him down! The fans rally while both men are down. Wato grits his teeth as he rises up, and he brings Akira around. Akira fires a forearm, Wato kicks low, and Wato whips. Akira reverses but Wato RANAS! Akira tumbles out, Wato builds speed, and Wato FLIES! Down goes Akira and the fans fire up! Wato rises, but then hobbles and drops to a knee. Wato catches his breath and rises again to go back for Akira. The ring count starts but Wato pushes Akira in at 5 of 20. The fans rally as Wato aims from the apron. Wato springboards, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO!

Akira is still in this as the fans rally up. Wato kicks at Akira, drags her up, but Akira fires a forearm! Wato fires back! Akira staggers to the ropes, but he returns to fire another forearm! Wato KICKS Akira! Akira grits his teeth and fires another forearm! Wato KICKS again! Akira gets mad now, and he fires a string of forearms! Akira eggs Wato on, and Wato ROCKS him! Wato reels Akira in, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Wato brings Akira up. Wato wrenches and reels Akira in, but Akira waistlocks. Wato switches, but Akira victory rolls, STOMP 182! Both men are down but Akira crawls to the cover, TWO!

Akira hurries to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives but Akira just fires up more! “IKU ZO!” The fans are with Akira and he brings Wato up. Akira reels Wato in, SPEED- NO, Wato slips free, RECIE- NO, Akira fights that to TIGER- NO, Wato fights the suplex! Akira blocks a kick to SUPERKICK, then SUPERKICK again!! Akira whips, Wato reverses, and RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!!! It ended up part backbreaker but Akira still survives! The fans rally up harder as both men rise! Wato roars and the fans are with him! Wato waistlocks but Akira fights the German Suplex! Akira reaches out but Wato keeps him from the ropes!

The fans rally as Akira and Wato struggle against each other. Akira fights his way forward and has the ROPEBREAK! But then Wato KICKS the arm! Wato reels Akira back in, TSU- NO, Akira fires elbows to get free! Wato SOBATS, but Akira ducks the roundhouse! POISON-RANA!! Wato roars as he rises! But Akira LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives but the fans rally with “A! KI-RA!” Akira drags Wato up, chicken wings an arm, but Wato fights the other! Wato fires elbows, but Akira uses that to spin him into SPEEDFIRE!! Akira then goes to the corner and the fans rally again, “A! KI-RA!”

Wato rises, into the NOVA FIRE- NO, Wato ducks it! Wato reels Akira in, TSUTEN- NO, Akira fights it to a sunset flip! TWO!!! Wato escapes that chaotic exchange, but Akira runs in! Wato dodges, pops him up, but Akira fights the spinebuster! ROUNDHOUSE! Wato wobbles, drops to his knees, and Akira runs up! FIRE- NO, Wato rolls it back, reels Akira in, but Akira fights free! Only to end up in RECIENTEMENTE 2ND!!! Cover, WATO WINS!!

Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)

It was certainly a hot match between water and fire, but Wato puts Akira down! Will the Way of the Grandmaster lead to the top of the block? Can Akira reignite as we enter the second half?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS SHO!

The Rogue Luchador won big in last night’s main event, but the Murder Machine just keeps stacking the deck. Will Sho cheat his way to a golden ticket? Or will he fail to dupe THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?

Sho grabs the mic and says he has mixed feelings. Hachioji Arena is okay, but he’s of course looking forward to wrestling the champion. However… And then we hear a big commotion just backstage! Did Sho already have the fix in at gorilla? The fans boo already and Sho says it seems Desperado may have to forfeit! But even if Despy makes it out here, Sho will “take out the trash!” Sho waits as Despy’s music hits, and Despy is dragging Yujiro out here! The fans cheer as Despy turns the tables on the House of Torture! Sho freaks out as Despy throws the Tokyo Pimp aside! Sho runs up but Despy JAMS him up with the pimp cane, then DECKS him!

The fans fire up while Sho panics and scrambles away. Despy says Sho has to be an idiot to think that would work! Despy pushes Sho into the ring, Red Shoes calls for the bell, and the fans fire up! Despy stomps Sho around, then digs his boots in! Red Shoes counts as they’re in the ropes. Despy lets go but then drags Sho up by his hair. Despy KNEES Sho low, drags him back up, and SHIN- NO, Sho CLAWS Despy’s eyes! So Despy CLAWS Sho’s eyes! Despy whips, Sho reverses, and Yujiro trips Despy up! Yujiro drags Despy out while Sho is in Red Shoes’ face! Yujiro POSTS Despy, then grabs the chair! Yujiro SMACKS Despy on the back!

The fans boo as Tokyo Pimp does his part after all! Yujiro drags Despy up, Sho undoes a buckle pad, Red Shoes just cannot stop the House’s hijinks! Sho drags Despy up, wrenches and whips, and Despy hits bare buckles! Despy writhes, Sho covers, but Red Shoes puts the buckle pad aside first. Sho is upset that Red Shoes isn’t falling for the antics! Sho drags Despy up, RAMS him into the buckles, then RAMS him in again and again! Red Shoes reprimands and the fans boo but Sho digs his boots in. Red Shoes counts, Sho steps off, and then Sho wants the loose buckle pad! Red Shoes stops Sho but that lets Yujiro drag Despy up!

Yujiro JAMS Despy up with the pimp cane! The fans boo but Yujiro drags Despy up. Yujiro puts Despy in, Sho grins but Red Shoes shakes his head. Sho looms over Despy, stands on him, but Despy shoves him. Despy slaps at Sho’s leg but Sho stomps him down! Sho drags Despy up, whips him in, and Despy stops from hitting buckles! Despy dodges Sho, Sho stops from hitting buckles, and Sho whips Despy in, only for Despy to reverse! Sho hits buckles, and Despy SPEARS! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally as Despy rises, and he wants the legs! Sho scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, but Despy GUILLOTINE CATAPULTS him!

The fans fire up as Sho sputters outside. Despy DIVES onto Sho & Yujiro! The fans fire up for Despy as he lands right on his feet! Despy then goes back for Sho and stands him up. Despy puts Sho in and drags him up. Despy hits a BIG back suplex, and the fans cheer. Despy drags Sho to a drop zone then climbs! The fans rally and Despy aims, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Sho survives and even gets a body shot in there as he kicks out. Despy shrugs that off and drags Sho up. Despy tells Sho to look at the one Sho fan here tonight. Then Despy KICKS Sho in the side! Despy drags Sho back up, gut wrench, but Sho fights it!

Sho bends Despy’s fingers, Despy breaks free, but then Sho CLAWS Despy’s face! Then he shoves Despy at Red Shoes! SPEAR!! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Sho and Despy sputter and rise. Sho grabs Despy, whips him and Despy hits bare buckles again! Sho runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Despy survives and Sho grows frustrated. Sho stands and he brings Despy up. Sho reels Despy in, but Despy fights the lift! The fans rally, Sho KNEES Despy down, then grins. Sho brings Despy up again, lifts and POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans cheer but Sho is frustrated!

The fans rally while both men are down. Sho rises and he storms over to Despy. Sho brings Despy around, but Despy CLUBS at Sho’s legs. Despy fires body shots and chops, but Sho DECKS Despy! The fans still rally for Despy but Sho kicks at him. Sho stomps away on Despy again and again, then hits one big stomp! Sho digs his boot into Despy’s neck and laughs. Sho drags Despy up, brings him around, and tucks the arms! SHOCK- NO, Despy flips through to HEADBUTT! The fans fire up as Despy stays standing but Sho slumps down! Despy roars, and he brings Sho up and in! Underhooks and PINCH- NO, Sho fights free!

Sho shoves Despy at Red Shoes! Despy stops short, but Sho RAMS Despy into Red Shoes! And then Yujiro LARIATS Despy down! The fans boo as Yujiro stomps away on Despy, then has the legs. DIVING HEADBUTT LOW BLOW! Despy sputters and coughs while Sho calls to Red Shoes. Sho tells Red Shoes to do his job. But wait, Despy unmasks and throws it at Sho!? Sho has to hide the evidence, even though it makes no sense! Red Shoes sees Despy has no mask but Sho sits on the mask to hide it! Red Shoes asks where the mask went then! Sho claims it is outside somewhere, but Red Shoes knows better than that.

The mask is poking out of Sho’s shirt! Red Shoes argues with Sho and Sho is caught! Red Shoes checks with Abe-san, Abe-san says it was Sho! Sho says screw it, shoves Red Shoes aside, and he goes to put the mask back on Despy! LOCO MONO!!! Despy puts his mask back on for himself and the fans cheer. Despy then drags Sho up and underhooks, PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, Despy wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)

Yujiro storms into the ring, but Despy KICKS the ropes to jam him up! Despy outsmarts The House by thinking outside the box, will nothing stop him from once again being The Best of the Super Juniors? Will Sho and the House have to dig deep and really come up with some new schemes?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Clark Connors!

The Ticking Timebomb is struggling right now with his 1-3 start, but he’s still just a step behind #WarDogRacing. Will Hiromu finally make things more, more, MORE fun for everyone? Or will he self-destruct against 100 Proof?

Hiromu gets quite the big introduction as an all Hachioji alumni, from kindergarten through grade school, middle school and high school, and even lives down the road. But then Connors CLOBBERS him, because Connors has had enough of Hiromu’s backstory! The bell rings and Connors stomps away on Hiromu! Connors flips Hiromu off and says F Hiromu’s hometown! But the fans rally up for Hiromu even stronger now! Connors says F HACHIOJI! The fans boo but then Connors CHOPS Hiromu! And CHOPS him to the corner! Connors whips corner to corner, Hiromu reverses, and Hiromu LARIATS, snapmares, and basement DROPKICKS!

Hiromu shouts, “Hachioji saeko! <Hachioji is the best!>” Then he starts a chant for Hachioji! “HACHI-OJI! HACHI-OJI!” Hiromu drags Connors up, but Connors CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS, runs, but into the JEEP FLIPPER! Hiromu almost falls onto the cameraman! Connors talks more trash on Hachioji, then goes out to fetch Hiromu. Connors tells fans to move, then he whips Hiromu to BOWL him into chairs! STRIKE! But Connors wants to speed up, and he tells more fans to move! Then he BOWLS Hiromu into more chairs! STRIKE! There are fans who bark with the War Dog but Red Shoes reprimands.

Connors stands Hiromu up to SMACK him off a chair, then he flips Red Shoes off! Connors has even more fans clear out! Connors whips again, but Hiromu reverses! Connors hits chairs and Hiromu bowls a STRIKE! Hiromu fires up with the fans, but then Connors CHUCKS a chair at Hiromu! Hiromu falls and Connors snarls. Red Shoes reprimands but Connors stomps Hiromu, and JAMS him up with a chair! Connors sees a fan’s bag, and he snatches one of the Daryl dolls! That’s specifically Nyao-chan, and Connors says it’s his now. And look! Wheel-san is already waiting in the corner! Connors POWERBOMBS Nyao-chan on the floor!

Connors hoists up Wheel-san, and he CHUCKS it at Hiromu! Hiromu falls back down and Red Shoes reprimands. Connors lifts Wheel-san again, aims for Nyao-chan, but Hiromu TACKLES Connors! The fans cheer but Connors throws hands! And then he POSTS Hiromu! Connors grabs Wheel-san, and SLAMS it onto Nyao-chan! The fans boo but Connors soaks up that heat. Connors stalks Hiromu while Red Shoes returns Nyao-chan to the fan. Connors JAMS Hiromu up with Wheel-san! Hiromu flounders away, but Connors goes up an aisle through the crowd. Connors lines up his shot, and he BOWLS Wheel-san right into Hiromu’s bowling pin!

Connors winds up, and he flips off Hachioji! Connors puts Hiromu in, covers, but Red Shoes refuses because of all the shenanigans. Connors admits that’s fair. Connors looms over Hiromu, waits on him to rise, and the fans rally. Hiromu chops, and chops, and CHOPS! Connors KNEES low, then whips to UPPERCUT Hiromu down! Cover, TWO! Hiromu is still in this but Connors keeps Hiromu down with body scissors! Hiromu endures the squeeze, but Connors adds a chinlock to things. Hiromu fights his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Connors lets go, slaps Hiromu around, then looms over him.

Hiromu rises up, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Connors THROWS Hiromu down by his hair! The fans boo but Connors drags Hiromu into a chinlock. Hiromu endures again, even with a knee in his back. Connors bends Hiromu, but Hiromu fights up to his feet. Hiromu fires body shots, but Connors hits a takeover! Connors grinds Hiromu down but Hiromu keeps his shoulder up. Connors mocks the fans but Hiromu fires body shots. Connors CHOPS, Hiromu staggers, and Connors whips. Hiromu reverses then blows past Connors to RANA! The fans fire up while Connors tumbles! Hiromu rises and the fans rally again.

Connors is on the ropes and Hiromu whips. Connors reverses but Hiromu ROCKS him, puts him on ropes, and KICKS the ropes to jam Connors up! Hiromu runs to SHOTGUN Connors! Connors bails out, Hiromu fires up and the fans are with him. Hiromu goes to the apron for the JOHN WOO DROPKICK! Connors tumbles away but Hiromu still has to catch his breath. Hiromu rises, staggers over, and he fires Hachioji again. Hiromu puts Connors on the apron, goes inside the ring, but then Connors HOTSHOTS Hiromu away! Connors grabs Wheel-san and hurries back in! Red Shoes reprimands, and then literally puts his foot down!

Connors is annoyed, and he shoves Red Shoes aside! But then Red Shoes sits on Wheel-san! Connors asks what Red Shoes thinks he’s doing, but Hiromu rolls Connors up! TWO, but Hiromu hurries to cradle! TWO, and Connors KNEES low! Connors reels Hiromu in, aims for Wheel-san, but Hiromu fights No Chaser! Hiromu snap suplexes Connors and narrowly misses Wheel-san! Connors still writhes and Hiromu grabs Wheel-san. Red Shoes reprimands, so Hiromu brings Wheel-san to the outside. Hiromu kisses Wheel-san and lets him chill on the outside. Hiromu says he doesn’t need Wheel-san to win!

Hiromu returns to Connors in the ring, puts him up top, and then CHOPS! Hiromu climbs up, brings Connors in, but Connors fights the suplex! Connors HEADBUTTS Hiromu, then slips underneath! Connors brings Hiromu off the corner for a SITOUT POWERBOMB!! The fans rally while both men are down, but Connors goes to a corner. Connors climbs up, then MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up! Connors grows frustrated, and he goes to another corner. Connors takes aim as Hiromu rises, and runs in for a- Fireman’s carry! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! The fans fire up with Hiromu!

Hiromu fireman’s carries again, swings, but Connors sunset flips! Hiromu rolls through, but runs into a POWERSLAM! Connors reloads, SPEAR into TRIANGLE D!! The fans fire up as Connors is caught, but he endures to deadlift and BUCKLE BOMB! Then SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives again and the fans fire up! Connors is beside himself but we hit 15 minutes, the halfway mark! Connors rises, Hiromu stirs, and Connors vows to end this. Connors stands Hiromu up, reels him in, but Hiromu shoves free. Connors comes back to SPEAR again!! Hiromu flounders, Connors backs off and reloads!

The fans rally as hard as they can as Hiromu rises. Connors runs back in, but into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs up and SUPERKICKS again! And then- SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! The fans rally for Hiromu as hard as they can but Connors brings him up first. But Connors’ back won’t let him hit the No Chaser! Connors changes course to hit a BIG back suplex, but Hiromu lands out! Hiromu wrenches and suplexes, but Connors fights that! Connors runs, but into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Connors is right up, but into a SUPERKICK! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!!

Connors survives but Hiromu drags himself up with ropes. Hiromu fires up and the fans rally even more! Hiromu drags Connors up, fireman’s carries, but Connors fires elbows! Connors grabs ropes, but Hiromu pries him free! Swing and TIMEBOMB 1.0!!! But Connors flounders under the ropes! Hiromu was so close and yet so far from ending this! Connors and Hiromu rise again, and Hiromu drags Connors up. But Connors UPPERCUTS! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Connors flops against ropes, and Hiromu runs! SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB onto Wheel-san!! Well, Hiromu doesn’t need it, but he’ll use it anyway!

The fans are thunderous as Hiromu puts Connors back in, fireman’s carries, and swings for TIMEBOMB 1.0!!!! But Hiromu says that’s not enough! Dragon sleeper and TIMEBOMB 2.0!!!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)

This was certainly a fast ‘n’ furious battle, but the hometown hero prevails! Will Connors buff out the dents with a much needed pitstop?

As for said hometown hero, Hiromu grabs the mic to say, “Clark- Oh, he’s gone. I guess he already took off. Darn it. Clark… No, I can’t join the War Dogs. It crossed my mind, but I’ve decided against it. Hachioji, I’M HOME~!” The fans cheer, and Hiromu says that was too tough! He can’t take this anymore. He’s exhausted already! His everything hurts! But… Those high-fives during his entrance gave him a spark so he’s thankful for that. “Hold on… I hear some big cheers. Perhaps some of my old classmates are here…? Raise your hand if you’re a classmate of mine from grade, middle or high school.” Wait, only four? Well, Hiromu thanks those four!

The fans applaud, and Hiromu says he is grateful to those four. He’ll be sure to invite more next year. But he’ll be serious here. He was 1-3 going into this round. A fan says, “Then win the rest!” Hiromu says yes, he knows, thank you. But that said, he saw socials being like, “Hiromu, are you quitting? Please don’t leave!” Things like that. “Will you follow Naito?” More things like that. He was planning on making this announcement after winning the Super Juniors on June 1st, but… He got permission from the office to go ahead and say it here in his hometown. The fans are curious, and Hiromu says that he hoped he could say this after winning.

“On June 1st, 2025, Hiromu Takahashi will leave NJPW.” What?! “PSYCHE!! Give me a break! Why would I quit just because I lost three matches?! I lost those three matches just because I was outclassed!” The fans applaud and Hiromu says don’t forget, he’s an optimist! He’s been through a lot in his 15 year career and don’t quite a lot! He’s still here now! When he joined NJPW, he had two peers. They were stronger before their debuts, he couldn’t beat either of them! One was Bad Luck Fale! The other… Hiromu forgets that guy’s name. But those were the only two!

Hiromu went on excursion, experienced a whole lot, came back, broke his neck, went through even more struggles! He’s lost and struggled again and again and again! The fans cheer that, and Hiromu says that he is still super positive! Can El Desperado hear Hiromu? On opening night, Despy said the two were destined forever rivals! That’s a given! The fans cheer that! Hiromu tells Despy that if it’s not them in the finals, then it won’t be any fun! The fans also like the sound of that. Hiromu says of course one has to be prepared and aware. It is important to talk about protecting NJPW, leading NJPW, caring for NJPW…!

BUT! Just saying it isn’t enough in this world! Hiromu says as long as he is here, NJPW IS the best! The fans cheer that! Hiromu says let’s work together and play our part. The other wrestlers, the staff, let’s all do our best! The fans cheer more, and Hiromu says he may have said too much already. He’s won three of these tournaments in a row, but he won’t be one who relies on past glory. Even today’s victory is already in the past! Being the strongest, strongest, strongest, STRONGEST is important, and he’ll enjoy the BOSJ more than anyone! The fans cheer and Hiromu says that’s right! Moto! Moto! Moto! MOTO! MOTO!

Oh, hey, Takagi-san. Hiromu admits their eyes met just now. Hiromu says he wants to keep working with Takagi and Yota, and the fans cheer. MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!! MOTO!! MOTO!!! MOTO!!! FUN TOGETHER WITH EVERYONE~!! The fans cheer and Hiromu finally drops the mic. But will the Ticking Timebomb still come out on top of the block? How much more effort will it take to once again be the Best of the Super Juniors?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

KUSHIDA: 3-2, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie X: 3-2, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-2, 6 points
Master Wato: 3-2, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-3, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Nick Wayne: 4-1, 8 points
Titan: 3-2, 6 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-2, 6 points
El Desperado: 3-2, 6 points
SHO: 2-3, 4 points
Taiji Ishimori: 2-3, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-3, 4 points
YOH: 2-3, 4 points
MAO: 2-3, 4 points
Kevin Knight: 2-3, 4 points

My Thoughts:

Another great round for NJPW BOSJ, but I am thankful they’re pulling back for the next couple of shows. A Block has now split between the 3-2 and the 2-3 groups. That makes it really interesting to pick out a finalist. I do appreciate them letting Kushida turn things around from his surprising 0-2 start. Nick Wayne still leading B Block is some good stuff, too, I continue to look forward to how far he goes. I like that the House of Torture members both lost because of mask shenanigans. And an awesome main event for Hiromu to win in his hometown. Hiromu stays afloat in the ranks, and he had a great swerve in the promo. He could definitely have one of the biggest comebacks in BOSJ to go from 1-3 to the finals, and go for a historic fifth trophy.

My Score: 9/10