Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (9/24/19)

It’s the final SmackDown on USA Network!

Published

5 years ago

September 24, 2019

Steven Mitchell

The SmackDown “season finale” is going to be big!

Before moving to Fox, the Blue Brand wants Roman Reigns to clear the air with Daniel Bryan over the Erick Rowan issue. Will Big Dog and Planet’s Champion come to an understanding?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Daniel Bryan VS Erick Rowan; Rowan wins.
Chad Gable VS Mike Kanellis; Gable wins.
Charlotte Flair & Carmella w/ R-Truth VS Sasha Banks & Bayley; Banks & Bayley win.
Mustafa Ali VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Sami Zayn; Nakamura wins.
The New Day VS The B-Team; The New Day wins.
The Kabuki Warriors VS Fire & Desire; The Kabuki Warriors win.

PLAY BY PLAY

No one will overlook Erick Rowan ever again.

With his one real friend, Luke Harper, by his side, the Big Redwood wrecked Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan to end SmackDown! Will these two titans continue to dominate and destroy?

Erick Rowan is here!

The massive mastermind is in San Francisco but fans boo and jeer. He comments on the “work of art” that he and Harper created last week. Fans still boo and jeer but Rowan says he is more than an artist, he is a creator! He creates violence that demands respect. But San Fran shouts “You Suck! You Suck!” Rowan sees they like to belittle him, and the nickname “Redwood” comes from thinking he is less than human. But that has changed because as the saying goes, Might Makes Right. It doesn’t matter what side you’re on. It matters if you can dominate and destroy. Roman and “Dan” know he’s right, as does the entire SmackDown roster! That is why they’re afraid of Rowan! But wait, here comes Daniel Bryan! Fans are fired up for the Planet’s Champion as he stands on stage with a mic. “You feel disrespected? You think you’re right?” Bryan says if Rowan wants respect, fight him right now! Rowan tosses off his vest, a referee appears, this match is happening!

Daniel Bryan VS Erick Rowan!

The bell rings, and Bryan runs at Rowan, only to be powered back to a corner. Rowan tosses Bryan across the ring, then reels him in for a BIG clothesline! Rowan runs to drop a big elbow, then runs again to drop the splash! Rowan drags Bryan up to toss him out, and then he hurries out to come around the way, BIG BODY CHECK! The fans boo while Rowan roars and looms over Bryan. Rowan drags Bryan back up to throw him into the post! Rowan refreshes the count at 7 to go after Bryan more. He puts Bryan in the ring as fans rally up. Rowan stomps Bryan down, then drags him up to ram knees in Bryan’s back. Rowan wrenches Bryan’s neck but Bryan fights his way up. Bryan pulls Rowan’s beard but Rowan knees him low. Bryan fights back with punches and uppercuts and kicks! Fans rally as Bryan runs, but into a BIG spinning heel kick! Cover, TWO! Rowan has Bryan on the ropes while we go to break.

SmackDown returns and Rowan stalks over to Bryan outside the ring. Rowan rocks Bryan with a big forearm, then refreshes the count again. Rowan drags Bryan up for a powerbomb to the post! Bryan hits the floor and Rowan leaves him behind. The ref checks on Bryan but Rowan wants the count. The ring count begins yet again, but Bryan rises at 7. Bryan drags himself in at 9! Rowan is furious, and he stomps Bryan down! Rowan stomps away over and over but backs off at the ref’s count. Rowan hauls Bryan up to whip corner to corner, then runs in for a big splash! Bryan slumps down, but gets up as Rowan comes back, to dropkick the legs out! Fans fire up for Bryan and Bryan fires up in the ring. Bryan and Rowan stand, but Bryan chop blocks Rowan’s leg! And again! Bryan hurries out to drag Rowan over to a corner, and he throws the bad leg into the post! Rowan is writhing but Bryan just swings his leg into the post again! And then dropkicks it! And then swings it into the post!

Fans fire up as Bryan has Rowan reeling. Bryan drags Rowan up for big European Uppercuts and buckle bumps. Bryan runs corner to corner for a dropkick! And then another! Bryan goes a third time, but Rowan pops him up! To a JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and shocks Rowan! Rowan focuses and drags Bryan up for a bearhug, thrashing Bryan about! Bryan endures as Rowan squeezes tight. Fans rally and Bryan fights back with elbows. Bryan is free, and he throws EuroUppers. Rowan kicks low then lifts Bryan again, standing powerbomb! Cover, TWO!! SmackDown goes picture in picture as Rowan argues with the ref. Rowan shouts at the fans but then he laughs it off. He drags Bryan over, because he has an idea how to end this. Rowan whips Bryan at the steel steps! Bryan is down but Rowan refreshes the count to keep on him.

Rowan drags Bryan to the barriers, and throws him face first into them! The front row fans get even closer to the action and cheer Bryan on. But Rowan drags Bryan back up to throw into the ring. Rowan stalks Bryan with a smile on his face. He dares Bryan to stand, and Bryan slowly drags himself up on the ropes. Rowan grins as Bryan makes it to his feet, and he LARIATS Bryan down! Rowan soaks up the heat, and even gets up on the corner for all to see. San Fran boos the Big Red Behemoth as he goes back to Bryan. He steps on Bryan then goes back to boasting on a post. Rowan drags Bryan up and reels him in for another clothesline, then mocks Bryan for ever thinking of him as an equal and not a superior.

SmackDown returns to single picture as fans rally for Bryan. Bryan drags himself up but Rowan brings him in for another lift. Bryan fights out of the bomb to sunset flip! But Rowan hauls Bryan up to whip. Bryan baits Rowan in and dumps him out! Bryan then builds speed, to DIVE! But into Rowan’s arms! Bryan escapes and shoves Rowan into a post! Rowan clutches the bad arm again, but he gets back in the ring. Bryan hurries to climb up top, and he leaps to missile dropkick Rowan in the back! Fans are thunderous for Bryan as he kips up! Bryan gives Rowan Yes Kicks! From both sides, too! Then the buzzsaw hits! Cover, ONE!? Rowan still has so much strength left, but Bryan won’t stop here. Bryan climbs up, and leaps again, but into Rowan’s hands! Choke slam lift, but Bryan pops out for a GUILLOTINE! Bryan brings Rowan down, into the LeBelle Lock!! Rowan scrambles and reaches, and gets the ropebreak. Bryan holds on, until he sees Harper coming! Bryan gets up to dropkick Harper away from the ring! Bryan DIVES to take Harper out!!

But Harper gets right up!? Harper just stares at Bryan, and Rowan drags Bryan back in! IRON CLAW SLAM! And Bryan gets stuck in the ropes at the same time! Harper grins as Rowan smothers and stomps Bryan while the ref tries to free Bryan. Bryan is freed, but that only means Rowan can give him a second IRON CLAW! Cover, Rowan wins!

Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall

Luke Harper celebrates with Rowan, by going after Bryan more! Harper smothers Bryan while Rowan clears off the announce desk. But here comes Roman Reigns! The Big Dog heads right down the ramp, and he LEAPS to Superman Punch Harper! Superman Punch for Rowan! Drive-By Dropkick for Harper! But Rowan runs Roman over! Deja vu from last week as Harper and Rowan bring Roman to the desk. But Bryan is up and fighting back! Bryan looks to save Roman, but Harper throws him into the ring. Roman gives Rowan a BIG uppercut! Harper aims at Bryan, but Bryan dodges the discus to give the Planet’s Knee!! Rowan hurries after Bryan, but Roman saves Bryan with a SPEAR!

Fans echo “OOAH~!” as Roman checks on Bryan. It would seem that the enemy of an enemy is a friend, but Bryan refuses to be helped up. Bryan grabs a mic and says, “All I want is a one word answer. Do you want to see me and Roman kick their disrespected asses!?” Fans say “YES! YES!” The fans have spoken, and Bryan might have a new ally against former friends! Will Roman and Bryan be able to overcome the combined might of Harper and Rowan?

SmackDown looks back on the legend of The Beast, BROCK LESNAR!

From NCAA Heavyweight Champion to youngest WWE world champion and perhaps the most dominate force in all of WWE history, “you can’t survive Suplex City! You can’t survive the onslaught! You can’t survive the F5!” No one survives BRRROCK! LESNARRR!

Michael Cole interviews Kofi Kingston.

The WWE World Champion wants Cole to have some energy. The W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION~ is here, baby! Well Cole tried that once, it didn’t work that well. But on to the coming challenge of Brock Lesnar. Lesnar challenged Kofi to a match for the first Fox SmackDown, then gave him an F5. Why did Kofi accept the challenge? Because Kofi is proving he is a fighting champion. So then how is he preparing for The Beast? No one ever really prepares for someone like that, but Kofi feels he’s at the top of his game right now. Kofi beat Samoa Joe, Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, some of the greatest around. Kofi feels really good.

But think about how historic that debut will be in Los Angeles. Kingston VS Lesnar for the world title. Does he feel pressure? Kofi always feels that. He wants to be the best champion he can be, but this amazing opportunity for WWE and Fox is great. Everyone thinks Lesnar will have his way again, walk out as champion again, but Kofi’s worked too long and too hard to let go just yet. Kofi feels at the top of his game, feels very confident, and is confident that he will still be our W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, Champion, baby. Will Kofi solidify his legacy by overcoming the one and only Brock Lesnar?

Chad Gable VS Mike Kanellis!

Another so close and yet so far match with Baron Corbin last night, but the Olympic medalist is still #ReadyWillingAndGable to fight. Will Gable climb his way back up?

Gable speaks, noting how Corbin said Gable will “always come up short.” Haha, good joke. But Gable’s run in the King of the Ring tournament, and how close he came last night on Raw, that was no joke. Corbin knew he was going to lose, so he got disqualified. But the next time Gable crosses paths with him- Mike Kanellis interrupts, telling “Chad, Chad, Chad,” that while he’s “sorry” to cut Gable’s time short, Mike is here to prove to his wife, Maria, that size does matter. Mike laughs at his own jokes, but Gable just laughs it off. The bell rings, Gable throws Mike overhead with a belly2belly! Mike scrambles up, Gable gets Mike with CHAOS THEORY! And the Ankle Lock! Mike taps, Gable wins!

Winner: Chad Gable, by submission

Size does matter, because Mike’s big ego got him in trouble! Gable wins, but will he move on to bigger and better after this?

Elias interrupts Gable’s celebration with a message from the titantron. “Hey, Shorty.” Elias has been following the Gable story and has written a song dedicated to him. “Chad Gable the underdog has everyone inspired. If it were up to me, little people like you would be fired.” Imagine if Gable had won the finals, how would everyone feel, knowing the King of the Ring can’t see over his steering wheel? Women laugh at Gable because he has nothing to give. Randy Newman said it best, short people ain’t got no reason to live. Gable scowls but will he make Elias pay for showing little respect?

Charlotte Flair finds R-Truth.

Has he seen Carmella? Carm who? He knows who she means. No he doesn’t. He certainly doesn’t know someone who is the new 48/7, 7/11, European Television Champion. Carmella says it is okay, and she shows herself. Charlotte congratulates Carmella for winning the title, but wants her to focus on Bayley and Banks. Carmella is. She has known Bayley for years, this is not the Bayley she knows. Charlotte says this is exactly the Bayley she’s known. But either way, they’ll be showing Bayley and Banks #WhatsUp. WOO~! Did Truth do that right? Well when Queen and Princess team up, will they beat the Boss & Hug Connection?

Charlotte Flair & Carmella w/ R-Truth VS Sasha Banks & Bayley!

While The Boss prepares for Becky Lynch in Hell in a Cell, the FABULOUS 24/7 Champion has to now watch her back. Will either of them be able to focus in this match? Or will it be all on The Queen and the SmackDown Women’s Champion to settle this grudge?

The teams sort out and Carmella starts with Sasha Banks. The two circle and Sasha knees Carmella to throw her down by her hair. Sasha whips Carmella to a corner, but Carmella dodges and moonwalks. Carmella catches Sasha for an atomic drop to a corner boot! Carmella hops up to headscissor and clothesline Sasha down! Cover, TWO! Carmella keeps on Sasha by bringing her up, but Sasha spins out and DECKS her with a right! Sasha throws Carmella out of the ring, and then tags Bayley. Truth keeps the 24/7 Championship safe while Bayley DECKS Carmella! And then throws more forearms! She bounces Carmella off the announce desk! Then she puts Carmella in the ring to cover, TWO! Bayley keeps on Carmella with a rain of rights, shouting, “I’ve changed?” She tags Sasha in, and the two best friends whip and crisscross Carmella to throw her into buckles.

Sasha snapmares, runs and wraps on a chinlock. She grins as she grinds Carmella down. Carmella endures and fans rally up. Carmella fights up but Sasha throws her down again. Tag to Bayley and the best friends mug Carmella. Bayley brings Carmella up but Carmella fights with forearms! Carmella reaches for Charlotte but Bayley pulls her away. Bayley scoops but Carmella slips out to pull Bayley down by her ponytail! Both women are down but Carmella crawls, hot tag to Charlotte! Charlotte rallies on both Bayley and Sasha, and CHOPS away on Bayley! Fans echo the “WOO~!” with each shot! Charlotte gives Bayley a big back suplex! Then an exploder! Charlotte kips up and fans fire up as she runs in at Bayley. Bayley dodges, but runs into the backbreaker! Then a BOOT! Charlotte drags Bayley around, and wants the Figure Four! She gets it! Bayley flails but Sasha attacks with a Meteora!

Sasha saves Bayley and tags in. Sasha goes at Charlotte, but Charlotte blocks the backstabber into a backpack stunner! Charlotte goes for the Figure Four again, but Sasha shoves her away! Charlotte hits buckles, but Carmella tags in. Carmella climbs, and LEAPS for a crossbody! But she bounces off, to FABULOUS Kick! Sasha elbows back, then hops up, but Carmella gets under. FABULOUS KICK again! Cover but Bayley breaks it! Bayley whips but Carmella reverses to send Bayley out. Carmella mule kicks then FABULOUS Kicks! She dodges Sasha to tilt-o-whirl to a roll-up, TWO! CROSSFACE! Sasha has the Bank Statement, Carmella taps, Banks & Bayley win!

Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley, Sasha by submission

Truth knows what that means for the 24/7 Champion! He gets Carmella out of the ring as the rest of the Women’s Division comes running down the ramp! Will Carmella make it out of the Chase Center with the title?

As for Charlotte, she already couldn’t believe her team lost. Now she can’t believe she’s all alone against Sasha and Bayley. But she still fights with big elbows and forearms! She tackles Bayley to a corner to ram in shoulder.s Sasha gets Charlotte with the backstabber! But here comes Becky! Once again, the Raw Women’s Champion is ready to fight! And she gets Bayley as Sasha runs away! Sasha returns but she gets EuroUppers! Bayley gets a mule kick, Sasha gets a Becksploder! But so does Bayley! Sasha gets caught for the Disarm-Her! Bayley bails Banks out and they both get away. Becky grins, because it’s only a matter of time. Will the Man make The Boss pay for trying to cancel the #StraightFire? Or is Sasha one match away from making the Boss & Hug Connection golden?

Shane McMahon discusses Kevin Owens’ lawsuit with his legal team.

It seems they all understand the situation, but will they find something to favor Shane O’Mac? Or is he going to be out a pretty penny and a job when this goes to court?

Mustafa Ali VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Sami Zayn!

The Beacon of Light shines bright in the night, but will he make a big impact on the last night SmackDown’s on USA Network? But Sami makes sure everyone shows respect for THE Intercontinental Champion, the King of Strong Style, “SHINSUKEEEE~! NAKAMURAAAA~!” Will Nakamura make good on the beating he gave Ali last week?

The bell rings and Ali approaches Nakamura, only to get a kick in the leg. Nakamura puts Ali in a corner and whips him corner to corner. Nakamura runs in, but Ali goes right up and over him! Ali runs, dodges, and dropkicks Nakamura out! Then DIVES to wipe Nakamura out! He gets right up, too! Ali puts Nakamura in and shakes off the header, to crossbody Nakamura down! Cover, TWO! Ali keeps his eyes on Nakamura as he goes corner to corner, but he’s put on the apron. He punches Nakamura away, but has to swipe at Sami. Nakamura throws Ali into the post! Ali crashes and burns and Sami shouts, “That’s what you get!” as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Ali is down and out but Nakamura fetches him into the ring. Nakamura puts Ali on the apron, for the guillotine knee drop! Ali writhes but Nakamura covers, TWO! Ali lives but he’s not doing so well with Nakamura driving knees into his head and shoulders. Nakamura paces before going to Ali at the ropes. He brings Ali up in a facelock and wrenches, but Ali endures. Nakamura grinds Ali down to the mat, but Ali fights his way back up. Ali throws body shots but Nakamura knees then snapmares to drop another knee! Cover, TWO! Ali angers Sami and Nakamura, but Nakamura keeps on Ali with swift kicks. Nakamura drives more knees in, but Ali blocks the buzzsaw kick! SmackDown returns to single picture as Ali stands to heel kick Nakamura down!

Fans rally as Ali gets to a corner. Ali dodges Nakamura then roundhouses him away! Ali slingshots and somersaults for the X-factor! But Ali won’t stop there, he aims from the corner. Ali runs corner to corner for double knees! He hoists Nakamura up fast to uppercut and climb. Nakamura fights back and shoves, but Ali flips to land on his feet! Nakamura leaps into Ali’s dropkick! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is wincing now and Sami grows concerned. Ali gets up and is on Nakamura, but Nakamura holds ropes to avoid the whip. So Ali throws uppercuts! Ali whips again, but Nakamura reverses. Nakamura swings one but hits the back hell kick! Ali is dazed, but he boots, only to get turned around and kicked back! Sliding German Suplex from Nakamura drops Ali! Sami is enjoying this as Nakamura aims from the corner. “YAO~!” SUPERKICK from Ali! Cover, TWO!!

Both men are down but fans rally. Ali hurries to a corner and climbs, but Nakamura hurries over to enziguri! Ali is stuck up top, Top Shelf Knee! Then Inverted Exploder, but Ali lands on his feet! Roll-up, TWO! Uppercut from Ali, he hops up to tornado DDT! Ali hurries up top again, but Sami saves Nakamura! Ali bails out of his flip, but builds speed to FLY over the ref! He takes out Nakamura! Ali puts Nakamura in but he sees Sami talking smack. Ali chases Sami around, then end up in the ring, KINSHASA outta nowhere! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

Big assist to Sami and it is the Rockstar who wins again! Will anyone will be able to dethrone the King of Strong Style if the #ZaynFactor is always present?

BREAKING NEWS: A new match has been made for the Hell in a Cell PPV!

Naturally, after Bryan and Roman worked together to run off Rowan & Harper, these four men will collide in a tag team match!

The New Day VS The B-Team!

AWWW~ Bay Area~! The New Day is here, so feel~ the power~! But in order to get back at The Revival and those SmackDown Tag Team Championships, can Xavier Woods and Big E win big against Bo Dallas and Curt Axel? Or will the once “undefeated” Raw Tag Team Champions begin their climb back to being the best?

The teams sort out and Axel starts with Woods. Axel kicks Woods low, then flosses. Woods dropkicks Axel back, and swivels his hips. Woods CHOPS Axel then whips him corner to corner. Axel reverses but Woods goes up and over to run, slide and mule kick. Bo steps in but Woods runs him over, only to get run over by Axel. Axel stomps Woods down then tags in Bo. Bo stomps Woods now, then tags in Axel. The B-Team snapmares then drives knees into Woods. Axel wraps on a chinlock but fans rally for Woods. Woods endures and fights his way up, but Axel back suplexes. Woods lands on his feet but is powered to the B-Team corner. Tag to Bo and Bo hits Big E for good measure, before hitting Woods with a corner clothesline. He feeds Woods to Axel’s DDT, cover, TWO! Bo kicks Woods out of the ring and shouts, “B Train!”

The B-Team takes a lap but Big E comes up behind to run Axel over! Then he chases Bo into the ring, for Woods to roll up! TWO, and tag to Big E! Woods boots Bo, Big E scoops, Midnight Hour hits! Cover, The New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, Big E pinning

Big E hugs the 49ers as they celebrate the win! But will the New Day be striking gold of their own as big changes come to SmackDown?

Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville celebrate Mandy being on the cover of Maxim.

Everyone in Australia will go insane seeing Mandy live. Mandy passes out copies to everyone, but Sonya says they need to get to their match. Sonya ushers Mandy along, but Otis asks for a selfie. Mandy lets him take a pic, and a copy. Tucker comes by, and approves.

The Kabuki Warriors VS Fire & Desire!

Asuka and Kairi Sane return to action! Don’t include them chasing after the 24/7 Championship… But will the Empress of Tomorrow and Pirate Princess get back on track as SmackDown is on the move? Or will Mandy and Sonya have more to celebrate than just Mandy’s Maxim cover shoot?

SmackDown returns as Mandy and Sonya make their entrance. Sonya and Asuka start and Mandy personally signs and gives out copies to commentary. Sonya puts Asuka on the ropes, but Asuka turns around to throw hands. Sonya gets free to waistlock and slam Asuka down, then she kicks her in the back. Asuka catches the second kick to give kicks of her own! Asuka fires up and whips Sonya, but Sonya reverses to kick Asuka’s leg. Sonya headlocks but Asuka fights out to shove Sonya. Sonya bumps Asuka but Asuka runs her over! Fans fire up with Asuka and she tags in Kairi. The joshi royalty double whip and hip toss to then run and dropkick combo on Sonya! Cover, TWO! Kairi brings Sonya up, Sonya dodges the backhand to give a right hand! Sonya tosses Kairi out hard then tags Mandy.

Mandy takes her copy of Maxim back to show it off to everyone, and rub it in Kairi’s face. “You will never look like me.” Kairi takes a closer lock, and kicks the magazine away! Then CHOPS Mandy! Kairi fires off more chops then puts Mandy in the ring. Kairi gets in, runs, dodges, and rebound springboards to headscissor Mandy down! Fans fire up as Kairi marches, then runs corner to corner! Sliding D forearm! Kairi hits Sonya away then hits Mandy. But Mandy plays up the hit for Sonya to trip Kairi up! Mandy DECKS Kairi and covers, TWO! Mandy drags Kairi up to whip her in. Mandy fires off angry forearms, then taunts Asuka. But Kairi fights back! Kairi decks Sonya then headbutts Mandy. Kairi slides but Mandy grabs her leg. Kairi shoves Mandy away, hot tag to Asuka!

Asuka rallies with a dropkick and pop-up knee strike! Asuka goes corner to corner to hip attack Mandy! Then a mule kick to a running cutter! Asuka runs to sliding wizard! Cover but Sonya wizards Asuka off Mandy! Kairi dropkicks Sonya out but Mandy rolls Asuka! TWO, and Asuka tags Kairi. ROUNDHOUSE to Mandy, then CODE BREAKER! Mandy is in the drop zone, anchors aweigh with the InSANE Elbow! Cover, Kabuki Warriors win!

Winners: The Kabuki Warriors, Sane pinning

The Empress and Princess win big and could be heading for those WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! Meanwhile, Sonya is a bit upset with Mandy for getting distracted, but they will keep fighting. Who will make it to Bliss-Cross first in this changing WWE landscape?

BREAKING NEWS: The SmackDown Fox debut has another major match!

The Four Horsewomen have another tag team match on the first SmackDown on Fox, and the last SmackDown before Hell in a Cell! Who gains last-minute momentum before The Boss and The Man battle inside the Cell?

Shane McMahon and his legal team head to the ring.

Kevin Owens’ wrongful termination lawsuit, with its $25 MILLION in damages, hangs over the head of the “BEST in the WOOOOOOOOORLD” but that’s what a team of high-paid attorneys is for. Shane knows Kevin is here, so he gives him an introduction complete with music and titantron. But Kevin doesn’t enter from the stage, but from the crowd! Shane has someone get Kevin a mic while San Fran cheers and chants. Shane introduces Kevin to the WWE legal team, and they’ve been reviewing the “frivolous” lawsuit. They have a proposition for Kevin. Option 1: Shane keeps Kevin in court until Kevin is the one burning through money while unemployed. Fans boo that option as Shane rubs it in that it’ll just ruin Kevin’s family. Or there’s option 2, and Kevin asks what that is. Option 2: Kevin drops this “ridiculous” suit, and Shane will personally reinstate Kevin here and now, and also drops his $100,000 fine from before. So obviously, there’s a smart choice in this, and that is to start with a clean slate.

Fans chant “NO! NO!” as Shane offers a handshake for option 2. Kevin stares long and hard at the hand, and says Shane is “a real idiot.” Shane doesn’t get it. This lawsuit, the courtroom, the lawyers, it all makes Kevin sick. The only thing worse would be Shane still in the locker room, where he doesn’t belong. Kevin can’t stand the thought of still sharing the locker room with Shane. That is what this is about! The money isn’t event he issue, it’s the leverage and what Kevin wants, and what everyone wants: to see Shane get FIRED! So what does Kevin want? One final match! If Shane wins, Kevin drops the lawsuit and stays fired. But if Kevin wins, Shane is GONE from the WWE!

What’s the catch? No catch. Well, the match does need to be something more than just a normal match. It needs to be a match where Kevin can hurt Shane as badly as Shane’s hurt Kevin. For years, the McMahons talk about climbing the corporate ladder. Put that briefcase literally in the balance, for a LADDER MATCH! Shane accepts, and this match is set to happen! Who brings down the briefcase to hold the other man’s fate in their hands?

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

The Man is preparing for Sasha Banks in less than two weeks. Sasha has been in the Cell before, but Becky says Sasha better hope she has an advantage in there. “Because what is Sasha without her head start on me?” What is Sasha without Bayley being her backup? Sasha ambushes Becky! Becky throws Sasha into trunks, but Sasha throws Becky into another! They brawl, and Sasha rams Becky again. “You’re a nobody, Becky!” Sasha throws Becky into boards, then into fencing! The same kind of fencing for the Cell! Sasha shouts she’s The Boss, but security pulls her off Becky. But Sasha kicks Becky while she’s down before leaving, a big smile on her face. Will Becky be able to recover before the Fox premiere’s major tag match?

My Thoughts:

This final USA Network SmackDown acts as a go-home to the first Fox SmackDown next week, and it was a rather good one. And it’s fitting, since SmackDown’s debut on Fox is starting to sound like a PPV level event in itself. We got a great start to tonight’s episode with Rowan’s promo and the sudden match with Bryan. The match was pretty good, but naturally Harper comes out to help Rowan, and then Roman comes out to even things up. Bryan and Roman stand tall, and naturally we get their tag team grudge match with Rowan and Harper at Hell in a Cell. This will be a pretty solid tag team match, but could probably go either way since Rowan and Harper are likely to get purposefully disqualified if push comes to shove. Kofi has a good interview promo about his match with Lesnar, but as confident as he sounded, this could still go Lesnar’s way because, well, it’s Lesnar.

It’s fine that Gable squashes Kanellis, Gable’s been red hot thanks to the King of the Ring tournament. The big news out of Mike Kanellis on SmackDown might be that the WWE Draft puts him here to line up with the rumors that 205 Live is going to Fridays now, too. The Cruiserweights that aren’t already moved up and out of 205 Live are probably going to start being SmackDown stars, and that old “Cruiserweights only on Raw” garbage Stephanie McMahon said years ago will be undone. At the same time, 205 Live is becoming more and more the third branch of Triple H’s creative, so Cruiserweights are probably going to be popping up on all brands. Ali VS Nakamura was a great match tonight, but naturally Sami is a factor. Usual Heel fare as far as a corner person distracting, but there’s probably a way for Ali to get around it. And we got a fun little tag match of New Day VS The B-Team, but it was obviously just an easy win for New Day to keep strong before determining SmackDown Tag title contenders.

Well damn, we are getting one last Shane VS Kevin match, but at least it’s not in a Hell in a Cell match. That way we won’t need to see Shane jump off the top of the Cell on Kevin, just off a ladder. But in either case, Kevin is winning to get rid of Shane and get his own job back, the money being all kayfabe. Though, I would love if Kevin followed this story up with kayfabe things he and the family get to do now with the money they won. Maybe there will be actual money involved and given to Connor’s Cure or other cancer fighting organizations, since October will of course be Breast Cancer Awareness Month again.

The Women’s Division was the strong part of tonight. I liked the bit with Charlotte, Carmella and R-Truth backstage, it shows Truth is returning the favor of watching out for the new “747 48/7 7/11 24/7 European Television Champion” the way Carmella did for him. And then we get a pretty good match out of Charlotte, Carmella, Bayley and Sasha, especially with the elements of Carmella questioning Bayley’s character. Bayley and Banks win to keep both Boss & Hug strong in both singles and tag divisions. Kabuki Warriors VS Fire & Desire technically got to main event, so that alone is great. It is also great that Asuka and Kairi Sane won. Kairi also had a funny little part in connection to the 24/7 Championship chase, but I really hope she and Asuka get another and far more serious run at the Women’s Tag titles. Both women deserve more than just being filler, regardless of Paige being around as a manager/spokesperson. The very ending, of Sasha attacking Becky out of nowhere, was good but certainly rushed. It still gives good heat for the Fox debut’s tag match, but that could go either way with Hell in a Cell right around the corner.

My Score: 8.4/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Road to New Beginning Results & Report! (1/30/25)

GO! ACE! GO! ACE!

Published

15 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Tanahashi’s Final Road to New Beginning!

Evil couldn’t end President Ace, but will The House of Torture still take the NEVER Openweight Six Man Championships from him?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Time Limit Draw.
YOSHI-HASHI & Katsuya Murashima VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Jackson win.
8 Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Jado, Shota Umino & Togi Makabe VS The United Empire; ELP, Jado, Shota & Makabe win.
Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Taiji Ishimori; Sanada & Taiji win.
Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win.
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK; TMDK wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!

Evil tried to make WrestleKingdom 19 the last time we saw President Ace in this ring but he failed! However, his minions will not stop in trying to ruin the rest of Tanahashi’s last year. Will Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Sho take these titles back to the House? Or will The Ace, Joker & Rook stand tall?

The House walks out here showing off the belts they literally stole back at New Year Dash, but now the tables have turned! Tanahashi and team attack The House from behind! The fans cheer as The House finally tastes their own medicine! Tanahashi snatches back the belts so that he, Yano & Oleg can stand with them in the ring. The House protests but they’re one to talk. The introductions are skipped, the bell rings, and the brawl is back on as Tanahashi’s team goes back out after The House! Yano whips Sho, but Sho reverses to send Yano into railing! Sho stomps away on Yano, then helps Ren mug Oleg!

Yujiro turns things around on Tanahashi, and then he brings Tanahashi out to No Man’s Land! Sho bends Oleg’s fingers, puts his hand through the railing and pulls! The fans rally for Tanahashi’s team while the ref reprimands The House. Yujiro puts Tanahashi in, then he, Sho & Ren all stomp away! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but The House all put one out on Tanahashi. Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, then he and Sho double whip Tanahashi corner to corner. Yujiro runs in but Tanahashi dodges! Tanahashi then dropkicks Sho’s leg, then he dropkicks Narita’s leg! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs at Yujiro.

Yujiro dodges, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up again as Tanahashi air guitars. Tag to Yano and he TOSSES Yujiro out! Yano then brings Yujiro out into No Man’s Land, then to the back of the crowd to THROW into some open chairs! The fans cheer as Yano brings out that Great Bash Heel side, but the ref reprimands Yano. Yano tells the ref to leave him alone, and he has a chair! The ref stops Yano from hitting Yujiro! Yano argues with the ref, but now Sho & Ren mug Yano! The ref reprimands them but the mugging continues. Ren leads the ref away so Sho & Yujiro can CHOKE Yano with a chair!

The fans boo while The House also beats up Oleg & Tanahashi. Yujiro drags Yano up and then brings him back to ringside to POST him! Ren brings Oleg around with a headlock and sends him into railing! Then more railing! Then into the crowd! Yujiro uses Yano’s red chair to CHOKE him! The ring count finally starts, but Ren JAMS Oleg up with a chair! The count reaches 10 of 20 and The House returns to the ring. Yano is still down at 15! The fans rally, Yano rises up at 17, and he lurches in at 19! The fans cheer but Yujiro is annoyed. Yujiro drops a leg, then an elbow, then a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer as Yano stays in this, but Ren sends Tanahashi into railing! Yujiro tags Sho, Sho CHOKES Yano with a boot to the neck! The ref counts, Sho stops, then Sho TOSSES Yano out! Sho keeps the ref distracted while Ren JAMS Yano up with a chair! Ren pushes Yano in, Sho covers, TWO! Yano survives and Sho is frustrated. Tag to Ren, he drags Yano up, and Ren whips Yano to ELBOW him down! Cover, TWO! Ren BLASTS Tanahashi off the apron! Ren grins as the ref now keeps Oleg back. Ren CHOKES Yano on the ropes, Sho joins in to CLAW Yano’s eyes, but then the ref counts. Ren lets off and Yano flops down.

Ren drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! Ren breaks free, knees low, then runs up. Yano dodges, clinches, and BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up, Yano hot tags Oleg! Oleg jumps in and CLOBBERS Ren! Oleg then deadlifts Ren, but Sho attacks! The fans boo, Sho runs, SPEAR bounces off of Oleg! Oleg then deadlifts Sho! Shake, Shake, Shake! But Yujiro CLUBS Oleg! Yujiro & Ren double whip, but Oleg DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Oleg runs at the corner to SPLASH Ren! Then he scoops and TOSSES Ren! The fans fire up as Oleg then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Ren survives but Oleg deadlifts Ren right to the fireman’s carry! Ren fights free, CHOKES Oleg, but Oleg breaks free! Oleg winds up but Ren ducks the chop! Ren CHOKES Oleg, the ref counts, but Oleg CHOKES Ren! The fans cheer, and then Oleg TOSSES Ren to the corner! Tag to Tanahashi and the fans fire up! Oleg and Tanahashi haul Ren up, double whip him corner to corner, then Tanahashi sends Oleg in! Oleg ELBOWS Ren, then Tanahashi SPLASHES! Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Ren into the drop zone! Oleg goes up, up and VADER BOMBS! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, Yujiro breaks it!

Oleg CLOBBERS Yujiro for that, then goes out after him. The fans fire up as Tanahashi powers up. Tanahashi runs, but Sho gets a cheap shot in! Ren BOOTS Tanahashi, tags Sho, and Sho BLASTS Yano! Yujiro turns things around on Oleg and now The House double whips President Ace! Sho runs in to forearm SMASH! Yuijro BOOTS! Ren ELBOWS Tanahashi! Ren & Sho snapmare Tanahashi, then hold the legs open! Yujiro shoves the ref aside, then FALLING HEADBUTTS Tanahashi down low! The fans boo but now Sho covers, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and Sho argues with the ref! The fans rally for Tanahashi, but Ren has his repaired pushup bar!

Ren takes aim, Tanahashi dodges, SHOTEI! Sho kicks, Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Yujiro runs up, but gets caught into a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls for his corner! Hot tag to Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad! The fans cheer, Yano whips, but Sho reverses! Yano stops from hitting the buckles, then he dodges Sho to send him into bare buckles! Yano rolls Sho up, TWO!! Sho escapes but Yano hurries to get Sho’s legs! Oleg hops in, CATAPULT into Oleg’s BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Yano then stands Sho up, ONIGO- NO, Sho fights free! Sho dodges, but the ref stops him from hitting a low blow!

The ref and Sho argue, but Yujiro & Ren mug Yano! They double whip Yano, but Yano grabs ropes. Yano then sends Ren into Yujiro to DOUBLE LOW BLOW them! Atomic drop for Sho! Tanahashi runs up, SLINGBLADE! Oleg deadlifts Sho right into a fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But YOSHINOBU KANEMARU is here! The Heel Master gets on the apron, but Young Lions already apprehend him! Yano hauls Sho up, for ONIGOROSHI!! Cover, KANEMARU TOSSES THE YOUNG LION ONTO THE REF! The fans boo but Kanemaru attacks Yano! But then Yano hits him with an atomic drop!

Kanemaru WHISKEY MISTS!? Sho LOW BLOWS Yano!! Sho rolls Yano up, HOUSE OF TORTURE WINS!!

Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

What a travesty! A miscarriage of justice! Evil isn’t even here, but his army of darkness just won the gold! Yano is upset, Tanahashi is disappointed, but Oleg is mad! Oleg storms back in, only for Yujiro to BELT SHOT him down! Yujiro then kicks Oleg out, and shows he’s pretty sore from the low blow. Will these belts help the House feel much, much better?

Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK!

The Fierce Warrior won the New Japan Ranbo to earn his shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, so that means he and Zack Sabre Jr. will do battle for the New Beginning! Will the Rogue Luchador & Direct Drive help Goto gain the upper hand? Or will Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles help The Mighty Front Man prepare for war?

The teams sort out while all of TMDK’s title belts are put aside. The Japanese Young Punk steps to Despy, so Despy accepts. The fans cheer and the bell rings. Despy and Fujita stare down while the fans rally. Despy has the majority, and the two circle. They feel things out, Despy facelocks but Fujita slips around to waistlock. Despy slips out, moves around, but Fujita stays on him. They go around, break, and the fans cheer. They tie up, Despy wrenches to hammerlock, but Fujita elbows free to hammerlock back. Despy switches, Fujita switches, repeat! They go hammerlock for hammerlock, but then Despy top wristlocks to wrangle FUjita!

The fans cheer, Fujita fights up, but Despy shifts to a cording hold. Fujtia whips but Despy reverses and arm-drags! Fujita comes back, he avoids the arm-drag, and then he CHOPS! Despy is stinging, but Fujita CHOPS him again! And CHOPS him again! The fans cheer, Fujita CHOPS again, but now Despy CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS, Despy ends up in the Mighty corner, and Eagles tags in. Eagles CHOPS, but then Despy CHOPS! Eagles shoves Despy and says he’s bored. He wants Yoh! The fans rally for Yoh, so Despy tags him in. The fans cheer as Yoh and Eagles circle. Wait, Yoh starts up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”

Eagles is rather amused, and says not bad. Eagles starts it up for himself, but Yoh sneaks up! Eagles stops the schoolboy and sits on the cover, TWO and Yoh has the sunset flip! TWO, both men stand and point at the other! The fans applaud, then Yoh kicks low. Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Eagles runs in, Yoh sidesteps but Eagles hurdles. Eagles RANAS then WHEEL KICKS! Eagles kips up and the fans cheer. Eagles puts Yoh in a corner, and he says “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP!

The fans cheer while Yoh flounders around. Eagles whips, Goto sneaks a tag, then Goto & Yoh DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE Eagles! They BLAST ZSJ and Fujita, then call to Despy! Despy says no thanks, they can go ahead. “Se~ no!” DRUM BEAT on Eagles’ back! Goto asks if Despy is sure he doesn’t want in, and Despy says it’s fine. Goto CLUBS Eagles, but Eagles fires body shots! Eagles fires a forearm, but Goto knees low! Goto fireman’s carries, but Eagles fights free. Eagles waistlocks, Goto elbows free and runs, only for ZSJ to trip him up! Eagles BLASTS Yoh & Despy off the apron while Fujita basement dropkicks Goto!

ZSJ spins Goto around to be on the apron, then gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans cheer and ZSJ brings Goto out to UPPERCUT him down! ZSJ brings Goto up to UPPERCUT again, then UPPERCUTS him again! Goto stumbles and falls, Eagles CHOPS Yoh, and Fujita CHOPS Despy! ZSJ brings Goto up and wrenches his arm, then wrenches it again. But Goto fires forearms in return! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto again, the CHOPS continue by the ramp side, and ZSJ puts Goto in. Eagles tags ZSJ in whiel Fujita and Despy CHOP each other back and forth. ZSJ clamps on a headscissors and he squeezes tight!

Goto endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go cleanly and brings Goto to the corner. Tag to Fujita and he stomps Goto. Fujita drags Goto up while fans rally, and Fujita wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Fujtia wrenches again, ELBOW BREAKER! And again, ELBOW BREAKER! Fujita wrenches, top wristlocks, and he wrangles Goto to the mat. Fujita STOMPS that arm, then he tags Eagles. The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions get Goto’s arms while ZSJ steps in to have a leg! Goto endures as TMDK cycles through the armlocks and leglocks! Red Shoes counts but TMDK keeps rotating before he reaches 4!

Then TMDK returns where they started, and Goto endures the DOUBLE STRAIGHT ARMBARS and INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Red Shoes counts, all three men let go at 4! ZSJ stands, he still has the deathlock, and he bridges back! Goto endures, keeps his shoulders up, but ZSJ stands to tag in Eagles. Eagles drags Goto around, then hits a KNEE JAMMER! Tag to Fujita, they drag Goto up, and they double whip him to ropes. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down, ZSJ hops in for a NECK TWIST! Goto sits up into a DOUBLE PENALTY KICK! Cover, Despy breaks it! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands.

Despy stands down, but Fujita BLASTS him off the apron! Fujita drags Goto up, wrenches, and whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP, then he snapmares to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Fujita coordinates with TMDK. Fujita drags Goto up, and he wants to do the Chaos drum thing? ZSJ isn’t so sure but Eagles is for it. Eagles steps in, but Yoh runs up! Eagles kicks Yoh, and “Se~ no!” Eagles & Fujita DRUM on Yoh! The fans cheer and ZSJ acts like he doesn’t know what’s going on. The fans cheer for ZSJ to join in, but he puts up the X, that’s not for him. Eagles & Fujita DRUM away on Goto!

Goto stands up and grabs Fujita by the face! Eagles CLUBS Goto, he and Fujita double whip, but Goto DOUBLE LARIATS first! The fans fire up while they’re all down! ZSJ storms in and grabs Goto’s leg! ANKLE LOCK! Goto endures, fights around, and rolls through to throw ZSJ! ZSJ comes back to RAM Goto, then he runs, only for Goto to RUN him over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Despy! Despy runs at the corner to ELBOW Fujita! Despy reels Fujita in for a suplex, high and hard! Cover, TWO! Despy fires up and the fans are with him! Fujita underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Fujita fights free!

Fujita swings but Despy blocks the chop! Despy knees low, whips, but Fujita reverses to GAMANGIRI! The fans cheer while both men are down! Fujita roars while he rises up, and he storms back to Despy. Fujita waistlocks, deadlifts Despy, but Despy fights the suplex with elbows! Despy is free, but Fujita runs up to slip around and backslide! Despy rolls through, Fujita KICKS him down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Fujita fires up again. Fujita drags Despy back up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Despy fights that. Despy wrenches, but Fujita ROCKS him! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return!

Fujita and Despy keep the wristlock while they fire forearm after forearm back and forth! The fans rally up as the shots go faster and faster, but then both men wobble! Fujita fires a forearm, then another! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return! Despy runs, Eagles slips in, SOBAT! Fujita UPPERCUTS! Eagles scoops Despy but Yoh makes the save! Eagles kicks Yoh, he and Fujita double whip, but Yoh reverses to crisscross them into each other! FALCON- NO, Eagles slips out, but Yoh switches! Yoh feeds Eagles to Despy’s ELBOW! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! The fans fire up but Fujita runs up!

Despy & Yoh double kick, double whip, but Fujita DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! Fujita kips up, the fans fire up, and Fujita whips Despy, but Despy reverses to SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita and Despy crawl for their corners, hot tags to Goto and ZSJ! The fans fire up as both men run in, Goto LARIATS ZSJ! Goto roars and the fans are with him! Goto fires a flurry of forearms, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and Goto fires up again! Goto fireman’s carries but ZSJ pulls on an arm! Goto powers out and ROCKS ZSJ!

Goto runs, ZSJ wrangles him to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Eagles & Fujita BLAST Yoh & Despy off the arm! They have Yoh & Despy stuck on the outside with armlocks while ZSJ has the DISARMER! Yoh breaks free of Eagles and DROPKICKS ZSJ! Eagles returns to SUPERKICK Yoh! Despy is in, Eagles slips around and feeds him to Fujita’s MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and TMDK drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms on Eagles & Fujita! They DOUBLE CHOP, then double wrench! MAX- NO, Goto fights free and kicks Fujita! Goto deflects Eagles’ kick to LARIAT! Fujita kicks Goto, runs, but Goto follows! LARIAT!

ZSJ RAMS Goto, whips, but Goto reverses! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while ZSJ clutches his head. Goto hauls ZSJ up, dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down! Goto drops onto ZSJ for a cover, TWO!! ZSJ is up, Goto sends him into a corner! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, into a GOTO SAN SHIKI!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes, BOOTS Goto, then runs! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Goto roars, runs, but ZSJ KCIKS the lariat, PELES the other arm, then SWEEPS the legs! Goto falls, but then sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up and ZSJ hurries to drag Goto back up.

ZSJ scoops, ZACK- NO, Goto slips free and has the SLEEPER! Goto sits ZSJ and rolls him, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! ZSJ has the legs, JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH, with bridge!! TMDK WINS!!

Winners: TMDK, by pinfall

It was a fast and furious finish of technical holds, but who else but the best technical wrestler in the world would pull it out? Goto is frustrated for getting caught like that, but will he avenge himself in just 12 days?

As for TMDK, Eagles starts off by saying, “G’day, Sendai!” Eagles then pretends to check his watch, and asks, “Rocky doki desu ka? <Where is Rocky?> Zabishii. <How lonely.>” The fans chuckle at Eagles’ fake crying, and Eagles then tells Yoh & Rocky that next month in Osaka, see you then! The fans applaud, and then Eagles offers the mic to Fujita. The fans cheer Fujita on, and Fujita accepts. “That lariat turned me inside out, so I’ll keep this short! I’m beating El Desperado!” The fans cheer that, ready to see Fujita challenge Desperado for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on Tuesday, February 4th!

And lastly, that brings things to The Front Man. ZSJ takes the mic to say, “People of Sendai, thank you very much!” The fans cheer, but then ZSJ tells “Ko-kun” and “Robbie-chan” to “cut that drumming bit. It was lame.” The fans chuckle again, and ZSJ says 2025 isn’t the Year of the Snake. No, it’s all orange! ZSJ promises that TMDK won’t just paint NJPW orange, but the entire world! “Osaka will be here soon enough. Goto, this is your last chance. Let’s make the most of it.” The fans like the sound of that! ZSJ says they’ll end with this: This year revolves around TMDK! Arigato gozaimashita! The fans are ready, will the New Beginning in Osaka be Mighty?

My Thoughts:

A very good event for NJPW, though “Road to” always indicates more tune-up filler than thriller. Gabe Kidd going after Yota Tsuji and the Global Heavyweight Championship is an interesting development, but that is going to be a great match. The NEVER Openweight Six Man Championship match was really good stuff, and I was only a little surprised that The House of Torture won. Firstly, Tanahashi has to lose those titles at some time, so might as well pull off the Band-Aid now before The New Beginning events. Then this works with the story from Oleg and Josh Barnett where Barnett wants to help Oleg reach that singles title level.

And very good Six Man Tag main event to not only build Goto VS ZSJ but also Desperado VS Fujita. Great win for TMDK, but we have a lot of other Road to New Beginning events to build Goto VS ZSJ. A lot of filler 10 Man Tags are on the schedule, but I probably won’t be bothering with those. Despy VS Fujita will be great, but Fujita and Eagles are already the tag champions, so I don’t see Fujita winning. As for Goto VS ZSJ, ZSJ said it himself that this is very likely Goto’s last chance at ever being the top champion in NJPW, but I don’t see Goto winning. It’ll be an epic battle, but I feel like ZSJ is going to stay on top.

My Score: 8.7/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.30.25

Are we gonna get consecutive weeks of momentum or we gonna get the “LOL TNA” moment already?

Published

17 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Andrew Balaz

Coming off the first Live iMPACT! in 8 years, it has been pretty universally agreed upon that it was not a bad show. Good favor, a larger audience then they’ve had in years and TNA actually did fairly well establishing themselves as not a third rate duelist.

Let’s see if the good tidings continue or if things start to well…TNA.

The official liaison between @WWENXT and TNA, @AriannaGraceWWE, was rudely interrupted by Tessa Blanchard while speaking with @MeanGiaMiller!

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn pic.twitter.com/8ImgauBAiO

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025

Ratings:

Cora Jade vs Hyan: Cora wins via Jaded – ** 1/2
Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 3/4
Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via 450 – ** 3/4
Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint: No Contest? EY Turned Heel – N/A
Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek: Wes wins via Cardiac Kick – ***
Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$: Kaibas win via Danger Zone – ***

Results:

Nic Nemeth comes out to talk, doesn’t complain and says he’s just gonna dust himself off and start again. Ryan comes out to complain on behalf of “hiissss brrooother” and run down Hendry. Nic is playing babyface still and Ryan is instigating is typical little brother fashion. Nic tries to appease Ryan saying this could be a big year for both of them, so Fir$t Cla$$ music hits and KC Navarro cuts them off and hands off to AJ Francis. Ryan get mad at them interrupting, Nic tries to calm the situation but Ryan decides to agree to a tag match that Nic doesn’t seem like he wanted to go there. But Santino comes out and makes it official.

EXCLUSIVE: @XiaBrookside welcomed @WWENXT's @CoraJadeWWE to #TNAiMPACT, but things got HEATED fast!

Don't miss #TNAiMPACT TONIGHT at 8/7c on @AXSTV in the US, @Sportsnet 360 in Canada, and streaming worldwide on TNA+!

Get 1 month FREE of TNA+ with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/LP8ghA78Pv

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 30, 2025

Cora Jade vs Hyan

Hyan tries a Pump Kick, Cora catches it, lays her out and kicks her feet up in the corner getting cocky. Snapmare with the Hair, into a Springboard Single Stomp from Cora, Hyan is getting throttled along the ropes and putting up much of a fight to start. Hyan is usually just enhancement talent in TNA, even though she does have a solid pedigree in the indies and internationally. Hyan finally moves so Cora smashes herself into the corner, Wasteland from Hyan for a 1 count, Cora counters Hyan’s attempted offense and then hits Jaded for the win!

The match did what it needed to, Cora tried to lay in the boots further, Xia runs out to make a save but Cora baits her into a false sense of security and goes after Xia. So Masha comes out for the save on the person who made the save. Cora comes off looking pretty good and Masha scaring her off helps Masha’s aura.

.@MeanGiaMiller tries to get answers out of @WesLee_WWE, @TyriekIgwe_WWE and @_Tysonwwe_ for his attack on The Rascalz ahead of Lee's match with @The_Ace_Austin TONIGHT on iMPACT!

Watch #TNAiMPACT now on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn

Get one month FREE with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/UIU5GgiylE

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025

Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater

Myers grabs the quick Headlock into the Shoulder Tackle and welcome back to 1997 wrestling starts. Myers got cocky, shot Leon into the ropes and eats a Shoulder Tackle from Leon, so a little showboating from Leon gets under Myers skin and causes him to make a few missteps. Leon hits the Feint Mule Kick into the Handspring Back Elbow for 2, but when he tries to continue, Myers pulls him down into the buckles. Myers looks for a Spear, Leon Leap Frogs and Myers eats turnbuckle. He powders, the System shields him from a dive, and we’re starting to see the numbers game come into play.

A Thrust Kick from Myers rocks Leon as he’s coming back in, Strong Irish Whip into a Gator Roll and then Sleeper Hold. Again, offense brought to you by Bill Clinton. Leon gets away from the Sleeper, tries to hit the ropes and Myers does his Baseball Slide Trip. Slow heel moves from Myers, Sleeper, Facelocks, Back Elbows…just slow classic heel offense. Leon tries to fire, eats a Knee Lift. Irish Whip but Leon counters by hoping the ropes to the apron, quick pop shot and then Springboard Crossbody into a series of Lariats and a Shotgun Kick! Leon has the momentum, Blue Thunder Bomb for two! Leon goes to the top, Myers is up, Leon rolls to the other side to avoid Myers, Myers eats a Leg Lariat from Leon and Myers pushes off, Bicycle Kick, Thrust Kick into Implant DDT for only two! Myers looks to Spear, gets rolled up in a Small Package, Kick out, dumped outside, Leon flies over the corner onto Myers!

System surrounds Leon, tries to get a few shots, but Leon has some quick offense for everyone. In the chaos, Lish puts a Ring on Myers’ hand so a Loaded Punch into Roster Cut and Myers wins!

Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali

Slow start with Ali being arrogant into a Lucha stalemate section where there’s Satellite counters, Headscissors and a powder to break the nonsense. Corner counters, Overhand Chops from both, they tussle on the top rope, Ali backflips off the ropes, Laredo tries a Crossbody but Mustafa hits a Dropkick. Grounded Abdominal Stretch from Ali, Laredo tries to fight up and out, but Ali slams him back down, talks smack, slaps him and then eats a Michinoku Driver out of nowhere! But only a two count! Ali manages to pull Laredo into the corner pads, tries a dirty pin with feet on the ropes but the referee sees it, Laredo tries a Roll-Up in the disarray, Ali kicks out, they run back and forth, Ali just slides out thinking he’s outsmarted Laredo but Laredo hits the Suicida for a solid pop. Ali pokes the eye and grabs at the mask, Laredo is off kilter, Ali baits Laredo through the corner, hits the Draping DDT off the apron, slides Laredo back in and 450 for the win.

Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint

Jabroni duo comes out, and they look stupid, their music is generic Hot Topic trash and the one with hair walks like he’s pretending to be a Delirious fused with a Dinosaur. They look so insanely pathetic.

Dino-nerd tries a stand switch and suplex but Josh no sells and looks like the older sibling judging the little sibling’s stupidity. Bald jabroni tags in, does nothing, blind tag just for Josh to single handedly lay both out. Of course they’re trying to establish the loser squad, so the eventually have a good defensive moment that catches Josh and isolates him in their corner. He still mostly takes care of both of them. This is honestly pathetic.

Locomotion counter switches in the corner before a Shotgun Kick wipes out Josh, Dino-nerd tries a Lio Rush style splash but misses, Josh tags out, EY looks to tee off but he turns and lays out Josh. EY turns heel…that was not on my Bingo Card, but I’m not mad about it. EY has the maniacal look in his eyes again, so Sanity or Violence by Design could be back? Can he call the group SAnitY since they’re working with WWE now?

Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek

Things start slow then a few quick strike spots from Ace. A grounded Heel Kick and Enzuigiri rocks Wes, Wes slingshots back in, Sunset, Ace dodges tries to stay crouched to get cute but Up Kick from Wes kicks Ace in the face. Wes crotches Ace on the top rope, Enzuigiri, Suicida leaves Ace laying on the ramp. Wes hits the Street Fighter combo in with Ace shoved in the corner, the crowd chants “Boring” so Wes revels in the negativity and mockingly does the Rascalz taunt. A few quick shots and Ace kicks out at one and holds the ropes as Wes just lights him up with kicks. Ace asks for more, and goes full Strong Style. A few round kicks to the chest before Wes decides to do the hell thing and a Spinning Thrust Kick to the side of the face. Wes puts Ace in a Key Lock and Ace struggles to his feet before barely slipping the lock.

They trade strikes, Triangle Kick misses for Ace but he manages to connect after with a strike, a few more, Click Click Boom, Seated Miz Lariats in the corner, Wes falls out of the corner, Triangle Kick for the near fall, but the offense isn’t over and Ace hits the Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb! Ace looks for The Fold, Tyson and Tyriek make their presence felt, Ace does the apron dance and kicks them both in the face. Wes gets dumped out of the ring, Ace with a Fosbury Flop (not the best one he’s done), Tyriek picks the ankle long enough to slow down Ace as Ace walks into the Cardiac Kick!

Wes and crew attacks Ace after the match, so The Rascalz make the save. We’re obviously going to get a 6 man soon, and this is perfectly fine.

Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$

AJ starts with Ryan and just shoves him away and demands Nic, Nic gets the best of AJ but AJ tags in KC and KC gets in a few quick shots, some cute counters and showboating before eating a Dropkick from Nic. AJ comes in to try and take out Nic, the Kaibas take out AJ and then dump KC into AJ’s arms and hold the ring going to commercial.

During the commercial a little blind tag and Spiderman in the ropes taunt from KC caught Ryan off guard so First Class is in control. AJ is beating the hell out of Ryan in the ropes, then hits Tennessee Whiskey for the “Money Money Money” taunt. KC tags himself in and starts slapping Ryan around, Dropkick into 305 as KC cuts off Ryan from Nic, throws Ryan in the corner, Rolling Uppercuts, Snapmare, Roll through, Chest Stomp into a near fall. KC tags in AJ and a little tandem offense gives them another near fall but Mokuba refuses to lose…so far. AJ steps on Ryan’s chest and then lays in a few Overhand Chops. AJ slowing things down, looks for a power move but Ryan slips it into a Sleeper Attempt but AJ counters and slams Ryan down for another two count. Two Sidewalk Slams after getting bounced out of the corner, but Ryan keeps kicking out.

AJ takes Nic off the apron, looks for another Sidewalk Slam but Ryan turns it into a Satellite DDT. Simultaneous tag time, KC eats the fire from Nic, two Lariats, Stinger Splash, Rude Awakening, 10 Count Shots to the Heart for…AJ breaks it up! AJ looks for a Down Payment but Nic slips, Superkick, Ryan tries to rock AJ to no avail so they both Lariat AJ out and Avalanche Polish Hammer from Ryan lays out AJ. KC tries the Flash Pinfall but Nic rolls out, a few quick shouts, Spinning Heel Kick from KC for a 2 count. Nic hits a FAMEasser into Danger Zone after Ryan’s blind tag so Ryan gets the cover as Nic just laughs and takes it in.

Overall Score: 6.25/10

Nothing to really be offended by. Some of the stuff was a little low stakes or obvious filler, but stories moved forward with Cora, Wes and the Kaibas. Plus you know, Eric Young turning on Josh is a little unexpected. EY has been the fill in Dreamer/Scott with the “Ra-Ra” speeches and feel good crap for significant shows, so having him go back to Maniac is a nice twist.

Tessa also steering into this “Locker Room bully” persona is smart. It’s not a stretch from what people already think, so steering into the skid is very smart. I may not have been blown away by anything in this episode, but it was definitely decent and did a solid enough job showcasing the partnership and not making the TNA talent feel like an after thought.

All in all, very nice.