Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/25/19)
Merry NXTmas and Happy Holidays!
It’s a holly jolly open challenge!
It’ll be an Undisputed Christmas if Roderick Strong can keep the North American Championship! But who is going to be his opponent?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship Open Challenge: Roderick Strong VS ???; Strong wins and retains the NXT North American Championship.
- Isaiah “Swerve” Scott VS Jack Gallagher; Swerve wins.
- Taynara Conti VS Candice LeRae; LeRae wins.
- Dominik Dijakovic VS Bronson Reed; Dijakovic wins.
- Bianca Belair VS Shotzi Blackheart; Belair wins.
- Lio Rush & Keith Lee VS Tony Nese & Damien Priest; Lio & Lee win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Happy Holidays from NXT!
Cathy Kelley, Sam Roberts and Pat McAfee are in the Full Sail Control Center for a festive night. Everyone’s feeling great, even Sam despite having Pat nearby. But NXT airs from two locations! Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness are in Full Sail while Beth Phoenix and Tom Philips are in Brooklyn, for perhaps the greatest Christmas episode ever!
Roderick Strong is caroling in the halls.
“It’s the most wonderful time~ of the year~!” Christmas is here, and Strong is feeling in the giving mood. So tonight, the North American Championship is defended against “a worthy challenger.” Someone gets a season’s beating right… Now.
NXT North American Championship Open Challenge: Roderick Strong VS ???
The Undisputed Era’s Savior of the Backbreaker says the reason for the season is a title match! Who will hurry out to celebrate with a golden opportunity? And who is getting put on the naughty list instead? Strong’s opponent is… Austin Theory! The former Evolve Wrestling Champion is making his NXT in-ring debut in a big way! But will victory only be in Theory?
Theory gets in the ring, the belt is raised, and this huge debut begins! Theory has fans cheering but also fans jeering. He and Strong circle and tie up. They go around the ring and Strong gets a wristlock. Strong wrenches and brings Theory to a knee, then he wrenches the other way. Strong keeps Theory down with a knee but Theory rolls up. Strong stays clamped onto the arm, then brings Theory down for a Rings of Saturn! Theory endures, rolls back but Strong makes it a crucifix pin, TWO! Strong grins as he mocks the #AllDay catchphrase.
Theory and Strong tie up, Strong wrenches and hammerlocks and headlocks to a takeover. Fans cheer as Strong has control of Theory again. Theory gets up as fans rally, and Theory pries out of the hold. Theory waistlocks, spins and snapmares Strong, then mocks Strong back. They tie up, Strong shoots for a leg and gets Theory down. Strong ties up the legs in a figure four knot, rolls Theory to his stomach, and slaps him around while putting on the armlock. Theory endures, works his way up but Strong wrenches again. Theory rolls, handsprings and wrenches Strong down! Theory says that was Undisputed, but Strong shoves him. Theory shoves Strong off his feet! Strong gets up to throw forearms, and ROCKS Theory! Strong stomps away at the ropes but the ref counts. Fans are mixed as Strong backs off at 4.
Strong puts Theory in a corner to CHOP! He whips Theory corner to corner, Theory goes up and somersaults to DROPKICK! Theory got air! Cover, ONE, but Theory keeps on Strong with a facelock. Theory puts Strong in a corner to stomp and wrench then whip corner to corner. Strong hits buckles hard and falls to his knees! Theory stalks Strong to a corner and stomps him more. Theory throws forearms but Strong knees and forearms back. Theory kicks and haymakers, but Strong headlocks. Theory pushes out, Strong goes up and over then hurdles Theory. Strong holds ropes to fake Theory out. Theory blocks the boot, throws Strong down and standing moonsaults! Cover, TWO! Theory keeps his cool as he gets to his feet.
Theory throws big forearms as fans rally and duel. Theory gives Strong a backbreaker! He’s showing Strong that he can do it, too. Theory stomps strong and rains down rights. Theory drags Strong up, suplexes but Strong slips out. Strong hits Theory in the back but Theory clotheslines him out! Theory keeps on Strong on the outside with forearms but Strnog CHOPS! The two brawl, Strong puts Theory into barriers then OLYMPIC SLAMS Theory into a post! Theory writhes while Strong crawls away and into the ring. The ring count begins and Theory crawls. The count reaches 5 before Theory gets even close to the apron. We’re up to 8 but Theory only stands at 9! He’s in at 9.9!! But Strong stomps him down! Strong stops at 4 and Full Sail fires up!
Strong kicks Theory while he’s down, drops elbows, covers, TWO! Strong clubs Theory down hard, then gives him Danielson stomps! Fans rally and duel again, Strong fish hooks and clubs Theory in the face. Fans chant “Season’s Beatings!” but Theory throws big forearms back! Theory rocks Strong then whips, but Strong reverses and DROPKICKS Theory down! High stack cover, TWO!! Strong is frustrated but he hooks Theory’s legs. Fans rally up as Strong grabs arms. Heave ho, halfway to the Romero Special. Strong tucks the arms in to chinlock Theory in this modified Romero Surfboard! Fans rally and duel, Theory pops an arm free to pry at the chinlock. Theory gets both arms out but Strong bends him back deeper! And fish hooks the mouth! Strong lets go at 4, and he lets Theory loose. “I thought you could do this all day!”
Strong loom over Theory and CHOPS, but Theory throws big hands. Strong stomps Theory down but Theory CHOPS! Strong still stomps, but Theory still CHOPS! And CHOPS! Strong knees low and throws Theory out, but Theory stays on the apron. Theory shoulders in, somersaults, but into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Strong drags Theory up into a grounded cobra twist. He can’t keep the arms so Theory is just in a chinlock. Theory gets up as fans rally, and throws big body shots. Strong knees low, but it’s Theory who snap suplexes! Strong staggers up into Theory’s elbow. Strong yanks Theory in but Theory fights out before getting another back breaker. Theory throws hands, Strong knees low and whips again. Theory somersaults in to SHOTGUN! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Both men rise as fans rally and a new brawl begins. Theory throws hands and ELBOWS Strong down! Then lariats! He blocks a hip toss to lariat again! Theory runs into the corner, clothesline and a throw-down, slingshot stomp! Theory dead lift Fisherman Busters! Fans fire up as Theory aims from the corner, somersault BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Theory is getting closer and the fans duel again. Theory brings Strong up, his back is bothering him, Strong trips him up! Theory kicks Strong off, then spins him around, lift for the BUCKLE BOMB! And then follow up, AOI SHOUDOU!! Cover, TWO!! Strong survives and shocks Theory!
Theory refocuses and drags Strong up. He torture racks but Strong slips out to waistlock and ram Theory into buckles. Strong hits a corner shining wizard! Then he puts Theory up top, and climbs to join him. SUPERPLEX! Roll through, but Theory slips through! Torture rack, TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Strong survives again and Theory is too exhausted to be angry. Fans know “This is Awesome!” for Christmas! Theory gets up first and refuses to give up. He underhooks and fisherman’s, but Strong tosses him out! Theory stays on the apron again, but Strong shoulders out. Strong clubs Theory to a corner, but Theory gives forearms back. Strong climbs as he brawls with Theory, and Theory follows. They fight for control, Strong CHOPS and lifts Theory, for a TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! Theory takes crossbar to the spine! Cover, TWO!!
Theory goes to the apron but Strong pursues. Strong goes to lift but Theory holds on. Theory elbows Strong off, then turns around to again fisherman. Strong holds on but can’t stop Theory from giving him an APRON AOI SHOIDOU!! Fans are losing their minds as Theory puts Strong back in and covers! TWO!?! Strong survives and Theory is beside himself! Theory and Strong slowly rise and brawl, haymakers and chops. Theory punches, Strong CHOPS, and then Strong fires off forearms and elbows. Theory ROCKS Strong with an elbow, but Strong BOOTS and enziguris! SUPERKICK from Theory! Strong gets up, but gets another SUPERKICK! Theory underhooks, Strong slips out and KNEES! END OF HEARTACHE!! Then, STRONG HOLD! Theory taps, Strong wins!!
Winner: Roderick Strong, by submission; still NXT North American Champion
Theory was strong in his debut, but Strong was stronger! And the Undisputed Prophecy will stay alive in 2019! Will NXT continue to belong to the Undisputed Era in the New Year?
The Control Center panel comments on the match.
A great showing from both men, especially Austin Theory in this NXT in-ring debut. Pat knows Theory does great things in Evolve and he had an amazing battle with Strong. Sam agrees, and Theory was waiting for this move up in the world. But Strong retaining was almost a forgone conclusion. Pat says on any given night, anyone can win, and Theory sure went hard in order to prove it. Pat throws up the Undisputed Era sign as best he can in that tight suit. Sam says to stop that. Pat’s not undisputed because h’s not on their level. The Undisputed Era has done what they promised to do, and they close out the year #DrapedInGold. Pat was doubting for the first half, but does admit this ended up being the Undisputed Era’s year. Arrogant and insufferable, but talented as can be. And yes, Pat lost the Super Bowl, so stop rubbing it in.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott VS Jack Gallagher!
Brooklyn is whose house? Swerve’s house! And we’re about to have a Christmas party in Swerve’s House, if he can win in the Barclays Center. But will he be able to get past a grumpy Gentleman Jack turned Scrooge?
The bell rings and Gallagher circles with Swerve. Fans are on Swerve’s side as he and Gallagher tie up. Swerve wrenches and armlocks but Gallagher switches to a headlock. Swerve pries against the hold and pops out the back to get the hammerlock. Swerve grabs the other arm and pulls way, way, way back! Gallagher endures, trips Swerve and goes after a leg. Gallagher stands on a knee, grabs at Swerve’s arm and brings that over to torture the fingers. Gallagher folds the arm and headlocks, but Swerve powers Gallagher to a corner. Swerve whips Gallagher corner to corner, Gallagher goes up and over but into a snapmare. Gallagher gets up but Swerve runs him right over! Things speed up, Gallagher jumps but gets caught, only to twist and throw Swerve! Gallagher snapmares and wraps on a chinlock.
Gallagher shifts to trap an arm and chinbar Swerve. Swerve endures so Gallagher goes back to a chinlock. Swerve fights his way up and around while Gallagher cravats. Swerve powers out and scoops Gallagher for a SLAM! Swerve gets a short arm scissor but Gallagher endures. Gallagher works around to get up and roll Swerve, TWO. Swerve keeps the arm scissor but Gallagher tries again. Another cover, TWO, and Swerve throws Gallagher down harder. Swerve keeps on the arm, Gallagher works around for a third try, TWO, but Gallagher dead lifts Swerve! Swerve pops out and throws Gallagher out. Gallagher gets in fast, Swerve rolls and headscissors! Swerve throws strikes, dropkick drops Gallagher! Fans cheer for the agility and ability of Swerve.
Swerve whips Gallagher to ropes but Gallagher bails out. Gallagher is frustrated but Swerve goes out to fetch him. Gallagher gets back in the ring, Swerve follows, but Swerve dumps Gallagher out hard! Swerve is on the apron, and BOOTS Gallagher down! Swerve drags Gallagher up and into the ring, covers, ONE! Swerve stretches Gallagher’s arms and twists the wrist in return for earlier. Gallagher endures, Swerve chinbars, but Gallagher refuses to quit. Gallagher fights his way up, pries free, and pulls hair to bend Swerve back! Gallagher throws Swerve into buckles! Swerve clutches that arm as NXT goes picture in picture.
Swerve rests on the apron but Gallagher taunts him. Gallagher drags Swerve up to wrench the arm and jam it! Gallagher mocks the Brooklyn crowd while Swerve gets to a corner. Gallagher CHOPS then buckle bumps Swerve, and headbutts him in the sternum! Gallagher throws a BIG European Uppercut, then stomps a gentlemanly mudhold into him. Swerve shoves back but Gallagher throws big forearms. Swerve CHOPS and CHOPS but Gallagher wrings him out! Gallagher paces like a shark before throwing the arm around. Gallagher clamps on with an armlock but Swerve endures. Swerve fights up but Gallagher whips him into a corner. Swerve boots back then hops up, and leaps, into an armbar!
Gallagher cranks back on his Fujiwara but Swerve endures again. Swerve moves around, reaches out and gets a ropebreak! Gallagher lets go reluctantly, and assures the ref he knows the rules. Gallagher gets up to kick Swerve and then wrenches the arm to shoulder breakers! Gallagher wrings Swerve out again, and goes for another armlock. Swerve resists but Gallagher still bends and tortures the wrist. Gallagher STOMPS the arm for good measure! Swerve gets up to CHOP and CHOP with his good arm, but Gallagher CHOPS back! It’s a CHOP fight! They keep trading CHOPS, then Gallagher throws Swerve out hard! Gallagher pursues and CHOPS again! And again! Gallagher puts Swerve in as NXT returns to single picture.
Gallagher glares as he stalks behind Swerve. Swerve ROCKS him with haymakers! Fans fire up as Swerve goes to run, but Gallagher has a hand. Swerve breaks free and throws hands, but Gallagher dodges to ROCK Swerve back! Gallagher even hurt his own hand. Swerve DISCUS LARIATS!! Swerve grits his teeth as Gallagher flounders to his feet. Swerve runs in for a corner uppercut, then snapmares for the elbow drop! Gallagher gets up, Swerve gives sharp roundhouse kicks against the rope! And again and again! The fans fire up as Gallagher falls to his knees. Swerve gets the bad arm working, but Gallagher puts him on the apron. Swerve elbows Gallagher away, then throws a haymaker. Gallagher wobbles, Swerve somersaults, COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!!
Swerve refocuses as he gets back to his feet. Gallagher flounders, Swerve drags him up for a full nelson. Gallagher resists, standing switches and wants the Fujiwara again! Swerve resists, scoops and BACKBREAKERS! Gallagher gets up, Swerve CHOPS him again! Gallagher CHOPS back! Swerve BOOTS, Gallagher yo-yos for a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down and Brooklyn builds to a rally. Gallagher rises first, Swerve follows, but Gallagher wants the arm! Swerve scoops but Gallagher arm-drags for the armbar! Swerve endures, flails, tries to clasp hands but has to roll over. Swerve gets Gallagher in an armbar! Gallagher flails and resists now, rolls around and gets up to get the armbar back! Swerve hurries to turn and get on top of Gallagher.
Gallagher resists, knowing the armbar is Swerve’s arm. So Swerve stands and STOMPS the arm!! Gallagher shouts and writhes but Swerve just grits his teeth and aims, HOUSE CALL KICK! COver, Swerve wins!!
Winner: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, by pinfall
That was gritty to say the least! The Gentleman still can’t get a victory, but Swerve is on a roll. Is all of NXT going to become Swerve’s House in 2020?
The Control Center panel comments on Swerve VS Gallagher.
Another great match in NXT’s home away from home. The original NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn made history with the NXT Women’s Championship match of Bayley and Sasha Banks, as well as the NXT Championship Ladder Match of Kevin Owens and Finn Balor, and things have only gotten better from there. Pat remembers just this past year, Johnny Wrestling beat Adam Cole for the NXT Championship and blew the roof off the place! Gargano VS Cole is a Match of the Year candidate, and next week is the Year End Awards for 2019 show! Pat is going to love next week!
Taynara Conti VS Candice LeRae!
The Brazilian blackbelt and Mrs. Wrestling want to have their chance at the Women’s Championship in 2020, and that starts with one last match in 2019! Who takes the first step towards challenging the NEW champion, Rhea Ripley?
The bell rings and Candice blocks the fast boot from Taynara! Candice throws that down to LARIAT Taynara back! Taynara throws Candice out but Candice kicks back and turns her, neckbreaker hotshot! Fans fire up as Candice climbs up top. Taynara gets clear so Candice bails out of her missile dropkick. But then Candice baseball slides Taynara down instead! Candice springboards for a BIG crossbody! Fans fire up as Cnadice takes Taynara down! Candice puts Taynara in quick, covers, TWO! Candice keeps on Taynara with a chinlock and fans rally. Taynara fights up and pulls hair to put Candice in a corner. The ref counts and Taynara lets off, but Candice elbows back. Candice hops up, Taynara trips her up! Candice hits buckles on the way down!
Taynara runs and KNEES Candice into ropes! Taynara stomps Candice but the ref counts. Taynara stops at 4 as NXT goes picture in picture. Taynara comes back to STOMP Candice down! She drags Candice and kicks the arms! Cover, TWO! Taynara is annoyed with Candice as she wraps on a chinlock. Candice endures and fights her way up. Candice slips out of the headlock, and slips out of the scoop to rope Taynara. Oklahoma roll, TWO! Candice waistlocks but Taynara elbows out hard! Judo throw and another, Taynara ragdolls Candice all around! And adds a BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Taynara moves from annoyed to frustrated as she wraps on a chinlock. Candice fights her way up but Taynara throws her down by her hair!
Taynara stalks Candice to ropes and chokes her. The ref counts and Taynara stops at 4 again, but her rage is boiling. She runs in at the corner and METEORAS! Then monkey flips and rolls to a cover, TWO! Taynara wraps on another chinlock and pulls Candice back. Candice endures, even as Taynara thrashes her about and dribbles her off the mat! Candice backpacks Taynara but can’t stay up under Taynara going dead weight. Taynara cranks Candice back in a rather Captain’s Hook like hold. Candice fights her way up and backs Taynara into buckles! Taynara holds on so Candice keeps ramming her back. Candice snapmares free, dodges a boot and then sweeps the legs! NXT returns to single picture as Candice enziguris Taynara down!
Fans fire up for Candice as she and Taynara slowly get to their feet. Candice runs, crucifix but Taynara blocks! Taynara swings Candice around, for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Candice survives and Taynara is shocked! She covers again, TWO! Taynara is beside herself as she pushes Candice around. Fans boo as Taynara pie faces Candice. Candice herself gets mad and puts her hair up! Candice throws forearms and CHOPS! She backs Taynara into a corner then runs corner to corner, big back elbow! Candice goes up top for the missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Taynara survives but Candice keeps her focus.
Candice has fans rallying behind her as she runs, but Taynara anchors a foot. Taynara ducks the enziguri this time, then drags Candice up for a boot, but Candice gets under! Roll up, TWO! Candice hits the step-up back senton! Then the LIONSAULT! Cover, Candice wins!
Winner: Candice LeRae, by pinfall
A Merry Christmas for Candice with a victory! Will Mrs. LeRae’s wild ride finally take her to the championship?
The Control Center panel comments on Candice’s win.
Sam says that is the Candice we need to see from her. She’s on a hot streak, and that will take her to the title. Mr. & Mrs. Wrestling are great, but Pat liked Candice and Taynara just beating the hell out of each other. Will Candice’s rivalry with Io Shirai win Rivalry of the Year? So much backstabbing and drama, some real hatred, that makes a good rivalry.
NXT takes a closer look at Arturo Ruas.
Born during the Lebanon civil war, all he can remember from his childhood was fear. People said he was just a kid, how could he remember that? But that’s the thing. Being a child of that era, he became a fighter, a warrior, a survivor, and a champion. “Fear made me understand how to survive.” Black belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, Akido, Muay Thai, and freestyle fighting, as well as a master of capoeria, Ruas is ready to bring “Destruicao Total.” Who will be the first to learn of fear from this fierce warrior?
Dominik Dijakovic VS Bronson Reed!
The Croatian Colossus and Auss-zilla are ready to battle like kaiju on Christmas! Both behemoths want to be next in line for a shot at gold, but who will be the biggest winner in Brooklyn to end 2019?
The bell rings and Reed circles with Dijakovic. The two tie up, go around, and are in a deadlock of strength. Dijakovic gets a headlock, grinds but Reed powers out. Dijakovic manages to go up and over to get the headlock back. Reed pries out of the hold but Dijakovic clamps back on. Reed keeps working, throws body shots, and back suplexes! Dijakovic lands on his feet to get the headlock back! Reed starts to fade constantly being ground down, but he powers up to pry the hold off again. Reed gets the headlock on Dijakovic now! Dijakovic pulls on Reed’s beard to bring him back around to the headlock, but Reed powers out. The two collide but neither budge! They run again, and collide! Still neither falls, so Dijakovic CHOPS! Reed CHOPS back! Dijakovic chops and reels Reed in, but Reed is too big to toss. Reed powers out, dodges and follows to run Dijakovic over!
Reed runs, Dijakovic stays low, so Reed sits on him! Reed’s weight is a weapon in itself as NXT goes picture in picture. Dijakovic reaches, endures the crushing weight, but Reed stands up. To sit down on him again! Reed continues to crush Dijakovic with a back senton! Cover, TWO! Reed clamps onto Dijakovic with a hammerlock that shifts to a seated cobra twist. Dijakovic endures so Reed shifts to a rear bearhug. Dijakovic fights his way up as Reed squeezes, and Dijakovic fights out with elbows. Reed clubs Dijakovic in the back, then scoops him for a fireman’s carry. Dijakovic slips out to club away on Reed, then kicks low. Dijakovic hops up and leaps to ax handle Reed down to a knee! Dijakovic keeps on Reed with kicks and clubbing forearms.
Dijakovic stomps Reed in the corner, right in the THiCC on his singlet. Reed gets to another corner and kicks back. Dijakovic forearms and elbows Reed, then whips Reed corner to corner. Reed resists by holding ropes but Dijakovic kicks low. Dijakovic clubs Reed right in the chest, but Reed CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Dijakovic knees low then brings Reed out for a headbutt. Dijakovic steadies himself as NXT returns to single picture. The brawling speeds up, Reed atomic drops and elbows Dijakovic back. Reed blocks a forearm to give a forearm! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Dijakovic ends up in a corner, Reed runs in, THICC ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Reed won’t let up, he suplexes Dijakovic for a BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dijakovic survives but Reed keeps his cool.
Reed watches Dijakovic in the opposite corner. Reed runs in, but Dijakovic dodges and elbows back! And more elbows! Dijakovic tries again, but he still can’t suplex Reed. Dijakovic clubs away on Reed’s back, but still can’t get Reed up. Dijakovic keeps clubbing, keeps trying, but still no fly time. Reed wrenches but Dijakovic wrenches back to throw forearms and elbows! Dijakovic says “TIME TO FLY” and manages to suplex Reed!! Cover, TWO!! Reed survives but Dijakovic refuses to stop. Dijakovic drags Reed up, goes to torture rack, but Reed elbows out. Reed throws hands but Dijakovic gives them back. Dijakovic knee jams but Reed HEADBUTTS! Reed runs, into the CYCLONE BOOT! Cover, TWO! Reed survives but now Dijakovic wants to fly! Dijakovic climbs up top, to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!!
Fans chant “He’s Too Thicc! He’s Too Thicc!” but Dijakovic doesn’t care about thickness. Dijakovic goes to choke grip but Reed headbutts the hand?! Dijakovic BOOTS Reed to a corner, but Reed BOOTS back! Reed hops up but Dijakovic SUPERKICKS! Then runs, for a SUPER THESZ PRESS from Reed! Cover, TWO!! Dijakovic survives but the straps come down! Reed is going for maximum overthicc! Reed climbs, but Dijakovic ROCKS him with a right! Dijakovic climbs up to join Reed but Reed resists. Reed throws body shots, headbutts Dijakovic down, and takes aim! Fans fire up but Dijakovic clamps on the choke grip! Reed fights it off again, but Dijakovic uses the other hand, SUPER CHOKE BOMB!! Cover, Dijakovic wins!
Winner: Dominik Dijakovic, by pinfall
A literally huge win for the Colossus on Christmas! Will Dijakovic rise higher and take on even bigger competition in the New Year?
In Houston, Worlds Collide.
NXT takes on NXT UK in an ultimate battle of sibling brands! Who will step up to represent and dominate?
The Control Center announces the massive main event for Worlds Collide in Houston! The premier faction in NXT, the Undisputed Era, will take on Imperium! With TakeOver: Blackpool II on the way, will this end up being a fight between factions #DrapedInGold?
Bianca Belair speaks.
“Bianca Belair is the strongest, the toughest, the roughest, the quickest, the fastest, the greatest.” She is THE EST of NXT! She looks every woman in the eye and says, “I’m better than you.” She’s ready to take over, but will she get herself the sweetest present for Christmas in a victory?
Bianca Belair VS Shotzi Blackheart!
The EST is the strongest and fastest, but tonight she goes up against the newest woman in NXT! Evolve’s wild child makes her in-ring debut in Full Sail! Will we all be running wild with #CaliforniaCrazy?
The bell rings and Shotzi circles with Bianca. They tie up, Bianca puts Shotzi in a corner but Shotzi turns it around. Shotzi backs off to howl to the moon. Shotzi then offers Bianca a handshake. Bianca slaps her handshake away and shoves her down! Bianca blows bubble gum and does her dance, but Shotzi wrenches her down! Shotzi comes back, spins Bianca to wring her out and get her down, hammerlock bridge! Bianca rolls out to Banzai Drop Shotzi! Bianca whips but Shotzi reverses, only for Bianca to run her over. Bianca dusts off her hands, things speed up and Bianca shows off her agility. But Shotzi sunset flips, only for Bianca to dead lift and pie face her. Bianca wags her finger, Shotzi pops her bubble! Then crucifix to sunset flip, TWO!
Bianca catches the code breaker and pushes Shotzi off. Shotzi boots Bianca away then springboards for a huricanrana! Bianca ends up on the ropes, Shotzi runs, CANNONBALL! Bianca bails out after that impact, but fans are rallying for Shotzi. Shotzi runs and dropkicks,b ut is caught! Bianca reverse bombs Shotzi on the apron! Shotzi sputters as NXT goes picture in picture.
Bianca catches her breath and glares at Shotzi as she pushes her into the ring. Cover, ONE, but Bianca keeps on SHotzi with a neck wrench. Shotzi endures, even as Bianca talks trash right in her ear. Shotzi throws elbows and fights her way up, she rolls Bianca, TWO! Bianca runs Shotzi over again! Bianca stalks Shotzi to the corner while talking more trash. Bianca grinds her boot into Shotzi’s chin but lets up at the ref’s count. Shotzi gets up to kick back and throw forearms! Bianca RAMS Shotzi into the corner, and over and over! The ref backs Bianca off but Bianca returns to TOSS Shotzi across the way! Then stomp her down out of frustration.
Bianca brings Shotzi up, elbows her down, then brings her back up to stretch the arm and STOMP her again! Bianca handsprings and moonsaults! Then shows off with a kip up and a “kiss this!” Shotzi gets to ropes but Bianca drags her up and into the corner. Bianca grinds Shotzi into ropes but the ref backs her off again. Bianca ignores the reprimand as she kicks and chokes Shotzi. The ref counts and Bianca stops, but she’s toying with Shotzi now. Bianca clubs Shotzi down with one hard shot, but Shotzi gets back to ropes. Bianca brings her up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Shotzi refuses to stay down so Bianca wraps on a chinlock. Shotzi endures as Bianca thrashes her around and NXT returns to single picture.
Shotzi gets up and rolls Bianca up again, TWO! Bianca LARIATS Shotzi down! Bianca stands on Shotzi’s throat but stops at the ref’s count. Bianca drags Shotzi up, whips her to a corner, but Shotzi boots back! Shotzi hops up as fans duel, SUPER SUNSET FLIP! Cover, TWO, and Bianca dropkicks Shotzi hard! Bianca drags Shotzi to the cover, TWO! Bianca is growing frustrated with Shotzi and she clamps on a cravat. Shotzi endures, fans rally again, and Shotzi reaches for ropes. Bianca drags Shotzi away but Shotzi throws body shots. Shotzi backs Bianca into buckles and again, and she is free! But Bianca just gets the cravat again! Shotzi throws Bianca off and fires off forearms! Bianca shoves Shotzi to a corner, Shotzi hops up and rolls, to come back with a body splash! Shotzi throws Bianca down, SLING-DOG!
Fans fire up with Shotzi as she KICKS Bianca, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Question mark kick! “Who’s your daddy!?” Shotzi runs, wheelbarrow FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Shotzi is shocked but not deterred! She drags Bianca up, Bianca powers her to a corner again. Bianca rams in over and over but the ref counts. Bianca carries Shotzi with one arm, but Shotzi fights free. Shotzi ducks and dumps Bianca to the apron, then BOOTS! Bianca holds on as Shotzi runs, step-up APRON DDT!! Shotzi wrecks Bianca and fans fire up! Shotzi gets back up top, takes aim, and leaps, but has to bail out as Bianca dodges! Bianca dodge the boot, shoves Shotzi into buckles, torture rack! KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
The evolution of Shotzi has been halted by the hardest challenge in NXT! Will Bianca return to title contention in the New Year?
The Control Center panel comments on Belair’s victory.
Does Sam Roberts regret ever doubting the EST? That observation was true a year ago. It’s still true now. It was an amazing match, but Bianca is not Female Superstar of 2019 to Sam. Pat commends Shotzi for having such a great showing against such a powerful woman as Bianca. And Pat agrees with Bianca that Sam is a “stupid little man.” Sam admits Bianca is the best kicker in NXT. The tension mounts between Pat and Sam, but Cathy redirects things to the voting for the Year End Awards. Get your votes in for your favorites of every category!
Lio Rush & Keith Lee VS Tony Nese & Damien Priest!
Brooklyn hosts tonight’s main event mix-and-match tag! Will the Man of the Hour and Limitless One make their opponents #BaskInTheirGlory? Or will the Premier Athlete and Archer of Infamy #LiveForever with a Christmas victory?
The teams sort out as Santa Keith and Lio the elf have some Christmas cookies. But when it comes to the match, we begin with fans singing for Lee while the Cruiserweight partners begin. Nese and Lio circle, but then Nese tags out to Damien. The heavyweight smirks at Lio and tells him to tag out to his partner. Lio refuses, he’s got a big heart. So Damien grabs Lio by the throat! Lio SLAPS Priest first! Lio dodges Priest, boots him from the floor, then smirks back. Lio goes Matrix, handsprings but his kick is caught! Damien flips Lio but Lee tags in! The heavyweights meet and fans are fired up again. Damien takes the Santa hat and throws it away! Is the Archer a Scrooge, too?
Damien kicks Lee in the leg, but Lee just shrugs it off. Lee puts up his dukes and throws hands! Damien bobs ‘n’ weaves but so does Lee, Lee goes for a BIG heel kick! Damien ducks it, shoves Lee then ducks under as Lee rolls. Lee hurdles, speeds up and CROSSBODIES! Damien rolls to the corner but Nese runs in. Lee sees Nese coming, and Lio grabs the cookies. Lio throws the sugar cookies at Nese while shouting, “Get out of the ring!” Nese runs at Lio and they run around the ring. Lio jumps over the desk and Lee comes around to POUNCE Nese over it and onto Tom Philips! Fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns once more as Lio Dumdum Stomps Damien’s arm! Lio kicks away on Damien’s legs then wrenches the arm, but Damien denies the tag to Lee. Damien whips Lio into the corner, Lio boots back! Lio hops up, leaps but gets DECKED! Damien puts Lio in the open corner, leaps to back elbow, then suplexes Lio for a HUGE Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Damien drags Lio around to tag in Nese. Nese has recovered from that Pounce to stomp Lio down. Nese warns Lee as he drags Lio up. Lio hits back with body shots and forearms, but Nese throws Lio to ropes. Lio sunset flips, Nese slips out to mule KICK! Cover, TWO! Nese puts on body scissors to squeeze Lio! Fans rally for Lio as he endures, but Nese just squeezes tighter. “You’re going nowhere! Nowhere!”
Fans rally and sing and Lio pries at the hold. Nese clubs Lio down and facelocks, but Lio fights with body shots. Nese puts Lio in a corner, stomps away, but lets up at the count. Lio CHOPS but Nese rams him into the ropes. Nese yanks Lio up, wheelbarrows, but Lio sunset flips! Nese slips out again but Lio ducks the mule kick this time, to roll Nese and head for Lee! Nese tackles Lio down then back suplexes, but Lio slips out and dodges! Nese keeps Lio away again, but gets the COME UP! Both men are down and fans rally again! Lio and Nese head for their corners, hot tags to the heavyweights!
Lee rallies on Damien with big shoulders and clotheslines! Corner splash and then a roll for a BIG forearm! Lee runs side to side to LARIAT Damien down again! Cover, TWO! Lee keeps his cool and even smiles as he gets up. Damien stands, Lee reels him in, and Lee lifts, but Damien slips out. Tag to Nese, Damien swings but gets ROCKED! Lee pursues Damien but Nese hotshot bulldogs! Damien adds a ROUNDHOUSE! Lee falls, Nese triangle MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Nese goes after Lee fast with a facelock but is powered into the corner! Lio tags in, he whips but Nese reverses, only for Lio to springboard huricanrana! Lio lariats but Nese goes Matrix! Mule kick to knee lift and sweep, but Lio jumps over for fast hands and a forearm! BACK HEEL KICK! Tag to Lee but Damien trips him up! The cookies spill but Lio DIVES! Damien catches Lio for an APRON CHOKE SLAM!
Damien goes in but the ref tells him he’s not legal. Damien doesn’t care, he aims his bow, but Santa Keith rises!! Damien stares at him, and gets SHOVED out of the ring! Lee goes out to keep on Damien, putting him back int he ring. But Nese DIVES! Only to be caught in both arms! Lee grins as he TOSSES Nese! Damien FLIES in outta nowhere but is also caught! Lee lifts Damien to throw him into Nese! And then APRON POWERBOMB!! Lee puts Nese in and fans are fired up! Lee brings Nese up to a fireman’s carry, JACKHAMMER! Tag to Lio, who is fueled by cookie power! He stands on Lee’s shoulders, for a LIMITLESS FINAL HOUR!! Cover, Lio and Lee win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Keith Lee, Lio pinning
The #LimitlessLeegion has a huge victory alongside the Living Piece of Gold! But will both men be fighting for gold in the New Year?
My Thoughts:
A really fun episode of NXT for Christmas! Though, I feel like Brooklyn has grown spoiled from all the great TakeOvers over the years. On behalf of NXT, I feel I should apologize that they got mostly filler matches. Swerve VS Gallagher and Dijakovic VS Reed were probably not what they were expecting, but that doesn’t mean they were bad matches. Granted, I also was hoping we’d get more speed out of Swerve and Gallagher, but it was Swerve slowing it down and staying on the ground for Gallagher’s sake. It was still great stuff, on par with anything you’d get out of 205 Live or NXT on a normal week, and clearly Swerve wins for his own momentum while also piling onto Gallagher’s story of frustration. I hope we get some resolution for that story in 2020, whether through 205 Live or NXT.
Reed VS Dijakovic was a really good match, too, and I did like that Brooklyn embraced the thickness. However, they obviously weren’t any less bored than they were with Swerve and Gallagher, as a child dressed as Baby Yoda had their attention more than the early part of this match. In the end, it works that Dijakovic wins because he’s building up in the upper midcard. I hope this win helps Dijakovic start to stand out and get a North American Championship shot soon. And speaking of, that North American Championship open challenge was great! Opening with it was perfect, Austin Theory did amazing for his first NXT match, and I’m sure he’ll be a great addition to the roster. But naturally, Strong wins and keeps the Undisputed Era #DrapedInGold, because I am hoping we’ll get a HUGE 8 Man Champions VS Champions for Worlds Collide. Imperium winning at Blackpool will determine that, but something about it would make sense in NXT UK story, too.
Shotzi Blackheart also had a really good showing tonight against Bianca. In similar fashion to Strong and Theory, the NXT veteran wins to keep momentum but it does make the Evolve graduate look great in the eyes of fans only familiar with NXT and WWE. Shotzi will also be a great addition to the roster, just like Theory. Candice and Taynara had a really good match, too, and again, Taynara looks good while losing, and Candice looks great going into this new era with Rhea as champion. Candice and Rhea can have a good story given they became friends through WarGames and can try for a respectful rivalry, that likely fails or is disrupted by a Heel. Either way, I don’t expect Rhea to lose after that amazing moment last week.
The main event was amazing and Brooklyn woke up to see it! Lee and Lio make a great combination, and we are surely getting no less than two gifs out of this match. Lee pouncing Nese and Santa Keith rising are the two I’m thinking of. Lio and Lee win as the Faces with a lot to still do in NXT, but I’d probably expect Lee getting a title match before Lio given who holds gold right now. I don’t see Garza staying Heel after his proposal to his girlfriend became a heartwarming moment for NXT, so Lio may have to wait or turn. Lee could easily go after any of the Undisputed Era members, but especially Strong or Cole. Portland will be about Cole VS Balor but Strong is still available. Though, we did just get Lee VS Strong, so maybe Lee and Lio go for Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic success while they wait things out.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/27/24)
Rural Revitalization continues!
Will Great-O-Khan be setting the table?
It’s Rural Revitalization in Hiroshima for the KOPW Championship! Can Yuya Uemura survive tires, lemons and a table? Or will Great-O-Khan conquer him for the United Empire?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Frontier Zone – Boltin Oleg & Toru Yano VS Rey Paloma & HANZO; Oleg & Yano win.
- Six Man Tag: Tiger Mask & Bishamon VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Jeff Cobb & Francesco Akira; Cobb & Akira win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shota Umino & Tomohiro Ishii VS The House of Torture; Desperado, Shota & Ishii win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima VS Tomoaki Honma & Shoma Kato; Tanahashi & Murashima win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Yoshinobu win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo; TMDK wins and retains the titles.
- KOPW Championship Rural Revitalization: Great-O-Khan VS Yuya Uemura; Yuya wins and becomes the new KOPW Champion.
- 10 Man Tag Elimination Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK w/ Zack Sabre Jr. VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado!
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls snatched the titles away during the Windy City Riot, but the Guerrillas of Destiny are getting their rematch! Will the Headbanga & Young Guerilla redeem themselves on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku? Or will they see The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if The Mighty stay NJPW Strong!
The teams sort out and Hysterical Haste starts against ELP. The fans rally up with the bell and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then Shane cording holds into a wrench and wristlock. ELP rolls, handsprings and wrenches back. ELP keeps Shane from ropes so Shane rolls, kips up, snapmares and KICKS ELP! The fans cheer while Shane shakes out his leg. ELP grimaces as he stands and shakes out the arm. The two reset, tie up, and ELP waistlocks. ELP goes for a chinlock but Shane standing switches. ELP switches, Shane switches again, and repeat. ELP headlocks, Shane powers out, then reels ELP in for a headlock.
ELP powers out, Shane runs him over, and then he sits ELP up to run. ELP drops under, hurdles over, but Shane shoves him. ELP rolls off Shane’s back to RANA! The fans fire up as ELP kips up and fixes his hair. The fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” while Shane is in a corner. Shane comes back to fire a forearm! ELP fires a forearm back! Shane fires another forearm so ELP gives it back. They go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans rally up! ELP gets the edge, but Shane UPPERCUTS! Shane CHOPS ELP, whips him corner to corner, but ELP goes up and over and keeps moving. ELP fakes Shane out to avoid the dropkick!
ELP goes to ropes to LIONSAULT but Shane moves! ELP sits up but avoids the Penalty Kick! The two stand off and the fans cheer! Shane and ELP reset, and Leo reaches out. ELP tags him in and the fans rally up. Shane tags Mikey, and he circles with Leo. They get face to face, and Mikey pie faces Leo! They tie up, Leo shoves Mikey away, but Mikey comes back. They tie up, Mikey headlocks but Leo lifts. Mikey thrashes the hold, Leo powers out and they RAM shoulders! Leo eggs Mikey on so Mikey runs and they RAM shoulders! Leo runs, Mikey ELBOWS him! Mikey runs, Leo runs him over! The fans fire up as Leo flexes.
Leo drags Mikey up, suplexes, but Mikey fights it! Mikey tries to suplex but Leo’s so tall! Leo suplexes, Mikehy slips free to waistlock, but Leo RAMS him into a corner! Leo runs in, Mikey dodges, only for Leo to LARIAT outta the corner! Tag to ELP and the Guerrillas get Mikey up. ELP BLASTS Shane while Leo whips Mikey to a corner. Leo SPLASHES, ELP clotheslines, then feed to the SIDEWALK SLAM and FALLING AX HANDLE! The Guerrillas high-five, ELP covers, TWO! ELP brings Mikey up but Mikey fights the suplex! Mikey powers out, whips, but ELP BLASTS Shane! ELP dodges Mikey, waistlocks, but Mikey swings. ELP ducks, into a DDT!
The fans fire up while Mikey shoves ELP over and tags in Shane. Mikey brings ELP up to TOSS him out, and then Mikey BLASTS Leo! Shane whips ELP into railing! Shane flexes, fans applaud, and Shane drags ELP up. APRON BACK SUPLEX! Shane shoves ELP in, covers, ROPEBREAK! The fans rally as ELP stays in this but Shane grabs one of ELP’s hands. Shane stretches out the arm to then KICK ELP in the shoulder! Shane brings ELP up but ELP fires forearms! Shane shoves ELP but ELP ELBOWS Mikey! ELP fires off on Shane, whips, but Shane reverses and Mikey trips ELP up! Shane basement dropkicks ELP and he spins around into a HAYMAKER from Mikey!
ELP flops to the floor, Mikey claims the apron is slippery, but the referee reprimands him all the same. The ring count starts but Mikey puts ELP in at 4 of 20. Shane covers, TWO! Shane keeps ELP down with body scissors. ELP endures, reaches out, drags Shane along as he crawls over, and the fans rally up. Shane grabs ELP’s arm and brings him into a cover, TWO! Shane whips ELP away into The Mighty corner! Tag to Mikey, he sends Shane in, but ELP puts Shane on the apron! ELP BOOTS Mikey, ROUNDHOUSES Shane, then runs, but Mikey catches him! Mikey RAMS ELP back into the corner!
Mikey taunts Leo then digs boots into ELP. The fans rally up and ELP throws body shots. Mikey eggs ELP on so ELP CHOPS! ELP tries to get under but Mikey grabs a leg and drags him back! Tag to Shane, and Shane stomps ELP down. Shane kicks ELP around, kicks him more, but ELP fires off hands! Shane back drops ELP up and away! The fans rally while Shane drags ELP back to a cover, but Leo breaks it! Shane drags ELP back, tags Mikey in, and TMDK mug ELP. ELP sputters, Mikey tags Shane back in, and Shane sucker punches Leo! Mikey hoists ELP up but ELP BOOTS Shane! ELP backs Mikey into the corner, then goes up and over Shane!
Shane runs into Mikey but Mikey still pursues ELP. Mikey drags ELP back but ELP ENZIGIRIS free! The fans fire up, but Shane gets ELP’s legs! ELP BOOTS Shane away, hurries up again, but Mikey BLASTS Leo first! Mikey then brings ELP around to back suplex! ELP lands on his feet, but Shane back suplexes! ELP still lands on his feet, then he ducks under TMDK to hot tag Leo! The fans fire up as Leo UPPERCUTS Shane, swings on Mikey, but Mikey dodges, only for Leo to BOOT him! Leo scoops Shane for SNAKE EYES and a BOOT! The fans fire up with Leo while Shane and Mikey go to opposite corners.
Leo runs in to SPLASH Mikey! Leo keeps going but Shane BOOTS him! Shane runs up but Leo ELBOWS him down! Leo runs to drop the JUMPING ELBOW on Shane! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Leo watches Shane stir. Shane rises, Leo choke grips! GODS- NO, Shane slips free and Mikey fires a forearm! Shane UPPERCUTS, Mikey LARIATS, but Leo stays up! Shane runs to LARIAT! Leo roars, but TMDK double kick! TMDK reels Leo in, but Leo DOUBLE SUPLEXES them instead! The fans fire up and Leo watches TMDK bail out. Leo tags ELP and ELP goes up. Leo helps him walk the tightrope, to ARIHARA MOONSAULT TMDK down at the ramp!
The fans fire up again, and Leo goes out to get Shane in. ELP & Leo get Shane up to CHOP, straitjacket torture rack, and then Leo runs. BOOT into the spin, BRAIN SALAD! Cover, Mikey breaks it! Mikey fires forearms on Leo & ELP, runs, but ELP hurdles so Leo can DDT! Mikey bails out, the fans fire up, and ELP tunes up the band. Shane rises, into SUDDEN- NO, Shane dodges! Shane runs up, but into Leo’s hands! ELP aims, but Shane pulls Leo into SUDDEN DEATH! Shane UPPERCUTS ELP and DROPKICKS Leo! Shane KICKS ELP, BOOTS him, then reels him in for an INVERTED EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!!
ELP survives and Shane is surprised! The fans fires up, Shane and ELP rise, and ELP staggers to a corner. Shane puts ELP up top, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up. Shane brings ELP up but ELP fires body shots! ELP HEADBUTTS Shane down but Mikey tags in! Shane goes up, ELP sends him back down, so Mikey UPPERCUTS! Mikey gives Shane the boost, and they get ELP for the SUPERPLEX BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives but Mikey powers up and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives again and the fans fire up! Mikey grows frustrated, he drags ELP up and reels him in.
ELP slips free of the Blue Thunder to kick and tuck the arms! But Mikey trips ELP to jackknife bridge, TWO! ELP rolling clutches! TWO and Mikey has the cover! TWO and ELP ghost pins, TWO!! Mikey escapes but ELP dodges! ELP DROPKICKS Mikey down and the fans fire up! Both men crawl, hot tag to Leo! Leo runs to BLAST Shane, then he turns to look at Mikey. Mikey eggs Leo on, then fires forearms! Leo ROCKS Mikey with just one! Mikey fires another flurry, but Leo ROCKS Mikey again! Leo eggs Mikey on and the fans rally. Mikey kicks low, ROCKS Leo, then runs, but into a scoop! Tag to ELP before the POWERSLAM!
ELP goes up to SWANTON BOMB! And then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up, ELP tags Leo back in, and they tune up the band again! Mikey rises, but Shane trips Leo! Mikey ROCKS ELP, Shane UPPERCUTS ELP! Feed to the scoop but ELP slips free! ELP shoves Mikey into Shane, and Leo grabs them both! But both Shane & Mikey fight free of the choke slams! Shane KNEES, Mikey FOREARMS, but then ELP fires off on TMDK! ELP runs, but into a double trophy lift! THUNDER- DOUBLE DDTS!! ELP turns things around on TMDK, and the fans are thunderous! Mikey stands up into SUDDEN DEATH! ELP PLANCHAS onto Shane!
GODSEND for Mikey! ELP then climbs up the ropes, then climbs onto Leo! SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, but Shane barrels through ELP to break it!! The fans are thunderous again but ELP is frustrated. ELP fires off on Shane, runs, but Shane LARIATS! Shane dodges Leo but runs into the POWER TRIP! GOD- NO, Mikey rolls Leo up!! TMDK WINS!!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Leo is furious! He is sure Mikey pulled tights there! He stomps at Mikey, pushes past ELP and goes after Mikey on the outside! Mikey and Leo push each other around, but there’s nothing Leo can do about this one. Will he and ELP just have to fight their way back up to the top? As for TMDK, will they continue to rock ‘n’ roll through the ranks with all this gold?
KOPW Championship Rural Revitalization: Great-O-Khan w/ Callum Newman & Francesco Akira VS Yuya Uemura w/ Taka Michinoku & Taichi!
It’s Rural Revitalization 2: Hiroshima Style! The Dominator just managed to make it past Tanga Loa, will he make it through the Heat Storm? Or will KOPW soon belong to Just5Guys?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who can put in the work!
This first round is Mazda tire carrying. Each man has a big orange cone placed in their corner, so they simply have to go fetch the tires from the stacks outside. Whoever gets four tires first wins the round! The bell rings, Yuya kicks Khan then heads for ropes, but Khan reels him in for a BIG back suplex! Khan goes out now, hurries up the ramp, and grabs two tires at once! The fans cheer and Khan gets those tires in the ring. Then he goes back for more! A risky move but that means four tires are on play. Yuya DROPKICKS Khan and here’s where the risk is involved! Yuya aims to PLANCHA but Khan chucks a tire!
Yuya falls back, Khan gets the tires in then drags Yuya out. Khan CLUBS away on Yuya against the apron, then uses a tire to bind Yuya’s legs! Khan CLUBS Yuya more, and Khan even ties Yuya up in the ropes! Khan sacrifices two tires to trap Yuya! The fans cheer the creativity, and Khan STOMPS Yuya on the apron before heading for more tires. Yuya works to get free as Khan brings two more tires to the ring. Khan sets those tires in, Yuya gets free, but Khan has stacked two tires. Then three, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Yuya takes the tires off Khan’s cones, leaving him with just one. Yuya goes out to get the last tires remaining!
Yuya brings tires to his cone, then clears out some space. Yuya has two tires, steals Khan’s one, but then Khan grabs Yuya for an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Yuya fights free, but Khan Mongolian Chops him down! Khan throws the tires off Yuya’s cone, then throws the cone! We’re back to zero and zero, and Khan whips Yuya into a corner, to then clothesline him! The fans fire up as Khan climbs up and sits on his throne! Khan then hops down to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian CHOP! Yuya sits down, Khan takes a tire, but then THROWS it at Yuya! Yuya goes up and over and AX HANDLES Khan down!
The fans rally as Khan grabs tires and cone, and he starts stacking! Yuya has two, then three! He just needs to find one more! Yuya grabs one from outside, but Khan reels him in! Khan DECKS Yuya, then undoes some of the stack. Khan confiscates a tire, makes sure it’s nice and bouncy, but also works up quite the sweat. The fans rally as Khan aims and takes a swing, only for Yuya to counter tire with tire! They clash again, and again! Then they set up for TIRE SUMO! And again, TIRE SUMO! They run in again, and Khan RAMS Yuya! Yuya is disarmed, and Khan CLOBBERS him with the TIRE SUMO!
The fans fire up while Yuya is down and Khan grabs tires. Khan says he’s not done with Yuya yet. Khan starts stacking tires at the center of the ring, then drags Yuya up. Khan clinches Yuya into HITSUJIGOROSHI! Yuya endures, even as Khan throws knees! Khan then scoops to SLAM Yuya on the tires! That’ll leave some skid marks! Khan then drags Yuya off the stack, brings him up and around, to then put a tire around his head. And then another! Yuya’s two tired to stand but Khan makes him! Khan throws a BODY BLOW, then he TRIPS Yuya into a TIRE DDT! The fans fire up while Khan grabs the other tires.
Khan stacks tires on his cone, that’s two. Khan hurries to find other tires on the outside, and he has a third. Khan considers his options, and takes one of the tires from Yuya. But Yuya clings to the tires, so Khan stomps him! Yuya refuses to let go of the tires! Khan stomps Yuya more but Yuya defends the tire with his body! Khan claws at Yuya, they tug-o-war over the tire, but Khan pulls on Yuya’s ear! Yuya kicks low, kicks again, then SMACKS Khan with the tire, and DROPKICKS Khan down! The tire goes tumbling out of the ring while Yuya fires up! Yuya takes Khan’s tires, hurries them over to his cone, that’s three right there!
Now Yuya has to hurry and find another! Yuya goes outside, grabs the tire, but Khan intercepts! They tug-o-war again, but then Khan RAMS Yuya into a corner! Khan takes this tire, that’s one. Khan finds tires on the outside and brings them in! Yuya hurries to cover tires again! Khan stomps Yuya, still stacks three, so it’s all down to this seventh tire! Yuya and Khan tug-o-war yet again, the fans rallying behind them! Khan grabs Yuya’s arm, but Yuya slips around to a SLEEPER! Khan fights up but Yuya squeezes tight! Yuya then CLUBS away on Khan, runs, but into a TIRE SWEEP! And a BASEMENT DROPKICK!
Khan grabs the final tire, but Yuya schoolboys him away! Yuya rolls through, snatches the tire, and complete his stack! Yuya wins the first round!
Khan: 0; Yuya: 1
Just like with Tanga Loa, Khan drops the ball in the first round! But then, will history repeat itself here as we prepare for the second round?
The tarps are set down, the table is set, and it’s time to eat up some Hiroshima lemons! Khan makes sure the people watching at home and around the world understand that Hiroshima lemons are the best, which probably means they’re the most sour. Khan puts on his bandana and takes his seat at the table. He and Yuya get some wet wipes to clean their hands, and it all comes down to who finishes their one lemon first. Ready, set, EAT! Yuya starts fast and that face shows how sour these are. Khan says hold on, and he just takes a HUGE bite! Yuya is suffering but Khan is reveling in the sourness! Khan’s already halfway through!
Yuya can barely keep the lemon in, but Khan’s eaten it all up! Can he get it all down before Yuya? Khan is chewing and chewing, Yuya is practically shaking from how sour it all is! Khan keeps going and… Yes, Khan has it all down! Khan wins!
Khan: 1; Yuya: 1
Khan now lets his body feel the stinging sweetness, and he says it was delicious! But then, that leaves us with this third and final round. And this time it’s a TABLES match! Who will be feeling sour and sore after this one?
The bell rings, both men rush in, Yuya dodges to fire haymakers! Yuya whips, Khan reverses but Yuya CLOBBERS him! Khan gets up, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Khan bails out, Yuya aims and PLANCHAS! Direct hit at the ramp, and the Heat Storm fires back up! The table is there, so Yuya drags Khan right up! Yuya goes to suplex but Khan blocks! Khan fights with body shots, turns things around, but Yuya fights the suplex! They fight for control, but Khan RAMS Yuya into the apron! The fans rally, Khan drags Yuya back up, and whips him into railing! Yuya tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land!
Khan storms out after Yuya and he asks fans move aside. Young Lions help the fans clear out while Khan drags Yuya up. Khan brings Yuya around and reminds everyone, No Disqualifications! Khan BOWLS Yuya through chairs, and that’s definitely a strike! The fans cheer Khan as he stands on chairs, but then asks more fans to move aside! Khan stomps Yuya, stomps a chair onto Yuya, then tosses that chair aside. Sorry to whoever had that seat… Khan then drags Yuya up and brings him around, but Yuya throws body shots! Khan Mongolian Chops Yuya down! Khan drags Yuya back up, and BOWLS him into more chairs!
Yuya is stuck on the seats, that wasn’t quite a strike. But Khan stacks chairs on Yuya to pick up the spare. Khan SMACKS chair with chair! Yuya sputters while fans applaud, and Khan goes back to fetch Yuya. Taichi and Taka are there but so are Newman and Akira. The Empire keeps the two out of five guys at bay while Khan drags Yuya to the back of the crowd. Khan whips Yuya into the emergency exit! Khan then SLAMS railing down on Yuya, and then SMACKS railing with railing! Khan talks trash while Taka and Taichi coach Yuya up. The ref checks Yuya, but he’s somehow able to continue, so Khan drags him up.
Khan brings Yuya around to drag him through the chairs! Khan brings Yuya back to ringside, then into the ring. The fans applaud, and then Khan goes looking under the ring. Khan eventually finds another lemon! Khan takes a big bite and uses the citrus to power up! Then he DIGS the lemon into Yuya’s face! The citric acid burns but the fans fire up! Khan goes to fetch the table from outside, puts it inside, and then sets it up in a corner. The fans rally up as Khan stalks Yuya. Khan drags Yuya up, reels him in to scoop, but Yuya slips free! Khan avoids hitting table, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Yuya whips Khan into the blue corner, then DOUBLE CHOPS again!
The fans fire up and Yuya grits his teeth. Yuya roars, brings Khan up and reels him in for a BIG back suplex! The fans rally again and Yuya brings Khan up. Yuya clinches, but Khan fights the lift! Yuya still tries, but Khan fights it to a head ‘n’ arm clinch. Yuya gets around, headlocks, but Khan pops out to waistlock. Yuya fights being pushed around, then switches to get an arm. Khan clinches but so does Yuya. They fight for control, and Khan’s SAYANAGI takes Yuya down! The fans fire up and both men stir. Yuya flops out of the ring, but Khan crawls in pursuit. Khan drags Yuya up, then RAMS him into railing!
Yuya writhes, Khan goes looking under the ring, and he brings out another TABLE! Khan SMACKS Yuya with the table, then stands the table up at ringside. Khan drags Yuya up, SMACKS him off the apron, then climbs up. Khan drags Yuya up onto the apron, Mongolian Chops, then regular CHOPS! Khan UPPERCUTS, then clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan scoops but Yuya fights free! Yuya DROPKICKS! Khan holds onto ropes to stay up, but Yuya hurries to run! Yuya LARIATS, but into the IRON CLAW!! Khan drags Yuya up and over, ELIMINATOR- NO, Yuya grabs ropes to fight that off! Khan kicks low, winds up, but Yuya traps the arm!
Yuya traps the other arm, takes aim, but Khan fights the Deadbolt with all his might!! The fans are thunderous as Yuya still tries! Khan BITES Yuya’s ear! And then POSTS him! But Yuya runs up, into a BOOT! Yuya falls back, Khan sits down, and the fans rally again! Khan undoes his hand tape, ends up pushing the table over, and then he folds it all up. Khan puts the table in the ring, pushes Yuya aside, and then he sets this table up again, in the blue corner. Yuya goes up top to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Yuya roars! Yuya has his choice as he hauls Khan up. Yuya traps the arms, but Khan makes it a BELLY2BELLY!
But Yuya rises back up! Yuya runs in, gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Khan’s right up! Khan LARIATS Yuya down! The fans fire up as Yuya is right back up, and URENAGES! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Khan flounders around, he and Yuya crawl to center, and Yuya fires a forearm! Khan gives it back! Both men stand, and Yuya fires a haymaker! Khan comes back to forearm! Yuya wobbles, but he comes back to HAYMAKER! Khan staggers, wobbles, but comes back to FOREARM! Both men stagger, but Yuya fires another haymaker! Khan fires a flurry of forearms, but Yuya haymakers!
Khan ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! But Khan throws an IRON RIGHT! The fans fire up again as Yuya falls! Khan roars with Monster Rage and he hauls Yuya up! IRON CLAW, and then ELIMIN- NO, Yuya slips free! Yuya wrenches, traps the arms, DEADBOLT SUPLEX through the table!! YUYA WINS!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, 2-1 (NEW KOPW Champion)
Yuya slammed the Deadbolt shut on Khan and now he takes the title from him! The Heat Storm is rising, how hot will he make the KOPW Division through the Summer?
10 Man Tag Elimination Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs!
These factions have been battling all over this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but now they will fight ’til the last man! Will there be a roll call for Bushi, Hiromu, Takagi, Yota y Naito? Or will this alliance with the Good Looking Emperor, Jake Lee, help David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney shoot down LIJ?
Wait, it seems Naito has brought backup of his own? It’s SLYLY! The dragon-like mascot of Hiroshima Toyo Carp, and half-brother to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Phillie Phanatic! Well, Naito does love him some baseball. Tensions are running high, and Finlay throws his shirt at Yota. Yota balls that shirt up, and throws a fastball over the plate! The teams sort out, Finlay pushes Yota around and Gabe talks trash on Takagi. Red Shoes gets them all to settle down, and the War Dogs bark and put up the Too Sweet. Jake joins in at the end there. LIJ mocks the barking before they fist bump, and the fans cheer.
Things finally sort out and Finlay starts against Yota. The fans fire up behind “YO~TA! YO~TA!” at the bell, and Yota makes sure Finlay hears that. Finlay gets on the corner but the fans all boo. The two circle, tie up, and Yota uses his size to put Finlay on ropes. Finlay turns that around to grind forearms in Yota’s face and push him around. Finlay then backs up to SPIT at him! The fans boo but Yota CHOPS Finlay in return! The fans cheer, Yota headlocks, and Yota grinds Finlay down. Finlay powers up and out to headlock back, but Yota powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, Yota rebounds to run Finlay over!
The fans fire up, things speed up, but Finlay bails out. The fans boo but Finlay says he’s got time. Yota barks at Finlay but Finlay just mockingly applauds. Finlay returns, kips up just to show off, but then Hiromu wants in! Yota tags Hiromu, Finlay tags Drilla. Hiromu fires forearms on Drilla, whips, to ROCK, trip, KICK the ropes, then run and SHOTGUN Drilla down! The fans fire up while Hiromu barks. Hiromu runs corner to corner to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! The fans fire up but Connors runs in to knee Hiromu low! Connors barks, runs, but Hiromu kicks low! Bushi dropkicks legs out so Hiromu can basement dropkick!
The fans fire up but Drilla fires hands and CHOPS on LIJ. Hiromu CHOPS back, he and Bushi double whip to TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Hiromu fires Hiroshima up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Drilla slips free to RAM Hiromu into the corner! The Dogs mug Hiromu while Jake Lee runs up to BLAST Naito! Finlay and Connors help out in mugging Yota and Bushi! Things have pilled out into the crowd in multiple areas while Naito fights back! Jake kicks Naito, then whips him hard into railing! Naito tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land! Gabe and Takagi throw HEADBUTTS back and forth!
Finlay snatches a phone? He’s taking pictures of Jake stomping away on Naito! But then Yota attacks Finlay! Finlay POSTS Yota, a ring count starts, but the Dogs just keep beating LIJ down! Drilla finds his way back to ringside, Hiromu manages to make his way in! Hiromu crawls in at 17 but Drilla is there to stomp him! Drilla bumps Hiromu off Finlay’s boot! Drilla tags Jake in, they mug Hiromu, and Jake digs his boot in while Finlay pulls Hiromu’s hair! Red Shoes is busy getting everyone to stop brawling! Jake lets off but Hiromu fires off CHOPS! Jake just kicks low, whips, and then HIP TOSSES Hiromu down!
Hiromu staggers up but Jake clamps on a SLEEPER! Tag to Finlay and they mug Hiromu in the corner. Red Shoes reprimands and counts, the fans boo, and Finlay lets off at 4. Finlay soaks up heat, then he takes Hiromu’s Kamaitachi mask and THROWS it to the crowd! Finlay then BLASTS Yota off the apron! The Dogs CHOKE Hiromu more, mug him while Finlay argues with Red Shoes, then Finlay brings Hiromu up. Finlay fireman’s carries and goes to dump Hiromu! Hiromu clamps onto ropes, Bushi runs in to make the save! Connors goes after Bushi so Takagi makes the save! But Connors goes after Takagi now!
Finlay puts Hiromu on the apron but Hiromu rolls back in, SAFE! The fans cheer while Finlay is frustrated. Finlay storms up on Hiromu in a corner but Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS! Finlay knees low, whips corner to corner hard, and Hiromu flounders all the way back to where he started! Finlay drags Hiromu up and over, the fans still cheering him on, but Connors tags in. Connors BLASTS Naito off the corner, then snap suplexes Hiromu down! Connors runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Connors stays on him with a seated full nelson. The fans continue to rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as he endures!
Hiromu fights around, even as Gedo barks at him to give up. Hiromu still gets the ROPEBREAK! Finlay pushes the foot away and that distracts Red Shoes, allowing Drilla to join in and stomp Hiromu! Drilla & Connors double whip but Hiromu gets around to lift Connors and throw him at Drilla, FORCED RANA! The fans fire up but Connors keeps Hiromu away from his corner! Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans rally again while both men are down! Hot tag to Naito! Naito rallies on Connors, BLASTS Drilla, swings on Jake, but Jake gets away. Connors CLUBS Naito, whips, but Naito reverses to arm-drag!
Naito atomic drops, runs, and ELBOWS Connors down, to then basement dropkick! The fans fire up while Naito stares Jake down. Naito covers Connors, TWO! The fans rally, Naito drags Connors up and dragon sleepers, for the NECKBREAKER! And then, LEG HOOK NELSON! Connors endures but Gabe stomps Naito! Gabe BLASTS Takagi, the rest of the Dogs attack, and Gabe stomps away on Naito! Gabe tells off the fans but the fans boo. Red Shoes reprimands so Gabe steps away, and Connors drags Naito up. Connors UPPERCUTS, whips, but Naito reverses to TORNADO- NO, Connors powers out!
Connors dodges Naito, redirects and POUNCES! Naito is down but the fans rally up. Naito and Connors crawl, hot tags to Takagi and Gabe! The fans fire up for the NEVER Openweight Championship appetizer! They RAM shoulders, Takagi ROCKS Gabe then runs to RAM him! Gabe rebounds to RAM Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to RAM Gabe! Gabe fires a forearm, whips Takagi to a corner then runs in to clothesline! Takagi says that’s not enough, so Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe says he’s a madman, then whips, only for Takagi to reverses. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot, and clotheslines through! The fans fire up with Takagi, but Gabe shoves him!
Takagi kicks and CLUBS away on Gabe, but Gabe BITES Takagi’s forehead! Red shoes reprimands, but Takagi spins Gabe around to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Gabe’s still in this but the fans rally behind “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi looks around, “Oi, Hiroshima! TOKI GA-” NO, Gabe CLOBBERS Takagi! It isn’t his time yet, and Gabe stands Takagi up to HEADBUTT again and again! Then Gabe suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi’s tougher than that but Gabe shakes his head. Gabe scuffs Takagi, eggs him on and runs, but Takagi blocks the Rebounder to HEADBUTT! Gabe HEADBUTTS! Both men shake their heads, and then Takagi HEADBUTTS!
Gabe HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS again and again, but then Gabe HEADBUTTS again and again! Takagi fires a forearm, Gabe gives it back, repeat! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth! Gabe gets the edge, but Takagi fires boxing elbows! Gabe CHOP! Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! Gabe UPPERCUTS and YUKON LARIATS! But Takagi’s right up to LARIAT!! Gabe rises and shouts! Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And again! Gabe fires palm strikes, talks trash, but gets a JAB, HEADBUTT, and a PUMPING BOMBER take takes both men up and out! DOUBLE ELIMINATION!!
Fans go wild as Takagi’s sacrifice play makes things 4v4! Bushi and Drilla jump in and Drilla fires off shots! Drilla ENZIGIRIS, ripcords, but Bushi dodges to RANA! And DROPKICK! Drilla bails out but Bushi builds speed, only for Connors to SNAP POWERSLAM! Drilla gets in, he and Connors get moving, SPEAR GORE COMBO!! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives but the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions coordinate. Connors BLASTS Naito off the apron before he climbs a corner, and Drilla gets Bushi up. Drilla suplexes, but Bushi slips free! Bushi shoves Drilla into Connors, then runs back in to CODE-
NO, Drilla blocks and aims for ropes! Bushi slips free, dodges Drilla, but Drilla ducks the enzigiri, only for the REWIND HEEL to hit! Bushi whips Drilla up and out and to the floor, Bushi ELIMINATES Drilla! We’re 4v3 in LIJ’s favor, but then Connors SPEARS Bushi! Connors says this is it, and he reels Bushi in for- NO! Bushi turns No Chaser into a backslide! BUSHI ROLL! Bushi ELIMINATES Connors!! The Black Mask singlehandedly handles the tag champs and the fans fire up! But then Finlay CLOBBERS Bushi and rains down fists! Finlay roars in rage, then he drags Bushi up. Canadian Rack, but Bushi slips free to backslide!
Finlay rolls through to UPPERCUT! Jake BLASTS Naito, BLASTS Yota, and then Finlay gets Bushi up! Finlay POWERBOMBS Bushi to the outside, onto Naito and the rest! Finlay ELIMINATES Bushi! We’re back to 3v2 as Finlay still has Jake but LIJ still has Naito, Hiromu and Yota. And speaking of Yota, he gets in to brawl with Finlay! Yota whips, Finlay reverses but Yota flipping RANAS! Then he BLASTS Jake! Yota runs corner to corner to STINGER SPLASH Finlay! Yota keeps moving, he runs Finlay over to then run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Yota as he smiles and paces around.
Yota brings Finlay up and fireman’s carries, but Finlay slips free. Yota kicks, runs, but Finlay ELBOWS him down, then SENTONS on top! Finlay barks as he aims at Yota. Yota rises, Finlay runs in, and UPPERCUTS at the corner! Then clotheslines! Then FALCON ARROWS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Yota but Finlay grows frustrated. Finlay drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Finlay CLUBS away on Yota, tries again, and he has Yota up, but Yota fights free of the bomb! Yota fires forearms, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Finlay runs, but Yota backslides to KNEE Finlay down!
The fans fire up again as we pass 20 minutes, and Yota drags Finlay up. Yota goes up and up but Finlay shoves him over! Yota’s on the apron, he and Finlay brawl! Yota ROCKS Finlay, but Finlay gets in Red Shoes’ face! Jake grabs at Yota, Yota kicks him away, but Finlay BLASTS Yota down and ELIMINATES him! The fans boo but the Dogs have made this 2v2! Finlay and Jake stand together, and they dare Naito & Hiromu to join them. Naito and Hiromu oblige as they step inside. Naito stares Jake down, Hiromu stares Finlay down, and they start swinging! The fans fire up, but then Finlay fireman’s carries Hiromu! Finlay aims for ropes!
Naito gets past Jake to save Hiromu, but then Jake BOOTS Naito down! Jake scrapes Naito out of the ring and goes after him, but Hiromu fireman’s carries Finlay! Hiromu runs at ropes and dumps Finlay out! Finlay stays on the apron but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Finlay holds onto ropes and wobbles, but Hiromu builds speed! Hiromu DIVES and SUNSET FLIPS, but Finlay still holds on! Finlay throws down hands, gets back inside, he’s SAFE! Hiromu is also safe because he went through the second rope. Hiromu runs back in, but avoids Blue Thunder to wheelbarrow! But Finlay turns that into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER!
Hiromu writhes, the fans rally as hard as they can behind him, but Finlay drags Hiromu up. DOMINATOR! Cover, Naito breaks it! Jake stomps Naito and TOSSES him out! It was all second rope so Naito’s safe, but Finlay talks trash on Hiromu. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, suplexes, but Hiromu slips free! Finlay UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Flashback to the 23rd! Hiromu just takes UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT from Finlay, but he doesn’t stop! Then he SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into another UPPERCUT! Finlay gets Hiromu up, but Hiromu RANAS Finlay up and out to ELIMINATE him!!
The fans are thunderous as The Rebel is shocked! Hiromu mocks him, but then Jake runs in! Hiromu gets under the boot to get under Jake! Jake fights Hiromu off, snarls, and then runs up! Hiromu dodges to kick a leg! Hiromu runs, but Jake kitchen sink knees! Jake takes aim, runs up, and FACE BREAK SHOT! Hiromu tumbles up and out and to the floor, Jake ELIMINATES him! And now, at 25 minutes in, we’re down to just Jake and just Naito! Naito slowly rolls into the ring as the fans rally behind him. Jake watches Naito stand, and the two stare down. Jake runs in but Naito dodges to fire off forearms!
Naito whips but Jake reverses to KNEE low! Jake fires up but fans boo as he stands Naito up. Jake reels Naito in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Naito protects the plate but Jake is aiming another heater! Jake waits as Naito stands, then winds up to choke grip! But Naito throws back elbows to get free! Naito then wrenches, TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Naito rises, he drags Jake up, and he throws those heavy back elbows! Jake crawls around, Naito brings him up, and Naito throws more heavy back elbows! Jake wobbles and staggers to the corner but Naito is right on him.
Naito brings Jake around for even more heavy back elbows! Jake falls over, the fans fire up, and Naito aims from the corner. Naito drags Jake up and in, but Jake BOOTS Naito down! Naito dangles off the apron! Red Shoes keeps the War Dogs from interfering, and Naito stands up. Jake aims, runs in, but Naito avoid the FBS! Naito drags Jake ot the apron, Jake elbows him back! Jake runs up, but into an ELBOW! Naito goes up and over, sweeps the legs, then BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICKS! Jake falls, LIJ wins!!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, Naito as the lone survivor
It came down to the bottom of the ninth, technically speaking, and Naito just hit the walk-off homer! Jake is stunned and Finlay is frustrated, but Yota just smiles back at him. Finlay and Yota will have it out as part of Wrestling Dontaku Night One, who will be smiling then?
As for LIJ, they regroup in the ring and have their hands raised. Slyly’s even still hanging around! But uh, he’s a little too chunky to get in the ring, so he just settles for pumping up the crowd like he does at baseball games. Naito gets the mic to say that it was three months ago, the Splash Strong series back in January, since Naito was last in Hiroshima. Naito would like to thank the fans from coming here tonight, “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer, and Naito continues by saying, “Hiroshima is my second home. I really long to have a match at Mazda Stadium.” The fans love the sound of that!
Naito does preface that him saying that doesn’t mean there’s anything planned. So please, tranquilo, be patient, and look forward to the day that finally happens. So, shall they do it? The fans cheer again! So then, for the first time in Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall in a year and eight months, is everyone ready? The fans cheer because they sure are! Well then, the only way to close The Road to Wrestling Dontaku here in Hiroshima… Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Slyly! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRNABLEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!! Slyly gets in on the roll call! Will all of LIJ have success as we reach Wrestling Dontaku next week?
My Thoughts:
A great event to conclude Road to Dontaku before getting to Wrestling Dontaku itself. An unfortunate change in the card, Sanada fell ill and could not compete, so his match alongside Taichi against Tanahashi & Tomoaki was changed into Tanahashi and a Young Lion VS Tomoaki and a Young Lion. Hopefully Cold Skull gets well soon. Great tag title match from TMDK VS GoD, and while I figured TMDK was going to retain, I didn’t think it’d be in a shady way like holding tights. While ZSJ VS Cobb for the NJPW World TV title is still to come, I doner of GoD shift gears and ELP becomes a singles guy so Leo and Loa can team up. Then ELP can challenge ZSJ in a battle of initials while the Brothers Guerrilla get to take on Shane & Mikey.
Great Rural Revitalization again, they managed to pull off great comeback spots each round. I was very surprised Yuya won out, I felt like Khan could’ve done one more Rural Revitalization before losing. But at the same time, Yuya feels like the unofficial fourth Reiwa Musketeer behind Narita, Shota & Tsuji. Yuya getting a title, any title, ahead of the others is good stuff for him, and could even bring about a feud with one of the Musketeers for the Summer. And then a great 10 Man Elimination Tag. I again really like that NJPW allows over the rope eliminations even in a tag match like this to really mix things up. Jake Lee not winning out for the War Dogs is really surprising, but I feel like that means Jake will defeat Naito 1v1.
My Score: 8.9/10
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It’s a violent end to a legendary friendship!
Former Best Friends, Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor, have been through many Parking Lot Brawls, but this is their first time as enemies! Will there be broken bones to go along with the broken hearts?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Parking Lot Brawl: Trent Beretta VS Chuck Taylor; Trent wins.
- Thunder Rosa VS Deonna Purrazzo; Rosa wins.
- “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trevor Blackwell; Bill wins.
- Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions; Shibata & Garcia win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Parking Lot Brawl: Trent Beretta VS Chuck Taylor!
Years of friendship, thrown away, and why? Because #JustTrent had a problem with Freshly Squeezed having more success in AEW than them? Because #JustTrent had a problem with Cassidy as a person? Because #JustTrent turned out to be the selfish one in the relationship? Well, then will #JustTrent get his ass kicked? Or will he take advantage of how Chuckie T. is a Kentucky Gentleman?
Trent stares Chuck down while we hear the crowd of other wrestlers taunting him. Trent takes a swing, but Chuck dodges to fire off hands! The brawl is on, and Chuck gets the edge! Chuck ROCKS Trent, then SMACKS him off a car hood! And then off the car door! Chuck drags Trent up, but Trent RAMS Chuck into the car! And throat chops him just because! Trent gets space, runs back in, but Chuck dodges so Trent hits the passenger door! Chuck gets a trash can lid and he stands Trent up. Trent jumps through the open window but Chuck drags him back out. Trent kicks low, and he gives Chuck a CAR HOOD BACK SUPLEX!
Trent grabs the trash can lid, SMACKS Chuck right in the head and Chuck falls down! The crowd boos but Trent opens a car trunk to bring out a trash can, a dustpan and a baseball bat! Chuck storms up but Trent CHUCKS the trash can into Chuck’s face! Chuck flounders and Trent smirks. Trent SMACKS Chuck with the trash can, CLUBS him around, and Chuck is busted open! The white car has red polka dots on it now, and Trent talks trash, “This is what you wanted?!” Trent runs up, but Chuck POP UP POWERBOMBS Trent onto a car hood! Trent writhes, Chuck staggers around, and Chuck brings Trent around.
Chuck headlocks Trent before he SMACKS him off another car door. Trent goes around the back and then up onto a truck! Chuck follows, and he CLUBS Trent in the chest! But Trent slips under, and he CLAWS Chuck’s bloody face! Trent DECKS Chuck and Chuck falls through drywall sheets! Trent looms over Chuck as he crawls out of the wreckage. Trent stalks Chuck, brings him around and SMACKS him with the trash can lid! Trent hoists Chuck onto a car roof, SMACKS him again, then goes back to the truck. Trent climbs onto the roof of the truck, to FLYING ELBOW from car to car! Cover, TWO!!
Trent is furious, but Chuck is still in this as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Trent fumes, paces around, and goes back to the goodies. He brings out… Is that a screwdriver?! And he JABS Chuck in the head with it!! And then he DIGS it into Chuck’s forehead!! As if he wasn’t already bleeding badly!! Trent leaves Chuck behind, to fetch what looks to be a flat screen TV. Then he brings out a wood door!? Did someone visit Home Depot before coming here? Chuck CHOPS Trent in return then fires haymakers! Trent CLAWS Chuck’s face! Trent grabs that TV and CHUCKS it, only for Chuck to duck it! Rampage returns as TV screen hits windshield! Chuck kicks low to snap suplex Trent through the door!!
The crowd is losing its minds as Trent crawls. Chuck gets Trent’s legs, to CATAPULT him into the truck’s tailgate!! The crowd fires up while Chuck gets a sinister look on his face. Chuck takes a piece of that drywall to SMASH it on Trent! Chuck gets that trash can, he SMACKS Trent with it! Chuck sees the pile of extra goodies nearby, and he uncovers some light tubes! But first, he’ll clean up the mess, he SMACKS Trent with the dust pan! And SMACKS him again and again! And then one more shot with the trash can! Trent writhes, but Chuck drags Trent up. Chuck SMACKS Trent off the tailgate, then clears some space.
Chuck climbs up, but Trent ROCKET LAUNCHES him onto the light tubes!!! The tubes shatter under Chuck’s back! Trent sputters, he’s bloody now, too. Trent puts Chuck against the car hood and stands on him! Trent soaks up the heat, but Chuck TRIPS Trent! Trent writhes, Chuck reels Trent in, Canadian Rack, RAZOR’S EDGE onto a windshield!! Trent writhes while fans chant “HOLY CHUCK!” Chuck covers Trent on the hood, TWO!! Trent survives and hurries around the back of this sedan. Chuck snarls, goes up after Trent, and they meet on the roof. They’re both so bloody as they fire forearms back and forth!
The crowd cheers Chuck and boos Trent, and as the two swing wild, they end up HUGGING! You GOT to give the people what they want, right? They stand, Chuck ROCKS Trent and reels Trent in, but Trent LOW BLOWS!! Trent has Chuck now, PILEDRIVER ON THE CAR ROOF!!! And then, SNAKE BITE!! Trent is choking Chuck out!!! Chuck IS out, Trent wins!!
Winner: Trent Beretta, by submission
The Best Friends tore each other apart, but it is #JustTrent that stands tall in the end. He’s clearly lost the respect of his peers given how the other wrestlers are chanting “You Suck! You Suck!” But wait, Trent isn’t done? He has a monkey wrench!? Cassidy & Kris step forward to say no, this is going too far! Trent says this is all Cassidy’s fault! And SMASH, Trent hits Chuck’s leg with the wrench, and even shatters the glass behind it!! Chuck clutches the already recovering leg, and now Cassidy wants after Trent! Kris stops Cassidy, Trent’s still got the wrench! Trent escapes into the shadows of the arena, what darkness is living in Trent’s heart?
Don Callis is watching this.
And he seems to like the sadistic savagery he just witnessed. Trent may not have Best Friends anymore, but could he end up with a whole new family?
Backstage interview with Kyle O’Reilly.
Arkady Aura is with #CombatKyle and brings up his impressive showing in Dynamite’s Casino Gauntlet this past Wednesday. But we all want to know, what is next for her? Well, on Saturday, May 11th, AEW is coming to his hometown! Collision in Vancouver, British Columbia! The Rogers Arena, the same building an 11-year-old Kyle saw his first wrestling show ever. And at that show, Kyle told his dad that he was gonna do this one day. Papa O’Reilly said, “Oh yeah, sure you will, kid.” But somehow, Kyle pulled it off. 25 years later, he’s coming back home to do the one thing he’s ever been good at and that’s wrestling.
Kyle is going to take on the best wrestlers this world has to offer, right here in AEW, where the best wrestle. Kyle is ready for a fight, who will take him up on that in two weeks?
Thunder Rosa VS Deonna Purrazzo!
La Mera Mera and The Virtuosa could not coexist in the race for the AEW Women’s World Championship, and now they will Rampage against each other! Who will stand tall, ready for another shot at the title?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Deonna and Rosa step up, talk a little trash, then Deonna pie faces Rosa! Rosa swings but Deonna catches the arm! Rosa avoids the takedown to knee low! They tie up again, go around and around, and Deonna puts Rosa in a corner. The ref counts, Rosa powers her way out but Deonna headlocks. Rosa powers up and out, but Deonna RAMS her! The two stay up, Deonna eggs Rosa on then kicks her low! Deonna whips, Rosa blocks the hip toss, but then Deonna blocks a hip toss! Rosa avoids the lariat to DECK Deonna! Rosa rains down fists but the ref reprimands.
Rosa sits Deonna up, clamps on a COBRA CLUTCH, and she grinds Deonna down. The fans rally but Deonna fights up. Deonna throws hands, then wrenches, but Rosa breaks free. Deonna BOOTS Rosa, then has the arm for the ARMBAR DDT! Deonna dusts herself off as she paces, then she KICKS Rosa’s arm. And KICKS it again! Rosa goes to ropes, Deonna pushes her down and ties her up in Paradise! Rosa is stuck, Deonna soaks up the cheers and jeers, and then runs to DROPKICK Rosa out of Paradise! Deonna stands Rosa up but Rosa ROCKS her first! Deonna stands, Rosa RAMS into her then bumps her off buckles.
Rosa goes up and up to leap, but Deonna blocks the rana and has a BOSTON CRAB! They’re in the ropes, the ref counts, and Deonna lets go. Rosa crawls to the corner, Deonna paces while soaking up the heat. Rosa stands, builds speed, and she WERCKS Deonna with a dropkick! Rosa fires up despite the pain in her back, and she kicks Deonna. Deonna stands, Rosa CHOPS her against the post! And CHOPS her again! Deonna ducks, Rosa chops post! Deonna SUPERKICKS Rosa down, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Deonna steps on Rosa’s face, steps away, and Rosa staggers up to railing. Deonna storms up but Rosa kicks her low. Rosa then runs Deonna side to side to POST her! But then Deonna RAMS Rosa into apron! And SMACKS her off it! Deonna snarls, brings Rosa around, and she puts Rosa in the ring. Cover, TWO! Deonna clamps onto Rosa to pull her arms in, for a straitjacket stretch! Rosa endures, fights up, but Deonna turns that into a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Rosa is still in this, and she is feeding off the energy of the fans! Rosa stands, and she ELBOWS Deonna! And body shots! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again!
Rosa has Deonna in a corner to UPPERCUT! Rosa runs corner to corner and back again, but Deonna dodges! Rosa POSTS herself and falls to the apron! Deonna storms back over, brings Rosa up and wraps the bad arm against ropes! The ref counts, Deonna KICKS the ropes as she lets off, and Rosa clutches the elbow. Deonna returns but Rosa RAMS into her! Deonna CLUBS Rosa, has her in a corner, and HEADBUTTS the lower back as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Deonna runs in, but into an ELBOW! And then a BOOT! Rosa goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Rosa as she rises up! Deonna runs in, Rosa dodges to fire forearm after forearm! Deonna shoves, Rosa ENZIGIRIS! Rosa runs, to SHOTGUN BOOT! Deonna flounders to ropes, Rosa pounds the mat and the fans rally again. Rosa runs side to side to DROPKICK again! Cover, TWO!! Deonna toughs it out while Rosa shakes out her arm. Rosa drags Deonna up, but Deonna SOBATS! Deonna runs to KNEE LIFT and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Deonna wants the Fujiwara but Rosa rolls free!
Deonna BOTOS Rosa down, covers, TWO! Rosa is still in this and the fans rally up. Deonna is frustrated but she fireman’s carries Rosa. Rosa fires elbows, waistlocks, but Deonna pries the hold open! Deonna waistlocks, Rosa victory rolls and STOMP 182! The fans rally up again and Rosa covers, TWO! Deonna stays in this but Rosa stays on her. Rosa drags Deonna to a drop zone, goes to a corner and climbs. But Deonna rises and catches the leap! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Rosa endures, reaches out, pushes Deonna over to get a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Deonna is in the body scissors but she fights around!
Deonna rises, to BACKPACK SENTON! Deonna is free, the fans fire up, and Deonna brings Rosa back up. Deonna SLAPS Rosa, then reels her in! Gotch Hold, but Rosa jackknife bridges! TWO, Deonna sunset flips, TWO! Prawn hold, TWO! FUJIWARA!! Rosa rolls it to a cradle, ROSA WINS!!
Winner: Thunder Rosa, by pinfall
Deonna thought she had the perfect formula but Rosa says she just beat her at wrestling! But then Deonna CLOBBERS Rosa at the ramp! The fans boo but Deonna drags Rosa up to RAM her into the bleachers! Rosa slumps down, but Deonna digs her boot in! Deonna SLAPS Rosa around, tells the ref to shut up, and she SLAPS Rosa more! So Rosa SLAPS back! They brawl on stage and then out to the ledge of the upper level! The fans fire up as they keep going! Security rushes in, the fans boo, but Deonna flips Rosa off! It seems nothing was settled here, will these two look to go Double or Nothing?
Backstage interview with The Undisputed Kingdom.
Arkady Aura is with Roderick Strong, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett as she notes Will Ospreay is the NEW #1 Contender to the AEW International Championship. Taven says hold on, before we get started here, “Not Lexy,” as three guys who care deeply about neck health, and as two guys who nursed someone from the brink of paralysis (aka Roddy), The Kingdom wishes a very speedy recovery to “the world’s greatest boss. TK, stay strong, buddy.” Roddy then shouts that “WILL… Ospreay. Congratulations, you did it! You have signed, sealed and delivered the downfall, demise and destruction of The Aerial Assassin at Double or Nothing.”
Roddy says the world can sing Ospreay’s praises, but none of that matters when you step in the ring with Roddy. Just like all the ones before, Roddy will dismantle Ospreay, he will BREAK Ospreay, and he will make Ospreay fall in front of The Savior of the Backbreaker. Roddy’s confidence is strong, but will Roddy be the one feeling the End of Heartache after taking on the #BillyGOAT?
“Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trevor Blackwell!
The human skyscraper says he wants to sit under the Learning Tree, but Chris Jericho’s gonna need a bigger tree if he’s to give guidance to Big Bill. Will Bill prove he is worthy of The Wizard’s sage advice?
The moment Bill is in the ring, he SPLASHES Trevor right in the corner! The bell rings, Bill runs to BOOT Trevor down! Trevor flounders around, Bill runs corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Trevor flops around, Bill wants Jericho to watch this. Bill said he’d show Jericho he is worthy, and we do see Jericho watching backstage, holding the FTW Championship on his shoulder and oddly still wearing a #LionHook shirt… Jericho nods as Bill CLUBS Trevor on the back! Bill then tells Jericho to watch him! Scoop and BIG BOSS SLAM!! Cover, but Bill lets off! Bill wags his finger, he wants Jericho to see more.
Bill brings Trevor up, reels him in, and short arm LARIATS! Cover, but again Bill lets off! Bill is having too much fun at poor Trevor’s expect. Bill says Jericho’s gonna wanna teach him. Bill hoists Trevor up for the SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAM!! One foot cover, a very Jericho move, and Bill wins!
Winner: “Big Bill” Morrissey, by pinfall
Trev might want to change his last name to Well-done, because he got roasted. Bill wants Jericho’s guidance, does he even need it when he can do all this?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!
Rampage won’t be following up Collision next week but it also won’t be back on Friday just yet. For AEW’s return to Canada, Rampage is going to be BACK TO BACK with Dynamite! Get ready for a truly All Elite Wednesday!
Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions!
The Wrestler said during Collision earlier tonight that he was going to take on Shane Taylor Promotions by himself if he had to, but then the Dragonslayer offered his help. Now they’re both going to take on #TAIGASTYLE and Big Bad Shaney T. himself! Garcia wears basic trunks and boots to match Shibata, will The Wrestlers win out? Or will STP rumble, bad man, rumble?
The moment all four men are in the ring, Shibata CLOBBERS Lee Moriarty and then he and Garcia both go after Shane! The fans fire up as they stomp and kick Shane right out of the ring! Then they go out to keep after him! Shibata whips and BOOTS Shane into railing! Garcia fires off on Lee, then Shibata adds an UPPERCUT! Shibata whips and BOOTS Lee against railing! Garcia stomps Shane, Shibata snap suplexes Lee to the floor! Shibata leaves them behind to go into the ring and sit cross-legged! Garcia sits with him! The fans fire up and the two go out again. The brawling continues but Shane throws heavy hands!
Lee ROCKS Garcia, Shane puts Shibata in, and Shane storms in after Shibata. Lee sends Garcia into railing, but Shibata fires hands on Shane! Shibata KICKS and KICKS, but Shane blocks the boot! Shane JABS Shibata and Shibata falls back! Shane talks trash, the fans boo, but Shane drags Shibata up. Shane HEADBUTTS Shibata, tags Lee, and they mug Shibata. Lee stomps a mudhole in, lets off as the ref counts, but he sneaks mule kicks on Shibata the whole time! Shibata trips Lee, stomps him, but Lee gets up to RAM into Shibata! Lee brings Shibata around, suplexes, but Shibata slips free to waistlock!
Lee elbows free, kicks, but Shibata blocks! Lee KNEES Shibata but Garcia tags in! Shibata BOOTS Lee, Garcia LARIATS! Garcia DROPKICKS Shane, gets around Lee, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Garcia brings Lee up again but Lee suplexes! Garcia slips free, spins Lee and kicks low, to then TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The trifecta is complete and the fans fire up! Garcia storms up on Lee, brings him up, and UPPERCUTS! The fans rally for Garcia, he CHOPS Lee to ropes. And CHOPS Lee against ropes! Garcia runs, but Shane trips him! Lee distracts the ref so Shane can DRAPING DDT to the floor!
Shibata protests but Lee mocks him by sitting cross-legged. The ring count climbs, Garcia drags himself up at 3 of 10, slides in at 5, but Lee stomps Garcia at the ropes! Lee drags Garcia up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Shane. Shane pushes Garcia against the buckles, to then CHOP! Garcia seethes and he fires forearm son Shane! The fans fire up, Garcia throws more shots, then leaps, but into Shane’s arms! Shane RAMS Garcia into a corner, then CHOPS! Shane runs up, but Garcia BOOTS! Garcia spins, but Shane ROCKS him first! And URENAGES! And then SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO!
Shane seethes but he keeps Garcia from Shibata, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Shane mocks Garcia’s dance, drags him up, but Garcia CHOPS! Garcia staggers, but Shane fires body shots in the corner! Shane ROCKS Garcia, tags Lee, and STP mugs Garcia. Garcia flounders to ropes, Lee CHOKES him! The ref counts, Lee steps away, and he stomps Garcia around. Lee wraps an arm around the ropes, then fishhooks Garcia! The ref counts, Lee lets off, and Garcia feeds off the energy of the fans. Lee brings Garcia up but Garcia fires forearm sand CHOPS! Lee gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Garcia stays in this but Lee stays on him with a wrench. Tag to Shane, and Lee hooks Garcia up in a COBRA TWIST, just so Shane can KNEE Garcia down!
Shane has Garcia on ropes, ROCKS him with a forearm, then scoops him for SNAKE EYES! Garcia slumps down in the corner, Shane drags him back up, and TOSSES him out! Shane goes out to then put Garcia against railing. Shane ROCKS Garcia, talks trash on fans, then brings Garcia around to scoop and SLAM him to the floor! Shane talks more trash on the fans, Lee has him cool off, and Shane brings Garcia up again. Shane puts Garcia in, tags Lee, and then Lee clamps on with a top wristlock and stretches Garcia out! Garcia endures, turns to fight the pressure, but Lee CLUBS him down. Lee drags Garcia up, tags Shane, and Shane scoop SLAMS!
Shane runs to SPLASH Garcia again! Rampage returns to single picture, Shane drags Garcia to a drop zone, and he goes up a corner. The fans boo but Shane blows them a kiss. FALLING SPLASH FLOPS as Garcia moves! T he fans fire up, but Lee KICKS him down! Lee hurries back and tags in, then he drags Garcia up. Lee wrenches, wristlocks, but Garcia endures. Lee SNAPS the fingers! The fans boo Lee being so villainous, but he drags Garcia up. Lee bumps Garcia off buckles, Shane holds Garcia up, but Garcia fights free with boots and haymakers and elbows! The fans fire up, Garcia sends Lee into Shane!
Lee hurries to waistlock but Garcia switches, SAIDO! The fans are thunderous as Lee and Garcia crawl! Hot tags to Shane and Shibata! Shibata BOOTS Shane! Shane roars, Shibata runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and BOOTS! Shibata whips to BOOT Shane in the corner! Shibata fires forearms, the ref counts, but Lee runs up. Shibata DECKS him! Garcia RAMS Lee into a corner, climbs up, and while Shibata fires forearms on Shane, Garcia rains down fists! Garcia goes all the way to nine, then DOES HIS DANCE! Shibata and Garcia coordinate, DOUBLE HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Garcia stands Shane up. Shibata runs in to BOOT!
Shibata CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Shane, then CHOPS, CHOPS and JABS! Garcia does his dance while Shibata JABS and CHOPS to the rhythm! The fans are loving this, as now Garcia runs in to KNEE Shane! Shibata & Garcia get Shane up, to DOUBLE SUPLEX!! Cover, ONE?!? Shane has power to spare, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shibata BOOTS him! They go again, but this time Shane DOUBLE SUPLEXES them!! The fans boo but Shane tags in Lee. Lee runs up to clothesline Shibata, and JAB! And CHOP! JAB! CHOP! JAB! CHOP! Shibata just scowls at Lee! Lee says okay, and he fires more JABS and CHOPS!
Shibata steps into the shots, so Lee eggs him on! Shibata ROCKS Lee! Shane runs up, HEADBUTTS, then Lee HALF HATCH SLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Shibata toughs it out and STP grows frustrated. Lee drags Shibata up, kicks then waistlocks, but Shibata fights the lift! Shane storms in, helps Lee put on the full nelson, and Shane promises to knock Shibata out! But Shibata BOOTS Shane first! Garcia jumps on for a SLEEPER! Shibata switches on Lee for a SLEEPER!! The fans fire up as STP start fading out! Shane fires up to RAM Garcia into buckles! But Shibata BOOTS him! And Garcia SAIDOS!! Shibata PENALTY KICKS Lee!! Cover, The Wrestlers win!
Winners: Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia, by pinfall
Shibata helps Garcia stand up, and Garcia is proud to have won alongside one of his heroes! And with the fans cheering him on, Garcia sets up… to DO HIS DANCE! Will this momentum help Shibata avenge Hook and take that FTW Championship off of Chris Jericho? Or will The Learning Tree have some things to teach Shibata?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I was oddly more excited when I thought it was just Deonna VS Rosa and the Parking Lot Brawl. But even so, at least Bill squashing a dude was used in story. He was showing off, he’ll surely have Jericho’s blessing if he helps defeat Shibata on Dynamite, but a part of me almost wants this to be all a trap. Bill was teammates with Ricky Starks in a feud against Jericho, and if Jericho is being obliviously arrogant then maybe Bill is using that against Jericho, too. But either way, let’s just hope this story helps Bill get going rather than slow him down like the #JerichoVortex has always done.
The Parking Lot Brawl was moving maybe a bit fast for me, especially with how there were some obvious spots already set up when they arrived, such as the drywall draped across the truck bed. But they surely got bloody, and in the end, Trent won out because he was willing to sink to the lowest low. And then they’ve written Chuck off again with that monkey wrench to the shin, so Cassidy VS Trent is definitely a Double or Nothing match. And something is just telling me that if Kris is gonna turn out to be the villain in the Willow Nightingale story, she’s probably gonna screw Cassidy over to help Trent, too.
Really good match from Deonna VS Rosa, and with Rosa getting a quick pin then that brawl, we’re clearly getting more out of them. Good promo from Kyle O’Reilly to hype AEW’s newest Canada tour, and good promo from The Kingdom to tie in their old Neck Health Awareness gag to the Tony Khan piledriver angle. Roddy calling out Ospreay, I would definitely think Ospreay wins the title at Double or Nothing. And really good tag main event from Shibata & Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions. STP keeps getting great showings even in losing, but Lee took the loss here to keep Shane himself strong. Great win for Shibata but this just adds to the go-home math where Jericho retains the FTW Championship on Dynamite.
My Score: 8.7/10
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