Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/23/19)
It’s the Raw Before Christmas!
Will Seth Rollins ruin Rey’s reign right before the holidays?
It’s the Raw Before Christmas, and in a United States title defense, Rey Mysterio looks to deny Seth Rollins’ dominance! Does The Architect take the championship home as a gift to himself?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- No Disqualifications: Kevin Owens VS Mojo Rawley; Kevin wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Christmas Tree Trickery: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Bobby Lashley w/ Lana VS Cedric Alexander; Lashley wins.
- Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Aleister Black VS Deonn Rusman; Aleister wins.
- Buddy Murphy VS Joeasa; Murphy wins.
- Tony Nese VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Charlotte Flair VS ???; Flair wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Ho Ho Hold-up: Akira Tozawa VS R-Truth VS Santa Claus; Santa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Six Man Tag: The OC VS Randy Orton & The Viking Raiders; The OC wins.
- Erick Rowan VS Travis Horn; Rowan wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship to All, and To All A Good Night; Santa Claus VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Rusev VS ???; Rusev wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Seth Rollins w/ The Authors of Pain; Mysterio wins by disqualification and retains the WWE United States Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kevin Owens is here!
The Prizefighter returns from being stomped out backstage by Seth Rollins and the Authors of Pain. There is an irony to this as Kevin accused Rollins of working with the AOP before, but according to Rollins, it was only because of those accusations that Rollins decided to work with them. Perhaps in the end, it is Kevin’s own fault he was caught 3v1 against them. But that was then and this is now, and Kevin has a mic. “You’re gonna have to bear with me because there’s a lot on my mind,” and Kevin has a lot to say. But before he can say anything more, Mojo Rawley appears! And Mojo says that the first thing from Kevin should be an explanation for the “nonsense” with the steel pipe. Kevin hates to disappoint, but he wasn’t even going to bring that up.
Mojo says Kevin needs a reality check. Does Kevin know what his problem is? Kevin says he’s got about 7 problems. But he hears Mojo is smart. If Mojo is so smart, then he should explain quickly because Kevin is impatiently waiting for their No Disqualifications match! Mojo says Kevin isn’t tough. Everyone is tough with a steel pipe, but this No DQ match will help him out. But it won’t be a Merry Christmas for Kevin. It won’t be the Owens family around their tree opening presents. Kevin says Mojo needs to stop talking so they can get to it already! Both men toss the mics aside, and we begin!
No Disqualifications: Kevin Owens VS Mojo Rawley!
The bell rings and Mojo runs in, only for Kevin to throw forearms! Mojo knees low then runs but Kevin runs him over with an elbow! Mojo bails out, Kevin CANNONBALLS from the apron! And fans are all fired up with the Prizefighter as he takes Mojo “for a ride,” into barriers! Kevin leaves Mojo alone to get things from the ring. He brings out chairs and puts them in the ring, one after the other. Kevin also goes looking around the way, brings more chairs out, then gets the TABLE! Fans are happy to see that! Kevin puts the table in the ring and sets it up. But Mojo returns to SMACK Kevin down! Mojo jams Kevin with the chair more then puts the table out of the ring. Fans aren’t happy to see that.
Mojo runs at Kevin but gets an elbow. Kevin runs but into a fireman’s carry, BODY SLAM on the chair pile! Cover, TWO! Mojo taunts Kevin and rains down hands. Mojo sits a chair up and then another, then jams Kevin with a third! Mojo chokes Kevin with a fourth chair and SMACKS him on the back! “That sucks, right?” Mojo completes the chair square and puts Kevin on the top rope, but Kevin resists! Kevin throws body shots but Mojo forearms in return. Mojo tries again but Kevin still holds on! Kevin throws more hands, headbutts Mojo back then rakes the eyes! Mojo hops down and grabs Kevin by his face, to THROW Kevin onto the chair square! Cover, TWO!! Mojo can’t believe Kevin survives! Mojo stalks Kevin to a corner and pushes him around. Mojo runs side to side, into a SUPERKICK! Kevin climbs up top, SWANTON! Cover, TWO!!
Kevin grits his teeth as he gets a chair for his own. But Kevin realizes there’s something better, and he goes back for the table! Kevin puts the table in and hurries to set it up. The table is ready but Mojo fireman’s carries! Kevin slips out, to give Mojo a STUNNER! Kevin drags Mojo up, pop-up POWERBOMB THROUGH THE TABLE! Cover, Kevin wins!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
No rules and no hesitation, Kevin gets a win to vent some frustration! But Kevin gets his mic back to say he’s still in a fighting mood! He dares Seth Rollins and the AOP to show themselves. He knows they want to jump him backstage and beat him down again, but maybe they can do it in front of the good people so we can enjoy it! Calling them out may be a bad decision, but making bad decisions is part of Kevin’s charm. Kevin insists they beat him down, and he isn’t leaving until they do! Rollins and the AOP are watching backstage, and decide to take Kevin up on his offer. They march to gorilla while we go to break!
Raw returns as Rollins makes his entrance!
Kevin waits in the ring as The Architect leads the way for Akam and Rezar. Kevin has a chair, too, but Rollins keeps things calm. He has Akam and Rezar stay on stand-by while he joins Kevin in the ring. And Rollins tells Kevin they’re even. Kevin needs to come to the “right side” of this. Fans want Kevin to fight Rollins but Rollins says they should ignore the fans and shake hands. Kevin SUPERKICKS Rollins instead! But before he can get his chair back, the AOP beat him down! Rollins is up and he has them back off so he can get his stomps in. Rollins throws off the jacket and lines up his shot. Kevin gets up, and tackles Rollins! The AOP again hammer Kevin down with heavy hands, and even dribble his head off the mat.
“What’s your problem, Kev?!” Rollins shouts. Then he CURB STOMPS Kevin! Fans boo as Rollins storms off with the AOP behind him. Kevin is bloody and battered, but forces himself to get up and out of the ring. He refuses the help of the referee and makes it to the back. Is this just one battle in the war for Raw?
R-Truth was touring New York City!
It was just this past weekend that the WWE 24/7 Champion was strolling along, singing Christmas carols. He was looking for a sign. Is he on time? He asks a random citizen where he can go for the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Christmas tree lighting. He can’t find it, though. Um, this is all in Japanese. Also it isn’t The Rock Christmas tree lighting, it’s the Rockefeller Christmas tree. And it’s been lit for weeks. Oh…! Then why was he invited to come here? Someone rolls him up!! Akira Tozawa?! And the ref counts three!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
The Stamina Monster takes the title in New York City! Truth now chases Tozawa, but who will be dreaming of a championship Christmas by the end of the night?
Bobby Lashley w/ Lana VS Cedric Alexander!
The Rocky Mountain Machine and Ravishing Russian are now engaged to be married, and they’re planning for a New Year’s Eve wedding! Will Lashley give Lana an early Christmas present by winning?
Raw returns as the #EbonyLion makes his entrance. The bell rings and Lashley circles with Alexander. They tie up, Lashley wristlocks but Alexander rolls and handsprings to break free. Alexander headlocks as fans chant for Rusev, but Lashley body slams Alexander down. Lana smiles as Lashley throws Alexander at a corner. Alexander blocks the buckle bump but Lashley blocks back. Lashley throws haymakers and whips Alexander corner to corner. Alexander goes up and over and then dodges to throw a BIG right hand! But Lahsley just gets mad. Lashley kicks but is blocked into an elbow! Alexander runs, things speed up, handspring headscissors throws Lashley, dropkick sends him out!
Lana grows worried as Alexander slingshots. He fakes Lashley out then mule kicks from the apron! Then MOONSAULTS! Lashley falls and fans fire up! Alexander gets back in the ring but Lana has a mic to say “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” She’s sorry, but who does Alexander think he is? Does he not get that next week, it is THE most important day of her life? Her beautiful fiance has to marry her. Have some respect! Lashley can’t show up all bruised and messy when literally, they have to focus on their vows! Lana is having her wedding live on Raw next week! Everyone is invited, you’re welcome. But here’s an idea: let’s just do a classic Greco-Roman style match. That’s brilliant! Yes, a regular wrestling match. Lana is the most ravishing and brilliant woman has an amazing idea, fans love her, don’t they? They don’t. But no one loves her as much as Her Bobby. Is this really happening? We’ll know after the break.
Raw returns and no, there is no traditional style match happening. Alexander CHOPS away on Lashley, perhaps motivated to bruise Lashley because of Lana’s “brilliant” idea. Alexander whips but Lashley reverses, Alexander goes out to the apron to enziguri Lashley down! Lashley flounders out of the ring, Alexander goes around the way to Penalty Kick Lashley down! Alexander drags Lashley up and against the apron to throw big forearms! Alexander drags Lashley up but Lashley rocks him with a right! Fans still chant for Rusev as Alexander dropkicks Lashley! Lashley puts Alexander on the apron but Alexander BOOTS back! Alexander steps in, gets caught and shoved for a LARIAT! Lana cheers but fans boo. Lashley grinds his foot into Alexander’s face, then whips him to a corner to RAM his shoulder in! And neckbreaker on top! Cover, TWO!
Now Lana is annoyed that Alexander is still in this match. Lashley grinds Alexander down with a chinlock, but Alexander endures. Fans rally up and Alexander fights to his feet. Alexander fights and CHOPS back! Then runs, but Lashley follows, for a LIFTING Complete Shot! Cover, TWO! Alexander still lives, but Lashley shows no mercy. Lashley throws hands, then blows a kiss to Lana. Lashley grinds his foot into Alexander more but lets up at the count of 4. Lashley drags Alexander up to scoop and SLAM him down! Then Lashley goes up to the ropes, just to blow a kiss to the fans. Lashley flexes but fans boo, Alexander dropkicks the legs out! Lana is seething as Alexander dodges Lashley in a corner. Alexander enziguris again, then springboards for a flying clotheslines! Lashley bails out but Alexander runs, to DIVE! Direct hit with the Low-pe!
But Alexander isn’t done, he runs again, to FLY! Tope conjilo takes Lashley down! Alexander puts Lashely back in, runs, handspring, NEURALIZER! Cover, TWO!! Lana is relieved, but Lashley is rocked. Alexander glares at Lashley as he rises and gives a big kick to the ribs. Alexander runs, Lashley scoops and flips him, for the twisting Dominator! Lashley wants Alexander to stand while he takes aim. Alexander does stand, but he dropkicks the Spear down! Now Lashley is in the corner, Alexander dropkicks in the face! Fans fire up for Alexander as Lashley wobbles to his feet. Alexander springboards again, but Lashley dodges. Lashley picks up and SLAMS Alexander! Then SPEARS him down! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
Lana cheers her hot, hot fiance and celebrates in the ring with him. Will they be celebrating their wedding with a New Year’s Honeymoon?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins and AOP.
What is Rollins hoping to achieve with his “constant acts of brutality” on superstars, such as Kevin Owens? Whoa, whoa, what? What is he doing? He went out there to extend an olive branch of forgiveness, and Kevin kicks him! So what is Kevin doing picking a fight ever week? Rollins storms off in a huff with Akam and Rezar in tow. But what will these actions accomplish as Raw heads for the New Year?
Raw catches up with the 24/7 Championship chase in New York!
The Stamina Monster starts running out of energy, and keeps his head on a swivel. But he doesn’t check the statues! Truth and the referee sneak up from the fountain, and they’ve cornered him! ‘Tis the season! Oh no, they knock someone’s hot dog out of their hand. Tozawa blames Truth! Truth says that was Tozawa’s fault. Well sorry, pal, Truth is hungry for the title! The chase leaves the man without his meal, but will Truth be feasting on another reign?
Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins VS Drew McIntyre!
The Broski might have wished he got Christmas week off. Will the Scottish Terminator make sure Ryder gets New Years to Valentine’s Day off with a Claymore?
The bell rings, McIntyre and Ryder tie up and McIntyre powers Ryder to a corner. McIntyre wants Ryder to do something, so Ryder shoves him. McIntyre slaps Ryder, Ryder SLAPS back! McIntyre hammers Ryder down then stomps him down. McIntyre whips, Ryder holds ropes and dumps McIntyre out to wreck him with a dropkick! But McIntyre LARIATS right back! Hawkins is worried for his bro as McIntyre RAMS Ryder into barriers, then apron, then barriers again! McIntyre dumps Ryder back in the ring, gets in and overhead suplexes him! Hawkins coaches Ryder up but McIntyre looms over him. Ryder jawbreakers back! And kicks and forearms, but McIntyre DECKS Ryder! McIntyre whips Ryder to a corner but Ryder knees back. Ryder hops up, but leaps into a POWERBOMB!
McIntyre aims from the corner as Ryder rises. McIntyre runs out, CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The Scottish Psycho barely broke a sweat. He has the ref raise his hand in victory, will 2020 be the Year of McIntyre? Hawkins gets in but McIntyre throws him out! Then gives Ryder a FUTURE SHOCK DDT! McIntyre is merciless! Hawkins runs in to fight back, but he gets a Glasgow Kiss headbutt and a CLAYMORE of his own! McIntyre gets himself a mic and says, “That was fun, wasn’t it?” It was for him, at least. Are Ryder and Hawkins having fun? These two can’t really answer, but McIntyre knows them well. They’d say, “yes, we’re having fun. You’re a big inspiration to us. You’re equally wise as you are jacked, and obviously you’re an incredible wrestler.” McIntyre doesn’t like ass-kissing but he’ll allow it.
This is McIntyre’s definition of fun. He won’t talk about being the future, he’ll get to the point. “2020 belongs to Drew McIntyre!” Can anyone refute that as we head for the Royal Rumble?
Becky Lynch is here!
The Man has a lot going for her, but she still wants to prove she’s worthy of that Raw Women’s Championship. She’s been wanting to collect on a debt, and that’s against the Empress of Tomorrow. Becky hears the fans cheering for her as she gets a mic. “I’ve had some things on my mind lately.” She addressed it last week, but if there is one thing she has learned, she is so much better when she takes things into her own hands! That is what she is doing here tonight. Becky has become the face of this company, but this company is trying to shelter her. Becky doesn’t give a DAMN what the company wants! She stayed quiet for too long. The Man VS The Empress needs to happen! And Becky is not taking “No” for an answer.
Becky is willing to go to some dark places to remind herself of who she truly is. If Asuka has forgotten who she is, Becky wants to remind her that she is the one woman to truly beat Becky fair and square. The Man has come around to collect on this last debt, so what is Asuka’s answer? The Kabuki Warriors appears! Asuka laughs as she introduces herself and Kairi in Japanese. But then in English, does Becky remember TLC? The Kabuki Warriors are still the champions! Then back in Japanese, Asuka talks trash about how TLC was their biggest victory. Then, “Asuka Two Belts.” Oh is that so? The Raw Women’s Championship on the line, huh? Name the time and the place! In case Asuka didn’t understand, Becky gives it back in Japanese! The challenge has been accepted, but when and where will we see this epic rematch?
Aleister Black VS Deonn Rusman!
The Embodiment of the End prepares for a rematch from his show-stealing match with Buddy Murphy! But will it be a nightmare before Christmas tonight for Aleister’s opponent?
The bell rings and Rusman is all fired up already. Rusman runs but into a leg sweep! Then a boot to a KNEE TRIGGER! Aleister is ice cold as he lifts Rusman with a foot. BLACK MASS! Cover, Aleister wins!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
Rusman will likely wake up on Christmas Day after that. Will Aleister make Murphy #FadeToBlack all the way to the New Year?
But speaking of, Buddy Murphy meets Aleister on his way down the ramp. Murphy says anything Aleister can do, he can do faster.
Buddy Murphy VS Joeasa!
The bell rings and Murphy offers his opponent a handshake. Joeasa takes it, but Murphy uses it to reel him in for a KNEE TRIGGER! Aleister glares at Murphy as he lifts Joeasa with a foot. A direct message if there ever was one, then MURPHY’S LAW! Cover, Murphy wins!
Winner: Buddy Murphy, by pinfall
Aleister heads for the ring, will he demand they have their rematch for Christmas?! The two stand face to face, fans are fired up, but Aleister offers a handshake of his own. Murphy grins, and just bumps Aleister on his way out. But then he turns back around, for a BLACK MASS! Murphy should’ve just taken the handshake. Aleister sits with Murphy, will we see this again next week?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio!
Ahead of his first-time-ever match with Rollins, the King of Lucha has been looking forward to this. He believes Rollins is one of the best wrestlers on Raw. Mysterio wants to defend against the best. But Rey VS Rollins for the title will be the match that always has an asterisk. Because it isn’t just Rey and Rollins, the AOP will be ringside. And those three are running around like they own WWE. When they attacked Mysterio, they made the mistake of not finishing it. Because as long as Mysterio can get up, he will make the AOP watch Rollins take a 619, and Mysterio walking away still United States Champion. Mysterio kisses the title for luck, but will he be kissing it good-bye?
Tony Nese VS Ricochet!
The Premier Athlete and the King of Flight are each one-of-a-king athletes! Each one is a blend of strength, speed and stamina, but only one can win for the holidays!
The bell rings and the two circle. Ricochet rolls Nese, TWO, but Ricochet headlocks. Nese powers out, Ricochet goes up and over but so does Nese! Nese goes Matrix, mule kicks but is blocked! Ricochet spins and kicks Nese to then CHOP him. Ricochet whips, Nese reverses but Ricochet rolls off the back. Ricochet rolls again, handsprings and headscissors then dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Nese gets to ropes and pokes Ricochet in the eye! Then the bulldog hotshot! Triangle moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives but Nese is on him with clubbing forearms! Nese even puts on the body scissor squeeze! Ricochet endures and fans rally up. Ricochet fights free but Nese gets a facelock. Ricochet keeps fighting, Nese shoves, but Ricochet hits a forearm!
Ricochet keeps moving and rallies with more forearms. Ricochet huricanranas Nese to a corner, then runs in corner to corner. Shoulder ram and a buckle bump, big kick rocks Nese! Ricochet springboard, but Nese SHORYUKENS! Ricochet crashes and burns, Nese brings down a knee pad, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Ricochet ripcords, RECOIL! Cover, Ricochet wins!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
Ricochet rebounds from the gauntlet match, and rolls on as we head through the holidays! Will Ricochet make even bigger leaps and bounds once we’re in the New Year?
The 24/7 Championship chase in NYC continues!
Tozawa finds a Christmas tree farm, and finds a place to hide! He nestles into the pine needles just as Truth and the ref arrive. Truth shouts that Tozawa has no idea what it’s like being 747 7/11 24/7 European Champion. There’s a lot of running. Did he go that way? No, he has to be here still. Tozawa sneaks out and heads out again! Just where will this holiday high speed pursuit go next?
Charlotte Flair VS ???
The Queen looks to rebound herself after losing at TLC. Will Charlotte get back on track for the holidays?
Raw returns and Charlotte’s opponent is Chelsea Green of NXT! Chelsea has already gotten a reputation for aggression and energy in NXT, but will she silence Charlotte in her Raw debut?
The bell rings and Charlotte circles with Chelsea. They tie up and go around, and Charlotte puts Chelsea in the corner. Charlotte backs off but Chelsea goes right at her. They tie up and Charlotte arm-drags Chelsea away before hitting a kip up. Fans echo the “WOO~!” as Charlotte and Chelsea tie up again. Charlotte wrenches Chelsea to a wristlock, but Chelsea gets a ropebreak. The ref has them separate but Charlotte grins. Chelsea shoves so Charlotte SLAPS! Charlotte stomps a mudhole into Chelsea but lets up at the ref’s count. Chelsea kicks the leg out then rolls Charlotte into buckles! And STOMPS her in! Cover, ONE!
Chelsea keeps on Charlotte then basement dropkicks hard! Chelsea chokes Charlotte on ropes but lets up at 4. Chelsea shoves Charlotte down for a cover, ONE! Chelsea wraps on a chinlock and thrashes Charlotte around. Charlotte fights her way up, but Chelsea wrangles her down. Charlotte rights her way up again, throws body shots, then throws counter punches. Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, then reels Chelsea in for a scoop. Chelsea slips out but Charlotte standing switches. Chelsea elbows free then runs, into a BOOT! Charlotte gets the leg, Figure Four to Figure EIGHT! Chelsea taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
The Queen gets that rebound victory, but had to work for it against the new star from NXT. Will Charlotte work harder to get back on top of the Women’s Division?
Raw checks back in with the 24/7 Championship chase.
A corner Santa Claus gets caught up in it! He says there should be no fighting during the Christmas season! Truth and Tozawa fist bump, and Santa is proud. He has a gift for them. Actually, Truth, yours is in Santa’s sleigh. But don’t worry, Tozawa, you’re gift is right here. BLAM! Santa hits Tozawa and covers him! Santa wins!!
Winner: Santa Claus, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
And now he heads back to the North Pole! Santa runs off just before Truth returns. Santa’s sleigh has a boot on it! Truth realizes what happened, and says they have to work together to get Santa! Will this be naughty or nice?
Liv Morgan speaks.
“When you seek affirmation from someone other than yourself, you give that person all the power.” Liv’s done that before. She was young, impressionable and “typical.” But now, it is up to her to decide who Liv really is. She is anything but typical.
Six Man Tag: The OC VS Randy Orton & The Viking Raiders!
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” as the saying goes. And when The Viper was being beat down by AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson all at once, Erik & Ivar evened the numbers. Now things will be fair and square, 3v3! Will the three most dangerous letters join the raid?
Raw returns and Anderson starts against Ivar. They circle and tie up, and Anderson headlocks. Ivar throws Anderson off and to a corner. Anderson is wary of Ivar’s strength now as they tie up again. Anderson gets another headlock and holds on tighter. Ivar powers out and fireman’s carries but Anderson slips out to waistlock. Ivar bucks him off then runs him over! Ivar drags Anderson up and tags Erik. Anderson is fed to a takedown and a waistlock slam! Erik glares at Gallows and Styles before going back to Anderson. Erik brings Anderson back to the corner and tags in Ivar. The Raiders give Anderson big knees back and forth! Ivar covers, TWO! Anderson crawls to a corner and kicks back, but Ivar uppercuts Anderson down.
Ivar drags Anderson up to throw elbows but Anderson kicks again. Anderson chops but Ivar kicks and scoops. Erik tags in, Ivar slams Anderson. Then Erik scoop slams Ivar onto Anderson! Cover, TWO! Erik clamps right on to Anderson’s arm and grinds him down. Anderson endures and fights his way up, but Erik wrenches and reels him in for shoulder rams. Anderson knees low but can’t get away so he throat chops! Tag to Gallows and Gallows ROCKS Erik with a right, into Anderson’s neckbreaker! Gallows is in to ROUNDHOUSE Erik down! Gallows scrapes Erik out of the ring, and distracts the ref for Styles to go after him with kicks! The ref doesn’t see it, starts a ring count, but Erik gets in at 3. Gallows is on Erik and throws uppercuts! Gallows then has Erik in the OC’s corner for big body shots! Gallows rocks Erik with another uppercut!
Tag to AJ Styles and he stomps a mudhole into Erik. Styles lets up at the count of 4 then taunts Orton. Orton mocks the Too Sweet, Erik fights out of the OC corner! But Styles kicks him down! Erik anchors one of Styles’ feet but Styles chokes him on the ropes. Anderson gets a cheap shot in, then Styles has Erik in another corner. Styles CHOPS Erik then snapmares him to drop a knee! Cover, TWO! Styles keeps his cool as he drags Erik up and over. Tag to Anderson and the OC mug Erik. Snapmare and chinlock and Anderson grinds Erik down. Erik endures and fans rally up. Erik gets to his feet and fights out with elbows, but walks into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Erik lives but Anderson tags Styles. The OC whip Erik to ropes but Erik throws Anderson out! Erik ROCKS Styles with a right and both men are down!
Fans build to a rally as Erik and Styles crawl. Hot tags to Gallows and Orton! Fans fire up as the Viper rallies on the OC! Orton has Gallows o the apron and pokes his eyes! Then brings him between the ropes, only for Gallows to send Orton out! Orton lands on his feet, but his bad knee gives out! Orton is down and the OC surround him, but the Raiders come over to keep them away. Orton writhes while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Gallows stomps away on Orton’s bad leg! He lets up at the ref’s count of 4 to drag Orton up for another kick! Fans rally for Orton as Gallows stomps a mudhole into him. Gallows drags Orton back and tags in Styles. Styles kicks the leg himself then drops an elbow on it. Styles kicks the leg but Orton hits back. Styles just stomps him down! Orton crawls but Styles keeps him away from the Raiders. Styles brings Orton up and suplexes, but Orton blocks! Orton manages a suplex of his own! Both men are down and fans are rallying. Hot tags to Anderson and Erik! Erik rallies with big forearms for all, then he headbutts Anderson’s forearm! Erik THROWS Anderson overhead! Then again!
Tag to Ivar and the War Beard rallies on Gallows with shoulder bumps and a sidewalk slam! BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Erik tags back in. Styles runs into a SPINE BUSTER into the corner! Then gets a hip attack spine buster! Anderson gets THOR’S HAMMER! Cover but Gallows breaks it! Gallows boots but Ivar dodges with a cartwheel, and comes back with a clothesline! Styles runs in to PELE Ivar! Styles slips out of Ace Ten Mao to PELE Erik! But Orton tags in! Styles didn’t see it because he whips Erik to ropes. Dropkick rocks Erik, but Orton gets in, no RKO! Orton puts Styles on the apron,d rags Styles in but Anderson saves Styles from the DDT! RKO for Anderson! Gallows denies the RKO, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, The OC win!!
Winners: The OC, Styles pinning
The Original, Official and ONLY victory that matters! Will Styles and the Good Brothers make the holidays as Too Sweet as this?
Raw catches up with Santa Claus!
The jolly 24/7 Champion jogs as fast as he can with the title in hand, but he’s getting tired. Luckily for him, a horse-drawn carriage is there. Santa climbs aboard, the driver has his horse start going, and Santa just gets away from Truth and Tozawa! Wait, there’s another carriage! Truth and Tozawa hop on and tell the driver, “After that Santa!” This, well, not high speed chase, goes down the road, but Santa says to stop. Truth and Tozawa also stop, and the foot chase is on again! “Bad reindeer!” Truth is pulling up the rear, but will he back on top again in time for Christmas?
Erick Rowan speaks to his precious pet.
“Hey, hi~! Got you a little present! Yes, a toy!” It’s a clothespin. But Erick just loves how cute this little critter is. But he’s also hungry. Erick promises to get him something after his match. Just what does this thing eat though?
The Street Profits are in the Christmas mood.
The season of giving and love, we are just a week away from the “precious and beautiful ceremony” between Lashley and Lana. And yet they still haven’t got their invitations. Angelo Dawkins doesn’t even wanna go to that wedding. But he does want to hit up that bachelor party! Bobby, hit yo boys up! This is live TV, Dawkins, relax. And furthermore, we just saw Rowan talking to his pet in the pin. Is Dawkins at all curious about what’s in there? Fam, you crazy? No one wants to know what’s under there. It could be anything. Anything? Anything! A squirrel, a rabbit, or even a Komodo dragon gonna breathe fire! Dawkins, Komodo dragons aren’t dragons… But speaking of fire, time for the catchphrase! Those four special words, “We Want the Smoke!” Will the Profits get the smoke for Christmas?
Erick Rowan VS Travis Horn!
Big Redwood already seems to have his most precious possession with him wherever he goes these days. But what could he possibly want for Christmas other than his little critter’s safety?
Raw returns and Horn has a peace offering: a candy cane. Rowan takes the candy, but keeps his eyes on Horn. But Horn is slowly exiting the ring. Is Horn going to run away to survive into the holidays? Or is he… Wait, Horn has even more candy canes, and he says he just wants to offer one to Rowan’s hungry little precious. Horn slowly walks over, but Rowan CLOBBERS him down! The candy canes go flying and then Horn is sent flying into the LED apron! But then Rowan exposes part of it, to SLAM Horn onto that edge! Rowan puts Horn in the ring and runs to BODY CHECK Horn down! Rowan is seething and clamps on the Iron Claw, for a SLAM! Rowan tells his pet it’ll be okay, and he Iron Claw SLAMS Horn again! Cover, Rowan wins!
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall
Will no one learn not to question what is in the cage? But in the end, Rowan does give the pet one of the candy canes. When will Rowan’s warpath lead him to something shinier to show his pet?
Raw keeps running with Santa Claus!
Santa is running out of steam as he reaches the Lincoln Center. He takes a breather at the steps, but Truth and Tozawa have caught up! Santa falls over, Truth shoves Tozawa away to cover Santa! Truth wins!
Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
And the 25th reign of R-Truth is in time for the 25th of December! Tozawa wants after Truth already, but referee John Cone who has had enough! He’s been chasing after these guys all over New York, and it is TOO COLD! He’s going home for the holidays! Santa says Truth and Tozawa are both getting coal for Christmas, then walks off. Truth says no one wants anymore of Michael Cole. But with no referee, he and Tozawa can’t fight for the title. Well, it is Christmas. How about a truce and they go find that big apple everyone talks about? How do you say Merry Christmas in Japanese? It’s still “Merry Christmas.” Heh, Tozawa’s funny. But these two head out together to celebrate the holidays.
Rusev VS ???
The Bulgarian Brute gets to have a little bit of snow on Rusev Day! And a fan is very forward wishing to be Rusev’s “Hawt Hawt Girlfriend.” Rusev is flattered but it’s time to Machka!
Raw returns and Rusev has the mic. He was so surprised to see snow indoors! Second, he has mixed emotions after TLC. Was he screwed over in that Tables match? Yes he was. Is he upset about it? Yes, he is. But is he going to do something about it? “You’re damn sure I will!” But is Rusev upset that Lana is getting married to the “hawt hawt” Bobby Lashley? No! That will be the best day of his life! That’s because the best punishment “Bob” could have is being married to Lana! Rusev is single but not alone! Lana’s wedding is still on RUSEV DAY! But first, Rusev’s opponent, No Way Jose, makes his way out, conga line in tow! Will the fiesta be festive after this?
The bell rings and Rusev ties up with Jose. They go to a corner but Rusev lets up. JOse dodges the punch to do some salsa. Rusev wants to run at Jose but Jose pop, lock and CHOPS. It doesn’t really do anything but upset Rusev. Jose wants Rusev to forgive but Rusev just hits a MAHCKA KICK! Cover, Rusev wins!
Winner: Rusev, by pinfall
Rusev helps Jose up to show it is no hard feelings. In fact, he starts pop locking, and doe a RUSEVROONI! Or is it a SpinaRusev? But now, Rusev wants in on the party! He joins Jose’s conga line, and gets a kiss from one of the single ladies! And another! Rusev is a ladies man once again! Will Rusev be celebrating all the way into 2020?
Another backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
The match for the United States Championship is up next. What does this golden first-time-ever mean to him? “Right now, Charly? Right now?” Rollins vows to beat Mysterio, win the United States Championship, and then establish dominance on Raw. So if she doesn’t mind, he needs to finish preparations. Rollins has Akam and Rezar follow him to gorilla, but will the AOP be factors in this historic main event?
WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Seth Rollins w/ The Authors of Pain!
A first-time-ever match marred by the looming threat of Akam and Rezar. But even so, Mysterio vows to keep this run going while Rollins always looks to #BurnItDown! Who leaves here to have a golden Christmas?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this merry main event begins!
Mysterio goes right at Rollisn with kicks and fists, but Rollins hits back! Rollins stomps a mudhole into Mysterio then backs off at the ref’s count. Mysterio boots back, runs but Rollins follows to SLINGBLADE! Cover, ONE, but Rollins drags Mysterio right up. Snapmare and crucifix cover, TWO! Rollins reels Mysterio in to suplex, but Mysterio slips out and waistlocks. Rollins wrenches out and ROCKS Mysterio with a right! Fans boo Rollins as he taunts Mysterio. Rollins stomps Mysterio around then bumps him off buckles. Mysterio staggers but Rollins rocks him with another right. Rollins whips Mysterio but Mysterio wheelbarrows and victory rolls, TWO! Mysterio tilt-o-whirl headsicssors!
Rollins shoves but Mysterio kicks back! Rollins puts Mysterio on the apron but Mysterio headsissors back. Rollins ends up on the ropes, Mysterio dials it up but Rollins ducks. Rollins RAMS Mysterio into the post! Then Rollins slides Mysterio out of the ring! Mysterio is at the AOP’s feet as we go to break.
Raw returns once more, and Rollins has Mysterio down with a hammerlock. Mysterio fights up but Rollins clubs him down. Rollins throws Mysterio into buckles, then drags him up for a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Rollins is right on Mysterio with a rear bearhug and squeezes tight! Fans rally for Mysterio and he fights up. Mysterio stomps Rollins’ feet but Rollins clubs him down again. Rollins whips Mysterio at a corner but Mysterio goes up and over to headscissor Rollins out of the ring! Fans rally and Mysterio builds speed, to slide and SUNSET BOMB Rollins into the barriers! The ref checks but Rollins is okay to continue. Mysterio stirs as the ring count climbs. Mysterio puts Rollins in the ring and slingshots, to springboard seated senton! Then springboards for a moonsault, but he’s caught! Rollins pops Mysterio up, but Mysterio tornado DDT’s! Cover, TWO!!
Mysterio keeps focus as he brings Rollins up. Mysterio whips, Rollins reverses, Mysterio springboards into Rollins’ arms! For a BUCKLE BOMB! Then a SUPERKICK! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Mysterio saves himself and Rollins is shocked! Rollins gets up and stomps “BURN! IT! DOWN!” Mysterio rises, Rollins runs, but no Curb Stomp! Mysterio slides under, rolls and huricanranas Rollins back onto ropes! Dial it up, 619! Mysterio hurries up top but Rezar ATTACKS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by disqualification; still WWE United States Champion
Akam YANKS Mysterio down and throws him into barriers! The Authors of Pain prevented Rollins from losing fair and square, and they wreck Rey by throwing him into the LED! Fans boo and jeer as Rezar drags Mysterio up. The AOP SLAM Mysterio into barriers! Rollins hobbles over and tells AOP to drag Mysterio up the ramp. “Teach him a lesson!” They head to the stage, and to commentary! Only Samoa Joe stays put as the AOP clear off the desk. Joe asks them what they’re going to do about him sitting there. The AOP throw Mysterio into the Christmas trees then glare at Joe. Joe says that if he gets up, it isn’t to move, but to fight. Joe stands, fans fire up, but Rollins has the AOP stand down. “He’s not who we’re here for.”
Rollins wants Joe to calm down, but the jacket’s coming off! Rollins tells Joe this is about Mysterio, not him. Joe settles down, but Rollins sicks the AOP after him! The brawl is on 2v1, and Rollins says “It didn’t have to be like this.” The beating continues, but Mysterio rises from the trees, only to get a CURB STOMP! Rollins then has AOP “finish it,” DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM THROUGH THE DESK!! The Architects of Pain stand tall over what they just tore down. Will they continue to brutally force Raw to bend to their will?
My Thoughts:
For being a prerecorded Raw filmed right after last week (so that the wrestlers could be spared working the week of Christmas) this was a decent episode. Not the best, and could’ve been better in many ways, but still good for cramming it in after last week’s episode. We all knew about the Lana x Lashley wedding for the New Year’s Eve episode was coming, so of course Lashley would have a match to give Lana the opportunity to announce it. They’re really piling on the cringe with this as Lana interrupts the match to blab on about the wedding and making a demand of the wrestlers. Rightfully, the request was rejected, but of course Lashley wins. Alexander and Lashley had a good match, but it is a shame that Alexander is the fodder in this match.
Rusev’s match with Jose was alright, it was mostly so Rusev would get a win and have some fun, too. And I would actually hope they just have Rusev tease messing up Lana’s wedding just to drive her crazy and expose that behavior to Lashley, so that Lashley ruins things by having a change of heart. Ricochet VS Nese was alright, but of course Ricochet wins. McIntyre brutalizing the Major Bros was pretty fun. I really hope McIntyre gets a title in 2020, he really deserves it. I did like that we got the stuff between Aleister and Murphy. It was good to have Murphy try to one-up Aleister, only to get a Black Mass for it. Also I’m starting to think that their opponents were the same person, just in different ring gear. All “Deonn Rusman” had to do was take off those pants and reveal his red tights to be “Joeasa.” But that aside, Aleister VS Murphy for the New Year’s Eve episode will certainly be a highlight that night.
The highlight from tonight was the story of the 24/7 Championship. I was hoping for something pretty big for Christmas as well as Truth’s 25th reign, and we more or less got that here. It’s great that Tozawa was chosen to do this chase around New York. He is the Stamina Monster, and they surely did do a lot of running the night they recorded all those segments. I wonder if Santa Claus with the glasses was the guy with the hot dog that they bumped into. That would make for a hilarious twist, but also great motivation for him wanting to take that title. There wasn’t as much fanfare when Truth took the title back at the end, but it was great that John Cone just quit on them. I hope we get something even bigger for New Year’s. In fact, with New Year’s being on Wednesday, can we finally get this title to go to NXT?
Charlotte VS Chelsea Green tonight wasn’t bad for Green’s Raw debut. Green and Deonna Purrazzo both had Raw matches, so I wonder what this means for their WWE careers as they barely started on NXT. Becky and Asuka had a quick promo showdown but it was pretty cool for Becky to use some Japanese given she spent time there in her career. That match better happen at Royal Rumble, since last year we got this for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And at this point, I could see things going either way. Either Asuka still beats Becky because she’s that good, or Becky finally settles the score which is good story. The Six Man Tag was a good match, and it’s actually good that the OC won so that the story keeps going towards the Royal Rumble. I expect another Raw Tag Team Championship match for Raiders VS Good Brothers at the Rumble, too.
The story meant to dominate the night was okay. Kevin and Mojo have a good No Disqualifications match, that’s just good story blending. Rollins has good Heel promos tonight, but their main event match was trimmed down in time because of all the filler, like Rowan wrecking another jobber. Rollins VS Mysterio was on its way to being a really good match, but the disqualification wasn’t a bad thing either. Mysterio keeps the title and gets beat down, but then Joe’s Face turn begins tonight with both his commentary and his actions. I thought Street Profits were going to step up to help Kevin or even Mysterio, but it seems Kevin and Mysterio might be getting some help from Joe now. That will make for a great Six Man Tag on the way to the Rumble, perhaps even the first Raw of the New Year on 1/6/2020 to give it some buzz.
My Score: 8.1/10
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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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