Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 Night 1 Special! (1/4/2020)
A special edition of Wrestle Kingdom 14, Night 1!
The New Year will be historic for New Japan!
The events of 2019 come to a head in a massive wrestling weekend! What history does just the first night hold for NJPW?
NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Shinjiro Otani & Naoki Sano w/Kuniaki Kobayashi VS Great Sasuke, Tatsumi Fujinami, Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger w/El Samurai; win.
- IWGP United States Championship Texas Deathmatch: Lance Archer VS Jon Moxley; Moxley wins, becomes the new IWGP United States Champion, and will face Juice Robinson on Night 2.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Hiromu Takahashi; Takahashi wins and becomes the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
- IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Jay White VS Tetsuya Naito; Naito wins, becomes the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and advances to Night 2’s Winner Takes All match.
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Kota Ibushi; Okada wins, retains the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and advances to Night 2’s Winner Takes All match.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Shinjiro Otani & Naoki Sano w/Kuniaki Kobayashi VS Great Sasuke, Tatsumi Fujinami, Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger w/El Samurai!
The legendary career of Jushin Thunder Liger is coming to a close, so NJPW is going all out for his final Wrestle Kingdom! So many classic names in one match, what happens in this historic farewell?
The teams sort out, but Liger is calling out his old rival, Sano. Fans are already fired up with the bell as Liger and Sano circle. They tie up, Liger waistlocks but Sano switches. Liger trips and gets a leg lock to then flip Sano over for the low surfboard. Liger stands and pulls on Sano’s arms but Sano pops out. Liger headlocks but Sano powers out, only for Liger to run him over. Things speed up and Sano hurdles to then dropkick Liger out! Sano builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit sends Liger into railing! Sano slowly rises back up and gets back in the ring. Liger returns but Sano tags out, Otani goes after Liger while Takaiwa blows up the Liger corner! Otani gets the fans rallying up for the original boot wash! Otani scrapes Liger’s face over and over then runs to BOOT! Fans want one more and Otani runs to give them one! It gets El Samurai in the face, too!
Fans want a third, but Liger gets up to SHOTEI! But Otani tanks it! He leans into the palm strikes, but Liger gets it on the fifth! Tag otu to Tiger Mask but Otani tags to Takaiwa. Takaiwa ties up with Tiger, puts him on the ropes and CHOPS! But Tiger kicks! To Takaiwa CHOPS! Tiger still kicks! CHOP for kick, but Takaiwa gets a string of chops going. Tiger mule kicks then runs, into a fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Takaiwa drags Tiger up to tag in Taguchi. Taguchi stomps and snapmares Tiger to give hip attacks! The Funky Weapon drops down on Tiger’s stomach, covers, TWO! Fans cheer as Taguchi tags out to Sano and he clubs Tiger. Sano and Tiger trade shots, Sano’s sobat rocks Tiger Mask. Snapmare and tag to Otani, Otani drags Tiger up for a scoop slam! Then a whip to the corner, and a boot!
Otani shoves Tiger down then tags Takaiwa. Takaiwa drags Tiger up to CHOP and whip, and hit a corner clothesline! Another scoop slam and Takaiwa fires the fans up for his signature. Takaiwa climbs and leaps, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Takaiwa drags Tiger up but Tiger resists the suplex to knee. Takaiwa ducks the kick and runs, but into Tiger’s underhooks! TIGER DRIVER! But Tiger is too tired to cover! Both men crawl, hot tag to Fujinami! The Dragon runs in but into Taguchi’s kick. He catches it for the Dragon Screw! Dragon Screw for Otani! Fujinami whips Takaiwa and catches him into a sleeper, then the DRAGON SLEEPER! Sano clubs Fujinami and Fujinami lets Takaiwa go, to throw hands on Sano!
Tag to Great Sasuke, and he drags Takaiwa up. Snapmare and Sasuke calls for his own move. Sasuke climbs up top and aims at Takaiwa, SWANTAON BOMB flops! Takaiwa tags Sano and Sano climbs up top. Sano leaps but Sasuke gets clear of the stomps! Sano back kicks Sasuke quick, then waistlcoks. Sasuke fights out and gives counter punches. Sasuke mule kicks and hurries up top. Sano goes after Sasuke and the two are up top together. Sano SUPERPLEXES Sasuke down! Both men crawl to their corners, hot tags to Liger and Taguchi! The Funky Weapon gets an atomic drop! And a SHOTEI! Liger puts Taguchi up top and then climbs up, SUPER STEINER! Cover but everyone runs in!
Things spill out to the outside, Tiger Mask LEAPS onto Otani! Sano drags Fujinami out while Sasuke FLIES! Liger runs into the Funky Weapon hip attack! Taguchi chicken wings but Liger drops down to deny Dodon! Victory roll, TWO!! Enziguri from Taguchi but Liger fires up, only to run into a second! Taguchi fires himself up, “YAO~!” BUM-A-YE! Cover, TWO!! Liger lives! Tokyo Dome is thunderous but the chicken wings return, DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi and team win!!
Winners: Taguchi, Takaiwa, Otani & Sano, Taguchi pinning
Liger’s teammates were kept outside, they could not help him escape defeat. Liger’s penultimate match in the Tokyo Dome is not a happy ending, but he doesn’t look sad. Liger stands up, and bows to Taguchi! Taguchi returns the bow, and Liger goes down the line of his great rivals and opponents. They all show him the utmost respect, even his greatest rival in Sano. Liger also bows and shakes hands with his teammates, and everyone celebrates this moment. Liger’s career may be ending, but his legacy will never die!
IWGP United States Championship Texas Deathmatch: Lance Archer VS Jon Moxley!
The Murderhawk Monster says #EverybodyDies, but he doesn’t know the Death Rider well, does he? The Maniac only lost this title on a technicality, will he reclaim it through brutality?
Before the match even starts, MOX prepares for war by taking chairs out from under the ring and throwing them into the ring! As for Archer, he’s dressed to kill, from his spiked jacket to spiked helmet, and brings #EBD branded trash can lids! And as always, Archer warms himself up by beating down poor Young Lions around ringside! The introductions are made, but Moxley won’t even give the ref time to raise the belt before he attacks! The bell rings and this deadly battle begins!
Moxley throws hands then runs but Archer crossbodies?! Archer stomps Moxley then ROCKS him with that right! And another! Archer whips Moxley but Moxley holds ropes. Moxley sends Archer out and builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit takes Archer out to the ramp! Fans are thunderous for the elite Purveyor of Violence as he brings Archer up for forearms. They go around ringside and Moxley dumps Archer over the rails. They fight in No Man’s Land and Moxley whips Archer into the second layer of railing! And back the other way! Moxley brings Archer around and back to ringside to put him in. Moxley checks under the ring and brings out a kendo stick! Moxley taps the railing with it before going up top. Moxley leaps over Archer’s chair shot, but Archer throws the chair into his face!
Moxley is down, the referee checks on him, but Archer SMACKS Moxley while he’s down! And SMACKS him again! And then uses his can lid to SMACK away on Moxley’s head! Archer cusses out the fans booing him, and then SMACKS away on Moxley more! Archer grabs the kendo stick to SMACK even harder! And then he grinds it into Moxley’s throat! Moxley gasps and sputters but Archer SMACKS him again! Archer keeps swinging and hitting Moxley, and then tells him to give up. Moxley refuses and gets himself to ropes. Archer puts Moxley in a corner and chokes him with the kendo stick, to then jab and SMACK Moxley’s chest. The welts are forming already, and Archer takes Moxley by the hand in a knuckle lock. Archer clubs away with his forearm before climbing up top.
Archer wants to go Old School, but Moxley throws him off balance and SMACKS him back with that kendo stick! And again! And again! And again! The stick is breaking but Moxley doesn’t stop until it’s split! Moxley only lets up to go fetch one of Archer’s trash can lids, but Archer choke grips. Moxley elbows free and runs, Archer runs perpendicular, but Moxley SMACKS him on the run! Moxley sets up some chairs and uses the trash can lid for a bridge. Moxley snap suplexes Archer across all that steel! Then runs to KNEE Archer down! But Moxley isn’t done, he watches Archer flounder out of the ring and around the way before using a slingshot. But Archer catches the pescado for an APRON CHOKE SLAM! And then Archer hits a Young Lion just because! Archer drags this poor soul over and CHOKE SLAMS him onto Moxley!! Archer is making weapons out of the LA Dojo trainees!
Archer leaves Moxley behind to build speed and FLY out onto everyone!! Tokyo is thunderous for that insanity! Archer takes his time as a standing count begins on Moxley. Moxley is up at 7 but Archer SMACKS him with a chair. Archer sits that chair up, then another. What is left of the kendo stick is used to SMACK Moxley, and then Archer completes a chair square. But Moxley is up and waistlocks! Archer resists, spins around, but Moxley fireman’s carries! Archer powers out but runs into a boot. Moxley hops up but Archer ROCKS him with a right! Crucifix lift, FULL METAL BLACK OUT!! Moxley writhes in pain as the standing count begins again, and Archer taunts him. The count is at 8 but Moxley stands! Archer grabs him with his claw and dribbles him on a chair!
The Everybody Dies Claw is clamped on, but Moxley reaches up to headscissor and bring Archer down! Armbar! Archer endures, powers his way up and clamps on the claws around Moxley’s throat! Archer drags Moxley up for an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Archer runs corner to corner but into Moxley’s lariat! It doesn’t do it, Archer choke grips and lifts but Moxley slips out to Dirty Deeds! The standing count begins on Archer and it hits 8, but Archer sits up! Archer stands at 9, but Moxley says it’s time to end this! Underhooks, lift, but no Death Rider or even a Paradigm Shift. Moxley throws big knees then runs, but into the DERAILER! Archer sends Moxley flying into a corner! Moxley leans against the ropes but Archer drags him up and over to chairs. Choke Slam ON the chair! Moxley writhes but Archer keeps his eyes on him during the standing count.
Moxley spasms around 5 and rises at 7, only to flop back down. He springs up at 9.5! And then flips off Archer! So Archer BOOTS him down! Archer produces a plastic shopping back and uses it to SMOTHER Moxley!! Moxley flails as the Full Plastic EBD Claw is wrapped on tight! Moxley fades, the referee checks. The arm drops once! The arm drops twice! But Moxley revives on the third time! Archer rains down furious forearms! Archer goes looking for something under the ring, slapping the trash can lid on railing in frustration. He finds a TABLE! And then another! Archer brings both tables around and sets them up very close to the ring. Moxley crawls over and Archer drags him out onto the apron. Archer DIGS the spiked helmet’s, well, SPIKES into Moxley’s forehead!! Archer then puts Moxley up top and has the crucifix!
Moxley fights for dear life and escapes another Black Out. He gets in the ring but runs into the choke grip! Moxley denies the choke slam and brawls with Archer on the apron. Moxley kicks low, underhooks, DEATH RIDER THROUGH THE TABLES!! Oh the humanity!! A standing count starts on both men, and it reaches 5. Moxley rises from the wreckage and gets into the ring! Archer flops over, bleeding from the arms, and cannot stand! MOXLEY WINS!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall; NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion
The Maniac didn’t die hard this night, and he’s once again champion! But before leaving, Moxley grabs a mic to address the crowd.
“I’m gonna keep this simple. I am a gambler. I came to Tokyo to either leave with nothing, or leave with everything! JUICE ROBINSON! Tomorrow night, right here at the Tokyo Dome, we settle the score. Once and for all!” Mic drop and message sent! Either Moxley stands tall or this belt goes back to Juice! What will we see on the historic second night of Wrestle Kingdom?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Hiromu Takahashi!
Just when the Aerial Assassin thought he’d cleared out the division, the Ticking Time Bomb came back in time for the New Year! Will Hiromu make NJPW even more, more, MORE fun than before? Or will Ospreay conquer his reckless rival?
Hiromu is a colorful peacock while Ospreay has become a white tiger. The introductions are made as Ospreay draws his sword. Hiromu is not afraid of the blade, and the belt is raised. This epic rematch of rivals begins!
Hiromu rushes Ospreay but Ospreay knows that trick and gets clear. But Ospreay hears all the Hiromu fans and can’t help but chuckle. The two circle and tie up. Ospreay waistlocks, slams, floats all over and has the facelock. Ospreay floats around more and even gives Hiromu a slap on the back. Ospreay lounges on the top rope while Hiromu gets to his feet. Hiromu rushes in, avoids the boot and enziguri but Ospreay runs past him. Ospreay comes back to shoulder bump, Hiromu rebounds into Ospreay’s boot. Hiromu throws a forearm so Ospreay returns it, and we have a brawl! They go back and forth, no hesitation or sign of slowing. Hiromu gets the edge and ducks the back hand to keep going. Things speed up but Hiromu hops over Ospreay to whip. Ospreay reverses, hurdles Hiromu but Hiromu avoids the monkey flip.
Ospreay avoids the dropkick, Hiromu ducks the Penalty Kick and avoids the moonsault. Both men deflect kicks and back hands, Ospreay handsprings into a waistlock but standing switches. Hiromu breaks free and manages to duck the heel kick, and he ROCKS Ospreay with a right! Ospreay CHOPS back! Ospreay runs, Hiromu follows and huricanranas Ospreay down! Ospreay bails out to the apron, Hiromu runs and sunset flips! Ospreay holds on and throws hands, then goes to turn the bomb into a huricanrana. But Hiromu blocks that to APRON BOMB Ospreay instead! Ospreay crawls away but Hiromu aims from the apron, to JOHN WOO! The dropkick blasts Ospreay into railing! Hiromu drags Ospreay up and puts him in the ring. Hiromu stalks Ospreay as fans rally up. Hiromu stands Ospreay up to CHOP!
Ospreay leans on ropes but Hiromu is on him again, with another CHOP. Hiromu toys with Ospreay but Ospreay fires a foraerm back! And another! Hiromu rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands but Hiromu suplexes. Ospreay blocks and suplexes back! Hiromu slips out and waistlocks but Ospreay elbows him away. Ospreay runs into a boot and then Hiromu hops up, draping headscissor hold! The ref reprimands Hiromu and counts, but Hiromu lets go at 4. Hiromu heads up top but to fake Ospreay out. Hiromu forearms Ospreay away, but Ospreay avoids the shoulder to DOUBLE STOMP him down! Hiromu is stuck, Ospreay drags him back up, DRAPING DDT! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Ospreay scowls as he stands up tall. Hiromu bails out of the ring but Ospreay pursues.
Ospreay rams Hiromu into the blue railing, and pulls on Hiromu’s hair to bend him back against them! The ref reprimands and counts, Ospreay lets up at 3. Ospreay brings Hiromu up but Hiromu chops! But Ospreay doesn’t flinch, he eggs Hiromu on! Hiromu chops again but Ospreay gives him a neckbreaker! Ospreay brings Hiromu back up and puts him in the ring, then covers. ONE, and Ospreay drags Hiromu up to snapmare and kick Hiromu hard in the back. Then he rolls Hiromu for a Koji Klutch! Hiromu endures and kicks around, reaching with his legs. Ospreay cranks harder, but Hiromu gets the ropebreak with a foot! Ospreay lets go but keeps his focus as he stands back up. Ospreay walks around then drags Hiromu up, Hiromu CHOPS! Ospreay felt that one, and then Hiromu CHOPS again. Ospreay gets mad but gets another CHOP!
Ospreay back kicks then runs, but into Hiromu’s wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT! Ospreay goes reeling from the impact and fans fire up for Hiromu. Ospreay gets to a corner, Hiromu runs in and corner splashes! Then snapmare to basement dropkick! Hiromu keeps going, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay gets free of that deep fold but Hiromu isn’t upset. Hiromu brings Ospreay up to CHOP and CHOP and whip. Ospreay holds ropes but Hiromu pulls hair and CHOPS him again. Hiromu whips then reels Ospreay in for a forearm. He puts Ospreay on the ropes and kicks it to jam Ospreay, then runs. Ospreay dodges, handsprings and enziguris! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Hiromu bails out but Ospreay builds speed, SASUKE SPECIAL! But Hiromu gets clear to waistlock and German Suplex!
But Ospreay lands on his feet! Ospreay runs back at Hiromu but Hiromu THROWS him! Ospreay ends up in the ring and keeps running!? Ospreay SASUKE SPECIALS and HITS! Fans are fired up again! Ospreay gets up and brings Hiromu over. They get back in the ring and Ospreay aims from the corner. Springboard, Pip Pip Cheerio flying forearm! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his cool as he goes to a corner and aims again. Ospreay spins but Hiromu dodges the Robinson Special to hit another JOHN WOO! Ospreay ends up in the other corner and Hiromu has fans rallying up behind him. Hiromu runs in, big corner clothesline then a whip corner to corner. Hiromu runs in but blocks Ospreay’s boot. Ospreay ax kicks and roundhouses! Then top rope 619!
Hiromu ends up on the apron, Ospreay springboards and STOMPS Hiromu down! The Aerial Assassin strikes again and he puts Hiromu back in the drop zone. Ospreay climbs up as Hiromu stirs. Ospreay watches Hiromu rise, and missile dropkicks him in the back! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu still lives but Ospreay vows to end it. Ospreay sits Hiromu up and pulls the elbow pad. Ospreay runs out but Hiromu falls over. The referee checks on Hiromu, as that neck is still a concern. Ospreay waits as Hiromu stirs. Fans rally up to give the Time Bomb power. Ospreay gives toying kicks, and then meaner kicks to Hiromu’s head. Hiromu crawls to a corner but Ospreay kicks him in the ribs. Ospreay gives more toying kicks then drags Hiromu up. Ospreay shovels Hiromu onto the top and tucks him in, CHEEKY NANDOS!
Ospreay keeps Hiromu up there to Electric Chair carry him. And then he goes up the corner?! Hiromu fights free and CHOPS Ospreay! Hiromu climbs all the up and jumps to wheelbarrow, but Ospreay blocks the rest! Ospreay clubs Hiromu’s back over and over, then hauls him up for a waistlock! Back to the Electric Chair but Hiromu keeps fighting back. SUPER VICTORY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and Hiromu is losing his cool. But Hiromu drags Ospreay up, fireman’s carry, pop up, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives again but Hiromu keeps his focus. Hiromu drags Ospreay up, another fireman’s carry but Ospreay slips out and shoves Hiromu into a corner. Hiromu turns around into the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Hiromu flounders and Ospreay takes aim, ROBINSON SPECIAL! Direct hit with the spin kick but Ospreay keeps going. Springboard, NO Oscutter!
Hiromu fireman’s carries but Ospreay slips out. Hiromu forearms but Ospreay holds on to reel Hiromu in for a pump handle, half nelson and MADE IN JAPAN! Ospreay borrows a move from Shingo Takagi! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay doesn’t take time to ask why, he heads up top fast! SHOOTING STAR onto Hiromu’s back! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Ospreay doesn’t slow down! Tokyo is thunderous as Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Now Ospreay is shocked! Ospreay shakes his head and grits his teeth as Tokyo reaches a fever pitch. Ospreay aims from the corner as Hiromu stirs. Ospreay HOOK KICKS and then tightens the elbow pad! Hiromu slowly rises again, but ducks the Hidden Blade! POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Both men are down but Tokyo Dome is as fired up as ever! Hiromu stirs but the standing count begins.
Fans rally and Hiromu gets up at 6. Ospreay follows at 7, both men are up at 8! They still crawl after each other, and Ospreay throws a forearm. Hiromu gives it back! Hiromu eggs Ospreay on and Ospreay hits again. Hiromu returns the forearm but Ospreay throws another. The two stand and Hiromu throws another big forearm! Ospreay gives Hiromu one, so Hiromu gives it back. They go back and forth, back and forth, slowing down as they stagger. Hiromu throws a flurry, Ospreay ROUNDHOUSES! Ospreay whips, Hiromu reverses, handspring into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again but Hiromu is up first. Hiromu fires himself up and runs, but Ospreay slips through the lariat to powerbomb, only for Hiromu to slip through and DESTROYER! Cover, TWO?!? Ospreay survives and no one can believe it!
Hiromu has a wild look in his eyes again as he brings Ospreay up into a fireman’s carry. Corner Death Valley! Hiromu drags Ospreay up, fireman’s carry and a spin, but Ospreay kicks free! Hiromu SUPERKICKS, and SUPERKICKS! Ospreay is on his knees but Hiromu fireman’s carries. Ospreay slips out, HOOK KICK! Underhoooks, Canadian rack but Hiromu slips out, only to run into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Ospreay wants the kill shot! Hiromu rises, Ospreay aims, HIDDEN BLADE!! But Ospreay doesn’t cover, he underhooks and drags Hiromu up! Canadian rack, but Hiromu pops through to hit ANOTHER DESTROYER! Cover, TWO?!?! Ospreay survives again and Tokyo is electric!
Hiromu drags himself up with the ropes and shouts at Ospreay! Hiromu runs to LARIAT!! But he’s not done, fireman’s carry to TIME BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? This cannot be! Hiroum is beside himself, but he drags Ospreay up again. Hiromu runs, runs and LARIATS! Then a scoop, tucking Ospreay in, INVERTED AIR RAID!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
Whatever the name of Hiromu’s new move, it’s a winner and so is he! Hiromu has this title back, will he have even more, more, MORE fun defending it?
IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Jay White VS Tetsuya Naito!
We’re so close to history, everyone can almost taste it. The Switchblade wants to hijack the Destiny of Los Ingobernables de Japon’s charismatic leader! But will he be able to take the next step? Or will Naito be just too Tranquilo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Naito takes his time taking off his fancy entrance gear. Once he’s ready, this first step in the #DoubleGoldDash begins!
Fans are naturally on Naito’s side but White double guns. Naito is not impressed. And of course, White bails out per his usual strategy of delaying and taunting. Naito ignores it all. White returns and circles with Naito, but White bails out again. Fans boo but White laughs. White struts about but Naito goes after Gedo! Naito has Gedo’s beard and taunts White now. White isn’t sure what to do, so he gets in the ring. Naito gets in, too, whips White and arm-drags him around! Shotgun boot knocks White down and White bails out, but Naito builds up speed! To fake White out and Tranquilo! White catches his breath and checks on Gedo while Naito waits in the ring. White wants a time-out but Naito holds the ropes open for him. White sees Naito is playing around but does take the offer. White tries to boot Naito but gets caught, and then Naito sweeps the legs!
Naito drags White out to the apron and hits a draping neckbreaker! Fans fire up but Gedo comes over. Naito backs Gedo down and Gedo wants Naito to keep his cool. Naito goes back to White and drags him up, to whip him into railing! White is draped over but Naito drags him up by hair and brings him around the way to put back in the ring. Fans cheer the sportsmanship, then Naito stomps White around. Naito drags White up and throws a BIG forearm! Naito stomps away on White, then brings him up for a cravat. White throws body shots but Naito cranks harder. White gets the ropebreak and Red Shoes counts. Naito lets go and kicks White back down. Naito whips, White reverses but Naito grabs ropes. Naito elbows White away but Gedo grabs at Naito’s feet! Red Shoes reprimands but White attacks!
White clubs away then puts Naito in a corner for forearms and stomps! White argues with Red Shoes but brings Naito up to CHOP. White wrenches and whips but Naito reverses. Naito runs in but is put on the apron. Naito hits back but agani Gedo is after him! White hotshots Naito down as fans boo! Red Shoes gets out to argue with Gedo but White YANKS Naito into the post! There go the huevos. Gedo has a chair and he SMACKS the bad leg! Naito falls to the floor and White grins as he takes his time fetching him. White mocks Naito’s pain and stomps him down. White clears space and brings Naito up to whip into railing! White double guns and brushes himself off before going back for Naito. White laces Naito’s leg through the railing! White pulls on it and says, “Smile for the people!”
Red Shoes reprimands but White lets up to refresh the ring count. White drags Naito back up and into the ring. Naito crawls to the corner but White runs in for a big European Uppercut! And then a SAIDO! Naito bails out of the ring and White wants Naito to stand. Red Shoes doesn’t advise this but White builds speed to mock Tranquilo! It’s a Too Sweet version. Fans boo but White RAMS Naito into the apron! And then White puts Naito back in to cover, but Red Shoes won’t count after that bending of the rules. White stomps Naito out of annoyance, and goes after the bad leg. Grounded Dragon Screw! Naito writhes but White is on him again with a standing figure four. White turns Naito over for a standing deathlock, and mocks the LIJ poses before putting on the Muda Lock!
Naito endures as White bridges and cranks, and even makes Naito smile with fish hook fingers! Naito endures and Red Shoes reprimands, Naito gets the ropebreak! White lets go at 4 and releases the legs. White slaps Naito around but Naito SLAPS him! White CHOPS Naito and CHOPS again! White whips Naito corner to corner but Naito boots him back. Naito boots again then hops up, leaps to huricanrana! Fans rally while Naito gets his bad leg moving. White stands but Naito throws haymakers and kicks. Naito whips and elbows White down to then basement dropkick! And neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Naito keeps focus as he drags White back up. White hits back with forearms but Naito fakes White out! Naito kicks low, SPITS on White then whips him to a corner. Naito runs in, rocket kick to sweep, Combinacion… Naito waits for White to drop his guard, CABRON!
Fans fire up and Naito drags White to his feet. Dragon sleeper to a backbreaker, and a leg based half nelson. White endures as Naito slaps him in the head and squeezes tight. White moves around and reaches with his own legs, and manages to get the ropebreak! Naito lets go and gets back to his feet. White flounders up, Naito reels him in, waistlock but no suplex. White gets to ropes and holds on tight as Naito pulls on him. Naito honors the ropebreak, but runs back in. Naito blocks the boot but White counters the clothesline into a DDT! It spikes Naito right into the mat! White sits up and grins again as Naito clutches his neck. White gets up, drags Naito back to his feet, and fireman’s carries. Naito fights but the DVDDT hits! Cover, TWO!
White grows annoyed with Naito as he brings him around. Naito denies the leg lock but White stomps him down again. White drags Naito up but Naito resists the lift. Naito elbows but White throws him down by his hair! White drags Naito back up, suplexes but Naito slips out. The bad leg jams and Naito hobbles, but he still blocks the kick. Naito elbows the knee then whips White, but White reverses and catches the forearms! White waistlocks but Naito elbows free, so White CHOPS him back. White whips, catches the forearm again, but Naito elbows out of the urenage. Naito keeps elbowing White down, but keeps wrist control the whole time. Fans build anticipation as Naito keeps elbowing White. White dodges one last elbow to whip Naito but Naito finally hits those flying forearms!
Naito waistlocks but White elbows out. Naito swings on White but gets caught into the Complete Shot! White waistlocks and dead lifts Naito for the German Suplex! But both men are down as White can’t bridge. Fans rally and Gedo coaches White as the two men stir. White pushes Naito to a corner and hoists him up top. White CHOPS Naito before climbing up to join him. White has Naito up on the very top, but Naito fights back! Naito clubs White off and adjusts, but White returns. Naito boots White then dodges him, and blocks boots to turn White around, draping backbreaker! Now Naito puts White up top and climbs to join him, but White slips out to trip Naito up! Naito hits buckles on the way down! Both men are down again as fans rally up.
White runs in at Naito and blocks a boot to put that leg on the ropes. White goes after the bad leg with stomps, then a knee jammer! Naito clutches his knee while stuck between ropes. White grabs the bad leg and slaps Naito before hitting a DRAGON SCREW! Naito flops to the mat and White says Red Shoes should check on him. Red Shoes does check on Naito but Naito is okay to continue. White whips Naito but Naito falls down. White and Gedo mock Naito’s bad legs, and White gives toying kicks. Naito throws forearms! White kicks the knee then whips Naito again, and again Naito falls over! White acts shocked and upset while Gedo says they should just end this here. White brings Naito up, Naito reverses the whip, but the bad leg prevents a good tornado. White shoves Naito and grabs him again, BIG Urenage! Cover, TWO!! Naito stays in this and fans are still behind him!
White toys with Naito more but Naito elbows him away. White dodges an elbow to SAIDO Naito over and out! Naito crashes and burns on the apron and to the floor! White goes out to bring Naito back up and put him in the ring. White drags Naito up, fisherman but no Kiwi Krusher as Naito fights out. White fires off strikes and reels Naito back in. Another fisherman but Naito fights out again. The bad leg stops Naito from doing anything else, White suplexes for the Anarchy Neckbreaker! White drags Naito up and fisherman, KIWI KRUSHER! Cover, TWO!! Naito still lives and Gedo is shocked! White is frustrated as he drags Naito back up. White has a sleeper but Naito fights out, only for White to chop block the leg! Another grounded Dragon Screw! And then the inverted figure four, a modified TTO, “Tanahashi Tapped Out!”
Naito endures as White cranks on the legs! Naito crawls, claws and reaches but Naito pulls on the legs harder! Naito starts to fade and Red Shoes checks on him. Naito powers back up but flops back down as White moves him around. Naito crawls again, flails and claws for any ground he can gain, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer the heart of Naito, but White reluctantly lets go at 4. White drags Naito but Naito holds tight to the rope. White clubs Naito but Naito refuses to let go right away. White gets Naito away and wants another leg lock but Naito SPITS in his face! White grabs the leg again but Naito boots him away! The two stand, Naito rolling kicks White down! Naito hobbles up, drags White up and whips, but White reverses. Naito reverses back, White waistlocks but Naito switches. White elbows and dodges, but runs into a SPINE BUSTER! Both men are down and Tokyo rallies!
Naito stirs and gets to his feet. Naito brings White up and hammerlocks, but White fight out of Gloria. White elbows Naito in the head over and over until he’s down on the mat, and even then he keeps throwing elbows. White drags Naito up, but Naito throws big forearms! Naito elbows White but Gedo gets in the ring! Red Shoes reprimands him, Naito spits at Gedo, but White swings on Naito. Naito dodges and enziguris, and manages the tornado DDT! Naito drags White back up and onto the top rope. Naito climbs up and spits on him more! SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up as Naito drags White back up. Hammerlock and GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! White survives but Naito isn’t frustrated. Naito drags White back up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls but White drops down to avoid Destino. White grins, but gets a basement dropkick!
Naito wrenches, but White’s mule kick gets him in the knee. White whips Naito into Red Shoes! Red Shoes goes down and Gedo has a chair! But Naito kicks Gedo low! White LOW BLOWS Naito! White has Naito in the sleeper hold, but Naito standing switches to hit the Dragon Suplex first! Gedo gets back in but Naito kicks him first. And then gives Gedo a low blow kick! Turnabout’s fair play! But White SMACKS Naito with the chair! Naito wobbles and White hits a SLEEPER SUPLEX! White shouts for Red Shoes so this can end! White has Naito, but Naito fights off Blade Runner! White pulls Naito’s hair and spits in his face, SLEEPER SUPLEX! But Naito is right up, DESTINO OUTTA NOWHERE! Both men are down but Tokyo is thunderous! Naito rises slowly as he feeds on the energy of the crowd.
Naito drags White up, wrenches, but White reels him in! Naito slips out to SLAP White! And then suplex but White slips out, to gut wrench! Fireman’s carry and pop-up, POISON-RANA from Naito! Naito runs in, tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO! Cover, TWO!? White still lives?! But Naito fires up now, and he goes back to White! Naito drags White up, tries again, but White blocks! White spins Naito around, but Naito slips out to BRAIN BUSTER! Naito drags White up again, wrenches, tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO AGAIN!! Cover, Naito wins!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Intercontinental Champion
Naito’s destiny is drawing every closer! He has the Intercontinental Championship back and will head to Night 2! Who will Naito meet in a match of truly epic proportions?!
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Kota Ibushi!
The other half of Night 2’s historic match will be decided here! The Rainmaker rose back from despair in 2019 while the Golden Star has made NJPW his home. We’ve all been waiting for this moment since Ibushi won the G1 Climax, but which way will wrestling history go?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and these two modern legends face off on the doorstep of history!
Fans are already fired up for both men as they cheer and duel. Ibushi and Okada circle but keep their distance. They keep circling, approach and tie up. They are deadlocked until Okada gets around for a waistlock. Ibushi wrenches out to a wristlock, but Okada rolls and wrenches back. Ibushi rolls and trips Okada to trap a leg. Okada and Ibushi struggle for control, and Okada gets a leg over. Ibushi pushes the leg back but Okada gets a half nelson. Okada makes it a modified cradle cover, TWO and Ibushi cranks on Okada’s leg. Okada gets a chinlock and uses that to get free. Ibushi slips out to hammerlock Okada back. Okada gets up and the two go around. Okada works on an escape but Ibushi stays in his blind spot. Okada spins to reverse the hammerlock but Ibushi drop toeholds to get on Okada’s back.
Ibushi headlocks, gets the takeover but Okada headscissors. Ibushi pops out and the two back off, and the fans cheer the evenly matched match. Okada and Ibushi reset and circle again. They tie up with a knuckle lock and then another, but separate. They go again, Ibushi lunges in to get the waistlock. Okada stays low and manages to throw Ibushi over. Ibushi can’t get the headscissors counter so he fights his way up. Okada cranks harder on the headlock but Ibushi endures. Ibushi powers out but Okada runs him over, only for Ibushi to kip right back up! The two stare down and Okada throws a forearm. Ibushi returns it right back and a brawl begins! Okada slips around Ibushi, wristlock ripcords but Ibushi dodges! Ibushi fires off the strike fest and a ROUNDHOUSE! Standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer this exchange while Ibushi gets back up.
Ibushi chinlocks Okada and grinds him down, but Okada endures. Ibushi turns Okada over for a partial camel clutch and pulls back. Okada endures more, crawls towards ropes, but Ibushi cranks back harder! Ibushi traps the arm reaching, but Okada has the other, and he gets the ropebreak! Ibushi lets go of the hold but he stomps Okada down. Ibushi drags Okada back up but Okada throws forearms on him. Ibushi shrugs them off and KICKS Okada in the chest! Okada falls to his knees from not being able to breathe! Ibushi whips Okada, Okada dodges and dodges to hit the high-speed elbow! Okada turns the tables as he stands over Ibushi. Okada drags Ibushi up to whip him corner to corner. Okada hits the back elbow and DDT, cover, TWO!
Ibushi bails out but Okada pursues. Okada drags Ibushi up and rams him into railing! Ibushi writhes but Okada drags him up to drape over the railing. Okada hits a draping DDT to the floor! Ibushi is down and Okada leaves him be as he takes a walk around the ring. Red Shoes checks on Ibushi but he’s okay to continue. Okada finishes his lap to put Ibushi in the ring. Cover, ONE, but Okada keeps his cool. Ibushi, however, starts firing up. Ibushi throws a forearm to egg Okada on. Okada dares Ibushi to do that again so Ibushi does. Okada still wants more so Ibushi gives more! The provocation continues so Ibushi throws a BIG forearm! Okada kicks low and hits another DDT! Okada drags Ibushi up into a chinlock and clamps on tight.
Ibushi endures and even talks trash while he’s in the hold, so Okada bends Ibushi against his knee. Ibushi gets up and throws elbows to get free. Ibushi throws forearms again, but Okada catches the kick! Okada elbows the knee but runs into a dropkick! Fans cheer while both men are down. Ibushi sits up first and grits his teeth as he stands up. Okada gets up and Ibushi fires off fast forearms! Ibushi whips, Okada reverses but Ibushi enziguris on the run! Fans fire up with Ibushi while Okada gets to a corner. Ibushi whips Okada but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but Ibushi goes up and over, then catches Okada for a spinning powerslam! MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Both men are down again as Ibushi catches his breath. Ibushi is seething as he drags Okada up to whip again. Okada hits buckles hard and falls to the mat, but Ibushi won’t let up.
Ibushi waistlocks but Okada resists so Ibushi clubs him on the back. Ibushi runs in but Okada puts him on the top rope to dropkick off! Ibushi tumbles down to the floor and Okada takes this time to catch his breath. Okada then goes out to fetch Ibushi, clearing out some space. Okada whips Ibushi into the railing! And then BOOTS him over them! Signature Okada formula, and he rallies the fans up as he gets space. Okada runs and FLIES to crossbody Ibushi down! Tokyo fires up with Okada! Okada hobbles over to Ibushi and drags him back to ringside. They go back in the ring, which fans cheer, and Okada hooks Ibushi’s legs. Okada turns Ibushi over with the deathlock, and clamps on a crossface! Okada revives the Red Ink!
Ibushi endures and talks trash again so Okada cranks him back harder! Ibushi crawls forward but Okada cranks him away from the ropes. Ibushi powers his way back, and gets the ropebreak! Okada lets go right away, almost as tired as Ibushi. Okada brings Ibushi up and scoops him for a slam! Standard Okada, he heads for the top rope. Okada leaps, MACHO ELBOW! And also standard Okada, Rainmaker Pose! Okada drags Ibushi up and reels him into the wristlock. Ripcord, but Ibushi ducks to PELE! But Okada catches it and drags Ibushi up into Tombstone position! Ibushi flips it and tucks Okada in! BASTARD DRIVER!! But Ibushi is too exhausted to cover! Red Shoes checks on both men but both men are still good to continue.
Fans rally up and both men stir. Ibushi and Okada head for opposite corners, but then Ibushi shouts at Okada. Ibushi runs but gets a boot! Okada runs but into the DOUBLE STOMPS! Ibushi might’ve just crushed Okada! Okada slumps out of the ring and Ibushi takes aim. Ibushi runs to a corner, GOLDEN TRIANGLE! Fans are fired up with Ibushi now! Ibushi drags Okada up and into the ring, then heads to a corner. Ibushi demands Okada stand, and then he springboard missile dropkicks him back down! Okada ends up in the opposite corner, Ibushi runs in but is poppsed up for the Alabama! Ibushi fights out and lifts Okada, LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Ibushi can’t believe it! Fans rally still as Ibushi pays tribute to the King of Strong Style! Ibushi aims, “YAO~!” But Okada dropkicks Ibushi down! Okada flounders as he drags Ibushi up to the gut wrench, TOMBSTONE!
Okada fires up and brings Ibushi up again. Wristlock but Ibushi gets to the ropes! Red Shoes counts, Okada honors the break but he clubs Ibushi on the back. Ibushi holds the ropes but Okada clubs him more. Okada ROCKS Ibushi with a EuroUpper! Fans rally and duel as Okada catches his breath. Okada drags Ibushi back up, and throws another EuroUpper! But Ibushi has flipped the switch! Okada throws another EuroUpper but Ibushi just shrugs it off. And again! Okada throws a forearm but Ibushi just shrugs it off. Ibushi SLAPS Okada with the palm strike! Okada shotgun dropkicks Ibushi down! But Ibushi is right back up!?
Ibushi wipes his nose and Okada is frustrated. Okada walks into another palm strike! Ibushi body shots then DECKS Okada with a right! Red Shoes reprimands Ibushi for the closed fist, but Ibushi doesn’t even care. Ibushi kicks Okada while he’s down over and over, toying with him. Ibushi just CLOCKS Okada with another right! Ibushi has become a Golden Terminator! Red Shoes reprimands Ibushi as he keeps going after Okada with savage strikes! Okada can barely cover up, and some fans turn on Ibushi! Red Shoes tries to pull Ibushi away but Ibushi stays put, giving Okada more stinging kicks. Ibushi lets up finally, but the look in his eyes still say he wants to hurt Okada. Ibushi goes back and drags Okada up from the apron. Ibushi dead lifts Okada up higher, but Okada fights Ibushi off!
Okada drags Ibushi over and back into the gut wrench, but Ibushi powers it back to his favor! Ibushi aims but Okada slips free of the long dart! Okada boots then gut wrenches, APRON TOMBSTONE!! Ibushi hits the floor in a lump while Okada is exhausted on the apron. A ring count begins and Ibushi doesn’t respond even as it passes 10 out of 20. The count reaches 15, but only now does Ibushi stir! Ibushi realizes it’s at 16 an then 17 and forces himself up. 18, 19… Ibushi is in! But Okada is on him, Alabama to AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!?! Okada doesn’t take a moment to be shocked, DEATH VALLEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives Heavy Rain but is still in a bad way. Okada drags Ibushi back up and into a waistlock. HARD GERMAN SUPLEX! Ibushi is folded but Okada isn’t done with him.
Okada shifts to a wristlock, but Ibushi fights out! Okada spins but it’s Ibushi who LARIATS! Ibushi and Okada slowly rise as Tokyo reaches a fever pitch again. Ibushi kicks and kicks Okada so that he’s back on the apron. Ibushi drags Okada up again, waistlocks again, and dead lifts for the SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! No one can believe that Okada survived that! Ibushi wobbles to his feet but he still focuses on Okada. Ibushi scoops Okada and aims for a corner, but Okada slips out to gut wrench again! JUMPING TOMBSTONE! Okada keeps himself fired up as he drags Ibushi back into the wristlock. Ripcord, IBUSHI STEALS THE RAINMAKER!! Ibushi rises as Tokyo is electric again. Ibushi buzzsaws Okada then hits a BOMAYE!! Cover, ONE!?! WHAT!? So BOMAYE FROM BEHIND! Cover, TWO?!?
Ibushi won’t stop, he ROUNDHOUSES Okada down! Ibushi has both wrists, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Okada survives and again we’re in disbelief! But Ibushi won’t let up, he has the wrists again. KAMI- Okada dropkicks!! Both men are down but Tokyo Dome stays at that fever pitch! Red Shoes checks on both men but they’re both somehow okay to continue. Okada sits up first but Ibushi follows closely behind. The two sit up and Okada throws a forearm. Ibushi responds with one of his own. Okada gives Ibushi another, so Ibushi gives Okada another, too. The fans duel and rally more as Okada gives another forearm. Ibushi gives another of his own, and the two rise. Okada throws a fourth forearm but so does Ibushi. We have another brawl of forearms back and forth!
Okada fires off a series but Ibushi palm strikes and fires off a strike fest! BUZZSAW! Ibushi shows no mercy as he gives another! Okada sits up to get a STIFF back kick! And then Ibushi falls over! So much energy has been expended and yet these two still have something left to give! Ibushi stalks up behind Okada and drags him up to the top rope. Ibushi climbs up to join Okada, but Okada holds on for dear life! Ibushi underhooks the arms but Okada fights with everything he has. Okada throws forearms and sends Ibushi down! Okada adjusts, leaps, but into a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!?? WHAT?! Ibushi drags Okada into the drop zone and heads up top! PHOENIX SPLASH FLOPS! Okada drags Ibushi up, DISCUS RAINMAKER!
But Okada isn’t done, he wants the original! Wristlock ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Okada’s turn to be utterly shocked! Ibushi somehow survives but Okada grabs for his wrist again. Okada shakes his head, he won’t let Ibushi get this. POINT-BLANK RAINMAKER! But that’s not enough for Okada. Okada drags Ibushi up, THIRD RAINMAKER! Okada hits the pose, and again drags Ibushi up. Okada wristlocks, ripcords, but Ibushi ducks to ROUNDHOUSE! Okada flounders, into a V-TRIGGER!! Kenny Omega, are you watching?! But Okada counters Kamigoye into a TOMBSTONE! Wristlock, RAINMAKER!! Cover, OKADA WINS!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; still IWGP Heavyweight Champion
INCREDIBLE! Okada conquers the Golden Star! Okada has made history before as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, but now he will have the most historic opportunity of them all! Can Okada become the first-ever dual Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion? Or is there no stopping Destino?
As for Ibushi, Okada does applaud his incredible resilience and effort. But things now shift to the fact that Naito has returned! Naito swings his Intercontinental Championship, the belt he holds both disdain and desire for. But Naito joins Okada in the ring to eye the belt everyone desires as it sits around Okada’s waist. Naito sets the Intercontinental Championship down to grab a mic. Naito asks Okada if he remembers what he said to Naito two years ago, after their own Wrestle Kingdom main event match. “Well, it looks like I’m back in that spot on more time.” Naito continues to say that he will become the first ever dual champion, because that is his goal and his destiny, “cabron!”
Okada looks down at the Intercontinental Championship and then at Naito. Okada lets Naito take his belt back, and Naito compares the two. Fans cheer, knowing how amazing this match will be just by looking at these two here. Okada holds up the Heavyweight Championship, but Naito poses with his Intercontinental Championship. Naito leaves the ring and surely preparations will begin. Who will hold both belts when all is said and down?
But now Okada takes his turn with the mic to address the Tokyo Dome crowd. “TOKYO DOME~! Thank you to the many people that have turned out here tonight.” To Ibushi, Okada thanks him for the fight of his life! And as for tomorrow night’s main event, Okada VS Naito, “Two years ago, what did I say? You wanna come in here and have that call?” Okada doesn’t give a DAMN what Naito wants, Okada is the STRONGEST IWGP Heavyweight Champion of ALL TIME! Okada adds that this wasn’t “to the rafters” event, but he still thanks everyone who came to see the best wrestling in the world! Okada promises that they’ll see the very best of NJPW and the very best of Okada, because once again, for Night 2, Okada will MAKE IT RAIN! But will Okada reign as a double champion? Or does Destino take away everything Okada’s worked for in one match?
My Thoughts:
I know I didn’t watch the entire event of about 4-and-a-half hours, but just taking the five matches I did from the night, I can’t believe Wrestle Kingdom 14 Night 1 could be anything other than amazing! The Intercontinental and Heavyweight Championship matches were obvious choices, but I felt going with the higher praised matches from Andrew Balaz’s review here would make for a great bit of action. The match with Liger and all the NJPW icons was a natural choice for the history being made. I suppose it makes a lot of sense that Liger doesn’t win here, and tomorrow night having THE final match for the living legend, it will be a huge honor for either Dragon Lee or Hiromu Takahashi to get a win off him.
The Texas Deathmatch, which was really more a Last Man Standing Match, was mostly because it had Moxley in it, and Moxley is a hot commodity right now. It makes a lot of sense for Moxley to win the title back when he didn’t lose it in a match but because of circumstances out of his control, aka the bad weather. The match itself was pretty good for a Last Man Standing match, as well as for a hardcore Moxley match. Ospreay VS Hiromu was amazing, and it’s so great that Hiromu wins back the belt he had to give up because of injury. Then both the White VS Naito and Okada VS Ibushi matches were great, with the latter being amazing. I could sense Naito was winning, but Okada VS Ibushi felt like it could’ve gone either way, and for great story in either case. But for one, it probably would be too soon for Ibushi to be Heavyweight Champion, and perhaps too soon for another Naito VS Ibushi match after how scary their previous one went.
Plus, with it being Okada VS Naito, it is just as hard to say who will make history as the double champion. Both are fan favorites, NJPW definitely has a lot of faith in both of them, this could very well be a coin toss. In the end, I just know it’ll live up to all the hype and excitement of such a moment.
My Score: 9.4
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Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?
SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
- Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
- Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!
Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!
Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!
Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.
Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!
Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!
SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!
Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!
Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.
Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!
Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!
Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”
Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?
Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.
Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.
Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?
Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.
The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!
Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”
The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.
Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?
R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!
To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?
SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!
JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?
The Street Profits are here!
The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”
The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…
Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.
Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!
Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?
Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?
Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!
Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!
Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.
Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.
Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.
Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.
Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!
Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!
Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!
Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall
All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?
The Wyatts speak.
“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?
Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?
The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.
Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!
The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!
The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.
Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!
Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?
The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.
Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?
Giulia speaks.
“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”
Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?
Zelina returns backstage.
She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?
Damian Priest is here!
Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.
“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!
The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.
Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!
Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!
Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.
Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.
Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.
Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.
Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.
Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!
The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!
The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!
Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!
But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!
“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.
“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?
Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.
Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”
Cody Rhodes is here!
Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.
Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.
Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.
“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!
The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!
The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.
The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”
Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.
“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!
Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!
Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!
Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.
The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.
Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.
R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.
Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.
Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.
"TNA turned into TRICK-NA. Lets talk about it"@_trickwilliams #WWENXT
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/StU4pmi3oy
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Ratings:
- The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
- Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
- ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
- Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
- Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
- International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***
Results:
The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System
Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb.
Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.
KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.
AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.
Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali
Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.
Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.
Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.
This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”.
ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee
ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.
Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!
Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber
Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.
.@milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE make history as the first father/daughter tag team in TNA!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/3s8OhtYFPv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa
Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.
Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.
International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona
A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.
Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!
Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?
Go home TNA, you’re drunk.
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