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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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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